Catherine Oliver

My expertise

Antarctica
South Africa
Italy
Japan
Seychelles
South America
Sri Lanka
Switzerland

I'm based in

Worcester

Available for new enquiries

Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here

It's Nice To Meet You

Knowledgeable, reliable and professional.

Travel is my passion and this year I am proudly celebrating 35 years in the travel industry and 20 years as a Travel Counsellor. I specialise in creating luxury, tailor made itineraries, with particular expertise in the Far East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Whether it is a once in a lifetime journey, a complex multi-stop adventure or a special occasion escape, I am here to design a trip that is perfectly suited to you.

The holidays I can arrange are wide ranging: from luxury family trips, romantic escapes and weekend breaks to cruises, expedition cruises, adventure and activity holidays, touring and rail journeys, multi-centre itineraries, safaris and beach retreats. I can also take care of flights, airport hotels and lounges, car hire, motorhomes, private transfers, attraction tickets and excursions, as well as many of the finer details that make a holiday feel truly seamless.

My particular passion is for luxury bespoke itineraries across the Far East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand: think island-hopping in Thailand, immersive cultural stays in Japan, self-drives through the Canadian Rockies, epic rail journeys, or combining Australia and New Zealand into one unforgettable trip. I can also help you plan more adventurous travel, whether that is trekking, wildlife experiences, small-group tours, or expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote and fascinating regions.

Working with a dedicated travel professional means you have one trusted person looking after every element of your journey. I take time to understand what matters most to you, then research and compare options on your behalf, using my knowledge and industry contacts to find the right fit rather than simply the easiest option. I am here to assist with all pre-travel requirements, provide calm reassurance, and, importantly, to support you while you are away, giving you total peace of mind if plans change or issues arise. There is no hard sell: my role is to give honest advice, highlight the pros and cons, and recommend what I truly believe is best for you.

By choosing the right arrangements for each client, I am proud that many return to me year after year, and 89% of my customers make repeat bookings. Many have become friends over time, and that relationship is incredibly important to me. Getting to know your preferences, your past travels and your future dreams helps me to plan the ideal journey, every time. Everyone is different, and that is exactly what makes what I do so rewarding.

Now is the perfect time to start planning those bucket list trips and future adventures. If you are thinking about your next holiday and would like to discuss your travel needs, please do get in touch.

With best wishes

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Explore my guides and blogs

Warriors Away Trip

Warriors Away Trip

In November 2019 we took a short trip to Southern France to watch the Worcester Warriors play Castres in the European Challenge Cup. We decided to stay in Carcassonne which is around an hour and a half from Castres, but it was well worth it. Carcassonne should really be on everyone's bucket list, one of the most amazing medieval castles you will ever see, just stunning and all with sight of the

18 Nov 2020 5   min read

Enchanting New England

Enchanting New England

In April 2019 I was part of a group of Travel Counsellors who visited Boston and Cape Cod as guests of the Massachusetts Tourist board. We had an amazing time and I really enjoyed visiting a part of the US I hadn't been to before. Our first two nights were in Boston City and we stayed at the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel in Back Bay overlooking the public gardens. The rooms were amazing, very spac

18 Nov 2020 5   min read

A new look at an old favourite

A new look at an old favourite

I was lucky enough to travel to the Island of Gran Canaria in June courtesy of the Spanish Tourist board. Although I had been before, many years earlier, I didn't stray far from my hotel which was such a shame as this lovely island is very diverse and well worth exploring. We were based in the south of the island in Melonares, close to the sands dunes of Maspalomas. A lovely promenade now lin

20 Jul 2015 5   min read

Launch of P&O's Britannia

Launch of P&O's Britannia

I was lucky enough to be invited on to the new P&O ship Britannia for its launch party. Britannia is a really lovely ship with amazing on board facilities. Britannia offers three main signature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily. There's also plenty of other eateries to tempt you though from “Grab & Go” outlets and relaxed buffet dining around the clock to s

29 May 2015 5   min read

Magical Mexico

Magical Mexico

We travelled out to Mexico in May 2015 for the Gold Travel Counsellors conference in Cancun. We extended the trip by five nights and spent the first part of our trip at the lovely Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Resort on the Riviera Maya. Just a 20 minute journey from the airport this resort is really quite unique in Mexico being a small boutique property with just 45 rooms, all of which are de

29 May 2015 5   min read

Weekend at Gleneagles

Weekend at Gleneagles

We travelled up to Gleneagles for our annual Gold Travel Counsellors Dinner on the 8th February and stayed for two nights at this top quality resort. Situated in the most stunning location, just a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, Gleneagles is a perfect destination for golfers, spa lovers and those looking for a relaxing weekend with excellent service and food. The resort is also very fam

19 Feb 2014 5   min read

Med Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Med Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Our family holiday this year was a Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade. We flew from Birmingham to Venice (my second trip to this amazing city this year!) and had a one night pre-cruise stay in the Hotel Kette. We then joined the Norwegian Jade as she sailed the Mediterranean, calling at Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Izmir in Turkey. The ship was very comfortable and the staff on b

27 Oct 2013 5   min read

Warriors away visit to Geneva

Warriors away visit to Geneva

Earlier in October 2013 I escorted a small group of Worcester Warriors fans to Geneva for the Amlin European match against Oyonnax, which was just an hour’s drive over the border into France. We stayed at the Cornavin Hotel in Geneva which was conveniently situated right next door to the rail station. The hotel was ideal and had a wonderful panoramic breakfast room on the 8th Floor with fantas

27 Oct 2013 5   min read

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

We travelled to Abu Dhabi this year for our Gold Travel Counsellors Conference, and stayed at the Fairmont Hotel. Abu Dhabi is an up and coming destination, just over an hour’s drive from Dubai. It isn't quite as developed yet as Dubai, and has lots to offer for both stopovers and longer holidays. Take time to visit Ferrari World where you will find the world’s fastest roller coaster or take a

17 Jun 2013 5   min read

Wonderful Shangri-La

Wonderful Shangri-La

We travelled to Muscat in Oman for a few days holiday before attending the Gold Travel Counsellors conference in Abu Dhabi, and what a great choice it was. We stayed at the Lovely Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and we had a fantastic stay. The Shangri La is actually made up of three hotels, all in the same bay along a lovely stretch of sandy beach. The Al Waha is the more family friendly of t

17 Jun 2013 5   min read

Kalkan...Highly Recommended

Kalkan...Highly Recommended

I was lucky enough to travel to Kalkan, Turkey in October with a group of Gold Travel Counsellors. We stayed at the lovely boutique Likya Residence in Kalkan and took the opportunity to see a variety of other hotels and villas in the area. Kalkan is around an hour and a half drive from Dalaman Airport and is a small upmarket resort, just perfect for couples or families. Set into the hillside,

30 Nov 2011 5   min read

Five star Dubai

Five star Dubai

This was my first visit to Dubai, and it was great to see a few of the hotels and really get a better idea of the city and the beach areas. We stayed at the fantastic Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel and had an executive sea view room with balcony. This hotel was very much to my taste, the building itself was quite colonial looking and just eight storeys high (tiny by Dubai standrads). It was beautif

08 Jun 2011 5   min read

Carry on up the river!

Carry on up the river!

Looking for a relaxing break in the UK? Then look no further than a canal boat holiday. We spent three lovely days sailing on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton. It was a fantastic few days. We stopped each night to eat in a different pub and ate lunch alfresco moored on the canalbank. Going through the locks was a bit daunting, but easy once you got the hang of it. The boat was a bit cr

12 May 2011 5   min read

Magical Marrakech

Magical Marrakech

Marrakech is a fabulous choice for a long weekend or short break. We flew from Manchester and spent four nights in this fascinating city, staying in a beautifully converted Riad within the medina walls. It was an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy city, and the pool and spa gave us lots of opportunities to relax. On our first morning we headed off with our guide for a walking tour of the city

21 Apr 2011 5   min read

War Horse at the National Theatre

War Horse at the National Theatre

We travelled down to London to see War Horse which has received rave reviews and we weren't disappointed, the show was fantastic and very moving. We stayed at the Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel, which is just off Oxford Street, so ideally situated for anyone wanting to shop! The hotel was quite small, but very comfortable, I would certainly recommend upgrading to a Deluxe Room, as these were qu

02 Apr 2011 5   min read

Peter Kay at the O2

Peter Kay at the O2

We have just seen Peter Kay at the O2 in London and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Docklands hotel, which is ideally situated just two stops on the DLR (Docklands light Railway) and the Jubilee line from the O2. The hotel was excellent and very convenient and I would certainly stay there again. The company that I used to book the package has it's own box on the VIP level of the O2 which was fantas

02 Apr 2011 5   min read

Launch of Celebrity Equinox

Launch of Celebrity Equinox

I was lucky enough to be onboard the Celebrity Equinox for it's launch in July 2009. This is the sister company to Royal Caribbean Cruises, and the ship was fantastic! Having travelled on the Independence of the Seas with my family I would say that the Equinox would be the perfect choice for couples or families with older children. The decor is very plush and there is a fabuolus choice of spe

02 Jun 2010 5   min read

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas

In May 2009 we sailed to the Canaries aboard the Royal Caribbean ship “Independence of the Seas”. This is a fabulous choice for passengers of any age, especially families or those looking for lots of on board activities. We embarked at Southampton, and so within a couple of hours after leaving home we were in our cabin and on holiday! We set sail and had our first day at sea, followed by a st

02 Jun 2010 5   min read

Stunning Sri Lanka

Stunning Sri Lanka

Ayubowan! I was lucky enough to travel to Sri Lanka last month with the Sri Lankan Tourist Board. It is an amazing destination, with fantastic scenery, stunning nature reserves and fabulous historical monuments. Sri Lanka is now a peaceful destination following the cessation of civil unrest in the north in 2008 and is an ideal destination to combine sightseeing with a stay in one of their t

01 Jun 2010 5   min read

Wonderful Thailand

Wonderful Thailand

If you are looking for beautiful white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and plenty of fascinating things to see and do then Thailand is the destination for you. We spent a wonderful week there in November 2007, staying first at the Centara Krabi Bay Resort in Krabi for five wonderfully relaxing days. This hotel is set in its own bay and can only be reached by boat. It is in the most stunning locat

17 Sept 2008 5   min read

What my customers say

Catherine has always provided the most thoughtful, efficient and professional service to me and my family. She understands our needs and always goes the extra mile to get us just the holiday package we want. If any unforeseeable problems such as flight cancellations have occurred she has resolved the situation before we have even become aware. An exceptional travel counsellor.

Vanessa J

Worcester

Once again Catherine has been wonderful in assisting us to book a special trip. It is so reassuring that she focuses on every detail to ensure the flights, hotel and entire package suit our needs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Catherine to others. Nothing is too much trouble and she makes the whole process stress free and efficient. Thank you once again.

Sarah P-D

Worcester

This was my first experience of working with a travel counsellor, and it didn’t disappoint. Within 24 hours of calling Catherine our cruise was booked, with attention to details we would easily have missed ourselves. A highly recommended service.

Pamela Hartland

Worcestershire

I have used Catherine many times for holidays and other trips she always comes up with the right solution for all. A big thank you. Susan

Susan Maxwell

Worcester

I would give more than 10 if I could. I am delighted with the service. Thank you.

Gill Harvey

Worcester

Catherine is great, always helpful, always quick to respond to our enquiries and never lets us down. 10 out of 10.

Dave Cook

Worcester

Catherine gives superb service. She is very responsive, knowledgeable and patient. An absolute credit to the organisation.

Vanessa James

Worcester

Catherine is very professional, knowledgeable and friendly person. I have been booking our holidays with Catherine for over 30 years and she always delivered not only fantastic advice, great location but also great price. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. I think, she enjoys a challenge, which we always seem to be providing by our ever increasing family members of different ages and interests. Now, she is a great friend and I will always go her for booking our holidays in the future and highly recommend her to my family and friends. We all feel the greatest love and respect for Catherine on a professional and personal level.

Luba Rouholamin

Worcester

10/10 Catherine has been super helpful in understanding our families needs and has offered some great solutions! Thankyou!

James Bader

Worcester

First of all, our Holiday was fantastic and was better than we could have expected. Can I say how helpful you were with our list of requests. Hotels, requirements, options, inclusive of travel tickets from UK and Turkey. We liked the options you offered, even when we kept changing our requirements. and this allowed us to do our own research to see what we liked. On finally deciding on the hotel / resort we liked every document you sent and made our travel as easy as it can be. Travel itinerary. All the documents you issued were very helpful and helped us manage our holiday. I would recommend using Travel Counsellors Ltd to anyone who wants to book a holiday that meets their expectations

Keith Bannister

Worcester

Hi Catherine Yes we did have the most wonderful time in every way; we couldn’t have wished for a more memorable trip. The Orient Express was fabulous we loved every quirky minute. The hotels were also fabulous and we were upgraded at everyone. The Ritz in Paris was absolutely wonderful and they upgrade us to a fabulous suite with two balconies overlooking their gardens. Champagne at every hotel as well! We lived our dream and met so many lovely people. Thank you for your help and advice. Regards David

David Warr

Cheltenham

Catherine was a pleasure to deal with, information was very details and enabled us to pinpoint the trip we wanted to take. She was very efficient and responded when she advised she would. We have already recommended Catherine to family and friends and will definitely be using her services again in the future.

Sonia Spurr

Pershore

Catherine is always very knowledgeable, efficient, professional and conscientious. I trust her and feel confident that if we had any problems she will do her best to help us. I also enjoy talking to her. She is fun, pleasant and has a sense of humour.

Jenny Barnes

Worcestershire

Catherine has had to put up with all our queries and changing of "minds" quite a few times. However, she has been so helpful giving us advice and been very patient with us. Her professionalism shines through. Also I have recommended her to my boss at work and he did contact her about a trip to Canada which I think he will be taking up but in 2020 now.

Ursula Heath

Yorkshire

Would have put 11 if it was an option. I have worked with Catherine over the last 3 years to organise our family holidays. Always professional, Catherine has accommodated our indecision on destination and any changes we have made to our itinerary. Nothing has ever been too much trouble, she always takes the time to reassure and provide information in a friendly and supportive manner. We would not have had the amazing holidays and experiences we have had without Catherine's help - I would never go anywhere else!

Sally Taylor

Marton, Warwickshire

Catherine is always on hand to sort our business travel requirements, nothing is too much trouble and everything is organised promptly and professionally. Perfect service.

Steve Lauder

Droitwich, Worcestershire

Catherine is always invaluable when it comes to giving advice about the small details of a holiday. She is so helpful in planning a holiday that we always go straight to her for advice.

Jo Hodges

Worcester

Always most helpful and often makes further suggestions to improve my holiday arrangements, first class service!

Gordon Ellis

Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Catherine is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and I would never use anyone else.

Vanessa James

Worcestershire

Especially in Business, time is of the essence! "Travel Counsellors" take away the hassle providing a quick cost effective solution.

Kevin Aldrich

Spal Automotive, Worcester

I just thought I'd drop you a line to thank you for all of your assistance in booking the honeymoon, and for the bottle of wine you kindly had left in our room on arrival in Aruba. The whole trip was fantastic, however Aruba was by far the highlight and somewhere we will certainly look to go back. No doubt I will be in touch later in the year with holiday plans for next year, however I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your help - your attention to detail certainly culminated in an unforgettable honeymoon.

Ben Tumelty

Worcester

Discover the world with me

5 Reasons to trust me with your travel plans

5 Reasons to trust me with your travel plans

5 great reasons to trust me to arrange your travel plans, with over 30 years experience in the travel industry, let me help plan your perfect trip.

10 Mar 2021

Beyond the Horizon

Beyond the Horizon

Whether near or far, I'll be by your side as you travel and experience the world...

10 Mar 2021

Keep dreaming of travel...

Keep dreaming of travel...

Even though things are paused at the moment we can still keep dreaming of travel....

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Tailor-made for you

Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.

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Personalised service. Always

When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.

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Stress-free travel, and more time
for what matters most

I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.

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Support when it matters most

If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.

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Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.