Catherine Summers

Hi, I’m Catherine Summers – your dedicated Travel Specialist based in Leonard Stanley, near Stroud in beautiful Gloucestershire.

Travel isn’t just my passion; it has been woven through every stage of my life. With a lifetime of adventurous holidays and years creating incredible trips as a Travel Counsellor, I specialise in designing extraordinary, tailor-made holidays grounded in real expertise and personal care.

Before joining Travel Counsellors, I built a 30+ year career in procurement for major organisations, including EDF, National Grid, Nationwide, The National Composite Centre (owned by Bristol University), and Clifton College. As a procurement consultant for seven years, I developed skills in negotiation, supplier management and managing complex projects — skills I now bring to every client’s holiday.

It was during my time at Clifton College, around 20 years ago, while sourcing the perfect travel provider for private school ski, art and history trips, that I discovered Travel Counsellors. Experiencing their professionalism, financial protection and personal service planted the seed for my future career — combining my love of travel with my professional expertise to create seamless, meaningful holidays.

Now, with 80 countries and 6 continents explored, I bring first-hand knowledge, industry connections and passion to every holiday. I curate personal and corporate travel for couples, families, groups, wedding parties and more — each one thoughtfully designed around the traveller.

As a wife of over 35 years and mum to a grown-up son, I understand how holidays evolve through different stages of life — from family adventures and travelling with children to more independent experiences. Every traveller is different, and every holiday should be too.

My expertise includes:

• Group & celebration travel: Weddings in Cyprus, group adventures to Iceland and Budapest, and corporate rewards that inspire, challenge and connect.
• Ski holidays: 12 years’ personal experience on the slopes and expert group bookings every season.
• Golf escapes: Whether it’s a relaxing golf trip or an active group getaway, including recent golf holidays for a group to Turkey, I tailor every detail for effortless enjoyment on and off the course.
• Road trips & multi-destination adventures: From Italian road trips with smart connections to Crete, to adventures across Canada, the USA, Costa Rica, Africa, Japan and beyond.
• Expedition & cruise travel: Star Clipper devotee (3 voyages and another upcoming), Norwegian Hurtigruten experience, and a Regent Antarctica adventure with an added land tour.
• Train journeys, motorhome adventures and unique overland itineraries full of discovery.
• Luxury escapes: With insight into destinations including the Seychelles, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond.
• Accessible travel: Creating supportive and seamless holidays for those with additional needs.
• Immersive & sustainable experiences: As a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador in 2023, I champion authentic adventures that benefit local people and communities.

I launched my Travel business in February 2020, just before the pandemic brought travel to a standstill. It reinforced how valuable it is to have someone in your corner when things don’t go to plan.

The most rewarding part of my role is the people I help. Whether it’s supporting a mum travelling to Thailand with her two teenage children when she was nervous about going without her husband, or keeping in touch with a solo traveller who rediscovered the joy of exploring after losing his wife, I love being part of the memories my clients create.

With Travel Counsellors’ independence, award-winning financial protection and 24/7 support, your plans are in safe hands. I treat every booking as if it were my own, only recommending experiences I truly believe in.

Let’s create your next adventure together — contact me to turn your travel dreams into unforgettable memories.