Claire Bottone
My expertise
I'm based in
Hornchurch
Bespoke African journeys, crafted just for you
I design tailor‑made itineraries all over the world! But I love Africa! A safari holiday is my perfect way to escape it all.
By blending smart routing with those little touches that turn a trip into your trip I make it easy for you... Think seamless connections, wow‑moments in destination and plenty of time to slow down, breathe and simply enjoy being there.
Whether it is just you, you and a partner, a big group of friends or your next corporate incentive, I will shape every detail around how you love to travel.
Where will you go next?
*Blissful beach escape or a chic city break
*Twin or multi‑centre stays across Italy or Spain
*Rail journeys through Europe or coast‑to‑coast adventures in the USA
*Island hopping in Thailand, Greece or Croatia
*Self‑drive freedom on South Africa’s Garden Route or across New Zealand
*Private or small‑group touring in India, Japan or China
*Wild, immersive experiences in Costa Rica, Malaysia, Lapland or Iceland
*Iconic journeys, unforgettable moments
From The Orient Express to the Rocky Mountaineer and other legendary rail routes, you can soak up spectacular scenery while wrapped in luxury comfort. Or set sail on the world’s oceans and rivers, choosing from an incredible variety of ships, styles and itineraries that depart from hundreds of ports across the globe.
The combinations are endless: there are years of magical adventures still to come.
Travel is, quite simply, my greatest passion: creating journeys that connect you with new cultures, new flavours and breathtaking landscapes, and leave you with stories you will talk about for years.
“To travel is to live.” I could not agree more.
If you are ready to start planning your next adventure, I am here to bring it to life.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
East Africa Safari & Beach
I think I always knew I would fall in love with Africa , until I got there I didn't realise how much , and what a lasting mark it would have on my life.
06 Aug 2026 2 min read
Our adventure in Argentine Patagonia
I have many times designed bespoke trips to Argentina and particularly. through Argentine Patagonia. I have received fabulous feedback every time , and so I thought it was about time to experience this for myself. The truth is Tierra Del Fuego has been on 'the list' since I was a child, and I thought ' You never know this might be the trip I get to see an Orca in the wild, (at last)' Peninsula V
13 May 2026 6 min read
Outstanding Kanifushi
From the arrival at Male airport our Kanifushi experience began. We were personally greeted in arrivals and swiftly but courteously escorted to our sea plane check in before being whisked away to the private lounge at Terminal A to await our seaplane departure. After a cold towel and a refreshing drink, a chance to check in at home via the free Wi-Fi! Just over an hour later we were on our way.
01 Jul 2016 3 min read
Once you go - You know !
'Once you go - You know' .. This is the slogan that the Jamaican Tourist board used for this year. I have to say it is true .. You do ! I was excited to see what Jamaica could offer and I was thrilled with what I found. Some beautiful luxury hotels where royalty have stayed and some more simple All Inclusive properties where tree high rooms welcome you as well as many other hotel types offering
04 Jun 2015 2 min read
We can do it all!
So we all know how the 'Holiday' conversation starts at the dinner table .. 'So where shall we go for our holiday next year kids?' Having spent the last few years at a luxury All Inclusive hotel in Turkey that really did tick all of the boxes , I had braced myself for ' Lets go back' But it never came. Instead an array of requests started to emerge from my children's mouths and soon my husband
04 Jun 2015 4 min read
My first cruise out into the water!
Cruising can be scary.. They use funny words for things, and I have always thought there was a special code of conduct that only those ‘in the know’ adhered to and anyone else was prey for their amusement. This has always put me off a bit, but in recent years my clients have repeatedly told me to go and I would love it! I have been very fortunate as a travel agent to have visited many ships, t
20 Sept 2012 7 min read
Monaco Magic!
To Monaco for a long weekend with friends in the spring! An early morning start to Nice and helicopter transfers to Monaco. Our hotel concierge had maps and plenty of information, and the ‘Monaco Passport’ had vouchers for plenty of sightseeing. Near to the Columbus (our hotel) is a stop for the sightseeing bus which has 12 stops around Monaco. It is the perfect way to travel around; it is
05 Apr 2012 4 min read
Sweet Sweet Sorrento!
A cheeky little three nights away in the beautiful Sorrento! The perfect place for a short break. We flew from Stansted in the afternoon, had a private transfer from Naples and were in Piazzo Tasso sipping a glass of wine watching the hustle and bustle of the square in the evening! Sorrento is a great place…bustling in the main square with avenues of little shops off of it, a large Marina a
21 Nov 2011 2 min read
Turkey Family Holiday
I always say that it really pays to think things through…sit down and work out what you want from a holiday and what will suit all members of your family. This year we went to an All Inclusive family hotel in Belek , and we were all blown away by what the hotel could offer and the cleanliness and standard of its facilities! My family of five travelled with our friends who are also a family
21 Nov 2011 2 min read
London Show and stay weekend
Just returned from a ladies' weekend in London. Living in Greater London, the city has always been more of a functional place rather than a holiday destination for me personally - but with friends visiting from Belfast and Bath, and actually on recommendation from a client, we booked a 'show and stay' weekend. The show we booked to see was 'Never Forget' and booking it on a theatre break, as o
01 Apr 2009 4 min read
Diverse Dubai
A whistle stop tour of Dubai - and did I see a lot! I stayed near to the Marina - which is developing at such a fast rate - it will be finished in no time! There is already Marina walk with cafes and restaurants, and more areas are planned which will be fantastic! Added to this when Dubailand and Universal are up and running this will be a destination to be reckoned with! The Burj Dubai which
01 Apr 2009 4 min read
Winter weekend Marbella
Another 5 star rating! Marbella in the winter - WOW! The weather was beautiful. Really warm, and sunny too! I spoke to some people who lived there and they said that rarely do they need to put on more than a sweater, and shorts are the norm until beginning of November! I stayed just outside Marbella old town. Nice little area fairly quiet but with shops and restaurants nearby, and there is a prome
25 Nov 2008 2 min read
Family Holiday - All Inclusive
We headed to Fueteventura for our family hols this year - being a family of five, with three active boys - we thought we would try Fueteventura, Costa Caleta, or Caleta de Fuste as it is formerly known! The hotel we stayed at was the 'Elba San Jorge', the hotel was quite large with three buildings making up the whole complex. You can choose to stay self catering, half board or all inclusive her
13 Aug 2008 4 min read
My first trip to Venice
I travelled in June, for a weekend break to the beautiful 'world' of Venice. From the moment I saw Venice from the plane I was blown away! We pre booked a water taxi transfer, and I had made sure we had booked a hotel with it's own pier! Arriving by water into the lagoon of the city is simply magical. As you approach the Grand Canal and see magnificent buildings rising from the water, the sight is
13 Aug 2008 4 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
The TC Experience
A bespoke poem for us by the great Tony Walsh - Enjoy!
07 Apr 2021
Additional offers
More destinations to enjoy
Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
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.
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.
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.
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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