Clare Charles

My expertise

Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Belize
Borneo
Costa Rica
Namibia
Polar & Expedition

I'm based in

Hampshire

Available for new enquiries

It's Nice To Meet You

I live in North Hampshire with my husband, children and dogs. After many years as a corporate lawyer, I decided to follow my passion for travel and transition from the boardroom into the world of travel. I have my dream job!

Everyone who knows me understands how much I love travelling, from backpacking to top end luxury and everything in between. My love of travel began in my teens with an island-hopping holiday to Greece, followed by a two year backpacking trip through Australia and Asia. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively as a solo traveller, as a couple and as a family of five. I still love exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable experiences for my family.

I do things differently, offering a bespoke, impartial and tailored service which makes each of my clients feel valued and special. By taking the time to learn about you, your family, needs, interests and travel ambitions, I create unique holidays designed around your individual preferences.

I provide a level of service far beyond anything available on internet booking sites (no call centres here!). I take care of everything (from the planning stage to arriving home) and ensure you have a seamless, stress-free, supported travel experience.

Working very flexible hours to fit in with your schedule, I treat every holiday booking as if it were my own and provide a concierge level service without the extra cost.

Travel Counsellors is a global, award-winning brand and I am proud to be part of it. As an independent travel counsellor, I have access to thousands of offers from our trusted global partners and use custom made technology to give clients access to their quotes and bookings. With the unique Travel Counsellors Trust and ATOL protection, clients have 100% financial protection. We also have 24/7 customer support in the event of a crisis (we were named as MoneySavingExpert’s number one travel company for customer service during the Covid 19 pandemic).

I would love the opportunity to plan your next holiday, whatever your budget and whether for a complex multi-centre holiday, a single destination holiday, a cruise or an overnight hotel stay. In addition, if you have been considering a more adventurous holiday, I can provide the guidance and reassurance you need to confidently book your trip.

When you're ready to discover a new way of booking a holiday, please do get in touch.

‘Collect moments, not things’. Unknown.

‘Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer’. Unknown


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Explore my guides and blogs

A Guide to High Arctic Expedition Cruises

A Guide to High Arctic Expedition Cruises

High Arctic expedition cruises explore some of the most remote and extraordinary landscapes on Earth - the polar regions above the Arctic Circle. These expeditions often focus on Svalbard and Greenland, with a few specialised voyages continuing all the way to the Geographic North Pole. The Canadian Arctic - including the historic Northwest Passage - is another fascinating region with its own uniq

11 Mar 2026 5   min read

Sri Lanka’s Best Beaches: Where to Go, When to Visit, and Where to Stay

Sri Lanka’s Best Beaches: Where to Go, When to Visit, and Where to Stay

Sri Lanka is often combined with the Maldives, and while the Maldives is rightly famous for its beaches, Sri Lanka has some excellent beaches of its own. What makes Sri Lanka particularly special is the variety it offers. In one itinerary you can combine wildlife safaris, tea country, culture, whale watching, snorkelling and beautiful beaches.

04 Mar 2026 5   min read

Why I Book Sri Lanka So Often

Why I Book Sri Lanka So Often

Sri Lanka is a destination I book often – and for very good reason.

24 Feb 2026 5   min read

🌴 Maldives Resort Transfers: What to Expect (and How to Get Them Right)

🌴 Maldives Resort Transfers: What to Expect (and How to Get Them Right)

The Maldives remains one of my most requested luxury destinations, and one question comes up time and again: how do resort transfers actually work?

10 Feb 2026 5   min read

Why Book an Arctic Cruise now for 2027?

Why Book an Arctic Cruise now for 2027?

An Arctic cruise is one of those rare travel experiences that truly feels like a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. Vast, icy landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and a sense of travelling right to the edge of the world make it unlike any other type of cruising. If an Arctic adventure is on your radar for 2027, planning early can make an enormous difference – not just to availability, but to the overall q

27 Jan 2026 5   min read

Belize: Central America’s Best-Kept Secret

Belize: Central America’s Best-Kept Secret

I’m well-travelled, and I can honestly say that Belize is one of my favourite places in the world. It’s a country that’s small in size, yet huge in personality. It’s where jungle meets Caribbean Sea.

19 Nov 2025 5   min read

🌺 Island Hopping in Thailand

🌺 Island Hopping in Thailand

Thailand’s islands are as diverse as they are beautiful, and few destinations lend themselves to island hopping quite like Thailand. Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, family fun or pure relaxation, there’s an island combination to suit you perfectly. With connections by ferry or short domestic flight, it’s wonderfully easy to explore several islands in one trip. 🌴 The Andaman Islands –

13 Nov 2025 5   min read

✈️ Trips to Book a Year in Advance

✈️ Trips to Book a Year in Advance

Some holidays can be booked on a whim, but others really do reward those who plan ahead. Whether it’s limited permits, strict visitor caps, small lodges, short travel seasons, or simply the world’s most sought-after experiences, booking early often means better value, more choice, and access to those unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here are some of the incredible trips and experie

03 Nov 2025 5   min read

✈️ Travel Trends for 2026: I LOVE some of these!

✈️ Travel Trends for 2026: I LOVE some of these!

There have been some noticeable trends in travel in recent years. It’s no longer just about ticking destinations/landmarks off a list - the focus has shifted from the “where” to the “why” and the “how”. 🌿 Experiential Travel Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic local experiences rather than simply sightseeing - they want to do something different, get off the beaten track and create me

29 Oct 2025 5   min read

Norway – A Country for All Seasons

Norway – A Country for All Seasons

Few places on earth change character so beautifully with the seasons as Norway. With the second longest coastline in the world, this is a country of wild natural beauty - dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, and Arctic landscapes where nature sets the rhythm of life. Whether you’re drawn by the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, or the beauty of its epic landscapes, Norway offers something unf

20 Oct 2025 5   min read

✈️ Why I Specialise in Multi-Centre Holidays 🌍

✈️ Why I Specialise in Multi-Centre Holidays 🌍

When I design holidays, my goal is always to help clients make the most of their precious time away. Multi-centre holidays do exactly that: combining destinations and experiences so you can enjoy several different holiday styles and completely different experiences in one seamless trip, without the need for multiple long-haul flights. It’s a style of holiday that lets you see more, experience more

16 Oct 2025 5   min read

South Korea – The New Travel Hotspot

South Korea – The New Travel Hotspot

I asked my daughter recently where would be at the top of her list for our next family holiday and, without hesitation, she said South Korea. I wasn’t surprised. Once considered an add-on to a Japan itinerary, South Korea has established itself as a standalone destination for travellers of all ages. With its blend of history, culture, food, and natural beauty, South Korea offers something for e

28 Sept 2025 5   min read

Nevis: The Caribbean’s Incredible Hidden Gem You Need to Know About

Nevis: The Caribbean’s Incredible Hidden Gem You Need to Know About

If you’re dreaming of the Caribbean but want something different, you should look at Nevis – one of the Caribbean’s most authentic and lesser visited islands. At just 36 square miles and with just over 400 hotel rooms across the island, it offers a unique sense of exclusivity that feels very different to the larger Caribbean islands. You won’t find crowded beaches or towering resorts here. Inste

10 Sept 2025 5   min read

How a Travel Professional Plans Your Holiday (It’s Not Just About Price!)

How a Travel Professional Plans Your Holiday (It’s Not Just About Price!)

When it comes to planning a holiday, my job isn’t to find the cheapest deal - it’s to make sure you get the best possible value and holiday for your budget. That means avoiding false economies that might look like savings on paper but end up costing you in wasted time, missed experiences or sheer exhaustion. When I book a holiday for clients, I treat it as if it were my own. My priority is to und

18 Aug 2025 5   min read

A Small-Group Adventure in Borneo – Why We Loved It (and Why You Might Too!)

A Small-Group Adventure in Borneo – Why We Loved It (and Why You Might Too!)

Small-group travel is something I love to arrange for my clients - it’s such a fantastic way to see the world. But I realised it had been far too long since I’d experienced it for myself. So, a few weeks ago, my family - myself, my husband, and our 11-year-old daughter Edie - set off on a family adventure with a difference: a small-group family tour with Intrepid Travel in Borneo. I decided to “b

05 Aug 2025 5   min read

Why Bali Is Still A Fantastic Destination

Why Bali Is Still A Fantastic Destination

Travel trends come and go but some destinations are always popular. One of these destinations is Bali – and for good reason. I first visited Bali years ago when I was backpacking through Indonesia. This was when the huts on Gili Trawengan didn’t have electricity! Since then, I’ve been back many times, most recently on a luxury family holiday. There’s no doubt that Bali has changed since my fir

05 Jun 2025 5   min read

Beyond the Ordinary: Why Expedition Cruises Should Be on Your Travel Wishlist

Beyond the Ordinary: Why Expedition Cruises Should Be on Your Travel Wishlist

When most people think of cruising, they imagine sun-loungers, poolside cocktails and bustling ports. But what if your cruise could take you far beyond the usual, to places where glaciers calve into icy seas, blue-footed boobies nest on lava rocks, and polar bears roam the tundra? Welcome to the world of expedition cruising. Expedition cruises are for the curious, the nature lovers, the adventure

29 May 2025 5   min read

Why Every Family Should Have an Adventure Holiday

Why Every Family Should Have an Adventure Holiday

When you think of family holidays, what often comes to mind? Perhaps it's lounging by a pool, all-inclusive resorts, or relaxed beach days. While these are wonderful ways to unwind, there’s another type of getaway that every family should consider: an adventure holiday. An adventure holiday is the perfect way for families to discover new places, enjoy shared experiences that will last a lifetime

25 Apr 2025 5   min read

When Things Go Wrong (and they can, even in beautiful Bali!)

When Things Go Wrong (and they can, even in beautiful Bali!)

Travel is one of the greatest joys in life, exploring new cultures, landscapes, and experiences is something many of us cherish. But, as any seasoned traveller knows, even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of booking a dream trip online, what happens when the unexpected happens? Having a Travel Counsellor can make all the difference, espe

26 Nov 2024 5   min read

Creating a Two-Year Holiday Plan

Creating a Two-Year Holiday Plan

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, offering opportunities to explore unfamiliar places, meet new people and experience different cultures. When it comes to travel, the best experiences often require a little forward thinking. Much like financial planning, a well-thought-out travel plan ensures you maximise your time, budget, and, of course, your enjoyment. It all starts with a conversation

05 Nov 2024 5   min read

What my customers say

We engaged with Clare for our honeymoon booking about a year ago. This was the first holiday me and my new husband had ever been on alone and I was rather anxious. Clare set my mind at rest. Clare came up with some absolutely cracking holidays and destinations and we chose Bali. Once we had decided the real magic began. Clare organised everything from the flights to the transfers, villa and even some excursions. She was constantly in contact with us and the hotel. We had meetings closer to the time and she had even helped me fill out the immigration forms as I was clueless. Before the trip she even gave us a beautiful pack with all our documents printed off ready for every aspect of the trip and surprised us with a beautiful bottle of champagne, such a lovely gesture. We travelled on the 30th of May 2025. Upon arrival to the villa we were absolutely speechless this place was an absolute paradise we couldn’t believe Clare had found such an amazing venue. She had even got the villa to leave us a lovely honeymoon welcome gift and ensured we were treated like royalty throughout our stay. Everything was smooth sailing after that and Clare was in contact throughout the holiday whenever we needed her, which was mainly to share photos and updates on the amazing time we were having. Clare catered to our every whim she gave us the best experience and I had no stress whatsoever in the lead up. I managed all my payments on the myTC app which was super convenient. I cannot thank her enough for such an amazing experience from booking to landing back in the UK. I can safely say we won’t book a holiday without her now it’s just a case of deciding where our next destination will be, but I’m sure she will help us find another paradise. I highly recommend Clare to anyone who wants a stress free holiday planning experience she is so knowledgable and clearly has a passion for giving people the most amazing holidays and all round planning service possible. We can’t wait to book again!

Laura Anstey

Hampshire

Rated 5 out of 5 stars A bespoke level of service We have booked two holidays now through Clare and have been impressed with all the options and costs involved she gave us to make our decision. Clare was able to tap into the knowledge of her colleagues when we booked to go to Cyprus for a particular event and that was very helpful. When we had an issue in Benidorm I text Clare and she rang the hotel and was also able to escalate it and we were more than satisfied with the outcome. We felt so looked after and we do not think we would have received that level of personal service anywhere else. We look forward to arranging our next adventure knowing we are in safe, caring, knowledgable and professional hands.

Julie Pullen

Hampshire

5* service! Absolutely 5* service from start to finish! We had a couple of issues while away and Clare was on top of it straight away. I will definitely be using Travel Counsellors in the future and from now on. Date of experience: 22 April 2025

Louise Blunden

Hampshire

Clare was amazing, from being super efficient in listening to our requirements and organising and booking our trip, to being a very helpful point of contact for all our flights. She was messaging us reminding us to check in, and to make sure that we were happy with everything. It was like having a personal assistant with us on holiday and gave us great confidence that if there were any problems that Clare would sort them out. There were no problems of course, the holiday plans ran perfectly, and I would definitely recommend Clare and the Travel Counsellors for anyone booking a holiday!

Sarah Tame

Hampshire

Why would you use anyone else? Clare is professional, knowledgeable and caring. She goes that extra mile and beyond.

Janice Wickham

Hampshire

Additional offers

More destinations to enjoy

Let's plan your dream trip together

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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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01256 220014

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Villas 1 Awali Background Colour Banana Island 3 (2)

Finding your match...

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