Clare Payne

My expertise

Australia
New Zealand
Indonesia
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Adventure Travel
Multi-Destination
Touring

I'm based in

Exeter

Available for new enquiries

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

I’m Clare, a premium travel specialist based near Exeter in Devon

Hi, I’m Clare, your personal Travel Counsellor, based just outside Exeter in Devon. I design premium, tailor‑made holidays for couples, families & solo travellers who want expert advice, honest guidance & a truly personal service. With a specialism in Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia, I help clients in Exeter, Devon and across the UK plan everything from once in a lifetime adventures to relaxed luxury escapes & family holidays.

I am an independent & impartial travel consultant with access to a wide range of trusted suppliers & partners. This means I can plan your trip exactly as you would like it, with your requirements front & centre, creating a bespoke holiday especially for you. Whether you would like to meet in person in the Exeter area, or prefer to work together by phone, video call or email, I can offer a flexible service at times that suit you.

Travel has been a huge part of my life for many years & I have been fortunate enough to explore a wide range of destinations all over the world. My greatest expertise lies in Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia, where I can help with everything from self drive itineraries & touring routes to boutique beach resorts, cultural highlights & complex multi‑centre trips.

Most recently, my family and I spent a year travelling throughout South East Asia & beyond, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia & Australia. This unforgettable year on the road has added a whole extra layer to my experience: I have seen first‑hand which routes work in reality, which hotels are genuinely family friendly, & where to find authentic local experiences that make a trip truly special. It is this combination of extensive global travels and in depth, on the ground knowledge that I bring to every holiday I create.

I can assist with all types of travel, including tailor made itineraries, luxury beach escapes, family holidays, European city breaks, cruises, honeymoons, golf holidays, business travel, UK breaks & simple flights or hotel only stays. I will always tailor the style of each holiday to what feels right for you and your budget.

Alongside my work as a Travel Counsellor, I am also Editor of The Travel Daily. This role keeps me closely connected to the wider travel industry & up to date with new hotel openings, airline routes, destination trends and travel regulations. It gives my clients reassurance that their holiday plans are shaped by current, insider knowledge & a broad view of the global travel landscape.

My aim is always to go the extra mile, providing the best possible service & take away the stress and hassle, so that you can simply relax & enjoy your trip. My working hours are flexible & I am more than happy to chat in the evening or over the weekend about your plans. I also remain contactable 24/7 while you are away, for complete peace of mind.

You will also benefit from the protection that ATOL & the Travel Counsellors Financial Trust provide. Your money is fully protected & you have a single point of contact, as well as the support of our 24/7 duty office team, from the moment we start planning until you return home.

I have two main passions in life: my family & travel. I love getting to know my clients & understanding what really matters to them, then using my knowledge & experience to bring their ideas to life.

I am incredibly proud to have been named one of only a handful of finalists for New Travel Agent of the Year at The Travel Industry Awards by TTG in 2024, a recognition reserved for leading new talent & a reflection of how much care & attention I pour into every holiday I create.

If you are looking for a travel specialist in the Exeter area, or you are dreaming of your next tailor‑made holiday, I would love to help. I cannot wait to share my experience and expertise with you as we plan your next adventure together.

Clare x

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Explore my guides and blogs

Thailand with Kids: The Best 2 Week Family Itinerary for 2026

Thailand with Kids: The Best 2 Week Family Itinerary for 2026

Thailand is an outstanding choice for a first (or repeat) long haul family adventure. With warm, child‑friendly hospitality, gorgeous beaches, jungle scenery and a huge range of family focused resorts, it is easy to create a holiday that works just as well for toddlers as it does for teens. Drawing on my own experience of travelling around Thailand with and without my children, I have put together

09 May 2026 5   min read

Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta: Thailand Luxury Reviewed

Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta: Thailand Luxury Reviewed

Introducing Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand

20 Apr 2026 5   min read

Cambodia Family Holiday With Intrepid: Our First‑Hand Experience With Three Children

Cambodia Family Holiday With Intrepid: Our First‑Hand Experience With Three Children

Thinking about a Cambodia family holiday, but not sure how it would work with children of different ages? In January 2026, partway through our year travelling around Southeast Asia and Australia, my husband and I took our three kids (then 14, 9 and 6) on an 8‑day Intrepid Travel family tour in Cambodia. It was the ideal blend of small‑group adventure, meaningful local experiences and reassuring st

13 Apr 2026 5   min read

Our Indonesian Adventure: From Bali’s Rice Terraces to Komodo’s Dragons

Our Indonesian Adventure: From Bali’s Rice Terraces to Komodo’s Dragons

Indonesia had always been high on our family wishlist, but nothing quite prepared us for just how varied, beautiful and welcoming it would be. Over eight weeks, we island-hopped our way from iconic Bali to wild Komodo, discovering rice terraces, volcano views, coral reefs and some of the friendliest people we have ever met. Here is a glimpse into our Indonesian adventure and a little inspiration

07 Feb 2026 5   min read

Uga Ulagalla: Eco-Luxury Retreat in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Uga Ulagalla: Eco-Luxury Retreat in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Set within 58 acres of paddy fields, reservoirs and jungle in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Uga Ulagalla is the only all-pool-villa resort in the country’s cultural triangle. It is peaceful, beautifully designed and quietly powerful in how it connects you with nature and local life. We arrived with high expectations and left feeling genuinely moved by the people, the setting and the thought

07 Feb 2026 5   min read

A Magical Christmas Markets Cruise on the Danube

A Magical Christmas Markets Cruise on the Danube

Imagine twinkling Christmas markets, storybook cities and watching the world float by from the comfort of a luxury river ship. That is exactly what I experienced on my very first river cruise along the Danube in December, and it completely exceeded my expectations. If you love the idea of exploring beautiful European cities but prefer to travel at a relaxed, unhurried pace, a Christmas markets ri

07 Feb 2026 5   min read

Exploring The Ultra-Luxury Expedition Yacht Scenic Eclipse II

Exploring The Ultra-Luxury Expedition Yacht Scenic Eclipse II

In September, the ultra-luxury discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse II docked in Plymouth for a day as part of a UK and Mediterranean taster cruise before crossing the Atlantic to sail in the Americas and eventually spending the winter in Antarctica and we were lucky enough to be invited on board for the day! The original Scenic Eclipse, launched in 2019, became the World's First Discovery Yacht™, pion

02 Aug 2024 5   min read

What my customers say

Clare is so incredibly knowledgeable, patient. She is always determined to get us the best holiday she possibly can. I cannot recommend her enough.

Jo H

Exeter

I can’t believe how quickly our quote came back, with everything we wanted and more. Having Clare book our holidays has made our busy lives so much easier , with no stress whatsoever. Thank you so much!

Zoe H

Devon

Clare is extremely knowledgeable and has been so helpful with providing options for our holiday. She is also very patient and we really appreciated having time to consider each option without any pressure from her to make a quick booking

Kelly R

Devon

Claire has been amazing, accommodating all of my family’s needs and wants and was very patient finding all of our options. Booking our holiday to Florida was simple.

Lindsay O

Devon

Really professional and considerate. Clare listened to what we wanted and took it all on board to produce an itinerary to New Zealand that exactly met our needs. Flexible about accommodation choices and totally on the ball when it came to booking our flights. Have already recommended her to our friends!

Pete W

Exeter

Super helpful and patient with our holiday to Thailand, as I am very indecisive and particular!

Helen J

Devon

I wouldn't go to a travel agent shop anymore if I needed ideas and help booking a holiday...Clare has always been very efficient , knowledgeable and helpful when we have booked through her...it's the way to go!

Debbie Kearey

Exeter

Clare has been amazingly patient and helpful through our ever changing requests to secure us a really great travel package to Australia meeting all our needs. 100% recommend to all friends and family or indeed anyone. 1st class service - Thank You

Julie H

Exeter

Clare has been great in putting our holiday to India together for us. From the beginning, when we weren’t quite sure of our requirements, she has advised us on all different aspects and we think she has put together a fantastic holiday for us which we are thoroughly looking forward to.d

Jenny Harley

Hemel Hempstead

Clare has been great in putting our holiday to India together for us. From the beginning, when we weren’t quite sure of our requirements, she has advised us on all different aspects and we think she has put together a fantastic holiday for us which we are thoroughly looking forward to.

Jenny H

Hemel Hempstead

Organised a perfect trip to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong which ran like clockwork. Took all the pressure off

Keiron Northcott

Exeter

Excellent service from Clare. Absolutely delighted with my holiday choice and will definitely go back to her in future

Rachel W

Devon

Clare was amazing, just thoughtful and professional. I have recommended her to friends

Adelle H

Bristol

Clare has been very efficient & very knowledgeable about what our family is looking for. Very quick & prompt responses to all our queries.

Leona S

Exeter

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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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Let’s talk through your ideas, no pressure.

01392 770024

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Finding your match...

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