Gemma Parker
My expertise
I'm based in
Tring
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi, I’m Gemma and my role is to match people with places. I'll take the time to thoughtfully create a trip that’s tailored to you, your family and/or friends, leaving you free to concentrate on making memories!
Every trip I plan is different but the highlights include family trips to South-East Asia which is an adventurous, (and good value) alternative to Europe, active trips to Norway (one of my personal top countries to visit), and Sri Lanka because I love sharing the insight I gained from an agent trip there in 2025!
I’ve appreciated the value of travel since my very first job as a receptionist at the YHA on Oxford Street in London, where I loved meeting people who were travelling for every possible reason! Since then, I’ve enjoyed relaxing holidays as a break from corporate life, been lucky enough to experience the luxury of a first class flight to New York whilst working for British Airways, heard the unforgettable roar of lions on safari, and had fun with my 3 children marvelling at the freedom of a resort, the magic of a private swimming pool and the thrill of a zipline through the rainforest in Costa Rica! I'm passionate about travel bringing joy and being a force for good in building connections, seeing new perspectives and even improving cultural understanding. It’s a privilege to help people see the world, find their ‘wow’ moments, and enjoy something special.
Being part of Travel Counsellors gives me the independence to choose what suits you best from hundreds of different destinations, hotels and experiences, provided by trusted suppliers, and gives you financial security and 24-hour support if anything should not go to plan whilst you are away.
My style is professional and friendly and I work in partnership with clients. I understand how it is important it is for you to make the most of your precious time and resources and I'm here to help find the holiday that's right for you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Sri Lanka: Culture, wildlife and tea all on one tropical island!
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect before I went to Sri Lanka – similar to India, but perhaps without so many people? Lots to explore, hopefully with some relaxation? Elephants, and maybe some other wildlife? History, and a lot of tea?! In fact, my experience of travelling around the island for eight days was all this and so much more! My adventure started with an overnight flight from Heathr
21 Oct 2025 5 min read
'Will we be free'? - why resorts work well for children!
‘Will we be free’ is the common cry of our children, whenever we announce that we are off on holiday. When I initially heard this, I was baffled, it’s not that we keep them under lock and key, ‘um well, you won’t be in the same room as us’ was the best response I could think of. As usual, it was our youngest child who decoded the hidden meaning for us – ‘will we be able to walk around without you’
27 Sept 2024 5 min read
Family fun in Las Vegas
Although the ‘Sin City’ reputation of Las Vegas means it might not be the first place you think of for a family holiday, there’s nowhere else like it and it does have lots to offer! Forget gambling, and think huge pools, every conceivable restaurant, family shows , and other-worldly desert scenery. It’s a great place to add to your Californian adventure. This is exactly what we did the first time
27 Sept 2024 5 min read
Olhao, Portugal - perfect destination for a short trip
Sometimes, you just need, and only have time for, a few days of sun. In September Portugal was a perfect choice, with a relatively short flight, no time difference (so no losing an hour), and a short 15 minute transfer time to the town on Olhao, near Faro. This time I was with girlfriends, so no need to worry about activities, big swimming pools or buffets! We just wanted to eat and drink well, so
27 Sept 2024 5 min read
Norway - a good place for a first skiing holiday
I confess, it wasn’t my first skiing holiday, we had been to Austria before (where there are some excellent family-run luxurious hotels that cater perfectly for families), but I had opted out of the skiing. Feeling too nervous to actually don any skis, I headed up the mountain anyway and opted to sit in the glorious sunshine reading a novel (Ian McEwan’s ‘Lessons’, since you ask) occasionally stop
27 Sept 2024 5 min read
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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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