Jo White
My expertise
I'm based in
Sidmouth
Trusted travel expertise, wherever your journey takes you...
Travel, perfectly tailored around you. Check my reviews below to see why my clients keep coming back to me and recommend me to others.
With 10 years at Travel Counsellors and over 25 in the industry, I specialise in creating meticulously planned, highly personal holidays that feel “just right” for you. I am independent, impartial and not tied to set brochures or rigid packages, which means more choice, competitive pricing and itineraries crafted around your personality, preferences and dreams.
Based between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth in beautiful East Devon, I draw on first‑hand experience from nearly 60 countries and a background spanning adventure travel, tailor‑made worldwide itineraries and first and business class travel. I listen carefully, pick up on the unspoken details and turn them into journeys that flow beautifully, with authenticity and insider tips at every step.
Working from home and supported by a world‑class UK team, I offer flexible out‑of‑hours support, proactive help if plans change, and industry‑leading financial protection and ATOL bonding, so your money and your memories are fully safeguarded.
From worldwide tailor‑made itineraries, luxury hotels and small group adventures to family holidays, cruises, rail journeys, destination weddings and honeymoons, I can arrange almost anything, with the care and attention you simply do not get from booking online.
What can I arrange for you?
Pretty much whatever you want.
Worldwide tailor‑made itineraries
Escorted tours (with price parity with most household names)
Small group adventure travel
Luxury hotels and characterful, one‑of‑a‑kind stays
Off‑the‑beaten‑track experiences
Family package holidays at no extra cost
Cruises and iconic rail journeys
Destination weddings and honeymoons
Scheduled, low‑cost and charter flights and packages
Vehicle hire, airport parking, lounges and private transfers
…and so much more.
If you would like exceptional service, expert honest advice and travel curated entirely around you, I would love to help you plan your next trip.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Knock Out Trip to Norway
I was lucky enough to travel to Norway on one of Exodus’ Signature departures, and it turned out to be one of the most enriching trips I’ve ever experienced. It still had that classic Exodus feel, with thoughtful local interactions and a genuine sense of connection, but wrapped in a more elevated, boutique style that really made it stand out.
10 Jul 2026 4 min read
Antarctica, the Arctic & Beyond:
Some journeys are more than holidays. Stepping onto the ice in Antarctica or exploring the Arctic’s remote fjords is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience, and choosing the right expedition company is absolutely crucial.
21 May 2026 4 min read
Central Portugal
I recently had the chance to explore Central Portugal on an agent trip hosted by the Central Portugal Tourist Board, travelling with six fellow Travel Counsellors from the UK and Ireland. We flew in and out of Lisbon, but this region can also be easily accessed from Porto, which is ideal if you are looking at the most convenient regional flights from the UK. What I discovered was a part of Portug
01 May 2026 4 min read
Lapland Dreams Come True
This December, just before Christmas, we packed up the car, headed to Bristol Airport and flew off on what turned out to be the most magical trip our family has ever had: four nights in a remote, beautifully quiet corner of Finnish Lapland.
01 May 2026 4 min read
Vancouver in Winter
In December I joined six fellow Travel Counsellors on an agent trip to Vancouver, hosted by Air Canada and Destination Vancouver. Over five packed days we set out to see just how much you can experience in a short break, and Vancouver absolutely delivered. It is one of those cities that feels instantly liveable, yet offers enough “wow” moments to make a holiday feel really special.
01 May 2026 4 min read
‘Reflection and refraction’
We’ve all seen the rainbows, little glimmers of hope peeking out of windows, painted on stones and shooting across the sky on a few recent occasions. A rainbow feels like the perfect symbol to unite us during these unusual and disorientating times. Not only are they joyful and hopeful, but by its very nature a rainbow symbolises a time of reflection that many of us have experienced. In such a shor
02 Jun 2020 2 min read
‘Travelling? Now’s the time for expert advice’
I am lucky to be part of an incredible, caring company and I can genuinely say my over-riding feelings are of unity, comradeship, grit and determination in these extraordinary times. During periods of adversity in the travel industry - airlines failing, corona virus, political uncertainty - it is time for committed travel consultants like me to shine! Over the years the travel industry has been t
02 Jun 2020 2 min read
'All hail, travel by rail'
Some of the most exciting and memorable holiday itineraries I work on include an element of train travel and there are so many incredible options to consider in every corner of the globe. There are some iconic trains which appear on many a wish list, offering unique experiences in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. The Rocky Mountaineer has a luxurious glass domed carriage and winds
15 Dec 2019 2 min read
‘Unlock your inner sailor’
If you’re like me, you’ll like your comforts on holiday but also long for a real adventure; experiences which capture the imagination and create lasting memories. Here’s an option where you can have both a high standard of service and an exciting, exhilarating holiday. Why not unlock your adventurous spirit and set sail on a magical tall ship voyage? Sailing aboard one of Star Clippers’ magnific
22 Oct 2019 2 min read
'Kimberley Calling'
Western Australia’s Kimberley region lies across the top of the country and is one of the last true wildernesses left on the planet. With spectacular landscapes, pristine coastline, world class wildlife spotting and an abundance of indigenous history and culture it is a fascinating and exciting destination to explore. The wet and dry season characterise the landscape here and the best time to vi
16 Jul 2019 2 min read
‘The endless Spring’
Warm sun, fresh crisp air, colour creeping back into lives. Glorious Spring is back, and I love it! It’s not just about how beautiful things are during Spring, it’s also how this season makes us feel. Happy, motivated, hopeful, excited about the rest of the year. If I could replicate a perfect Spring day 365 times, I’d trade a cold, wet Winter and an uncomfortably hot Summer in an instant. Here ar
09 Apr 2019 2 min read
'Let the pictures do the talking'
Job satisfaction is pretty much guaranteed when you have fabulous customers like mine. I always encourage feedback and absolutely love hearing about the adventures I have worked hard to create. Whether it's chatting on the phone or reading an email, I listen, take action if necessary and learn more inside knowledge, hints and tips each and every time. As part of a larger South American Adventu
08 Dec 2018 1 min read
'The Ultimate Den'
Being a mum of two gives me the chance to see life through the eyes of a child again. There is nothing my son loves more than making a den and his excitement is infectious. Whether he’s under the bed, in a tent in the garden or just sitting under a blanket with a torch my three-year-old is in his element. Once we grow up can we still appreciate the joy of a den? Travel is changing, the des
16 Oct 2018 2 min read
‘Small group adventure travel? A bargain awaits’
For those of you who have come across small group adventure travel you’ll probably already be hooked. For those of you who haven’t I’d like to introduce you to it and explain why I think it’s so fantastic, surprising and worth exploring. Wildlife encounters, cycling and walking holidays, cultural tours, polar voyages, winter activity adventures, food lovers’ itineraries, photography trips, the
09 Aug 2018 2 min read
‘A stone’s throw’
Like many amongst you, I’ve always had the travel bug and have been lucky enough to travel far and wide and see some of the most beautiful places on Earth. From the pristine rainforests of Belize to the turquoise waters of the Australian Barrier Reef. The remote islands of the Seychelles to the drama of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The desire to see beautiful places and stunning scenery keeps
15 Jun 2018 2 min read
‘Globetrotting test’
Working as a travel agent is such a varied job. It has its challenging times; most recently ‘the Beast from the East’ froze the country and disrupted travel plans. Its times like these when people are glad to have someone to call and more importantly to help! It has its very rewarding times; organising the perfect anniversary trip or honeymoon and receiving amazing feedback makes the job extra
03 Apr 2018 2 min read
‘From here, to there and everywhere…’
Long haul travel can be exhausting! Many of us dream of travelling to the far-flung corners of the planet, for incredible adventures or family reunions, but the thought of travelling huge distances can be very daunting. There are lots of tips and tricks I use to make journeys easier and enjoyable. Flight times play a huge part in reducing jet lag or the stress of travelling with a young family,
18 Feb 2018 2 min read
From wild side to poolside
Top safari and beach holidays A safari holiday is the trip of dreams for the adventure seeker, the wildlife enthusiasts and the lovers of the great outdoors. Being up close to some of the world’s most magnificent creatures in their natural habitats is an adrenaline rush, a privilege and often a very moving experience. Making the most of such a trip involves considerable effort however. Anim
01 Jan 2018 2 min read
Deal or no deal?
In an age of internet searches and online deals, if we trawl endless booking engines and review sites we can be experts in anything, right? Let’s face it, Google can pretty much answer anything we ask with more information than we can possibly hope for. But are we asking the right questions? You discover the perfect hotel, but will the internet let you know that next door is a building site?
06 Sept 2017 2 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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