Julia O'Connor
My expertise
I'm based in
York
From hello to your return home from holiday, I'm here to look after you.
Are you looking to reconnect, revitalise and return from your next holiday with memories you will talk about for years? If so, you are in exactly the right place.
Travel is not just what I do, it is who I am. With over 15 years of experience across the travel industry and a lifetime of adventures behind me, I specialise in unforgettable family adventure holidays and bespoke luxury safaris, designed with care, insight and attention to detail.
I have lived in Australia and swum with colourful fish on the Great Barrier Reef. I have said “yes” to a rather memorable marriage proposal at the top of Table Mountain after hiking up in 30-degree heat. I have climbed the mighty Big Daddy sand dune in Namibia while my children sprinted back down in a fraction of the time, watched a herd of elephants appear at a waterhole mid self-manicure on safari, and heli-hiked on the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand. I have also experienced the magic of Lapland at Christmas multiple times and, trust me, it is never gets old.
These experiences mean I understand how travel feels, not just how it looks on paper. I have felt that flutter of anticipation, navigated airports and connections with children in tow, and come home with the kind of stories that bind families and friends together. When we plan your next family adventure or luxury safari, you can draw on all of that knowledge, first-hand insight and practical experience.
Travel is never one-size-fits-all, which is exactly why I love what I do. You might be dreaming of a romantic honeymoon or a multi-generational special occasion adventure that keeps everyone happy. Or perhaps you're looking for an action-packed family holiday filled with skiing, watersports or cycling. Or one of my personal favourites - a rejuvenating wellness escape, I will take the time to really get to know you. My role is to design tailor-made itineraries that feel “just right” for you: your interests, your pace and your aimed for spend.
I am particularly passionate about active, adventure, sustainable and wellness travel: from hiking and racket sports to pilates retreats and carefully curated safari expeditions. My family’s post-exam road trip through Namibia, blending wildlife encounters, desert dunes and quality time together, remains one of my all-time highlights. I bring that same sense of wonder, care and enthusiasm to every trip I create.
When you book with me as your personal Travel Counsellor, you are not just getting a holiday. You are gaining a dedicated travel expert who genuinely cares about you, your time and your investment. You will benefit from full financial protection, 24/7 in-destination support and the convenience of the myTC app, giving you complete peace of mind from the moment you book to the moment you return home.
If you are looking for a friendly, experienced and trusted travel professional to design your next family adventure, luxury safari or tailor-made escape, I would love to help. Pick up the phone, send a message or drop me an email and let us start planning your next adventure together.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
5 Holidays That Will Make Your Kids Smile – And You Too!
If you have children of different ages wth different interests, you will know this question well: how on earth do you book one family holiday that keeps everyone happy?
22 May 2026 5 min read
Travelling That Feels Good: Holidays With Heart, Purpose And A Lighter Footprint
Have you ever come home from a holiday thinking, “That was amazing… but I wish it had meant something more?” Maybe you are starting to ask yourself: Can I travel in a way that feels good for me, and good for the places and people I visit too?
22 May 2026 5 min read
Bucket List Moments That Stay With You Forever
What makes a true “bucket list” experience for you? Is it ticking off a famous landmark, or is it that one moment when you pause, look around and think: I will remember this for the rest of my life?
22 May 2026 5 min read
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.
Get in touch