Kate Hayes
I'm based in
Truro
It's Nice To Meet You
Welcome to My Travel Page, Your Personal Luxury Travel Expert
Thank you for visiting my webpage. I am based in beautiful Cornwall, but I design holidays for couples and families all over the UK and beyond. If you are looking for something a little special, from luxury all inclusive in the Mediterranean to tailor made adventures further afield, you are in the right place.
With nearly 40 years of experience in travel, my passion is creating beautifully put together, stress free journeys that feel truly personal. My career began as a trainee in a local travel agency before progressing to Branch Manager and then on to well known tour operators including Unijet, North America Travel Service and Key to America. That background means I understand the industry inside out and, most importantly, how to get the right holiday for you, not just the easy option from a brochure.
A specialist in luxury and tailor made travel
I work with couples, multi generational families and small groups who want more than a standard package, whether that is a special anniversary trip, a two week family escape or a complex multi stop itinerary.
Recent trips I have arranged and experienced myself include:
An amazing two centre holiday in Oman, including The Chedi in Muscat, with its serene pools, exceptional service and beautiful Arabian style architecture combined with the wonder of the Mountains.
Luxury all inclusive stays at IKOS resorts in Greece and Spain, where everything is taken care of and standards are consistently high for both couples and families
Tailor made touring in New Zealand with stopovers in Singapore and Fiji
Iconic rail journeys such as the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Safari and beach combinations in South Africa, including the unforgettable Shamwari Game Reserve
Family adventures in Bali, California and Orlando, blending relaxation with unforgettable experiences for all ages
Because I have stayed at several IKOS properties myself, I can guide you on the best resort and room type for your needs, whether you want an adults focused escape, family friendly facilities, or space for grandparents to join the fun.
Independent, honest advice
As a Travel Counsellor I am completely independent, I am not tied to any one tour operator and I do not work to sales targets. This means I can hand pick the right hotels, airlines, villas, cruises and experiences to suit your style and budget, whether that is a TC Inclusive Package, a bespoke tailor made itinerary or a carefully chosen luxury resort.
Support when it really matters
Recent events in the Middle East have shown how important it is to have someone in your corner when the unexpected happens. Throughout the recent crisis I have been proactively supporting all of my affected customers, re booking holidays, adjusting itineraries and keeping them fully informed so they could travel, or decide not to, with confidence and clarity. That same level of care and communication is part of every booking I handle, from a short European break to a once in a lifetime trip.
Personal service, complete peace of mind
Working from home means I can be flexible around your schedule and give you the one to one attention that is hard to find on the high street. Whether you are planning a luxury short break, an IKOS style all inclusive, a cruise, a long haul tailor made trip or a multi centre family holiday, I will take care of every detail, from flights and transfers to restaurant reservations and private tours.
Everything you book with me is 100% financially protected through either ATOL or the Travel Counsellors Trust, one of the most robust financial protection arrangements in the industry, so your money is always safe and you can book with complete peace of mind.
I would love to help you plan your next luxury escape, whether that is a romantic break for two, a special family holiday or a big once in a lifetime adventure.
Let us make your next journey unforgettable.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Ikos Where relaxation is Redefined
What makes an Ikos Holiday so SPECIAL
24 Mar 2026 4 min read
Mountains, Culture and Relax
Our recent trip to Oman was nothing short of unforgettable—a beautiful blend of serene landscapes, warm hospitality, and world-class luxury. From the cool mountain air of Jabal Akhdar to the calming shores of Muscat, every moment offered something remarkable.
23 Mar 2026 3 min read
Sri Lanka - A journey of Luxury, Nature and Unforgettable Moments
Sri Lanka: A Journey Beyond Expectations Sri Lanka had been on my travel Wishlist for a while – and when I finally made the trip, it turned out to be everything I wanted and more. An unforgettable journey through the stunning landscape, rich in culture and luxurious retreats of Sri Lanka. Travelling with my husband, we explored this beautiful island with the help of a wonderful private driver who
13 Jul 2025 4 min read
Travelling with young children
You don’t want to stop travelling overseas just because you now have children and what’s more, you still want quality accommodation, great facilities and a little time for yourselves to relax. Great kids’ entertainment and occasional supervision for your children can be important. Plus, top tips on how to avoid the having a stressful journey with the kids. 1. Pace yourself. Go with the flow and
06 Jun 2019 3 min read
If you had 30 hours of spare time.........................................
If somebody came along and gave you 30 hours of spare time, what would you do with it? Spend more time with the kids? Make a dent in that redecorating job you’ve been putting off for weeks? A bit of ‘you’ time in the garden, with a good book and a glass of wine? Some research? Ok, maybe not the last one – but recent findings suggest that the average UK holidaymaker is spending a staggering 30 ho
06 Jun 2019 1 min read
What is a Travel Counsellor
Your Holiday, Personally Arranged with Care I take immense pride in every holiday I book for my customers. This isn’t just my job—it’s my business and my passion. I’m not on a salary, so every enquiry I handle is my own time and energy invested. I earn commission only when a booking is made through my trusted suppliers, which means I’m fully committed to finding the perfect holiday to suit your n
06 Jun 2019 2 min read
Bali Paradise
Our family holiday this year was to the paradise island of Bali. Our main decision to travel to the island was for the surf that the island has to offer. Bali is renowned for having some of the best surf breaks in the world. My son is a very keen surfer and was so excited about the prospect of surfing the main breaks of the island. This was easy to do as we made contact, via our hotel, with a loca
19 Sept 2018 3 min read
Stopover in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an amazing place for a stopover en route to many destinations. Our stopover was on the way to Bali. We decided to have three nights in Hong Kong, recovering from our long flight from Heathrow. We spoilt ourselves and flew Business class with British Airways which was a real luxury and one that I hope we can repeat again one day. We left Heathrow in the evening and having been served
19 Sept 2018 3 min read
Heli Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
Have you ever wondered what happens to the ski lodges in the Canadian Rockies once the snow has all gone? Well wonder no more. During the summer time you can enjoy the luxury of these lodges. How do you get there? That’s easy - you fly up by helicopter. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity a couple of years ago to experience the wonderful adventure of Heli Hiking in the Canadian Rockies.
17 Jun 2018 3 min read
What a special caring company
I have attended many company conferences where I have become aware of what a truly caring company Travel Counsellors are. This leaves you with a warm heart, but it is not until you experience this first hand that you realise how unique this really is. In August last year I had a family traveling on a holiday of a lifetime to Australia. This holiday had taken months of planning, ensuring that ev
14 Jun 2018 5 min read
Shamwari Game Reserve
I was lucky enough to visit South Africa with my family and to have the opportunity to experience the wonder that is Shamwari. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located 75km outside Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape making it easily accessible for anyone visiting the Southern/Eastern Cape of Africa. Be it via the Garden Route or by an internal flight into Port Elizabeth. The Game Reserve has been
13 Jun 2018 6 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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