Kate Matthews
I'm based in
Forest Hill
It's Nice To Meet You
Hello and Welcome!
I’m Kate, your local Travel Counsellor here in Forest Hill, South East London. I’ve lived here for 16 years with my husband and our two daughters, so I know exactly how precious family time is and how important it is to get every holiday just right.
Travel has always been my thing. I’ve backpacked, island-hopped, road-tripped and luxury-ed my way around the world, living and working in Australia, exploring South East Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the USA and so many corners of Europe. I’ve created everything from simple family beach breaks to complex, multi-stop itineraries that take you across continents, including first class flights and private jet travel for those extra-special trips.
Before becoming a Travel Counsellor, I worked in the West End for a major tour operator designing tailor-made trips all over the globe, then moved to a smaller independent Croatian specialist as Head of Sales. That role meant lots of time in Croatia, getting to know the coastline, islands and hidden gems that most people never see.
Travel that feels good and does good:
Responsible travel is something I care deeply about. Having seen so many beautiful landscapes, cultures and communities first-hand, I am very aware of how fragile our world is. I want my daughters, and future generations, to be able to experience it just as I have. I’ve completed Sustainable Travel Training in partnership with The Travel Foundation and I’m proud to support tourism that benefits local people and protects the environment. My goal is simple, to help you have incredible holidays while making sure our impact is a positive one.
How I work with you
What I love about being a Travel Counsellor is that I can act as your personal travel concierge. Whether you are;
-A local family planning your next school-holiday escape
-A couple looking for a luxury tailor-made adventure
-A group juggling different needs and wish lists
-Or someone who loves complex, multi-centre trips and off-the-beaten-track experiences
I will design a completely bespoke itinerary around you.
For my luxury clients, that might mean seamless first class or business class flights, private jet charters, VIP airport services and handpicked five-star stays. For busy local families, it might be stress-free, well-planned holidays where every transfer, room type and activity has been thought through.
I am not tied to office hours, so we can chat when it suits you, after the school run, in the evening with a glass of wine, or whenever your diary allows. I handle all the research, planning and little details, so you don't have to.
I pride myself on my exellent customer care and you will always have me looking after you from the first conversation until you are home again.
A few of my favourite places, there are so many I love, but a few that really have my heart;
Thailand: for its incredible beaches, warm people and wonderfully laid-back way of life
Croatia: for that stunning Adriatic coastline, turquoise waters and beautiful mix of architecture
The Greek Islands: for lazy days discovering hidden bays, taverna lunches and those impossibly blue seas
Lapland: for the magic of the Northern Lights, husky rides, snowmobiles and, of course, meeting Santa
So let’s start planning your next adventure!
An adventure-filled family holiday
A relaxing beach escape
A chic city break
A cruise or safari
A magical Lapland trip
A ski holiday
A wedding abroad or the perfect honeymoon
Or an ultra-luxury escape with first class flights or private jet travel
I would love to help. I will always look for the best value that fits your budget, without compromising on the experience and you will have the reassurance that your holiday is fully protected.
Thanks so much for stopping by and getting to know me a little. I would love to get to know you too and help you plan your next trip.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kate x
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Sri Lanka through Caroline’s eyes. Sunshine, safaris and stress‑free travel
Every so often a trip comes along that reminds you exactly why you love travel. Caroline’s recent holiday to Sri Lanka was one of those, a great mix of golden beaches, lush tea country, wildlife encounters and warm local hospitality. She has just left me a wonderful review of her experience, so I thought I would turn her words into a blog to share what Sri Lanka is really like when everything is
30 Apr 2026 5 min read
My Iceland Adventure - Why This Incredible Destination Should Be on Your List
I’m currently lucky enough to be spending 10 days in Iceland, house- and cat-sitting for one of my lovely Icelandic suppliers. They’re the same trusted partners I use to arrange all the amazing day trips and excursions for my clients—whether it’s a guided tour from Reykjavik, a self-drive adventure around the island, or a small-group trip to hidden gems. This is my second visit to Iceland—and it
08 Jul 2025 5 min read
Dream Honeymoon & Gift Registry Service
Your honeymoon will be one of the most memorable holidays of your lifetime and I care just as much as you do when it comes to creating the most outstanding experience and memories. Weather you are seeking exploration, relaxation or a mixture of the two, I can perfectly tailor to fit your style as a couple or if you are honeymooning as a family. You may have your sights set on an island parad
23 Jan 2025 5 min read
Sri Lankan Highlights Adventure Tour
Ayuboyan!! So lucky me recently returned from the most magical 9 night adventure tour of Sri Lanka , the Island of Serendipity, courtesy of Exodus Travel one of our small group adventure travel suppliers. Being a beach kinda girl I have never experienced a small group tour nor a culture one at that but now I can confidentaly say I am a total convert!!! Having a local expert guide always on ha
25 Sept 2024 5 min read
Malta City break
I’ve recently returned from a fun packed weekend in Malta. I used to visit every year with family as my grandparents had a house over there. It’s now been over 35 years since I last visited so I was very excited to return. I was only there for 4 days, a perfect amount of time for a city break. It's amazing how much you can see in such a short amount of time! Day One From the airport we heade
16 Mar 2019 5 min read
Back to Brac
Croatia, where do I start? The 1,104 miles of rugged coastline, crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling, island hopping adventures, national parks and waterfalls to swim in, fishing villages, medieval castles steeped in history, delicious local konobas to eat in, amazing wine. It sounds too good to be true - it’s not! There’s something here for everyone and its why I have returned time and ti
19 Sept 2018 5 min read
My top 5 Holiday Destinations for a Family Christmas in the Sun
I was lucky enough to spend last Christmas on the sunny Caribbean shores of Barbados. I’ve been spoiled and would love to spend every Christmas Day in sunnier climates, BBQing fresh fish around the pool and swimming in warm blue waters! It certainly beats sitting around eating turkey and the cold dark mornings! So why not book a last-minute holiday and guarantee yourself some sun, sand and a Chris
26 Jun 2018 5 min read
Regent Seven Seas Explorer
I was lucky enough recently to visit one of the most luxurious cruise ships ever built. The Regent Seven Seas Explorer! The newest all-suite, all-balcony ship that boasts the largest private balconies at sea has one of the highest space to guest ratio and is the only ship to feature an in-suite spa! There are 377 balcony suites that hold 750 guests and a crew of 542! The Seven Seas Explorer i
20 Jun 2018 5 min read
I love Skiathos!
Skiathos is absolute heaven! A small slice of paradise in the North West Aegean, only 12kms long and 6km wide. With only a short hop of 3.5hrs on the plane its ideal for a fly and flop holiday. We always stay in apartments in Koukounaries. It's the last stop on the bus route, right at the end of the south coast of the Island. It’s one of the most famous and popular beaches on the islands. The
06 Jun 2018 5 min read
All Aboard Columbus...Antwerp & Amsterdam here we come
I was very fortunate enough recently to win a weekend mini cruise onboard Columbus with Cruise & Maritime Voyages. I was very excited as this was to be my first cruising experience! We set sail from the London cruise terminal in Essex, so ideal if you are a Londoner like me, a nice stress free 35-minute drive from SE London and there I was at Tilbury Docks. On arrival I pulled up alongside the shi
06 Jun 2018 5 min read
Christmas in Barbados
This was my first visit to the Caribbean and our first hot Christmas with the family. My in-laws go every January for two months and now I understand why! We fell in love with it instantly. It’s the perfect time to go away and swap the cold and gloomy British winter months for some hot Caribbean weather. On arrival I had organised for a private minibus to transfer us to our villa which was to b
06 Jun 2018 5 min read
Family Fun in the Canarian Sun
I've just returned from a fun packed 7 days in Gran Canaria with the family. It's been a while since I was last there, 5 years to be precise, but nothing much has changed except for a couple of new hotels have popped up. The weather was hot and sunny all week long, food was delicious, sea was inviting & refreshing, everything was as I had left it, it was good to be back! It's just a short hop a
08 Aug 2017 5 min read
A Magical Christmas in Levi, Lapland
What an amazing experience and one we will never forget! It was a long time coming, our trip to Lapland. I started planning a year in advance as I know how popular these holidays are on the run up to Christmas. Our girls were eight and five at the time so what better age for them to go in search of Santa and experience all the magic Lapland has to offer. We decided on a one week holiday over
19 Sept 2016 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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