Leanne Rudd
My expertise
I'm based in
Stockport
Escape the Everyday, Explore the World
Hello, I’m Leanne, the owner of Travel By Leanne Ltd and an independent Travel Counsellor based in Hazel Grove, where I live with my boyfriend, Richard, and our black Labrador, Jasper.
Travel has been at the heart of my life since 2002, when I set off on a year‑long round‑the‑world adventure with a friend from university. We began in vibrant Rio de Janeiro and finished in bustling Bangkok 12 months later, working our way across South America, New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and South East Asia. That journey ignited a lifelong passion for exploring the world and helping others do the same.
My travel career has taken me from the slopes to the high street: I started as a holiday rep, spending ski seasons in Austria, Andorra and Finland, before becoming a travel consultant in London, a round‑the‑world specialist in Kensington and then general manager of a busy travel agency in Manchester. I love arranging both leisure and corporate trips and, most of all, building long‑term relationships with my customers. I genuinely care about every itinerary I design and truly believe that “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page”.
With 66 countries visited (and counting), my first‑hand experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable to your plans. I will take the time to really get to know you, your travel style and your wish list, then create a selection of tailored quotes just for you. From the big picture to the tiniest detail, I will take care of everything so that you can simply relax and look forward to unforgettable memories and a completely stress‑free experience.
When you book with me, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with Travel Counsellors’ unique financial trust, which protects every single penny of your booking. No other travel company offers this exact level of financial protection. You will also benefit from our 24/7 emergency assistance: no chatbots, just real people ready to help whenever you need it.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you are dreaming of a cruise, round‑the‑world flights, a ski escape, a luxury beach break or a bucket‑list safari (to name just a few), give me a call, drop me an email or send me a WhatsApp and let’s arrange a time to chat all things travel.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
My First-Timer’s Journey Through India: Colour, Culture & Unexpected Calm
India had been on my wish list for years, but I will be honest: I felt a little daunted. The crowds, the chaos, the infamous “Delhi belly” – I had heard all the stories. In the end I chose a small, organised group tour so I could experience India’s highlights with the reassurance of having everything taken care of. What followed was one of the most vibrant, enriching trips I have ever taken.
18 Mar 2026 5 min read
From Carnival to the Amazon: My Ultimate Brazil Itinerary
Brazil is not a place you simply “tick off”. It is a country you feel: the beat of the drums in Rio de Janeiro, the roar of Iguazu Falls, the hush of the Amazon Rainforest at sunrise and the rhythms of Salvador’s streets. For clients who want to experience the very best of Brazil in one seamless trip, I have created a 23-day itinerary for February and March 2026 that weaves together iconic cities
21 Jan 2026 5 min read
Cruising the Eastern Mediterranean on NCL Viva
Looking for the perfect Eastern Mediterranean cruise? Richard and I recently sailed aboard the Norwegian Viva, visiting iconic destinations like Istanbul, Alexandria, Santorini, Mykonos, and more. From incredible food and entertainment to friendly faces and historic ports, this cruise was everything we hoped for, and more.
22 Oct 2025 5 min read
Barbados - November 2024: Sunsets, Cricket & Caribbean Magic
My November 2024 escape to Barbados was one for the books—sun-drenched days, thrilling cricket, rich island culture, and a few unforgettable surprises along the way. Whether lounging on beaches, sipping rum cocktails, or cheering on England, this trip was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Where I Stayed: Coconut Court & Sea Breeze My holiday started at the charming Coconut Court Beach
02 May 2025 5 min read
A tour of Colombia
We visited Colombia in November 2018 and joined a small group tour operated by Intrepid. The group had a variety of ages and nationalities and was expertly led by a Colombian lady called Katarina. We flew Manchester to Cartegena with KLM via Amsterdam and our first adventure in the country was to a local clothes store to buy Richard something to wear since his suitcase didn’t arrive with us! Luck
11 Aug 2024 5 min read
P&O cruise to Northern Spain and France
We fancied a different holiday for May half term with the teenagers so we opted for a cruise with P&O sailing from Southampton. It was the children’s first cruise and they really enjoyed it. We were delayed boarding due to the ship needing a deep clean after a break out of Norovirus on the previous sailing, but that worked well for us as it meant we could watch the FA Cup final in a Southampton
15 Jul 2024 5 min read
My first 6 months as a Travel Counsellor
Time flies when you’re having fun and my first 6 months as a Travel Counsellor have certainly been that. From attending the amazing annual conference in November with guest speakers such as Louis Theroux and Fearne Cotton and to the whistlestop visit to Paris where I experienced the 5-star luxury of a Uniworld river cruise. I’ve made over £500k of sales and see no reason why I can’t hit £1million
09 Apr 2024 5 min read
Singapore Stopover
On our way to Western Australia we stopped off in Singapore for 3 nights. It’s a fabulous city any time of year as it has a tropical climate but we were there in April. We stayed in 2 different hotels which are next door to each other, so when we checked out of The Quincy, we simply crossed the courtyard into the Vibe Hotel. These hotels are walking distance to Orchard Road and a plethora of shop
18 Dec 2023 5 min read
A Finnish Winter Wonderland
I spent November to March in Ruka; a ski resort in Finland just 30 minutes south of the Arctic Circle. It’s a perfect winter wonderland and a great place to enjoy the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). There isn’t much daylight in the winter months, usually around 3-5 hours, so the slopes are floodlit allowing full days of skiing or snowboarding. Once a week the slopes are open until 11pm and th
30 Oct 2023 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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