Margaret Ryan
My expertise
I'm based in
London
It's Nice To Meet You
Hello,
I’m delighted to introduce myself as the owner of an independent, personalised travel business proudly backed by Travel Counsellors. My passion lies in creating tailor-made travel experiences that go beyond expectations - journeys that inspire you, your friends, and your family to see the world in new and unforgettable ways.
My love for travel began at an early age, exploring my beautiful home country of New Zealand with my family, and has continued throughout my life travelling with friends and family. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively across Australasia, the USA & Canada, South Africa, Asia, Europe, and the UK. My experiences have included independent travel, adventure travel, self-drives, and cruises, each one deepening my appreciation for the world and the memories it offers.
That early passion for discovering the world led me to build a career in the travel industry, where I’ve spent the past 30 years working in New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of helping clients craft unforgettable itineraries, offering destination advice drawn from personal and professional experience, and providing thoughtful recommendations tailored to their individual preferences.
For me, a holiday doesn’t end when you arrive back home. It becomes a collection of core memories and life experiences that stay with you long after the suitcase is unpacked. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing escape, an adventurous expedition, or a cultural discovery, I’m here to ensure every detail is taken care of, so your only job is to enjoy every moment.
Let’s start planning your next unforgettable journey.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Long-Haul Travel Is Changing: New Innovations from Air New Zealand and Qantas
Would you choose a four-hour lie-flat sleep pod or a 22-hour non-stop flight?
02 Jun 2026 3 min read
5 under-the-radar ways to enjoy Europe this summer
Europe can get incredibly busy over the summer. If you would rather dodge the crowds and swap queues for quieter corners, here are five “under the radar” ways to experience Europe that feel a little more special and a lot less hectic.
20 Apr 2026 4 min read
Guide to Expedition Cruises
When people hear the words expedition cruise, they sometimes picture something quite hardcore: basic cabins, rough seas, freezing weather and having to be ultra-fit to keep up. But that really is not the reality for most modern expedition cruises.
10 Mar 2026 8 min read
Guide to River Cruising
This guide explains river cruising, what to expect on board, how it differs between Europe and Asia, and which rivers to consider.
21 Feb 2026 4 min read
Cruising along the Mekong
When a friend suggested a holiday cruising the Mekong, it did not take me long to say yes. I had never been river cruising before, but after seven days gliding along this magnificent river between Vietnam and Cambodia, watching life unfold on the banks and stepping straight into villages and markets from the boat, I finally understood why people fall in love with this way of travelling.
21 Feb 2026 3 min read
Guide to Cruising
Cruising on your mind but not sure where to start? With so many ships, routes and styles to choose from, it can feel overwhelming for everyone.
18 Feb 2026 7 min read
South Africa: Western Cape Road Trip
The Garden Route and a safari are on pretty much everyone’s South Africa bucket list - and for good reason. But here’s the thing, South Africa has so much more up its sleeve.
11 Feb 2026 5 min read
Planning a holiday with Teenagers & Young Adults
There comes a moment in every family where the “perfect family holiday” needs a bit more than an all-inclusive resort, kids’ clubs, and a water slide.
16 Jan 2026 5 min read
Why book your holiday with an independent travel professional like me?
Since starting my own travel business, the most common question I get asked is: “Why would I book through you and not just book it myself?” And while it does give me a tiny stab in the heart (I won’t lie 😅), I completely understand why people ask.
09 Jan 2026 5 min read
New Zealand: The Quirks, the Beauty & the Tips That Make It All Click
“It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the people there are unbelievably kind and welcoming.” — Stephen Colbert.
24 Dec 2025 4 min read
The Best Travel Decisions I Made In 2025
Behind every trip are a lot of decisions that need to be made along the way.
18 Dec 2025 5 min read
I Went Back to South Africa — and Remembered Exactly Why I Can’t Stay Away
About 20 years ago I got invited to a wedding in South Africa. There was no hesitation. Of course I was going. I was living in Dublin at the time, and for reasons I still can’t fully explain, that wedding invitation felt like a sign to change things up. So I RSVP’d yes, handed in my notice, packed up my Dublin life, and set off travelling around South Africa, finishing a six-week trip at one of
16 Dec 2025 6 min read
Low-cost vs Full Service Traditional airlines: what’s actually cheaper these days?
Low-cost vs Full – Service Traditional airlines: what’s actually cheaper these days? We’ve all done it. You spot a flight for £29, get excited for about 12 seconds….then realise it departs so early you’ll need a night at the airport (or a very expensive taxi). Add a cabin bag, pick a seat, make sure you’re not boarding with a bag that’s 2cm too big, and suddenly it’s not quite the “cheap weekend
14 Dec 2025 4 min read
Solo Travel Without the Lonely, Scary or “Is This Weird?” Bits
When I was on holiday with my family this summer, my sister asked me if I enjoyed travelling on my own. Before she even had a chance to finish the question, I’d already replied, maybe with a little too much enthusiasm for the setting, “Yes, I love it.” Luckily, my sister knows me well enough not to take offence.
09 Dec 2025 6 min read
Map in Hand or Guide by Your Side? Finding Your Perfect Travel Style
How often has a holiday idea started with “I’d love to go to… (fill in the blank)”? Or, if you’re anything like me, it’s more: “I’d love to go to (fill in blank) and (fill in blank) and (fill in blank)…”
05 Dec 2025 5 min read
Albania: Coast, Mountains, Rivers and Cities
If Albania has been on your radar recently, you are not alone. My feed was full of beach clubs and turquoise bays long before I booked anything, but what we found when we finally went was so much richer than that: wild canyons, Ottoman hill towns, glassy lakes and a capital city that is anything but grey. This is how we spent a week in Albania, what we loved most, and some practical tips if you a
24 Nov 2025 7 min read
Day One of Holiday - How to Prepare.
You’ve planned your holiday for months. You’ve booked the flights, packed and repacked your bag, made it through the airport and the long journey, and finally land at your destination. You step out of the terminal, tired and a bit irritable, and suddenly realise: now what? That first day can feel strangely directionless, especially when everyone’s patience is running low. The good news is that a
20 Nov 2025 5 min read
Tech & Takeoff: What Electronics Belong in Your Cabin Bag (and What Can Be Checked)
If you’re anything like me, your holiday essentials often include more than a couple of gadgets: my smartphone, camera, tablet, and sometimes my hair straightener. What can be in my cabin luggage and what can be packed in my checked-in luggage is often debated and then researched.
13 Nov 2025 2 min read
The Best Travel Apps – Tried, Tested, and Trusted
Our phones are officially the most essential travel accessory — right up there with a comfy pair of shoes and a good coffee before an early flight. From maps to money to messages, there’s an app for everything these days, but figuring out which ones are actually useful (and which ones just steal your storage space) can be a bit of a guessing game.
08 Nov 2025 5 min read
Adventure Travel – Google and I Disagree
If you Google “What is adventure travel?” you’ll get something like: “A type of travel that involves physical activity, nature, cultural exchange and usually some level of risk or personal challenge…” Which, quite frankly, makes it sound like you’ll be ziplining off a cliff, hiking for 12 hours, and needing a helmet at all times. If I had read that before my first adventure trip, I would have poli
05 Nov 2025 5 min read
When Is a Good Time to Book Your Holiday?
Here we are in November (already) - the month when our inboxes start going berserk Ping! Another Black Friday Deal. Ping! “Exclusive 48-hour offer!” Ping! “This price won’t last!” (…until next week when it magically appears again).
31 Oct 2025 3 min read
Longhaul Flying – It’s Not as Bad as You Think
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting New Zealand but hesitated because of “the flight,” this one’s for you. As a Kiwi who’s been flying between New Zealand and Europe for most of the past 30 years, I’ve heard it all - “It’s so far!”, “How do you cope with those long flights?” or “I could never do that many hours in the air.” Here’s the truth: longhaul flying doesn’t have to be painful. With a few s
27 Oct 2025 3 min read
A Weekend in Valencia: Sunshine, Culture, and Paella
I first visited Valencia in February 2022 for a weekend, mainly to escape the London winter. I expected sunshine and a few quiet days by the sea - but I found so much more. The city’s energy, food, and mix of culture and outdoor living completely won me over. Since then, I’ve recommended Valencia to family and friends, and every single one has loved it. It’s one of those rare places where families
24 Oct 2025 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
My favourite offers
See offers I've personally curated
Videos
Discover the world with me
Andean Explorer
Luxury rail through Peru linking Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, with extraordinary Andean scenery, refined comfort and a beautifully slow pace.
03 Apr 2026
Client Testimonial
Thank you Lucy. It was fun planning this trip for you - inspired by Race across the World.
18 Feb 2026
Labnorie Estate, Paarl, South Africa
Vineyard Deluxe Suites are quiet and spacious with uninterrupted vineyard views, just a short walk from the Manor House and Stoep.
25 Dec 2025
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.
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