Nicola Benson
My expertise
I'm based in
Harpenden
Travel made simple with expert advice and a personal service from start to finish.
Hello, I’m Nicola, your local Travel Counsellor with over 26 years’ experience creating beautifully tailored holidays for clients who want expert guidance and a truly personal service.
You might already know me from my time working at Going Places in Harpenden and St Albans between 2000–2005, helping local clients plan their holidays long before online booking became the norm.
With my children now grown, Megan, a nurse, and Owen, a professional golfer, I understand how precious time away really is. When you finally switch off, it needs to be effortless, seamless and memorable for all the right reasons.
Travel isn’t just my career, it’s my passion. During the last 26 years I’ve helped countless clients experience the world with confidence, knowing every detail has been carefully considered and professionally handled. In an age of endless online options, my clients value clarity, reassurance and someone who genuinely understands what makes a trip exceptional.
My role is simple: I take care of everything. From destination expertise and hand-picked hotels to flights, transfers, experiences and support while you’re away, you’ll have one point of contact and complete peace of mind. No overwhelm, no guesswork, no call centres.
If you’re looking for a travel expert who listens, anticipates and delivers, I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable escape.
Let’s make your next holiday stress-free.
You can call or send me a WhatsApp - 01582 809640 or email me nicola.benson@mytc.com
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Accessible Travel: Making The World More Open To Everyone
Travel should be for everyone. Whether you need a little extra support at the airport or have complex mobility or medical needs, it is absolutely possible to see the world, make memories and feel properly looked after along the way.
01 May 2026 5 min read
Japan
Japan is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you return home. Ancient temples sit beside neon skyscrapers, bullet trains glide past misty mountains, and every detail, from the way a cup of tea is poured to the presentation of a simple lunch, feels thoughtfully crafted.
01 May 2026 5 min read
The Human Touch
In an age of AI, the human touch matters more than ever.
20 Apr 2026 5 min read
Trusted Travel
A travel agent isn't or shouldn't be someone who just simply clicks a 'book button'!
13 Mar 2026 5 min read
Experiencing the Qatar Grand Prix: Formula 1 in Doha
Experiencing the Qatar Grand Prix: Formula 1 in Doha In November 2024, I had the chance to experience the Qatar Grand Prix, one of the most exciting events on the Formula 1 calendar. Set against the stunning backdrop of Doha, the race combined high-octane action with world-class hospitality — and it’s safe to say the whole weekend was unforgettable. Staying in Style – The W Hotel Doha Doha is kn
19 Aug 2025 5 min read
Northern Iceland Travel Guide: Akureyri, Siglufjörður & Unforgettable Adventures
In March 2025, we travelled to Northern Iceland for three nights of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Based in the towns of Akureyri and Siglufjörður, we explored fjords, waterfalls, geothermal spas, and enjoyed unique experiences like husky sledding and snowmobiling. And to make it even more magical — we were lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights on two evenings during our stay
19 Aug 2025 5 min read
Doha is a gem of a destination!
I’ve just returned from an incredible Formula One Grand Prix weekend, and I can tell you firsthand—it’s an experience not to be missed! The energy, excitement, and seamless organisation made it unforgettable. Discover Doha: A Year-Round Destination with Something for Everyone Welcome to Doha, Qatar – a vibrant city that blends traditional culture with modern luxury, offering unforgettable experi
04 Dec 2024 5 min read
Californian Adventure
To celebrate my daughter Megan’s 21st birthday, her Godmother and I planned an unforgettable trip along the West Coast of the USA. From buzzing cities to breathtaking national parks and coastal wonders, it was the perfect blend of adventure and celebration. San Francisco Our journey began in San Francisco. A little cooler than expected, but we wasted no time in hopping on a cable car to Fisherm
02 Oct 2018 5 min read
A golfing paradise in Scotland
Scotland is renowned for many things; bagpipes, castles, beautiful scenery, serene lochs, and of course being the home of golf! In fact there are over 500 golf courses in Scotland so it would take you a few years to play them all! We spent a week in St Andrews whilst my son took part in a golf competition, and when he was on the fairways we visited the surrounding areas. St Andrews itself is a
21 Mar 2017 5 min read
Mystical Marrakech
In November I was invited on a trip to take in the sights of Marrakech. With only a three hour flight from London, this is an ideal short break destination but as I soon found out, there is also plenty to do for a longer stay. The snow-capped Atlas Mountains are a stunning backdrop for this buzzing sprawling city. The walled Medina houses the Jemaa El-Fnaa Souks. A maze of colour, noise and s
13 Dec 2016 5 min read
A weekend in Budapest
Budapest! The home to some incredible buildings, a beautiful river and chimney cake! I went with a group of friends to celebrate a big birthday. The weather in April was lovely and we were surprised to find 't-shirt' weather. When we arrived, we checked in and then headed straight out to do an open top bus tour. I always find this helps to get your bearings and is a great way to chec
07 Jul 2016 5 min read
Magical Mauritius
In May 2016, I was very lucky to be part of a team of Travel Counsellors that travelled to Mauritius and stay at the beautiful Beachcomber Paradis Hotel. We flew out with Emirates Airlines and were lucky enough to experience business class on the A380 out of LGW. We were treated so well, and I would really recommend Emirates Airlines. Paradis Hotel is one of 8 Beachcomber properties in Ma
07 Jul 2016 5 min read
Indian Odyssey
Along with five friends I flew to Delhi where we spent two nights and days exploring this fascinating city of two halves. We visited the famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi which once was the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire, the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world and The Raj Ghat which is the location of Gandhi's cremation. New Delhi was built in true colonial
07 Apr 2015 5 min read
Sri Lanka – the pearl of the Indian Ocean
After a very comfortable 13 hour flight we landed in Colombo. We took a short transfer to the 4 star Jetwing Blue Hotel in the beach resort of Negombo. After a good night’s sleep we headed to Anuradhapura, en route visiting Pinnawela elephant orphanage. It was fascinating watching these magnificent animals being washed in the river and then seeing the babies being fed with bottles. For a small fee
07 Oct 2014 5 min read
A South African Adventure
I have recently returned from South Africa on an educational of a lifetime. I joined seven other Travel Counsellors and David from African Pride on an adventure that took us to the wine lands, Cape Town and then onto Kruger National Park. Our first night was in Franschhoek, which is about an hour’s drive from Cape Town and we stayed at the stunning La Residence. It is truly a beautiful hot
02 Apr 2014 5 min read
A Tuscany Experience
I recently travelled to Tuscany where we stayed in the 3* Hotel Villa Ricci in Chianciano Terme. This is a great location to use as a base for exploring the area. We visited Montepulciano, which is famous for being used as a location in the 'Twilight' films. It is a beautiful city and well worth a visit for its lovely little shops and restaurants, palaces and churches. We also had the opportuni
30 Oct 2012 5 min read
Boston & Stowe
November 2011 and an educational to Boston & Stowe. Boston is lovely - a beautiful city and small enough to walk around easily. We stayed at the Taj Hotel, overlooking the Common. We visited the Fairmont Copley Plaza and the Boston Harbour Hotel too. One of the highlights for me was the Duck Tour of the city. It took in all the main attractions plus a cruise along the river too for a tot
29 Dec 2011 5 min read
Barbados Experience
I have just returned from a brilliant trip to the Caribbean Island of Barbados. Barbados offers something for everyone, from fantastic restaurants to beautiful beaches. The highlight of the week for me was taking a 4 x 4 safari around the island, taking in Edge Cliff, Bathsheba & Joe's River Forest - on and off road! We had the opportunity to take surfing lessons at DaAction Surf Shak, manage
25 Oct 2011 5 min read
A weekend in Bruges
Bruges is the perfect weekend destination. We travelled from London St Pancras by Eurostar to Brussels, with a connecting train to Bruges. The journey took approx 3 hours. It is a beautiful city that is easily explored by foot over 2 days. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and Bruges' most famous landmark is The Belfry on the main square. We clim
05 Jul 2010 5 min read
Chicago Educational
A group of Travel Counsellors and I visited Chicago on an educational visit in February. Despite the bitterly cold weather, it was a wonderful city break and a worthy alternative to New York. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, this city is crammed with things to do, yet the atmosphere is not frantic or claustrophobic. The impressive architecture is best appreciated from a trolley tour, a
06 Mar 2009 5 min read
Monaco
To celebrate my husbands 40th birthday, I organised an unforgettable surprise weekend with a couple of our friends to the luxurious principality of Monaco. Monaco lies between France and Italy and benefits from a micro climate boasting an average 300 sunny days a year. Even our October weather was fantastic! So bathed in sunshine, we walked through the tunnel along the Formula One Grand Prix
02 Sept 2008 5 min read
Florida
There’s good reason why Florida is referred to as the ‘fun capital of the world', it has a host of theme parks and attractions for kids of all ages! Our family of 4 spent a fortnight at a villa in Emerald Island, Kissimee to enjoy the whole Disney experience. We headed for the parks early each morning to beat the queues, allowing us time to recharge our batteries with a swim back at the villa b
02 Sept 2008 5 min read
New York
New York is an amazing city to visit, not only for the great sights, museums and shopping but also for the incredible, indescribable buzz that hits you the minute you arrive! I’d been to NY before but I wanted to share a girlie weekend there with my Mum and my daughter Megan to celebrate her birthday. We started with an open-top bus tour which you can hop on and off as often as you like. It’s
01 Sept 2008 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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