Ruth De Avila

My expertise

New Zealand
Mauritius
Japan
Greece
Grenada
Thailand
Vietnam
Norway

I'm based in

London

Available for new enquiries

Hello, I'm Ruth.


For 36 years, I've had the privilege of helping people explore the world and create memories that last a lifetime.

My love of travel began when I was young, and it wasn't long before it became my career. With 36 years in the travel industry, I still love helping people discover the world.

My journey started in my brother's pioneering LGBTQ+ tour operator business, where I began by folding T-shirts before progressing into sales and management. Working in LGBTQ+ travel during the 1990s, when the industry looked very different, taught me the importance of listening, understanding every client's individual needs and creating holidays where everyone feels welcome.

Since 2006, I've had the privilege of running my own travel business, helping clients plan everything from family celebrations and honeymoons to luxury escapes, tailor-made adventures and once-in-a-lifetime journeys across the globe.

For me, travel is never just about booking flights and hotels. It's about getting to know you, sharing honest advice and taking care of every detail, so you can travel with complete confidence.
Whether you're planning a weekend city break, a luxury beach escape, a bucket-list adventure or a complex multi-centre itinerary, I'll use my experience, industry connections and personal service to create a holiday that's every bit as special as you've imagined.

The world is full of extraordinary places. I'd love to help you discover your next one.

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Explore my guides and blogs

Luxury Vietnam

Luxury Vietnam

If anyone had asked me in October whether I was ready for a proper break, I’d have laughed and said “Just give me a mug of Yorkshire and five minutes.” Instead, I was treated to 7 nights of luxury living in Vietnam, fully stocked with delicious food, hours of laughter and a bucket full of memories.

22 Jul 2026 4   min read

South Island Dreaming Part II

South Island Dreaming Part II

Part II of my South Island escorted tour - with AAT Kings

09 Jul 2026 5   min read

South Island Dreaming

South Island Dreaming

Sometimes this job delivers proper pinch me moments. Winning a place on an incentive trip with AAT Kings to New Zealand’s South Island was one of those. This is Part 1 of my South Island series, beginning in Christchurch and on from there.

24 Mar 2026 4   min read

The Sarojin

The Sarojin

On my last visit to Thailand, I had the opportunity to visit some properties first-hand that I was keen to add to my growing portfolio of recommendations. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some incredible places across the country but when I returned to Khao Lak, I was introduced to something truly special. Just over an hour’s drive from Phuket airport, arriving at the elegant beachfront retre

24 Feb 2025 2   min read

Tantalising Thailand

Tantalising Thailand

Elephant Hills has been on my bucket list since I sent my first clients there, back in 2008. It took me a while, but I finally managed to tick that dream trip off last summer, in the second of my 2022 adventures in Thailand. Having spent a few days in Bangkok, I took the one-hour flight to Phuket with the excellent Thai Smile early on a Monday morning. Elephant Hills was the country’s first

15 May 2023 6   min read

What my customers say

I gave a 10 because I always find Ruth so helpful and nothing is to much trouble for her

V & C Morris

Oxford

Amazing help - could not have done it without you... Thanks so much

The Samuels

London

I recently had the pleasure of Ruth, to plan a holiday to the Maldives for my birthday later this year, and I cannot recommend her highly enough! From the very beginning, Ruth took the time to listen to our requirements and preferences, demonstrating a true understanding of what we were looking for in our dream getaway. Her expertise and dedication shone through as she presented us with several fantastic options that perfectly aligned with our desires. Not only did she find us an incredible resort, but she also ensured that all the little details were taken care of, making the planning process seamless and enjoyable. Ruth's professionalism, warmth, and positive attitude has made the entire experience absolutely delightful. Thanks to her efforts, we are now counting down the days to our unforgettable birthday celebration in paradise. If you're looking for a travel agent who truly cares about her clients and goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience, look no further than Ruth! Thank you, Ruth, for making our holiday dreams come true!

C Jones

Kent

Dearest Ruth I just wanted to write a quick note to express my thanks at the phenomenal job you did arranging us the most amazing trip. Frankly thank you seems insufficient for the most out of this world attention to detail, thought and care you put into the itinerary. From start to finish you have been sensational. The birthday boy was a very very happy lad for the full 5 days... back to reality with a cold English winter bump now! I know we will be speaking again very soon.. I truly am a convert to Blue Skies and Sunnies.. thank you thank you thank you .. 😊

Kate G

London

Ruth is brilliant and we are not an easy family to please with my wife in particular changing her mind on numerous occasions! Despite this Ruth has been massively supportive, put absolutely no pressure on us to make a decision and been happy to plan and re-plan our holiday to suit our needs. Would 100% recommend Ruth to anyone and everyone.

C Antrim

Kent

Brilliant, efficient service as usual.

I Hawtin

Oxfordshire

Ruth had been amazing from start to finish. Highly recommend her. Really understood what we were looking for

Bianca T

London

Ruth takes time to fully understand requirements and the details that will make a difference to having a great holiday! She is extremely responsive and will always try to propose plausible options within budget

Ilana S

London

Very efficient and always available takes all the hassle out of trying to book it yourself always there to sort out any issues

V Morris

Oxford

As always, Ruth offers a comprehensive service, going above and beyond to ensure she is able to provide the complete holiday requirements.

I Seymour

Essex

Ruth provides a first class service. She is very personable, listens carefully to what you would like from your holiday and extremely prompt in providing the information required and adjusting arrangements as needed.

Hazel A

Kent

Would highly recommend Ruth, for her knowledge and dedication to getting the right itinerary for you.

Lisa R

Derby

I would recommend Ruth, she replies quickly and is easy to deal with. Plus we always have wonderful holidays when she arranges them

A Marks

London

smoothly. You were right- Elephant Hills and The Sarojin were beyond our expectations. We enjoyed every moment. All the hotels were excellent, and the transfers took away all the stress of getting from place to place. We got home last night from our trip. Pretty jet lagged but feeling so full of experiences. Thanks again for helping plan our trip and dealing with the reorganizing that happened right at the start of our trip. Take care

G Marshall

Canada

An absolute life saver! And cheaper than looking online or going to a travel agent. She listened to what we wanted and delivered some gems to choose from. Sorted everything, private transfer, hotel night before. If you want to take the stress out for trawling for holidays, which takes time, give Ruth a ring and you’ll be surprised., Everyone needs a Ruth in their lives! Thanks Ruth for our amazing Boutique holiday. A & P Greenough x

A Greenough

Birmingham

I have been a client of Ruth's for 15 years now and have always found her so knowledgeable and understanding of my needs and likes/ dislikes...She really has gotten to understand mine and my wife's nuances I have asked her for numerous quotes travel plans and she has always exceeded my expectations, even if sometimes I have had to change my travel plans she has always been very gracious and kind when I have , in effect, wasted her time. She is an absolute star and I always look forward to her suggestions.

MR C Swistakowski

Kent

is there a score beyond 10?! Ruth was everything you want from a travel counsellor - professional, kind, incredibly prompt in every response and pandered to my every whim and wobble without hesitation. I had an idea of what I wanted with absolutely NO idea how to execute but Ruth gave phenomenal advice and directed me without pushiness or being overbearing. She found me the most incredible package for an outstanding price and I cannot thank her enough. I highly recommend Ruth and have already passed her number on and will continue to do so. She will also be my first port of call when I need another trip organised! thank you again Ruth...

Kate G

London

I would never use anyone else other than Ruth to book my holiday with. She goes above & beyond.

Suzanne Thomas

Midlands

Ruth helped my family and I find the right holiday for us. It took a couple of attempts to get the balance right between the adventure part of the holiday and the relaxing part at the end. The changes we made was down to my decisions rather than any suggestions made initially. Ruth was so patient finding a way around what worked for us.

Melanie Cassell

London

Ruth provides a very friendly service that takes account of what we as a client are looking for. She is super efficient and ensures we have a number of options to choose from

L Krafchik

London

Ruth is just gorgeous and so obliging and willing to go the extra mile

J Ash

London

Ruth goes above & beyond any other travel agent I have used before. I would not use anyone else & would 100% recommend to family, friends & associates.

S Thomas

Leicester

Ruth is knowledgeable, friendly and responsive she understands my families many needs and always finds the right holiday for us!

Julian Marks

London

Ruth has been fantastic as she always has been . Ruth is a credit to TC

Alastair Parsons

Notts

We booked our honeymoon to Mauritius with Ruth, and she was incredibly helpful at recommending various hotels and helping us figure out where exactly we wanted to honeymoon. When we brought our ideal hotel to her, she helped us to find the best price and package. Her customer care is second to none, from checking in during the booking process, to calling me in Mauritius when our return flight was cancelled to see how she could help, and a follow-up call when we got home to ask us all about our honeymoon. I have recommended Ruth to lots of our friends and will continue to do so.

Chloe Sint

London

Ruth is simply amazing. In the past few years, she has worked tirelessly (especially during all our COVID issues) to solve the problems and find new solutions. Highly recommended!

Alex Gilbert

London

Very happy with all aspects of booking with Ruth. Having the personal one to one service is invaluable and delighted with outcome of both holidays she has booked for us

Carol Uzan

London

Discover the world with me

TC

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Helping you create lifelong memories

15 May 2023

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Let’s talk through your ideas, no pressure.

+4420 8920 0816

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Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.