Ruth De Avila
My expertise
I'm based in
London
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.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
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
Part II of my South Island escorted tour - with AAT Kings
09 Jul 2026 5 min read
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
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
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
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
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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