Sally-Jo Asser
My expertise
I'm based in
Angmering
It's Nice To Meet You
Hello and welcome, I’m so pleased you’re here.
I’m Sally-Jo, your independent Travel Counsellor based in West Sussex, and I bring 21 years of travel industry experience to every itinerary I create. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, friends or as part of a special interest group, I take care of every detail so you can focus on the excitement of what lies ahead.
Over the years I’ve designed tailor-made holidays ranging from relaxed summer beach escapes and winter ski breaks, to complex group tours focused on nature, culture, archaeology and charity challenges. I’ve arranged honeymoons, milestone celebrations, river cruises, long-haul adventures and golf escapes for clients who want exceptional courses paired with equally exceptional stays. No two trips are the same, because no two travellers are the same.
I understand that people travel for many different reasons. For rest. For reconnection. For celebration. For challenge. My role is to truly understand your reason, then shape an itinerary that feels just right for you.
My own travels span Europe, North and Central America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Far East and the Caribbean. More recently I’ve experienced travelling solo to South America and on to an Antarctic expedition cruise, a reminder of just how transformative travel can be. From skiing and sailing to scuba diving, independent adventures and family holidays, I draw on first-hand experience as well as industry expertise.
As a Travel Counsellor, I have the freedom to offer something increasingly rare: genuine, personal service. No call centres. No endless online searching. No one-size-fits-all packages. Just thoughtful planning, expert advice and ongoing support from someone who knows you and your trip inside out.
My business is built on relationships and recommendations. When you trust me with your holiday, I take that responsibility seriously. Your experience matters, and getting it right matters.
If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me by phone, email or arrange a face-to-face appointment. Let’s create something memorable together.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Winter Escape to Jersey
Sometimes the best escapes are the ones that don’t require long flights or complicated planning. This winter, I took a three-night break to Jersey to see what the island offers outside of its traditional summer season, and it completely exceeded expectations. From dramatic cliff walks and hidden coves to historic towers and cosy harbour pubs, Jersey proved itself to be the perfect short winter
26 Feb 2026 5 min read
Galician Days: A Family Escape Through Santiago de Compostela, Vigo & the Isles of Cíes
There’s something magical about holidays that offer contrast — moments of stillness set against cultural buzz, basic comforts followed by boutique luxury. Our recent trip to Galicia, in northwestern Spain, gave us all that and more. A week of togetherness, slow travel, sea views, and the kind of freedom that leaves everyone recharged — teens included! Santiago de Compostela: History with Heart We
28 Jul 2025 5 min read
Belgium Self Drive Adventure through History, Golf & Gastronomy
There’s something incredibly liberating about loading up your own car and heading across the Channel — especially when the destination is Belgium, with its cobbled cities, hearty cuisine, and rich history. We travelled via Le Shuttle from Folkestone and spent five nights road-tripping through Dunkirk, Ypres, Ghent, Antwerp, and Brugge, discovering a perfect mix of culture, comfort, and cuisine alo
02 Jun 2025 5 min read
Lakaz Chamarel: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Mauritius
Lakaz Chamarel: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Mauritius In late August, my partner & I spent two nights (not long enough), at Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge, a serene retreat nestled in the lush hills of Mauritius. Located in the Chamarel region, known for its breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and mountains, this lodge offers a unique blend of eco-consciousness, luxury, and Mauritian culture.
24 Sept 2024 5 min read
Charming Copenhagen
Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, is a city that seamlessly blends modern lifestyle with centuries-old history. Known for its stunning architecture, walkable streets, and relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect destination for a short city break. During my two-night stay at the Scandic Kodbyen, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the city's unique culture, explore iconic landmarks,
04 Sept 2023 5 min read
Exploring Slovenia
Holiday conundrum!…. Blended families, comprising 2adults, 5children-ish (13,14,15,18,19)….. require somewhere hot, near water, with mountains, local outdoor activities, relaxation down time and a location that allows some independence for the kiddos. Bingo, Slovenia!!! Itinerary - August 8nights, Vila Vita Apartments in alpine resort, Kranjska Gora (KG) 2nights, B&B Slamic in capital city, Lj
26 Aug 2023 5 min read
Golfing in Marrakesh
What a fantastic 4night break taking in 3 golf courses & the crazy buzz of Marrakech. Marrakech is really beginning to make its mark as a great option for a golf break, offering considerably more value for money than the usual Algarve & Spanish options. Beautiful golfing oasis in the desert suburbs, within 20/30mins taxi of Marrakech centre. There’s plenty of golf course options, lovely wide fa
06 Mar 2023 5 min read
My Top 5 Travel Essentials
My Top 5 Travel Essentials Having recently returned from travelling I thought I’d share my top 5 travel essentials that made a significant difference to my travel experience. You’ll find a link at the end for ease of purchase if you so wish. Carhartt Beanie Hat The perfect accessory for travels to colder climes. No more itchy forehead, this is the softest, most comfortable beanie hat I’ve e
04 Dec 2022 5 min read
Antarctic Adventures
Antarctica, the seventh continent. The one place on my bucket list that I never really thought I’d achieve, it’s expensive, right? Fortunately for me, some stars aligned and the opportunity presented itself. I didn’t want a holiday, I wanted an adventure, an experience, something that would be challenging as a first time solo traveller in her 50’s, to a destination not yet visited, to see and ex
28 Nov 2022 5 min read
Venice Shortbreak
It’s two years overdue but finally I made it to Venice with my friend Caroline for my (now belated) 50th birthday celebrations….. I thank her for her patience in waiting to celebrate with me!! We booked the Hotel Serenissima for late March 2022, Thursday to Sunday, just a perfect 3 nights getaway. The journey was easy, Easyjet flights from Gatwick, Alilaguna Water Taxi from Airport to Venice. I
07 Jul 2022 5 min read
London - a la SJA
Like a lot of people, I’ve been to London many times for work and leisure. There are parts of this itinerary I’ve visited many times and yet still this globally iconic city never ceases to entertain me. My friend and I booked 2nights, end of October at Bermonds Locke aparthotel, just a 12min walk south of Tower Bridge. Bermondsey Street and The Shard to the west, Butlers Wharf and Shad Thames
01 Nov 2021 5 min read
Dubai
I visited Dubai back in Jan/Feb of 2017 for 5nights. Staying with friends family I was fortunate that I would get to experience Dubai from an ex-pat perspective, I always love a homestay experience (love an hotel stay too!). Their home in Arabian Ranches on the outskirts of Dubai is a good location if you wanted to rent a villa and car hire, otherwise it would be better to be more central. We h
28 Sept 2021 5 min read
Hiking in The Peak District
I was asked by some great friends, ‘fancy a walking holiday in the Peak District?’. The last time I was in this area and indeed hiking was some 30 years ago as a late teen and I remembered it being a challenging hike then. Would I be able to hack it a 50??? Would I be able to keep up with the group mostly in their 30’s & 40’s….. only way to find out is to do it… so ‘YES’ came splurting out of
16 Sept 2021 5 min read
Adventure Travel
There are many ways in which we can see the world be it a package or tailormade holiday, stays in luxury hotels or homestays in community projects, self-drive touring or organised group tour. There are so many different ways to see the highlights and experience a singular destination. So when asked “Can you give me a quote for (insert destination)?”, there is so much more I need to know about yo
15 Feb 2021 5 min read
The Recipe to Successful Travel
The Recipe to Successful Travel - Is there a recipe? The Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has enriched and influenced most of my working life and throughout this, planning lay at the heart of successful travel. Successful planning is key to everything and knowing why you want to take the journey and what you want to achieve is the first stage of planning. Successful planning and advice l
22 Jan 2021 5 min read
Farewell 2020
I’ve always been quite an easy going kinda girl. Good job! Little did any of us know what 2020 had in store for us! For all of us it has been immensely challenging bringing income insecurity, stunted social lives, home teaching whilst (for some) home working (for me this was tough), exhaustion of adapting every aspect of our everyday living….. second thinking everything, can we go to the park?
16 Dec 2020 5 min read
Christmas Ski 2019
Christmas Skiing, La Plagne - France Our party comprised me, my sons 15 & 9, my cousin, his wife and 2 daughters 4 & 6 and two grandmas, a multi-generational party. Four skiers, one snowboarder, two novice young children and two non-skiers (grandmas). La Plagne Centre & Ski Circuit is about 2hrs30mins from Grenoble airport. It’s multiple villages at different altitudes are part of the Paradiski
13 Jan 2020 5 min read
Corfu 2019 - Friend Therapy Holiday
So another year has gone by and it’s time for the next girls holiday. Mid June, 5 ladies, 4 nights at The Roda Beach Resort & Spa, Corfu, all-inclusive. We flew with Easyjet from Gatwick on the early 6am flight, arriving to be met by our private taxi so we could avoid the time consuming hotel drop off’s (very important when you’re on a short break). A swift 50 minute taxi journey and we were at o
01 Jul 2019 5 min read
The Weekend Break - Countryside & Coast
If you don’t have much time to spare in your busy stressful life what better way to spend it than relaxing at one of the many bubbling hot tub retreats nestled deep in the UK’s lush green countryside or picturesque coast. From quirky beach huts with stunning sea views to a cosy converted red bus. Escape to a beautiful cottage, stunning barn, or hop aboard a stylish boat. Whatever your idea of h
01 Apr 2019 5 min read
MSC Bellisima for One Night Only
MSC Bellisima for One Night Only I was fortunate enough to experience an overnight onboard MSC Bellisima whilst in Southampton in March 2019. I’ll be honest, although I do have a passion for being on the water and have enjoyed being onboard a dive liveaboard, chartering yachts and catamarans, a bit of dinghy and hobie cat sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing, MSC Bellisima was my first c
11 Mar 2019 5 min read
Family Holiday to Mexico
Bear with me whilst I break from guidelines of 750 words max for a blog…. I’ve got too much to tell you! Some 20 years ago husband and I, along with two of his colleagues that I barely knew at the time, booked a last-minute holiday to Playa del Carmen. I’m happy to say we had an amazing holiday, although it was not as cheap as my husband had led our friends to believe (now a standing joke)! Thi
04 Dec 2018 5 min read
Friend Therapy Holidays
One of the highlights of my year is the few nights that I take away with my girly friends. No families, no work, no routine. Just swim, chat, laugh, read, eat and drink. Friend therapy is my best tonic to add balance to my manic work and family life. Over the last six years, four of my dear friends and I have been so fortunate to have the support of our families to have this relaxing break expe
23 Nov 2018 5 min read
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Videos
Discover the world with me
Behind the waterfall, Plemont Beach
Behind the waterfall at Plemont Beach, Jersey
03 Mar 2026
La Corbiere, Jersey
La Corbiere peninsular & Lighthouse, Jersey
03 Mar 2026
Curious humpback whlaes
Humpback whales are curious with the polar plunge antics
10 Nov 2022
Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica
Vast landscapes of majestic beauty.
07 Nov 2022
Approach to St Marks Square
Not quite Bond-esque Casino Royale style arrival by sail boat but nevertheless the most breathtaking scene….. next time I must take my Daniel Craig with me!!
24 Mar 2022
St Marks Square - Venice
A beautifully peaceful St Marks Square, Venice.
24 Mar 2022
Piste Tobogganing - La Plagne Dec 2019
We had so much fun tobogganing of an evening from our chalet. Apologies the lighting is not that great but I love this video, gets me chuckling everytime.
16 Nov 2021
Lud's Church
The descent into Lud's Church, an atmospheric, moss-covered chasm that hides plenty of secrets
16 Sept 2021
Postcards from Travel Counsellors
I hope you enjoy our postcards to you video accompanied by a brilliant poem written and read by Tony Walsh to guide you through your memories & dreams.
08 Apr 2021
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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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