Samantha Nanayakkara
I'm based in
Hitchin
It's Nice To Meet You
"Travel has always been, and will always be, about creating moments that truly matter."
Hello, I'm Samantha. My aim is to help you create lasting memories. With my knowledge and expertise, I’m here to ensure your holiday is not only enjoyable but meaningful.
With 29 years of experience in the travel industry, I’ve had the pleasure of arranging dream holidays for individuals and families. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, I take the time to understand your preferences and tailor a personalised itinerary that fits your budget and style. I firmly believe that personal service is the key to building trust and lasting relationships.
I’m passionate, organised, and meticulous in my approach to travel planning, ensuring the best results for you.
As part of a global network with 5* Trustpilot reviews and award-winning customer service, I work with Travel Counsellors to offer you peace of mind with complete financial protection and 24/7 customer support, ensuring your holiday experience is as stress-free as possible.
As an independent, Travel Counsellor, I understand the importance of flexibility and am here to assist with all your holiday needs every step of the way. If you’d like inspiration for your next holiday or need to discuss your travel plans, feel free to contact me by phone, email, or even over a coffee.
Reviews
What my customers say
"Samantha is responsive and always on it. She’s our go to holiday specialist"
DEE O'CONNELL
HARPENDEN
21/07/2026
I was only introduced to Sam this year but a friend of mine who has already used her twice. We were planning a big holiday and Sam has been fantastic. She's helped us make the right decisions and provided great advice. Nothing is ever too much trouble and she is always available when you need her, she works incredibly hard to provide the best service to all her clients. I would highly recommend Sam to everyone.
CLARE PRISEMAN
Harpenden
23/03/2026
Sam went above and beyond to find us the holiday we wanted. Very much appreciated!
KITTY EDWARDS
Harpenden
26/02/2026
Always very helpful and answers any questions straight away.
Sandy Mitchell
Suffolk
18/02/2026
We have been recommending you and a couple of people are going to follow through! Brilliant service! Pat
Pat Ring
Harpenden
22/01/2026
We have just arranged our second holiday through Samantha. As before everything was arranged extremely quickly and smoothly with regular updates as to how things were going. I have also recently recommended Samantha to some friends who have subsequently booked their holiday with her and I know were extremely impressed.
Nicky Todd
Harpenden
14/11/2025
Sam has done it again! An amazing holiday. Our first outside of Europe and on long haul flights. We went to Thailand and Singapore and there were 3 hotels involved and 4 transfers. It was slick and Sam didn't miss a beat. We had some last minute changes/ requests to bedrooms and she pulled them all off. Really pleased and can't wait to book next years adventure. Thank you Sam "
Nicole Nicole
Dunstable
03/11/2025
Samantha is so easy to deal with, she gets into it and finds a solution that you would never have found alone. I recommend her to all my friends!
CLAIRE LAURENSON
Harpenden
01/10/2025
Sam is amazing !, she always goes above and beyond to make sure we book the holiday we are happy with and then continues to look after us in the run up and during to answer any questions we may have.
Steph Dixon
Luotn
23/07/2025
Samantha is truly the best travel counsellor we've ever had! She took care of every detail, leaving us with nothing to worry about except packing our bags and enjoying the journey. Thanks to her, we experienced one of our best holidays ever—with upgraded rooms, thoughtful amenities, and delicious food. Everything was simply perfect!
Wenqi Li
London
05/05/2025
Samantha was knowledgeable, efficient and prompt at sorting out our request. It all worked out really well.
Pat Ring
HITCHIN
22/04/2025
Always very helpful and efficient
Rod Mitchell
Suffolk
22/04/2025
Samantha is very patient and is very knowledgeable about many locations. She has found my group of 12 a fantastic hotel to relax at for a week. We have no reservations in recommending Samantha to any of our friends.
TREVOR BURTON
Harpenden
11/04/2025
Samantha has been so wonderful . We are very grateful for her help.
Kirsty Wallace Buckle
Harpenden
11/04/2025
As ever FANTASTIC service from a skilled 'problem solver' held in the highest of regards. Thank you Sam
James Evans
Hitchin
02/04/2025
If I could give 11 I would. Samantha is amazing! Clearly passionate and loves what she does and wants the best for her clients. She spent time getting to know our family and what we like and then was incredibly thorough and effective at sending over options. Her communication is incredible and would not hesitate to recommend her to friends. Well I already have! I will definitely use Samantha going forward and wish I’d found her sooner!
Sarah Green
Harpenden
07/03/2025
Amazing advisor, nothing too much trouble !
Keely Bates
Harpenden
04/02/2025
"Super service! Very quick! Understood exactly what we wanted"
CELIA ALMOND
NOTTINGHAM
20/12/2024
So flexible, helpful and proactive. It’s taken all the hassle of a complex trip out and Samantha is fantastic
Edward Cooper
Wheathampstead
03/12/2024
Samantha is most helpful, she’s very knowledgeable and professional. She has organised several holidays for us, I will always use her and recommend her. Her attention to detail is very reassuring.
Jane Gardiner
HARPENDEN
03/12/2024
Extremely helpful, professional and very thorough. I’d recommend Sam highly.
ANDREW FOX
Durham
13/10/2024
Top class service and attention to detail
Gamini Maha
Stevenage
23/09/2024
"Am already recommending Samantha to people I know due to the great service we have had"
Patricia Ring
HARPENDEN
17/08/2024
Samantha, has been fabulous. She is focused and efficient and diligent at looking at different options and prices for you to enable you to book the right holiday for you!
Pauline Cross
Harpenden
10/08/2024
The hotel is amazing .My husband immediately said “well, we’re definitely using Samantha again!” and my daughters both said “Oh My God! She’s a Queen!” We are loving it, thank you so much!
VICTORIA CHAMBERLAIN
HARPENDEN
31/07/2024
Samantha was very helpful and efficient, thank you.
JENNIFER ANDREWS
SUSSEX
31/07/2024
We just wanted to drop a message to say a HUGE thank you for organising us the most amazing holiday in Mauritius!
CAT BIRKIN
HARPENDEN
31/07/2024
"Very happy with the service and have already done some recommendations"
Sandra Mitchell
Sudbury
18/06/2024
" Her service has been very efficient and already have Sam looking for our 30th anniversary next year "
Sue Covington
Bedford
12/06/2024
Super communicative, found personalised deal where others failed and worked hard to achieve the holiday of our dreams within our tight budget!
Debbie Power
London
17/05/2024
Sam was recommended by a friend - she was absolutely brilliant in making my trip to see family happen - I can't recommend her highly. I look forward to using her services again in the near future - I have already passed her details on to friends and family. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with her.
ANNEMARIE CONNEELY
Summerset
04/04/2024
We have already recommended Sam as she went above and beyond to source us an amazing holiday. She worked relentlessly until we were happy with our booking and stayed in touch throughout to ensure everything went smoothly for us.
Penny Johnson
Harpenden
01/03/2024
Samantha was amazing. Giving me lots of options for my budget and had a great knowledge about different resorts. Highly recommend .
Stephanie Dixon
Luton
16/02/2024
Great service and understanding of the client and requirements
Paul Jackson
HARPENDEN
16/02/2024
Sam found us a smashing looking holiday, well within our budget and with everything we asked for. So very helpful as we didn’t know where to start looking and saved us hours of searching. Really happy and would definitely recommend. We would love to use Sam again.
Britt Dahle
KIMPTON
11/02/2024
Amazing service
OMONIGHO AKHABUE
Luton
11/02/2024
Sam went above and beyond what we would expect from a travel consultant to help tailor our holiday to our expectations. We are delighted with the holiday we’ve now booked for this year. It will be a really special trip to recognise a shared big birthday that my wife and I both have this year!
IAIN CLARKE
Harpenden
07/02/2024
Sam, is one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I know in the travel industry. We trust her with all of our holiday requirements.
TREVOR BURTON
Harpenden
07/02/2024
Samantha was fantastic we got a bespoke service. When are holiday was cancelled by another company 2 weeks before departure and she pulled out all the stops to get us booked on what looks to be a great upgrade in peak season and very little extra cost. Thank you Thank you Thank you
Robert Almond
Nottingham
16/01/2024
Sam is BRILLIANT and I have recommended her so far. I trust Sam !
James Evans
Hitchin
16/01/2024
Excellent communication and arranged everything really quickly.
Nicky Todd
HARPENDEN
16/01/2024
It was a pleasure dealing with Samantha, she was efficient, and quick to sort out an itinerary to suit us
Beverley Joubert
Colney Heath, St Albans
13/11/2023
Friendly, helpful, efficient and always kept us up to date.
Liz Murru
London
25/09/2023
Fantastic experience thank you so much highly recommend x
Louisa Findlater
St Albans
12/09/2023
Very good service and attention to detail. Thank you so much !
Sandra Mitchell
Suffolk
29/08/2023
So helpful and hard working. Would never go anywhere else!
Sally Crisp
Bedford
29/08/2023
Absolutely first class - I don't plan on ever booking with anyone else!
Vanessa Moulton
Harpenden
22/08/2023
Very thorough and extensive in her preparation of the suggested tour. Also regular communication about various options.
Moushumi Coreira
Hertford
01/08/2023
One of the most efficient travel companies I have ever dealt with, Sam got us a very good deal. I would recommend her to anyone !
Alan Broom
Dorchester
30/06/2023
I will without doubt recommend Sam to anyone that wants looking to book a holiday with a highly professional, dedicated and skilled person that goes the extra mile. Attentive, creative and so thoughtful throughout the booking process, Sam listened to everything I dreamed of and made it all happen! She was mindful of budget, caring towards my needs and relentless is making it all happen for me! The only draw back for me is not being able to holiday often enough to call upon Sam and her services more!! Sam is a rare find and an absolute gem - anyone lucky to work with her will definitely be back time and time again!
Lyndsey Wall
Harpenden
23/06/2023
"Thank you for helping us find the most beautiful places to stay. You are everything they say you are and more"
Samantha Jackson
Harpenden
20/06/2023
Samantha has been amazing, so helpful and patient. I set her a big task, a large 10 person, various ages, limited budget but 5 star requests family Holliday. She has worked very hard and found us the perfect holiday. I highly recommend her services, I normally book holidays myself, as I’m happy to search around and find the best deal. I will no longer will be doing that ! Samantha offered us prices and holidays that I could not have found. She is also very friendly and diligent. Her work ethic is outstanding and I think she really cares and try’s her best to find customers their dream holiday.
Jane Gardiner
Harpenden
05/06/2023
Available at all times to answer and implement my often diverse and seemingly innocuous requirements. Samantha is someone that I can recommend without requisite, she is has proven to be superbly competent within all aspects of the travel industry. I would like to add Samantha is an absolute pleasure to deal with.
Paul Nugent
Harpenden
01/06/2023
Very efficient, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable!
Analisa Fazio
Harpenden
12/05/2023
We were put in contact with Samantha with regards to booking a holiday with friends to the Maldives next year. She worked tirelessly to accommodate and find all that we had requested. She constantly kept us updated and provided all information that we asked her to find out about. A pleasure to book are holiday with and will definitely be using Samatha for future trips.
mandi allen
Stevenage
11/05/2023
I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Samantha and I must say, the experience was nothing short of incredible. Throughout the entire process, Samantha went above and beyond to ensure that we had an exceptional experience, taking the time to understand our needs and preferences for the perfect holiday. Right from the outset, Samantha was attentive and patient, listening carefully to our requirements and working closely with us to create a tailored plan that met our specific needs. Her attention to detail was exceptional, ensuring that every aspect of our holiday was meticulously planned and executed to perfection. Samantha's extensive knowledge and expertise were evident throughout the process, as she provided us with invaluable insights and tips to enhance our holiday experience. She was always available to answer our queries, provide updates and offer recommendations, making the entire process stress-free and enjoyable. We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming summer trip, thanks to Samantha's outstanding service.
Glen Cooper
Norwich
26/04/2023
When Covid struck some 3 years ago, apart from the impact on day to day life one of the other consequences was the closing down the local travel agent in Harpenden. Yes on line booking is very convenient but if you wanted some “different“ or tailored they were your girls in particular Sam !! Well Samantha has made a reappearance in the travel industry, we found her and over the last 3 weeks has tailored a couple of trips for us next year. For those of you who knew Samantha she needs no introduction but for those of you who don’t you honestly should look no further if your planning an adventure, she’s both incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Paul Martin
Harpenden
24/04/2023
Samantha is superb! She took a whole Sunday afternoon to prioritise my holiday search. It was last minute and I was struggling to find anything within budget. Somehow Samantha came up trumps with several options which ticked all the boxes. She doesn’t just fire lots of options at you, but takes the time to find out where you have been before so she knows what to look out for. I’ll 100% use her again. Thank you Samantha! Xx
Helen Markham
HARPENDEN
24/04/2023
Samantha is absolutely fantastic. She used to book all our holidays when she was at tui shop pre-covid, so I was thrilled when I saw Trevor’s post with her details on Sunday. I got in touch straight away and she has worked relentlessly this week to find the perfect holiday for me and my two children (our accommodation requirements are not straightforward so she’s really had her work cut out). The options she has offered me have been fantastic and the holiday I have booked ticks every box. Highly recommend.
Pippa Robson
Harpenden
12/04/2023
5 STAR review for Samantha - she’s just booked us a three generation holiday which ticks all of the boxes for all of our party who range in age from 13 to 75. She has saved me hours scrolling though endless websites. Samantha really listened to my brief and nothing has been too much trouble. Can’t wait to go!
Clare Mackay
Knebworth
05/04/2023
I cannot recommend Samantha enough her expertise and knowledge are extensive as she has been in the industry for over 20 years and has traveled herself. I always enjoy hearing her travel stories which help me on choosing a destination to travel. Samantha understands her clients needs can be different for every holiday and helps you find that dream trip. If you need someone to help plan and organize that holiday you are dying to go on Samantha is there for you. ??
Lydia Ferraro
Shefford
22/03/2023
So happy to have had Samantha’s help in securing a fabulous deal on our forthcoming family trip abroad. Sadly because of school term dates, we were unable to travel on the original dates secured by Sam for our fellow travellers…. not an issue, Sam spent her time exploring other flights and managed to get us to the same hotel for a shorter stay which we needed and for a fabulous cost all within days of the initial problem of dates arising. I cannot recommend her enough, she will go above and beyond to make your holiday perfect for you! Thank you Sam we will be using your service again!
Sue Burton
Northamptonshire
01/03/2023
Absolutely amazing sorted 17 of us out with a holiday in quick time efficient calm and a lovely person to deal with all questions answered quickly thank you so much ????
Colin Burton
Yeovil
27/02/2023
I can not recommend Sam highly enough, she is the most diligent and hard working person I know. If you need a holiday anywhere in the world Sam will find you the best place to stay and get you a great deal. Nothing is too much trouble, and trust me, we were trouble. Sam has booked 17 of us into an all inclusive resort in Cyprus to celebrate my brothers 60th birthday. She really is a star. Thanks Sam. X
Trevor Burton
Harpenden
27/02/2023
Words cannot express how amazing Sam is! I have used Sam for over ten years and each holiday she has organised has never disappointed. Sam always goes the extra mile to ensure that everything is perfect and takes all of the stress out of the process. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate and is dedicated to providing the best service and travel experience. If you are thinking of booking a holiday make sure you contact Sam……. 5 star service from beginning to end
Marc Crumplin
Knebworth
26/02/2023
Sam - as always - has gone above and beyond to secure me a brilliant deal. We first met Sam years ago when she booked our first ever "big family holiday" to Mauritius and since then she has booked many holidays for us. All seamless and all perfect. With Sam it's the little things and the attention to detail that count. She doesn't just remember the children's names and ages, she gets to know you too - guiding you away from hotels or destinations she knows won't deliver to your family's requirements and she is fantastic at pointing you in the right direction for you based on your taste and budget. Her knowledge of the tourism sector is excellent. On a number of occasions I've thoroughly researched online best prices yet Sam has always found me a better deal I didn't think existed. Sam is professional and friendly and passionate about her business and I whole heartedly recommend her!
Lorna Kelsey
Somerset
19/02/2023
I highly recommend Samantha as a travel agent. What she managed to achieve for my first holiday in 5 years is like a miracle. Nothing was too big or too small for her to take into account. It's such a personal experience, with the time and attention to detail that I couldn't have managed myself. She was even calling hotel companies to check whether they offer yoga classes! Very excited to take my kids on their first holiday in July, and I have peace of mind knowing that the resort has the location amd amenities that I was dreaming of. What a genius! I am already recommending to friends
Elaine Ray
SOUTH SHIELDS
17/02/2023
I can highly reccomend Samantha and will be booking many future holidays. Nothing was too much trouble and now I have my perfect holiday booked for June. She really went above and beyond.
Keely Bates
Harpenden
17/02/2023
Samantha couldn’t be any more helpful. Nothing was too much, and she always got back to me when she said she would with any info. She’s very knowledgeable, and really try’s to understand exactly what you’re looking for to help find the perfect holiday and best price. She made booking our holiday a pleasant experience :-)
Krystina Sinclair
Bedfordshire
17/02/2023
I am very grateful to Samantha for my recent holiday booking. When we spoke on the phone she asked a lot of questions and within twenty four hours she had sent three options for me to choose. All of my requirements were taken into account and I am pleased that I can contact her easily between now and the holiday. I'll be in contact again when I decide what I am doing for January. Very impressed. Happy to recommend.
James S
Harpenden
17/02/2023
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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.
Get in touch
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Let me inspire you
Stay inspired with my insider tips, hidden gems, and dream-worthy itineraries until you're ready to make them real
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Samantha Nanayakkara