Shara Smith
I'm based in
Stevenage
It's Nice To Meet You
Thank you for choosing to visit my travel page.
My name is Shara Smith and I am a Global Tour Operator.
Travel is a necessity and a luxury. We all travel, but we travel differently.
I'm here to offer you a unique travel service; I speak with all of my clients personally before offering you a quote, this is important so I can begin to build a picture of you and all of your travel requirements to be able to create your idea of 'perfect'. Once we've established, where, when and how, we can then proceed to the fun stage - designing and building your dream, bespoke trip!
I’m independent, so there are no hidden loyalties with suppliers. I work hard to find you the exact holiday that fits your requirements. I'm here to take care of the finer details so you don’t have to, I particularly focus on building your long haul and specialist Europe trips, this is where my niche sits.
Being a Tour Operator means I'm with you through the full cycle of your holiday - from searching and booking to your return home. I offer my clients a personal, 5-star bespoke service, giving you the full attention you deserve. I have thousands of destinations, accommodation, suppliers and flights available, nothing is too much trouble to arrange. Booking with me also means you'll be 100% financially protected by Travel Counsellors and ATOL, who are the very best in the industry.
I'm a qualified African specialist, I've reached country number 11 on this magical continent travelling as a solo female, so who better to arrange your special African adventure then someone who knows all the best tips, and local connections.
Many clients ask about how they can travel and perhaps feel a little easier about their Carbon Footprint. This later inspired me to qualify with the Travel Foundation, I can now design your holidays to include any 'sustainable travel' options you might require.
Whatever your personal preferences or special requests are I'm waiting to hear from you - you dream it, I find it.
My business is built on referrals and repeat business, so if you've had an outstanding service from me, why not tell someone you know about me today? Let me help you discover all this wonderful world has to offer.
Life's a journey • Live Boldly • Travel Differently
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Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Top tips for first time skiers
If it’s your first time on a skiing holiday, you’re probably excited to get to the beautiful mountainous surroundings of your ski resort. There’s no feeling like heading out on the slopes to experience the thrill of the wind whirling past you as you glide across the powdery white snow. Skiing is an extreme sport, however, so before you go, check out our top tips for first-time skiers to make sure
06 Feb 2020 5 min read
Argentina - all in the name of research
I arrived after our long flight and I was just excited to get to our hotel room and freshen up – well, once we arrived that went out the window! We stayed at The Gran Melia Iguazu in the National Park – the one and only hotel in the park! Incredible, from the outside, she’s camouflaged, designed to fit in amongst the jungle, but inside, she radiates luxury, sustainability, comfort, class, eco frie
21 Oct 2019 5 min read
Africa is where the heart is...
So, you think you know Africa? That was me. I thought I knew. When you know what you don't know, you then realise, you knew nothing. I’ll let you into a secret, Africa is why I’m here right now, in this job, enjoying my life, feeling happy, healthy and traveling the globe. Might sound a little dramatic, but it’s the truth. I always worked in busy, reactive industries, eventually took their toll
17 Oct 2019 5 min read
Luxury, history and relaxation in the Channel Islands
What a wonderful week spent working and exploring Guernsey and Herm. The Channel Islands are on our door step, with so much charm, history, sights and beautiful reasons to visit for your holiday. The second-largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is home to stunning beaches, spectacular coastal walks, hidden coves and beautiful countryside filled with wildflowers. Discover an 800-year-old fortre
16 Oct 2019 5 min read
Iconic QM2 Cunard Transatlantic Ocean Liner
You may remember that one lucky client got to come away with me on a free QM2 Cunard Cruise. If you didn’t apply this time, please remember to follow my social media and sign up to my offers (pop me your email address if you'd like to be on there) as this is where you can be in it to win it! We spent one night, two glorious days in NYC really fitting in as much as we could in the Big Apple during
09 Aug 2019 5 min read
Casa de Campo
“Your Caribbean Dream - any way you want it.” Casa de Campo Welcome to paradise. I was invited to spend 7 nights here in La Romana, not something you would really want to say no to. But when I arrived, the realisation of just how much there was to see and do hit me. I come from a shooting background, English Sporting, this was one of the main attractions for myself and my guest, who just happen
11 Jun 2019 5 min read
Top Resorts for Golfers...
With the start of golf’s biggest annual event, the Masters, I decided to pool together the knowledge and expertise of our Travel Counsellors and get their recommendations for the world’s top golfing resorts. If you want to play 18 holes in the day then retire to the lap of luxury in the evening, read on to find out where you could be enjoying your next golfing escapade. Pine Cliffs – Algarve, Por
12 Apr 2019 5 min read
Luxury in Morocco Part 2
Back to Marrakech... The Fairmont hotel awaits. You're 'wowed' from the moment you drive into the entrance gate of this hotel. The immaculate grounds, the elegant, classy touches throughout. The staff are worthy of a mention, they took the time to learn my name and remember it. Those are the caring touches that I certainly remember when I relayed my stay to friends, family and clients. The Fair
08 Apr 2019 5 min read
Luxury in Morocco
Marrakech, Morocco’s best-known city, has a life of its own. With its frenetic energy, the city is a constant hive of activity through a maze of bustling streets and lively squares. The famous Djemma el Fna square in the heart of Marrakech really comes to life as dusk falls, with musicians, dancers, acrobats and snake charmers all adding to the unique atmosphere. Escape to the labyrinth which form
08 Apr 2019 5 min read
Affordable luxury – Five-star hotels without the price tag
We all deserve a little bit of luxury in our lives, especially when it comes to a holiday. Luckily, now many resorts around the world offer high-end suites and services for a fraction of the price. We’ve put together a handy list of some of our favourite five-star abodes for three-star prices, so that you can holiday in style without a hefty bill at the end. Majestic Malacca Hotel, Malaysia
12 Nov 2018 5 min read
Fly privately with Air Partner for a winter family holiday to remember
If you’re thinking of planning a family holiday this winter, it’s worth considering flying privately. It’s a hassle-free solution that ensures your next family holiday is extra-special. One of the main advantages is time-saving, as you can bypass busy airports and spend more time with your loved ones. Flexibility can transform your holiday and flying privately allows you to plan the timings an
31 Oct 2018 5 min read
Sail the glorious Adriatic Sea from Dubrovnik to Split
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Experience the old-world charm of Croatia on a sailing odyssey from Dubrovnik to Split. I spent days cruising around impressive coastlines, exploring lush national parks, wandering through medieval towns or rolling off the boat into warm, turquoise waters to swim. Contrast this emergence into Croatia's natural beauty with regular doses of the unique culture and
27 Sept 2018 5 min read
My 18 night Cuban adventure...
My trip broken down... Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! I had organised a tour in Cuba. I felt, as a solo traveller, this was the best way to get around to seeing all the flavours and style Cuba had to offer. Arriving at the small warm airport, you soon become accustomed to the relaxed character of the Cubans. The luggage will arrive when they are ready, and not a moment sooner. It broug
21 Sept 2018 5 min read
Tips -Travel to Cuba to experience the rhythmic Caribbean vibe
From Cuba's historical streets of Havana to the pristine shores of the Caribbean, stroll through World Heritage cities, relive a fascinating colonial history and experience the rich heritage of music and dance that Cuba is renowned for. Dive into the incredible marine world and history of the Bay of Pigs, prepare to be wowed as you discover Baracoa’s mountainous surrounds, visit the birthplace of
21 Sept 2018 5 min read
When and where to go on a family safari
A safari is a great family adventure that needs careful planning and expert advice so that you and the kids can make the most of what is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With some exceptions, wildlife viewing in Africa is best in the dry seasons, when animals are more visible due to sparser vegetation and tend to congregate around water sources. The main dry season in equatorial east Afri
15 Jul 2018 5 min read
How travelling changes you...
Coming home feels like a complete contradiction. On the one hand it brings me joy to see my family and friends, hearing their voice and just being in their presence - especially my 4-legged best friend! On the other hand, it is completely overwhelming how little has changed. How little everything has changed but me. I’m no longer the sheltered, insecure and indecisive 33-year-old that left fo
16 Jun 2018 5 min read
What's HOT for summer 2018
With summer fast approaching, it’s time to decide where your next adventure will take you. Although it’s a popular time of year to go away, there are plenty of destinations to go around and we have selected seven of the best. Whether you’re looking for non-stop adventure in New York, a luxurious escape to Dubai or an immersive tour of Thailand, discover a destination that will get you in the h
11 May 2018 5 min read
African Rain Journey's
The Blue Train The Blue Train is regarded as one of the most luxurious trains in the world and offers a truly unique journey across South Africa from Cape Town to Pretoria (or in reverse). Aimed at creating a hotel on wheels experience, the Blue Train is a sumptuous choice for a pan-South Africa journey with beautifully crafted wood-lined suites. The Blue Train takes 27 hours to travel from
06 May 2018 5 min read
Travel and be at one with nature
Seeing the natural wonders of the world isn’t limited to backpacking treks and rough camping. There are many outstanding hotels and resorts that are tailored to giving you the luxury hotel experience, whilst also being at one with nature. Elephant Hills As the name suggests, a safari holiday at Elephant Hills gives you the chance to get up close to elephant herds at the local camp. You’ll ba
29 Apr 2018 5 min read
Tips for a more responsible holiday
The world’s most treasured places are precious. We have a responsibility to help make sure they stay that way. Here are some tips on how you can ensure you have a positive impact on the people you meet and places you visit while also having a more enjoyable, authentic experience on your holiday. These tips have been compiled with the help of the sustainable tourism experts, the Travel Foundation.
29 Apr 2018 5 min read
Zebra migration
Chobe National Park, Botswana A population of zebras surprised biologists by making a more than 300-mile beeline across parts of Namibia and Botswana—the longest big-mammal migration ever documented in Africa. In the wilds of Africa, food and water come and go with the seasons, and animals follow. The Serengeti is the site of what most consider the most dramatic migration, with giant herds o
24 Apr 2018 5 min read
Clay Shooting tips for competitors looking to travel
Some great shooting tips. More and more established grounds are offering fantastic safe, professional facilities in the UK and abroad. Shooting in Europe in particular is becoming more and more popular with UK shooters, though there are a number of things to consider and much planning and preparation is required. There are many precautions you need to take before and during your shooting holiday,
21 Apr 2018 5 min read
Uganda Part 2
Local Villages; In two days I've had a baby and got married to a guy I'd only known for an hour (all pretend of course, I'm not a super woman). The locals demonstrated what you would need to do to prove you're ready to get married. I wanted to experience everything they had to offer. I prepared food (picking, peeling, grinding etc), cooked, looked after the children, made rugs (women need t
05 Apr 2018 5 min read
Top 5 Best Locations when Travelling to South Africa with Kids
The pinnacle of cultural and natural experience can be found when venturing out to South Africa for a family holiday adventure. Representing a wonderful introduction for children and teenagers to the African continent, inviting cosmopolitan cities, accessible road networks and swift public transport allows for safe, straightforward travel through majestic landscapes and activity-rich locations.
05 Apr 2018 5 min read
Uganda part 1
Gorillas It was one of the hardest, steepest, beautiful mountains I've ever climbed after day three of not sleeping due to travelling. But, oh boy, what an incredible reward at the end seeing the Gorillas. I had a great group. There was a couple from the USA; it was the chap's 70th birthday that day. He was an inspiration and they put my fitness to shame. I'm told Uganda is a little tougher th
05 Apr 2018 5 min read
54 unique ways to show your love – one for each country in Africa.
ALGERIA: Read a love poem written in French, one of the languages of Algeria ANGOLA: Give a back massage with palm oil, sourced in Angola BENIN: Listen to a bedtime story sung by Angelique Kidjo from Benin, a Grammy-Award winner BOTSWANA: Buy a piece of jewellery (maybe a ring?) with diamonds mined in Botswana BURKINA FASO: Serve a gluten-free sorghum beer, brewed in Burkina Faso BU
03 Apr 2018 5 min read
Western Cape Tips
In no particular order! 1) Trips on Table Mountain Aerial Cableway start at 8am and end as late as 9.30pm, but these times vary seasonally and are weather-dependent. Check on the day by calling the information line on +27 (0)21 424 8181. Be prepared that if you go up and the cable car shuts, you'll need to make your way down. If you haven't booked in advance, the tip is go on line get your tic
03 Apr 2018 5 min read
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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.
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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