Sonia Murray-Smith
My expertise
I'm based in
Teddington
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
Thank you for taking the time to visit my page.
A little about me…
I am a friendly and caring independent travel professional based in Teddington, South West London, with over 35 years’ experience in planning all types of holidays.
Having travelled to all 7 continents and over 75 countries, with personal highlights including hiking the Inca Trail, conquering Kilimanjaro, spending two nights at Everest Base Camp and experiencing the wonder of Antarctica, I bring genuine first-hand insight to the trips I design.
I specialise in Adventure and Touring holidays, with a particular passion for trekking, cycling, expedition cruising and active escapes in wilderness, nature and off-the-beaten-track locations, always with a focus on responsible and sustainable travel that immerses you in local people, traditions and cultures. I also enjoy creating holidays such as honeymoons & romantic escapes, family holidays & multi‑generational trips, solo adventures, group tours (small group or private), special occasion trips: anniversaries, big birthdays, retirement, “once‑in‑a‑lifetime”, short breaks & long weekends and sabbaticals & long‑stay journeys.
My expertise has been recognised with a national nomination for Adventure & Touring Expert, and I am proud to be an Ambassador for this style of travel within Travel Counsellors.
My upcoming travels for 2026 include skiing in Austria, cycling in Kerala, trekking the Trans Bhutan Trail, visiting Svalbard and walking sections of the Great Wall of China, all of which help me design holidays that are authentic, rewarding and truly memorable for you.
Why book with me?
As your personal Travel Counsellor, I focus on really getting to know you, your travel style and what a perfect trip looks like. I will ask questions, listen carefully and then design a holiday that reflects your interests, comfort level and pace, whether that is a gentle touring itinerary or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
From our first conversation, I do all the planning and organising for you: researching options, comparing routes, refining the details and handling all the logistics, so you do not have to. I will present clear, carefully curated choices, adapt your itinerary until it feels exactly right, and treat every booking with the same care and attention I would give my own travels.
You will enjoy the reassurance of booking through a well-established, multi award-winning travel company, with 100% financial and ATOL protection and access to a 24-hour emergency help desk if needed. I will be your single point of contact throughout, here to support you before you go, while you are away and after you return.
If you are looking for honest advice, expertly planned itineraries and someone who genuinely cares that you have the best possible experience, I would love to help you plan your next journey.
Please see ‘My customer stories’ below to see the latest client feedback..
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Bhutan: A Journey of Prayer Flags, Mountain Passes and Pure Happiness
I am still processing everything we experienced in the remarkable Kingdom of Bhutan, where happiness is part of national policy and ancient traditions are still very much alive. From calm, car‑horn free streets to sky‑high monasteries clinging to cliffs, every day felt like a blend of adventure, culture and quiet spirituality.
17 May 2026 12 min read
Cycling the Coast of Kerala: Backwaters, Village Lanes and Unscripted Moments
Kerala is often called “God’s Own Country”, but it was only when explored on two wheels that its magic truly came to life. A week‑long small group cycling adventure along its sun‑drenched coast, taken as part of specialist adventure travel training, offered the perfect way to experience this part of India in a more intimate way. Over roughly 240 km, the route followed quiet coastal roads lined
15 Apr 2026 9 min read
Uzbekistan: A Journey Along the Silk Road
As someone who loves exploring destinations off the well-trodden path, I was drawn to Central Asia—an emerging gem for travellers seeking rich culture, dramatic scenery, and a true spirit of adventure. This region forms the very heart of Asia, where ancient Silk Road echoes mingle with Soviet legacies, creating a landscape alive with contrasts and intrigue. Today, Central Asia’s nations are embrac
26 Nov 2025 5 min read
Trekking the Trails of Svaneti: My Journey through Georgia
I traded the familiar rhythm of life in Teddington for something wild, ancient, and utterly breathtaking. Not really researching much before I went, my husband and I set off on a trekking tour through Georgia’s Svaneti region—a place where the mountains don’t just rise, they roar with history, myth, and raw beauty. What followed was a journey that challenged my body, expanded my mind, and stirred
24 Sept 2025 8 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
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.
Get in touch
