Thea Gillingham
My expertise
I'm based in
Bristol
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
A travel agent for busy people who want their trips handled seamlessly...
Touring & Adventure Expert of the Year at the 2026 Travel Industry Awards
Highly Commended Homeworking Agent of the Year at the 2026 Travel Gossip South West & Wales Awards
Hi, I am Thea, your personal travel designer, specialising in thoughtfully curated luxury holidays with a strong focus on service, detail and responsible travel.
Originally from London, I moved to the South West for university and quickly realised it was where I wanted to put down roots. I am now based in Keynsham, perfectly placed between Bristol and Bath, and I regularly meet clients across both cities as well as working virtually with travellers throughout the UK. Whether we are chatting over coffee or planning everything via WhatsApp and video call, my aim is always the same: to make the whole process feel easy, enjoyable and completely tailored to you.
My career did not begin in travel. I graduated as a neuroscientist and started out in a laboratory, but soon realised my real passion lay in people, stories and experiences rather than statistics and samples. In 2013 I swapped brains for boarding passes, and spent several years in high street agencies and specialist tour operators. Those years taught me exactly what great service looks like and where the traditional model can fall short when you want truly personalised care.
In 2019 I launched my own business with Travel Counsellors so I could design travel in the way I believe it should be done: with time, care and creativity. Since then I have been recognised across the industry for the way I look after my clients and craft their journeys. I specialise in luxury, tailor‑made itineraries: immersive journeys across Asia and Africa, ocean and river cruising, solo escapes and big bucket list adventures. I have visited over 55 countries and counting, and I bring that first‑hand knowledge into every trip I design. Whether it is a safari in Africa, touring through Europe, exploring India, relaxing in the Caribbean or island‑hopping in Greece, I can advise you on the small touches that make a big difference: the right room type, when to avoid the crowds, which experiences are truly special and which are better skipped.
Responsible tourism is a huge focus in my work. I care deeply about helping clients travel thoughtfully, supporting local communities, protecting wildlife and treading as lightly as possible, while still enjoying the comfort and indulgence you expect from a luxury holiday. I firmly believe that luxury and sustainability can sit hand in hand, and I am careful about the partners and experiences I recommend with that in mind.
What my clients value most is the level of personal service and ongoing support. As a Travel Counsellor I run my own business, so you work directly with me from start to finish. I take the time to understand how you like to travel, your non‑negotiables, your worries and what will make the trip feel special for you. Communication is on your terms: quick questions over WhatsApp, detailed itineraries by email, planning calls in the evening once the children are in bed, or a face‑to‑face meeting in Bristol or Bath if you prefer to talk things through in person.
Behind the scenes, you also benefit from protection and support: 24/7 global duty office assistance if anything unexpected happens while you are away, full ATOL protection and 100% financial security.
My role is to remove the stress, protect your time and transform your ideas into something seamless, considered and truly memorable. Whatever you are dreaming of, big or small, I would love to look after your next journey and help create memories that last long after you have unpacked your suitcase.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Responsible Travel: My Top 5 Tips for Travelling More Sustainably Without Sacrificing Luxury
Sustainable and responsible travel have become some of the biggest conversations in the travel industry and rightly so. As travellers, we all want to continue exploring the world’s most beautiful destinations, but we also have a responsibility to protect them for future generations. The good news is that travelling more responsibly does not mean giving up luxury hotels, bucket list experiences or
13 May 2026 6 min read
Exploring Egypt in Luxury: My Exodus Signature Collection Experience
In April 2026, I had the opportunity to experience something genuinely special — travelling on Exodus Travels’ brand new Signature Collection, and joining the very first departure of their Spirit of the Nile journey.
05 May 2026 8 min read
Is Shamwari Game Reserve Worth It? A Luxury Safari Review in the Eastern Cape
There are plenty of excellent safari reserves across South Africa, but Shamwari has long set the benchmark in the Eastern Cape. In March 2026, I spent 24 hours on the reserve. I stayed at Bayethe Tented Lodge and also visited multiple other properties across the reserve to really understand how the overall experience differs from lodge to lodge. During my time, what stood out wasn’t just the lev
16 Apr 2026 8 min read
Amakhala Game Reserve: A Safari Journey into a Conservation Success Story
In March, I spent three unforgettable nights at Amakhala Game Reserve, staying across three completely different lodges and inspecting three more. From a more rustic three star stay through to a polished five star experience, it gave me a clear and well rounded insight into what a safari here can look like. This was actually my third trip to South Africa, but my first time exploring the Eastern
05 Apr 2026 8 min read
Why KZN Might Be South Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret
When people think of a safari in South Africa, their minds usually jump straight to Kruger or perhaps the Eastern Cape along the Garden Route. But after my recent trip, I can confidently say that a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) safari is one of the most underrated safari experiences in the country. And honestly, it pleasantly surprised even me… a regular safari-goer and, I’ll admit it, a bit of a safari sn
31 Mar 2026 5 min read
Safari Packing List: 10 Essential Things to Pack for an African Safari
As a travel specialist who has arranged numerous safari trips for clients over the years, one of the most common questions I get asked is what should you pack for an African safari. Packing for safari is slightly different to a typical holiday. Early morning game drives can be surprisingly chilly, the midday sun can be intense, and you will often spend several hours out in the wilderness where pop
11 Mar 2026 8 min read
Why You Should Consider a Small Group Tour
Over the years, small group touring has become one of my favourite ways to explore the world when I’m travelling independently. From making new friends to having the stress completely taken away, there are so many benefits to this style of travel.
25 Feb 2026 5 min read
Why Tunisia Should Be on Your Radar
For many British travellers, Tunisia hasn’t always felt like the obvious choice. For a long time, it quietly slipped off the radar, shaped by past events and perceptions rather than by what the country actually offers today. But over the last few years, something interesting has happened. Interest in Tunisia has risen dramatically, yet prices have remained refreshingly reasonable. And after hea
13 Jan 2026 4 min read
Why Travelling in the Off-Season Might Be the Best Decision You Make
Most people instinctively look at peak season when planning a holiday. Sunshine guarantees, long days, busy atmospheres and that feeling of going at the “right” time. And while peak season absolutely has its place, it’s not always the only or even the best option...
22 Dec 2025 6 min read
When Things Go Wrong: Why Being Supported Matters When You Travel
The very last thing you want when you’re on holiday is for things to go wrong. You plan, you save, you count down the days. A holiday is meant to be the light at the end of the tunnel, time to switch off, reset, and make memories. So when the unexpected happens, especially when you’re far from home, it can feel unsettling very quickly...
12 Dec 2025 5 min read
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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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