Thea Gillingham
My expertise
I'm based in
Bristol
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi, I’m Thea. Originally from London, I moved to the South West for university and quickly realised this was where I wanted to put down roots. I’m now based in Keynsham, perfectly placed between Bristol and Bath, and I regularly meet clients across both cities.
My career didn’t begin in travel. I graduated as a neuroscientist, but after spending time in a laboratory I realised it wasn’t where my passion truly lay. In 2013, I swapped brains for boarding passes and retrained in travel and tourism. After gaining experience in high street agencies and specialist tour operators, I launched my own business with the award winning Travel Counsellors in 2019. I haven’t looked back since.
I specialise in luxury tailor made travel, particularly across Asia and Africa, alongside ocean and river cruising, solo travel and bucket list adventures. I have visited over 55 countries and counting, and whether it’s safari in Africa, touring through Europe, exploring India or relaxing in the Caribbean, I still get that same rush every time I step on a plane. Chances are, if you’re planning it, I’ve either done it myself or it’s firmly on my radar.
In recent years, responsible tourism has become a huge focus for me. I became a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador and was honoured to be named a finalist for Responsible Luxury Travel Agent of the Year at the TTG Luxury Awards 2026. I care deeply about helping clients travel thoughtfully, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Being a Travel Counsellor means I’m my own boss, which allows me to offer a genuinely personal service. You deal directly with me from start to finish, including WhatsApp access, and I’m not restricted to traditional office hours. If evenings work better for you, that’s absolutely fine. Prefer to meet in person over coffee? Even better. Behind the scenes, you also have 24/7 global duty office support, full ATOL protection and 100% financial security. I don’t charge service fees as I’m paid by suppliers, and if there is ever an exception, I will always explain why.
From iconic honeymoons and first family holidays to multi centre adventures and special celebration trips, my role is to create memories that last long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. Whatever you’re dreaming of, big or small, I’d love to help turn your ideas into something truly special.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
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 5 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 5 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 5 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 5 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 5 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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