Veronique Surry
I'm based in
Essex
“Welcome, your next unforgettable journey starts right here”
About me:
Hi! I’m Veronique and I am an independent Travel Counsellor based in Thurrock, Essex. I have always been fascinated by different cultures and languages, and that curiosity is what sparked my love of travel. Originally from Belgium, I have been living in the UK for over 20 years with my husband, whom I married on a beautiful beach in Mauritius. We now have three children, one of whom has a severe nut allergy, so I fully understand how important it is to feel safe and supported when you travel. I am very mindful of any additional needs or adjustments that you or your travelling companions may require, and I will always take the time to consider these carefully when planning your trip.
Types of holidays I plan:
I offer a friendly, truly bespoke travel service using award‑winning technology to design your perfect holiday, including beach and skiing holidays, tailor‑made itineraries, weddings and honeymoons, luxury escapes, cruises, city breaks, adventure holidays, multi‑centre trips, Disney and Lapland and more.
My travel memories:
Travel is not just my job, it is my passion, and I love drawing on my own experiences to help inspire your next escape. A sustainable tour in Costa Rica was a real standout: waking to the calls of toucans, spotting sloths curled up in the treetops and being surrounded by vibrant wildlife at every turn. Finishing the day by soaking in the natural hot springs near Arenal volcano, with the rainforest all around, felt completely magical.
In North America, I have explored Toronto and felt the incredible power of Niagara Falls, an unforgettable, bucket‑list experience that everyone should see at least once. In the Southwest USA, I have hiked through the dramatic canyons of Zion and Bryce and taken a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, seeing its vast layers of rock and colour from above. Further south, visiting Petra in Jordan as part of the GX Summit with G Adventures was another highlight: walking through the narrow Siq and watching the Treasury appear in front of me is a moment I will never forget.
I have also collected many special family memories around the world: husky sledding in Lapland, taking a boat trip on the glacier lagoon in Iceland, snorkelling with turtles and nurse sharks in the Maldives, watching the fireworks at Disneyland Paris, swimming with dolphins in Florida, feeding elephants and sleeping on floating tents in Thailand, enjoying a seaweed bath in the south of Ireland, water‑rambling in the Gorges du Verdon in the south of France, learning to ski in Austria and Switzerland, zip lining in Snowdonia in Wales, driving through Glencoe in Scotland, and scuba diving in Corsica.
Closer to home and across Europe, I have loved exploring northern Italy, including Lake Garda, the Dolomites and Venice, as well as ticking off a true bucket‑list moment watching the incredible Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway. A sunrise hot‑air balloon over the desert and, of course, saying “I do” on a sun‑kissed beach in Mauritius are memories that continue to inspire the way I plan unique and meaningful journeys for my clients.
How I work with you:
As a Travel Counsellor, my mission is to provide a highly personal travel service built on trust, care and honesty. I will take the time to get to know you so your trip is tailored to your personal needs, preferences and budget, and I will look after every detail from start to finish so you can truly relax. As an independent consultant, I offer completely impartial advice and a level of personal service you simply do not get when booking online. Your bookings are 100% financially protected by the Travel Counsellors Trust and are ATOL protected, giving you complete peace of mind. I manage every client’s booking with the same care, attention to detail and passion as if it were my own holiday, and I would love to help you start planning your next adventure, whether you are just looking for ideas or ready to book.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Why May & Early June Are My Favourite Time To Explore Europe
Highlights of Travelling in May
27 Apr 2026 5 min read
A Flying Visit to Toronto & Niagara Falls
On our way back from Costa Rica to London, we decided to break the journey with a short stop in Canada. In just two days we managed to experience the power of Niagara Falls, the views from the CN Tower and the colour and creativity of downtown Toronto. It turned out to be the perfect mini city break and a brilliant way to end our holiday.
18 Apr 2026 5 min read
Costa Rica: A Family Adventure Filled with Wildlife, Culture and Hot Springs
Costa Rica had been on our family wish list for a long time, and this G Adventures Costa Rica Family Experience turned out to be everything we hoped for and more. Over nine days we cooked with local families, glided across lakes beneath a volcano, walked through cloud forests after dark, soaked in natural hot springs and came face to face with incredible wildlife, all while supporting community‑ba
18 Apr 2026 5 min read
Arctic Adventure - Discovering Tromsø
Exploring Tromsø and its surroundings
03 Mar 2026 5 min read
A Snowy Escape to Levi, Lapland
Searching for snowy adventures, skiing experience and Northern Lights
09 Feb 2026 5 min read
Exploring North Iceland: An Unforgettable Adventure
Join me on an incredible journey through North Iceland, where stunning landscapes and natural wonders await. From the rejuvenating geothermal waters of the Forest Lagoon to witnessing breathtaking Northern Lights and majestic whales in Húsavík, every moment was filled with awe and unforgettable experiences. Let's dive into this adventure!
23 Nov 2025 5 min read
Exploring Jordan: A Journey of Community and Heritage at the GX Summit
Jordan's rich history and stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for my adventure at the GX Summit on World Community Tourism. From vibrant Amman to the breathtaking ruins of Petra, this trip highlighted the impact of community-driven tourism. Here are the unforgettable highlights!
29 Sept 2025 5 min read
Father-Daughter Adventure in Trogir, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
If you're considering a short escape during the shoulder season, I can't recommend Croatia highly enough. You'll encounter 50% fewer tourists while still enjoying warm temperatures and inviting waters, particularly in September. While most people flock to the stunning city of Dubrovnik, I was eager to explore what Trogir has to offer. I had the opportunity to stay on Čiovo Island, which boasts a
16 Sept 2025 5 min read
Our Annual Family Summer Getaway to Provence
Here we go again—another amazing summer trip to Provence for our annual family vacation, meeting up with the grandparents! While the French Riviera is stunning, we like to dodge the crazy crowds during peak season, so we often head inland to soak up the Verdon area and its adorable little villages. First stop: Lac Sainte Croix! Seriously, you have to see it. The views are absolutely jaw-dropping,
16 Aug 2025 5 min read
Thrilling 3-Night Getaway in Marrakesh with My Bestie
This trip was truly special as it marked 20 years of friendship with my best friend. We needed a destination that wasn't too far, perfect for a quick escape given our work and family commitments. Our hearts were set on somewhere warm with plenty of experiences to offer, which is why Marrakesh felt like the perfect choice. Plus, I had sent clients there before, so I was eager to delve into Moroccan
09 Jul 2025 5 min read
World Community Tourism Summit
Exciting Announcement! I am thrilled to share that I have been selected to attend an extraordinary business trip with G Adventures! This journey will allow me to explore the wonders of Jordan, including iconic sites like Wadi Rum desert, Jerash and Petra, unwind at the Dead Sea, and participate in the World Community Tourism Summit. I’m honored to engage with industry leaders about how commu
16 Jun 2025 5 min read
Epic Self-Drive Adventure: Lake Garda, Dolomites, and Venice
Where It All Began … It all started with a stunning image of a lake framed by trees and mountains, and I thought, "This can't be real!" That breathtaking place was Lago di Braies in the Dolomites. From that moment on, it became a must-visit destination on my bucket list! When I shared my plans with my mum, her eyes lit up, and she was quick to say, “Count me in!” After all, this 78-year-old hiking
02 Jun 2025 5 min read
Our Family's Journey Back to Enchanting Lapland
The first time we visited Lapland, we said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a dream destination on our bucket list. Yet, here we are again, just over three years later. We longed for the snow, the breathtaking snowy landscapes, the tranquility, the stars shining in the dark night sky, and all the enchanting experiences that come with winter. This time, our focus shifted from the Santa exper
10 Apr 2025 5 min read
A Mother-Daughter Trip of a Lifetime: The Grand Canyon Adventure
For as long as I can remember, visiting the Grand Canyon has been a dream of mine. Its vast beauty and grandeur captivated me, and I promised myself that one day I would make the journey there. After more than 40 years, I finally took the leap and planned this experience with my mom. Originally, our trip was set for October 2020, but as we all know, circumstances changed, Covid struck. We resched
24 Dec 2024 5 min read
Annual Summer Family gateway in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
For over a decade, our family has cherished summer escapes to this enchanting region, where my kids enjoy quality time with their grandparents. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur area is a treasure trove of experiences, offering a perfect blend of coastal beauty and mountainous serenity. Personally, I find the mountains to be the highlight, especially during the summer when they offer a peaceful retre
22 Dec 2024 5 min read
Last-Minute Escape: A Welsh Retreat from Home Renovation Chaos
This last minute trip was arranged to escape the building work we are having done in our house. We thought we would come back to Snowdonia, Wales as we felt in love with it during lockdown. Packed with zipworld adrenaline activities throughout our stay while still doing some sightseeing. We stayed in a beautiful cottage in Maentwrog - Penrhiw/hilltop cottage. Quite central to go and explore Snow
22 Dec 2024 5 min read
An Unexpected Irish Adventure
This trip was not part of any original itinerary. As you may have gathered by now, I have an innate passion for adventure and travel, which brings me immense fulfillment. However, my active lifestyle was significantly interrupted when I sustained a back injury at the end of winter 2022, leaving me immobile for several weeks. This period was particularly challenging and disheartening for someone li
15 Sept 2024 5 min read
Exploring the Maldives Before They're Lost to the Ocean. A special celebration vacation
How did we find ourselves in this idyllic destination? As the primary organizer of our family trips, I typically curate our travel itineraries while everyone else simply follows along with my plans. However, this occasion was notably different. With my husband celebrating his 50th birthday, I posed him the ultimate question: if you could select any destination for a holiday, where would your ideal
15 Sept 2024 5 min read
An enchanted journey: experiencing the wonders of Father Christmas in Lapland
In the wake of the first lockdown, we we were longing for a getaway—a chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey while our children were still young to fully experience it. At the time, they were just 5, 8, and 11 years old. As we anxiously monitored the news, uncertainty loomed over our plans, with the possibility of travel hanging in the balance until the very last minute. We held our brea
14 Sept 2024 5 min read
Unveiling the Mysteries of Scotland! An autumn family quest to uncover Loch Ness
After navigating the travel restrictions of the UK lockdown and discovering the beauty of regions such as Wales, we felt it was the perfect time to embark on an adventure to the northern part of the United Kingdom. Scotland has long been on my travel list, primarily due to the captivating myths surrounding Loch Ness. Even though I was born in Belgium, the legends of Loch Ness were a significant pa
10 Sept 2024 5 min read
Family Adventure in Iceland: A Journey of Discovery
In the aftermath of lockdown, our family made the conscious decision to explore the wonders of the United Kingdom. The complexities and stress associated with international travel—especially the extensive testing requirements—prompted us to rediscover the beauty closer to home. To our surprise, we found that we did not require the sun, the pool, or the beach to create lasting holiday memories. Ins
09 Sept 2024 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
NORWAY - Tromso - bucket list trip
Fjords, Northern Lights, Arctic Church, Aurora Camp & huskies Safari
10 Feb 2026
NORTH ICELAND
Travel counsellors trip Geothermal baths, Whales, Fjords, Waterfalls and Northern Lights
17 Nov 2025
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.
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