Vicki Thompson
I'm based in
Surrey
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi there! I'm Vicki, your independent travel agent, and I'm here to help you plan the perfect holiday.
What is a Travel Counsellor, and how can I help you?
There's nothing quite like the thrill of finally booking that dream holiday. The anticipation of exploring an incredible new destination, diving into different cultures, and witnessing breathtaking sights can get anyone's heart racing. But let's be honest—planning the perfect holiday can be a real challenge. With a sea of options to sift through and countless guides and opinions, it’s tough to know where to begin.
That's where I come in. Based in Surrey, my mission is to save you from spending endless hours glued to your phone or computer, scrolling through flights, hotels, and reviews. I’ll handle all the hard work for you. By leveraging my extensive tools, supplier network, and insider contacts, I'll find the ideal destination tailored just for you, ensuring you have the holiday of a lifetime.
So, if you want to wave goodbye to the stress of holiday planning, give me a call today. I’d love to chat about turning your travel dreams into reality. Let’s make your next trip unforgettable!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
What I Learned at World Travel Market 2025 (And Why It Matters When You Book With Me)
Yesterday I was at World Travel Market at ExCeL — basically the biggest annual get-together in the travel industry. A full day of conversations, updates, learning, walking (so much walking), and connecting with the people behind the hotels, resorts and experiences I recommend. Events like this are crucial for how I work. Travel isn’t static — hotels change owners, menus change, service standards
06 Nov 2025 5 min read
The Magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets: Mulled Wine, Twinkling Lights & Holiday Cheer
There’s something about a Christmas market that just hits different. Maybe it’s the smell of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts in the air, the sound of a brass band playing “Silent Night,” or the way fairy lights sparkle against the winter sky — but nothing says festive getaway quite like a European Christmas market break. If you’re anything like me, once the clocks go back and the first mince pies
21 Oct 2025 5 min read
What to Do When Things Go Wrong Abroad (And Why You Want Me on Speed Dial)
Holidays are meant to be all sunsets, sangria and sightseeing. But sometimes, things don’t go to plan. Flights get cancelled. Luggage disappears. Strikes happen. Illness strikes. And suddenly that dream holiday feels more stressful than relaxing. So what do you do when things go wrong abroad? 1. Stay Calm Easier said than done, I know. But panicking won’t get you anywhere. Take a breath, grab
20 Aug 2025 5 min read
Travel Insurance: The Unsexy Essential That Could Save Your Holiday
Let’s be honest — travel insurance is not the exciting part of holiday planning. No one ever said, “I can’t wait to shop around for policy documents!” But here’s the truth: travel insurance is the difference between a hiccup and a disaster. Why Travel Insurance Matters You might be thinking: “Do I really need it?” Here’s the short answer: yes. Because life doesn’t stop throwing curveballs jus
20 Aug 2025 5 min read
Travelling with Teenagers: How to Keep Everyone Happy
Family holidays are meant to be a chance to reconnect, relax and make memories. But let’s be honest — when teenagers are involved, the reality doesn’t always match the Instagram highlight reel. Between eye-rolls, screen time battles and differing ideas of “fun,” travelling with teens can feel like a challenge. The good news? With the right planning (and a bit of flexibility), it can be the best a
20 Aug 2025 5 min read
ATOL Protection Explained (and Why You Should Care)
Let’s be honest — travel jargon can feel like alphabet soup. ATOL, ABTA, API, ESTA… do you really need to know what they mean? When it comes to ATOL, the answer is a big, resounding yes. Because ATOL protection could be the difference between your dream holiday… and losing your money if something goes wrong. What is ATOL? ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. It’s a UK financial prot
20 Aug 2025 5 min read
Sailing the Norwegian Fjords with Princess Cruises – My Week Aboard the Sky Princess
Sailing the Norwegian Fjords with Princess Cruises – My Week Aboard the Sky Princess After years of helping clients plan dream cruises, I finally set sail on one of the most breathtaking itineraries in the world — the Norwegian Fjords — aboard the beautiful Sky Princess. Spoiler: it was everything I hoped for and more. First Impressions – Stepping Aboard the Sky Princess From the moment I stepp
11 Aug 2025 5 min read
The travel industry has changed. So have we. Travel Counsellors
The travel industry has changed. So have we. Travel Counsellors Gone are the days when travel agents were seen as the middlemen. Today, we are navigators of complexity, problem-solvers, sounding boards, and safety nets. Travel has become more unpredictable, more nuanced, and let’s be honest, more overwhelming for the average traveller. Flight changes, weather disruptions, global uncertainty, digi
21 Jul 2025 5 min read
Are You a Book-It-Now Traveller or a Last-Minute Scrambler?
Are You a Book-It-Now Traveller or a Last-Minute Scrambler? Let’s talk travel personality types… There are two kinds of people when it comes to holidays. The “Book It the Second We’re Home” crew: They land back on UK soil, the washing machine’s barely on its first spin, and they’re already browsing flights for next summer. They’ve got tabs open. A shortlist brewing. They're ready. And then ther
15 Jul 2025 5 min read
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time to Travel
Here’s a little truth bomb for anyone sitting on the fence about booking that trip: There is no perfect time to travel. Life is always busy. There’s always a birthday, a deadline, a school term, a bill, a “maybe next year” excuse. But if you keep waiting for the stars to align, you’ll blink — and another year will have passed. As a travel professional (and a working mum who gets the juggle all t
03 Jul 2025 5 min read
From River to Radiance: My Night Aboard Uniworld’s S.S. Victoria
I’ve been lucky enough to experience some incredible destinations in my time as a travel consultant, but stepping aboard the S.S. Victoria with Uniworld was something else. Think floating five-star hotel with all the style of a boutique retreat — minus the hassle of packing and unpacking every few days. Bliss. ?? Route: Amsterdam to Antwerp (just a taster, but what a taste!) ?? Vibe: Luxe, grown-
26 Jun 2025 5 min read
Why Booking with a Full-Time Travel Pro Matters (Spoiler: It’s Not a Side Hustle)
Let’s have a little real talk. Lately, I’ve seen a wave of posts doing the rounds about launching a “travel side hustle” from your phone. And hey — I genuinely love when people pursue their passions and create more freedom for themselves. But I also think it’s important to clear something up: That’s not what I do. Travel isn’t my side gig. It’s not a hobby I’ve picked up to make a bit of pocket
19 Jun 2025 5 min read
Why a Website Will Never Replace a Real Travel Expert (a.k.a. Me)
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to plan the perfect holiday. You’ve got 27 tabs open, three half-filled booking forms, and the sinking feeling that no matter how many reviews you read, you’re still just hoping for the best. Sound familiar? Here’s the truth: websites are great for finding things. But when it comes to planning travel that feels personal, seamless, and completely stress-f
16 Jun 2025 5 min read
Why Booking With Me Beats A Website Any Day (And It's Not Even Close)
Why Booking With Me Beats A Website Any Day (And It's Not Even Close) Let’s face it. You could book your next getaway online. Tap-tap, click-click, next, next. A couple of hours wasted and a lot of generic options thrown your way. Or… you could book with me — your personal travel whisperer — and experience a level of service that will make you question why you’d ever settle for a website in the f
09 May 2025 5 min read
Why Price Matching Isn’t Everything: The Real Value of Booking with a Travel Expert
Why Price Matching Isn’t Everything: The Real Value of Booking with a Travel Expert In the age of online booking, it's tempting to compare prices across multiple websites, searching for the best "deal." I get it—why pay more if you don’t have to? But here’s the truth: booking travel isn’t just about price; it’s about value. And that’s where I come in. As an independent travel expert, my goal isn
10 Apr 2025 5 min read
How to Choose the Perfect Summer Holiday for Your Family
How to Choose the Perfect Summer Holiday for Your Family! As the days get longer and warmer, it's the perfect time to start planning your family's summer getaway! Finding the right destination can be tricky—balancing fun activities for the kids while making sure you get some well-earned relaxation. As your Personal Travel Agent, my goal is to help you create the best holiday experience possible.
03 Apr 2025 5 min read
Thinking of a Last-Minute Getaway? Why Booking with a Personal Travel Agent is the Smart Choice!
Thinking of a Last-Minute Getaway? Here’s Why Booking with a Personal Travel Agent like me is the Smart Choice! As the summer months roll in, the temptation to escape on a last-minute holiday is hard to resist. But before you spend hours scrolling through endless online deals, let me show you why booking with a Personal Travel Agent offers more value, less stress, and greater peace of mind. Ski
06 Feb 2025 5 min read
Where to Travel Each Month of the Year
Where to Travel Each Month of the Year As we look ahead to future travel plans, you might be wondering where and when to go for your next adventure. Whether you're chasing winter sun, a cultural escape, or the perfect beach break, I've done the hard work for you! Here’s a month-by-month guide to the best destinations for every kind of traveller. January Start the year with a change of scenery, w
06 Feb 2025 5 min read
When Is the Best Time to Book a Holiday? Why Booking Early is a Game-Changer
When Is the Best Time to Book a Holiday? Why Booking Early is a Game-Changer One of the most common questions I get asked is, "When is the best time to book a holiday?" While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the sweet spot is typically 9-11 months before departure. Why? Because booking early comes with huge benefits—from better prices and availability to more flexibility and peace of mind. He
04 Feb 2025 5 min read
Planning the Perfect Honeymoon: Why Personalised Travel Makes All the Difference
Planning the Perfect Honeymoon: Why Personalised Travel Makes All the Difference Your honeymoon isn’t just another holiday—it’s the start of a new chapter, a once-in-a-lifetime trip where every moment should feel special. Whether you dream of an overwater villa in the Maldives, a safari adventure in Africa, or a culture-filled escape in Italy, your honeymoon should be as unique as your love story.
04 Feb 2025 5 min read
Travelling with Kids: A Mum’s Guide to Stress-Free Family Holidays
Travelling with Kids: A Mum’s Guide to Stress-Free Family Holidays As a mum and a travel expert, I completely understand the joys (and the challenges!) of travelling with kids. From the excitement of exploring new places to the reality of tantrums in airport queues, I’ve been there! But with a little planning and the right approach, family travel can be magical. Here’s how to make it stress-free,
04 Feb 2025 5 min read
Why a Tailor-Made Holiday is the Best Way to Travel
Why Choose a Tailor-Made Holiday? Planning a holiday can feel daunting, especially when you’re faced with a vast array of destinations, accommodations, and activities to choose from. That’s where a tailor-made holiday can truly make a difference. By working with a professional travel expert, you’ll enjoy a personalised experience that suits your needs, preferences, and budget perfectly. Whether y
30 Jan 2025 5 min read
A Family Holiday to Alicante: Sun, Sea & Villa Living
Alicante is the perfect destination for a family holiday, offering beautiful beaches, rich history, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. This year, we decided to swap a hotel stay for a private villa—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made! Here’s a look at our family trip to Alicante, what we got up to, and why we recommend villa stays for families. Why We Chose a Villa Over
30 Jan 2025 5 min read
A Romantic City Break: Our Couples' Trip to Amsterdam
Amsterdam has always been on our travel bucket list, and we finally got the chance to explore this vibrant and charming city together. From its picturesque canals to its buzzing nightlife and incredible culture, our couples’ trip was nothing short of magical. Here’s a little insight into our stay, the must-see attractions, and why Amsterdam is the perfect city break for couples. Where We Stayed –
30 Jan 2025 5 min read
Our Family Holiday to Kefalonia: A Stay in Svoronata
Kefalonia is one of Greece’s most breathtaking islands, and we were lucky enough to experience its beauty firsthand on our recent family holiday. Staying in Svoronata, a charming and peaceful village, provided the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. From stunning beaches to delicious Greek cuisine, here’s everything we loved about our trip and why we’d highly recommend it for families. Choos
30 Jan 2025 5 min read
Our Family Adventure in Mexico: A Stay at Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya
As a travel expert and a mum, I know how important it is to find the perfect balance between luxury, adventure, and family-friendly comfort when planning a holiday. Our family trip to Mexico was exactly that – an unforgettable experience filled with relaxation, culture, and quality family time. We stayed at the Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya, and I couldn’t recommend it more. Here’s a little insigh
30 Jan 2025 5 min read
Creating Memorable Holidays for Neurodiverse Families
Planning a holiday can be challenging for any family, but when you’re navigating the unique needs of a neurodiverse household, it can feel even more complex. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of creating a trip that’s not only fun but also tailored to meet the individual needs of every family member. That’s why I specialise in bespoke family holidays, offering personalised support to
24 Jan 2025 5 min read
How I Can Help You Plan Your Perfect Trip
Planning a holiday can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many options, destinations, and details to consider, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure about where to start. That’s where I come in! As an independent Travel Counsellor, I’m here to make your travel dreams a reality — without the stress. Why Choose Me? At Travel Counsellors, we pride ourselves on being different from t
24 Jan 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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