Debby Apetauer

My expertise

Wellness
Train Travel
Couples
Solo Travellers
City Break
River Cruise

I'm based in

Johannesburg

Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here

It's Nice To Meet You

Welcome, I’m Debby.

I’m a home‑based Travel Counsellor working from the eastern suburbs of Johannesburg, where I take care of your travel plans wherever you (or I) are in the world. My “office” stretches from my kitchen table to your favourite coffee shop, from late‑night WhatsApps to early‑morning Teams calls. If you travel outside the lines, you are in the right place.

My love affair with travel began long before I ever boarded a plane. As a shy 21‑year‑old with a backpack and a head full of dreams, I set off from Luxembourg to Greece, to Holland and then Israel, piecing together a route by train, plane and ferry. It was messy, imperfect and unforgettable: the kind of journey that changes how you see the world and yourself.

Much of my early exploring was solo. I welcomed 1 January 2000 in Ireland, then crossed by ferry to visit family in London, hopped over to Paris for a weekend to celebrate my 40th birthday, returned a few years later for a creative workshop that filled my notebook and my soul, and in December 2018 wandered through the Czech Republic with my husband, weaving family visits into winter streets and Christmas lights.

France has called me back twice since my 40th, and I finally met Milan in person. Quietly, Milan is starting to rival Paris as my favourite European city. In 2023 I drifted along the rivers of Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands and spent Christmas in Amsterdam again, something I last did (and loved) in 1992. In November 2024 I returned to the UK for the first time since 2000, spending time with fellow Travel Counsellors in Manchester and with dear friends in Wales.

Every journey I take uncovers new stories, shortcuts and little secrets to pass on to you, so your travels feel less generic and more like they were designed with you in mind.

I love working with:

Solopreneurs and digital nomads who need trips that blend Wi‑Fi, work rhythms and pockets of wonder.
Couples who want to celebrate milestones with more than just a standard hotel and a checklist of sights.
Pilgrims and spiritual seekers walking ancient paths, craving space for reflection as much as beautiful views.
Creatives hunting for streets, galleries, cafés and landscapes that feed their next idea.
Solo travellers at any age, whether it is your first time away alone or your fiftieth.

I believe travel can shape people. A single journey can shift the way you see your work, your relationships, your creativity and your human experience. By sharing what I have learned on the road, I help you shape experiences that, in turn, shape your life: not just where you go, but how you feel, what you notice and who you become along the way.

Being a Travel Counsellor means I am not tied to traditional office hours. We can meet when it suits your life and your time zone: in person, by phone, on Teams or over email. Behind me is a global community of over 2 000 fellow Travel Counsellors who share their insights and experience freely, so your travels benefit not just from my journeys, but from theirs too.

Whether you are planning a quick city break to reset your creativity, a long working‑from‑anywhere adventure, a slow pilgrimage, a romantic escape or your first solo trip, I would be honoured to help you shape it.

Tell me what is tugging at your heart at the moment, and let us start designing a journey that feels like it was made just for you.

signature

Explore my guides and blogs

What my customers say

You were great! Efficient, caring and professional. Thank you!

Bridget Johnson

KZN

Debby has yet again gotten us safely through another stressful journey. It was mum’s first flight to Canada from SA, and she was extremely anxious. Debby was available at all hours of the night which was very reassuring. She also provided a map of the connecting airport to guide my mum through the airport. I am eternally grateful for her services.

Kumesha Naidoo

Prince Albert, Saskatoon Canada

Debby spent many hours finding the best fit for our needs. She responded quickly to requests and sent easy to understand instructions. We would have been lost without her guidance.

Kim Gordon

Cape Town

We would not survive without Debby. She is far and away the best travel service we have encountered - and quite easily provides the best standard of service of any provider in any field that our family and businesses make use of.

Frans Cronje

Johannesburg

Debby as usual, provides the Most Outstanding Service and takes the extra time to find the most convenient bookings for my needs. Thank You Debby.

Rechard Dean

Cape Town

Always a very good and quick service from Debby and with a smile as well.

J Pooley

Johannesburg

Doing the Camino de Santiago was tough and planning travel for a month was a daunting task. Debbie was fantastic, efficient and proactive. She offered suggestions and kept us informed. she also went above and beyond the expected service and assisted us every step of the way in our planning as well as on our journey. Most importantly(which is a rare and welcomed find) we felt loved, supported and cared for in our journey. I highly recommend Debby simply because Debby is Debby!

Melissa Subban

Johannesburg/ Kyalami

Attentive, friendly swift service with ongoing updating communication.

J Moolman

Johannesburg

Had an amazing experience with service received from Debby. Debby was incredibly friendly, efficient and timeous.

Masha Mohanlal

Johannesburg

Debby is absolutely amazing, reliable and compassionate. I have used her services before and it’s never just working with a Travel Counsellor, it’s discussing the journey with a friend. She’s always advising what’s best for us and there’s always something special for us reflecting her personal touch in our travels. This was a very stressful journey but I didn’t have to worry at all about the travel arrangements because Debby had it all checked!!! I have already and will continue to highly recommend Debby for travel plans.

K Naidoo

Prince Albert, Canada

Fantastic service. Made our return to the UK so much easier. Reassuring that someone had our back and it wasn't another thing we had to worry about! Will definitely use Debby again & recommend her to our friends and family. Thanks Debby.

A Brooke-Leggatt

UK

Excellent Service at all times.

Tanya Williams

Evander

My experience with Debby at Travel Counsellors has been nothing but professional and of a very high standard. Nothing is too much for her and she is prompt and on the ball. I highly recommend her.

L Pooley

Johannesburg

Referred by my daughter - no mistake! Job well done on their emigration to Canada bookings. Our booking to Zanzibar - great job repeats itself. Thank you.

Dharma Naidoo

Johannesburg

Quick, efficient and friendly help. Highly recommended.

André Noomé

Cape Town

Debby had to deal with me changing my mind over 200 times regarding what flights to take.

W Scott

London

Very efficient and friendly service. Debby addressed all of my queries and ensured I had everything I needed. I will definitely recommend Debby to friends, family and colleagues.

N Lourens

Kempton Park

Debby is the most EFFICIENT lady that I have ever came across. Her answers are IMMEDIATE and she deals with everything promptly and with perfection.

Marie-Claude Cumming

Pretoria

Superb service with helpful and concise assistance that made the whole process easy and fast!

Jeremy Brooke-Leggatt

London

I would have liked to rate Debby an 11 out of 10! The personal service and attempt to understand what we were looking for, together with her going that extra mile to add something special, really added to the amazing experience.

Phillip Lombard

Botswana

Debby is efficient and caring. She always goes the extra mile to see that all your travel needs are met. I would recommend her anytime.

Shelagh Wallace

Johannesburg

Always friendly and accommodating no matter how difficult the request.

Carole Willis

United Kingdom

I have recommended Debby's services to friends and colleagues already because she is very efficient, helpful and caring. Since I first got help with our complicated travel insurance requirements, I always go back to her for any travel needs.

Jess Porras

Durban

Thank you for arranging our family break away to Cape Town. We were so surprised to get a lovely personal welcome letter upon check-in. Your effort in taking care of everything so that we can just enjoy our time together is so appreciated.

Fredré Dunn

Johannesburg

We are so very grateful to Debby for assisting us with travel arrangements on short notice (and last-minute changes as always) for a family emergency. During this stressful time for our family, Debby ensured that all our travel arrangements were taken care of to the utmost detail. We travelled effortlessly and it allowed us to focus on the important stuff. Debby's efficiency in her work and compassion for her clients makes her a sought-after Travel Counsellor. We would highly recommend using Debby for your personal or business travel.

Fredre Dunn

Kempton Park

I highly commend Debby Apetauer for her very friendly efficient and professional service when booking my return holiday trip to Cape Town in September 2020. My seating arrangements were very comfortable and I had two very pleasant flights. Thank you Debby.

Noreen Child

Evander

Debby is the most organised Travel Counsellor you'll meet. I travel to the UK numerous times a year and each time Debby has helped me it's been an absolute pleasure, she's professional, timely and nothing is ever too much. Thank you Debby!

Gregory Shiers

Midrand

Debby is a gem of a travel agent. She goes the extra mile to plan thoughtful holidays to well deserving holiday makers and to business travellers. She ensures that all comforts are taken care of, before and during travel with a special touch. I would certainly recommend her services for cost effective, convenient and comfortable travel plans.

Lisanya Pillay

Kyalami

Discover the world with me

Trusted Travel with Travel Counsellors

Trusted Travel with Travel Counsellors

When it comes to booking travel it’s so important to book with someone you can trust. As a Travel Counsellor care & trust are at the heart of everything I do.

04 Dec 2020

Skiing Wonderland

Skiing Wonderland

Snows falling in Austria today! Take a look at these Austrian skiing memories.

03 Dec 2020

Drakensberg, South Africa

Drakensberg, South Africa

Always a favourite South African holiday destination from my first family holiday here in 1988, to my honeymoon in 2005 and all the return visits since.

26 Mar 2020

Additional offers

More destinations to enjoy

Let's plan your dream trip together

Icons 4

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.

Icons 2

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.

Icons 3

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.

Icons

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.

Find Tc Difference

Start planning with me

0/500 characters

Give me a call

Let’s talk through your ideas, no pressure.

082 418 1868

Let’s connect

Villas 1 Awali Background Colour Banana Island 3 (2)

Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.