Debby Apetauer
My expertise
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.
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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
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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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