My Inspiring Journey to Travel Counsellors Global Conference 2023
London, Mancherster
From South Africa to Manchester: My Inspiring Journey With Travel Counsellors In 2023 I had the privilege of experiencing something truly unforgettable: travelling from South Africa to Manchester as one of the top 10 winners in a national Travel Counsellors competition. It was a journey filled with pinch‑me moments, from golden dunes in Dubai to the buzz of a global conference in Manchester. I wanted to share a little behind the scenes of that trip with you, because it perfectly captures why I am so passionate about what I do and the incredible community that stands behind every booking I make.
A Dream Start: 24 Hours in Dubai
Our journey began with a 24‑hour stopover in Dubai, and what a way to start.
We checked into a beautiful hotel, the kind of place where you exhale the moment you walk into the lobby. After freshening up, we headed straight out into the desert for a dune safari.
Think:
- Endless waves of golden sand at sunset
- 4x4s weaving over the dunes
- That magical feeling of standing in the middle of the desert with the sky turning shades of pink and orange
It was exhilarating, but also incredibly peaceful: the perfect reminder of why travel is such a powerful reset.
Back in the city, we enjoyed a guided tour that showed off Dubai’s contrasts: futuristic skyscrapers, glittering marinas, stylish malls and pockets of traditional culture. In just 24 hours we managed to get a taste of both the glamour and the heritage that make Dubai so special.
Onwards to Manchester: Connection, Celebration and Inspiration
From Dubai we continued to Manchester, where the real heart of the trip awaited: the Travel Counsellors Global Conference.
Before the conference began, we had a fantastic evening together as a group. We dined with the team at a lovely venue in the city, shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed that special kind of energy that only comes when you bring passionate travel people together from all over the world.
Then it was time for two full days of conference. And it was, quite simply, unbelievable.
Highlights included:
- Inspiring keynote speakers who reminded us why personal service matters more than ever
- Updates on new tools, technology and support that help me look after my clients even better
- Breakout sessions packed with practical ideas, from luxury tailoring to experiential travel
- Hearing success stories from fellow Travel Counsellors across the globe
Sitting in a room filled with like‑minded professionals, all focused on putting the customer at the centre of everything, was incredibly motivating. It confirmed for me that I am part of a business that genuinely cares about people, not just bookings.
What This Trip Means For My Clients
Yes, it was an amazing personal experience, but it was also so much more than that.
Being selected as one of the top 10 in South Africa was a huge honour, and it is something I achieved thanks to the trust of my clients and the support of an incredible community behind me.
This journey means that when you travel with me:
- You benefit from a global network of knowledge and expertise
- You have someone on your side who is constantly learning, improving and being inspired
- You are looked after by a Travel Counsellor who is recognised for service and commitment
From dune safaris in Dubai to city breaks in Manchester, luxury getaways or family adventures: my role is to design trips that feel as special and memorable to you as this experience was to me.
Ready To Plan Your Own Unbelievable Journey?
If this trip taught me anything, it is that travel has the power to surprise, connect and transform us.
Whether you are dreaming of a quick stopover in Dubai, a UK city escape, or a once‑in‑a‑lifetime itinerary that combines multiple destinations, I would love to help bring it to life.
Contact me today to start planning your next unforgettable journey.