Since 28 February, life in my travel world has been anything but quiet. While the headlines have been filled with worrying news from the Middle East, my days have been full of rerouting flights, rescuing holidays, crafting dream itineraries and in between it all, sneaking in cuddles with my 4-month old pug puppy, Bella. I thought I would take you behind the scenes to  show you what this past month has really looked like as your personal Travel Counsellor.

When the World Shifts Overnight

When war broke out in the Middle East, it was not just a line on a news ticker for me. It instantly became a puzzle of people, plans and emotions that needed careful handling.I had:

• Two ladies from the USA, leaving their respective partners and families back home, coming on a three week, once in a lifetime Southern Africa bucket list trip, were due to travel on Emirates when their flights were cancelled. This meant looking at new tickets on alternative carriers that would not fly near or through the Middle East and would still allow them to continue their planned trip, albeit with an extra two nights in Cape Town which was a blessing in disguise as they were able to spend more time in the Mother City.
• A client was due to visit her children and grandchildren in Israel for Passover holiday, whose flights were cancelled when the airline suspended travel to and from Tel Aviv, which meant revisiting her plans completely and looking at alternative options for when it would be safer and feasible to travel.
• Corporate travellers heading to China for important factory visits, also booked on Emirates, needing new routes that kept their schedules intact.
• A couple set to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Vietnam, booked on Qatar, wanting reassurance and options that still felt special and safe.
• A businessman stuck in Manila when his Emirates flight home was cancelled, who needed to be rerouted via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific so he could get back to his family and work.

Behind each of these situations were real people: excited, anxious, hopeful, sometimes frustrated. My job was to absorb as much of that stress as possible, then calmly untangle the logistics so they did not have to.This is where having a dedicated Travel Counsellor really matters : when things get complicated, you have someone in your corner, watching the news, tracking flights and proactively reshaping your plans.

Crafting Once-in-a-Lifetime Journeys

It has not been all crisis management though. There have been some truly heart-warming and exciting itineraries in the mix too.

One of the most meaningful trips I have worked on recently has been for an ex-South African in her 80s, coming back on what she calls her "last visit home". I have piecing together a deeply personal journey for her:

• Time in Cape Town to reconnect with cousins, revisit old haunts and soak up those mountain and sea views.
• Days in Johannesburg spent with family, sharing stories and memories. 
• A four night truly African safari experience at Tangala Safari Camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve, where she can listen to lions calling at night, watch elephant  at the waterhole and feel the bushveld under those huge African skies.

Another project that has kept me happily busy is an exciting trip for two couples traveling from India. Their South African adventure includes : 

• Johannesburg to get a taste of the city's energy and history.
• A special stay at the Shalati Train on the Bridge in the Kruger National Park, an extraordinary property perched above the Sabie River with spectacular views and wildlife sightings. 
• Time at Sun City for some fantastic golfing and resort downtime.

These are not "off the shelf" holidays. They are hand built around who my clients are, what excites them and what they want to remember years from now. 

Swapping my desk for Cape Town

In the middle of all this, I also packed my own suitcase and headed to Cape Town for Travel Counsellors' annual conference, held at the Century City Convention Centre.  It was a brilliant chance to connect with other Travel Counsellors and industry partners, deepen my product knowledge so I can bring you the very best recommendations and keep up to date with trends, new properties and fresh ideas to inspire your next trip.

While I was there, I managed a lovely site visit to the Radisson Waterfront, ideal for clients who want those classic ocean views and easy access to the city. I rounded off the trip with a one-night stay at the newly refurbished City Lodge Waterfront, which gave me first-hand insight into what I can expect my clients to experience there. 

Seeing hotels and destinations in person is invaluable. It means that when I recommend somewhere, it is based on more than a picture on a screen. I know how it feels to walk through the lobby, I have seen the rooms and I have experienced the location for myself.

Life, Balance and Bella the Pug

Of course, life is not all airports and itineraries. Between long days troubleshooting, rerouting and designing new holidays, I have been making sure to carve out pockets of rest too.

Weekends have been about a bit of R&R and spending quality time with Bella, my 4 month old pug puppy who is fast becoming my little emotional support assistant. There is nothing like a snoring pug at your feet to bring you back down to earth after a day of juggling complex travel plans.

Why It All Matters

If there is a theme to this past month, it is this : travel is powerful, but it is also fragile. The world can change quickly and when it does, having someone who know you, understands your plans and will fight your corner makes all the difference. 

Whether you are : 

• Planning  a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary trip.
• Sending staff overseas on important business.
• Coming "home" to South Africa after many years away or
• Finally ticking that African safari off your bucket list,

I am here, behind the scenes, watching, planning, tweaking and supporting you from the moment we start dreaming together until you are safely home.

If reading this has sparked ideas for your next adventure, or if you have existing plans you would like me to review or refine, I would love to help.

Contact me today and let us start planning your next unforgettable journey.