Jelena Williams
My expertise
I'm based in
Bloemfontein
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
From First Hello To Welcome Home – Seamless, Tailor‑Made Travel Planning
My name is Jelena Williams, and I am a Travel Counsellor based in Bloemfontein.
Originally from Riga, Latvia, I have been fortunate to live in several beautiful parts of the world. Before moving to South Africa, I spent three years in Adare, County Limerick in Ireland, where my love for travel, different cultures and meeting new people truly came to life. It was there that I met and married my South African husband, and in 2004 we made South Africa our home.
I have worked in the travel industry in South Africa for more than 20 years. During this time I have had the privilege of getting to know incredible people who started as clients and have since become friends. I have shared in their journeys, their excitement and their special memories. Thanks to the loyalty and support of these wonderful clients, I have been honoured with several awards recognising me as one of the top travel consultants.
Becoming a Travel Counsellor has given me the freedom to focus entirely on you and your travel needs. I take the time to get to know your likes, dislikes and travel style, so that I can create holidays that are truly tailor-made. I am available around the clock and am happy to meet you in the comfort of your office, home or favourite coffee shop. If you are based outside Bloemfontein, we can easily connect by phone or online.
Through my own travels I would love to introduce you to the emerald landscapes of Ireland and the UK, the romantic scenery of France, the hidden treasures of Eastern Europe and Russia, the idyllic islands of Thailand, enchanting Bali, and so much more.
I look forward to helping you plan your next journey and would be delighted to hear from you soon.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
From Skyscrapers to Redwoods: A 17-Day USA Journey
Discover how a carefully planned 17‑day USA itinerary turned iconic cities like Washington DC, Chicago and San Francisco into a relaxed, joy‑filled adventure. From Amtrak trains and river cruises to redwood forests, wine country and even driverless cars, this story is packed with practical tips to help you see more of America without feeling rushed.
26 Aug 2026 4 min read
Explore Scotland with Le Boat
As Caitriona Balfe (Claire from the series Outlander) said, "The Scottish Highlands are incredible. There seems to be magic and poetry everywhere". It was exactly that. A Fairy Tale. My favourite place. Green rolling hills, rocky mountains, dramatic coastlines, gloomy castles, and warm-hearted people. Hundreds of years of rich history shaped this amazing place and its people. Our long-awaited
28 Aug 2024 6 min read
Travel Professional vs Internet...
Why you can trust me Jelena with all your travel arrangements... How comfortable are you spending R50,000, R100 000 or R200 000 and more online? Are you sure that the airline you just purchased your air tickets for your family holiday won't go "under"? And will the airline contact you, should the flight be cancelled due to various reasons? And what if the hotel you booked via an websi
11 Mar 2019 3 min read
Local is Lekker - Road trip Port Elizabeth to Knysna
South Africa is an amazing country - from desert to sea, from mountains to forests, this country has it all. This December (2017), together with my family (my hubby and my 9-year-old girl), we went on a road trip to the East Coast. Port Elizabeth was our first stop just for 1 night. It is a lovely costal city. We didn't spend much time there, as the next morning we were up early to drive to A
05 Jan 2018 5 min read
Bali (Indonesia) - destination for everyone...
Bali is indeed for everyone - for any age, budget and taste. This small island offers amazing variety of sightseeing and entertainment. It is known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. It is home to numerous religious sites. Bali is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats, as well as beautiful beachside towns. The most convenient way to
26 Oct 2016 5 min read
Treasure of an Emerald Island (Ireland)
It's been a rainy day... In fact, most of the days of the year are rainy or cloudy in Ireland. But who cares, when there are so many things to see and do. Grab an umbrella, rent a car and off you go, exploring an amazing Emerald Island. I lived in Adare, Co.Limerick for just over 3 years. One of the tidiest towns in Ireland, for which they received several awards. Not much going on there, and i
19 Oct 2016 2 min read
Mauritius
“A country that has no more legends is set to die of cold.. But a nation without a myth runs towards death.” – Dumézil Goerge. Legend has it that… Once upon a time a colony of giants inhabited the great crescent of Lemuria. One day they set out in search of the land of Paradise. They searched east, they searched west; they searched north, they searched south, but Paradise was never in sight. T
08 Aug 2016 4 min read
Paris - City of Love
The best way to explore Paris is either on your own, or with your partner, or family or with a few friends, but my recommendation is not to explore it through an organised tour, as you will miss the best parts of the city. Try to stay there for longer than 3 nights, as the first impression of the city can be very overwhelming, and only after about 2 days, you might start to relax and enjoy you
19 May 2016 3 min read
My Home City - Riga (Latvia)
As some of you may or may not know, I am originally from Riga in Latvia. For those of you who don't know where that is - it's in Eastern Europe. This amazing city is over 800 years old and is a fantastic combination of both medieval and modern. There are well preserved heritage sites which offer great experiences to those who are interested in history and architecture. Thanks to its prime location
19 Feb 2016 3 min read
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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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