Karin Livingstone
My expertise
I'm based in
Gordons Bay
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
Welcome
I’m Karin Livingstone, your dedicated luxury travel specialist, based in the beautiful seaside village of Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town.
I work with discerning clients across the Helderberg, Somerset West, Strand, and throughout South Africa, curating bespoke luxury holidays and seamless travel experiences designed entirely around you.
With over 22 years of experience in the global tourism industry, and as the owner of a Travel Counsellors franchise since 2017, I bring a depth of expertise shaped by senior leadership roles in both South Africa and the UK. This allows me to offer not only insider knowledge, but also access to exclusive travel experiences, premium suppliers, and exceptional value.
My focus is on creating tailor-made, high-end journeys that go far beyond the ordinary. From private island escapes and luxury safari experiences to curated European getaways and ultra-luxury cruising, every itinerary is designed with meticulous attention to detail. I manage every aspect of your journey, ensuring a flawless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
As my client, you can expect a highly personalised service built on trust, discretion, and a genuine understanding of your travel style. I take the time to get to know what truly matters to you, crafting journeys that are not only seamless, but deeply memorable.
Having travelled extensively across South Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, I offer first-hand insight and honest recommendations, ensuring you experience the very best each destination has to offer. My passion for cruising has taken me from the Norwegian fjords and Northern Lights with Hurtigruten, to the Mediterranean with Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises, experiences that allow me to confidently guide you to the perfect voyage.
I also understand the importance of precision when travelling with specialist interests, including sporting travel, where every logistical detail matters.
For my clients, travel is not just about getting away, it is about experiencing the world in a way that is effortless, enriching, and truly exceptional.
I would be delighted to design your next journey and turn your travel aspirations into a beautifully curated reality.
Karin Livingstone
Luxury Travel Specialist
"Crafting Bespoke Journeys with Exceptional Service."
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Top Luxury Honeymoon Destinations for 2026 and 2027, Where Romance Meets Experience
Your honeymoon is no longer just a holiday, it is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experience that sets the tone for your life together. For 2026 and 2027, honeymooners are moving beyond the traditional and embracing ultra-luxury, personalised, and experience-driven travel. Think private villas, immersive cultural moments, wellness retreats, and bucket-list adventures, all wrapped into one seaml
26 Mar 2026 5 min read
Discover Luxury Safari Experiences at Thornybush Private Game Reserve
I recently stayed at Thornybush Lodge and wanted to share why this incredible lodge should be your next Safari advenuture. If you’re dreaming of a luxury African safari, few destinations compare to the magic of Thornybush. Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, this exclusive reserve delivers an unforgettable blend of Big Five safaris, ultra-luxury lodges, and tailor-made wildlife experiences
19 Mar 2026 5 min read
Cruise Trends for 2026: The Future of Cruising and the Best Cruise Lines to Know
Cruising in 2026 is more exciting than ever, with innovation, sustainability, and personalised travel experiences leading the way. Whether you are planning your first cruise holiday or you are a seasoned traveller, staying on top of the latest cruise trends will help you choose the perfect voyage. From luxury all inclusive cruises to family friendly cruise holidays and immersive expedition journe
18 Mar 2026 5 min read
Maldives: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
When it comes to unforgettable romantic escapes, the Maldives tops the list. With crystal-clear waters, endless stretches of soft white sand, and luxury resorts designed with couples in mind, it truly is paradise on earth. The Maldives holds a very special place in my heart, as I chose it for my own honeymoon. Having experienced the romance, tranquillity, and beauty of the islands first-hand, I k
21 Aug 2025 5 min read
AI in Travel Planning: Helpful, But Not Always Right! Here’s Why You Still Need a Travel Counsellor
AI is everywhere these days, from helping us draft emails to suggesting our next holiday destination. With tools like ChatGPT and travel AI bots, getting instant trip recommendations has never been easier. But before you let AI plan your entire getaway, let’s talk about why you can’t always rely on it—and why having a real human travel expert still makes all the difference. When AI Gets It Wrong…
31 Jan 2025 5 min read
Essential Packing Tips for Overseas Travel
As a travel agent with years of globetrotting experience, I've seen how the right packing choices can transform your travel experience. Whether you're jetting off for a cultural immersion in Asia, a sun-soaked escape in the Mediterranean, or an arctic adventure, packing smartly is the key to a smooth journey. Here's a curated list of travel essentials to ensure you're prepared for any overseas adv
20 Nov 2024 5 min read
Flying with Finesse: A Guide to Airplane Travel Etiquette
I travel regularly and I often hear complaints while on the aircraft that seats are being pushed back or kids are kicking back of the seats and this made me think that there is NO handbook on the ‘etiquette’ of traveling on board a plane. Travel is meant to be exciting, not frustrating yet as soon as you are on the aircraft there is always a grumpy person or two. The crew on board need a medal a
22 Feb 2024 5 min read
Exploring the World with Karin Livingstone: Your Trusted Travel Counsellor
In a world filled with diverse travel options and ever-evolving destinations, the role of a trusted Travel Counsellor becomes invaluable. Karin Livingstone is a seasoned travel expert who has dedicated her career to curating memorable travel experiences for her clients. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of Karin Livingstone, the Travel Counsellor who can turn your travel dreams into reality
28 Sept 2023 5 min read
The Personal Touch: Why Booking with a Travel Counsellor Trumps Online Reservations
In an age where technology and the internet have revolutionized the way we plan and book our travels, the idea of working with a Travel Counsellor might seem old-fashioned. Why bother with a human travel agent when you can book your trips online with a few clicks? The answer to this question lies in the unique benefits a Travel Counsellor brings to your travel planning experience. In this blog, I
27 Sept 2023 5 min read
Top Yoga Destinations
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and balance is essential for maintaining our physical and mental well-being. Yoga retreats provide the perfect opportunity to escape the chaos of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to explore the world of yoga, here are the top 10 yoga retreats that promise a transformative
26 Sept 2023 5 min read
Exploring the World: 10 Must-Visit Bucket List Destinations
A bucket list is a collection of dreams and aspirations, and for many, it includes a variety of travel experiences. Exploring new places, cultures, and landscapes can be both enriching and exhilarating. If you're looking for inspiration to create or expand your travel bucket list, we've compiled a list of 10 must-visit destinations that should find a place on any adventurer's checklist. 1. Machu
14 Sept 2023 5 min read
Family Travelling Tips
Traveling with kids can be a rewarding and memorable experience, but it can also be challenging at times. Here are some top tips to make your family travel smoother and more enjoyable: 1. Plan Ahead: - Involve your kids in the trip planning process, so they feel excited and engaged. - Create a flexible itinerary with activities that cater to their interests. 2. Pack Wisely: - Pack essen
14 Sept 2023 5 min read
The ‘My TC app’ is a MUST for EVERY traveler!
Travel Counsellors offers our customers an App, called the ‘My TC app’. This app can be used for holidaymakers as well as business travelers. The ‘My TC App’ has only received rave reviews from our users and we have received a whopping 4.2 out 5 for reviews on Apples App Store. This app is unique and a fantastic addition to my personal approach as your Travel Counsellor and this is why… How do
26 Sept 2019 5 min read
Dorset Country Side just a Delight
I visited the UK in mid May 2018 (Spring time). I travelled with Emirates Airlines as I love their seating and entertainment on-board the plane. Plus, they also offer a two-piece concept for my luggage which means that I can take my normal checked-in bag and my road bicycle (which is packed into a bike box). This trip I skipped visiting London for the very first time and I headed straight do
12 Sept 2018 5 min read
Want to experience Skiing, Cruising and Northern Lights (aurora borealis) all in one trip?
If you want to experience Skiing, Cruising & the Northern lights, then this ONE trip is for you. All three were on my bucket list and I was so excited to be able to combine them all into one trip, it doesn’t get any better than this. Its recommended to travel January or February as this is one of the best times of the year to see the Northern lights and there is only approx. 4 hours of daylight.
15 Apr 2018 5 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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