Margot Speed
My expertise
I'm based in
Jeffreys Bay
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
I’m so fortunate to call Jeffreys Bay home, one of the world’s most iconic surf spots. But being based here certainly does not limit me: wherever you are in the world, I am here to look after every detail of your travel plans.
My clients are always my priority. It matters deeply to me that you feel listened to, cared for and supported, with service that is personal, warm and consistently excellent. Working as an independent Travel Counsellor means I can focus entirely on what you need and create the kind of travel experience you truly deserve.
I have been a travel consultant since 1994 and over the years I have looked after both leisure travellers and a number of much‑loved corporate clients. With this experience, I am proud to call myself a travel specialist you can rely on.
Travel is truly in my blood: I have visited more than 55 incredible countries and every journey has added to the knowledge and insight I bring to your holidays. I cannot wait to share that experience with you, so that your next trip feels less like a booking and more like a dream brought to life. It is a wild, wonderful world out there, and I would love nothing more than to explore it with you.
I look forward to becoming your personal Travel Counsellor and helping you plan your next unforgettable journey.
Kind regards
Margot
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Why I Keep Coming Back to Mauritius – A Travel Counsellor’s Perspective
As a Travel Counsellor, I have the privilege of helping others plan their dream holidays—but every now and then, I get to enjoy one myself. And when I do, Mauritius is always at the top of my list. It’s a destination I return to year after year, and for good reason. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a fun-filled family getaway, or a special multi-generational escape, Mauritius truly ha
09 Oct 2025 5 min read
A ray of sunshine during these unprecedented times
Travel Counsellors, South Africa held their annual conference in March at the Alpine Resort in the Drakensberg. I was not able to attend this year, hence I only recently received the wonderful news... I came 2nd, among the leisure consultants, for delivering great customer service. I achieved this from the rating & feedback given by my clients in 2019. I have been moving up the ranks through the
03 Apr 2020 5 min read
Antigua Island Stay
I was blessed to win an incentive trip to Antigua with Travel Counsellors and I travelled there in May 2019. Lets start off by saying that my happy place is to be in warm turquoise waters, and it was amazing! Antigua & Barbuda is located in the Caribbean so the climate is amazing and it is the island with the least rainfall in the area, so this is a good place to visit most of the year. Here, m
04 Jun 2019 5 min read
Qatar Airways economy and business class travels
I had another first on a recent trip to London. I finally got to fly with Qatar Airways. I have sold this airline so many times and I was excited to experience it for myself. I flew economy class from Johannesburg to Doha to London Gatwick. It was a comfortable flight and the service of the crew was great. They cleaned the toilets frequently, it seemed every 5 minutes, and they were in the cabin
04 Jun 2019 5 min read
Virgin Atlantic
On my recent trip to Antigua in May 2019 I had the pleasure of Flying Virgin Atlantic for the first time. I could not believe it had taken me so long to fly on them. One the way to Antigua I was lucky enough to experience their Premium Economy Product and I was really impressed. The seats were comfortable, it had its own cabin that was so nice and quiet. The food was truly amazing. I ate the be
04 Jun 2019 5 min read
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge 4 Star
I finally got to visit Namibia & Botswana in November 2018 and I loved every moment of the trip. We flew from Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg to Kasane. After the 2 nights on the Princess we went to the Ichingo Lodge for a night. To view my blog on the Chobe Princess visit https://bit.ly/2rjXd94. We got to visit the Zambezi Queen which is 5 Star luxury. She was full so we could not stay
15 Jan 2019 5 min read
Chobe Princess African River Safari
I was excited to finally get to Botswana & Namibia and to experience it in such a special way. We flew with SA Airlink from Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg to Kasane in Botswana. The flights were all pleasant, it was a nice aircraft, great staff and food. The Kasane Airport was renovated a year ago and it is so modern and well organised. We were met by Ernest and then went down to the riv
05 Dec 2018 5 min read
Mauritius Familiarisation Trip May 2018
I got to see several new hotels and revisit others which have changed a lot from my last visit to Mauritius. I thought I would share a few on them but please contact me to discuss any of these or other hotels in detail. Shanti Maurice – I spent the night at the 5 Star Deluxe property which is located in the south and it has 122 rooms. It is a lovely relaxed property with lots of space and
03 Jun 2018 5 min read
Mont Rochelle
I was recently lucky enough to win 2 nights at Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek and thought I would share a little about this lovely hotel. On we arrival had a wonderful friendly welcome, porterage and parking of our car. We then got offered a welcome drink of wine, soft drink or champagne while our luggage was taken to our room. Well, what can I say the champagne was great and so was the view w
08 May 2018 5 min read
MSC Cruise Lines
I work with a wonderful travel franchise company and we had our annual conference onboard the MSC Sinfonia cruise to Mozambique in March 2018 for 3 nights. I LOVE cruising, and this was my 4th cruise but it has been 17 years since my last cruise, so it was definitely time to cruise again. We cruised from Durban to the Portuguese Island just off Maputo in Mozambique. MSC has created a love
11 Apr 2018 5 min read
Borneo – worth discovering
Are you looking for somewhere off the beaten track, an active holiday? Why not consider Borneo as it ticks all those boxes. It is the largest island in Asia and shared by 3 nations – Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Malaysian corner of the island is the most popular and made of the provinces Sarawak and Sabah. It is known for its wildlife including clouded leopards and orangutans. The beach
15 Dec 2017 5 min read
Ireland – The Emerald Isle
When Ireland comes to mind, I think of green pastures, rugged cliffs and the lovely musical Irish accent. It is a beautiful island steeped in history and well worth a visit. You can’t truly experience Ireland without tasting a good single malt whiskey, trying haggis, drinking a Guinness and spending the night in a local Irish pub joining a singalong. The good news is that South African citizens
20 Nov 2017 5 min read
Why your next holiday should be a cruise?
This is one of my favourite kinds of holidays and I have been lucky enough to do 3 cruises. I have cruised to the Portuguese Islands in Mozambique for 3 nights, the Caribbean for 7 nights and the Mediterranean for 10 nights. Here are some of the reasons why cruise holidays are so popular: You don’t waste time getting from A to B, the journey is part of the holiday and you are not stuck in a
12 Oct 2017 5 min read
Cambodia - The Forgotten Jewel of Asia
Cambodia is in Southeast Asia and has Thailand, Laos & Vietnam as neighbors. This lends itself to fascinating history as it was devastated by decades of war but there are positive signs of economic revival and it is a good time to visit this beautiful country. You can visit throughout the year, according to your preferences in terms of weather, and tourist populations. The dry season is from N
14 Sept 2017 5 min read
Cuba – get there before it loses its old-world charm
Cuba was trapped in a time warp for many years. They are however busy opening up their borders, when they are fully open this will result in the world pouring in, so now is the best time to visit. Did you know that it is the largest island in the Caribbean, with 109 884 square kilometers? June is the hottest & wettest month and January the coldest, so depending on your preference for heat and
06 Aug 2017 5 min read
Dubai – A delight in the desert
East meets West in Dubai and whether you are looking for a quick stopover on your way to Europe, America and Australasia, or a holiday on its own, Dubai fits the bill. Who would have thought that a shopping mall is one of the best tourist attractions in a city? You must experience Mall of the Emirates. Nowhere else will you find 5 ski runs, ski school, penguin encounters or the snow bullet in
10 Jul 2017 5 min read
Have you considered a train trip?
Train travel brings back childhood memories of my first trip from Port Elizabeth to Uitenhage as a very young child with my grandmother, I was beside myself with excitement. I have subsequently done a few short train trips including up the Jungfrau Mountain on a cog railway and enjoyed them all. There are several epic train journeys to go on if you want the train trip to be the highlight of yo
26 Jun 2017 5 min read
Madagascar, an eco-tourism delight
I was privileged to visit Madagascar in June, and it was an eye opener. Birding and nature enthusiasts, this is the place you must visit! The best time for birding is between September and November, during the breeding season. Isalo, Spiney Forest and Zombitse are good places to go for birding. It is a big island, you need to fly to see a lot in a brief time. North to south is 1580 km, and east t
19 Jun 2017 5 min read
Vietnam – Worth a visit
Vietnam is becoming a popular holiday destination and it is on my bucket list. Located in Southeast Asia it is bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia. It has a coast line stretching 2500 km from North to South, so the climate varies. This makes deciding on the best time to travel a bit tricky. You would need to see where you are spending the most time but as an indication an appropriate time is
10 May 2017 5 min read
Singapore – The Garden City
Singapore is more than just a stopover destination as there is so much to do and see in this fascinating city. It is called the garden city due to its 300 parks, 4 nature reserves and a primary rain forest in the city center. It is the cleanest city I have visited and I really enjoyed the 7 days I spent there. It is kept clean with many laws, so make sure to follow them or there will be fines
28 Mar 2017 5 min read
Croatia - a land of beauty
I am privileged to have toured this amazing country 4 times and I could go back tomorrow. If you are looking for natural beauty, history, architecture, great pizza, good beer and fantastic ice cream, then Croatia is the perfect place for you. Plitvice National Park is 295 square km of forest reserve with 16 terraced lakes, limestone canyons and waterfalls. Walk through differen
17 Feb 2017 5 min read
Rand stretcher shopping destinations
A true shopper won’t let the rate of exchange put them off but I thought I would give you some suggestions for good value for money shopping destinations. Vietnam is becoming a popular holiday destination, value for money in all aspects combined with fascinating history and great food If you are looking for tailor-made clothes and shoes this is where you should go. The best high-end shopping is
18 Jan 2017 5 min read
Useful Apps while travelling
Now days most people have android or iPhones and here are some really handy apps to use when travelling. WiFox allows users around the world to add password information from airports and share it with other users. The app displays available Wi-Fi hotspots on a map. Users can then click on their desired hotpot and the app will display all its information, including the password. Pocket First
06 Dec 2016 5 min read
Mauritius – the island I cannot stay away from
Yes, I really did go back to Mauritius for the 6th time, but of course it was for work. I mean somebody has to inspect all the hotels. I spent 4 days on this magic island inspecting 11 hotels, from 3 Star to 5 Star deluxe and I loved every minute of it. Although it was a flying visit, it is the kind of place that you relax as soon as you set foot on the island. I would like to give you snapshot
06 Dec 2016 5 min read
Russia
I was lucky enough to visit Russia a couple of years ago, and found it a fascinating country which I did not know a lot about. A South African passport holder needs a visa to visit Russia. The Russian currency is rubles. Currently R1 = 4.39 rubles. The US dollar and Euro is preferable to exchange when there. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so it is better to have some cash in yo
16 Nov 2016 5 min read
My Clients experience from a trip to America: Part 2 of 2
This is part 2 of the feedback from a client who recently visited America, please start on part 1 :) Friday 30 Sep 16 We went to Hollywood Studio’s, it is really interesting and was an unexpected surprise! We rode the Aerosmith crazy roller coaster and watched the Indiana Jones stunt show, we all went through the Hollywood experience ride, and we we took photos with some of the Disney Characte
31 Oct 2016 5 min read
My Clients experience from a trip to America: Part 1 of 2
I got this lovely feedback from a client of mine who recently returned from a trip to America. My clients stayed in Orlando at the 3 Star - Disney's All Star Movie in New York and at the 4 Star - The Westin New York Grand Central in Washington and at the 3 Star Courtyard Washington DC/US Capitol. Take a look what my clients had to say about their family holiday. We LOVED our trip. It was
31 Oct 2016 5 min read
Zanzibar – Another Indian Ocean Gem
Zanzibar is the number one beach location in East Africa. It is a wonderful island with tropical beaches and a fascinating culture. South African passport holders do not need a visa and you no longer need a yellow fever inoculation, just be aware of the malaria risk. The indigenous language is Swahili but English is widely spoken and understood. Currently R1 = TZS159. It is a few degrees south
13 Oct 2016 5 min read
Singapore is more than just a stopover destination
Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and it is a great stopover destination on your way to Australia, New Zealand or Thailand but it is such a lovely city that one can really stay longer. South African passport holders don't need a visa, English is widely spoken, the Singapore Dollar costs roughly R9.95, there are daily direct flights and no health requirements. Singapore is one of
23 Sept 2016 5 min read
Adventure Tourism
Everyone has their own idea of what is an adventurous holiday and that is the best thing about it. You can decide what your adventure will be and fit it to your fitness level. It is a myth that it is just for the young and extremely fit. Cycling holidays – pick the country and I can probably put together a cycling holiday for you. It might be totally organised where you are booked to sleep s
12 Jul 2016 5 min read
Top Travel Tips
Here are a few tips, some shared by some of my Travel Counsellor colleagues, to make your travel experience more pleasant. Tip 1: When you are packing your toiletries, unscrew the lids and cover each opening with a small piece of cling film before screwing the lid back on to prevent spillages. Tip 2: Always pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage goes mis
09 Jun 2016 5 min read
Still great shopping to be found...
Still great shopping to be found... It depends on what you are looking for but there are still some destinations around the world that offer fabulous shopping, even with the state of the South African Rand. One of the firm favourites is the Dubai Shopping Festival. It is from 1 January to 1 February 2017, so you plan ahead to get the best flight prices for next year. It is not only shopping
08 Apr 2016 5 min read
The value that I can provide that the internet cant
Why it is a good idea to use a travel agent It seems that everyone thinks they can do the work of a travel agent now days even the supermarket tellers. Would you really trust booking an airline ticket at a supermarket or doing it yourself online? When doing it all yourself would you know what the minimum connecting times are between flights? Or whether you are allowed to transit a country w
17 Mar 2016 5 min read
Mozambique – another African gem
This was a popular weekend getaway in days gone by. I am sure a lot of you visited Lourenco Marques, now Maputo, or heard your parents talk about it. It was a way to get the European experience in Africa. Things have changed since then but Mozambique is still a popular getaway for South Africans. It is rich in Portuguese, Indian and Colonial heritage. If looking for the total relaxing beach break
10 Mar 2016 5 min read
Victoria Falls – a gem in Africa
Looking for a weekend getaway? Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and it is a little gem of a place to visit. You can access the falls from either country and South African passports don’t need a visa if staying less than 30 days. Zambia uses Kwacha as its currency and Zimbabwe any foreign currency. The rainy season is from December to April and for this reason
05 Feb 2016 5 min read
Namibia – a wonderful country to explore right on our doorstep
You can now fly direct from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Windhoek or Walvis Bay and hire a car if you are not wanting to drive from South Africa. You don’t need a visa when travelling for tourism and the Namibian Dollar is equivalent to the South African Rand. Namibia is big and there are so many amazing choices of places to see and things to do. Windhoek has a castle where you can see so
08 Oct 2015 5 min read
Disneyland or Walt Disney World
High on the bucket list for dream holidays is Disney, it does not matter if you are a child or a child at heart, it is a lovely holiday. There are currently 5 Disney Resorts with number 6 due to open in 2016. Keep in mind that children should be over 132cm height to go on some of the bigger rides in the parks. Each park offers variations but covers attractions, rides, shopping, dining and entertai
17 Sept 2015 5 min read
Mauritius, the perfect island holiday
I was privileged to be invited to go inspect some hotel properties in Mauritius in August 2015. It was lovely to be back on this special island, as it has been at least 10 years since my last visit. This was my 5th time and I am ready to go back again. I was pleasantly surprised by how modern and efficient the new airport is. I recall the painful experience of the last trips being stuck at the
31 Aug 2015 5 min read
Important things to remember when travelling
Here are a few suggestions to make travelling easier. Make sure that you do your check in online before departure, this will help you get a good seat and there is much less chance of being off-loaded if the flight is overbooked. It normally opens within 24 hours of each flight departure time and can close up to 3 hours before departure. Take a photo of your bag with your phone so you can eas
06 Jul 2015 5 min read
South Africa – Immigration Regulations for passengers travelling with children
As of 01 June 2015 South Africa’s new immigration regulations for passengers travelling with minors will come into effect. Under the new law, all minors (children under the age of 18 years) will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry. In cases where t
04 May 2015 5 min read
Multi-Generational Travel
Multi-Generational Travel There is no better way to spend a holiday than with all your family. Multi-Generational travel has become very popular with grandparents joining their children and grandchildren on holiday. When planning a trip it is important to make sure that the holiday is special for all ages. The most important is that the children are happy which means the parents and grandpar
29 Apr 2015 5 min read
Madagascar – an authentic island, a world apart
Lying off the east coast of Mozambique, Madagascar is the 4th biggest island after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo. Due to its isolation lots of its mammals, birds and plants exist nowhere else in the world. When I think of Madagascar I think of eco-tourism. The capital is Antananarivo, better known as Tana and is located in the highlands. The currency is Madagascan Ariary and 1 South African
31 Mar 2015 5 min read
All Important Travel Advise that South African Travellers must be aware of
Recent changes to take note of if travelling domestically or internationally Hand Baggage with all airlines as of 01 Feb '15 The new hand luggage regulations restrict economy class carry-ons to a single piece with a maximum weight of 7kg and within specified dimensions (36cm x 23cm x 56cm) along with either a handbag or a slim-line laptop bag. Business Class passengers are allowed two bags
05 Mar 2015 5 min read
How to avoid excessive data roaming charges
It’s that time of year again when the work grinds to a halt as the masses head out on holiday. However, for those heading oversees, data roaming charges are a genuine concern. Before boarding that plane, take a look at what software expert Opera Software’s top ten tips for saving on data roaming charges. 1. Before you leave, check with your regular mobile operator to see if they offer
12 Dec 2014 5 min read
Cruising
Cruising is a great holiday; everyone should try it at least once. There are so any benefits of cruising; here are a few of them. 1 You unpack once, settle in and get to see so many different places. 2 They offer full board, so you don’t need to budget for meals 3 Most offer beverage and excursion packages so all can be booked and paid in advance so you know what your spend will be. 4 You c
25 Nov 2014 5 min read
Cycling holiday in Austria
Have you ever considered an active holiday? Whether it is with a group of friends, a couple or a family holiday, this is one of the best holidays you can imagine. I had the pleasure of organising a lovely trip for a group of friends last year and they had such a wonderful time on their holiday that the same group is planning another cycling trip in Europe in 2015 and are doing the Orange River Can
02 Jul 2014 5 min read
Handy Hints for South African’s travelling
Passports: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after you return to South Africa, but some even 1 year. You can no longer get an emergency passport and a normal passport taxes at least 3 weeks to obtain. Some airlines require the passport information in order to issue the airline ticket. So please check your passport every year and make sure it is up to date. V
17 Apr 2014 5 min read
Istanbul, Turkey – well worth a visit!
Istanbul, Turkey – well worth a visit! Istanbul is a vibrant, exciting cultural city. If it is not on your bucket list it should be. I have been lucky enough to visit Istanbul twice but I have to go back. It is a city with a soul and its residents shop, eat and party with passion. They live life to the fullest and love every minute of it. Istanbul owes its historic importance and its amazing
14 Apr 2014 5 min read
New York City – USA
New York has to be one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world! Home to venerated restaurants, chic nightspots, cutting-edge theatre and architectural masterpieces, New York City are forever on the cusp of reinvention. Strolling the city sidewalks is the best way to experience the city in all its frenetic diversity, from the bustling, sensory-rich streets of Chinatown to the pea
01 Mar 2014 5 min read
Mauritius – an island waiting to be enjoyed!
Whether you are in the pursuit of sport or leisure, culture or cuisine, excitement or relaxation - Mauritius will captivate you by the mix of friendly people, intoxicating fragrances and fine hospitality. Mauritius is not just a beach holiday. Yes, for those who enjoy relaxing on the beach and water sports it is a small bit of heaven as you can surf, sail, dive, go big game fishing, snorkelli
28 Feb 2014 5 min read
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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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