Melissa Ridley
My expertise
I'm based in
Johannesburg
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
Welcome to Curated Travel, Crafted Just for You
I’m Melissa, but most of my travellers call me Mel. With more than 25 years of experience designing holidays, I specialise in creating journeys that feel effortless, deeply personal, and a little bit extraordinary.
Travel is not just about ticking destinations off a list. It is about sunrise views you did not expect, the restaurant you would never have found on your own, and the feeling of being completely looked after from the moment you start planning until you arrive back home. My role is to think of every detail, so you can simply relax and enjoy the moments that matter.
Based in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, I work with clients across South Africa and around the world. Whether we connect over a coffee, a call, WhatsApp, or email, you will always have one dedicated person who knows you, your preferences, and your future plans.
I specialise in:
Tailor-made leisure travel for couples, families, solo travellers, and groups
Premium and luxury escapes, from beach breaks to bush lodges and beyond
Seamless multi-stop itineraries with handpicked hotels, experiences, and transfers
Corporate and business travel that is efficient, organised, and stress-free
Every itinerary is created from scratch around you: your pace, your style, and your budget. From romantic anniversaries and milestone celebrations, to school holidays, safari adventures, and quick weekend getaways, I am here to turn your ideas into a beautifully planned trip.
My clients’ feedback means the world to me. You are warmly invited to visit the Testimonials section to see what other travellers have shared about their journeys. Their words reflect the personal care, attention to detail, and ongoing support you can expect when you work with me.
Ready to start dreaming? Have a look at my latest travel inspiration and special offers, or explore the corporate travel section if you are planning business trips. When you are ready, get in touch and we will start crafting your next escape, together.
Let’s chat soon,
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
From Island Escapes to City Skylines: My Travel Expertise, Tailored to You
From Island Escapes to City Skylines: My Travel Expertise, Tailored to South Africans Travel is personal, especially when you are travelling from South Africa with specific budgets, flight times and holiday calendars to consider. Whether you are escaping to a palm‑fringed island, hopping between iconic European cities, travelling solo for a little “me time” or flying for business, you deserve more
19 May 2026 5 min read
From Boardroom to Bush: Bleisure Travel in Southern Africa and Beyond
Business travel is changing. For many Southern African travellers, a work trip is no longer just airport, hotel and home. By thoughtfully blending business and leisure, you can turn necessary journeys into meaningful, restorative experiences that benefit both your people and your bottom line.
07 Apr 2026 5 min read
Premium Leisure Travel in Southern Africa: Where Luxury Meets the Wild
Premium leisure travel is so much more than a holiday. It is slipping into a world where everything is curated around you: the stillness of dawn in the bushveld, the pop of a perfectly chilled MCC at sunset, the feel of ocean spray from a deserted stretch of beach, the intimacy of a private dinner under a sky full of stars. Today’s premium traveller wants it all: adventure and relaxation, indulge
31 Mar 2026 5 min read
Why I’m the ideal travel partner for companies new to exporting
Stepping into international markets is a huge milestone. It is exciting, full of opportunity, and often a little overwhelming. Suddenly there are new regulations to navigate, different cultures to respect, complex itineraries to piece together and tight budgets to protect.
30 Mar 2026 5 min read
Why Responsiveness Now Matters More Than Ever
In today’s business landscape, travel plans can change in an instant. Flights are rescheduled, routes are diverted, and meetings shift at short notice. For organisations that rely on travel to connect with clients, partners, and teams, the true test of a Travel Management Company is no longer just how well they book, but how quickly they respond when something goes wrong. This is where responsive
24 Mar 2026 5 min read
Le Boat’s New Pricing Bundles and Top Routes
Exploring the beautiful waterways of Europe and Canada at your own pace is a unique way to travel. Le Boat makes this experience even more accessible and straightforward with its introduction of new pricing bundles. Designed to offer greater flexibility and value, these options simplify the planning process and let you focus on the adventure ahead. Let's explore the new bundles and see the excepti
04 Feb 2026 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Additional offers
More destinations to enjoy
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.
Get in touch