Based In Durbanville

Nicci Hayden

Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here

It's Nice To Meet You

Hello there, fellow adventurer!

I’m Nicci Hayden, your dedicated Travel Counsellor with a suitcase full of stamps (and stories) based in the vibrant heart of Durbanville, Cape Town. Born and raised in bustling Johannesburg, I traded city lights for vineyard views back in 1998, and haven’t looked back since! Life here is a wonderful blend of Cape sunshine, family chaos with my husband and our two energetic kids, Logan and Lyla, all wrapped up in the comfort of my childhood home.

My journey into travel started way back, pre-2009, in the whirlwind world of retail travel. I learned the ropes, flipped a couple of stores from “help!” to “high-flyer,” collected some snazzy titles (hello, Top Producer!), and... most importantly... figured out that personalised service and a sprinkle of fun are non-negotiables.

Since then, I've spent over a decade as a Travel Counsellor, making your travel dreams come true is my absolute favourite thing to do (second only to plotting my own escapes, of course). I’ve globe-trotted my way through Zanzibar, Mauritius (trust me, I know the insider secrets!), Thailand, London, New York, Las Vegas, Namibia, Reunion, Disney World, and many magical spots throughout South Africa. My bucket list? Let’s just say the world’s a big place: think Northern lights in Norway to the wonders of South America and beyond!

Why do I love what I do? Because I get to make YOUR trips personal. From golden moments as a Gold TC to glowing client reviews and a nomination for Best Newcomer, every milestone has been fuelled by genuine connections with clients who’ve become friends (and sometimes even travel companions!). My focus is always on adding value, sharing honest advice, and being right here for you... 24 hours a day, you’ll have my full support and genuine care, around-the-clock in any travel emergency (because even globe-trotters need to catch a few winks!). Rest assured, if you need me urgently, I’m just a call away, no call centres, no scripts, just real help when you need it most.

The magic of Travel Counsellors means I’ve got the tools and flexibility to create holidays as unique as you are, with unwavering support and absolutely zero call-centre scripts. Your dream isn’t just a destination, it's a journey we’ll design together, with every detail thought of and every box ticked.

So, what do you say? If the world is a book, let’s get on to those unwritten chapters. Ready to turn the page?

Can’t wait to chat!

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My customer stories

Sent by Robyn Self

I had the most exceptional service from Nicci, who managed my business travel from start to finish with absolute professionalism and care. Despite multiple connecting flights, changes, and delays, she stayed on top of every detail and kept me informed—even after midnight! The Travel Counsellors app is also fantastic — extremely user-friendly, allowing me to view my full itinerary, invoices, and any flight updates in real time. It was a stressful business trip with several unexpected disruptions, but thanks to Nicci’s constant updates, calm communication, and hands-on approach, everything ran as smoothly as possible. I could not recommend Travel Counsellors and Nicci’s outstanding service more highly — especially for busy business travellers who need reliable, real-time support. Robyn - Plan-IT Design

Sent by Glenn Johnson

Nicci is very helpful and responsive. We were able to organise an itinerary that perfectly suited our plans. Nicci is great to work with!

Sent by Sandra Penton

Nicci is special I do rely on her expertise and mostly personal care and consideration She is much more than just my travel agent!

Sent by Michael Austen

Nicci is very friendly, competent and professional....a pleasure dealing with her!

Sent by Mary Lattanzio

Nicci is wonderful to work with and she planned all the details for our perfect trip from California to South Africa.

Sent by Bakkies Eksteen

Very helpful and always trying to give the customer the best deals. I appreciate the patience dealing with the difficult requests and changes from me, your very satisfied customer. Thank you Nicci!

Sent by Russel Giger

Great, friendly, efficient service as always!!

Sent by Michelle Morgan

Really amazing person to work with. I didn't really know what I wanted, all I knew was that I wanted to go to the UK on holiday. Nicci gave me suggestions and advised why something wouldn't work. She makes me feel confident that everything is sorted.

Sent by Ronelle von Hoesslin

It was an absolute pleasure to deal with Nicci, she was super efficient and got our trip booked in record time, thanks Nicci !

Sent by Ella Myburgh

You know how in primary school when you found out your best friend had another best friend ... but it's okay cause she's still your best friend?! Our family feels the same way about Nicci! During the planning of a trip to France, we dropped emails and made requests as if we were her only clients and in return she answered & assisted with everything as if we were! She is truly amazing! And we are not the only ones appreciating her for who she is and what she does for her clients - every single entry on her Facebook page reflects her excellent service! So again ... THANK YOU for everything! We will definitely share our travels and testimonials! You deserve a few more of those certificates and awards!

Sent by Avista Dukhanti

Nicci, you're amazing! This is my 3rd trip booked with you and never again will I ever try booking a holiday myself. You're not only a pleasure to deal with, but you've learnt about my likes/dislikes and you're just an all round master at what you do. Thank you a million times over! Avista xx

Sent by Maurice van Bergen

I have booked a number of trips with Nicci and she has always been most helpful and friendly, no matter what time of the day you contact her and how trivial the matter might be. Why should I spend hours on the internet when Nicci can do it for me with a smile.

Sent by Nadia van WYk

Thank you for all your support, you are always available when we need your assistance and are super efficient via email, whatsapp and just a call away. My husband has done 50+ flights within 6 months between Africa - Middle East - India - Europe and we have relocated from South Africa to Dubai as well. We are a very tech savvy couple, I have the skyscanner, emirates and tripadvisor app on my phone, I could just as easily look for flights and book online myself, but you know what, I don't, not ever, because nothing beats Nicci!"

Sent by Jo Edgar

We have worked with Nicci for many years arranging group trips to places all around the world. She is an absolute pleasure to deal with and is always ready to assist in any way she can - arranging the best possible flights and routes, appropriate accommodations, timeous transfers and recommended tourist attractions. She works with integrity and has a great sense of humour and we value her as our Travel Counsellor.

Sent by Marcus Neustetter

Nicci has provided me with excellent service for many years. Quick, easy, and that extra effort when I keep changing my dates and mind... Thank you! My next booking through you is soon : )

Sent by Michelle Smyth

WONDERFUL Service, nothing is too much trouble. Nicci replies every time. She is willing to go the extra mile! Great stuff :)

Sent by Candy Ricketts

Nicci was extremely helpful, patient and she went that extra mile to ensure that my booking was completed correctly at the best price possible. I would highly recommend the services of this agent when booking from the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the world. Fantastic service and she has taken away the stress of having to sort it myself.

Sent by Rinda Hunt-Davis

Always the absolute Best Service from Nicci

Sent by Jennifer Aikins

Nicci was fantastic in organizing an amazing safari and shark cage diving experience. Given it was a business trip, I had little notice of my trip to South Africa and attempting to do it myself was overwhelming and frustrating. Coming highly recommended, Nicci met my criteria and relieved my burden. She created memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you, Nicci.

Sent by Catherine Boulanger

Honestly speaking, as a frequent and experienced worldwide traveller - if you're wishing to find an extremely efficient and friendly travel consultant then look no further - Nicci Hayden should be your 1st choice. I've booked many flights be they national, intercontinental or international over the past 5 years with her and have never been disappointed with the routing or value for money aspects.

My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Do you want to have the best nights rest you’ve ever had in your life?

12 February 2021

The setting is quiet, barring the deafening yet calming sound of the crickets buzzing from the empty dam dense with reeds in front of our cottage. Oh... also the excited screams and giggles from our two children. We arrived at Cederkloof Botanical Retreat in Citrusdal, to be greeted by... well... no one, thanks to Covid Regulations our cottage was ready and waiting on our arrival with the keys i

Walt Disney World - The Happiest Place on Earth

15 June 2012

I have had the privilege of travelling to Disney World in Orlando, Florida on two occasions. Once in 2007, as part of Thompsons Holidays Educational and again in 2010 with my husband, sister and brother-in-law. When you read or hear the quote: Disney World, The Happiest Place on Earth, it is no exaggeration. Every day I woke up smiling, I laughed and had fun all day, and just before I went to

Langebaan Houseboats, A Dream Destination!

06 November 2009

Good Day Travellers! Are you looking for the perfect domestic getaway with family and or friends? Are you an overseas traveller looking for a different experience in South Africa? I have the perfect solution for you. It was my fathers' dream to go on a houseboat. So our family researched it and we found the biggest houseboat in the Southern Hemisphere, in Langebaan, Western Cape, in our

Phuket, An Island of Adventure, Relaxation & Fun!

25 June 2009

Well Hello Travellers! Phuket is a little piece of Heaven. Yes many say that Phuket has become over commercialised but it’s what you make of it, and frankly I haven’t enjoyed myself more than on any holiday I have been on yet. What an amazing place. On one side you have the peaceful expansion of an endless ocean which reminds me of Cape Town (except the water is much warmer!) and on the other

Chiang Mai - A wonderful experience!

24 June 2009

Good Day Travellers! If you are looking for a destination that gives you an all-round experience, Chiang Mai is the place to be! This was one of my favourite cities on my Thailand adventure holiday. When you arrive the local guides want to show you every part of their city, they have so many factories from silk to umbrella to the world’s biggest jewellery factory! You can keep yoursel

Zanzibar, The Spice Island

24 June 2009

Hello Travellers! If you are looking for a destination that is quieter than but just as intriguing as Mauritius then Zanzibar is the place to go. This awesome destination is full of life and diversity. I stayed at what was the Protea Hotel and is now called the Zanzibar Beach Resort, what an amazing setting. Each room has beautiful views, you step out of your room onto the beach sand. The ba

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