Nicci Hayden
I'm based in
Durbanville
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!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Do you want to have the best nights rest you’ve ever had in your life?
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
12 Feb 2021 5 min read
Walt Disney World - The Happiest Place on Earth
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
15 Jun 2012 5 min read
Langebaan Houseboats, A Dream Destination!
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
06 Nov 2009 5 min read
Phuket, An Island of Adventure, Relaxation & Fun!
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
25 Jun 2009 5 min read
Chiang Mai - A wonderful experience!
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
24 Jun 2009 5 min read
Zanzibar, The Spice Island
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
24 Jun 2009 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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