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!

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Explore my guides and blogs

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

What my customers say

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

Robyn Self

Cape Town

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

Glenn Johnson

Brisbane

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

Sandra Penton

East London

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

Michael Austen

Cape Town

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

Mary Lattanzio

California

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!

Bakkies Eksteen

Cape Town

Great, friendly, efficient service as always!!

Russel Giger

Cape Town

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.

Michelle Morgan

Cape Town

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

Ronelle von Hoesslin

Cape Town

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!

Ella Myburgh

Durbanville

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

Avista Dukhanti

Johannesburg

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.

Maurice van Bergen

Johannesburg

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!"

Nadia van WYk

Dubai

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.

Jo Edgar

Johannesburg

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 : )

Marcus Neustetter

Johannesburg

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

Michelle Smyth

Cape Town

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.

Candy Ricketts

London

Always the absolute Best Service from Nicci

Rinda Hunt-Davis

Cape Town

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.

Jennifer Aikins

Fishers, USA

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.

Catherine Boulanger

Cape Town

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Let's plan your dream trip together

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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082 711 3913

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Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.