TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL FROM SIMON BATTERHAM

Holidays are no longer simply a much-needed break from the norm - they’re a life enhancing investment. Joanna Dixon caught up with award-winning travel consultant, Simon Batterham and discovers what essential ingredients go into creating the perfect getaway

As life observations go - ‘the world is your oyster’ couldn’t be more apt in the current warp-speed world. Modern travel mediums have opened-up the globe in a way that could never have been anticipated, giving us an unrivalled opportunity to explore unchartered lands and enjoy life-enhancing experiences on a whole new immersive level.

Creating a standout travel experience however, requires a globetrotting knowledge base, finger-on-the-pulse insight into destinations to discover and a thorough understanding of individual clients’ needs and wishes; attributes that award-winning travel consultant Simon Batterham has in plentiful supply.

“Throughout my career, I’ve developed a wealth of knowledge, both of destinations and products,” he explains. “I was working for someone else at the time, and found I was discussing the same trips on a daily basis. It was a limiting palette to say the least.

“I decided to branch out and go independent to reach a wider client base and offer a more personalised service to holidaymakers who are passionate about discovering destinations on a much deeper, more authentic level. Ten years on and I haven’t looked back.”

One key stumbling block for clients, he explains, is time. “Life is hectic, and when you find a spare moment, shopping around for holidays and searching websites for travel information will likely be inhibitors to getting what you want,” he explains. “By contrast, putting your holiday ideals in the hands of a professional will save you time and money, as well as providing on the- ground knowledge and advice about the destination concerned.”

In addition to short-listing prospective holiday locations and co-ordinating accommodation, transport, visas, insurance and trip itineraries, Simon also provides clients with ongoing advice and support throughout their trip; a bespoke offering, he adds, that doesn’t automatically translate into a “big outlay” for the services provided.

“Airlines offer us discounted rates on flights if booked together with accommodation, car hire or tours. Tailor-made packages designed around individual clients invariably bring significant savings as well as offering best value.”

One short-cut to avoid he advises, is resisting the urge to ‘wing it.’

“Not booking accommodation, tours or activities in advance will only lead to stressful, tiring days looking for somewhere to stay and negotiating with locals for discounted rates. You never get that time back”

He also advises taking recommendations from friends with a pinch of salt - as people tend to exaggerate good and bad.

“Put your trust in a professional travel expert. Be honest with what you really want to gain from the trip as there’s no wrong answer. Let the experts handle the arrangements and your trip will be better than you could ever imagine.”

Holidays are no longer simply a much-needed break from the norm - they’re a life enhancing investment. Joanna Dixon caught up with award-winning travel consultant, Simon Batterham and discovers what essential ingredients go into creating the perfect getaway

DESTINATION IDEAS TO STEAL

ROMANTIC RETREAT

Any destination can be turned into the perfect couple’s holiday if you’re with the right person. Some may imagine adventurous hikes in the Himalayas, some may want to drive across the U.S.A in a convertible, while others may want to relax on a beautiful unspoiled island retreat in Fiji. Try and think outside the box.

ADVENTURELAND

I recently went trekking in Nepal, a trip which pushed me to the limits both mentally and physically. The reward? Jaw-dropping, insprational scenery. If you like a challenge, it’s a destination well worth considering.

FAMILY FUN

The key to a fun family trip is to go somewhere which offers something for everyone. South Africa ticks the multi-generational holiday box, offering wildlife safaris, surf beaches and lots of fun activities for children, plus stunning scenery and great food and wine.

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL CONSULTATION FOR ABODE2 READERS

Simon is offering Abode2 readers a free Skype consultation at a time of their choosing. To arrange, simply contact Simon on the below e-mail quoting Abode2Travel.

To start your bespoke holiday experience, call Simon on + 44 (0) 1636 870 004, email Simon on simon.batterham@travelcounsellors.com or visit www.travelcounsellors.co.