ABOUT ME
My name is Abigail and I am a travel agent based in South London. I have worked in the travel industry for 20 years, originally for a Far East specialist. It gave me countless opportunities to travel to the region and bring the magic of the Orient back to our discerning clients.
My passion for travel took me to Australia, where I explored all areas of the mainland before ending up living and working as a travel agent in Perth for a number of years. I fell in love with the warmth of the Aussies (one, in particular, I married and managed to bring back here with me!), Western Australia's white sandy beaches and delicious Margaret River wines. I took advantage of having on my doorstep some fantastic natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the majestic Uluru/Ayers' Rock, the iconic Blue Mountains, the unmistakable Twelve Apostles, the delights of the Barossa Valley and the incredible sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Upon my return to the UK, I worked for an award-winning, independent agency in the heart of Surrey planning and booking trips around the world. My enthusiasm for Down Under has not waned. I love nothing more than providing local tips and advice for my clients and I was proud of qualifying as one of Tourism Australia's "Premier Aussie Specialists" in the UK.
I am just as happy planning a week in the sun on a 'fly and flop' trip selecting the perfect beach resort to match your needs in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Indian Ocean, an incredible Indian adventure, your ultimate American road trip, or an extensive month-long sojourn around the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It's a delight to cater for the differing briefs from couples, families, single travellers, groups, honeymooners or retirees.
I have brought together my years of experience and my desire to create memorable holidays for my clients and launched Travel by Abigail.
FAQs
PAYMENTS & FINANCIAL PROTECTION
I work in affiliation with Carrier Travel and so whilst independent and can book a range of tour operators for you, I am covered by Carrier's ABTA bond. Payments are processed by Carrier and the holiday contract is between you and the relevant tour operator through whom you are booked.
WHERE SHOULD I GO WHEN...?
An unknown talent of an experienced travel agent is as a weather forecaster! We are always asked where to go for the sunshine. Over the years, I have built up knowledge of common weather patterns around the world. For example, I know which side of Thailand is best in our summer and where to avoid the tropical rain in Australia in our winter. Of course I don't have a crystal ball but can give at least a guide to what is usual.
... AND DO PEOPLE STILL USE TRAVEL AGENTS?
And the answer is a resounding YES!!! This is a common question asked by people I meet and my answer is always the same. The internet is an amazing resource but doesn't decipher which of the advertised "luxury hotels" in Tenerife really are luxurious; where the most interesting stopping points are along the Vietnam coast; or how to book 15 hotels along your self-drive, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in New Zealand all at once. Would you take advice from someone unknown on an internet forum or someone you can talk to who has actually been there and who understands your needs? Give me a go and see what you think.