There is no “One Size Fits All”
Sian Pages – Travel Planner
One of the absolute joys of my job, is creating very personal itineraries, based on clients’ personal preferences. It’s one of the most important parts of travel planning – tailoring the trip to suit the individual, not the other way around.
Having worked on quite a few unusual itineraries lately, I thought I would share a few of my favourites.
The first was a fantastic multi-generational family safari to Africa. There were many reasons why this was a special trip, but one of the big moments we organised for them was to have dinner at ‘Pride Rock’ – the famous location where Simba is raised aloft by his father in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. The children in this family were obsessed with this particular movie, so by giving them this unforgettable moment at a location that felt so familiar, we made this trip very memorable and unique.
The second was created for a family who had watched the series ‘Yellowstone’ together and not only desired to see for themselves, the expanse of mountainous scenery that this area offers, but also wanted a true cowboy experience.
This ended up being a breathtaking road-trip around 5 states of The Great American West – taking in all this beautiful part of the world has to offer.
We created this journey, keeping in mind all the members of the family, and found something incredible for every single person.
The trip concluded with a stay on a stunning Montana ranch – allowing everyone to really see up close and experience ranch living for themselves. Taking lazy afternoon horseback rides to watch the sun go down and helping to wrangle the animals on a genuine cattle drive.
The clients really immersed themselves in the cowboy life, donning chaps and stetsons and came home with so many fond memories.
My third and final itinerary that really stood out for me was a trip to South East Asia, with stops in Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia.
This was a trip for a couple who had recently overcome some health obstacles and wanted to embrace the opportunity to travel again.
It was a celebration of life, but also of 40 years of marriage. To mark this beautiful occasion, we collaborated to organise a renewal of their vows at the Singapore Sky Gardens and also arranged for a photographer to be present, to capture the moment.
Everything that came after, was treated like a honeymoon. We made sure they had a cake and an acknowledgment of the occasion at every stop thereafter.
Being able to take part in some small way, in such an important event, was an honour.
When I think about my own trips, it’s always the little details and WOW moments, that I remember most.
For every client, it’s ensuring they feel listened to and understood. Because sometimes, it’s in those quiet moments, or during a regular chat, that I’m able to hear something truly useful – like “Arthur hates queuing”. Or “Jan loves this cocktail”. It’s noticing the details and finding ways of including them.
Travel is an investment, in our health, our wellbeing and our time spent with loved ones.
Travel more. Travel better.
Get in touch
If you’d like to discuss future travel plans you have in mind, get in contact with our in-house travel consultant, Sian Pages, on sian.pages@notjusttravel.com.
Sian will be more than happy to spend time talking you through your options; remembering her service is delivered at no cost to clients and professional connections of Longhurst.
Happy Adventures!
