In Conversation with: Travel with Charlotte

We recently met up with Charlotte Smith, who runs Travel with Charlotte - one of the Ashtead Living family. We absolutely adore what Charlotte does - she makes booking dream trips away an easy reality. We wanted to know a little more about how she operates as well as any top tips she has for travelling this Summer and beyond. 

Ashtead Living: What inspired you to become an independent travel agent and pursue a career in helping others plan their dream vacations?

Using a local, independent travel agent can take all the hassle out of booking a holiday - at no extra cost.

I spent a good chunk of my life working in London for a well-known luxury tour operator. It was there that I specialised in organising family Mediterranean and ski holidays, and later expanded my expertise to cover North and Latin America. Those years were incredible—I had the opportunity to work with amazing suppliers and hotels, and even got to travel to some of the most breathtaking destinations. But then, the pandemic hit, and everything came to a halt. During that time, I took a break to have my son, and when travel started picking up again, friends and family, who knew about my background in travel, began reaching out for advice on where to go and stay. It was heartwarming to see that even after being out of the industry for 18 months, people still trusted me. That's when I decided to set up my own franchise with Travel Counsellors. Not only does it provide full financial protection for me and my clients, but it also gives me access to some of the best rates in the industry. And you know what? I still love what I do! Mediterranean family vacations and ski trips have evolved so much over the years, and everyone is searching for something unique. That's why my job is always exciting and never boring.

Ashtead Living: What aspect of travel planning and assisting clients do you find most fulfilling?

There's nothing quite like the feeling of finding the perfect destination for my clients. I take the time to learn all about their preferences, what they enjoy doing while on vacation, and even their past travel experiences. Armed with this knowledge, I curate personalised itineraries that match their desires. Time is precious, especially these days, so it's crucial to ensure that people have the best experience possible. Nobody wants to waste their time searching endlessly for the right place or deal. That's where I come in—I'll take care of everything, from the planning stage to the execution. With rising costs both at home and for vacations, it's essential for me to work closely with my clients, understanding their priorities and creating unforgettable trips that fit their budgets.

Ashtead Living: In what ways can using an independent travel agent be helpful for someone planning their trip compared to booking everything on their own?

First and foremost, when you book with me, you are 100% financially protected. If anything goes wrong, such as flight cancellations or delays, it's my responsibility to get you home. Booking a package through me also means that the monetary value is protected by my company. Plus, I have insider knowledge about the best places to travel, the hidden gems, and quality accommodation. When I made a recommendation to a friend earlier this year, I said don’t go to that hotel, go to this one as the other one is more popular with older people and less families. She said, how am I supposed to know all of this if I booked it myself, and I said you don’t, that’s why people book with someone like me who knows the hotels and countries inside out. Plus, I have access to the best deals, prices, and local contacts, so you can sit back and relax while I take care of everything.

Ashtead Living: What are the key advantages or benefits of seeking your expertise and guidance when it comes to planning a vacation?

As a self-employed travel agent, I'm dedicated to finding you the perfect holiday. I would rather not sell you a trip than sell you the wrong one. That's the level of commitment you can expect from me. When you work with me, you'll deal with me directly from the very beginning until after you return from your vacation. And let me tell you, I put in a lot of time and effort to stay updated with the latest hotels, destinations, and suppliers. Whether you're looking for a magical Disneyworld experience or an unforgettable adventure in Baja California, Mexico, I'll get the right solution for you. While I mainly focus on luxury travel, I can also create packages that work perfectly for last-minute getaways or "fly and flop" vacations. Planning a trip can be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. With me, I handle all the research, booking, and logistics, saving you the hassle of spending hours online searching for the best deals, accommodations, and transport. From start to finish, I'll create a bespoke itinerary based on your interests and take care of everything, ensuring you have a stress-free and amazing vacation.

Ashtead Living: Based on your knowledge and experience, could you recommend any current travel hotspots that are worth exploring? And do you have any general travel tips?

Travel with Charlotte is an excellent independent travel specialist who can book you your dream holiday.

If you're looking for a fantastic vacation destination, look no further than the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca. This year, it's been buzzing with excitement. The short flight duration, coupled with the opening of fabulous new hotels, has made it a popular choice. Whether you're a family seeking adventure, a couple in need of relaxation by the pool, or someone eager to explore water parks and embark on boat trips, Mallorca has something for everyone. Another recommendation I have is Australia. It's making a huge comeback post-pandemic, and there's an array of new hotels waiting to welcome visitors. From the Blue Mountains to swimming with whale sharks in Noosa, Australia offers incredible experiences you won't want to miss.

Ashtead Living: Finally, have you got any top tips for travelling? 

Firstly, book early—especially for that big trip of the year. If you have specific dates and accommodations in mind, I highly recommend booking a year in advance. This way, you'll have the pick of the flights and the best rooms. Plus, you won't have to worry about surcharges for flight prices, and you can secure your trip with a low deposit. Secondly, and this one's important, check your passport when booking! Since the EU exit, passport rules have changed slightly, and some people have been caught off guard with expiry dates. That's where a travel agent like me comes in—I'll help you navigate through all those important details!

Read our review of Charlotte's business or find her details here.