How I help families plan their dream luxury holidays
Step 1: Getting to Know You and Your Family Every trip I plan starts with a good chat. This family wanted to do something really special for the mum’s big birthday next year. To make sure it would be a holiday they’d all enjoy, I asked some key questions: • Where has she always dreamed of going? • Where have you been before as a family? • What does she enjoy doing on holiday? • What about the kids—how old are they, and what do they love to do? • What kind of accommodation do you all prefer? • And of course, what’s your budget? These questions help me get a really clear idea of what’s important to the family. The aim is to make sure that everyone is going to have a great time, whether they’re lounging by the pool or off exploring new places.
Step 2: Coming Up with Ideas Once I had all the info, I put together a few suggestions. Initially, we thought about combining Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mauritius. But after learning they’d done a safari in Kenya the previous year, we decided to remove Botswana and focus on a different plan. The idea was to fly from Victoria Falls to Mauritius, but this required a one-night stopover in Johannesburg, which the family wasn’t too keen on. That’s when Namibia came into the mix. After a chat about their interest in something new, I got in touch with my trusted suppliers in Victoria Falls and Namibia. They came back with a fantastic 3-day itinerary in Namibia that optimised the family’s time, and the best part? We could now route their flight from Windhoek to Mauritius with just a quick connection in Johannesburg—no overnight stay needed! It was the perfect solution, giving the family more time to enjoy their adventure without the hassle of a long stopover.
Step 3: Working Out the Details With the destination decided, it was time to dive into the finer details. I work closely with local partners (the people on the ground who know the best spots and hidden gems) to make sure the itinerary is just right. We ended up planning a 12-day trip that took them from the amazing Victoria Falls to Namibia, then finishing off in Mauritius. It was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, with gorgeous villa-style accommodation at each stop.
Step 4: Finalising the Activities Once the main itinerary was in place, we focused on choosing the activities for each destination. In Namibia, the family will enjoy a city and township tour to experience the local culture, followed by a visit to a craft market to pick up unique souvenirs. The highlight will be a game drive at Okapuka Safari Lodge, where they’ll have the chance to spot some incredible wildlife. For Victoria Falls, we included a guided tour of the falls and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. And in Mauritius, it’ll be all about relaxation, with the option for snorkelling, water sports, or simply unwinding on the beach. These activities were carefully selected to ensure that everyone in the family has something they’ll enjoy, while making sure there’s plenty of time to relax and take in the special moments.
Step 5: Final Questions and Travel Insurance Before the final booking, the client had a few more questions—things like confirming flight times and double-checking some of the activities. I always encourage clients to ask as many questions as they need. After all, it’s their holiday, and I want them to feel completely confident with the plan! One thing I never skip is recommending travel insurance, especially for big trips like this one. It’s a small extra step, but it really helps protect the family from any unexpected surprises.
Step 6: Getting Ready to Go and My Support Throughout With the trip all set, I uploaded everything to the myTC app, where they could easily see their itinerary, flight details, and all the other important info. This makes it super easy for them to keep track of everything, so there’s no digging through emails or worrying about lost paperwork.
And, of course, I’m always available before, during, and after their trip. I check in to make sure they’re happy with everything, and if they need anything during the holiday, I’m just a call away.
Conclusion Planning a luxury family holiday isn’t just about picking a destination. It’s about finding out what makes your family tick and designing a trip that’s perfectly suited to everyone’s tastes. By working closely with my clients and trusted local partners, I make sure every detail is thought through so the whole experience is smooth and stress-free. If you’re thinking about a special holiday for your family, I’m here to make sure the whole process is enjoyable, from start to finish.
