IT SOUNDS like the lifestyle associated with a Hollywood A-Lister or a Premier League footballer.
You have a lunchtime meeting with your very own travel consultant to discuss your next holiday or short trip.
He explains every detail from the destination to the hotel, the airline to the airport transfer, advice on the best shops and the best beaches, in a perfectly bespoke package suited to your individual needs.
If you think such a service would require the salary of a millionaire footballer, then think again. If you believe you would have to travel to London to locate a company which would be able to offer such a personal service, then get ready to have that belief shattered.
In fact, there is a travel consultant who can provide just such a unique, tailor made personal service and they are not based in London – or even Hollywood – but right here in far flung Wokingham.
Ben Burgess has more than 15 years’ experience in the travel and hospitality industry, both in the UK and abroad. To say he is well travelled is something of an understatement. In fact, it would be quicker to list the countries he has not visited.
This combination of professionalism and experience means Ben has an unrivalled network of contacts and an unmatched knowledge of destinations. He uses these talents as a consultant with one of the country’s most respected travel experts agencies, Travel Counsellors to give a wide range of clients the trip of a lifetime.
“I get to know my clients really well, what they like and dislike, so when it comes to recommending holidays, I already know it’s something they would like and they know it’s something hand-picked for them rather than a standard holiday package off the shelf,” explains Ben.
“My clients deal directly with me, not a call centre. I make sure they have my office and mobile phone numbers so I can be contacted at any time. I also have an emergency team on hand 24/7 should the need arise.”
Today, most people book their holidays, weekend breaks, honeymoons or other special vacations either through a traditional travel agent or by themselves via websites.
But who wants to trudge round travel agents, waiting in a queue and booking your very personal trip with someone you have just met five minutes ago?
And while we are all used to ordering a DVD or even a sofa online, how many of us have the confidence and knowledge to choose from a myriad of flight deals and hotel websites, keeping our fingers crossed that we have got a bargain or even that the hotel will turn out to be right for us?
As Ben explains, at Travel Counsellors they do things differently.
“Planning a holiday should be enjoyable so I try to make it as easy as possible and work with clients however they prefer. That could mean talking on the phone or Skype at their convenience, or meeting for coffee or lunch.
“I listen to my clients wishes and they are happy for me to offer advice and suggest destinations that I believe will be ideal for them.
“Then I might offer something just a little bit extra that I believe will make their trip extra special. I can only gauge that from spending time with them, not rushing them through a booking form so I can move onto the next person in the queue.
“Every single detail is worked out so the package I provide is not one size fits all, but a unique holiday built around that person.
“The sky really is the limit. It could be a weekend in Paris, a cruise or a safari or a beach holiday in Barbados. I especially love organising honeymoons and other special occasions. Every trip is different but what they all have in common is they are special to the person or persons taking that trip.”
Of course, peace of mind is guaranteed as everything booked with Travel Counsellors is 100% financially protected. And clients are assured that, in the unlikely event of a problem while they are far away in another country, Ben and his team are on call 24 hours a day.
So, why not plan your next holiday or special trip with Ben and Travel Counsellors. They will make you feel like a Hollywood A-Lister – right here in Wokingham.
For all your travel related questions … ASK BEN!

Have you got any questions for us? Perhaps regarding an upcoming holiday, best destination for a young family or what’s hot right now?
The team is here to help!
We will even publish a couple of answers here each fortnight.
Email any questions you may have to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Meet the Travel Counsellors team
Olivia
Specialising in bespoke travel itineraries, Olivia is perfect to get the most out of your time away.
Eva
European breaks, beach getaways, cruises and ski holidays? Eva is your ultimate travel counsellor.
Adam
New to the team, you’ll find Adam speaking at events and fundraisers sharing his passion for travel.
Get in touch
Call Ben on: 0118 321 3540
Email: [email protected]
Log on to: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ben.burgess
Facebook: @burgess.travelcounsellors