The Professional Traveller – 37 Years Travel Experience
🙋 Hi There – I’m Melanie
I’ve been travelling for work for over 37 years. I’ve taken over 10,500 people on holidays all over the world. Now I help people to plan and book their own trips, through my trip reports or as an independent travel agent.
Real Trips, Real Reviews, Real Expertise
Get insider travel tips from a former Tour Director who’s guided 10,500+ travellers through 40+ countries
No AI content – just real experiences from real trips
Independent reviews – no paid for reviews or content
Genuine recommendations – I only recommend things I use and know myself
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Start Here
Find real reviews, reports and guides to help inspire and plan your next trip
Travel Essentials
All my tried and tested travel gear – everything I use when I travel
Invergordon Port
Excursion reviews, how to get to Loch Ness, things to do – all you need for your visit
The Professional Traveller – Quick Overiew
Travel Experience
+37 yrs
Number of Guests
+10,500
Countries I’ve Worked
40+
Website Seen By
+4 million year
Website Clicks
+75k year
Website Words
450k (all mine)
Media and Press Coverage
Private Eye – 24th January Edition Page 16
Want To Some Travel Inspiration?
Click on any of the countries and head to my travel guides all based on my own trips including travel costs, getting there, getting around, where to stay, things to do – everything you need
My Testimonials
Here are a couple of testimonials from private tour and touring holiday clients
Find All My Latest Blog Posts Here
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What To Do in Riga – My Top 4 Favourite Experiences
Planning on visiting Riga? You should – it’s amazing! Read on for some ideas of things to do in Riga, including a couple of free and a couple of paid options. There are also a couple of restaurant recommendations too. Riga public transport is great value so keep reading to find out how to use… Read More »What To Do in Riga – My Top 4 Favourite Experiences
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What to Do in Valencia – My Recommendations
Are you planning a visit to Valencia? It’s an amazing city that is well worth it. It is easy to explore, friendly, and welcoming, with great food and drink. There are some great things to do Valencia, everything from a crazy Spring festival to stunning architecture. Check out my favourite things to do in Valencia.… Read More »What to Do in Valencia – My Recommendations
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4 Star Hotels in Inverness – Best City, River & Spa Stays
Looking for a 4 star hotel in Inverness that strikes the right balance between comfort, location and value? I’ve lived in the Highlands for over 20 years and have stayed at (or visited) most of the hotels on this list. Inverness has a strong selection of 4 star hotels, ranging from central riverside stays to… Read More »4 Star Hotels in Inverness – Best City, River & Spa Stays
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Does Priority Pass Give Free Meals? Find Out Here
Are you thinking of visiting a Priority Pass lounge? Wondering if they give free meals? Well the answer to that is yes and no. Priority Pass lounges always provide complimentary food and drinks to guests once they are inside the lounge, provided you have a valid Priority Pass membership. Read on for all you need… Read More »Does Priority Pass Give Free Meals? Find Out Here
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Cheap Airport Lounges: How Find Your Best Deal Quickly
Are you looking for the best value way for you to access an airport lounge? Read on to find the best value option based on your travel plans or just get a great deal on Priority Pass membership right here 👇 Cheap Airport Lounges Cheap Airport Lounges Guide to Accessing Cheap Airport Lounges Below you… Read More »Cheap Airport Lounges: How Find Your Best Deal Quickly
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Here Is How to Get To Budapest From The UK in 2026
Are you thinking of going to Budapest? Are you looking for how to get there from the UK? Read on for everything you need to know about getting to Budapest from the UK including; You can check flights to Budapest right here 👇 How to Get to Budapest – Direct Flights It is easy to… Read More »Here Is How to Get To Budapest From The UK in 2026
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Opera Residence Budapest Review – Great Location & Great Value
Are you looking for an apartment in Budapest? Here’s all you need to know about the Opera Residence Budapest. This apartment is in a great location, within easy reach of the Danube river and the downtown. I’ve included some information about what’s nearby plus a video review of the apartment. Read on to get all… Read More »Opera Residence Budapest Review – Great Location & Great Value
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Is Valencia Expensive? It’s Great Value for Money
Are you wondering whether Valencia is expensive to visit? Check out my guide to costs in Valencia, based on my stay along with some comparisons to other places in Spain. Read on to find out all you need to know. Is Valencia Expensive to Visit? In my experience, Valencia was great value for money. Everything… Read More »Is Valencia Expensive? It’s Great Value for Money
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Is Valencia Safe? My Solo Female Experience
Wondering ‘is Valencia safe?’ – well in my experience, as a solo female traveller, it is. Read on to find out about my experience of staying there as a solo female traveller. Is Valencia Safe? I visited Valencia on my first proper solo female trip in 2019. I chose it because I wanted to be… Read More »Is Valencia Safe? My Solo Female Experience
Affiliate Links and Editorial Policy
There are affiliate links on my website.
I do not accept paid or promoted affiliate links.
I link to products and services I use or feel are genuinely useful to travellers.
If you do click any links you don’t pay any more and I earn a small commission which helps pay for this website.
Everything on this website has been written by me.
I do not use AI to create any content.
I do not accept guest posts, paid posts, sponsored links or any type of paid-for content on my website. Read more editorial policy page
What It’s Like to Be a Professional Traveller?
Travelling for work-related reasons is very different to travelling for leisure. In my early years of travel, I worked at a lot of exhibitions and events. This meant that whilst I travelled to the destination once there I generally travelled between the exhibition area and the hotel – many people who travel for business will tell you the same thing.
A growing trend in travel is for people travelling for work or business to extend their trip and do some personal travel. I have been lucky enough to do this a few times, staying over in Bangkok for several nights on my trips back from Australia for example. It looks like a travel trend that is going to continue!
Travelling as a Tour Manager taking coach holidays is very different. The role involves focussing on the guests and making sure they have a great time, rather than your personal sightseeing. Any free time is often taken up dealing with administration issues, sorting out problems or simply confirming all the details for the next leg of the journey. Sometimes I never left the hotel we were staying in as there always seemed to be more work to do and things to check!
That said when travelling with a great group this role doesn’t feel like work at all, more like travelling with a wonderful group of people who like to have fun.
Read more about my career and travel experience
Read more about the Professional Traveller website