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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Find real reviews, reports and guides to help inspire and plan your next trip

Invergordon Port

Excursion reviews, how to get to Loch Ness, things to do – all you need for your visit

theprofessionaltraveller invergordon hub

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

Melanie is a gem. Friendly, going and down to earth. A great knowledge of the highlands. If you are short on time and want an exceptional experience then this is the tour for you.
John T
Private Tour Client, May 2024
The tour was very varied with a bit of everything (city, shopping, wildlife and a lot of great nature) and provided a very good overview of the region.Your insights were really interesting and entertaining throughout the tour.
Huber Family
Private Tour Client, April 2024

Find All My Latest Blog Posts Here

Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)

I’m not a great traveller which is why I nearly said no to visiting Shetland when I was first offered the chance to take tours there. It may be a surprise to read that despite being a Tour Manager, and therefore paid to travel I am not a great traveller. I get travel sick, on… Read More »Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)

Read More Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)
Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline – Video Room Tour & Guest Review

Are you thinking of visiting Dunfermline or looking for a hotel that is close to the M90 motorway? Located just off J3 of the M90 the Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline is perfectly located if you want a convenient hotel North of the bridges before heading into Edinburgh. It’s also located in the leisure park so there… Read More »Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline – Video Room Tour & Guest Review

Read More Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline – Video Room Tour & Guest Review
Shore Excursion from Invergordon? Here’s What You Need

Are you coming to Invergordon cruise port? Thinking of taking a shore excursion from Invergordon? Here are my top tips to have an even better day in the Highlands. Shore Excursion from Invergordon Shore Excursion from Invergordon Don’t Go Out Too Early The ship will advise you of the boarding time for your tour. There… Read More »Shore Excursion from Invergordon? Here’s What You Need

Read More Shore Excursion from Invergordon? Here’s What You Need
This Extra Long Travel Power Cord Is A Travel Essential

This extra-long power cable has been in my travel kit for the last 5 years or more – it really is a travel essential. Links You Might Find Helpful:Buy Direct on AmazonTravel Power Adapter Worldwide with 4 x USB OutletsCheck Out My Recommended Travel Essentials Travel Power Cord Why Do I Recommend This Travel Power… Read More »This Extra Long Travel Power Cord Is A Travel Essential

Read More This Extra Long Travel Power Cord Is A Travel Essential
Foyers House Hotel Review – Loch-Facing Room Video Tour

Looking to stay at the Foyers House Hotel? Here is my review, including a video room tour, of a one-night stay in November 2022. I was staying in Foyers because I was attending a photography course. Price for Stay – 1 Night in November 2022 for 1 person – �100. This does not include breakfast.… Read More »Foyers House Hotel Review – Loch-Facing Room Video Tour

Read More Foyers House Hotel Review – Loch-Facing Room Video Tour
Here Is How to Get To Budapest From The UK

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

Read More Here Is How to Get To Budapest From The UK
9 Easy Travel Packing Hacks to Maximise Luggage Space

Are you looking for some packing hacks to help when travelling? I’ve been travelling professionally for 36 years, I’ve learned a great deal about packing – mostly the hard way! Let me share with you my 9 Travel Packing Hacks to shortcut you to happy packing! Read on so you can travel more lightly on… Read More »9 Easy Travel Packing Hacks to Maximise Luggage Space

Read More 9 Easy Travel Packing Hacks to Maximise Luggage Space
Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection

Wondering where to stay in Riga? There are lots of great hotels to choose from – in the old town, across the river or outside of the city centre itself. Check out this guide and find your perfect stay from these hotels in Riga or just get searching using the search box below 👇 Wondering… Read More »Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection

Read More Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection
Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive

Are you looking for day trips from Vilamoura? Check out this amazing scenic driving route that I did while I was on holiday in Vilamoura. It was the highlight of the trip, chock full of great scenery and wonderful moments. Read on to find out what I discovered and the easy driving route you can… Read More »Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive

Read More Day Trips From Vilamoura – A Beautiful Scenic Drive

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.