Real Trips. Honest Advice. Genuine Expertise
With over 37 years as a travel professional and more than 10,500 guests guided worldwide, I share real reviews, honest advice, and genuine expertise — so you can travel like a pro too.
I specialise in that sweet spot: comfortable travel that’s authentic and affordable.
Melanie 👍
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Why Trust The Professional Traveller?
I write reviews based on my travel experiences – no paid posts, guests posts or AI posts
I only recommend things I genuinely use myself – no sponsored links or content
I’ve got nearly 4 decades of travel experience
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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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Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Review – All You Need to Know
Thinking of taking a Cawdor Castle shore excursion during your Invergordon port call? Here is all the practical information you need to decide if it’s the perfect excursion for you. Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion – Facilities at Cawdor Cawdor Castle is a very popular visit and has the following facilities on… Read More »Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Review – All You Need to Know
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Is Baku Worth Visiting? Absolutely – It’s Very Unusual
I was lucky enough to visit Baku at the end of 2019. I did it as a solo female traveller trip and as a two-destination trip with Istanbul. Here’s why I think Baku is worth visiting and why. (Please check the Foreign Office advice for visiting Azerbaijan before booking your visit) Is Baku Worth Visiting?… Read More »Is Baku Worth Visiting? Absolutely – It’s Very Unusual
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Tips for Taking a Shore Excursion from Invergordon
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. Tips For Taking a Shore Excursion from Invergordon Shore Excursion from Invergordon Don’t Go Out Too Early Shore Excursion from Invergordon Use the Bathroom Before You… Read More »Tips for Taking a Shore Excursion from Invergordon
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Where to Shop and Eat in Invergordon
Looking for where to shop and eat in Invergordon? Invergordon is the nearest town to where I live so all these businesses are my local places. Check out my guide to help you find what you need when you visit Invergordon, whether that’s some medicine, a gift, some Scottish treats or a little treat for… Read More »Where to Shop and Eat in Invergordon
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Douro River Cruise: In Depth Review – All You Need to know
Are you thinking of taking a Douro River cruise? I am lucky enough to have taken a group of 140 guests on a Douro River cruise while working as a tour manager. A Douro River cruise is a fantastic way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for win production and stunning scenery. Cruises… Read More »Douro River Cruise: In Depth Review – All You Need to know
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Ness Walk Inverness Hotel Review – A Beautiful 5 Star Hotel
Are you looking for a luxury 5 star hotel in Inverness? If so you need to check out the Ness Walk Inverness – it’s our only 5 star hotel and it’s lovely. The Ness Walk Inverness offers a unique experience right beside the river. Ness Walk Inverness Hotel What I Like Ness Walk is in… Read More »Ness Walk Inverness Hotel Review – A Beautiful 5 Star Hotel
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Heathrow Terminal 5 Lounges – Find the Best in 2026
If you’re flying from Heathrow Terminal 5 and want somewhere quieter and more comfortable than the main departure lounge, there are only a couple of realistic lounge options available. I’ve used both lounges myself, and in this guide to Heathrow Terminal 5 lounges, I’ll show you exactly what’s available, how to access each one, what… Read More »Heathrow Terminal 5 Lounges – Find the Best in 2026
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Discover 26 Fun & Interesting Things to Do Shetland
Planning on visiting Shetland? It’s a fantastic place to visit, with its own unique character. There is something about Shetland – whether that’s the people, the scenery, the wildlife, or the weather. It gets under your skin. You should – It’s an amazing place to visit and unlike anywhere else. Read on for my list… Read More »Discover 26 Fun & Interesting Things to Do Shetland
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The Best Inverness Hotels With Parking (Free & Paid)
Looking for a local’s guide to Inverness hotels with parking? I’ve lived in the Highlands for over 20 years and I’ve stayed at (or visited) most of the hotels in this list. If you’re travelling with a car, parking can be the difference between an easy trip… and a daily headache. To make this quick… Read More »The Best Inverness Hotels With Parking (Free & Paid)
Affiliate Links and Editorial Policy
There are affiliate links on my website.
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 written content
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