About The Professional Traveller – History
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page may earn me a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps keep my website going at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend things I genuinely love! For more details, check out my cookie policy., editorial policy and privacy policy
About the Professional Traveller
What Is A Professional Traveller?
A professional traveller is someone who travels for a living. They could be a travel writer, a pilot, a tour manager for example.
During 2020 tourism had crashed due to Covid19. All my touring work had gone, all my guiding work – everything.
I decided to use my time to build a website that I had been thinking of doing for several years.
I wanted to share my experience of travelling for all my working life.
It was wonderful to start working on my passion project. Those early days were great, although I had a lot to learn about building a site from scratch.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep working on my site. Financial pressures meant a return to work, albeit in a supermarket as a merchandiser and later working on the Office of National Statistics Covid19 study.
Whilst these roles provided much needed income, it meant I couldn’t spend as much time on my business as I wanted to.
In 2022 tourism returned, albeit with ever changing rules and restrictions. Two years of pent up demand and carried over bookings turned it into a very busy year. It was a challenging year trying to keep travellers safe.
2023 turned out to be another busy year. Many of my colleagues had left the industry so there were lots of shortages.
I kept working on the my business throughout this time, using the winter down time to put in more effort.
2024 was crazily busy – one of my busiest years yet. I worked to become an independent travel agent which was alot to fit in as well.
About The Professional Traveller – Purpose
The Professional Traveller is all about helping people to find their perfect trip.
There are two ways that I help people.
The first is by helping people find travel inspiration and plan their own trips.
I share trip reports and reviews. These can include touring holidays, river cruises, solo trips and more.
They include all the things you need to know.
- Is it safe?
- Is it expensive?
- How do you get around?
- What is there to do?
- Where should I stay?
The second way I help people is as an independent travel agent.
For trips that are a bit more complicated I arrange everything for people.
This includes;
- Getting there – whether by plane, ferry or train
- Finding accommodation
- Arranging activities
- Helping people to get around either with transfers or hire cars
- Putting together multi destination holidays
- Or simply helping people to book a flight or a hotel or both
The Professional Traveller Team
Working hard to sniff out travel bargains



Melanie
Professional Traveller
Very much like a dachshund myself. Determined to hunt out a bargain and sniff out great deals. Not great at being told what to do either!
Lotty
Expert Sleeper
As the oldest member of the team (in doggy years) Lotty gets to sleep a lot. She can’t see very much now, or hear very well but she still makes her views known.
Christy
Treat Demon
Able to sniff out a gravy bone or a treat in the local area, Christy loves her food. Every meal time she barks with excitement – similar to her owner?!
Meet The Team
Melanie
I have been travelling professionally for work for over 36 years.
Initially, this was business travel, working at exhibitions and events all over the UK and Europe.
Later I worked as a Tour Manager taking coach holiday tours all over the world. During that time she travelled with thousands of holidaymakers.
I have travelled to;
France, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Morocco, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Istanbul, China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Portugal amongst others.
Travelling professionally has given me a great deal of travel knowledge.
That includes everything from how to get great deals, to tips and tricks to make travelling easier and smoother.
The Professional Traveller is a place to share that knowledge so that others can learn to travel like a professional too.
I still love travelling and my list of places to travel is huge.
I love to travel solo.
I work with cruise ship passengers as a tour guide for shore excursions. I also work part time work as a Tour Manager for coach holiday groups.
I love a travel bargain and use all the techniques and tricks on The Professional Traveller website to find the best deals. Spending less on travel means more trips can be squeezed out of the budget!
Find out more About Melanie
Find out more on her LinkedIN page
Lotty
Lotty was a rescue dachshund. She came from Coventry. Her owners had tried to breed from her but they had bred her with another dog that was bigger. That meant she ended up having to have a section to get the puppies out. She was left with a saggy stomach and in her middle years she experienced some back problems, but thankfully not a slipped disc.
Lotty was a dedicated and loyal supporter of The Professional Traveller. She helped through lockdown by providing moral support and encouragement. In her latter years she went blind and deaf. This didn’t stop her from exploring and being a typical dachshund.
Lotty crossed the rainbow bridge in April 2022. She had been beside Melanie during the early part of the year when Melanie had major surgery. Once Melanie was recovered and able to look after herself Lotty headed over the bridge, almost like she knew her job was done.
Christy
Christy was Lotty’s best friend. She was a rescue dachshund who came from Suffolk. Her original owners had tried to breed from her and had been unsuccessful. After 18 months they gave her to a dog breeder who kept her in a kennel. What a shock after having lived with a family first. The breeder was unsuccessful and put her up to be rehomed after 18 months. We arrived, introduced her to Lotty, and then drove back to the Highlands in a day. The rest is history.
She was Lotty’s best friend and was never apart from her. They spent their nights sleeping curled up together beside me in the bed. Now at the ripe old age of 13.5 years, she is still going strong despite having had Cushing’s disease for a number of years.
She too is losing some of her sight and hearing but can still sniff out a treat at some distance. She has been my constant companion since we both lost Lotty.
My Professional Traveller Articles
- Do I Need Travel Insurance? Here’s Why You Absolutely DoThis is a question I get asked a lot. Having seen travel insurance swing into action in many countries around the world my answer would be yes – it’s just too risky to travel without it. If you are still asking yourself ‘do I need travel insurance?’ then read on to see some real life… Read More »Do I Need Travel Insurance? Here’s Why You Absolutely Do
- Travel Insurance Inc. Cruise Cover: What You Need to KnowPlanning on taking a cruise? Here are some things you need to know about travel insurance inc. cruise cover to make sure you are covered no matter what you are doing, or where you are going. Travel Insurance inc. Cruise Cover Travel Insurance inc. Cruise Cover Selecting Your Policy If you haven’t bought your holiday… Read More »Travel Insurance Inc. Cruise Cover: What You Need to Know
- How Are Professional Travellers Different from an Ordinary Travellers?Ever wondered what the difference between ordinary and professional travellers is? In this article I will highlight a few roles where the job involves travelling – it’s the focus of the job, as opposed to someone who has to travel as part of their work. Read on to find out more. Links You Might Find… Read More »How Are Professional Travellers Different from an Ordinary Travellers?
- Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance – What You Need to KnowHeard of annual multi trip travel insurance but not sure how it works? Well, read on because in this article I will cover everything you need to know. What is Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance? Annual Travel Insurance Worldwide Multi Trip Where Does Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance Cover? You choose which parts of the… Read More »Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance – What You Need to Know
- Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance – All You Need to KnowAre you looking for annual car hire excess insurance? Great. It’s a fab way to save money when travelling and hiring cars. Annual Excess Insurance The Best Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance If you hire a car when you are travelling it is likely that you will liable for a large excess amount. That means if… Read More »Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance – All You Need to Know
- 7 Top Travel Insurance Tips – From A Professional TravellerWhen you need travel insurance you really need travel insurance. During my career I’ve helped many guests when they have had emergencies while travelling. I’ve seen how invaluable travel insurance can be. I’ve also seen some of the common issues guests experience with travel insurance too. Here are my 7 travel insurance tips to ensure… Read More »7 Top Travel Insurance Tips – From A Professional Traveller
- What It’s Really Like To Have A Job That Travels the WorldAre you interested in finding a job that travels the world? I’m lucky enough to have had one for over 30 years. Read on to find out what’s it really like! A Job That Travels the World – Being a Tour Manager For over 30 years I have been lucky enough to have a job… Read More »What It’s Really Like To Have A Job That Travels the World
- How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere Really EasilyAre you travelling on a budget and want to get the most from it? I love finding great flight deals and this search technique is my go-to way to start planning a trip. Read on and I will guide you step by step on how to find some cheap flights to anywhere quickly and easily.… Read More »How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere Really Easily
- Travel Cheaper with 6 Tried and Tested Money Saving TipsLooking for ways to travel cheaper? Check out these 6 top tips – they will all help get the most from your travel budget. Links You Might Find Helpful:Check Cheap Flights with Cashback on WayAwayFind Flight Deals with These Flight Booking HacksGet Cheap Packages on Loveholidays Travel Cheaper by Using a Reverse Flight Search Skyscanner… Read More »Travel Cheaper with 6 Tried and Tested Money Saving Tips
- Travel Flight Bags – Perfect for Keeping Your Belongings Close ByLooking for a great travel flight bags? This is the same one that I have been using for over 15 years – it really is a travel essential. A flight bag is ideal for long haul flights because it helps you keep all your belongings close by. It’s also a great all round travel bag.… Read More »Travel Flight Bags – Perfect for Keeping Your Belongings Close By
- 10 Top 2023 Travel Trends You Need to Know About2023 looks like it is going to be an even busier year than 2022 for travel. Here are some of the travel trends for 2023 you need to know about. 1. Travel Trends 2023 – Value-Driven Travel Given the cost of living crisis, it’s no surprise that value-driven travel is going to be much more… Read More »10 Top 2023 Travel Trends You Need to Know About
- Check Out the Best Time to Book a Hotel & Bag A BargainDo you want to find out the best time to book a hotel so you get the best rate possible? Read on to find out what you need to know and start saving! Links You Might Find Helpful:Read How to Get Cheap Hotel DealsGet MoreTips on My Travel More & Spend Less Page Best Time… Read More »Check Out the Best Time to Book a Hotel & Bag A Bargain
- Green List Travel 2021 – What You Really Need to KnowWell that’s fab news because you are in the right place! In this article I am going to talk you through some of things you need to consider before booking your travel, help you understand some of the potential risks and complications and help you to avoid any unnecessary complications. Green List Travel 2021 –… Read More »Green List Travel 2021 – What You Really Need to Know
- 12 Tips for Travelling Well Wherever You GoDo you like to enjoy happy travel? Do you want to leave a little trail of smiles wherever you go and spread a bit of love and positivity? Then check out this list of ways you can ensure you are travelling well. Travelling Well 1. Learn a Few Words of the Local Language Taking a… Read More »12 Tips for Travelling Well Wherever You Go
- Flight Booking Hacks: Save Big on Flights | Expert TipsFinding a cheap flight is a great way to start planning your next adventure. It’s how I start planning all my trips. Check out these flight booking hacks where you will learn how to use new search techniques and plan trips. Read on now to learn how to smash your flight budget and get some… Read More »Flight Booking Hacks: Save Big on Flights | Expert Tips
- 9 Easy Travel Packing Hacks to Maximise Luggage SpaceAre 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
- An Easy Airplane Seating Hack To Impress Your Fellow FliersWant to impress your fellow flyers? This simple plane airplane seating hack is something I often get asked to show others! Check it out now to make your next flight much easier (especially in you are in an aisle seat!) A Very Easy Airplane Seating Flight Hack As someone who has flown, I am sure… Read More »An Easy Airplane Seating Hack To Impress Your Fellow Fliers
- Mobile Phone Travel Hacks To Save You Time & MoneyLooking for some tried and tested mobile phone travel hacks? These are all the things related to mobile phones that I use, have, or do! Links You Might Find Helpful:Super Long Power Lead – A Travel EssentialsTravel Power Adapter with USB SocketsCheck Out All My Recommended Travel Essentials Mobile Phone Travel Hacks – Take a… Read More »Mobile Phone Travel Hacks To Save You Time & Money
- How to Help Travel Sickness – Tried and Tested AdviceI’ve suffered from travel sickness all my life and get sick in cars, on coaches, on planes and on boats. Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of treatments with varying impacts. Here are all the things that I have found that help. How to Help Travel Sickness How to Help Travel Sickness Having travel… Read More »How to Help Travel Sickness – Tried and Tested Advice
- How To Overcome a Fear of Flying – Tried and Tested TipsAre you looking to overcome a fear of flying? My flight anxiety was so bad that for a number of years I wasn’t able to fly at all. I am sharing everything that I did to overcome a fear of flying, ensuring I can now fly relatively easily. Recently I even comforted others on a… Read More »How To Overcome a Fear of Flying – Tried and Tested Tips
- 12 Self Catering Holiday Tips and Tricks You Need to KnowSelf catering holidays, or holiday rentals as they are sometimes known, are a great choice of holiday with everything from self catering apartments, to cute cottages and everything in between (including castles!). There are some things to be mindful of if you haven’t stayed in this type of holiday accommodation before and are perhaps more… Read More »12 Self Catering Holiday Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
- How to Get Cheap Hotel Deals and Stretch Your BudgetCheck out my list of how to get cheap hotel deals for some easy ways to stretch your budget to the max. Just to clarify I’m all about getting the best hotel possible at the best price – this isn’t about hostels or cheap accommodation. How to Get Cheap Hotel Deals How to Get Cheap… Read More »How to Get Cheap Hotel Deals and Stretch Your Budget
- 12 Tried and Tested Flight Booking Tips to Get Great DealsFinding a great flight deal is a great way to start planning a trip and helps squeeze the most from your travel budget. Finding cheap flights anywhere can be a great way to get some new travel inspiration! Check out my flight booking tips and find some flight bargains! Flight Booking Tips 1. Find Deals… Read More »12 Tried and Tested Flight Booking Tips to Get Great Deals
My Recommended Essential Travel Gear List
Find all the items I use on every trip all in one handy Amazon list
My Social Media Links
More Resources
- Independent Travel Agent – a huge timesaver. I specialise in touring holidays & river cruises
- Travel Inspiration – trip reports, reviews, and more to inspire your next trip
- Touring Holidays – everything you need to know about this great value way to travel
- Time Saving Travel Tools – all the things I use to research and plan my trips
- Airport Lounges – Everything you need to know including lots about Priority Pass
- Invergordon Cruise Port – all you need to know to help your plan your visit
- About Melanie – background and travel experience
- About the Professional Traveller – what this website is all about
- Work with Me – details of the services I provide