Hi, I'm Ben - your personal Travel Counsellor based in Manchester, where I have lived for the past 15 years after relocating from over the Pennines in West Yorkshire.

I’ve worked in the travel industry for over 17 years - in fact, my interest in the industry stems back to when I first left high school and went straight into a Travel & Tourism apprenticeship.

My interest and love for travel really became a passion when I embarked on my first “big trip” – when I packed up and left the UK for a gap year to Australia and Southeast Asia. During this time, the travel bug well and truly took hold, and it was here I developed a love for adventure travel.

Since then I have continued to explore the world, visiting almost 50 countries to date. I think my latest tally was 46 - let’s see if 2025 is the year I hit that 5-0 mark! I am one of the lucky few that can say they have ticked off all 7 continents too – as last year I finally made it to Antarctica, a destination that had been on my bucket list since forever!

People are always asking me where my favourite place is, or my most memorable travel experience, and honestly it feels impossible to pick just one – so here are my top 5:

• Sea-kayaking on the Antarctic Peninsula whilst a humpback whale surfaces metres from my kayak – if you don’t believe that happened, I have video evidence!
• New York – I never tire of visiting The Big Apple, and a particular highlight was seeing Wicked (my favourite musical) in it’s home theatre on Broadway.
• South Africa – one of my favourite destinations, in particular Cape Town where I lived for 3 months. Cage-diving with great whites, luxury safaris, wine tours – I’ve done it all and happy to share my experiences.
• Fiji – it really is the epitome of a postcard-perfect island paradise. Remember those old Bounty adverts? Just like that!
• Costa Rica - the scenery and wildlife here is incredible. It's like, all the worlds coolest animals decided to up and relocate to live here!

So, you may be wondering where's next for me! Well, if I had to choose, I would probably say my 5 bucket list destinations are Japan, Jordan, Canada, the Galapagos, and New Zealand. Check back in a few months to see if I've made any!

After travelling extensively myself, there is nothing I love more than sharing my own travel stories with my clients. Running my own travel business with Travel Counsellors allows me to do just that. As an independent, personal travel expert I can use my industry experience, as well as my first-hand knowledge to create tailor-made, bespoke travel itineraries and adventures for my clients, according to their specific wants and needs. For me, the most important thing is getting it 100% right for you 100% of the time.

Whilst I do work alongside a global community of other travel experts, and of course with the backing of the wider organisation (including the full financial protection that this includes) it is myself that you will be dealing with, and that will be looking after you directly every step of the way. Right from the initial enquiry stage, through to the planning and booking of your trip, the lead up to your departure, and even whilst you are away, I am on hand to help, offer advice, and assist with anything that you may need.

Throughout my travel career I have always been proud of the warm and friendly personal service that I provide to my clients. And so it was a natural fit for me that I joined Travel Counsellors as the organization under which I run my business – given that they, or should I say we are industry leaders when it comes to the care and service that we offer all who choose to book with us.

I would love to bring your own dream trip to life. I work from home, and can be totally flexible to work around your schedule. So if you would like to discuss your own plans, please pick up the phone, send me an email, or even better – lets meet for a coffee and discuss your plans face to face.

I can’t wait to hear from you!