Why Your Travel Agent Should Have More Stamps in Their Passport Than You

Lynne Cuthbertson
Jan 25, 2026By Lynne Cuthbertson

Let’s be brutally honest for a moment. You’ve worked incredibly hard. You’ve navigated the boardroom, survived the commute from Surrey or Berkshire, and you’ve finally reached the point where you deserve a holiday that doesn't require a "survival guide."

When it comes to booking a luxury escape, a honeymoon, or a destination wedding, the internet is a dangerous place. It is a digital minefield of filtered photos and suspiciously enthusiastic reviews written by people who think a complimentary fruit bowl is the height of sophistication. You don’t need an algorithm. You need an artist.

South African Wildlife Experience - Handfeeding a Giraffe

The South African Connection

I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to sell holidays. It’s in my blood. I was born and raised in South Africa, a place where the landscape is so beautiful it almost feels like it’s showing off. I grew up across the continent, which means when I talk to you about a safari in Botswana or a retreat in the Seychelles, I’m not reading from a brochure. I’m recalling the smell of the air after a storm on the savannah and the specific shade of turquoise you only get in the Indian Ocean.

In a world of "copy and paste" travel itineraries, that deep, lived-in knowledge is the difference between a good trip and a life-changing one. If you want to know which lodge in South Africa has the best rangers or where to find the most private beach in Mauritius, you ask someone who has actually been there. Frequently.

Pair wedding rings in sand on tropical beach

The "I Do" Test

I recently put my own reputation to the ultimate test. In May 2025, I got married at the Victoria Beachcomber Resort and Spa in Mauritius. Now, I’m a travel professional, which means I am the world’s most demanding guest. If something isn't perfect, I notice.

Standing on that sand, saying my vows to Terry, I wasn't just a bride. I was a researcher. I’ve seen the back-of-house, I’ve tasted the entire menu, and I know exactly how the light hits the water at 4:00 PM. When I recommend a destination wedding or a honeymoon, I am putting my own experiences on the table. I wouldn't send you anywhere I wouldn't go myself, and trust me, my standards are annoyingly high.

Terminal 5 London Heathrow Airport Lounge

Beyond the Terminal 5 Lounge

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting in the lounge at Heathrow or Gatwick, sipping a lukewarm coffee, desperately hoping the "luxury" resort you booked online actually exists. It’s a gamble you shouldn't have to take.

Whether it is the lush mountains of Madeira, the vibrant rhythm of Jamaica, or the untouched perfection of French Polynesia, my job is to curate your time. Time is the one thing you can’t earn more of, so why waste it on a mediocre holiday?

I specialise in the complicated stuff. Milestone celebrations that need to be flawless. Honeymoons that need to be magic. Destination weddings that need to go off without a hitch. I handle the logistics, the fine print, and the "what-ifs," leaving you to focus on the important things. Like which swimsuit to pack and how many mojitos is too many for a Tuesday afternoon. Hint: the limit does not exist when you’re in the Caribbean.

The Personal Touch

I’m Lynne, The Holiday Artist. I live in the UK now, but my heart is still wandering around the globe. I share my life with my husband Terry and my heart-on-legs, a rescue Yorkie named Shady and a foster cat named Boots. I understand what matters to people. I understand that a holiday isn't just a flight and a hotel. It’s an investment in your sanity and your memories.

If you are ready to stop "searching" and start "discovering," let’s have a conversation. No bots, no call centres, just a human being who knows the world like the back of her hand.

Use my contact form, or send me a text/email, or schedule a call at a time conveninent for you - Contact Me