About
Catherine Blackburn
About Me
It’s fair to say that travel is in my blood
I’ve spent the last 24 years exploring practically every continent on the planet and working alongside some of the best travel companies in the UK, including Audley Travel, Tailor Made Travel and Wexas Travel. Now, I’m bringing my travel planning expertise directly to you.
My Services
The assistance I offer is personal, flexible, and tailor-made to your exact requirements, including your budget. As a home-based travel agent, I can help with your travel plans wherever you are in the country.
So, whether you’re looking for a family friendly, bucket and spade beach holiday, want to whisk a loved one away for a romantic weekend break or you’re planning a once-in-a-life-time adventure, I have the contacts and the expertise to ensure every box on your wish list is ticked.
Why Choose Me
What are the benefits in booking with a personal travel specialist? This is a question that is often asked, and the reasons are quite simple.
A holiday is a big investment of both time and money. You wouldn’t invest your money without talking to an expert and a holiday is no different. In this case your holiday ‘investment’ is to create long-lasting memories, discover new cultures and places and escape from the everyday routine.
By booking with me you’re putting your plans in the hands of an specialist. You’re talking to someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise, something that is priceless. My service is free, totally independent and I offer exceptionally competitive prices. You are also secure in the knowledge that your travel arrangements and your money are fully protected.
FAQ
What is a personal travel specialist?
A personal travel specialist is a travel professional who has access to many of the best deals out there in the travel world. Who can assist you with planning and booking a holiday and will be with you every step of the way through the journey. You deal with one person from your initial enquiry, through the booking stage, tickets and pre travel questions and also when you return.
Does it cost more to book with you?
No! Most of the time the holiday I sell you will be the same price as you can get with other travel agents. Sometimes I may be a little bit more expensive as some online retailers are able to cut costs as they concentrate on volume. These are the operators where you struggle to speak to someone if something goes wrong.
How do you earn money out of my booking? Do we pay you a fee?
I don’t charge a fee. I get paid a commission on the booking from the operator or if we have created a tailor made trip for you, my fee is built into the cost when I give it to you. I get paid on the booking when you travel.
Do you need a minimum budget before entertaining looking at a booking?
No. I will always ask the budget question, not because I won’t help you if the budget is too low, but in order to be able to advise you that the budget may be too low for your destination, and find the right trip for your destination and budget. It is not helpful if I quote a destination and hotels that don’t meet the budget and you think you can’t afford it. When a few small adjustments to resort or hotel give you a great holiday you can afford.
What does Brilliant Travel mean?
Brilliant Travel is a trading name of Barrhead Travel. The largest travel agency group in Scotland. I am a self employed homeworker trading as Brilliant Travel. This allows me to have access to a large number of suppliers and great rates. It also allows your money to be protected by both ABTA and ATOL membership and Package Travel Regulations.
Where do you focus on?
I sell holidays to anywhere. But I do have a few places that I am more of an expert in. Canada I have travelled to many times, including spending 5 ½ months travelling across Canada from Coast to Coast and much of the space in between. With just a backpack, tent and greyhound bus pass. Scandinavia for that unique different holiday. Alaska I was lucky enough to spend 5 weeks travelling around Alaska and whilst there was so much more to see, I definitely hit all of the highlights.
However this is not the extent of my knowledge, having been selling holidays for over 20 years, I have travelled extensively and have lots of expertise.
Is it travel or holidays? Aren’t they two different things?
I can help with both. The definition of travel is go from one place to another and I can help with this booking flights, ferries, cruise ships or trains, I can include places for you to stay so you can see the most of your destination. The definition of holiday is an extended period of leisure especially one spent away from home or travelling. I can book you a holiday where you stay in just one place, and are able to totally unwind and relax.
Do you do UK deals?
Yes. There are a number of options for a stay in the UK from a cottage to a holiday park. Rail Adventures or coach tours. Theatre breaks and more.
Do you do travel for small businesses?
I can help with business travel for small companies, this can range from rail tickets to flights etc..
How long have you been in business?
I have been trading for 6 years and it has been an eventful time. I am very thankful to my customers for sticking with me as I have grown my business and negotiated the changes during a global pandemic. I am now moving forward to help both new and existing clients.
Can you help me with questions about my travel?
The best advice is to check out the Foreign office website for all the up to date travel advice and entry requirements for the country you are travelling to . But if I can help answer questions around passport validity etc I will do.
Unfortunately I am unable to help you obtain a visa for any country you plan to visit.