TGt Meets: Karen Holtz of Expectations Travel

In this TGt Meets, we heard from Karen Holtz, a Personal Travel Advisor at Expectations Travel!

Tell us about Expectations Travel and the services you provide?

Expectations Travel is an independent Bournemouth-based agency with over 30 years of experience crafting unforgettable holidays! Whether it’s a UK retreat, a worldwide cruise, or a Disney adventure, we handle every detail for a stress-free journey. Services include booking accommodations and travel, planning detailed itineraries, arranging excursions, and coordinating seamless transfers. With a passion for personalized service, Expectations Travel ensures effortless, memorable trips, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy their dream getaway without the hassle of planning.

What are the most popular honeymoon destinations at the moment and how do you stay on top of trending destinations?

South Africa safari with a beach stay in Mauritius or Zanzibar seems to be the number one option for a honeymoon, giving a great mix of adventure with the picture perfect beaches. Maldives is a close second!

As a travel consultant we are always learning, (even with over 30 years in the industry) Reading travel publications, social media, engage with other agents. I also attend travel trade shows and conferences when I can and take advantage of online training courses.

What’s the most memorable honeymoon you’ve organised for a client, and what made it stand out for you?

Canada Tailor made, including Niagara Falls, bears, whales, stampede, Rocky Mountaineer, Alaska Cruise. I love putting all of these elements together, to create the perfect trip!

What steps do you take to ensure that each client receives a personalised travel experience throughout the honeymoon planning process?

The first step is a Discovery Phone Call, chatting together about the couples thoughts and expectations. I then work on a tailor made quotation, this could sometimes take a few days to put together. Book a personal travel consultation with the clients to go through my findings over a coffee. I will then go away and tweak everything to make it just right. Once the booking is confirmed, I will assist along the way with advise on visas, entry requirements. Quote for any Holiday extras ie airport lounges. Keeping in touch by email and/or WhatsApp - So our clients are freely able to ask questions no matter how big or small.

What is your favourite destination that you have travelled to and why?

This is an incredibly hard question to answer, I love every trip I go on! But, the standout for me is still the Nile Cruise with the major highlight of a champagne hot air balloon trip over the Valley of the Kings at sunrise!

Do you have any tips for planning your honeymoon?

The time of year is a huge factor, must take into account the weather and when the monsoon seasons are. Maybe book a “mini-moon” for after the wedding and then do the bigger honeymoon at a later date, to make sure you travel at the right time of year. This also gives you something else to look forward to!

How does Expectations Travel differentiate itself from other agencies?

Most importantly our passion for what we do!

Our personal service, taking the time to get to know our clients – everyone is different, we don't expect you to like it just because I did! Not everyone's bucketlist is the same. Oh and the Marsham Court shortbread over a coffee when we meet in person to discuss what I have found.