Meet The Member - Nicola Benson, Travel Counsellor
Travel Counsellor
We caught up with our member and Travel Counsellor, Nicola Benson, to learn more about her passion for travel and helping people organise their dream holidays.
We are very happy to have you as a member of We Are Harpenden. Have you always wanted to work in Travel or Did you do something different before?
When I left school, I trained as an Estate Agent in both sales and lettings – I did this for 10 years working all over north and central London. I have seen more homes than most! I joined Going Places in 2000 part-time to get some ‘adult conversation’ and to fit around my young family and left after 5 years to set up on my own under Travel Counsellors as this allowed me the freedom to book holidays that match my client’s needs and wishes.
It would be interesting to hear about what sort of challenges people are usually facing before they come to you.
Most of my clients come to me via referrals. A recent survey found that the average person spends over 30 hours finding a holiday! What a waste of time when someone like me can do it for you and find some great gems! Once I get to know families, as I have done over the years, it becomes so much easier – they book for the current year, and I already know what the plan is for next year! I have 25 years of experience, and it is easier for me to filter down options rather than them constantly scrolling through dozens of sites to not be able to find ‘the one’
What is your favourite thing about running a business in Harpenden?
I have worked and lived in the area since I left home. I have made some great friends through my business and so it has benefitted both my professional and personal life.
Although this is a large area, we are a tight-knit business community helping each other do well.
Is there anything that people feel particularly surprised by when they come to you?
I think people believe that I will be more expensive! I book all sorts of things and can often be cheaper but will at least match the major tour ops direct online price and you also then benefit from my expertise and personal service!
Can you share with us your top tips for finding the perfect holiday?
Narrow down your criteria as much as possible.
Start your search as early as possible – on most occasions, the cheaper seats are sold once flights are released!
Try and be flexible with dates – leaving midweek can save you some money as the weekends tend to be a bit pricier.
Be open to suggestions, there are some gems out there!
What is something you think people should value more when it comes to their holidays?
Be more present in the moment. The pressure of social media to document everything means we spend so much time trying to get the perfect shot rather than truly experiencing a destination. Take the time to disconnect and appreciate the sunrise, that sea view, conversations with the locals or simply the feeling of being somewhere new.
What are the biggest benefits you see in your customers' lives?
The making of special memories. I absolutely love it when clients return and share all the great things they have done and seen. I often get photos whilst they are away, which are fantastic to share on my socials so followers can be inspired to try new places. Families are so much more adventurous nowadays, so children get to experience all different walks of life around the globe, which is amazing and an essential part of learning.
Do you have any go-to locations for your own holidays?
I have been to some special places over the years. India was one of my favourites, along with a safari in South Africa and the cities of New York and Vancouver - my wish list is ever growing, but I am ticking them off slowly! I try not to go back to the same place, in all honesty.
Why do you think it’s important for people to make the best out of their holidays?
Easy, time is precious!
Where in Harpenden is your favourite spot to go in your spare time?
I love being outdoors, so you can often find me walking along the Nicky Line.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I was a GamesMaker at the 2012 Olympics