About Me | Sutton Courtenay Tra

Hello I'm Jo-Anne

Independent Travel Agent in Oxfordshire – Tailor-Made Luxury Holidays

I help busy travellers plan seamless, tailor-made holidays without the stress of spending hours researching online. From luxury safaris and long-haul adventures to relaxing beach escapes and city breaks, I take care of every detail so you can simply enjoy the experience.

At Sutton Courtenay Travel, I offer a personalised travel planning service, arranging flights, hotels, transfers and experiences through trusted global travel partners. Every trip is designed around your preferences, whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime journey or a perfectly organised getaway.

Working with a professional travel agent means you benefit from expert advice, industry connections and support before, during and after your trip.

If you’re looking for a trusted independent travel agent in the UK to plan your next holiday, I’d love to help.

Sutton Courtenay Travel works with clients across Oxfordshire, the UK and beyond who want a personalised travel planning service.

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, make sure the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is on your itinerary.

I was so impressed that I visited twice, spending around five hours each time, and I still didn’t see everything. It really is that vast, so don’t expect to do it all in one visit!

The museum has been thoughtfully designed with visitors in mind. It’s fully air-conditioned (very welcome in the Egyptian heat!), has restaurants and cafés for a break, and is extremely accessible with lifts and escalators throughout.

Even before you step inside, the museum makes an impression. The beautiful water features symbolise the River Nile, the lifeblood of ancient Egypt and perfectly set the scene for the incredible journey through thousands of years of history.

One of my favourite moments was looking out from the upper level towards the Pyramids of Giza the view was incredible and a reminder of just how special this location is.

My personal highlight was Khufu’s Boat, displayed in its own dedicated building. Seeing this remarkably preserved ancient vessel up close was an unforgettable experience.

One piece of advice I can’t recommend highly enough is to book a qualified guide in advance. The artefacts are extraordinary, but understanding the stories, history and significance behind them transforms the visit into something truly unforgettable. It made such a difference to my experience.

As a travel agent, I always enjoy researching and planning my own trips, and the Grand Egyptian Museum exceeded every expectation.

Thinking about visiting Egypt? Drop your questions below and I’ll answer them from my recent trip.

Save this post if Egypt is on your travel wish list and tell me what’s at the top of your must-see list.

#grandegyptianmuseum #cairo #visitegypt🇪🇬 #independenttravelagent

This is the part of being a travel agent nobody talks about.

Just before Surana Mara opened to the public, I was standing inside the camp. Walking the grounds. Meeting the team. Sitting on the deck where my clients would sit after a game drive.

I wasn’t researching this property online, I was there.

I work directly with vetted safari operators. I get invited to experience new and existing properties. I secure first bookings for my clients. And I know exactly which camps deliver on their promises because I’ve walked the grounds myself.

I have now booked 4 clients into this camp and cannot wait to hear their feedback

Here’s what makes Surana Mara Camp exceptional:

Suites: 12, river front tented suites with private lounges, hardwood floors, and en-suite bathrooms.

Dining: Personalized five-course menus, fire-lit evenings on the riverbank, and bush breakfasts.

Safari: Expert-guided game drives all year (including during the Great Wildebeest Migration that crosses the river very close to camp), plus sundowners in the wild.

Amenities: An infinity pool, gym, wellness spa, and an in-house photography studio with Nikon gear and professional guides

The problem with booking a luxury safari with a faceless agent or company online ?
You’re trusting marketing copy. You have no idea if the camp’s location is prime or if you’ll spend hours driving to game viewing areas. You don’t know if the guides are exceptional or inexperienced. You can’t verify if the luxury is real or just clever photography.

When you work with someone who’s been there, who’s met the team, who’s secured some of first bookings before the public even knew the property existed, you’re not guessing. You’re arriving to perfection.

I’ve arranged many safaris and luxury travel bookings. I’ve walked the properties. I know which camps are worth your once-in-a-lifetime budget and which ones aren’t.

Comment SAFARI for my booking guide

Or Save for later and share to help others

#independenttravelagent #suranaluxurycamps #safari #Kenya #safaribookings

One of Egypt’s best-kept secrets… 🇪🇬

Most visitors to Cairo head straight for the Pyramids.

But one of the places that left the biggest impression on me was the Serapeum of Saqqara.

Walking down into the cool underground tunnels, away from the desert heat, was an incredibly calming experience. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. It’s quiet, mysterious and almost impossible to describe until you’re standing there yourself.

The enormous granite sarcophagi are astonishing. Knowing they were created over 2,000 years ago to house the sacred Apis bulls makes you appreciate just how incredible ancient Egyptian engineering really was. (⁠Egyptian Monuments)

It’s not nearly as well known as many of Egypt’s famous landmarks, which is part of its charm. If you love history and enjoy exploring places that feel a little off the usual tourist trail, I’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.

These photos are completely unedited and unfiltered they really don’t do justice to the feeling of being there.

As a travel agent, I love finding places that make a trip truly memorable, and this was definitely one of mine.

Have you heard of the Serapeum before?

Please get in touch and save this post if I can help you plan a visit here

#saqqara #serapeumofsaqqara #independenttraveladvisor #eygpttravel

Testimonial -
“Our honeymoon wouldn’t have been as perfect as it was without Jo’s huge support in ideas and planning and organisation. She helped us narrow down the location, she really listened to what sort of honeymoon we wanted and genuinely cared about ensuring what we were booking was right for us! The booking process was super easy with Jo, once we’d approved it all it was just a deposit and done! Which was impressive as we were moving around lots of hotels in Sri Lanka and changing villa in the Maldives. Jo was there to help from the moment we booked and throughout the honeymoon for any last-minute questions. We couldn’t recommend her highly enough and will be forever grateful that she was able to help with our honeymoon. Thank you for everything!”

What I did -
Planning a multi-destination honeymoon is where most couples hit the wall.

Bespoke tour with Six hotels across Sri Lanka and two villa types in the Maldives. Flights, Speedboats, transfers. Most people would be neck deep in confirmation emails, backup plans, and “what if something goes wrong” scenarios.

But this couple? They weren’t stressed at all.

What this couple got was different. They got someone who actually listened to what kind of honeymoon they wanted, not what looked good in a brochure. Someone who cared about getting it right for them specifically.
The result? A flawless honeymoon. Every hotel exactly what they wanted. Every transition smooth. Zero regrets.

That's what happens when you work with someone who's done this multiple times, specialises in complex multi-destination trips, and genuinely cares about the outcome.

You can spend months researching and hoping you got it right. Or you can work with someone who knows these destinations, has the supplier relationships to make changes seamlessly, and will be there when you need them.

If you’re planning a honeymoon, milestone trip, or any multi-destination experience when getting it right really matters, follow me and save this post and get in touch when you’re ready.

If you want to know how I work DM me or type SHARE below

#honeymoon #multicenter #srilankatravel #themaldives #independenttravelagent

Most families planning a safari face the same problem: endless research, conflicting advice, and no way to know if the operator is legitimate or if they’ve missed something critical.

My client is a busy working professional and a mum. She didn’t have time to spend months comparing operators and piecing together logistics. She needed someone with real safari experience to handle everything so her family could show up and enjoy their once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Here’s exactly what happened.
November 2025: Initial phone consultation covering her family’s must-haves and the best parks for families. Custom quote sent. Deposit paid within two weeks.

February 2026: Full destination guide, packing list, and safari preparation checklist sent covering vaccinations, visas, currency, tipping, and what to expect on the ground.

Pre-departure call: Final itinerary reviewed together, every transfer detail covered, last-minute questions answered. When you book eight months in advance, you don’t retain every detail. I walk clients through everything again before they leave.

Here’s why this works.
I use proven destination management companies in Africa secured by a London-based operator. Every booking is protected. Every detail is handled by people who know the ground intimately.

I’ve been on over 30 safaris. I know which parks deliver for families, which lodges are worth the cost, what timing matters for wildlife, and what gets missed when you’re booking alone.

People try and DIY their safari assuming a travel advisor adds cost (we don’t). The reality? You’re risking thousands on an operator you found online, spending months coordinating details you don’t understand, and hoping nothing falls through.

If you want someone with real safari experience to handle your family’s dream trip from start to finish, let’s talk.

Comment SAFARI if you want to start to planning or just want my checklist (or message me)

Save post for when you are ready

Video is my own from a stay at Eagle view in Naboisho Conservancy

#safari
#bucketlist
#independenttravelagent
#personaltravelplanning
#kenya

🚢 Oceania cruisers… I need your help!

In just 3 weeks I’ll be sailing with Oceania Cruises for the very first time on the Irish Eclipse Embrace itinerary. 🍀

I’ve cruised 10 times before, but never with Oceania, so I’m excited to experience something new!

If you’ve sailed with Oceania before…

👇 I’d love to know:

• What’s the one thing I absolutely shouldn’t miss?
• Any hidden gems onboard?
• Favourite restaurants or dishes?
• Tips for making the most of the experience?
• Anything you wish you’d known before your first Oceania cruise?

I’ll be sharing plenty of updates, photos and honest reviews throughout the trip, so if you enjoy cruise content and travel tips, I’d love you to follow my page and come along for the journey.

Looking forward to reading your advice! 🚢✨

#Cruise
#oceaniacruises #solareclipse2026 #cruiseadvice

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PLACES I HAVE VISITED

Africa

Kenya (safari & beach) / Tanzania (inc Mount Kilimanjaro and very remote safari parks) / Zanzibar / Uganda (Gorilla trekking)

South Africa

Cape Town, Kruger, Sabi Sands & Volunteering with Wildlife Act

North Africa

Egypt / Morocco

Asia

Jordan / Dubai / India

Caribbean

Cuba / Antigua / Barbados / St Lucia

Cruises

Alaska / New England & Canada / Norway / Scandinavia / Med (various) / Tukey & Greece / River Nile

Europe

Ice Hotel in Sweden, city breaks, many cruise stops plus canaries

USA

New York / LA / Las Vegas / Road trip Vegas to Austin

Skiing

Italy / Switzerland / Austria

Australia

Perth

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