About Me | Sutton Courtenay Tra

Hello I'm Jo-Anne an Independent Travel Agent

I decided to become a travel agent because of my love for exploring the world turned I turned that passion into helping others do the same. Traveling has given me unforgettable experiences, and I wanted to share that joy by making it easier for others to discover new destinations and create their own amazing memories. Planning trips, finding hidden gems, and crafting unforgettable itineraries isn’t just work for me it’s what I truly enjoy

If I am not traveling I am thinking about or planning my next trip, I love to travel and taking photographs of the world !

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

Why are you settling for boring layovers when you could be exploring a new city for FREE?

Most travellers are missing out on a secret 2-in-1 trip every time they book a long-haul flight.

For years, I rushed through airports, wishing travel was more exciting until I realised I was skipping a free mini-break built into my airline ticket.

Here’s what airlines aren’t advertising: carriers like Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Icelandair, and Turkish Airlines let you turn a layover into a days-long stopover in their hub city sometimes with free or super-cheap hotels.

Most people never hear about it though

How to do it yourself:
Search for flights with a layover in a major hub (think Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Reykjavik, Istanbul).
Choose “multi-city” or “stopover” options when booking don’t just click “next”

Check the airline’s stopover program page for hotel deals and perks.

You could try piecing this together yourself, it took me ages to figure out which airlines offer the best stopover perks and how to actually book them.

Want the exact steps and shortcuts I use ?

Drop “STOP” in the comments or DM me, and I’ll send you my tips so you can start exploring more for less

#stopover #traveltips #luxurytravel #twotripsinone #travelmore#travelsmarter#independenttravelagent#becomeatravelagent

I’m spending three nights at Karangoma Camp in Botswana and would you believe it we’re the only ones here! Off-peak travel has its perks… total peace, personalised game drives, and that feeling of having the Okavango Delta all to ourselves.

CAMP INFORMATION:
Karangoma Camp is a gorgeous, classic safari-style tented camp tucked into the wild eastern reaches of the Okavango Delta perfect for travellers who want that authentic, close-to-nature experience without sacrificing comfort.

Intimate & exclusive
Small-scale camp with just 6 Meru-style safari tents, giving it a private, personalised feel ideal for couples and safari purists.

The tents are comfortable and stylish but keep things beautifully simple think en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, verandas with views over the bush, and the soundtrack of Africa at night.

Fantastic wildlife area
The eastern Delta is known for excellent predator sightings, lions, leopards, wild dogs plus large herds of elephants and buffalo. Birdlife is phenomenal too.

The emphasis here is on top-tier game drives with expert local guides in open 4×4 vehicles. Seasonal mokoro (canoe) excursions add a magical water-based perspective when flood levels allow.

Best for:
Couples wanting a romantic safari with a real wilderness feel
Photographers and wildlife lovers focused on big predator action
Travellers who prefer intimate camps over flashy luxury

When to go:
Peak wildlife: June – October (dry season)
Best combo of water + wildlife: July – September
Lush landscapes & quieter travel: November – April

Getting there:
You’ll fly into Maun, then take a light aircraft flight into the Delta directly to the camp the adventure starts before you even arrive in camp !

And here’s the best part: I get to book trips like this for myself and earn from them because I run my own travel business. If you’re someone who travels a lot or loves discovering hidden low season moments like this, you can actually do this too. Imagine turning your own adventures into income, booking travel for yourself at insider rates, and helping others plan theirs. That’s exactly what I do

DM me SAFARI if you would like to know more

Let’s get real: This business didn’t start because I felt confident, it started because I was done wondering “what if?”

I spent way too long believing I had to have all the answers before I began. I thought freedom and flexibility were for people who already had it figured out. Turns out, overthinking is just another form of self-sabotage.

Most of us wait for confidence to hit before we move. But confidence isn’t the prerequisite it’s the result of showing up, even if you’re making it up as you go.

What actually works
Decide you’re done waiting for “ready.”
Take a micro-action something so small it’s almost laughable.
Find people who value progress over perfection.
Document your messy steps (they’re gold later).
Celebrate momentum, not milestones.

You could piece this together yourself, but it took me years of “almosts” and “maybes” to finally break through. Most people never do because comfort feels safer than change.

That’s why I help others leap sooner, with less second-guessing and more real support. If you’re craving more but keep waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ spoiler: it doesn’t exist.

DM me “INFO” and I’ll share exactly how I started (even before I felt ready). You in?
#independenttravelagent #becomeatravelagent #travelsmarter #travelmore #travelagentlife #traveltips

Most travelers are so focused on their seats and bags, they forget the #1 thing: a simple, genuine “hello” to crew as you board. This tiny gesture sets the tone for your whole flight

Make eye contact and greet the crew as you step on.

Keep your tone friendly and relaxed—no need to overdo it.

This 2-second connection makes you stand out (and often gets you better service, too!)
Skip this, and you’ll blend in with the stressed, forgettable crowd missing out on small perks and smoother support.

Want to be seen as a confident, pro traveler (even if you’re nervous inside)? Start every flight with a warm greeting, you’ll be amazed by the difference

Drop “SMILE” in the comments if you want more travel hacks!

#Travelsmarter#travelmore #independenttravelagent #traveltips #travelagentlife #becomeatravelagent

📍 Right now… I’m in the Okavango Delta, Botswana 🇧🇼

Experiencing this incredible wilderness with Beagle Expeditions and honestly it’s even more special than I imagined.

We’re staying in 2 beautiful tented camps deep in the Delta, exploring by mokoro canoe, game drives and walking safaris completely immersed in nature

.No crowds, just endless waterways, big skies and unforgettable wildlife moments.

The campfire dinners, expert guides and the sheer remoteness make it feel like true exploration not just a holiday, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If safari has ever been on your bucket list… this place is something special.

“DM me for safari info” and Follow me for more photos and insider access to this trip experience.

#travelsmarter #safari #remote wilderness #independenttravelagent #travelmore #luxurybreak #traveltips #travelagentlife #Botswana #okavangodelta

After years on the road, these are my non-negotiables for hotel safety.

I learned some of these the hard way so you don’t have to.

Security is about small, consistent choices, not just “good” hotels.

I never leave valuables out or in plain sight.
Never open the door unless I’m expecting someone.
Never post my location or room details in real-time.
Never use the main entrance late at night if there’s a side entry.
Never assume the safe is 100% secure use a lockable bag for extra protection.

You can try piecing this together, but it took me years to figure out what actually works.

I created a “hotel security for travelers” checklist DM me for yours. Drop “SAFE” below and I’ll DM the full list!

#independenttravelagent #travelsmarter #travelmore #luxurybreak #traveltips

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