Helen Durrant
Designer Travel Expert
Since October 2019
Hello, I’m Helen – your travel expert based in Evesham, Worcestershire, right on the doorstep of the beautiful Cotswolds.
With over 38 years of experience in the travel industry—including 25 years at the Evesham branch of Thomas Cook—travel has shaped both my career and my life. From my early days at Hogg Robinson in Stratford-upon-Avon to helping hundreds of clients plan their perfect getaways, I’ve always believed that the magic of travel starts the moment you begin to imagine your trip.
Travel has also been at the heart of my own family life. Together with my husband, our two daughters, granddaughter, and our beloved pets—Rufus the excitable cockerpoo and Pepsi the chilled-out cat—we’ve explored destinations near and far. Whether it’s a relaxing lodge break here in the UK or far-flung adventures to the Maldives, South Africa, or the Caribbean, I know how important it is for a holiday to feel just right.
My top three - South Africa, Cape Town, Winelands and the safari - Amazing - ticked so many boxes, Mauritius, and island of contrasts, beach and lots of nature to explore too, and for Europe, Turkey has a special place in the whole family‘s heart - we‘ve been going for years and its like home.
I specialise in creating tailored holidays that blend comfort, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Whether you‘re a couple seeking a romantic escape, a family in need of sun and sea, or just halfway to booking something yourself, I’m here to help you get it right, and maybe even find you a better deal!
Let’s take the stress out of holiday planning and make your next trip the best one yet.
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Articles
A relaxing week in Parga
A Relaxing Week in Parga, Northern Greece – June 2026This June, I visited Parga for the first time...
A long awaited trip to the Maldives
✨ A Long-Awaited Journey to the Maldives: My Dream Trip Come TrueAfter years of dreaming about sof...
Magnificent Maldives
Ailafushi is a 4-star property - lively island - karaoke, music on the beach, activities, foam party...
Amazing Iceland
Northern Iceland - with its amazing landscapes and natural wonder. My first visit to Iceland - and i...
Santorini - Kamari
In September I headed to Santorini, never been before but it‘s on all the pictures you see of Gree...
South Africa - Cape Town and Safari
My latest educational was to one of my bucket list destinations - a Safari in South Africa! Excited ...
Riviera River Cruise on the Danube
 This August I went on my on location - on the Danube this time a Riviera Cruise, so a great opport...
Emerald River Cruise
Embarking on my first river cruise with Emerald Cruises was a thrilling adventure, finally getting t...
Antigua
   My most recent adventure was a visit to the Caribbean and the beautiful island of Antigua. My ...
Montenegro Holiday
Despite being in the travel industry for 35 years, I have just returned from a destination I had nev...
Accommodation Recommendations
Grecotel Caramel
Grecotel Caramel is a delightful family-friendly boutique hotel in Crete.Caramel is a suites & villa...
Grecotel LUX White
Grecotel Lux Me White Palace, CreteA radiant beachfront escape where contemporary elegance meets eff...
Hotel California, Montenegro
Hotel California is nestled perfectly between the mountains and the gorgeous Sveti Stefan beach.Whet...
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is a delightful hotel in a picturesque location, catering for families and ...
OBLU SELECT Lobigili
Sister to the also spectacular OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili offers a more adult-exclusi...
VARU by Atmosphere
Nestled in the pristine Indian Oceans of the Maldives, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts presents VARU by ...
Ikos Odisia
Breathe in the fresh, forest air, stroll the velvet sands and enjoy a privileged position on a seclu...
Ikos Dassia
Breathe in the scent of fragrant pines, gaze out at the azure Ionian waters and feel your mind still...
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO
Helengeli Island is located in North Male Atoll and is home to the trendy OBLU NATURE Helengeli by ...
Ikos Aria
This luxurious property boasts more than 370 immaculately appointed rooms and suites offering all th...
Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Resort & Spa
This award-winning resort is located by a 150 m long sandy beach and just 2.5 miles from Side city c...
Hotel Split, Podstrana
Hotel Split is a fantastic, family owned boutique hotel ideal for a couples break close to Split. Wi...
Le Meridien Lav, Split
Le Meridien Lav has its own exclusive private beach where you can enjoy lazy days and dips in the se...
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort
One of the hotel’s stand-out features is the glorious cascading swimming pool. Lying within Medite...
Santo Tomas Hotel
Guests enjoy the relaxing environment at Santo Tomas hotel. The nearest town, Es Migjorn Gran is app...
Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort
The beach is within easy walking distance of the hotel and is a lovely place to spend the day or get...
Grecotel Creta Palace
You can relax your time away by one of the pools – there’s a large seawater swimming pool, a fre...
Atmosphere Kanifushi
 Situated in the sparsely populated Lhaviyani Atoll in the beautiful tropical archipelago of Maldiv...
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
Surrounded by pine forests and the Mediterranean Sea, this cliff top hotel offers stunning views of ...
Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel
Adriana’s amenities are as diverse as its view. Catch the rays whilst sunbathing beside the year-r...
Helen's Awards
In recognition of outstanding contribution to Designer Travel in the year of 2025/2026
Sustainable Masterclas 2024