At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Planning your holiday shouldn't be stressful
It should be fun! This is the time to get a taste of the possibilities that await you, to source inspiration for the adventure ahead, and to bask in that pre-holiday anticipation.
Don't get stuck in the stress of planning, the anxiety of checking all the small details, and the constant worrying that you forgot something. Let us handle that part. When you book a holiday with TravelEssence, you can be sure that everything is taken care of in just five simple steps.
It really is as easy as one, two, three...
- Step 1: Contact us
- Step 2: Let’s meet and discuss your journey
- Step 3: Review your travel proposal
- Step 4: Finalise your booking
- Step 5: Pack your bags and go!
1. Contact us
This step only takes two minutes. Get in touch with us! You will be connected with a travel specialist who has lived, worked, or travelled extensively in your dream destination. They love to share their local knowledge and are happy to answer any questions you may have. From there, you can set up a meeting to discuss your journey in-depth.
You can contact us by phone, email, or the information request form. If you would prefer some more information first, visit one of our presentations for a virtual journey through Australia and New Zealand. We host presentations both online and in-person to give you a taste of what's possible.
How to contact us
The journey begins here
Your travel specialist is waiting to share their local knowledge and answer any questions you may have.

2. Let’s meet and discuss your journey
We take a personal approach when we plan your holiday. We want to get to know you - your interests, your needs, your dreams, and even what you don't like - so that your holiday can really be about you. Everyone is unique, so every single trip that we plan is different.
Your travel specialist can meet you wherever works best: at an office in London, at your home, online, etc.
During the meeting, we will discuss your ideal journey to Australia and New Zealand.
Are you dreaming of relaxing on the beach? Or would you prefer an active hiking adventure? Do you want to stay at a remote location, or go sightseeing in vibrant cities? Maybe you want to mix it up! Whatever you're dreaming of, we will create a holiday that is as unique as you are.
After you share your ideas, we will share our own - from personal travel experiences to our favourite local places and anything else we think would inspire you. You'll get a sense of what your holiday could look like through maps, photos and videos.
After the meeting, you'll receive a proposed travel itinerary to look over in detail.
"Booking a trip with TravelEssence is like booking a private 5-star dinner. We create a menu just for you, using the absolute best - and your favourite - ingredients."
Andrew, Founder of TravelEssence


3. Review your travel proposal
After the meeting with your travel specialist, you'll receive a proposed travel itinerary to look over in detail. It will show your day-to-day journey through Australia and New Zealand, including descriptions and photos of the regions you'll visit, where you'll stay, and the activities you'll do. More practical information will be shared too, such as flights, car rentals, and ferry services. Take your time looking over this proposal.
Included with your proposal is a booking form. If you're happy with all the details, sign the booking form and we will begin taking care of every detail.
4. Finalise your booking
Once we receive your signed booking form, we can begin scheduling all the details of your itinerary. You will receive an invoice for a portion of your trip at this time too. It will take approximately two to three weeks for everything to be confirmed.
About seven weeks before your departure, you will receive everything you need, including all travel details and confirmations, vouchers, and plane tickets. Six weeks before departure you will need to finalise the rest of your payment.


5. Pack your bags and go!
Now, all that's left to do is pack and bask in that pre-holiday anticipation! Your dream journey is about to begin, and every detail has been handled for you.
If something happens along the way, our local hosts are there to help you.
Our local hosts know their country better than anyone. They can't wait to share their local tips and knowledge with you. They will also ensure that you are taken care of during your holiday. TravelEssence has a 24-hour emergency service phone number for urgent matters that cannot be solved locally.


Would you like to book your own trip online?
Sorry, we cannot help you there. Booking online is very common with travel agencies that sell the same tourist routes to many people over and over again. We are not a cookie-cutter travel agency; we create bespoke trips, designed just for you. With us, you will receive a unique journey away from the mainstream.
Feel free to contact us via phone, email, or our information request form. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your dream holiday to Australia and New Zealand.
How to contact us
The journey begins here
Your travel specialist is waiting to share their local knowledge and answer any questions you may have.Discover more
Catherine and Lambert in Australia
When we started preparing for our trip, we gathered information from several travel agencies and were given a lot… read more
Diana in Australia
I lived in Australia for the first eight years of my life. My parents joined the great post-war emigration in 1960… read more
Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey