Trish Downs

It's Nice To Meet You

Hi, I'm Trish.

I love to travel and especially like to help plan other people's travel whether it be personal travel or for business.... it makes me feel like I'm going too! Of course, privacy goes without saying.

Travel Counsellors is a global family of independent, highly experienced travel professionals.

We aim to be there for you at any time 24/7 to cover all situations that may arise, this is especially helpful when travelling for business. I have the best advantage of having access to a large network of professional consultants here and on the other side of the world, so our depth of knowledge and source of information is continually growing, and our technical support is outstanding, offering our clients the MyTC app, another form of keeping in touch.

My life in the travel industry started some 35 years ago, I have all the qualifications so I can sell travel anywhere, anytime, and I am continually learning, that's what is so great about this world of ours!

I have lived and worked in travel in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia and I am widely travelled having visited all major destinations in the world. The most memorable was probably South America, but also my time living in the UK.

Before having three children with my husband, I held a senior travel management position in a major American Express Travel Corporate Office, and also long term employment with House of Travel NZ, and Contiki Holidays UK head office where I was their in-house Travel Agent as well as being on their Reservations Team.

By letting me take care of your travel arrangements you can be reassured, as we are ATAS members, a CLIA (cruising specialist) and offer Financial Protection, and a 24 hour Global Duty Office should incidents occur and you need assistance.

Let me be your Personal Travel Counsellor....

Message Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:-

My Travel Blogs

I absolutely love travel! Take a look through my posts - you might find holiday inspiration where you least expect it...

Mamanuca Island Group

01 December 2019

I’ve visited Fiji many times over the years, but this was the first time arriving at night giving a very different experience. After an overnight at the Westin at Denarau with beautifully appointed rooms and amazing food, woke up to the warm ocean air and views out to sea and where I was heading – the Mamanuca Island Group. First overnight stop Musket Cove Island Resort, a lovely family resort based around a lagoon so popular with yachties, good options for room styles and sizes, but quite spread out. Nice beach, and food as with all islands if a meal...

Mana Island Resort

11 July 2019

I recently had the opportunity to experience Mana Island Resort which is part of the Mamanuca Islands about an hour and half by catamaran from Port Denarau. Port Denarau is about 30 minutes from Nadi Airport. Mana Island Resort shares the island and jetty with a backpackers resort, even though they try and keep very separate it is visible as you arrive. It is much more economical to do any water sports and sightseeing trips from the backpackers. Sadly my first impression of Mana Island Resort is that it is looking very tired and needs some money spent...

New Zealand in a Nutshell...!

11 May 2018

New Zealand in a Nutshell – impossible! The rivalry between Australia and NZ will always be around and that’s ok, but you need to experience a piece of NZ first hand to see why NZers are so proud. My recent visit was to the Marlborough/Nelson region (top of the South Island). A comfortable short flight to Wellington (bottom of the North Island) which gives a feeling of a mini San Francisco with its similar houses and hills. Very accessible to walk around if the infamous wind is kept at bay. The iconic Te Papa Museum is here and...

Mount Cook from the Air and Glacier landing, NZ

19 January 2018

I recently had the opportunity to take a helicopter flight with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters over Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and land on the Glacier. We flew in a Squirrel helicopter owned by Airbus which had lots of windows and can take 6 passengers (dependent on weight) two in the front and three in the back, plus the Pilot. There are no age or health restrictions, even wheelchair access, subject to conditions. Our experienced Pilot, Shaun, was full of interesting information about the history of the area which we listened to through our headphones as we were...

New Zealand in Summer

15 January 2018

New Zealand always has so much on offer that there is never enough time...Hiring a car is a great way to get around, though petrol is on average NZD2.12 per litre (Supermarkets give .6c per litre discount vouchers when shopping which help) compared to AUD1.35 per litre average. Roads are excellent and signage is clearly visible. Christchurch is still a work in progress post-earthquake... but the people are friendly and staying positive. This trip we headed to the West Coast. First stop Greymouth and Punakaiki Rocks (Pancake Rocks) via Waimakariri River and Arthur's Pass, scenery spectacular at every turn. Overnighted Hokitika...

Greenstone Private Tour Arahura River, NZ

14 January 2018

Today we had the privilege of meeting Tangi Weepu, our Maori guide on this cultural journey of the Arahura River and its greenstone history, on the edge of Hokitika, West Coast of NZ. Unique down to earth private tour starting at the Old Bridge to begin the Maori history in the area, then a walk down to the river. Your feet will definitely get wet but you get the feeling you are following in many footsteps from the past. Tangi loves questions and enthusiasm from his guests, the more you ask the more he gives. Weather was hot and dry as we...

A taste of Germany

07 June 2016

I recently had the opportunity to revisit Germany, essentially Munich and Berlin courtesy of Lufthansa Airlines. Lufthansa no longer fly out of Australia so we flew Cathay Pacific Airlines economy class to Hong Kong where we joined our Lufthansa flight to Munich flying in premium economy class. This is great value and gives you that bit more space than economy and a few little extras without the price of business class, but you don't get the fully flat bed. Lufthansa were very efficient, clean and friendly and had plenty of inflight entertainment which made the long flight...

California Experience with a dose of Fiji

26 June 2015

A trip of a lifetime and a lifetime of memories! We decided to travel with Fiji Airways from Sydney to Los Angeles so there was a few hours layover in Nadi Airport to change planes, tired hungry and not a lot to do. Arriving in Los Angeles we easily caught the blue n yellow prebooked/prepaid Super shuttle to our hotel. Howard Johnson's Anaheim Hotel - such a great location, friendly staff and child friendly pool, convenience store on site - no restaurant at hotel but plenty in walking distance. Disneyland and Disney's Adventure Park - wow no disappointments there apart from food...

Sabah Malaysian Borneo and Brunei

04 November 2014

I'd never been to this area before and once we touched down in our Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner aircraft I knew it was going to be special. Apart from the obvious warmth and humidity the people were friendly and warm too. Kota Kinabalu is the major city but really everything is about 45 minutes away, with the mighty Mount Kinabalu in the background towering over the countryside. Things to do and see would be the Night Markets on the waterfront, they close about 10pm. The Upside Down House is something a little bit quirky just out of...

Contiki Holidays Europe Coach Touring

01 June 2010

Contiki Holidays .....Wow.... nothing really compares - the memories last forever! Being a young adult from Christchurch, New Zealand, I thought I would go do my 'Big O.E.' and conquer the world. I thought first I should get some first hand knowledge from one of the experts. Go for the biggest, longest tour, yep my tour was for 52 days and we had 51 people on our Coach. You get to know alot of people really well, even if you don't really want to! Coach touring is a fantastic way to see what is out there, sure it is a little...

Fiji

30 April 2010

Fiji has so much to offer......I have visited the beautiful Fiji Islands many times and each time get something out of it. There is a pace.....fiji time....that just about makes it compulsory to relax. The warmth hits you as soon as the aircraft door opens. You will all levels of accommodation in Fiji - from the getting back to basics to the lap of luxury! I still feel that you must make a trip out to one of the beautiful Islands off the mainland, Matamanoa is great for couples, Treasure is fabulous for taking the kids, and of course Beachcomber for...

New Zealand in winter

18 August 2008

Winter in the South Island is always special! None more so because Christchurch is my hometown. Being able to take my family to NZ to spend time with their family and also experience the "real" cold. Just a 40 minute drive from Christchurch and we were in the snow, throwing snowballs at each other and making snowmen! Seeing a few early Spring lambs were a bonus for the children also as there are plenty of sheep in the semi rural areas just 15 minutes South out of Christchurch. There is plenty to do in winter when you hire a car, because...

South America Trekking

19 May 2006

Trekking in South America is an unforgettable experience. I was prepared as well as I could be when I went to Argentina and Peru. Buying good quality trekking boots was so important, as they really did make it easier. My trip was with Aerolineas Argentinas and World Expeditions. We had a couple of days in Buenos Aires to have a look around, go to the Ricolleta, and taste some famous beef! We also did a day trip by air to Iguazu Falls. We then flew on to Lima, where a City and Gold museum Tour is recommended. Flying on to Cusco, where...

Egypt and Jordan

04 April 1990

A great place to experience something totally different to your normal walk of life! The culture is strong and exciting. I flew into Cairo from London on dusk. My driver to the hotel didn't have his headlights on (like everyone else I soon noticed), and it made for an exhilarating ride...like dodem cars in the dark! A lot of beeping and flashing of lights. I stayed at the President Hotel in Cairo, a standard 3 star hotel handy to Embassies and good for walking. My tour was with Transglobal - the Imaginative Traveller. I got plenty of time to...

My customer stories

Great service from Trish. And very reliable!

Trish is amazing she is very thorough and knowledgeable! She is a breeze to work with and takes the edge off all those stressful situations of ensuring we book the right flight etc ! She offers her personal opinion which I also find very helpful ! Trish is definitely one of a kind she is dedicated and personable ! Thank you from your number one fan ??

Trish is knowledgeable, professional, friendly and very patient.

Would recommend Trish to anyone, she is fantastic

Trish is awesome, very efficient and very professional and friendly. We previously used another travel company for all our travels but not now. Trish is it. Thanks

Always responsive and professional. Always proactive, rather than reactive.

Very personable and lovely to deal with. Made it completely stress free for me.

Trish is amazing. I have been booking flights with her for many years, occasionally emergency trips. Trish has always been efficient, warm, friendly, finds great flights at great prices including accommodation, travel insurance with minimal stopovers. Trish has even personally dropped tickets off on my doorstep! I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Trish has been absolutely fabulous! Quick to respond to all queries great and small! Her knowledge has been invaluable, and she has coordinated a large family trip and catered to a number of individual needs. We could not recommend her highly enough.

Professional, knowledgeable, unobtrusive service and importantly, personal follow up.

Trish is a magician - waves her magic wand and fixes everything!

Trish was great. She gave me a couple of options and I made my choice quickly.

Extremely happy with Trish's assistance in every respect!! Yay!!!

You were so personal and professional Trish. I have already given your name and number to others!

Booked flights & accomodation for Hawaii with Trish Downs who acted in a friendly and professional manner throughout the whole process. Whenever we had any questions Trish was very informative and always dealt with them promptly. Thank you Trish!

Very Helpful thank you Trish

Thank you to Trish Downs for her great service. Very prompt, pro-active and provided options for consideration based on brief. Much appreciated

Trish you were absolutely amazing thank you for helping us out with our trip. You are professional, friendly, and thorough. THANK YOU

Trish is great. The advice she gives is brilliant. She is taking the confusion and worry out of our big trip so we can just have fun.

Every time ive needed a response from Trish she hasn't hesitated in replying with a solution immediately.

Very competent service, and no request is too much trouble

Always a pleasure to deal with.

Trish has been amazing in booking our flights from Sydney to South Africa. We had to change our flights a few times as well and it was never too much trouble for Trish to do this. She also found us the best deals and came back with optional dates that we could use as well. We certainly recommend anyone using her services. Anne Knoetze

Trish was more than happy to help us sort out our travel plans- flights, car rental and accommodation suggestions. She was friendly, quick and thorough and we were very happy.

Trish was great - very very efficient and very fast - I even emailed her on the weekend and she responded immediately. I will definately be recommending her to my friends - and I must say it took the hassle out of getting on the internet myself and trying to find the cheapest flight. Very happy Traveller!

Trish looked after our booking exceptionally well.

I have and always do refer anyone I know to Trish for their travel requirements. She is organized and efficient and makes my travel planning stress free.

Trish has been my travel agent since she joined with Travel Counsellors. I have travelled regularly to Europe and she has always found the best deals and quickest transfers. I also travel with my children and she always manages to arrange special meals for myself and them. My Mum and Dad now use Trish and they have been amazed at her dedication and services.

When I talk about my exciting trip, my first in over ten years, I begin by telling all my friends how I am using the most amazing and super efficient travel agent. Trish has given me extraordinary service. Nothing is too much trouble. I had lost my travel confidence but with Trish at my side I know my trip will be everything I have dreamed of.