Designer Travel by Esther

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Designer Travel by Esther Hello, G’day, Xin Chao! I am a professional Travel Expert with over 25 years’ experience in the industry.

Designer Travel by Esther offers a bespoke travel agency service for those seeking a personalised approach backed up with over 25 years of knowledge and expertise in the industry. I have travelled extensively worldwide but with an in-depth focus on Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, South East Asia, India & Sri Lanka. As a division of Hays Travel I can offer my clients complete protection through ABTA and ATOL licences, as well as operating fully independently. I have a particular passion for locally owned and operated products that can offer a truly authentic experience.

| TAILORED TRAVEL || Personal service | Expert advice |Peace of mind |I am Esther, a professional independent travel exp...
20/10/2026

| TAILORED TRAVEL |
| Personal service | Expert advice |Peace of mind |

I am Esther, a professional independent travel expert with over 26 years’ experience and the face behind Designer Travel by Esther.

I help busy people plan, research and book tailor-made holidays, taking care of the details so you can spend less time searching and more time looking forward to your trip.

WHAT MAKES MY SERVICE DIFFERENT?

| PERSONAL TO YOU |
Your interests, priorities, non-negotiables and even the things you want to avoid all matter. I take the time to understand what you really want before finding the right holiday for you.

| EXPERTISE THAT SAVES YOU TIME |
With over 26 years in travel, I bring knowledge, trusted industry contacts and recommendations shaped by experience. From family adventures and special celebrations to luxury escapes and once-in-a-lifetime trips, I will help you explore the possibilities.

| HUMAN SERVICE: ALWAYS! |
No chatbots, no call centre queues and no automated responses. You have direct access to me, backed by trusted travel partners, hotel contacts and teams on the ground at your destination.

| HONEST ADVICE AND REALISTIC BUDGETS |
I will always be upfront about what your budget can achieve. If I think your money could go further with a different destination, hotel or a few adjustments, I will tell you and explore the alternatives.

| SUPPORT BEYOND THE BOOKING |
My service doesn't end when your holiday is booked. From arranging those extra touches to helping if plans change, I am here to support you before, during and after your trip. Your holiday arrangements will also have the appropriate financial protection.

| HOW DOES IT WORK? |
As a small, independent business, I invest time and expertise into understanding your brief, researching options and creating a holiday that's right for you. There’s no upfront fee for consultations, research or quotes, as I am paid by my travel suppliers when you book.

I am always happy to discuss ideas and possibilities, but I ask that you approach the planning process with a genuine intention to book if I deliver on your brief. My time and expertise are my business and this allows me to give every client the care, attention and personal service they deserve.

For me, it’s about much more than finding a great holiday. It’s about trust, loyalty, value and peace of mind, with personal service from someone who genuinely cares about getting it right.

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or need a little inspiration, I would love to help you plan something special.

Esther Ward | Designer Travel by Esther
Independent Travel Expert | 26+ years’ experience
🌐 designertravel.co.uk/estherward
✉️ [email protected]
📲07737 262584
⭐5* Reviews
🔒ABTA/ATOL protected

| ICELAND’S SOUTH COAST: PART 2 |It’s been a few weeks since I returned from Iceland and I am still working my way throu...
08/10/2026

| ICELAND’S SOUTH COAST: PART 2 |
It’s been a few weeks since I returned from Iceland and I am still working my way through all the photos!

So, here’s the final instalment from my South Coast adventure and two experiences I would definitely recommend if you want to get out and explore beyond the main sights.

| QUAD BIKING |
One of the most fun ways to experience Iceland’s dramatic landscape.
We headed across rugged terrain, through small rivers and onto the incredible black lava sand beach created by volcanic activity from Katla.

There were some pretty spectacular views along the way, including towards Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the coastline around Dyrhólaey. It was exhilarating, completely different from seeing the landscape from a car and a brilliant way to get to places that larger vehicles simply can’t reach.

| GLACIER HIKING |
This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. We spent around 2.5 hours exploring Sólheimajökull glacier with a specialist guide, walking across the ice with crampons and ice picks and discovering ice caves, fissures and incredible formations along the way.

The glacier is constantly changing and our guide explained how much the landscape has altered as the ice has retreated. Reaching the plateau at the top gave us incredible views across the surrounding landscape and out towards the sea.

And of course, no South Coast adventure would be complete without visiting two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Seljalandsfoss is famous for the path that takes you behind the cascading water, while nearby Skógafoss is an incredible wall of water surrounded by lush green cliffs.

Two very different experiences, but a reminder of just how dramatic Iceland’s landscape is.

Iceland really is one of those destinations where the journey is every bit as memorable as the places you visit. After exploring it myself, I can honestly see why it has become such a popular destination for adventure seekers, families and couples alike.

| THE TRAVEL PARTNERS BEHIND THE JOURNEYS |I have just returned from two very special days with one of my preferred trav...
01/10/2026

| THE TRAVEL PARTNERS BEHIND THE JOURNEYS |
I have just returned from two very special days with one of my preferred travel partners: Audley Travel, at the beautiful Estelle Manor.

It was a huge privilege to be invited and recognised as one of Audley’s preferred agent partners, but even more special to come home with an award for Best Home Working Agency on behalf of Designer Travel.

I have organised many tailor-made journeys for my clients with Audley over the years and there is a reason I continue to recommend them. Their attention to detail, destination knowledge and support are second to none. From the initial planning through to the finer details of a trip.. I know my clients are in incredibly knowledgeable hands.

For me, having strong relationships with the right travel partners is such an important part of what I do. It means I can combine my own experience and knowledge with specialists who know their destinations inside out, creating truly personalised trips rather than simply booking a holiday.

A huge thank you to the team at Audley for such a wonderful couple of days, for the recognition and for the continued support. It was lovely to spend time with so many fantastic people from across the travel industry too.

And of course, a very proud moment for Designer Travel.

Here’s to many more adventures and tailor-made journeys for my clients.

| SOUTH COAST: PART 1 |The South Coast is packed with some of Iceland's most spectacular scenery.But if I had to choose ...
24/09/2026

| SOUTH COAST: PART 1 |
The South Coast is packed with some of Iceland's most spectacular scenery.

But if I had to choose my favourite experience of the trip, it would probably be our Þórsmörk Superjeep adventure.

The landscape was incredible and the journey was just as much a part of the experience as reaching the valley. Crossing glacial rivers in a specially adapted vehicle was great fun and because of the terrain, it felt like a real adventure. As you needed an adapted car it also meant we could escape the crowds.

Our guide made the day too. We had the flexibility to hike depending on conditions and enjoyed a BBQ lunch cooked by our guide in the valley.

It was one of those experiences that I know I will remember for a very long time 💙.

| GOLDEN CIRCLE |For our next stop we headed out on a private tour of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, taking in some of ...
19/09/2026

| GOLDEN CIRCLE |
For our next stop we headed out on a private tour of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, taking in some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.

First stop was Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. You can actually walk between the two continents here, and it’s also home to the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament, dating back to 930 AD.

Then on to the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, before stopping at Friðheimar tomato farm. It’s amazing to see how they grow almost a tonne of tomatoes every day in Iceland’s cold climate, using geothermal energy and even bees from Holland to pollinate the plants.

We finished the day with a relaxing dip in the Secret Lagoon, a much more natural and intimate alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with the water naturally heated to around 38 to 40°C.

A brilliant day of waterfalls, geothermal wonders, history and some very impressive Icelandic scenery.

And there's more to come..

18/09/2026

| SILICA HOTEL |
Located at the Blue Lagoon, with its own private lagoon pool and lava field views. 🩵

| ICELAND |I have arrived in Iceland with our specialist travel partner Audley Travel and I am excited to explore what t...
17/09/2026

| ICELAND |
I have arrived in Iceland with our specialist travel partner Audley Travel and I am excited to explore what this incredible country has to offer…

On arrival we headed straight to the Silica Hotel, tucked away amongst the incredible lava fields of the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark.

The landscape here is something else! Craters, fissures, geothermal activity and endless moss-covered lava fields make it feel like you have landed on another planet. And I am lucky enough to have a lava field view from my room!

The hotel is also in a great location, particularly if you’re flying in or out of Keflavík, making it a lovely option for the start or end of an Iceland trip.

One of the biggest perks of staying at Silica is the Blue Lagoon. It’s just a 10-minute signposted walk from the hotel and guests have premium access included, with access to the mask bar, a drink, sauna and steam room.

And if you want to take the experience up a notch, there’s also the incredible Retreat Spa, built into an 800 year old lava flow, with its own Retreat Lagoon and a whole host of geothermal spa experiences.

I think it’s safe to say we have started the trip in style…

More from Iceland shortly...

10/09/2026

| MAURITIUS WITH THE KIDS? |
Absolutely!

I have been to Mauritius twice with my family and it is somewhere I would happily return to.

Beautiful beaches and calm lagoons, incredible wildlife and plenty to explore make it a brilliant choice for families. From meeting giant tortoises and discovering the island’s colourful landscapes to exploring beneath the water, there is plenty to keep older children and younger ones entertained.

What I particularly love is the balance. You can have days filled with adventure and exploring, then retreat to a beautiful family friendly resort and simply slow down.

It is easy to explore, has some fantastic family friendly hotels and offers that lovely combination of adventure, relaxation and quality time together.

If you’re looking for a long-haul family escape that offers more than just a beautiful beach, Mauritius is definitely one to consider.

Save this one for your next family adventure.

08/09/2026

| CUSTOMER REVIEW |
Heartfelt thanks to Sarah for this lovely review. I can't believe she has a holiday 'whats app' group named after me 😍.

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