A local travel agent who does her own fair share of jet-setting, puts all her energy (between holidays) into making YOUR breaks as enjoyable as hers.
Wendy Davidson is well-known in the Forres area, and she is constantly busy researching and booking holidays for her clients through Ramsay World Travel. And it’s her own first-hand knowledge of travelling the world that has made her such a dab-hand with destinations.
“When I was younger, I travelled a lot with my parents and those are some of my happiest memories.
“I’ve always loved travel – I’ve been to most of the Greek islands and mainland, beach holidays in Turkey and Spain – travelled around Europe including, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium and Netherlands. We’ve done Dubrovnik, Split and Porec in Croatia, and Kotor in Montenegro.
“And then some city breaks including Dubai, Rome, Milan, Krakow, Amsterdam, Bruges. I’ve also done a bit of Italy – Sardinia, Tuscany – the list goes on…
“I’m most excited about the Far East trip I’ve just booked with my partner. We’ll visit five countries, taking in Doha, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Singapore.
Turning bad to good
Wendy recalls a bad experience booking a holiday with a large online company several years ago: “When I called, there was no one to speak to, maybe a call centre that gave me a different answer each time, After that, I knew I wanted to offer people a better, more personal service.
And so she set herself up as an agent with Ramsay World Travel, serving the people of Forres, working from home.
“It can be hard work. A lot goes on behind the scenes. I spend hours researching, making phone calls, checking flight times etc. I work long hours, but it’s very rewarding.
“I don’t just stop at booking your holiday, I look after you, right up until you’re home, even then I contact you to ask if everything went ok. Working with Ramsay World Travel means I have great support behind me, and they’re a fantastic company with some amazing holiday deals. In turn, I sponsor a lot of local organisations, like local football teams, etc.”
From package holidays and city breaks to cruises, safaris and ski trips, Wendy also builds tailor-made itineraries including flights, hotels, rail journeys, ferries and excursions.
“Whatever someone is looking for, I can help create it, all in one booking,” she added.
Building a friendship
“I’m always available – whether that’s by message, email or phone. If something doesn’t go to plan, I’ll sort it. I take care of you, I build a friendship. I’ll help with check-ins, boarding passes, print all your documents and make sure all your passport details are correct. My customers know they’re fully supported from start to finish.”
She doesn’t charge a fee, so you don’t pay more than you would if you went to a regular travel agent.
Asked what her favourite holiday is, Wendy said: “I love cruising – you wake up somewhere different every day, which is amazing. But I also enjoy a relaxing beach holiday. I’ve booked quite a few world cruises for my customers too. It’s very exciting.
Wendy lives in Forres with her long-term partner, and has two grown-up daughters. She recently became a granny for the first time a few weeks ago, which she say has been ‘really special’.
So now you have a travel agent who wants to be your friend, where should you go? Wendy sums up the trendy destinations: “The Far East is very popular at the moment, and Canada is a big one too – especially with Rocky Mountaineer rail trips and Alaskan cruises.
And she finished with a few words of advice: “Always check your passport, arrive at the airport early, and keep all your documents with you. I’d also recommend taking a mix of payment options – cash, a travel card and a credit card – just in case.
You can contact Wendy by email (wendy.davidson@ramsayworldtravel.co.uk), phone (07900 892596) or WhatsApp or through her Facebook page.