ABOUT ME
About Me
Hi - my name is Claire Bowman and I am the founder of Plum Travel. I've worked in travel for over 14 years now and am proud to have established Plum Travel to showcase the kind of holidays that I find really exciting - where you can explore off the beaten track to find hidden gems. My expertise lies in my attention to detail and making sure all aspects of my clients holiday runs like clockwork as well as ensuring all the small details have been take care of. I like to make sure everything is arranged for you to remove as much of the stress as possible - your holiday should begin when you first start dreaming of it and travel can be stressful if the planning isn't right.
I have a passion for exploring and like to wander down any path or route that takes my fancy, but I also love a map so that I can find my way back (or to a restaurant!) when necessary and that's how I see myself for my clients - I provide the map so they can wander to their hearts content safe in the knowledge that their overall route is planned.
How it works....
The first reason to use a travel agent is to pass over the hard work of finding and arranging your holidays.
When you plan adventure travel with multiple destinations there are so many elements to think about. Why not let someone who does it for a living take the strain and put it all together for you?
As anyone who has searched for holidays on the internet will know, you can lose hours upon hours to it - firstly you can easily get distracted, secondly there's sooo much choice that you end up overwhelmed - how do you know where is really worth visiting or indeed staying? I have either been myself, or know specialists who have been to every destination I recommend, so can give you honest opinions and answer any questions you may have in order to find exactly what you're looking for.
The second reason for booking with a travel agent is to benefit from the security of ATOL or ABTA bonding. As recent events have demonstrated it really pays to have this extra level of security plus my reputation depends on me getting it right.
To me, it's really important that my clients have a great holiday. I look upon it as though it was my own holiday and I am here to be your advocate and make sure your needs are everyones priority. It's important for me to get to know my clients so that I can be sure to tailor the holiday just for you and ensure you have an amazing travel experience.
Your final contract will be with the tour operator, but that doesn't mean I step away from the booking - I am still your point of contact for all questions and will be there for you throughout: sending out your travel documents, coordinating everything for a smooth departure, available if needed whilst you are on holiday and here to ensure your safe return.
Finally I love to hear about the trip afterwards and have had many lovely catch ups with clients seeing their photos and hearing all about their trip over a cup of tea - one of the many perks of my work!