Suzanne Cumpston has worked in the travel agency for many years and has been lucky enough to travel all over the world. With so many choices of destinations at her fingertips, where does Suzanne like to travel and what does she like doing once she gets to her destination? Read on to find out more. Suzanne works at Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan.
How long have you been in the travel industry business?
Three decades, Thirty years!
When did Sam Smith Travel open?
Sam Smith Travel has been on Cowbridge High Street for over 21 years. Earlier this year, Sam actually retired (he is 79yrs old now!) so we are very proud to have become part of the Welsh Award winning Travel Agency Group, Ocky White – Fabulous news for all involved and exciting times ahead!
Name the five best places you’ve visited and why you would recommend them in order of preference.
1. Iceland
Adored the quirky people and stunning landscape!
2. Maldives
Robinson Crusoe “esque” – no shoes, no news. True Paradise!
3. South Africa
Being up close and personal to the Big 5, Wow! Oh and the Vineyards!
4. Greek Islands
I’ve visited all and have favourites in the South Aegean “off the beaten track” Islands!
5. Canada
Vancouver is my favourite ever city and the scenery in the “Rockies” is breathtaking!
Do you take anything on the plane to make the journey more comfortable and relaxing?
I always have a glass of bubbles in hand on every flight – it’s the start of the adventure!
Any advice for a nervous flier?
Glass of bubbles in hand!
What do you do as soon as you get to your destination?
Shower, bikini on, hit the beach or pool and get another glass of bubbles!
What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Where to begin? The planning, the looking forward to (booking a holiday in the pandemic kept me sane!). Shopping for new clothes, failed diets! The anticipation is wonderful and the reality of a new adventure – whether sun, snow, city – allows you to recharge, renew and revitalise. After the last two years, we all need that!
What advice can you give to travellers to get the best from their holiday?
Packages can be tailor-made and are the most financially secure! Always book with an independent agency that has ABTA and ATOL protection. Every holiday we sell has both!
Make an appointment with your local Independent Travel Agent. As well as the ‘experience and total service/care from beginning to when you return from your holidays’, we often beat the web and direct prices with our experience and advanced search engines!
What advice can you give to travellers if things go wrong?
Book with an Independent Travel Agent who will always take the hassle and stress away and be there pretty much 24/7 for advice.
Why should travellers not book a holiday via the internet?
There are zillions of horror stories where clients simply cannot get through to speak to anyone. We remove that stress completely. Also, it’s not true that online prices are cheaper – so try us!
Where are you hoping to travel next?
USA. Spring 2022. Twin centre, Austin and Florida Beach (Sarasota or Naples are hidden gems that not many Brits know about).
Has Covid curtailed your travelling?
Not for me personally. I’ve continued to travel when allowed to. However, it has for millions. 2022 is going to be huge for travel as people make up for lost time! We’re bracing ourselves and have already recruited experienced staff for the pent-up demand.
Apartment, villa, air BnB, or hotel. What’s your go-to?
Apartments, hotels (reservations on AirBnB tbh), however villas are very popular at the moment!
Has Covid affected bookings at Sam Smith Travel?
We have been steady with bookings recently – people are desperate to have something booked and to look forward to, even though many holidays over the last two years have been amended due to lockdowns and restrictions.
Do you think the Government has handled the issues with the industry well? If not, what do you think could have been handled differently?
Travel has been politicised. Watch this space for a Government announcement that has been planned for the end of January 2022, where we predict testing requirements will be eased.
What do you think is needed to help the industry now and going forward?
Fairness and proportionate regulations going forward with travel. No knee jerk reactions!
Are you positive about the future of the industry?
I’m more positive now than ever! #travelon!
Sam Smith Travel
55 High Street
Cowbridge CF71 7AE
01446 774018
retail@samsmithtravel.com
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 2pm
Sunday Closed
…
Shop local!
Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. But if you shop local, more of what you spend stays local – and that goes for travel agents too!
