Maggie Du Toit - Travelcounsellors

06/12/2023

To All my clients
As I joyfully celebrate my 13th anniversary as a Travel Counsellor, I find myself reflecting on the amazing journey I have shared with you. I am immensely grateful for the trust and support you have placed in my hands over the years, making my adventure in the travel industry truly remarkable.
From the early days when I embarked on this exciting venture, your loyalty and partnership have been a driving force behind my success. Your feedback, encouragement, and valuable insights have shaped my services, allowing me to continually evolve and enhance the travel experiences I provide.
As I reminisce about the countless destinations explored, the memories created, and the bonds formed, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has not only fueled my passion for travel but has also inspired me to reach new heights and set higher standards for myself.
It is my privilege to have played a part in your travel adventures, and I look forward to many more years of exploration and discovery together.
Once again, thank you for being an integral part of my journey. Your trust has been the cornerstone of my business, and I am excited about the adventures that lie ahead.
Here's to 13 years of unforgettable journeys and to the many more adventures yet to come!
Warmest regards, Maggie

11/08/2021

29/01/2020

02/11/2019

For the 2nd year running Travel Counsellors are finalists in the Best TMC category at the Business Travel Awards. With 18% YoY growth in corporate travel, this is down to the success of individual Business TCs. Find out more about setting up your own business under our proven franchise model here: https://bit.ly/2oqlgoP

20/03/2018

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all my clients for my TC Customer Scores, I was recognised at our South African Conference for coming 11th for scoring 100% customer satisfaction. This means the world to me and I would like to thank all my customers for their continued support and referrals. Thank you

02/02/2018

O.R. Tambo International Implements Silent Airport Concept


Effective immediately, OR Tambo International will be a “silent” airport with no announcements broadcasted throughout the airport.

Airlines will continue with local announcements that will be broadcasted at the specific boarding gate. Passengers to be reminded to check their boarding pass and the flight information display boards for boarding times.

There will still be centralised announcements for gate changes, time changes due to delays, security matters, system failures and lost children.
Thank you in advance for your support and co-operation.

26/05/2017

We have been monitoring the intended strike action from multiple workers unions within Italy which have been planned for Sunday 28th and Monday 29th May 2017. We are therefore sending this email as an advisory and more information will be communicated if/when obtained. At present this is the information which has been made available:
Italian air traffic controllers are planning to strike on Sunday, May 28, 2017. 10am - 5pm. Please check with your airline about flight delays/cancellations.
Italian airport workers are planning their strike same day, 28 May, 2017 for 24 hours. Strike will Start 00:01 - 23:59hrs.
Alitalia pilots, flight attendants and personnel are planning to strike the same day Sunday, 28 May 2017 from 10am - 6pm. They will update their schedules 24 hours prior if the strike goes ahead as planned. Please monitor their website for further details.
Italian Taxis have scheduled their strike for Monday 29 May 2017.
If the strike goes ahead expect all major Italian cities including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Cagliari, Florence, Genoa, Naples, Turin etc. to be affected.
This taxi strike will be limited to/vicinity of railway stations, ports and airports. Strike will start 7am and go till 10pm.
Italian lorry drivers strike is planned for Monday 29 May 2017 (same day as the taxi strike). Lorry drivers will strike nationwide. Expect this strike to last approximately 4 hours (times to be decided locally). In the past lorry drivers have crawled along, covering all lanes in both directions, obstructing major carriageways and access to cities and airports. Please note that this can significantly disrupt traffic flow. Clients should plan appropriately and allow additional time to reach destinations.

23/03/2017

Electronic devices on flights to the US and UK

Good Day

The Duty Office are aware that the UK and USA have imposed a ban on travelling with certain electronic devices in hand luggage.

The baggage restrictions are set to be imposed as early as 25th March, however in the case for UK flights, the UK Government has advised that they have left this in the hands of the airlines to decide on when they should impose.

Current reports indicate that any electronic device larger than a smartphone will not be permitted in hand luggage. Such items include but not limited to, tablets and laptops and other devices larger than 16cm x 9.3cm.

The ban affects most flights to the US or UK from certain countries in the Middle East, North Africa and also Turkey. A current list of airlines and airports affected for direct travel to the US or UK can be seen below:

USA bound Flights

Any direct USA bound flight from any of the below will likely be affected by the ban:

1. Mohammed V International, Casablanca, Morocco
2. Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
3. Cairo International Airport, Egypt
4. Queen Alia International, Amman, Jordan
5. King Abdulaziz International, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
6. King Khalid International, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
7. Kuwait International Airport
8. Hamad International, Doha, Qatar
9. Abu Dhabi International, United Arab Emirates
10. Dubai International, United Arab Emirates
There are nine airlines which will currently be affected by the above:
- Royal Jordanian
- EgyptAir
- Turkish Airlines
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Kuwait Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways

UK Bound Flights

We understand that this will affect all airports in the following areas:

- Turkey
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Egypt
- Tunisia
- Saudi Arabia

There are fourteen airlines which will currently be affected by the above:

- British Airways
- Easyjet
- Jet2
- Monarch
- Thomas Cook
- Thomson
- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airways
- Atlas-Global Airlines
- Middle East Airlines
- Egyptair
- Royal Jordanian
- Tunis Air
- Saudia

As it is likely that more airlines, cruise companies and suppliers may also impose such restrictions, our advice is that regardless of the destination or method of travel, all passengers should check luggage restrictions accordingly.



Kind regards

10/03/2017

New York - Heavy Snow Forecast

Good Day,

We have been informed that heavy snow is forecast to hit the New York area tomorrow 10th March 2017 which may cause disruption to flights into and out John F Kennedy Airport (JFK), Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA).

Clients expected to travel to or via this area of the USA will need to check the status of their flight with the airline.

We also recommend that clients follow local advice, remember that additional transit time may be needed and that you will need to check the status of any tours, attractions and other ground arrangements with the relevant operator.

No further information is known at this time, but we will monitor the situation and send updates if appropriate.


Kind regards,

08/03/2017

Good Morning,

We are aware that Ramadan is likely to take place this year between the dates of 25th May and 25th June 2017.

During this time, many hotels in Islamic countries could be offering certain facilities in an abridged manner. Facilities that are likely to have restrictions during the Ramadan period include live entertainment and the service of food and alcohol at certain times of the day.

Should you be staying in an Islamic country during this time please ensure they are aware of the possible change in services offered before they travel if you feel it is appropriate.

Kind Regards,

23/02/2017

Weather conditions in UK and NL

Good Morning
Poor weather conditions and heavy winds in the UK and the Netherlands are forecast over the next 48 hours. As a result, both Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and London’s Heathrow airport will be cancelling some short haul flights. Please be aware that this may also have a “knock on effect” on other European airports.

We would advise anyone due to travel to and from these affected areas to check the status of their journey with the airline and to allow plenty of time for their journey.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates where appropriate.

Kind regards,

15/02/2017

Tropical Storm Dineo

Good Morning,

We are monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Dineo which is currently moving towards Mozambique

The most recent forecasts indicate that Dineo will affect the area as a Category 1 Storm with wind speeds up to 80mph later today. Heavy rainfall is also to be expected.

The storm is expected to dissipate within 24-36hrs of moving inland.

We will continue to monitor Dineo closely and will provide further updates where appropriate.

Kind Regards

09/02/2017

USA Weather Conditions

Good Morning,

We have been made aware of poor weather conditions which is set to affect most parts along the East Coast today (9th February)

Brief but heavy rain downpours are expected and will soon be followed by heavy snowfall (1- 2 inches per hour). Some areas are reported to expect up to 12 inches of snow over the next 12-24 hours.

A disruption to travel is to be anticipated with further possibility of power outages and downed trees.

We would advise anyone due to travel to and from this area to check the status of their journey with the airline and to allow plenty of time for their journey.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates where appropriate.

Kind regards

08/02/2017

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Travel Counsellors. With us... it's personal

08/02/2017

Discover things to see, do and eat with out mini guide to holiday in Italy.

08/02/2017

As the use of E-Cigarettes and Va**ng devices has increased, many airlines, airports and countries have imposed different regulations relating to their use and possession of these items.

For example, when entering Thailand with an e-cigarette, this can carry a penalty of a fine or even imprisonment. Other countries will require you to carry a medical certificate for those devices that contain Ni****ne.

The laws for such devices are regularly changing and it is not possible to compile a full comprehensive list for this. Please familiarise yourself with the laws for use of and travelling with E-cigarettes prior to your departure or speak to your Travel Counsellor.

31/01/2017

Traveling with E-Cigarettes

Good Day

As the use of E-Cigarettes and Va**ng devices has increased, many airlines, airports and countries have imposed different regulations relating to their use and possession of these items.

For instance entering Thailand with an e-cigarette can carry a penalty of a fine or even imprisonment. Other countries will require you to carry a medical certificate for those devices that contain Ni****ne.

The laws for such devices are regularly changing and as such it is not possible to compile a full comprehensive list for this. The Duty Office do not hold any information in regards to any specific airline or country policies for E-cigarettes / va**ng devices.

Please ensure that you familiarise yourselves with the laws for use of and travelling with E-cigarettes prior to their departure.

31/01/2017

Affordable Maldives

5* Cocoon Maldives – 7 nts from R29 815 (Valid 1 May – 31 Jul'17)
Free ugrade to Lagoon Villa, Free upgrade to AI basis, Free seaplane trsfs!

Incl: Retun flights to Maldives; Retun resort transfser by seaplane; 7 nts accomm; B/fast, lunch & dinner daily plus water; soft drinks; house wine; tap beer; tea & coffee at dinner; All Maldives txs; levies & surcharges (estimate)
More info: A high season airfare supplement will apply for travel 18 Jun - 15 Jul'17

Call me on 0824116813
or email: [email protected]