Senior Travel Companion

This is professional peer companionship, not assisted care or tour guiding. I provide discreet, capable support for individuals who wish to maintain their independence while having reliable companionship throughout their journey. With over 40 years' experience in business leadership and social work, and as a senior myself, I understand both the practical and emotional aspects of mature travel. Each engagement is personally managed by me - there are no rotating staff or corporate intermediaries.

Service fees reflect the professional, bespoke nature of this work. These fees are usually similar to executive chauffeur rates. Day travel within Scotland typically ranges from £500 per day. Extended UK and international travel generally commands £700 per day, plus reasonable travel expenses and my accommodation (arranged separately). Each engagement is individually quoted based on complexity, duration, and specific requirements. I provide detailed written proposals outlining all costs before any commitment.

You decide the type of travel, accommodation and dining you require. For extended travel, my reasonable travel costs and separate accommodation are included in the total package. I never impose on your privacy but will always be near at hand as required. All expenses are agreed transparently in advance as part of the comprehensive quotation. There are no hidden costs or unexpected charges. In most countries I am happy to drive, but am comfortable with the mode of transport you prefer. In the UK I can provide my own vehicle, with 200 miles included. Alternatively car hire can be arranged.

I accept only a limited number of bookings each year to ensure every client receives personalised attention and thorough preparation. For international travel, I typically require 4-8 weeks' notice to ensure proper planning. UK travel may be arranged with shorter lead times depending on current commitments. I recommend contacting me as early as possible to discuss your requirements. For short notice, emergency travel, I will do my best to meet your requirements.

I understand that this may be the very time that a senior travel companion is most needed so I will do my very best to work with you and your family on this. Please call me to discuss.

For all extended or international travel, I insist on a personal meeting before accepting any engagement. This allows us both to determine compatibility and ensures mutual comfort - essential when spending extended time together. Initial consultations are by appointment and may be conducted at a mutually convenient location in the west of Scotland, or via video call for distant clients. For local day travel, a telephone consultation may suffice.

Certainly. Many enquiries come from adult children or other family members seeking reliable travel support for their parents or relatives. I'm pleased to discuss arrangements with family, though I will always insist on speaking directly with the traveller themselves to ensure they are comfortable with the arrangement and to understand their personal preferences and requirements.

I understand that health and circumstances can change, particularly for mature travellers. Cancellation terms are clearly outlined in the engagement agreement and vary based on notice period and whether non-refundable travel arrangements have been made on your behalf. Generally, I request 14 days' notice for day travel and 30 days for extended travel, though I endeavour to be as accommodating as circumstances permit. Terms are always discussed and agreed before booking confirmation.

I hold current Disclosure Scotland certification and carry appropriate public liability insurance for the services provided. I can provide copies of these documents during our initial consultation. Beyond formal credentials, I bring over 40 years' professional experience in business leadership and social work. References can be provided upon request.

Your safety is paramount. Before any travel, we discuss any medical conditions, medications, or specific requirements in detail. I maintain constant mobile contact capability and know how to access emergency services in any location. I am not medically trained, but I am calm, capable, and experienced in managing unexpected situations. In any medical emergency, I ensure you receive appropriate professional help immediately and contact your designated family member or emergency contact. All medical and emergency contact information is securely documented before departure.

Chemistry is essential, which is why I insist on personal meetings before extended travel commitments. However, if unforeseen compatibility issues arise during a journey, we address them directly and professionally. Where possible, we work through concerns; if necessary, we can modify arrangements or, in rare circumstances, conclude the engagement early with appropriate financial adjustments. My goal is always your comfort and satisfaction - not completing a contract at the expense of your experience.

I have travelled extensively across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australasia. As well as driving in each of them I have travelled by bus, boat and train, as well as the occasional rickshaw and horseback foray. In each place I make a judgement on which mode of transport provides the safest way to see as much of the country as possible. This might include enlisting the help of a specialist local driver and guide.

Most of my personal travel has tended to be off-the-beaten-track places, as my interest in travel has always been to experience how ordinary people live their daily lives in their own country, Of course I have also seen many of the world’s premier tourist attractions, but these have always been as an adjunct to my other travels. However, it is also fair to say that in my senior years my travel has moderated a little, and I am now able to appreciate more traditional tourist travel – but my real love remains an eclectic mix in every journey.

Personal favourites remain road trips across the USA and Canada. Having visited 49 of the 50 US States (Alaska is coming!) and 6 of the 10 Canadian Provinces I remain convinced that self-drive road trips are the number one way to really experience travel. For senior travel, well planned and measured itineraries in North America can offer not just spectacular locations but also a mix of experiences very difficult to find in organised tourist trips.

I am sorry to say that despite my extensive international travel I have never mastered another language, perhaps because of the sheer number and variety of places I have had to travel to. Modern technology and almost instant translation on mobile phones definitely helps master many communication barriers, although the old phrase book remains quite helpful.

Awarenessis a key factor in being prepared when travelling abroad. I always make this part of the travel planning work and this will include considering what might predictably happen, but also trying to imagine the unexpected things – hard but always important to consider. Being practical and organised is the foundation for travel enjoyment and this certainly includes health and well-being. Call me old-fashioned, but I still like a good paper checklist carried with me – and backed up online. I also have back-office support from my business partner, so they would ensure that arrangements were made to get everyone back home safely. But while this planning is essential, never under-estimate the therapeutic powers of travel – and the benefits of adrenaline as we navigate new places and experiences.

Bespoke can be overused, but my senior travel companion arrangements truly are. The dictionary defines bespoke as ‘made for a particular customer or user’ and every aspect of planning with you, has your requirements at its heart. And I will always be honest – if there is any way that I feel unable to support you, in any aspect of our journey, I would make this crystal clear.

I am delighted to work with couples or small groups, as I understand that having the company of friends and family enables shared experiences and memories to be enjoyed long after the actual travel. It means that planning needs to be done in a different way – no doubt every traveller will have something they want to do! But again, this will be fully covered in the pre-travel consultation.

My working life has been spent dealing with situations requiring the utmost confidentiality and discretion. If there is any aspect of our travel that you are especially concerned about, then please feel free to discuss this with me. You have my assurance that this will be dealt with fully as part of our pre-travel agreement. Incidentally, I do not really engage with social media so can promise that there will be no social media coverage of my travel with you.

Yes. I want to be very clear on the reasons that I may decline an engagement. Firstly, safety is paramount. If I have any doubts about any aspect of the proposed journey being unsafe, I will detail this. Secondly, client comfort is almost as important. For example, nine years ago my daughter convinced me to go mule riding on the rim of the Grand Canyon. It was actually very safe…but I wouldn’t recommend it for many seniors! Thirdly, compatibility concerns. If we are travelling together for an extended period, we both need to be absolutely sure that the ‘chemistry’ is right. Thus the importance of the pre-travel consultation. Fourthly, if for any reason I feel unable to give your journey the proper pre-planning and preparation.