Travel has always been a massive part of my life. From enjoying holidays with my family, shoestring adventures with friend to exciting journeys in Africa, it is what I love to do.

My interest in starting a career in travel came as a teenager when I won a travel scholarship to do community work in Africa. This eye-opening experience inspired me, and decades later, having explored many corners of the world and having met and worked with an incredible network of inspirational travellers, clients and colleagues, my passion for this industry is only growing.

I am delighted to welcome clients to Nelson Travel. Clients choosing to travel with us means the world to me, and subsequently, it is our mission to create unforgettable holidays for them. Hopefully, we'll hear from you soon and plan many fantastic holidays together.

I've always had a great connection with travel. My father founded and ran Vacation Work, a travel book publishing company so travel books from ‘Work your Way around the World’ to ‘The Kibbutz Volunteer’ and the pioneering Travellers Survival Kit series were always littered around our house. I was also an amateur jockey for some years so I guess the thrill of crossing terrain is instilled in me.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to co-found Nelson Travel - we're on an exciting journey and I love seeing our clients have amazing holidays with us. We all share the long term view, look after your clients and build strong relationships. We don't want you to go on holiday with us just once, we want you to love your holiday, love dealing with us and continue to enjoy the many wonderful travel opportunities we have on offer.

My very first job after school was working for a luxury hotel in the highlands of Scotland. As fate would have it, what was supposed to be a money earner turned into a career and a passion. I really enjoy working and find it extra satisfying when it directly benefits the client. Whether it be something simple like a restaurant reservation, or something a little more special like a honeymoon plan, I find real joy in knowing the client benefits - we're always discussing how to enhance your holiday and make that extra difference.

Aside from "work", I'm also a Horse Racing fanatic, a baker and can often be found walking my dogs along the Devonshire coast.

 Skiing has always been a favourite holiday of mine. I was lucky enough to learn from a young age and to date have skied a number of resorts across the Alps, Rocky Mountains and Fitzsimmons Range. There’s something about the fresh mountain air, first tracks in the snow and a vin chaud at the end of the day that you really can’t beat. I hope that our knowledge and expertise will enable others to share the same passion and love for the slopes that we do.

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For me, family holidays are my favourite, and with four children of my own, I understand how booking a holiday is often twinned with hassle. It's for this reason we believe we can offer an excellent service. We make it as simple as possible for you, and as we take commissions from our suppliers and don't add costs, the service is free to you. So when you're next juggling family life and work-life and want a helping hand with your holiday, know we're here to help!

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Expert guide and zoologist, Simon Kenyon grew up on a farm on the foothills of Mount Kenya, exploring the bush and studying flora and fauna from a young age. Simon has been leading walking, riding and 4x4 safaris for 10 years now, and his sense of adventure, connection to the wild and convivial nature make him a wonderful guide.

Simon began his career as back-up guide to Tristan Voorspuy and soon started to lead the Offbeat Safaris through the Masai Mara. After 5 years as Head Guide and Lodge Manager at Sosian Lodge in Laikipia, he returned to Offbeat Safaris to lead riding safaris in the Masai Mara and Laikipia.

On top of this, Simon has worked for Jakotango Safaris across the Andes in Argentine Patagonia,  Robin Hurt Safaris across Kenya, and has ridden with Okavango Horse Safaris in Botswana. His passion for the bush is infectious and his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm provides a uniquely special experience.

Mike, originally from Devon, first learnt to sail around the UK. Quite literally as his first voyage was a trip around the UK. Mike moved to Australia in 2017 where he worked as a skipper, taking visitors up Australia's idyllic gold coast in a wide variety of yachts and catamarans.

Since his return, he has helped develop our offering enormously. Not only can put your trip together, but he can skipper it too! His schedule is busy however, so be sure to book him in advance.