Our honeymoon in South Africa was an absolute dream, all thanks to the exceptional expertise of Sue Gauna, the Houlahan Travel team, and their local partners. Right from the start, it was evident that we were in for something truly special. Cape Town welcomed us with open arms, and Sue had the perfect blend of must-see sights and hidden gems up her sleeve. From scaling Table Mountain, to exploring the penguin colony, to skydiving over the coast, every moment was an adventure filled with excitement and wonder.
Transitioning to the Winelands felt like stepping into a postcard-perfect paradise. Sue curated the most enchanting spa day and dining experiences at our favorite estate, Babylonstoren, creating a romantic retreat that exceeded all expectations.
But the real highlight? Our safari adventure was an absolute game-changer. Thanks to Sue's meticulous planning, we found ourselves immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness at two private game reserves that neighbored Kruger National Park. From heart-pounding game drives to intimate wildlife encounters with all of the big five game animals, each moment felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Of course, it was the thoughtful touches and impeccable service provided by Sue and her team that truly elevated our experience. From personalized welcome gifts to seamless transportation, they left no stone unturned in ensuring our comfort and satisfaction throughout our journey.
In summary, our honeymoon in South Africa was an unforgettable adventure made possible by the expertise and dedication of our exceptional travel team. Houlahan's blend of professionalism and passion for travel transformed our dreams into reality, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime. If you're considering a trip to South Africa or anywhere else for that matter, do yourself a favor and enlist the help of Sue and the Houlahan Travel team. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.
Where do I even begin to describe the trip of a lifetime? I reached out to Sue from a referral and it was the best decision I could have made. During our consultation call Sue asked me where we'd like to head and what our interests were. In this instance, we were shooting for an outdoorsy adventure, castles, and whisky in Scotland. When I tell you this trip was absolutely perfect, I mean it! Every hotel had a champagne reception and had zero issues finding our reservation. There were very thoughtful decisions made when booking our trip - like giving us the all inclusive breakfast option at each hotel (was a huge life saver when facing jet lag!), and choosing spots that were close to city center for easy access. On our 5th day we started to joke that SOMETHING had to go wrong as this trip was just too easy and enjoyable. Spoiler: nothing ever went wrong. It was the trip of our dreams. Sue was easy to contact via our messaging app and even checked in on us during the trip to ensure everything was going swimmingly. We will definitely be booking a trip with her again!
Whenever I plan a trip, I work with Sue. She knows so much more than I do about our destinations—where to stay, what to do, and how to ensure everything comes together in a way that makes the journey both seamless and extraordinary.
On our recent return trip, we flew British Airways from Lisbon, connecting through Heathrow to Chicago. As we were departing Lisbon, we sat on the tarmac for nearly 2.5 hours. With only a 3-hour layover in London, I knew we’d miss our connecting flight since boarding usually closes 30 minutes before departure. I immediately messaged my travel agent, explained the situation, and asked her to proactively secure seats on the next available flight to Chicago.
Judging by the stress on the plane, it seemed like half the passengers had similarly tight or missed connections. Yet, when we deplaned in London, we were the only passengers greeted by a British Airways representative holding a sign that read: Harris: Party of 3.
I approached the BA representative and said, “That’s us!” She motioned for us to follow, and then RAN us through Heathrow—sailing us through passport control, moving us to the front of the security line, and ensuring we reached our gate with barely a second to spare. Without her help, we absolutely would have missed our flight. While I’m grateful to British Airways, the real credit belongs to my travel agent. Her persistence and behind-the-scenes efforts made all the difference.
Does my travel agent work for free? She doesn’t. Her commission is built into the cost of the trip, and while I don’t know the exact percentage, I can confidently say she’s worth every extra penny. The value she provides—knowledge, connections, and an elevated level of service—makes travel smoother, less stressful, and far more enjoyable.