Based in Johannesburg

Melissa Ridley

It's Nice To Meet You

I am Melissa, but most of my travellers call me Mel. With more than 25 years of experience, I design holidays that feel effortless, deeply personal and a little bit extraordinary.

For me, travel is not about ticking places off a list. It is about the sunrise you did not expect, the hidden restaurant you would never have found on your own, and knowing someone has thought of every detail for you. My role is to take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the moments that matter.

Based in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, I look after clients across South Africa and around the world. Whether we connect over a coffee, a call, WhatsApp or email, you will always have one dedicated person who knows you, your preferences and your future plans.

Where I love to send my clients:
Although I sell the world, many of my travellers come to me for -

- Indian Ocean favourites such as Mauritius, Zanzibar, Seychelles and Maldives
- Asian escapes including Thailand, Bali, Singapore and Malaysia
- City and beach blends in Dubai, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom
- Bucket-list journeys in Egypt, Brazil and across South Africa
- I also have a strong focus on cruising, from relaxed regional sailings to longer, multi-destination voyages that let you wake up in a new place without the packing and unpacking.

My leisure travel expertise includes:
- Tailor-made holidays for couples, families, solo travellers and groups
- Premium and luxury escapes across the Middle East, Indian Ocean, Europe and beyond
- Multi-destination itineraries with handpicked hotels, private transfers and memorable experiences
- Family adventures, multi-generational trips and milestone celebrations
- Relaxing beach breaks, immersive city stays, safaris and quick weekend getaways
- Every trip is created from scratch around you: your pace, your style and your budget. Whether you are planning a romantic escape, school holiday adventure or a special occasion, I will turn your ideas into a beautifully planned itinerary.

Corporate travel support:
Alongside leisure travel, I also support busy professionals and businesses with efficient, well-organised corporate travel. If you need help with flights, hotels and trip management for business journeys, you are welcome to explore my corporate travel page or contact me directly to discuss your requirements.

I am incredibly proud of the relationships I build with my travellers. If you would like to hear their side of the story, take a look at my Testimonials to see how they describe travelling with me and the level of care they have experienced.

Ready to start planning?
Have a look at my latest travel inspiration and offers, or get in touch to talk through your next trip. When you are ready, we will start crafting your next escape, together.

Chat soon,

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Contact Me

Whatever your business needs I'm here to help you, so please get in touch with me and I can get things started:

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My corporate testimonials

Sent by Justine Limpitlaw

I just wanted to say that I always give Mel 10 out of 10. Her service is consistently exceptional. She looks after all our family holidays as well as our corporate travel, and every trip is organised with care, attention to detail and real professionalism.

Sent by Deborah Petersen

Melissa was patient and always available to answer questions, no matter how trivial. She also offered good advice when I wasn't sure of how to deal with any aspect of the travel.

Sent by Rudolf Tuffek

Mel is always friendly, professional and always provides extra information that always comes in handy. Thank you.

Sent by Pia Iversen

All I can say is 10 out 10...

Sent by Phillippus Du Plessis

Melissa is extremely helpful. Thank you very much

Sent by Fiona Surmava

Thank you so much for everything you do for us! It truly means a lot, and your support is always appreciated. I absolutely will refer you

Sent by Lova Andriarimalala

Thank you so much for your help during my travels. It was well organised and I would definitely refer you.

Sent by John Muire

Melissa has been extremely helpful with our travel arrangements, nothing being too much trouble even when we were back and forth with our plans. She was always friendly, very responsive and made great suggestions during our communications. We will certainly contact her for assistance with our future travel plans.

Sent by Peter-James Smit

Very satisfied with the service and on the ball!!

Sent by Arthur Kighovi

I like your efficiency and the fact that you are always there when needed. Keep it up!

Sent by Adam Maungwa

Prompt and eager to help at all the times.

Sent by Riona Rampath

Mel is always calm and so very helpful. She ensures that the client is happy at the end of the conversation on what they want. She has good suggestions based on little information on what we are looking for. 10/10 from me! :) Thank you, Mel for all your assistance in all my bookings.

Sent by Claire Hitchman

Melissa is a pleasure to deal with and always goes above and beyond the get us the best suited deal. I would highly recommend her services.

Sent by Craig Young

Mel is our travel agent and her response times for business travel is above average. Thank you for your support.

Sent by Claire Hitchman

Melissa is a pleasure to work with and meets our travel needs with great proficiency and professionalism.

Sent by Revati Baboolal

Super star 10 out 10 :)

Sent by Jaco De Jager

10 out of 10 :)

Sent by Petra Paton

I am extremely grateful for the excellent service, prompt responses, going the extra mile!

Sent by Craig Young

I'm delighted with my positive experience with Mel, our travel agent. We appreciate her dedicated support. And resolving any of our travel needs especially last minute and complicated issues with business travel. Business Development Manager - AFR-IX telecom

Sent by Kevin Mitchell

Melissa Ridley is an absolute pleasure to work with and goes way above and beyond any travel agent I have ever worked with. We have a lot of complicated travel requirements and Mel is always on hand to assist with this. Kevin Mitchell MD Expanding Branding

Sent by Riona Rampath

I appreciate all Melissa's assistance. I would have never felt more supported with someone else, and we have used other Travel Agents before.

Sent by Candice Camacho

Melissa Ridley, the JNB agent, has been an absolute lifesaver! I'm tremendously grateful for her exceptional service as a travel agent with Travel Counsellors SA JNB. She stands out as the best travel agent I've ever collaborated with, consistently going above and beyond, being accessible for assistance in every circumstance, and providing continuous encouragement throughout. A heartfelt thank you to Melissa Ridley for their truly remarkable service.

Sent by Francois Zinserling

Melissa assisted at short notice to set up some difficult travel arrangements. On top of that some changes were required midway through the trip which she promptly assisted with, even after normal business hours. 10/10 would recommend.

Sent by Stephen Dube

Melissa I am SO impressed with your service, you do an amazing job and I would HIGHLY recommend you to anyone!!

Sent by Riona Rampath

10 out of 10... Thank you so much. Your service is impeccable!

Sent by Marianne Pretorius

Thank you for your quick and professional service

Sent by Claire Hendrikz

Mel is a pleasure to work with and super efficient!

Sent by Karen Dos Santos

Melissa gives helpful information and gives fast feedback on enquireis will definatley continue to use her services for our business and actually leisure travel

Sent by Claire Hendrikz

Mel is amazing, she is always available to help to her best ability and always prepared to go above and beyond. I feel like the company's travel plans are in highly capable hands and I am extremely confident in her planning!

Sent by Laurelle Venter

I am so grateful for Mel - thank you for making such a huge difference to my work

Sent by Natalie Major

10/10 Mel was great! Giving us her personal attention over a weekend and then topping off her service with affordable pricing on the flights we required, I will most defiantly be using her again!

Sent by Johanna Nieuwoudt

Excellent service Thanks Melissa

Sent by Hendus Venter

Melissa made our business her business. It's all personal. Proud by association. Try her out she is highly recommended!

Sent by Craig Young

I recently starting using Melissa from Travel Counsellors for my business travel. Melissa was absolutely amazing! She completed all my bookings within my budget. She went out of her way to arrange a meeting room in Port Elizabeth whilst facing challenges that the Nelson Mandela Bay Hotels were all facing because of the COVID challenges. I required a late check-in & she personally called the hotel to advise them. She made herself available at any time of my trip to assist me, even after hours! Brilliant service Mel! I will definitely continue to use your services. Thank you again.