Not Just Travel consultant restarts business in Hexham

Six months before the pandemic hit, Andy Whitfield set up his travel business as part of the largest franchise of home networking travel agents, Not Just Travel.

He put his business on hold once the pandemic hit, as he said: "I didn't feel right advertising holidays you wouldn't be able to go on."

He has now started the business up again, and has already helped couples find their dream holidays.

TRAVEL: Andy Whitfield at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Image: Andy Whitfield

To get involved with the Not Just Travel franchise, Andy had to already be involved in travel. He said the buying power of the company is a lot higher than as an individual, which is how he keeps prices low.

READ MORE: Bus shelter damaged after stolen car crash

READ MORE: Couple thank 'well wishers' for continued support in opening new electric business

"Being part of the franchise helps to keep prices competitive and low. People think it's more expensive to use a travel consultant but it's not. I work all sorts of hours - I've helped clients sort stuff last minute when there's been something wrong with the booking at 1am in the morning."

COOK: Andy in a cookery class in Bangkok. Image: Andy Whitfield

Having spent 25 years as a crew member of the largest British flight company, Andy has travelled across the world and now helps clients tailor their holiday.

Andy works from home in Hexham, and is also prepared to travel to meet clients at the Metrocentre in Gateshead or elsewhere, if people prefer face to face interaction.

He says clients can trust that he doesn't sit behind a screen and read reviews on destinations, but has in fact travelled to those places himself.

CULTURE: Andy at Doi Suthep Temple, in Chiang Mai. Image: Andy Whitfield

"I've been there, done it and seen it. I'm not sitting behind a computer, my knowledge is phenomenal and I've spent 25 years flying to the corners of the earth."

"I can tailor make itineraries, from off the shelf last minute bargains, up to fully individualised itineraries, bucket list trips, and everything in between," he said.

From trips to New York, the Indian Ocean, Seychelles and Mauritius, Andy can also organise South African safaris, and river and ocean cruise bookings.

Andy said: "People want to go luxury because they've been pent up for two years. Those who normally go economy are flying business class, and those who fly business class want to fly first class."

To find out more about Andy's business, go to https://njtandy.notjusttravel.com/.