the heart behind the journey
Meet Mel – Founder of Cleverly Travel | Independent Luxury Travel Specialist
Travel has never been just about the destination for me.
It's about the stories we collect, the people we meet and the memories that stay with us long after we return home.
I'm Mel, founder of Cleverly Travel, and I specialise in creating bespoke holidays, luxury travel experiences and tailor-made itineraries for travellers who want more than a standard package holiday.
With more than 30 years of travelling the world, I've been fortunate enough to experience everything from luxury resorts and family-friendly escapes to cruises, city breaks and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Those experiences allow me to recommend destinations with confidence and create holidays based on genuine first-hand knowledge—not just brochures.
Whether you're planning a luxury escape, family holiday, honeymoon, cruise or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I believe every journey should feel personal, effortless and completely unforgettable.
Why Cleverly Travel?
Cleverly Travel is proudly based in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds. While I work with clients across the UK, I’m passionate about providing a friendly, personal travel planning service to clients throughout Gloucestershire, Cirencester, Swindon ad the surrounding areas.
Choosing the right travel specialist is about more than finding the best price.
It's about having someone who takes the time to understand what matters most to you.
I work closely with every client to design holidays that reflect their interests, travel style and budget, offering honest advice, personal recommendations and expert support from the moment you enquire until you return home.
Every itinerary is carefully planned using trusted travel partners and my own first-hand travel experiences, ensuring your holiday is as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Why I Love Travel
Travel has always been my greatest passion.
Some of life's most meaningful moments happen when we leave our everyday routines and experience somewhere completely new.
Whether it's watching the sunrise on safari in African, wandering through hidden villages in Italy, relaxing on a white-sand beach in the Indian Ocean or discovering a new culture for the first time, travel has a remarkable way of changing how we see the world.
Those are the experiences I love helping others discover.
My Travel Philosophy
I believe every holiday should be:
✈️ Personal – Designed around you.
🌍 Authentic – Filled with meaningful experiences.
💙 Stress-Free – Expertly planned from beginning to end.
⭐ Tailor-Made – Because no two travellers are the same.
📸 Memorable – Creating moments you'll treasure forever.
More Than a Travel Business
When I'm not planning holidays for my clients, you’ll usually find me exploring somewhere new—discovering beautiful destinations, experiencing exceptional hotels, uncovering hidden gems and finding unique experiences to recommend.
Every journey I take helps me bring fresh inspiration, trusted recommendations and first-hand knowledge to every holiday I create.
Because I don't just sell holidays.
I live and breathe travel.
Let's Plan Your Next Adventure
Whether you're dreaming of a luxury beach escape, family holiday, cruise, honeymoon or tailor-made itinerary, I'd love to help you create something truly special.
Together, we'll design a journey that's thoughtfully planned, beautifully organised and unforgettable from beginning to end.
Because the best journeys don't just take you somewhere new—they stay with you forever.