Ultimate Destinations
Independent Travel Agent
Q&A
Hi Alan. Why Chorleywood and when did you come here?
I had travelled extensively, before starting my career in travel. I became an independent travel agent and started Ultimate Destinations in 1994, operating the business from home. I have lived in nearby Harefield for most of my life and played a lot of sport so am very familiar with Chorleywood cricket club and golf course.
In 2004, I had the opportunity to acquire Chorleywood Travel from a company that owned several agencies. Shortly after the purchase, that company went into liquidation, speeding up the process of merging Chorleywood Travel with Ultimate Destinations.
What specific services do you offer?
We offer comprehensive and individually tailored travel solutions built on knowledge, experience, and high standards of service.
Our team of dedicated travel consultants are friendly specialists with insights derived from personal experiences, regular training, and an unbounded passion for finding the right solutions for both our leisure and corporate clients.
From luxury cruises, beach escapes and inspired journeys to unforgettable experiences and authentic adventures anywhere in the world, we take care of everything from the first call or appointment until you return home.
Our extensive global network and insider connections ensures the personal touch and added-value extras that elevate our clients’ experiences and keep them updated with the newest openings, trends and experiences.
What’s the best pieces of advice you can give to customers?
Check your passport meets the requirement of your destination well in advance of departure, and renew it if necessary. It can take up to six weeks to process.
Travel insurance – never be without it.
Recent years have illustrated the importance of booking through an accredited and reputable travel agent. As part of the Hays Travel Independence Group, we hold the Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) and proudly belong to The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), offering invaluable peace of mind and confidence.
Embrace and respect your destination’s culture and always try the local cuisine.
What’s been the most unusual client request you have received?
“Alan, I need somebody to go to Tokyo tomorrow to collect an urgent package. There are only two people I trust to do this, that’s me and you, and it’s not going to be me.”
So, off I went to Tokyo on a 24-hour turnaround and brought back two identical suits for a very well-known bespectacled musician and his partner, which they wore at their civil ceremony.
A recent special achievement?
The business has faced many challenges, from ash clouds, earthquakes and airlines failing, to wars, terrorism and a pandemic.
Every time we have faced and dealt with setbacks, we have come back stronger.
This has been down to the great people that I have worked with and the support of our clients, especially from Chorleywood, the surrounding areas and the local community.
It was a source of immense pride to receive special recognition for this dedication from esteemed tour operator, Carrier, at their awards evening held at BAFTA in Piccadilly in 2023.
The credit goes to my fantastic team without whom Ultimate Destinations would not exist.
What you do for the village?
We are proud to be part of the Chorleywood community and support several causes, projects and partners.
These include our continued sponsorship of the Chorleywood Film Club, who run a brilliant yearly film programme, and our work with the superb team at Chorleywood Bookshop.
We take on students for work experience whenever possible and have had a local student recently join the team on an apprenticeship.
Our custom-built planter and horticulture project was started around ten years ago. The parish council has subsequently added planters and Lisa Stewart and her team of volunteers have also made positive changes to the plant life around the village.
What are your current and future plans?
Having successfully navigated our way out of the pandemic, and with people travelling again, we have restructured the business, saying goodbye to some staff, and welcoming new members to the team.
We are very excited that our website and social media channels are having a much-needed makeover, and we will shortly be sending the first of our new quarterly newsletters to clients.
2024 is a very big and important year for us as we are celebrating 30 years trading and our 20th anniversary in Chorleywood.
We are eager to enhance our local presence and visibility, extending a warm invitation to the community of Chorleywood and beyond to join us for unique and festive occasions at the store.
Website: www.ultimatedestinations.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ultimatedestinationstravelagent
Email: admin@ultimatedestinations.co.uk
Tel: 01923 284148
Address: Ultimate Destinations, Sheraton House, Lower Road, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, WD3 5LH
Photos: Brigitte Bott Photography
