Meet Gemstone Travel
Annette Beckford has been involved in travel for more than 30 years, starting as a Travel Consultant in a British Airways Travel Shop and then went on to gain travel industry experience whilst working with several travel agencies. Annette studied Travel and Tourism and Business at University and has worked as a government official. In 2012, Annette decided to set up her own independent Travel Agency in South London with a small team supported by the Travel Trust Association marketing and business partnerships.
Why Book with us?
We’ve been in the Travel Business since 2012, providing tailored made holidays for every type of travel personality, using our long-established relationships with suppliers around the world to curate your dream holiday. We specialise in designing Pilgrim Tours to Israel for Churches and excel at taking away the burden of organising the logistics for group travel, incorporating everyone’s needs. Our tours take account of special requests and preferences such as providing an opportunity to worship in the holiest of biblical places or even escorting the trip if needed!
Why book with a Travel Agent?
As Travel Agents, planning travel is what we do every day, and have a wealth of knowledge and experience gained through travelling and from planning journeys for the most discerning travellers. Using Gemstone Travel you will receive face to face consultations and have the same consultant on hand to advise and support from booking your getaway up until you return from creating those unforgettable memories.
Why book with Gemstone Travel?
Our years of being in the travel industry, means we know what each destination has to offer, the best time to go, what to avoid, the important things to see and fun things to do, so you avoid crowds and capture unforgettable memories. All our offers are from genuine suppliers whom we’ve met in person, stayed in their hotels and experienced their services ourselves. Our repeat clients are testament to our honest and reliable service, and many recommend us to their family and friends!
How can I get the best deal?
The early bird catches the worm. The same is true in travel. Time is indeed money! The longer you wait the more you’ll pay and the less choice you’ll have. Each year we get access to a host of complimentary or discounted products and services; upgrades to flights or rooms, complimentary airport lounge access, free airport transfers, discounted show passes & excursions and early booking discounts for holidays you book, all of which we offer directly to you when you decide to book with us. Don’t waste time trawling the internet as you can never be sure what you’ll get.
What financial protection is there when I book with you?
As members of the Travel Trust Association (TTA) all the monies you pay to us are held in a trust account and can only release to the suppliers upon their request. This means that if we fail as a business, your money is 100% protected. You can check our TTA membership here https://www.thetravelnetworkgroup.co.uk/verify_member
What does ATOL mean for me?
ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) provides protection for consumers who book a holiday which includes flights. ATOL only comes into force if your travel operator stops trading. When you purchase your holiday, your travel operator will provide you with an ATOL certificate which shows the elements of your holiday which are covered and who is responsible for this. Once you book your holiday with Gemstone Travel you will receive an ATOL certificate which you should keep with you whilst on holiday as this is your proof of protection and includes instructions on how to make a claim. This does not replace travel insurance. For more information about ATOL cover please visit https://www.caa.co.uk/blogs/what-is-atol/
Would you like to keep in touch with us?
If yes, please complete our enquiries form so we can share our latest offers to inspire your next holiday. Please also tick the form if you’d like to receive our newsletters