I remember planning one of my own trips and spending hours trying to make sense of the logistics — flights, timings, documents, insurance, reviews… it was exhausting.
I realised I wasn’t alone. If I felt overwhelmed, others would too. That’s when I decided to use my planning skills and travel knowledge to help others avoid the same stress.
Today, I create thoughtful, well-paced journeys for travellers who want more than a tick-box holiday. While Southern Africa is where I have deep roots, I also plan trips to other parts of the world where I know I can add value — whether that’s a scenic rail journey through Canada or a character-filled retreat in Greece.
You bring the curiosity. I’ll take care of the rest.
With access to the internet there's a wealth of information about every type of holiday imaginable. So where do you start? Studies show that the average person spends 8-10 hours researching each holiday. Based on the complexity of the holiday this could easily be longer and can create great anxiety especially if you have other people to consider. Good news! I do the searching for you and you gain 8-10 hours of your life back!
Of course there are many other components to a successful holiday, and I make sure every detail is taken care of. I plan as little or as much as you wish and ensure your itinerary and paperwork will all be available in an easy to access format on your smart device.
Sandra Dowling has been helping me book amazing holidays!
I love my holidays, but I used to end up doing so much research that I would get confused and worry about making the wrong decision - not any more.
Sandra has taken all the drama out of finding the perfect destination. I simply give her the dates, the budget and an idea about where I want to go, or what I want to do and she comes up with suggestions.
I trust her to find the right kind of resort and accommodation that's right for me, and because of that I've visited countries and locations that I might not have done without her guidance.
No more fear, Sandra's here!
My go to person for booking holidays!!
I highly recommend Sandra Dowling at Not Just Travel, in fact I have to a number of my friends and family. She is really personable, friendly and knowledgable. I have booked a variety of different holidays with Sandra and all have been perfect. Thank you!!
Vested in giving us the best possible holiday and booking experience
Sandra Dowling has booked two holidays for us. The first time I found the holiday and asked her to find better flights. She not only did that, she beat the price.
Going back to Sandra is a no-brainer, she planned our last holiday with style and we loved it. Already discussing our next break, I wouldn't ask anyone else.
Sandra was amazing! Excellent service
Excellent service from start to finish from Sandra! Nothing was too much trouble for her and she ensured we got the honeymoon of our dreams around our budget, I would highly recommend Sandra to anyone! Especially anyone who is after the Safari experience!
Hello and welcome!
I'm Sandra and I'd like to introduce you to my journey so far in this amazing world.
I was born and lived in England until one day at the age of 17 my Dad arrived home and announced he had been offered a job in South Africa. My response was' 'Brilliant when do we leave!'
My time in South Africa opened my mind to accept and embrace different cultures, customs, foods and of course don't forget the wine!
I have been fortunate to travel to many countries in Africa and the Indian Ocean during my 30+ years in South Africa and struggle to name one as being my favourite as they all hold a special place in my heart. I will continue to encourage people to travel to Africa to experience the warmth and hospitality its people offer.
The next chapter of my life started in 2018 when I moved back to England and I now live in South Derbyshire with my husband Stephen and our black cat Simba.
On my arrival back in England I decided that I wanted to share my passion for meaningful travel with others. I had experienced so much by opening my mind to what ever opportunity crossed my path and I wanted to create a safe space for people who want to experience more from a holiday and may be nervous to try new destinations, go off the beaten track or simply discover more of what their favourite destinations have to offer.
Your holiday booking can now help to protect and restore our planet.
With the help of our Climate Hero initiative, you can feel even better about booking that dream trip or last-minute break.
Working alongside our environmental partner Mossy Earth, experts in rewilding, it couldn’t be easier to stand up for nature and be a part of the solution every time you choose to travel with me.
Rewilding can help create a healthier, more resilient natural world. Catch a glimpse of the projects we’re currently supporting in the video below.
Did you know? Sea otters are a keystone species, whose position in the food chain is crucial to keeping the ecosystem balanced. By preying on sea urchins, who graze on kelp, they ensure the health of kelp forests and protect the many other species that thrive there. Along the coast marine recreation is growing and this is having significant consequences for the Southern Sea otter. With our customers' support we’re helping to better protect them.
Did you know? The UK has been ranked 189th out of 218 countries for its quality of nature. By restoring the Caledonian forest in the Scottish Highlands, we can help to lock up carbon and bring the landscape back to a wilder state. Following heavy deforestation over generations and overgrazing by sheep and deer, these forests need our help. That’s why we’re planting native trees with our customers' help.
Did you know? Seagrasses and Kelp can lock up carbon at a rate 30 times faster than trees. They also improve water quality and provide crucial nursing grounds for fish, dolphins, as well as seahorses. Now that’s something to feel good about!
Did you know? Ponds can be very effective at locking up carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. They also provide critical drinking water for wildlife and can even help to prevent floods which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. Ponds can really help with environmental issues that affect us all: Climate change, flooding, and pollution. All this, as well as being fantastic for wildlife!
Call or WhatsApp:
+44 7917 607 510
email: sandra.dowling@notjusttravel.com
Sandra Dowling Travel is part of the award winning Not Just Travel.
Not Just Travel (Agency) Ltd, sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number K9413.
ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday. If you buy other travel arrangements such as accommodation only this protection doesn’t apply.