From Passion to Profession: The Genesis of Unique Family Travels by Danielle Wilson Naqvi
Inspiration Behind the Journey
Travel has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s a lifelong passion. The places I visited as a child instilled a deep love for exploring the world. This love for travel, combined with my desire to provide exceptional service, led to the creation of Unique Family Travels seven years ago. My goal was clear: to offer a tailor-made, customized, and hand-held travel service that was unique to Dubai and the GCC region.
A Career That Fulfills the Soul
While I initially ran a luxury PR company, it didn’t fulfill my soul the way travel does. My journey in the travel industry began in college with a course designed for aspiring cabin crew members of a renowned airline. Although starting my travel business was always on my mind, it took the right timing and a leap of faith to bring it to fruition.
The Birth of Unique Family Travels
My journey to becoming a travel agent was sparked by friends asking for travel advice and planning help. More people started reaching out, inspired by my travels with my family. This growing demand convinced me to enter the travel hospitality world. Starting Unique Family Travels was the best decision I ever made, despite the initial challenges. Building trust with clients and maintaining a steady flow of business takes time, patience, and determination. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but my perseverance paid off. I focused on destinations like the Maldives, which opened quickly and became a popular choice for UAE and GCC residents, laying a strong foundation for my business.
Exploring the World: My Favorite Destinations
A Love for Africa and Cape Town
Africa holds a special place in my heart, particularly for its magical safaris. My recent trip to Botswana’s Okavango Delta was an unforgettable experience, akin to a personal National Geographic show. Cape Town is my favorite city, offering a blend of breathtaking scenery, adventure, and amazing food. It’s an affordable destination with incredible accommodation options, from vineyard stays to private villas.
Unforgettable Experiences
Two trips stand out as my all-time favorites:
- Rwanda: Walking with gorillas in Rwanda and staying at my favorite hotel Bisate, a sustainable bird shaped property nestled in the mountains, was an awe-inspiring experience.
- Indonesia: This year, I took my family on a 10-day luxury sailing trip around Raja Ampat’s archipelago in Indonesia which offered daily hikes to remote islands and unparalleled diving and snorkeling experiences. It was a truly incredible adventure.
Valuing Nature and Sustainability
I value trips that immerse me in nature or by the ocean, combined with unique, sustainable properties that offer an out-of-this-world experience. I call this approach impactful sustainability hospitality or thoughtful tourism.
Passion Beyond Travel
A Life Intertwined with Travel
Travel is my life’s passion, and I’m fortunate to have a job that aligns perfectly with it. I love planning my family’s holidays, which often turn into wonderful trips for my clients.
Rooted in Dubai
Though I was born in Liverpool, UK, and cherish its friendly people and rich history (from the Beatles passing by the Liverpool football team – and yes, I’m a true RED), Dubai has been my home for 30 years. I love Dubai for its vibrant culture and dynamic lifestyle, which continues to inspire me.
Childhood Adventures
My childhood travels shaped my love for exploration, from multiple trips to KSA to visit my father to the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, passing by the exciting and yet boring Perth and our family home in Marbella. Each destination offered unique experiences, from bustling cityscapes to serene family holidays.
Influence and Inspiration
My husband has been the most influential person in my life. His incredible strength, spirituality, and patience inspire me daily – I need to be a little more like him.
Facing Challenges Head-On
The journey to success is fraught with challenges. I still feel like I’m in startup mode, but positive client feedback and referrals give me immense satisfaction. My focus remains on growing Unique Family Travels, sharing my travel knowledge, and designing unique holidays worldwide. Staying passionate, original, and authentic keeps me on the path to success.
Industry Insights: Latest Travel Trends and Destinations
Embracing Nature and Space
Travel trends are shifting towards nature and space as luxuries. People are exploring new places and embracing impactful tourism. This summer, I’ve planned many road trips around Ireland, Cape Town, and African safaris. More GCC families (especially Arabs) are opening up to the idea of safaris, inspired by my family’s travels and my expertise in matching them with the right destinations.
Hot Destinations for Summer
While Europe remains a popular choice, I recommend avoiding crowded European destinations this summer. Instead, explore the Dolomites in Italy, Comporta in Portugal, or yacht through the Croatian islands. For my clients seeking adventure, destinations like Cape Town, Botswana, and Raja Ampat in Indonesia offer unique experiences. For the truly exclusive, a luxury train ride from Victoria Falls through magnificent Africa is an unforgettable journey.
Travel Hacks for a Memorable Summer
Originality and authenticity in your travel requirements can bring more joy to your experiences. There’s truth in traveling the road less traveled. Understated luxury is now readily available, offering high levels of service, quality, and convenience in unique destinations. Explore and fulfill your travel desires with confidence.
Top Travel Resources
Instagram is my go-to travel resource. It’s a platform where creativity in showcasing travel is boundless, and it’s also where I receive many travel inquiries. Follow me on Instagram for inspiration and travel ideas.
Delivering Exceptional Service: Unique Family Travels
Impressing Clients with Personal Touches
Client feedback is my greatest reward. I recently planned a group trip for six ladies to Sicily, arranging for an Italian welcome with a band, drinks, and canapés as they arrived at the incredible villa with stunning views in Taormina which I booked for them. I also plan secret holidays, where clients provide a budget, and I handle the rest. For one couple’s anniversary, I organized a surprise trip to Rwanda to see Gorillas with helicopter rides, daily surprises with hidden notes, and personal touches in their rooms, creating an unforgettable experience. It’ s the not knowing, element of surprise and knowing my clients that impresses them most.
Curating Personalized Vacation Packages
When creating vacation packages, understanding the client’s brief is crucial. Whether they seek nature, adventure, or relaxation, and with whom they are traveling (families, kids, couples, etc.) I design itineraries that meet their desires and include hidden gems. This personalized approach ensures every trip is unique and memorable.
Expertise in Top Destinations
My expertise spans the Maldives, Africa (especially South Africa), and the Far East (particularly Indonesia which has over 20,000 islands). Each destination offers unique experiences, from luxurious island stays to thrilling safaris.
Matching Destinations with Client Interests
Every destination can work, provided the client’s requirements are met. My creativity in travel planning ensures that I can match any interest with the perfect destination.
Seasonal Travel Recommendations
While seasonality plays a part, I recommend destinations based on client requirements rather than the time of year. This approach ensures a fulfilling travel experience regardless of the season.
Excursions and Activities
There are countless excursions and activities I suggest. For detailed recommendations, check out my travel blog or follow my Instagram. These resources offer a flavor of the destinations and experiences I curate.
My Travel History: A World of Experiences
I have been to a lot of amazing places, I will just share where I have been since May 2023:
Seychelles, Maldives, Cape Town, Garden Route, Stellenbosh, Johannesburg, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, took the Rovos Rail Train over 5 days from Zimbabwe to Pretoria, Athens, Mykonos, Paros, AntiParos, Kea Island, Costa Navarino, Marbella, Mallorca, Barcelona, Nice, Courchevel, Red Sea, Liverpool, Ubud Bali, Sumba Island Indonesia, Gili Islands, Raja Ampat, Maldives, Cape Town, and now Sardinia, Mykonos and Croatia!
At Butterfly Social, we are committed to curating exceptional experiences tailored to the unique needs of our members.
Our partnership with Unique Family Travels enhances our ability to offer bespoke travel services that cater to the sophisticated tastes and diverse interests of expats in Dubai.
With Butterfly Social and Unique Family Travels at your service, embark on a journey that transcends ordinary travel and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
By crafting unique and personalized travel experiences, Unique Family Travels stands out as a leader in the travel industry, offering Dubai’s expats unparalleled journeys that create lasting memories.
For more travel inspiration and to start planning your next extraordinary adventure, visit our app or follow Dani on Instagram. Let Butterfly Social and Unique Family Travels be your gateway to the world’s most exceptional and unforgettable experiences.
