The County Durham agent who turned helping friends into a thriving business and saved a special client £400 on her first holiday abroad.
Meet Kevin Thompson from The Durham Travel Co., a travel agent who proves that sometimes the best businesses start with a simple truth: you’ve been doing this for years without realising it.
For Kevin, travel planning wasn’t something he learned in a course. It was something he found himself doing naturally for friends and family. Research. Comparisons. Finding that perfect combination of destination and deal. He loved the process. More importantly, he loved seeing people light up when everything came together.
In February 2025, Kevin decided to stop doing it for free and start doing it properly. He joined JLT and launched The Durham Travel Co.
Travel Niche & Personal Touch
Kevin specialises in package holidays with TUI and Jet2, though he works across all travel categories. What sets him apart is his approach to service.
“I don’t sell standard packages,” Kevin explains. “I take the time to understand each client’s needs, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a family holiday, or a solo adventure.”
With access to over 200 trusted suppliers through JLT, Kevin can tailor trips that suit every budget and style. Clients get the reassurance of full financial protection through ATOL, PTS, and Supplier Failure Insurance. But what they value most is knowing their holiday has been designed with genuine care and passion.
His secret weapon? A washing line, pegs, and an extension lead. Every single trip. Trust us, seasoned travellers know.
The JLT Journey So Far
Since joining JLT in February 2025, Kevin has booked around five holidays. But it’s not the number that matters most to him. It’s the impact.
One of his proudest moments came when he saved a client £400 across two bookings. These weren’t any bookings. They were her first holidays abroad after beating cancer for the second time.
“That one stuck with me,” Kevin shares. “It wasn’t about the saving, though that mattered. It was about being part of her celebration of life.”
Kevin’s next big goal is to grow The Durham Travel Co. into a well-recognised and trusted local brand. The kind people think of the moment they start planning a holiday. He’s focusing on building a stronger online presence through social media and community engagement, while expanding partnerships with even more suppliers. The vision is clear: increase bookings, build long-term customer loyalty, and position the business for sustainable growth.
Memorable Booking Moment
Kevin’s most memorable booking was his very first one. A last-minute holiday for a stressed theatre nurse who desperately needed a break.
“She didn’t have the time or energy to trawl through endless websites, compare deals, and piece everything together,” Kevin recalls. “So I stepped in to take all of that stress away.”
Not only did he find her a better deal than the online prices she’d seen herself, he handled all the legwork. Flights. Accommodation. Extras. All she had to do was pack her bags.
“Seeing her come back refreshed and grateful reinforced why I started The Durham Travel Co. in the first place,” Kevin says. “To make travel simple, affordable, and enjoyable for people who deserve a break.”
That first booking taught him the real value of what he does: giving people peace of mind, saving them money, and freeing them from the hassle of travel planning.
His favourite JLT tool? TRIPBUILDER!!!
Three exclamation marks worth of enthusiasm, to be exact!
Words of Wisdom
When asked what he’d tell someone unsure about joining JLT, Kevin doesn’t hold back:
“It’s one of the best decisions they could make for their travel business. The support and resources they provide are second to none. You’re not on your own. You have a network behind you.”
From PTS and ATOL protection to access to hundreds of trusted suppliers, to ongoing training and guidance, Kevin says it gives you the confidence to grow your business the right way.
“For me, joining meant I could focus on serving my clients while knowing the compliance, financial protection, and industry backing were all in place. It’s not about joining a group. It’s about joining a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.”
We’re so excited to watch Kevin’s journey unfold with The Durham Travel Co. From that first stressed theatre nurse to cancer survivors celebrating life, Kevin is proving that travel planning is about so much more than transactions. It’s about transformation.
And we know this is only the beginning.
