Jan and Andrea open the doors to a world of travel

There is a new independent travel agency in Ipswich.

At a time when the national travel scene has been one of consolidation and branch closures, Andrea Powell and Jan Alexander felt the time was right to offer a tailored, personal service.

Jan has more than 35 years experience in travel agency and management including as manager for Co-operative Travel and in the independent sector.

While managing director Andrea Powell, a chartered accountant by profession, brings a vast knowledge and experience gained as a world traveller.

Andrea said: “I wanted a change of direction, to start my own business. I wanted to find a job that I really wanted to do.

“I already knew Jan, from being a customer over many years.

“When I decided to start my own buiness, I knew it has to be something to do with dogs or travel.”

The name Idelo travel comes from the company vision and ethos, she said.

I from -be Inspired, D- Discover, ElO - Explore.

Jan Alexander brings decades of knowledge and travel experience to the business.

While Andrea’s own travel and tourism history gives her a unique perspective as a customer.

There is a poster photograph of penguins on the wall in guest lounge, a photograph that Andrea took in the Falkland Islands,

She said: “The photographs on the walls are mine, I’ve been to the Galapagos Islands and on safaris, seen penguins in the Falklands and been to China three times.

“I had to have my passport renewed four years ago because there was no space left in it, Visas always take up a page.

“I go on holiday two or three times a year, everything from city breaks to wildlife destinations.

“I love to travel to see these other places but I like to do it in comfort.

“I love cruising and have been on 17 so far, equivalent to 17,000 miles.

“Every cruise isn’t right for everybody, it is very much a personal thing.”

Jan Alexander started out in the business with indepdent John Hilary Travel, for ten years, where she became a manager.

Her career included national chains and independents, incuding Lunn Poly, Co-op Travel until it merged with Thomas Cook and an independet in Colchester.

“I was there for three years,” she added.

“There is definitely a market for a new independent travel agency in Ipswich.

“It is very exciting.”

The team at Idelo Travel is managing director Andrea Powell, manager Jan Alexander plus Linda Leslie and Toni Wyartt, allowing the business to open seven days a week.

“We hope families will come in for consulations on Sundays, when they have more time,” added Jan

“They can sit and browse brochures in our lounge. We are happy to give advice.”

www.idelotravel.c.uk

Idelo Travel is ABTA bonded and a member of the Advantage Travel Partnership.