Newcastle agency Home and Afar Travel has celebrated a remarkable double decade in retail travel, an achievement that Co-Founders Andrew Minto and Georgette Southam attribute to a team of experts helping clients to “not just travel but travel better”.
While the 20th anniversary occurred on 1 April 2026, this agency milestone is no April Fool, but a passion for creating unforgettable holidays that grew into a business built on relationships, trust and personalised travel.
Minto said Home and Afar Travel is differentiated by its focus on tailored experiences designed for each traveller.
“We’ve never believed in one-size-fits-all travel. Every trip should feel like it was designed just for you, because it is,” he said.
While The Junction agency has evolved alongside the travel industry over the last 20 years, navigating changing trends, global disruptions and the advent of online travel, Minto said expert advice and genuine personal service remain constant.
“When things go wrong, Google doesn’t answer the phone; we do,” he said.
Joint Managing Directors Minto and Southam attribute their business success to people – both the experienced team and the wider community of like-minded travel professionals as part of the Travellers Choice network.
As the agency celebrates its longevity and partnership, which Southam notes is longer than some marriages, the agency is now firmly focused on the future.
“Twenty years is huge – some marriages don’t even last that long! It’s the little things that matter: really knowing our clients, understanding what they love and making sure every detail is taken care of before they even think to ask,” she said.
“We’re just getting started – travel is evolving and so are we, bringing new ideas and even more value to our clients for many more years to come.”
