ABOUT US

Hello.  My name is Rachel Cush, the owner of Lodestone Travel, a franchise of Explorer Travel.  I got the travel bug long before working in the travel industry.  My first experience of travelling was in 1994 when I went backpacking with a friend across Central America for a few months, travelling to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize.  This really opened my mind to what was out in the world and started me on the path where I am now.  Later I travelled solo to Australia and Peru.  I was always seeking my next adventure.  

In 2001 I started working for the discovery cruise company Swan Hellenic when they were part of P&O Cruises in Southampton.  I was part of a team that planned the cruise itineraries, shore excursions as well as the pre and post departure tours.  I was extremely lucky enough to spend a few months of each year travelling onboard the ship as Excursion Manager or going on survey trips around the world.  We were responsible for planning the shore excursions down to the most minute of details, every moment and eventuality taken into account.  In 2007 P&O disbanded the whole Swan Hellenic brand.  At this time, I decided to take a break from the Travel Industry, until I found my way back to where I am now.  

After completing a mini road trip from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon and back to Los Angeles, I found that for me road trips were a great way to travel.  I love having the independence of hiring a vehicle and being able to stay in hotels of my choosing along the way.  Backpacking was great for me in my younger years, but now, road trips and driving your own vehicle and not being reliant on public transport is for me an even better option now, especially as an occasional solo traveller and when exploring rural locations.  I have been back to the USA several times since, discovering more each time I go.  

I love sharing the driving on road trips, and most years I travel with my husband to France and Spain where we take our old Toyota Land Cruiser to the Pyrenees for a complete getaway.                                 

In the UK we often go on trips to Wales, Peak District and the Lake District to explore the UKs green lanes and driving trails.  There aren’t many, but we like getting out on the road seeking them out.  The love of driving and being out on the road was my main reason for choosing to specialise in the selling of self-drive holidays around the world.  

Lodestone Travel, as registered with ABTA , sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number L3832.

Lodestone Travel sell self-drive holiday packages around the world as well as many other travel services including airport parking, airport lounge bookings and a range of excursions in many destinations. 

We provide an independent and impartial travel service tailored to your individual needs.  

Our independence allows us to offer discounts not found on the high street and we believe that a friendly and personal service goes a long way to ensuring you of a perfect trip every time.