Chelsea Dickenson: The Face Behind Cheap Holiday Expert
When it comes to finding the best travel deals, practical hacks and inspiring stories, few names are as familiar in the UK as Chelsea Dickenson. Known originally as the Cheap Holiday Expert and more recently rebranded as Holiday Expert, Chelsea has built a loyal following of over half a million travellers who turn to her for advice on how to make their holidays affordable without compromising on experience. From her early days working in television and radio to becoming a full-time travel blogger and media personality, Chelsea’s journey is as inspiring as the destinations she uncovers.
This article explores her career, life, and influence in the world of travel, covering her background, media appearances, professional milestones, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
From Wrexham to Manchester
Chelsea Dickenson was born on 7 February 1990, making her 35 years old. Raised in Wrexham, she demonstrated early talent and drive, representing her peers in youth forums and writing contributions for newspapers.
She attended The Maelor School where she earned strong GCSE and A-Level results before moving to higher education. At university, her curiosity and leadership were evident, particularly in broadcasting.
The University of Manchester
Chelsea studied Ancient History at the University of Manchester, graduating with a 2:1 degree in 2012. Beyond academics, she took an active role in student life. Most notably, she became Station Manager at Fuse FM, the student radio station. Her role not only developed her media skills but also paved the way for her future career in broadcasting and content creation.
Career in Media and Production
Early Career in Radio and Television
Before she became the face of budget travel, Chelsea spent over a decade working in television and radio production. She gained valuable experience at companies such as ITV Studios, Shiver TV, Wise Buddah, and Bauer Media.
Her roles ranged from Production Secretary to Factual Producer, and she was responsible for managing teams, booking talent, producing content, and creating shows for BBC Radio, BBC World Service, Channel 5, and ITV. Among her notable projects were University Challenge, Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison, Britain’s Darkest Taboos, and a variety of BBC documentaries.
This extensive background gave her both technical expertise and the confidence to present ideas to a large audience.
Audio Always
In 2015, Chelsea joined Audio Always, a leading independent production company. Over more than five years she worked as a Factual Producer and later as Head of Development, managing creative projects, developing content for national broadcasters, and shaping innovative programmes.
It was during this period that her personal interest in travel began to intertwine with her professional skills.
The Birth of Cheap Holiday Expert
The YouTube Challenge
In 2018, Chelsea set herself a unique challenge: to take 10 holidays for half the price of what the average Brit spends in a year. Initially, this began as a way to learn video editing and create content for YouTube. What started as a side project quickly grew into a movement.
Her practical, down-to-earth advice on everything from flight bookings and accommodation hacks to packing tips and airport tricks resonated with audiences. She branded herself the Cheap Holiday Expert, and the name stuck.
Growing a Community
Over the next few years, Chelsea built a dedicated following across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter. Today, she commands an audience of more than 500,000 followers, with Instagram alone boasting nearly half a million fans.
Her website, CheapHolidayExpert.com, became a hub of tips, tricks, and blogs offering valuable insights for travellers looking to save money.
Media Appearances and Public Recognition
This Morning and Beyond
Chelsea’s expertise soon caught the attention of mainstream media. She became a regular travel expert on ITV’s This Morning, where she shared everything from cheap luggage finds to hidden holiday gems.
Her appearances extended to Good Morning Britain, Sky News, LBC, and BBC Radio. She also wrote travel features for The Guardian and The Telegraph, cementing her reputation as a trusted voice in the travel industry.
Podcasts and New Ventures
Alongside her partner James Robinson, Chelsea launched podcasts such as Tipsy Tourism and more recently Passports Please!. These platforms blend travel reviews with humour and relatability, widening her influence beyond traditional social media.
Holiday Expert: The Rebrand
From “Cheap” to “Holiday”
In 2025, Chelsea announced a rebrand from Cheap Holiday Expert to simply Holiday Expert. While still dedicated to affordable travel, the new brand reflects a broader mission: to provide advice and inspiration for all types of holidays, whether budget-friendly or luxury.
The rebrand also came as she began building a team of contributors for the platform, expanding it from a personal blog into a collaborative enterprise.
Chelsea Dickenson’s Personal Life
Relationship with James Robinson
Chelsea has been open about her life with James Robinson, her long-term partner. James is often seen supporting her projects, co-hosting podcasts, and joining her on travel adventures. Together, they form a creative duo whose chemistry resonates with fans.
Family and Parents
While Chelsea occasionally references her family background in interviews and older writings, she keeps details about her parents private. What is clear is that their encouragement allowed her to pursue both her academic ambitions and her unconventional career path.
Chelsea Dickenson and Companies House
As a registered entrepreneur, Chelsea appears in Companies House records, confirming her professional identity and date of birth (February 1990). This official recognition underscores her transition from employee in the media industry to founder and business leader.
Charity and JustGiving
Chelsea’s presence is not limited to travel and media. She has also been linked with JustGiving campaigns, reflecting her willingness to use her platform for good causes. This dimension of her work shows that her influence extends beyond travel into broader social impact.
Why Chelsea Dickenson Stands Out
Authentic Voice in Travel
Unlike many influencers who focus on glamorous, unattainable lifestyles, Chelsea’s appeal lies in her authenticity. She demonstrates that with the right approach, anyone can enjoy exciting holidays without breaking the bank.
Expertise Backed by Experience
Her decade of work in radio and TV production ensures that her content is professional, engaging, and widely accessible. Combined with her natural charisma, this makes her both an educator and entertainer.
Building a Sustainable Brand
The rebrand to Holiday Expert, the growing website, and her media appearances point towards Chelsea becoming a long-standing figure in the UK travel industry.
Conclusion
Chelsea Dickenson is more than just a travel blogger; she is a media professional, entrepreneur, and community builder. From her roots in Wrexham to her academic journey in Manchester, from producing shows for the BBC to presenting holiday hacks on This Morning, Chelsea has crafted a career that blends passion with practicality.
Her role as the Cheap Holiday Expert—and now Holiday Expert—has made her a household name for affordable travel advice. With over 500,000 followers, a strong media presence, and new ventures on the horizon, Chelsea continues to inspire travellers across the UK to explore the world without overspending.
