We’re one of the most accommodating modelling agencies around. With an extensive list of jobs regularly coming from our clients, we’ve secured jobs for our registered models in all the large UK cities, various towns and every setting from the countryside to coastlines. We are extensive and nationwide. We’re not restricted by local bookings, nor do we dismiss any locations; we have the resources and personnel to make all assignments a success for everyone involved.

With our huge network of opportunities, we often offer jobs to models that require them to travel. Obviously we consider where our models are from, so plenty of jobs are accepted by models that are based close to the assignment’s location. This is perhaps the best scenario. However, some bookings demand that models must travel from their local area – it’s unavoidable for certain jobs, but plenty of models enjoy making the journey to unfamiliar locations.     

We have to be realistic and fair. We appreciate that not every model likes to travel if it can be avoided. We don’t tend to offer a job to someone who must travel hundreds of miles for a one-day job. For instance, we wouldn’t put forward a London model for a client based in Scotland. The good news for all our models is that we offer jobs daily, and it’s the model’s decision to accept jobs. If they feel that the commute is too long or inconvenient, they can politely decline and we’ll do our best to secure another assignment for them.

Travelling occurs in all our modelling jobs, of course. We won’t expand on local jobs, as we’re sure we don’t need to offer advice on short commutes. If you accept a job from us that requires a little travel, what do you need to do to make it a day to remember?

Here are our tips and aspects of travelling to jobs you’ll find helpful:

1. Be sure to look up the location of your job before doing anything else. Don’t leave anything to chance.

2. Have the client’s name, address, postcode and phone number to hand before you set off. Our booking agents provide this information prior to each booking. If your travel arrangements go awry and you can’t contact the client, please contact us and we’ll let the client know. We’re always available to be contacted during usual office hours.

3. Look out for any traffic delays / strikes, and plan accordingly. No one likes being late. Lots of clients are very laid-back yet professional, but even the most easy-going people can be annoyed by tardiness! 

4. If you’re driving, check you have sufficient petrol (or enough power if you have an electric car). Avoid last-minute stops at the petrol station.

5. You may be given a dress code for your modelling job. This doesn’t happen all the time, though, so if there isn’t a specific requirement, dress smart-casual, with clean shoes and ironed tops. Take with you a spare shirt and trousers / skirts just in case.

6. Make sure your phone is charged, and that you have saved the all-important contact information. Don’t forget your wallet, too.

These are tips for UK travel. As most of you now, we occasionally receive briefs from clients who offer modelling jobs abroad. These are some of the most sought-after modelling gigs going. We’ve given both individual models and families the good news, so opportunities do crop up from time-to-time. In these cases, check your passport’s validity as well as your weekly schedule; you won’t be doing anything except representing the UK’s no.1 modelling employment agency and making memories!

As a result, we have an impressive portfolio of clients not only in this country but also in Europe and further afield.

Many of our clients are global brands and as such we are called upon to supply models for photo shoots and film sessions that take place abroad, as well as at home in the UK.

We promote our models, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We have connections with companies in the area you live in – and are also very happy to act as your agent and step in to oversee any work you source yourself close to where you live.

This means we can not only reassure you as to the nature and safety of the assignment, but we can also ensure you are paid properly and promptly.

Working locally can be ideal for models with families, full-time jobs or other commitments that make it difficult for them to travel.

Others, however, might be eager to accept bookings in other areas of the UK, relishing the opportunity to see parts of the country they might never have visited before.

And, of course, when it comes to working abroad, we have many models on our books who simply leap at the chance of an assignment abroad.

So, what should you remember if you do accept a booking in another country?

1. We will explain what you will need to take and tell you about your travel arrangements – make sure you understand everything and ask us if you are unsure.

2. Make sure your passport is always up to date. If we offer you a job abroad at short notice and your travel documents are not valid, then you won’t be able to go. Remember that now Britain has left the EU, some passports may not be valid for travel despite the date stamps. Go to gov.uk to check yours. It is recommended that on the day you travel you have at least six months left on your passport.

3. If any other visa or travel documentation is required, we will inform you. You may need to fill out an application for the relevant country and there may be special requirements.

4. Be aware that with Covid-19 each country has its own entry requirements. You will need to look on the website to make sure you understand what they require.

5. Pack carefully for the country you are visiting. Check the weather and bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Don’t forget to bring sun protection if it is hot.

6. Think carefully about what to put in your hand luggage – bring your headphones, phone charger, the appropriate travel-plug adaptor and a book.

7.  Bring water and snacks but remember that if you are flying liquids will be removed when you go through security.

8.  Although you will be able to use your British bank and credit cards abroad, exchange rates can be excessive and so many people now have cards that can be used in cash points abroad with a minimal charge. It is also always a good idea to have some local currency in your pocket too.

9.  Finally, make sure you have enabled mobile data and roaming on your phone so you can use it while abroad – but check with your provider what the costs for this will be. You will need to be able to keep in touch with us, and vice versa. Plans might change and we need to ensure you will be in the right place, at the right time, ready and looking forward to modelling abroad!

If you’re on a quest to tour a life-changing international destination this summer, land on relaxing beaches, explore attractions and learn about wildlife sanctuaries, then a vacation is definitely on the cards. Your expedition doesn’t have to be flashy, you can get a great budget holiday by looking around and booking in advance, and really enjoy the experience of going abroad without the price tag. We’re ready, are you?

Places to visit

You can explore hundreds of countries, with almost 200, the world is your oyster. We’ve picked just a few out to give you guys some inspo and some gems to discover this summer:

Malaga, Spain

Brittany, France

Umbria, Italy

Phuket, Thailand

Akyaka, Turkey

Santorini

St Lucia

These go-to destinations are definitely worth visiting, from luscious tropical foliage, watching sensational sunsets, enchanting panoramic views, dipping into picturesque pools, inviting peaceful mornings and disconnecting from the rush of everyday life. Our hot picks are great to spend some time unwinding and recharging your batteries whether you’re travelling by yourself, with your partner, friends or family. Perfect for little ones, children and teens too, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone.

Our international projects

Our agency isn’t new to international modelling projects. We’ve been around the world including the romantic and breath-taking landscapes of France for successful projects. Now that we’re all able to move freely again, these projects are popping up and we’re looking for models that are ready for something big and impactful. Are you interested? 

The holiday takeaway

So, how do you feel about travelling abroad this summer? Positive, we hope! Have your backpacks, gear and luggage (not to miss out on essentials like your camera, selfie stick, tripod and holiday wardrobe) on standby, and join Models Direct with our travelling arrangements that might land you in exotic lands and waters. This is the summer you don’t want to miss out on!

We’re ready for action; no more being held back and being told we can’t, thank you very much. We can and we shall! Live your best life, and get on board with our modelling agency. If you’re not sure, head on over to our library collection of reviews so you can get a better idea of what life is like as a Models Direct model. If you need to speak to our team, please reach out to us over the phone or email and we’ll be more than happy to have a chat.

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Holidays – and foreign travel in general – are a chance of escapism, a source of adventure, and an opportunity to recharge the batteries after months of work. Though it takes planning (and a little financial saving), a cheeky holiday abroad is often the year’s highlight. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days exploring new territory in balmy temperatures, checking out local cuisine and nightlife, or simply lounging on a sandy beach to achieve an envious tan? Though a holiday is one of life’s simple pleasures, COVID became globally prevalent and acted as a huge spanner in the works in the holiday industry. What a shame.

But now things are slowly turning in favour of the committed holidaymaker. COVID cases are dropping (in the UK, at least), and holidays abroad are now largely permitted. Travel is subject to certain conditions – of course – but in the case of most European destinations, it’s business as usual. And even better news for sun seekers – there are plenty of flights out there which are now even more affordable.

A quick check on a certain budget airline’s website that flies frequently from UK airports reveals a ticket from London Stansted to Corfu is £7.99 (as of 27th July 2021). £7.99! OK, that’s one-way, and the return will set passengers back only £62.99, but still…that’s just over £70 for a holiday in a popular Greek island with an average summer temperature of 30^oC. Bargain!

If travelling to Spain from the UK, the Spanish government requires all arrivals to present on entry a pre-travel declaration form and either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. This is a small price to pay for a well-deserved and long overdue holiday break. Safety comes first, but the fact is that holiday travel is now possible.

Models Direct have placed several lucky models on assignments abroad, although they didn’t have to follow the recent COVID guidelines. Take Elizabeth, who travelled to France for a spectacular photo shoot. Or how about the Golding family (Mum, Dad and two children), who embarked on a 4-day, all expenses trip to the south of France to shoot a commercial for an innovative travel company. Valencia? Why not? That’s exactly where we flew our model to advertise an ultra-modern wheelchair. Foreign travel and modelling work is a real possibility – do you have the ambition and talent for it?

Where’s your dream location? It might be a place you’ve already experienced, so recreating your best memories could be your priority. Perhaps it’s a destination you’ve been drooling over in travel brochures. If genuinely achievable, surely now is the time to turn your holiday hopes into reality. One thing’s for certain: it’ll be a holiday you won’t forget in a hurry.

But what about the UK? For every UK person hoping to get away abroad, there’ll be someone with an eye on holidaying in the UK. Cornwall and Devon, The Lake District, Norfolk Broads, Scotland, the Welsh beaches…the UK isn’t short of top-notch holiday destinations. And if you don’t fancy a plane flight, think about holidaying closer to home. What about a camping trip, or a pony trekking expedition? You’d be surprised how many new options are available on your doorstep!

Oh, and if you were wondering where Cliff Richard and his friends went on his “Summer Holiday”, it was Greece!

Whether you are in the modelling business or another profession, making sure you have a good break from work and a genuine opportunity for relaxation is essential for our health, according to recent research.

A study by Syracuse University, in New York, USA, has revealed that having a holiday can be especially good for the heart, explains Bryce Hruska, an assistant professor of public health at the establishment’s College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

“What we found is that people who vacationed more frequently in the past 12 months have a lowered risk for metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you have more of them, you are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.  This is important because we are actually seeing a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease the more vacationing a person does.”

But how do you ensure you really do have a holiday, and the chance to relax and refocus if you are unable to reach the white sands and clear waters of your favourite holiday destinations?

Models Direct’s top tips to holidaying at home…

• Make sure you really do absolutely no work at all during your time off – don’t be tempted to check your emails or to respond to voicemails. Tell your boss and your colleagues that you are going to do this. Just because you are at home does not been you should be available.
• If you can plan a few days out during your time off then do. If not, then try to arrange some shorter excursions, walks or cycle rides to places you have never been before and take a picnic or a few treats with you.
• If you live with friends or family members then take turns at doing the cooking to ensure everyone has some time off. Try to think up fun and exciting menus that you have never tried before, dishes from around the world perhaps…
• Treat yourself to some new garden equipment, such as a hammock, recliner or bean bag. If you have children, investing in a paddling pool, water slide or other play items will also help them to feel as if they are on holiday.
• Organise cinema nights, where everyone sits down to watch the same film together and perhaps you treat yourselves to popcorn or other tasty snacks you might not normally indulge in.
• Adults might also like to treat themselves to cocktails they have not made before or have enjoyed away on holiday and to sit in the garden or by an open window on warm evenings.
• Splash out on a couple of new holiday reads and make sure you find time to slip off for a quiet hour or two with them on your own.
• Sleep in, stay up late – your time is your own so you should enjoy not having to set the alarm clock or being bound by a routine.

Summer is a super busy time for photo-shoots and filming work too, it’s the perfect chance for outdoor shoots and the Models Direct team can’t wait to to hear from you!

Noah is an extraordinary little boy with an incredible story, born with the condition Spina Bifida and only 2% of his brain a condition called Hydrocephalus, he has surpassed all expectations and continues to develop into a very special person.

Models Direct Modelling Agency were delighted to receive a modelling application for Noah back in 2016 and welcomed him onto their books – Noah and his family are now celebrating a lifetimes contract with the agency!

Noah’s story is nothing but inspirational, to be faced with so many daily challenges for him and is family, however when speaking with Michelle (Noah’s mum) you get a sense of her energy, determination and total commitment to overcome and make the best of all opportunities that come their way.

The Models Direct team were delighted to see Noah appear on Good Morning Britain last week to talk about his incredibly brave appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Noah took to the stage as part of the grand finale of a very special concert organised by The Music Man Project – the UK’s only full-time specialist music education service for children and adults with a learning disability.

What an achievement!!

Noah is an ambassador for the Music Man Project along with a few other charities, however his recent performance at the Royal Albert hall with them was quite an extraordinary moment.

Noah’s first assignment with Models Direct:

It doesn’t get much better than staring in the Christmas commercial for one of the UK’s largest supermarkets, but that’s just what Noah did – securing his first major modelling assignment with Sainsbury’s!

Molly, Modelling Assignments Manager at Models Direct confirmed shoot details and Noah and his family were set to travel to London for an incredible experience filming with a professional film crew. The Models Direct team organised the transport, accommodation and all logistics to ensure Noah and his family were looked after from beginning to end and could enjoy the whole experience.

On the day Noah would be posing as the youngest child of a family and would be lifted from his wheelchair by his model ‘dad’ and be placing a star on top of the Christmas tree. As the first disabled child to appear in a Christmas Commercial, this was very exciting for everyone. Noah secured this assignment by submitting a specific action casting video to the production team, through Models Direct.

Noah’s mum Shelley gives her feedback on their experience:

“Noah had lots of fun filming for the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert. We were made to feel really special. Being on set was the most exciting part of the shoot. Watching Noah’s face light up when the cameras started rolling and when he placed the star on top of the Christmas tree really was priceless. On the second shot, the director confirmed that this was the one, which was very impressive considering Noah’s disability. This was a great achievement for him. He was treated with so much respect by the crew who completely catered to all of our needs. Noah bonded with everyone on set, particularly his on screen family which included Jo Burke, Alexander Perkins and a lovely young actress who played his sister. He had so much with them.

“I would definitely recommend this kind of experience. I wish I had signed Noah up with Models Direct from Day 1! Everyone thinks their child is the most gorgeous in the world, but we were being advised us so much to join an agency that we went for it – we just wish we had done it sooner! Every child is different and has their own unique qualities – there is work for everyone out there. I would recommend all parents to sign their children up – go for it, don’t even think about it – just do it! There’s only you stopping yourself from reaching your goals in life.”

Shelley Wall

Towards the end of last year Noah took his first international flight…to Australia! After hearing about an incredible ‘brain training’ treatment called Neuro Physics Therapy, Noah and his family made the around the world trip to meet with the founders Ken and Nickie Ware who agreed to meet with Noah at their clinic on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

To read more about Neuro Physics Therapy and Noah’s progress – click here

Of course Noah was unable to leave Australia without hitting the waves and learning to surf!! With the incredible assistance from disabledsurfers.org Noah was able to experience being in the water and catching some waves.

Models Direct are very proud to represent a variety of very talented disabled people and we have done for the last 30yrs! Disability has never been a focus for Models Direct, the agency considers any application in the same way, it’s enthusiasm, determination and commitment that is the New Face team are looking for! Noah and his family have these qualities in the bucket load and the Models Direct team are delighted to be able to represent Noah to clients for potential modelling work for years to come!

To hear about other disabled models who have been successful in securing work with Models Direct click here

The Models Direct team are in regular contact with Noah’s family and we know he will continue to wow us with his character, optimism and his determination to live a full and happy life while continually spreading joy and happiness to everyone he meets! We are super excited to see what he get’s up to next!!

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To help you out the Models Direct team, of which a large percentage are parents, have compiled their top tips to make travelling with kids that little bit easier!

Our junior models also often have to travel for assignments , generally within in the UK, but sometimes it means going on a plane and travelling further afield, so what ever your reason for travel it helps to be a little bit organised and take the stress away.

If your travels this season are taking you over seas here are Models Direct’s  helpful tips to flying with children:

1 –  Comfort:   It’s a good idea to  dress your children in comfortable clothing when travelling, make sure they wont be too hot or too cold and are not restricted by what they are wearing. There’s no need to look super stylish when travelling, it’s much more important that your children have comfortable clothing on so they can relax and  can sleep if tired and   can sit in it for long periods of time.

2 –  Food & Snacks: Food can  be expensive and sometimes difficult to find when travelling, so have a bag of tasty snacks with you . It’s a good idea to have a variety of different things, some healthy snacks, some treats and also some thing the children haven’t tried before  to keep it interesting. As we all know children get super grumpy when hungry, so a little pick me up during a long flight or car journey can make all the difference. Also carry plenty of water with you, it’s very important to stay hydrated, particularly if it’s warm or you are flying, dehydration can make you feel very tired, so often regular sips of water can keep moral up!

3 –  Activities:  With tablets available to many of us it’s very easy to sit a child down with a tablet and headphones, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing,  parents are now able to download educational and fun games for children of all ages , so make sure you have updated your /their tablet with some new apps and games that will keep them interested.  If you are on a long journey then it’s useful to pack a variety of activities and space them out over the travelling time, so they are new to the child, could be a new coloring book, spelling game, maps and maze puzzles, reading book,  etc – there are lots to choose from on the market. Trick is to not give  them all to your child at the same time, keep their curiosity!

4 –  Stay Calm:  As a parent it’s really important to try and stay calm with your children while travelling, try and avoid arguments and upset as this will make the journey and travelling experience much more stressful than it needs  to be.  Aswell as looking after the needs of your children make sure your own needs are met also so you feel the best you can.

5 – Sleep:   If you are travelling for a long time make sure your children have a chance to rest and ideally sleep! Try and stick to their routines as much as you can, feeds and naps are essential especially with babies and toddlers. So if you are flying make sure your baby is fed when they usually are and  made comfortable so can drift off to sleep rather than getting over tired and grumpy. It can be useful to have a small blanket and pillow with you if in the car or a plane so that your child is comfortable and  warm.

6 – Other Passengers:  Whatever mode of transport we may be on we are often in close proximity to other passengers, so try and be cheerful and polite to the people near you, especially if you have a baby or young child with you who may be noisy or cry, it’s useful to have the people around you on your side  and possibly may help you out if you need it!

7 – Organisation:  There is so much for parents to think about before going away, it can often seem overwhelming, but organisation is key and will make your travelling experience much calmer and enjoyable. Plan ahead with your packing, don’t leave it until the last minute! Make sure your hand luggage is organised and prepared in a suitable bag and has everything you need for the plane or is within easy reach in a car or train, you will be calmer if you know you have everything you may need for your baby or child.

Whatever the distance you are travelling, the most important thing is to stay calm and try and make each part as fun as possible, it’s all part of the holiday experience and  can be a great time for your children to learn and see new things!

So  to help you out the Models Direct team, of which a large percentage are parents, have compiled their top tips to make travelling with kids that little bit easier!

Our junior models also often have to travel for assignments , generally within in the UK, but sometimes it means going in a plane and travelling further afield, so what ever your reason for travel it helps to be a little bit organised and take the stress away.

If your travels this season are taking you over seas  here are Models Direct ‘s  helpful tips to flying with children:

1 –  Comfort:   It’s a good idea to  dress your children in comfortable clothing when travelling, make sure they wont be too hot or too cold and are not restricted by what they are wearing. There’s no need to look super stylish when travelling, it’s much more important that your children have comfortable clothing on so they can relax and  can sleep if tired and   can sit in it for long periods of time.

2 –  Food & Snacks: Food can  be expensive and sometimes difficult to find when travelling, so have a bag of tasty snacks with you . It’s a good idea to have a variety of different things, some healthy snacks, some treats and also some thing the children haven’t tried before  to keep it interesting. As we all know children get super grumpy when hungry, so a little pick me up during a long flight or car journey can make all the difference. Also carry plenty of water with you, it’s very important to stay hydrated, particularly if it’s warm or you are flying, dehydration can make you feel very tired, so often regular sips of water can keep moral up!

3 –  Activities:  With tablets available to many of us it’s very easy to sit a child down with a tablet and headphones, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing,  parents are now able to download educational and fun games for children of all ages , so make sure you have updated your /their tablet with some new apps and games that will keep them interested.  If you are on a long journey then it’s useful to pack a variety of activities and space them out over the travelling time, so they are new to the child, could be a new coloring book, spelling game, maps and maze puzzles, reading book,  etc – there are lots to choose from on the market. Trick is to not give  them all to your child at the same time, keep their curiosity!

4 –  Stay Calm:  As a parent it’s really important to try and stay calm with your children while travelling, try and avoid arguments and upset as this will make the journey and travelling experience much more stressful than it needs  to be.  Aswell as looking after the needs of your children make sure your own needs are met also so you feel the best you can.

5 – Sleep:   If you are travelling for a long time make sure your children have a chance to rest and ideally sleep! Try and stick to their routines as much as you can, feeds and naps are essential especially with babies and toddlers. So if you are flying make sure your baby is fed when they usually are and  made comfortable so can drift off to sleep rather than getting over tired and grumpy. It can be useful to have a small blanket and pillow with you if in the car or a plane so that your child is comfortable and  warm.

6 – Other Passengers:  Whatever mode of transport we may be on we are often in close proximity to other passengers, so try and be cheerful and polite to the people near you, especially if you have a baby or young child with you who may be noisy or cry, it’s useful to have the people around you on your side  and possibly may help you out if you need it!

7 – Organisation:  There is so much for parents to think about before going away, it can often seem overwhelming, but organisation is key and will make your travelling experience much calmer and enjoyable. Plan ahead with your packing, don’t leave it until the last minute! Make sure your hand luggage is organised and prepared in a suitable bag and has everything you need for the plane or is within easy reach in a car or train, you will be calmer if you know you have everything you may need for your baby or child.

Whatever the distance you are travelling, the most important thing is to stay calm and try and make each part as fun as possible, it’s all part of the holiday experience and  can be a great time for your children to learn and see new things!