Donna Alexander
My expertise
I'm based in
Harrogate
It's Nice To Meet You
After years of travelling extensively and living around the world, I now lead my own luxury travel consultancy as part of Travel Counsellors, based in North Yorkshire.
My journey may have evolved from adventurous backpacking to refined family travel with my husband and two boys, but my standards have only become more exacting.
I specialise in designing bespoke, high-end travel experiences for discerning, time-poor professionals who expect exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail.
My clients value expertise, discretion and efficiency — and they trust me to deliver journeys that are seamless from beginning to end.
Every itinerary I create is entirely tailored. Whether it’s a private villa in the Mediterranean, a luxury safari with exclusive lodge access, a first-class cruise experience, or a complex multi-centre itinerary, I curate each element with care. I work closely with trusted global partners to secure the finest accommodation, premium flights, private transfers and immersive experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
My service is highly personal and consultative. I take time to understand not only where you wish to travel, but how you want to feel while you’re there. I offer clear, candid advice and thoughtful recommendations, ensuring each decision enhances your overall experience. Nothing is left to chance.
For busy professionals, convenience is paramount. I work flexibly around your schedule — meeting at a time and place that suits you or managing everything virtually with complete efficiency. Through the sophisticated technology and global buying power of Travel Counsellors, I provide financial protection, competitive value and round-the-clock support, all while maintaining the discretion and personal touch of a private travel advisor.
From an initial idea — however vague — to your safe return home, I oversee every detail. You won’t need to spend hours researching, comparing or questioning your choices. Instead, you can relax knowing your travel plans are in expert hands.
If you are seeking a trusted advisor to curate exceptional leisure or business travel with precision, integrity and style, I would be delighted to assist. Let’s begin planning something extraordinary
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Honeymoon Gift Registry
Getting married? Our exclusive Weddings and Honeymoon Gift Registry service might be just for you. An easy, stress-free way to manage your dream wedding and honeymoon online - courtesy of your personal Travel Counsellor. Our Honeymoon Gift Registry service allows your guests to give you the most memorable gift of all – your dream honeymoon tailor-made down to the finest detail. You may already hav
20 Feb 2025 5 min read
Cruising, but not as you know it ....
So what is expedition cruising? Well its cruising but with a twist. A chance to really explore a destination and see it for what it really is away from the 5* restaurants and spa pamper packages. Expedition cruising is growing in popularity all of the time. But why? More and more people want to get off the cruise ships and truly experience things rather than just look at them through a window
24 Sept 2019 5 min read
The ultimate Bucket list!!
Turning 50 is a pretty big milestone & many of us need certain things ticked off the bucket list before the impending mid-life crisis! You spent your 20s experimenting & trying new things, sorting out your career, life goals & planning for a future. Now is the time to let loose & make sure you work on the little things that keep yourhappy. Travelling the world is easier now as most of us have enou
11 Jun 2019 5 min read
UK Canal Holidays
Its not all beaches and heat rash! Fancy a break in the UK? Then look no further than a canal boat holiday. We spent three lovely giggle-filled days sailing on the York Canal from Ripon to York. It was a fantastic few days. We stopped each night to eat in a different pub and ate lunch al fresco moored on the canal bank. Proper 'Wind in the Willows'. Going through the locks was a bit daunting, bu
11 Jun 2019 5 min read
Club Med - Palmiye
I have never been one to move outside my comfort zone and when I was given the chance to visit Club Med Palmiye in Turkey I/we don't do all-inclusive especially when they advertise 'With added fun!' How wrong can one person be! From the moment we met the first Club Med GO I was hooked. The resort is stunning and spread over 18 hectares on its own private cove. The resort is split into two, with t
06 Jun 2019 5 min read
Your trusted Travel agent....
I take great pride in what I am booking for my customers. I am not on a salary so all the time I spend on people’s enquiries is my own time. I work on commission from suppliers when customers book, so you are assured that I will want to find you the best holiday to suit your requirements. Chances are I am the same price as most operators and I often package the holiday myself to get the best deal.
05 Jun 2019 5 min read
When you book with me .....
Did you know? When you book your holiday with me, you get the following: - Peace of mind, I always have my customer's back! So important especially these days! It counts for a lot that my customers will always speak to me, I know their booking, so they don't need to explain who they are. - I am available 24/7. Can you call/text/email your travel agent late at night and get a prompt reply? - I p
05 Jun 2019 5 min read
Disney Dining plus more ....
You could be forgiven for thinking of American cuisine as nothing more than burgers and fries; after all it is synonymous with large portions and bottomless soft drinks. However, a recent trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida gave us an opportunity to dispel these myths and to experience some of the unique dining opportunities that Disney has to offer. From quick service options in the parks
05 Jun 2019 5 min read
You need reasons to stop on The Palm, Dubai???
1. “The Palm Islands” are the largest man-made islands in the world and often called the 8th wonder of the world. They take the shape of a date palm and can be seen from space, adding around 180 km of shoreline to Dubai. A six lane sub-sea tunnel has been built to connect the spine to the crescent – it is 1.4 km long, 40m wide and 25m below sea level. It’s also the most beautiful tunnel I have see
03 Jun 2019 5 min read
Caribbean Bucklist
The range of world-class scenic thrills and cultural attractions in the Caribbean is extraordinary! Here's my list of the absolute Top Ten! (not done them all yet!) 1. Climb a volcano! Climbing to over 4,000ft, La Soufriere on the island of St Vincent offers a strenuous but satisfying climb. It's best to go with a guide, meaning your transfers are organised and they provide food and drink as we
03 Jun 2019 5 min read
If you had 30 hours of spare time ....
If somebody came along and gave you 30 hours of spare time, what would you do with it? Spend more time with the kids? Make a dent in that redecorating job you’ve been putting off for weeks? A bit of ‘you’ time in the garden, with a good book and a glass of wine? Some research? Ok, maybe not the last one – but recent findings suggest that the average UK holidaymaker is spending a staggering 30 ho
03 Jun 2019 5 min read
Four health and wellness tips for your next holiday ....
It’s always important to take care of yourself when you are on holiday, whether that’s preparing yourself for a long-haul flight or keeping active throughout your time away. That's why, in time for World Health Day, which this year is on Sunday 7 April, we've pooled together the expertise of our Travel Counsellors to offer a selection of health and wellness tips that you may be able to use on your
04 Apr 2019 5 min read
Travelling with children
You don’t want to stop travelling overseas just because you now have children and what’s more, you still want quality accommodation, great facilities and a little time for yourselves to relax. Great kids’ entertainment and occasional supervision for your children can be important. Plus, top tips on how to avoid the having a stressful journey with the kids. 1. Pace yourself. Go with the flow an
09 Jan 2018 5 min read
Stress free travel ....
Top ten tips for avoiding additional stress at your airport during peak travel 1. Long Haul - get to the airport a minimum of 3.5 hours before 2. Short Haul - get to the airport a minimum of 2.5 hours before 3. Check in online 24 hours prior to departure and print off your boarding passes 4. Set off from home earlier - no one can predict the traffic 5. Arrange parking for the Meet
08 Jan 2018 5 min read
Alnwick, UK - Group Tour
I don't always travel abroad and not always alone. Here at Travel Counsellors, we like to cover all sorts of travel so when the opportunity came up to help organize our rugby groups tour I jumped at the chance. Alnwick District is situated in the heart of Northumberland, with Alnwick Castle taking pride of place in the town. Under the Normans, and for some time after, the town was the administr
08 Jan 2018 5 min read
Vancouver & Vancouver Island
This October I was extremely fortunate to visit Canada with 23 other Travel Counsellors. Canada has always been on my bucket list and this this trip was amazing. Our base for the first four nights was the Rosedale on Robson Suites. Perfectly located in this beautiful city where nothing is too far away. Being October, we had the pleasure of seeing the city as all the colours were changing, but t
08 Jan 2018 5 min read
Dubai & UAE Family Break
Dubai had been off my personal radar as I wasn't sure it was for me as I'm not a huge fan of shopping. However, we needed sun! With the help of the Travel Counsellors 'man on the ground' in the UAE, together we put a trip together for my family that wasn't focussed on shopping! (I did take a sneaky peek at the Dubai Mall though!). We stayed just out of town at the Dubai Creek side, with beau
22 Sept 2017 5 min read
Thailand - Overview
A must see in the heart of the Capital of Thailand, Bangkok is The Grand Palace. The Palace is a complex of buildings and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. If the hectic city of Bangkok doesn’t suit, head South. Krabi is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for a relaxing area in southern Thailand. The province of Krabi is less developed and crowded
04 Sept 2017 5 min read
Cambodia
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta and mountains. Phnom Penh, its capital, is home to the Royal Palace and the National Museum’s historical and archaeological exhibits. including Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum/Prison. Learn about the atrocities that took place here during the reign of the Khmer Rouge, seeing the spots where thousands of innoce
04 Sept 2017 5 min read
Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying the Malay Peninsula that flaunts the capital Kuala Lumpur, a bustling city full of colonial architecture and the Malaysian Borneo (spoken about previously). It’s known for its beaches, rainforests, misty tea plantations and chill out islands with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. In Kuala Lumpur see Petronis Towers. Known as
04 Sept 2017 5 min read
Singapore 'Fling'
Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, it's a global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population. I have always advised passengers new to travel to include Singapore along with Australia, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand as a great introduction and a safe destination. Often viewed as a transit port by many you miss out on what is on offer by not spen
04 Sept 2017 5 min read
Jamaica Sandals Foundation Labour Day Project
After visiting and staying at every wonderful Sandals resort on the island I 'gave back' in a big way. Myself and the other travel agents I travelled with swapped our luxury apartments and in my case my butler to volunteer and support the Sandals Foundation Labour Day Project in Whitehouse, Jamaica. The foundation is making every effort this year to work with Jamaican schools in improving th
16 Apr 2017 5 min read
Skiing in Arinsal, Andorra
Arinsal is a village in Andorra, set at an altitude of between 1550 and 2560 metres, close to the border with Spain at Tor, Pallars. In the summer Arinsal is home to walkers and bikers, as well as those who just want to relax in the mountain scenery. In the winter, it offers skiing and snowboarding for beginners, as well as a good selection of runs for intermediates. We have been several times n
12 Apr 2017 5 min read
Luxury & Golf Combined - Morocco
'A Luxurious Oasis for the Whole Family' was how the Royal Palm was sold and I couldn't believe how they please so many clients with different needs - and all well. Marrakech, that captivating, romantic and enchantingly ancient Moroccan city, is well known for its narrow alleyways, souks and bustling old-world charm. But for travellers seeking a little more space, seclusion and serenity, a shor
05 Apr 2017 5 min read
Beautiful beaches of Essaouira
The journey to Morocco’s Atlantic coast is short enough to make Essaouira and ideal “add-on” destination for visitors to Marrakech, and the drive is a pleasure in itself, with stunning scenery in every direction and surprises around every corner. (Direct flights are available though.) The most memorable of the sights is the bizarre sight of tree-climbing goats, which balance in the branches of
29 Mar 2017 5 min read
L’Amandier - A labour of love in the Atlas Mountains
Fifteen years ago, two English brothers, Anwar and Riaz Harland Khan, travelled out of Marrakech and up into the Atlas Mountains. There, in the scenic Ouirgane Valley, they discovered a land of such staggering beauty that they vowed to bring it to the world. Almost immediately an offer was made, accepted, and the dream of L’Amandier was born. We were some of the first travel professionals t
28 Mar 2017 5 min read
Marrakesh, Medinas and Food
I was lucky enough to have this trip sponsored by the Moroccan Tourist Board. They wanted to show me all that Marrakesh has so that I can pass my knowledge onto you. I have been before and do love the cultural diversity that is only a short flight away. While the ancient medina, with its bustling charm and exotic aromas, is the main draw of any visit to Marrakech, the city offers far more tha
28 Mar 2017 5 min read
Club Med Palmiye, Antalya, Turkey
This trip was all about quality and fun with my friends. As a Club Med Specialist, I was rewarded with a trip out to Turkey along with 2 friends of my choice. And what a choice I made - my best friend and my sister. And we had a blast without the kids! Set against the backdrop of Mount Taurus, right by Antalya, this holiday resort has everything from watersports activities to spa sessions to qu
12 Jan 2017 5 min read
The City of Paris - Romantic birthday break.
Paris had never really been on my radar, just another European city I thought. However it was my husband’s wish that for his 40th birthday we visited the ‘city of romance’. Although I had never been I knew so much about the city and knew it was important to arrange a transfer from the airport as it is a long way out of the city centre. The transfer in gave us a chance to see the city and h
05 Jan 2017 5 min read
Captain Corellis & my Kefalonia
Kefalonia, the hidden gem of the Ionian Islands! This amazing island is definitely unique. Even the locals spell it all different ways trying to keep this gem hidden, Cephalonia, Kefalonia, Kefallinia.. whatever... I found it! I am totally in love with this island – When I first started my job as a holiday rep back in the 1990’s I was given Kefalonia as my first ‘posting’. I wasn’t even su
31 Jul 2008 5 min read
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Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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