06 June 2019

Are you thinking about taking your family to Orlando in 2020, to experience the timeless magic of Walt Disney World? You could be making incredible savings on a breath-taking holiday by taking advantage of this amazing free Disney Dining offer – which could save you £1000s for stays at selected Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. Don’t miss out on Disney’s four amazing theme parks and two splash-tastic water parks, with all those once-in-a-lifetime Disney character experiences. Along with the world-famous firework extravaganzas and grand parades, this free Disney Dining deal gives you even more cause for celebration! All you need to know... Why choose Disney Dining? Disney Dining Plans certainly hit the spot when it comes to feeding hungry families. You’ll have up to 100 different dining venues to choose from, serving everything from family favourites, to character experiences and signature dining. The options are endless. The best thing is, you’re not restricted to your Disney Resort Hotel — you can dine in other Resort Hotels, all six Parks, Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk, too. Free Breakfast: Value Resorts Get a FREE Breakfast when you stay at a selected Disney Value Resort Quick Service Dining Plan: Moderate Resorts Two self-service meals One soft drink or one alcoholic beverage per meal Two selected snacks One refillable resort mug per stay Disney Dining Plan: Deluxe Resorts One self-service meal One waiter service meal One soft drink or one alcoholic beverage per meal Two selected snacks One refillable resort mug per stay Booking dates 25th April 2019 - 5th November 2019 Valid arrival dates 1st January 2020 – 29th March 2020 & 19th April 2020 - 3rd October 2020 And there’s even more reason to book your Disney Resort Hotel for 2020 with Travel Counsellors. Together with free Disney Dining, you can enjoy a 14 day Disney Park ticket for the price of 7, up to $200 Disney spending money, complimentary airport services, extended theme park hours, MagicBands, Memory Maker photo package and free Wi-Fi – adding unrivalled extra value to your Disney experience! There are a host of dining plans covered by this amazing deal. Just ask, and I’ll help you find the right one for you and your family. Find out more about Walt Disney World – or Disney’s wide range of Dining Plans – by getting in touch with me today. Hope to speak to you soon! Rachel Gulliford *Terms and conditions apply.

01 April 2014

On arrival in Bermuda I had no idea what to expect. I went with the assumption that it was very quiet being only 22 square miles, primarily for business travellers, with lovely beaches of pink sand. The only thing I was right about was that the sand is in fact pink in places! This island, from the moment I arrived, enchanted me. From the drivers we met on our flight to the hotel we were fortunate enough to stay in (Rosewood Tucker’s Point), the helpfulness of those around you and the general happiness in the air was evident at all times. Possibly the biggest surprise of all to me about this breath-taking place, was how much there is in fact to do there. Sealife Centre, bowling, horse riding, golf, tennis, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, cave tours, Segway tours, cinema, nightlife – the list really is endless. We got to do most of it and I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity (even if at one point I was in fear of my life zooming down through the naval dockyard pier on my Segway!) Rosewood Tucker’s Point is described as being one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, and it certainly lived up to its reputation! Every part of it was immaculately kept throughout, and the staff extremely courteous and professional at all times. The outlook from here out to the ocean over the beautiful swimming pool is a sight to behold, you almost feel like you are looking at a picture rather than at a real view. The different hotel choices as well as restaurants do cater to every different type of clientele. The ‘home from home’ cottages at Cambridge Beaches, to the ultimate luxury of Rosewood Tucker’s point, then to the Newstead Belmont Hill’s for those who prefer to be self-sufficient, to name just a few. There really is a property to suit everyone. Most of the restaurants (we ate at a lot!) are higher in cost than the average eatery in the UK. This is due to most products being imported from the US, but we did eat in reasonable restaurants too so it is possible to budget whilst here. I would say though that you definitely get what you pay for as every meal we ate was delicious and plentiful, many offering their speciality of lobster/fish chowder/scallops which was bigger than I have ever seen and much more. I cannot forget to mention at this point that you must try a ‘rum swizzle’ or the ‘dark and stormy’; the local cocktails, both of which were delicious! There is only one hotel on the island offering all inclusive, named Grotto Bay which is ideal for families. They even have an indoor swimming pool within a cave! It is a very personable hotel with wonderful friendly staff who greeted us warmly on arrival. The outlook again as everywhere seems to be, is just beautiful but it is still close to everything. I finally realise what the true meaning ‘takes your breath away’ means, as at every twist and turn on exploring this stunning island you soak in the most wonderful views I have ever seen and I have visited many places. I have never been anywhere so truly beautiful, safe and friendly with so much to offer and I personally cannot wait to return and promote in future.

21 January 2009

I went to Majorca last August and stayed 7 nights in a private villa called Villa Esperanca just outside of Puerto Pollensa and then booked in to the C'an Botana Villas in the resort of Cala S'an Vicente for 3 nights as we only wanted a 10 night stay. I have been to both of these resorts before years ago and fell in love with them then! Puerto Pollensa is an excellent all-round resort with over a mile of amazing sandy beach, with lots of restaurants and shops, etc... although it still remains very upmarket. The north of Majorca in general is very scenic which is why I will continue to return. Cala S'an Vicente is a whole different story as it is much quieter but you just fall in love with the place as soon as you arrive. I have been to many many places far and wide but the scenery here is some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. There are still restaurants here of course from your cheap standard all day eatery to an upmarket pizzeria. It is perfect for a weeks' total relaxation break. I have never known anyone who has been to either of these two places to be disappointed! If you should need any further information please don't hesitate to contact me.

21 January 2009

I went to Mauritius in 2006 for my honeymoon and stayed at the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort. The hotel was outstanding in every way, from the rooms which had a different scent every day to the beach which was glorious white sand and crystal clear waters. It was very well laid out so even when busy, it didn't ever seem it. The spa package again was amazing - they sit down with you the day after arrival and plan what you will have, then create a timetable. All of the staff here were more than helpful. Our room was stunning, much nicer even I think than the picture portrays. There was a turndown service every night, even the bed on the balcony had full inflatable pillows on it! Again the food was excellent with a great choice - at the beach restaurant they would even make food for you on request. Overall I could not fault this hotel or Mauritius in any way.

18 February 2009

I was lucky enough to travel to Dubai on an educational visit for 3 nights. Whilst there I experienced some of the most enchanting and bizarre times I think I’ll ever have. On arriving at your hotel, you kind of wonder where everything is, as if staying on Jumeirah Beach you are presented with amazing hotels on a huge coastline and stunning views out to sea with soft white sand. Dubai, however, as many people now know, holds so much more. It is very important whilst here to take full advantage of your tour rep or speak to your hotel about booking your excursions to get the most out of your holiday. There are shopping tours, where you go to the most popular parts of the city for handbags, rings, electricals, jewellery/watches. Then you have the shopping malls also if you so wish! We went on a Jeep Desert Safari which ended with watching the sun set whilst sipping champagne...... truly amazing. There really is a vast array of things to do whilst there, and I would highly recommend a visit as it is totally different from anywhere else you will go!

01 February 2009

Well what can I say...... Canada definitely is one of those destinations you just have to keep returning to in order to see everything! We were lucky enough to go here, as it was my cousin's wedding, he lives in Banff and owns Banff Tours which was very handy indeed and meant we got to see a lot more than we would have going on our own. We were there for 10 nights, and did everything from cable cars up mountainsides, to a Glacier Walk at Scechazuan River. The wedding was in Kicking Horse resort, an up and coming ski destination, and took place at the top of a mountain with the bride arriving by helicopter!!! It doesn't get much better and was utterly magical. The scenery you see whilst here is actually quite hard to take in, it is so breathtaking. The lakes are just so clear and beautiful, the roads are just so quiet and a pleasure to drive along whilst taking in all the scenery surrounding them. Banff is just perfect, as although it's a popular destination, it hasn't lost any of it's charm and is still very 'olde worlde' in many ways. there are lovely walks long the river and lots of wildlife spotting at every turn. Be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be in this destination but make it a must to go!!

10 January 2009

Well.... what can I say about New York?! Basically if I won the lottery the first place I would buy somewhere to live would be here! I absolutely loved the whole experience from the moment I set foot off the plane. It is really easy to get in to the centre of New York from either airport via shuttle or taxi. I stayed at the Jumeirah Essex House which overlooks Central Park. Absolutely excellent location. We did walk almost everywhere as it's the best way to experience New York. It feels like you are literally walking around on a film set, I felt, as the avenues are so amazing. the shopping obviously is outstanding also and actually the most memorable part of the trip was visiting Ellis Island which was so interesting we could have stayed all day. I have booked New York many times for clients and know all the best mid-range hotels to stay at, along with restaurant recommendations which I always advise to prebook ( I actually tend to do this for my customers as part of the service!). I can also sort out theatre shows, etc.. so basically everything you could possibly need for the perfect trip!

01 February 2009

I was lucky enough to visit Malaysia on a work educational, as I honestly can say, I'm not sure I would have picked it as a holiday destination myself. I am very scared of insects, spiders in particular so wasn't sure at all prior to going!! I can honestly say it was a real eye opener and I would not hesitate to return again. I began my trip in Kuala Lumpur where we spent 2 nights, I stayed in the Mandarin Oriental, which is a stunning hotel. We visited the markets and many of the hotels all of which are of a very good standard. I then went on to Borneo which I absolutely loved, we stayed in the Nexus Resort here but visited both Shangri La's here also. We visited the Orang-Utan Sanctuary which was amazing. We then went on to Penang, which in contrast to Borneo is much more commercialised as a place, with lots of monkeys in the trees, and road stops for drinks etc.. by the side of the road. It again was beautiful as a destination though, they were just very very different. The flights although long were excellent flying with Malaysian Airlines, and the staff are very attentive on board. All in all it was an excellent trip and I would definitely rate it highly if wanting to do something different to the norm.

01 February 2009

As a cheap destination, this place is absolutely fantastic. I would say it is very important to get your hotel right on this island, as in some areas the sea is just too rough to swim, or the sand is very deeply shelving so not good for the little ones. I stayed at the Sol De Plata Hotel in Sosua and although the hotel was excellent in every way, the beach left a lot to be desired. I don't generally venture in to the sea though so this didn't really bother me. The people here are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. I went quad biking and horse riding whilst in the Dominican both of which were fantastic. The quad biking was an eye opener as you get to see how the locals live and go past the school etc... which was lovely but also very sad to see how poor they are, but they still all walk around with a huge smile on their faces!! I wouldn't hesitate to return to the Dominican for a break, although would probably from recommendation stay at the Iberostar Costa Dorada as it has fantastic reviews.

23 February 2009

I have some of the fondest memories of St Lucia over any other destination I have visited. I find it so magical and very different to other Caribbean Islands. I stayed at the Rex Papillon on All Inclusive and it was just amazing. Everything you could want is at the property but the choice of excursions you have on this island are brilliant. I went on a catamaran cruise one day and saw dolphins swimming up beside the boat. Another day I went to Castries when the market was on, very interesting! I then went to the Sulphur springs and the botanical gardens which were just breathtaking. The Island itself is so lush with vegetation and so mountainous that it just has the most amazing feel about it. On top of what I mentioned above you can also do rainforest walks which I have heard are excellent. The choice of accommodation here is one of the best as well, there is so much choice and each resort is in its own area making each special in their own way. I will definitely be returning here one day for another truly amazing holiday. (An excellent honeymoon destination and can tie it in with New York!)