Sent by Susan Van Valkenburgh
Cyprus 02/10/2025
Based In Cheshire
Hi, I’m Alex! I’m passionate about all things travel and feel incredibly lucky to have visited some amazing destinations across the world, including New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Colombia, China, Thailand, Spain, and Greece… and the list goes on!
I’m based near Chester and the Wirral, where I live with my partner and our three beautiful girls. While family travel has recently shaped much of my travel itinerary, ensuring the kids are happy and entertained, I never compromise on quality. I love staying in luxury, all-inclusive hotels because, let’s face it, mummy needs a little luxury too! That said, I still find ways to indulge in my own adventures, like a milestone birthday trip to Universal Studios without the kids, and I’m looking forward to a kid-free city break to New York.
One of the things I love most is the research and planning behind every trip. I adore the process of imagining the perfect getaway, exploring destinations, finding the best accommodations, flights, and activities – ensuring that each trip is unforgettable. This passion is what led me to become a Travel Counsellor, where I can use my expertise and enthusiasm to help others plan their dream vacations.
As a Travel Counsellor, my goal is to create personalized travel experiences tailored to what you want. Whether you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive beach resort, a multi-centre holiday, an exciting city break, or even an adventurous day trip, I can’t wait to design the perfect getaway for you.
I would love to help you plan your next holiday and I’m always just a phone call away if you need any advice or have any questions. So, let’s get started – get in touch, and let’s start planning your next amazing adventure!
Cyprus 02/10/2025
Leeds 17/08/2025
London 24/03/2025
Chester 10/02/2025
Oldham 10/02/2025
Oldham 10/02/2025
I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.
16 October 2025
A Family Adventure Guide to New Zealand Safe, welcoming, and full of wonder, New Zealand is one of those rare destinations that delights every generation. It’s a place where children can run wild in open landscapes, meet animals they’ve only ever seen in storybooks, and explore places that feel straight out of a fantasy film. Parents, meanwhile, will fall in love with the easy-going pace, smooth
02 September 2025
There’s something special about travelling in the shoulder season — that golden window between peak season and the off-season. Think shorter queues at must-see attractions, better-value flights and hotels, and a more authentic sense of place. It’s when locals reclaim their cities, landscapes feel calmer, and you get to experience destinations at a slower, more indulgent pace. Here are some of the
13 August 2025
There’s something truly magical about travelling by train. Perhaps it’s the gentle sway of the carriage, the hypnotic click-clack of the wheels, or the way the scenery unfurls like a living painting outside the window. For me, the thought of stepping aboard a gleaming vintage carriage instantly whisks me back to an oldy-worldy era—when travel wasn’t just about reaching a destination, but about sav
14 July 2025
When you think of a classic British beach, you might picture grey skies and pebbly shores — but it’s time to rewrite that story. The UK’s coastline is full of surprises, a hidden treasure trove of golden sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs that can rival beaches anywhere in the world. Whether you crave long blustery walks, heart-pumping water sports, or a quiet moment with just you and th
16 June 2025
For many travellers, airports are little more than a necessary waypoint. But the world’s best airport lounges prove they can be so much more—offering a refined, relaxing experience that elevates the journey itself. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveller, stepping into one of these premium spaces can make your trip feel like a first-class experience from the very start. From lu
21 May 2025
In a world where booking a holiday seems as easy as a few clicks, it’s tempting to go the DIY route when planning your next adventure. But behind the glossy images and “best price guarantees” lies a maze of logistics, fine print, and what-ifs. That’s where a Travel Counsellor comes in — not just as a booking agent, but as your dedicated travel partner. So, what exactly sets me as a Travel Counsel
14 May 2025
Every year, Endangered Species Day reminds us of the urgent need to protect the incredible animals we share our planet with. While the challenges facing many species are immense, responsible travel gives us a unique chance to not only witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitats, but also contribute meaningfully to their survival. By choosing ethical travel operators, supporting com
28 April 2025
My First Cruise Experience: Barcelona to Rome with Royal Caribbean After years of wondering if cruising was for me, I was lucky enough to be invited on the newly amplified Allure of the Seas with Royal Caribbean on a 4-day sailing from Barcelona to Rome. And now? I’m completely hooked. I wanted to share a full rundown of my first impressions, highlights, and honest thoughts — especially if you're
14 April 2025
Long-haul flights don’t have to mean hours of boredom or endless scrolling in the departure lounge. With a little planning, your stopover can become a mini holiday in its own right—giving you the chance to discover a new city, try local delicacies, and tick a few extra sights off your travel bucket list. Many airlines now offer stopover programs, making it easier (and often cheaper) to explore a
07 April 2025
Life moves fast. Between busy schedules, growing to-do lists, and constant notifications, carving out time to truly connect with your loved ones can feel like a luxury in itself. That’s why villa holidays are becoming such a treasured way to travel—because they offer more than just a place to stay. They offer the space, comfort, and freedom to slow down, reconnect, and create lasting memories toge
05 March 2025
Travelling with Children: Tips, Tricks, and What to Avoid Last summer was the first time I travelled with three kids—one of whom was under one. Before that, I had only ever travelled with one child, so this was a big jump! As much as I love travelling and taking the kids to new places, sometimes the journey (and planning the journey) can be so stressful that you start to wonder why you bother. To
17 February 2025
It's no secret that a big attraction for Japan is the cherry blossom season during spring, but other opportunities include vibrant foliage in the autumn and incredible skiing in the winter. Not forgetting the abundance of festivals and celebrations in the summer. Choosing the best time to travel to Japan can be difficult, as the country has so much to offer. When planning any trip to Japan, it is
Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you: