Based in Wilmslow

Alison Hodkinson

Available for new enquiries

It's Nice To Meet You

It’s lovely to meet you.

I’m Alison and I am a Travel Counsellor based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. I have lived in Wilmslow for 29 years and have raised my son and daughter here.

I have spent 30 years working in media and wishing I was working in travel. Whether it be adventure, exploration or purely relaxation travel should be a joy and I want to help customers find that joy.

Having travelled extensively within Asia and Europe I know what makes a great travel experience and would love to share my knowledge to help build bespoke trips which will turn a travel dream into a reality.
Top of my to-do list is to visit the tiger reserves of India in the hope of seeing a tiger in its natural habitat – the wild!

With lots of options for flights, accommodation and added extras I can help you tailor build your ideal travel experience.

I’m hoping my passion for travel will shine through and you’ll receive the customer service and support you’ve always longed for.

I will listen to your brief and I want you to be confident that I will plan your experience as if it were my own – place your trust in me and let’s see where we travel to.

If you are interested in getting some expert advice or would like to talk about any future travel plans you may have, please do get in touch with me, you can call or email me anytime and I look forward to hearing from you.

Something to think about…
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain

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My Blog

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.

Embrace the Magic: Christmas Markets in Europe

25 October 2023

As winter's chill settles in and the days grow shorter, Europe transforms into a wonderland of festive lights, enchanting scents, and heart-warming traditions. Christmas markets, or "Weihnachtsmärkte" in German, are a cherished tradition that brings communities together and warms the hearts of all who visit. If you're looking for an unforgettable holiday experience, Europe's Christmas markets should be at the top of your list. 1. The Festive Spirit Europe's Christmas markets are a testament to the holiday spirit. Whether you find yourself strolling through the cobbled streets of Prague, exploring Vienna's magnificent squares, or savouring the romance of Strasbourg, these markets will immerse you in the enchanting world of Christmas. The aroma of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies will tickle your senses, instantly lifting your spirits. 2. Unique Handcrafted Treasures The markets offer a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts and unique holiday decorations. Artisans and craftsmen from across the continent showcase their talents, allowing you to discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs and presents for your loved ones. From delicate ornaments to intricately designed wooden toys, you'll find an array of beautifully made items. 3. Culinary Delights Food plays a central role in the Christmas market experience. Traditional delicacies like sausages, schnitzels, and fondue are served alongside seasonal treats like marzipan, strudel, and candied almonds. And let's not forget the heart-warming mulled wine, known as "Glühwein" in German, or the rich hot chocolate to keep you warm as you explore the market. 4. Glittering Lights and Decorations The markets come alive with an explosion of lights and decorations. Each market boasts its own unique charm, from the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées in Paris to the historic charm of Edinburgh. No matter where you go, you'll be immersed in a world of twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and stunning decorations that transport you to a winter wonderland. 5. Time-Honoured Traditions Christmas markets are an embodiment of cherished traditions, many of which date back centuries. From carol singers in London's Hyde Park to the lighting of the first Advent candle in Vienna, you'll experience the rich heritage of European Christmas celebrations. Participate in the customs and rituals, and you'll feel like a part of the local community. 6. The Perfect Getaway Visiting Christmas markets is not just about shopping and indulging in festive treats; it's also an opportunity to explore charming European cities. Wander through historic streets, visit iconic landmarks, and revel in the warmth and hospitality of the locals. 7. Family-Friendly Fun Christmas markets are ideal for families. Children will be enchanted by the cheerful atmosphere, festive entertainment, and, of course, the promise of meeting Santa Claus. Many markets feature ice skating rinks, carousels, and other activities that make them perfect for a family outing. In conclusion, Europe's Christmas markets are a heart-warming and unforgettable experience, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the true spirit of the season. Whether you're shopping for gifts, savouring delicious seasonal foods, or simply strolling through a winter wonderland, these markets provide an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones. Embrace the magic of Europe's Christmas markets and make this holiday season truly special.

Staycation in the Cotswolds

03 August 2020

After what seemed like forever in lockdown, I was keenly looking forward to a change of scenery. We decided on a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel in Cirencester. Right here in the UK & further afield, Mr & Mrs Smith offer indulgent travel experiences at boutique and retreat style properties. The Guest Relations staff were amazing prior to our visit sending me a list of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and the Covid measures in place and also a list of places nearby to visit, again with details of whether we needed to pre-book because of Covid. The night before our visit we received a call to ensure we were well and knew what to expect when we arrived. On arrival we were met by a very efficient checking in system. Before being shown to our room, which had some lovely special touches that Mr & Mrs Smith are famous for, some artisan chocolates & a perfect little dog cushion with a bowl & some sealed doggy popcorn for my pooch Milo – the hotel is extremely doggy friendly. In-fact the whole of Cirencester is. We were given information for a familiarisation walk around Cirencester by guest relations which was a perfect introduction to the town. Cirencester was very well set up for a relaxing break, with social distancing and Covid measures in place in all the bars and restaurants. Highly recommend dinner at the Thai Emerald and also MBB Brasserie which is part of the hotel (excellent mussels and venison chilli!) The next day after an impressive full Cotswolds breakfast we headed off to Painswick to visit the Rococo Garden. Rococo was a style of art, architecture & the decorative arts originating in France. The term came to be used for a period of English Garden design from 1740-1770, which applied the ornamental and flamboyant spirit of the Rococo to the design and layout of paths and flower beds as well as other garden structures. The weather was glorious and there are unexpected little features around every corner as well as an amazing array of beautiful plants. You need around 2 hours to do the garden’s justice, the only slight disappointment was that the maze was closed due to Covid. A 30-minute drive back to Cirencester, then a walk around the outdoor market set up outside the Church of St John the Baptist – if you are there on a Friday look out for the Festival Trade stall – he sells Vinyl records and CDs and some interesting original art handmade out of old vinyl records. A few well-placed pub gardens and then back to the Kings Head for dinner in the Brasserie followed by drinks in the bar. After another glorious breakfast at the hotel we left for what we hoped to be a leisurely drive home. We headed for a firm favourite, Bourton on the Water, but it was crazy busy with no apparent social distancing and swarms of people. We decided to try our luck with The Slaughters but the traffic was horrendous and there was no parking to be had. We did find a lovely little pub in Lower Swell with social distancing and lovely people. So, my advice would be don’t do the expected – try something new somewhere new. I highly recommend Cirencester for a staycation – The Capital of the Cotswolds and a stay at The King’s Head.

Ethical Elephants

13 December 2019

#EthicalTourism at its absolute best! #PhuketElephantSanctuary While on holiday in Thailand I had the privilege of visiting a truly wonderful place - an elephant retirement home that pioneers ethical elephant tourism and rescues sick, injured and old elephants who have spent their entire lives working in the logging and unethical tourism industries. PES offers a unique experience observing elephants rehabilitate into forest life and live naturally . The latest elephant to be rescued is Fah Mui, rescued 4th April 2019. Fah Mui is 39 years old and was working in one of Pattaya’s largest riding camps prior to her rescue. Many of Pattaya’s elephants are currently being moved to Phuket to ride and bathe with visiting tourists. Fah Mui was born in the Surin Province in Eastern Thailand. From a young age, Fah Mui was rented out and frequently transported between Hua Hin and Pattaya to work in the tourism industry. She was bought by the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and now lives in peace at her final home. When she arrived at the sanctuary she settled in very quickly. Within days she was enjoying her newfound freedom, scratching her body against trees and covering herself in thick mud. She also started socialising with Gaew Ta, a lovely blind elephant, and the staff at the sanctuary are hoping that a long-lasting friendship between these two gentle giants will blossom. By visiting you are supporting a sustainable, ethical and compassionate approach to elephant tourism, and will help the sanctuary rescue more of these beautiful, majestic animals.

Palma - not a one-time destination

19 August 2019

I'm just back from a 4 night stay in Palma. I highly recommend the Melia Palma Bay hotel. The location is fantastic if you want to be near everything but not in the city itself. It’s clean if a little functional, but has amazingly comfortable beds and a varied, good quality buffet breakfast. The roof top terrace with a pool and bar is a welcome oasis of calm away from the crowds and the heat. They could do with a few more sun beds but that’s about the only criticism. A 20 minute walk or 5 minutes taxi ride into Palma Old Town, the location is right by the pretty harbour of Portitxol. Along the promenade there are a range of contemporary bars and restaurants, but as they are not in the centre the prices are much more realistic than in the Old Town We ate in a number of the restaurants, but my favourite was Club Nautic in the harbour at Portitxol. It has friendly staff and a lovely outside eating area, but the best bit was the mixed seafood paella which was delicious. Also worthy of note for a great tapas selection is Alma restaurant on the main promenade. Owned by two Swiss men Alexander and Marcos the atmosphere was lively and the food excellent. The Playa de can Pere Antoni has several private sunbed options if lying on the sand isn’t for you and at 8 euros a bed for the day are worth investing in if you plan to be on the beach all day. Please don’t miss out on a very chilled experience at Anima Beach Club. Located right in between Portitxol and Palma on the beach it offers a massive cocktail and wine list and effortless sophistication. People watching is the name of the game here, unless you are the one being watched!! Perfect for a late lunch or a cocktail as the sun sets. We did venture into the Old Town and did some sightseeing at the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly referred to as La Seu, which is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral which dominates the whole of the centre of Palma. We also took a horse drawn carriage tour around the Old Town, but be sure to haggle with the drivers, ours started at 90 euros and we ended up paying 60 euros, which is much better as the tour only lasts for about 20 minutes. It was 32 degrees while we were there so a bit hot for too much site seeing, but that leaves lots of sites to see on the next visit. Palma is definitely not a one-time destination, so do what feels right and plan to visit again and again.

Breathtaking Barcelona

07 August 2019

Barcelona is the capital and largest city in Catalonia and is beautiful any time of year but visiting in August for 3 nights is just perfect. We stayed in the H10 Casanova located in the centre of Barcelona. The hotel is a perfectly restored 18th century building with elegant, simple rooms, the Despacio Spa Centre if you have time (which I didn’t) and the Sky Bar terrace with plunge pool, cocktail bar and enviable views of the city. As we arrived mid-afternoon and as it was 30 degrees, we decided to spend the first afternoon wondering around Las Ramblas, which was a short 10-minute walk from the hotel. We had a refreshing Sangria de Cava or two at Café de L’Opera and just relaxed into the city’s atmosphere. No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a paella so that was next on the list at AmbosMundos in Plaza Real. Considering the fabulous location with a lovely outdoor eating area, the food and drink was not expensive, we paid about 18 euros for a seafood and chicken paella to share. A few drinks at Sky Bar at our hotel was the perfect way to end the first day. The next morning started with a stroll past Casa Batllo which is the most dreamlike house designed by Antoni Gaudi. Decorated with ceramic and glass, with an undulating roof it is an UNESCO World Heritage site. The queue stretched right around the corner into the next street, so we decided to walk on to La Pedrera – known as the building that embodies nature, which is just a couple of blocks away. Another UNESCO World Heritage site La Pedrera is also the only Gaudi interpretation centre in Barcelona and is an essential place to visit in order to learn about the architect’s entire body of work and his inspiration. It is hard to describe the iconic Warrior Rooftop with its spectacular stairwell covers and chimneys, the Whale Attic with the whole Gaudí exhibition; the Flower Courtyard and the Butterfly Courtyard. It truly needs to be seen to be believed. After an experience like this how wonderful that you can head off to a beach so that’s what we did. We were heading for Ice Bar but didn’t realise it was 17.50 euros each to go in, so instead we watched the sunset at next door Pacha. Ready for a bite to eat we walked down the beach about 50 yards to Agua seafood restaurant. The seafood did look amazing, but we opted for the tapas menu. Relaxed and warm environment perfect for dinner and a few drinks at the end of a busy day. Park Guell was planned for the following morning – note to self and everyone else, get the skip the queue tickets in advance. They only sell a certain number each day on the gate and they are sold well before 9am. So, as no entry was allowed, we headed off to the Port Vell for a few more Sangrias. Later we had pre-booked tickets for the Tableo Flamenco Cordobes. The tickets included dinner which was a buffet consisting of a strange assortment of foods, but the wine and beer included before the show was cold and lovely. The Flamenco experience was full of passion and emotion and sitting in the front row was fun if a bit sweaty. After breakfast the next day we decided to take advantage of the roof top pool area and relax, in fact it was so relaxing we ended up staying there all day. I’d recommend booking a hotel with an outside or roof top pool if possible, as a great way to escape the heat and the crowds for a few hours. There are many famous sites that we didn’t visit this time, but that leaves plenty to do on the next visit – which we will hopefully plan very soon.

I am not a number......

17 July 2019

What a perfect couple of days in Snowdonia in mid-July! Created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion was built to show how a beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it and is now one of Wales’ most popular tourist destinations. Situated on a private peninsula overlooking stunning coastal scenery, the Italian Riviera meets rural Wales with a riot of colour and architectural styles at Portmeirion Village. Perhaps best known for as the location for the 1960s cult TV series The Prisoner ("I am not a number, I am a free man!"), there is much more to this beautiful village than a TV location. There is as you would expect a Prisoner tour each day at 2.30 but we missed this due to our leisurely lunch. It comprises a cluster of colour-washed buildings around a central piazza, scenic surroundings and extensive woodlands, two hotels, historic cottages, gift shops, spa & award-winning restaurants. Using an eco-friendly approach, he designed his architectural vision around a Mediterranean piazza. Endangered buildings and unwanted artefacts from all over the globe were transported and rebuilt to create a nest of loggias, grand porticoes and tiny terracotta-roofed houses, painted in bright colours. You can learn more about Williams-Ellis’s vision at the self-narrated, not to be missed audio visual show, which is held in a tiny room that seats about 20 people. A complimentary train ride through the Gywllt or woodland offers up unusual pagodas and eye-watering views. We were advised if you pay in advance for lunch at the Castell Deudraeth entrance to the village was free – so as the brasserie looked extremely inviting, we decided to do this. After a morning exploring it offered a lovely change of scenery and was much quieter than in the village. This saves £12 per adult entrance fee and then you just pay for lunch. We ate in the brasserie overlooking the garden, I had the Mussels while my friend had the tradition fish and chips – both were excellent and not too expensive (£15 per main). An expansive wine list also helped to while away a couple of hours. Back to the village down a shaded trail which takes about 5 minutes, then a stroll along the coastal path which is a private path which is about 4 miles long – didn’t do the full length as a drink at the quayside at Hotel Portmeirion was calling. A beautiful place to watch the tides in the estuary while enjoying the sunshine. The village closes at 5.30pm unless you are resident in the hotels or cottages, which is a shame as it would have been lovely to stay to watch the sunset. We didn’t stay in the village but in a lovely manor house in the grounds of an upmarket holiday home park about 6 miles away. The Aberdunant Hall Country Hotel is highly recommended as a haven of peace in a beautiful setting in Snowdonia National Park. Excellent food and accommodation with exceptional views. After a good night’s rest we headed off to the village of Beddgelert which is a 3 mile drive away from the hotel. Famous for the story of Prince Llewelyn who went on a hunting trip and left his infant son in the charge of his faithful dog Gelert. On his return, the Prince was greeted by Gelert, who noticed the dog's muzzle was soaked in blood, and his son was nowhere to be seen. Llewelyn attacked the dog and killed him. However, within minutes he heard a cry and stumbled through nearby bushes to find his son, safe in his cradle. Beside the cradle lay the body of a giant wolf covered with wounds, the result of a fight to the death with his faithful dog Gelert. Made up or true it doesn’t really matter as there are some beautiful walks in the meadows by the side of the River Glaslyn, including a special spot for Gelert's Grave. Cafes and pubs in the tiny village offer home cooked food. This area of outstanding natural beauty should definitely be on your bucket list of places to visit – sometimes you feel as if you could be anywhere in the world, with the lush vegetation and jaw-dropping mountain views but everywhere we went we received a very warm Welsh welcome.

Real Gem in St Paul's Bay

26 June 2019

Just back from a 4 nights girls trip to Malta :) We stayed at the db San Antonio Hotel and Spa in St Paul's Bay. The area is a bit of a building site due to current redevelopment but the hotel itself is perfect for a short sun break. The food in this hotel is amazing especially at Tagine the all-inclusive Indian and Moroccan buffet. The Taza Rooftop Bar has a great atmosphere and during the high season they have a white dress code flying buffet and BBQ every Wednesday with canapes and cocktails. It's 16 plus so feels sophisticated and has a DJ booth. The next door infinity rooftop pool is also 16 plus with lots of comfy sunbeds and shade for those who want it. There's plenty for families at the ground level pool and bar, including fitness classes and activities for children including a pirate ship themed area. I highly recommend a visit to the Pearl Spa for a massage or facial - different offers run each day. I had never experienced a facial from a male before but both this and the massage were very relaxing. Marco was great but if you prefer a female just ask and its no problem. Lovely hotel with friendly staff. Only down side is the Gueliz main buffet restaurant - food is fab but atmosphere feels a bit sad and no outdoor seating which is why the hotel only gets a 9 instead of a 10. Worth mentioning is a great beach bar and restaurant called Nine Lives on the small shingle beach at the front of the hotel. Extensive cocktail menu but a lovely surprise in the restaurant is the sushi platters - absolutely delicious and great value. Pair with a chilled bottle of local Maltese white wine and you are set for the afternoon. Ideal hotel for a sunshine break with the gang!

Porto - City of Diversity

05 June 2019

I was lucky to travel to Porto in February this year. Portugal’s second city and the Capital of the North is fast becoming a weekend break favourite and deservedly so. We stayed close to the colourful UNESCO World Heritage site of Ribeira. Eurostars Porto Douro Hotel is in an unbeatable location on the banks of the Douro River and just 290 metres from Dom Luís I Bridge, which makes it a great base for exploring the city. Arriving mid-morning we headed off to the Majestic Café for brunch. Located on Santa Catarina Street, it’s on the Top 10 of the most beautiful cafes in the world. The façade is gorgeous but as you go inside you are transported back to the glamour of the 1920s. Expect to pay slightly more in here, but for the atmosphere it is worth it. From here we headed for the Baixa district which contains many of the city’s iconic tourist attractions. The district includes the magnificent Praça da Liberdade, the traditional market of Mercado do Bolhão and the Livraria Lello bookshop, an inspiration for the Harry Potter books. The market is crammed with locals selling fresh produce from fish and meat to a colourful array of fresh fruit and vegetables. There was a queue outside Livraria Lello stretching right round the corner so we just admired from the outside. After a further wonder around the sites including the Torre dos Clérigos with its panoramic view from the top (240 steep steps to the top for not for the fainthearted) and the neo-gothic architecture of the Câmara Municipal do Porto, we stumbled across Bar Baixa. The decoration is very Parisian, warm pink walls, golden plaster frames, mirrors and rosettes on the ceiling with a huge selection of local wines and international beers. There is even a “Disco” with a mirror ball hanging from the mirrored ceiling! Day 2 breakfast was at a cute little café in Ribeira followed by the 6 Bridges Cruise. It is a 50min boat trip, starting at Ribeira’s quay which provides a riverside view of the city by passing beneath the six bridge of Porto - Freixo, São João, Maria Pia, Infante D. Henrique, Luís I and Arrábida - short and sweet! A visit to Porto must include a tour of one of the Port producers (Graham's, Sandeman, Taylor, Warre and Ferreira) are within walking distance of each other, and their lodges are open for tours and port tasting. These are surprisingly inexpensive and are conducted in multiple languages throughout the day (popular tours should be booked in advance). As my maiden name is Croft we chose this lodge for our tour The "Croft experience” includes a visit to the cellars and a tasting of three special Port wines: Croft Pink, Ruby Reserve and a Ten Year Old Tawny. The price per person is around €14. It was a cold but sunny day so our experience ended with a Pink Port on the terrace – the first rosé Port wine in the world, created by Croft in 2008. Watch out for the urban art rabbit (called the Half-Rabbit, and on the side of building close to the Igreja de Santa Marinha). Back on the Ribeira side of the Douro for dinner at Rib. Recommended by itself as the hottest, coolest, hippest food, drink and wine social hub in Porto – it does live up to its reputation. A true Beef Restaurant specializing in marbled beef cuts, led by one of Portugal’s leading chefs, Rui Martins. An amazing choice of cocktails are served at the Mixology Bar and the over-100 references wine cellar offers a carefully selected portfolio of wines – what’s there not to love! In total contrast Day 3 was spent in the Foz district at the beach. The Foz district can be reached by catching the number 1 tram, which departs from the Igreja de São Francisco which is a lot of fun and highly recommended. The Linha 1 tram rattles along the northern banks of the Douro River from the Ribeira to Foz. The delightful tram route trundles through traditional sections of the city, passes beneath the modern Ponte da Arrábida bridge and remains in constant sight of the river. The trams are quaint and characterful, originally dating from the 1930s. The antique trams retain many of their original features, from the polished wooden interiors, brass controls and even the clanging bell to stop the tram. After a day partaking of Portuguese wine at Praia de Luz restaurant at the beach, we watched the beautiful sunset and then had a return tram trip. It was off to Chez Lapin for dinner. Chez Lapin is set in a converted stable block and the traditional yet quirky setting is matched by the traditional dishes on offer.Favourites include bacalhau a lagareiro (salt cod with potatoes), sardines with rice and beans, and beef medallions with port wine. Expect to spend between 15 and 20 euros per head which considering the location on the Cais da Ribeira makes it well worth a visit. Wherever you are in Porto on the beach, by the river or right in the heart of the old town you have too experience it first hand to fully appreciate its diversity. “Não deixes para amanhã o que podes fazer hoje” “Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today.”

Ocho Rios - More than a Cruise Port

10 April 2019

After holidaying twice in Negril we decided to give Ocho Rios in Jamaica a twirl. We went in February half term for 1 week, my 20 year old son, 17 year old daughter and me! We stayed at Riu Ocho Rios, which is situated in Mammee Bay, St Ann Parish. Usually, on an all-inclusive holiday you will find me on a sun lounger on the beach with a rum cocktail in my hand, but there is so much natural beauty in the Ocho Rios area than even I was tempted off the beach. We took a catamaran trip to Dunn’s River Falls which is not for the faint-hearted. After a snorkelling stop around the corals, we arrived at a bay which looked rather unimposing – how wrong that first impression was. We all put on our water shoes and were all instructed to hold hands in a train. We then started the climb up the most picture-perfect waterfalls I have ever had the pleasure to see. The tour guides are extremely friendly and charming and make what could be quite a daunting experience a lot of fun by joking everyone along the slippery rocks. Some parts of the falls are steeper than others but there are plenty of stops to admire the lush surroundings. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the top but it’s truly worth the effort! If you make it to the top get a picture of the “Congratulations” sign – you will have earned it and the cold Red Stripe beer you should reward yourself with. Then back onto the catamaran for a rum punch and reggae cruise back to the hotel. There is a fabulous Jerk Chicken shack on the beach serving two Jerk sauces one furiously hot, the other sticky and sweet – both served with an extra wide smile for the “Jerk Man”. After a few more days chilling we decided to visit the Blue Hole which is a hidden gem that not everyone will have heard of. It’s a tropical paradise surrounded by exotic flowers, but it’s the colour of the water that will completely mesmerise you. Totally inviting you can dive in, jump from a monkey swing or if like me aren’t so confident just wade down the small rocky sides. It's heaven. Unlike Dunn’s River, there is no tour guided trips so get your local taxi driver to take you, you'll be glad you did. Ocho Rios offers the best of everything from gorgeous white sandy beaches to the natural beauty that can be both exhilarating and tranquil – don’t believe it's just a port for cruise ships there is so much more to it than that – take my word for it! Wah Gwaan?

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Alison is always so helpful & nothing is too much trouble. She was also very patient & helped us to tailor the holiday to our exact needs.

Sent by Anna-Marie Clack

Alison listened to our requirements and was very patient whilst we found the right holiday for our group. I would defiantly recommend using Alison to book your holiday.

Sent by Juliet Wright

Alison worked tirelessly to sort out my complicated holiday requirements and to cope with the variations that I kept making. She was cheerful and helpful at all times and I genuinely felt that she was devoted to giving me exactly what I wanted. And this is what she succeeded in doing. I would encourage Alison occasionally to challenge some of her customers' choices and to propose alternatives. It took a few attempts to devise a less than exorbitant car hire package for example.

Sent by Lisa Wilson

Thank you so much for all your help and patience with us. You’ve made the important decision of where we should visit for our honeymoon a breeze! From recommendations on best time of year to go, to finding the perfect package for our budget. We really appreciate everything you’ve done for us and can’t recommend you enough! Thank you!

Sent by Danielle Major

Firstly, Alison provided a super-fast response to the initial enquiry then equally fast responses to questions I had. She was friendly and extremely helpful; nothing was too much trouble. After a few tweaks my holiday has been booked and I couldn’t be happier. I appreciate everything that Alison has done, and I will definitely be using her services again - thank you xx

Sent by Chris Lamb

I can only say a huge thank you to Alison for her guidance and patience in sorting flights out for me. Even though my family overseas kept on changing the dates of our gathering, it was no problem for Alison to redo her search and send me a number of flight details taking into account my requirements. I cannot recommend Alison enough, and I will be back to book my own holiday with her next year.

Sent by Hannan Amer Sarwar

I contacted Alison and wanted a last-minute holiday. Within 24 hours, I had my entire weekend away booked. She listened to everything I wanted/needed and delivered precisely that! All the paperwork was easy to access, and I could spend the entire weekend in Naples, enjoying site seeing and good food- without the hassle of planning anything! I will definitely be using her again

Sent by Kerry Burgess

Alison has been great with booking my family holiday, despite covid pandemic, Alison has kept us updated and rearranged our holiday a few times. Alison has great knowledge of holidays and did a great job for searching and sorting the holiday to a high standard. Highly recommend Alison and another advantage is it saved me the hassle to search and book a holiday as Alison sorted it all. Alison is a pleasure to speak with.

Sent by Steve Hackett

I want to say a massive thank you for sorting my holiday to Turkey. I gave you lots to find in my brief and after three attempts you found me the perfect holiday at the right place. You were always available to talk to (even at weekends) and no request was too much to ask. Looking forward to a great holiday. So thanks again you are a star??

Sent by Helen Day

Thank you for being so attentive, responsive and helpful. Delighted I found you . Attention to detail and my endless requests impeccable.

Sent by Lucy Acton

Alison is super friendly, works so quickly and managed to get us a fantastic deal. She listened to exactly what we wanted, where we wanted to fly from, and also checked multiple dates to ensure we'd got the best price. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Alison and we will be using her again! Thank you.

Sent by Deborah Price

Huge thanks to Alison for booking an amazing holiday for us at a great price. My brief was probably quite contradictory in what I wanted, but she understood me totally and the options she sent through were spot on straight away! The website for receiving quotes and making payment is easy too. I can definitely recommend her ??

Sent by Pauline Hackett

Can't thank Alison enough for her help and patience in my search for a holiday... my brief was incredibly specific to start off with and then broadened as I realised that I needed to make some compromises if I wished to stick to my budget.... Nothing was too much trouble for Alison and, despite me rejecting numerous options she presented, she persevered until she found me the holiday that ticked all of my boxes - and under budget! .Thank you so much Alison....

Sent by Anne Cloran

Just booked to go to my niece's wedding in Las Vegas followed by a few days in San Francisco later this year. Alison has been amazing and made it all so easy for us, looking at specific dates and hotels and has been very helpful when we have asked her to 'tweak' a little ! Sure it would have taken us hours to try and do ourselves , Alison has sorted out and sent our quotes over in a very short time. Very professional and would definitely recommend her to arrange holidays , Thanks Alison

Sent by Katie Roscoe

We have been so happy with the service Alison has provided for us! In literally under 24 hours she found us exactly what we were looking for and everything was booked and paid for! Every requirement has been met and she made it all look so easy, however difficult we were! I am now thinking about what we want to do next and she will definitely be organising it for us! Thanks Alison!

Sent by Rachael Wood

Alison has been fantastic with 2 holidays we have booked now. One in the UK, one abroad. We had some issues with guidance changes due to Covid and Alison just handling it all for us taking the stress away of the booking. I would highly recommend

Sent by Andy Ashton

Many thanks to Alison for taking into consideration all our holiday requirements, identifying all the travel options and booking our holiday for us. Recently we have been struggling look through brochures, online or otherwise so when we did identify a good hotel and resort that was recommended to us, Alison booked the holiday including all our requirements such as access through the airport and on to the plane, seats etc and answered any queries we had on travelling. We wouldn't hesitate in using Alison again for our future travel arrangements.

Sent by kirsten Swire

Thanks so much Ali, you found us our perfect holiday with all boxes ticked. Cant wait to travel again. xx

Sent by Anne Le-De

I have ask Alison to look for a holiday for myself. She went out of her way with so many different options of hotels places and great prices. Couldn’t be more helpful. Souks highly recommend.

Sent by Rachael Wood

Alison has been great from the first time I contacted her. Unfortunately things didn't go to plan at the beginning with the current times but once we had dates in place to work towards it was full steam ahead. Id like to thank Alison for being patient and understanding and found me a great hen party get away. Its a surprise for the Bride that I am sure she will love. Thanks once again and I will be back for our next holidays as a family.

Sent by Jade Campbell

Alison has just booked our honeymoon for October. She went over and above to assist with everything and getting us the best price possible. There were no hard sells and she was there no matter what time of day I emailed. Absolutely amazing service and will also be using her for any future holidays! We also feel totally protected and assured that we will be looked after if covid does anything to hinder our plans. I couldn't recommend her enough!

Sent by Abi Webber

Alison was indispensable for us in booking our honeymoon, very patient with all our different ideas and made us feel assured and listened to throughout. I know the honeymoon my fiancée and I have booked will be everything and more, thanks to Alison.

Sent by Carole Harding

Excellent service and Alison was very patient whilst we figured out exactly what we wanted.

Sent by Paul Wood

Alison has been fantastic helping us through the difficult decisions the pandemic has caused. She has kept us well informed of any developments affecting our honeymoon and assisted with the smooth re-booking once it became clear we could no longer travel, at no additional expense, matching every detail of the original trip. Thankfully we are still looking forward to the trip of a lifetime and are incredibly grateful for the support during a difficult time. Thanks Alison

Sent by Kerry Burgess

Alison booked me a brilliant family holiday - lovely, organised, quick and efficient. Highly recommend Alison - no looking at website for hours, therefore saves me time. Thank you Alison.

Sent by Kerry Burgess

I have just booked a holiday through Alison. She was brilliant, did the research, was quick and efficient at doing it. I would not hesitate to recommend Alison if you are wishing to book a holiday! A fantastic service.

Sent by Tish Wilson

Would recommend this lovely lady for putting together your holiday. She put together a great package for myself and partner for Dubai.

Sent by Barry Worsley

One thing to say.... one amazing holiday! All booked and arranged by Alison. 3 centre holiday in Thailand with a Temple Tour and a visit to an Elephant Sanctuary all thrown in, what an amazing experience.... wow can’t wait to book the next one.....

Sent by Helen Boothby

I want to give a huge shout out to local Wilmslow lady Alison Hodkinson who works at Travel Counsellors and did a fabulous job at organising our most wonderful holiday to India. The itinerary she put together was fantastic and she was in contact daily with us and the local agents to ensure the trip was seamless and very special . Our experience of using Alison as our agent was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble and she was incredibly proactive in ensuring the trip went way beyond our expectations. The level of customer service was exceptional I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Alison for organising your holiday needs be it near or far.

Sent by Helen Boothby

I would like to give a big shout out to Alison Hodkinson who created and managed a brilliant itinerary for us. Alison made everything easy and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her for anyone looking for special holidays near and far. She is north west based and as someone who has quite recently started her business with Travel Counsellors, I know she would be delighted to help anyone who is interested for a chat.

Sent by Karen Lee

I have been speaking with Alison recently over various trips. I am not the easiest client as I know exactly what I want and just send her the details to see if she can help me. Alison is patient and very quick at responding. Excellent service!

Sent by Helen Boothby

Thanks so much Ali for a great proactive and tailored service for our forthcoming trip to India. The itinerary looks amazing and the hotels and tours top class and you even came in under budget. I'm so glad we changed from the mainstream travel provider to you as the personal approach made all the difference. We cannot wait and so happy to support local business. I wish you all the luck for a great success of helping local people find the holidays dreams are made of.

Sent by Barry Worsley

If you’re looking for any travel advice for this country or anywhere abroad I’d recommend using Alison. Very helpful & knowledgeable. Whether it’s a one-night staycation, flights or a trip of a lifetime, she’ll be happy to help.

Sent by Debra Carroll

Great trip organised to Palma, sophisticated hotel with rooftop terrace and pool. Good tips on where to eat etc and great value for money.

Sent by Debra Carroll

Thank you Alison, for making organising our trip to New York a breeze. I won't ever be booking a holiday without you again.

Sent by helen Boothby

After many discussions with various tour operators, when I was planning a special anniversary holiday to India, I was frustrated with the lack of proactive agents and the lacklustre tours that were suggested. I then spoke to Ali and asked her to quote. The level of service and tailored solutions were miles ahead of the other providers. Ali listened to what was important, was very responsive and flexible in her approach and put together an outstanding itinerary with wonderful hotels and tours and managed to come under the allocated budget also! I am delighted to have found a local travel expert who really cares about the customer and goes the extra mile to find great options that will make our holiday extra special. I would not hesitate to recommend Alison as my experience of working with her has been exceptional. Thank you Alison and we cannot wait for our holiday.

Sent by Barry Worsley

After being invited to a wedding in Cheshire, I was having so much trouble trying to find somewhere to stay. Everywhere seemed to be booked up! So, I tried Alison, within an hour I was all booked up. What a great help, brilliant service. I know who I’ll be using in the future.