Alison Hodkinson
My expertise
I'm based in
Wilmslow
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Creating stress‑free, memory‑making holidays just for you
I’m Alison, your personal Travel Counsellor based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. I have called Wilmslow home for over 30 years, raising my son and daughter here and building deep roots in the local community.
I believe travel should be a joy at every stage, whether you are seeking adventure, cultural immersion or pure relaxation. My role is to take away the stress, simplify the choices and design journeys that feel effortless, exciting and completely personal to you.
Having travelled extensively across Asia and Europe, I understand the details that turn a good holiday into an unforgettable experience: the right location, the flow of an itinerary, those special touches that make you feel genuinely looked after. One of my own lifelong dreams was to see a tiger in the wild, and I am delighted to say that I have now fulfilled that wish in the tiger reserves of India. I know first-hand the power of a “bucket list” moment and I am passionate about helping you create your own.
With so many options for flights, accommodation and added experiences, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. I will work with you to tailor-make your ideal trip, carefully curating every element so that it reflects your tastes, interests and budget. From a multi-centre adventure in Asia to a chic European city break or a relaxing beach escape, I will build a bespoke itinerary that turns your travel dreams into reality.
You can expect attentive service, honest advice and ongoing support from the moment we first speak until you return home. I will listen closely to your brief and plan your journey as if it were my own, treating every detail with care. Place your trust in me and let us see where in the world we can take you next.
If you would like expert, independent guidance or simply want to explore ideas for future travel, please do get in touch. You can call, email or WhatsApp me at a time that suits you, and I look forward to helping you plan your next unforgettable escape.
Something to think about:
“Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.”
Jaime Lyn Beatty
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
A Long Weekend in Jersey: Clean Beaches, Charming Parishes & A Devil in the Hole
A Long Weekend in Jersey: Clean Beaches, Charming Parishes & A Devil in the Hole We’d been told Jersey was beautiful, but we weren’t prepared for just how beautiful, and how spotless it really is. Every beach, every harbour, every country lane felt cared for and preserved. It makes exploring the island not just enjoyable, but a bit magical. Over three days we wandered through seven parishes (plus
27 Aug 2025 5 min read
Protecting Thailand's Wildlife
While on my recent holiday to Thailand I had the absolute honour of visiting Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) & learning all about the amazing work they are doing rescuing & helping to rehabilitate wild animals that have suffered abuse at our hands. Here is a snapshot… In Thailand, like many countries throughout the world, animals are abused & exploited for profit & human gratificati
15 May 2024 5 min read
Embrace the Magic: Christmas Markets in Europe
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 shou
25 Oct 2023 3 min read
Staycation in the Cotswolds
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
03 Aug 2020 3 min read
Ethical Elephants
#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 elepha
13 Dec 2019 2 min read
Palma - not a one-time destination
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
19 Aug 2019 3 min read
Breathtaking Barcelona
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, cocktai
07 Aug 2019 4 min read
I am not a number......
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
17 Jul 2019 4 min read
Real Gem in St Paul's Bay
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 hi
26 Jun 2019 2 min read
Porto - City of Diversity
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 bas
05 Jun 2019 5 min read
Ocho Rios - More than a Cruise Port
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 bea
10 Apr 2019 3 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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