Alison Shipman
My expertise
I'm based in
Sheffield
Looking forward to booking your trip
🎒 38 Years in the Travel Industry — And Still helping people to Pack! 🌍
Hi there! I’m Alison, and I’ve been in the travel industry for a whopping 38 years (yep, that’s a lot of suitcases I have helped to pack!). For the last 20 of those, I’ve been proud to call Travel Counsellors my home. Before that, I worked for both big-name high street agencies and some lovely little independents too — soaking up all the worldly knowledge I could to give you independent travel advice.
Let’s face it — the travel world has changed a lot. The old-school package holiday has really grown. Today’s travellers (that’s you!) want something more: real experiences, expert advice, and peace of mind that your money is as safe as your passport in a hotel safe.
🧳 Tailor-Made Magic, Not Just Tick-Box Tours
I’ve got direct links to on-the-ground partners around the globe — meaning I can stitch together unique, personalised trips with insider know-how. I talk to real people in your chosen destination to make sure your holiday isn’t just another copy-paste job. You get local charm, curated details, and absolutely no compromise.
Every trip I plan is researched like I’m going myself — reviews are checked, deals are compared, and recommendations are personalised. Whether you need a Travel Agent or a Tour Operator (or a delightful mix of both), I’ve got the flexibility to build what’s right for you.
🌟 My Promise: Honest Advice & Proper Service
I’m passionate about travel. I genuinely care about getting things just right for you. From the first "Where should I go?" to the "We're back and it was AMAZING!" — I’m with you every step of the way. I don't do cookie-cutter holidays. I do YOUR holiday.
🧭 What Can I Help You With? Glad You Asked!
Corporate Travel
Group Trips
City Breaks
Cruises
Luxury Holidays
Family Adventures
Round-the-World Itineraries
💰 Worried About Your Money? Don’t Be.
Thanks to the Travel Counsellors Financial Trust, every penny you spend with me is 100% protected. No ifs, no buts, no sleepless nights. Just you, your suitcase, and a fabulous adventure ahead.
👯♀️ The Power of 2,000 Travel Geeks
Along with my own experience, I’ve got backup — over 2,000 fellow Travel Counsellors worldwide, each with an average of 22 years' experience. If I don’t know something, one of them absolutely does.
🌴 Where Have I Been Lately?
Oh, just a few places… Most recently to Hong Kong, New Zealand and Sydney, but also to Antigua, Spain, Dubai, Mauritius, Turkey, Egypt, Cornwall, Las Vegas, Greece (including the glorious Peloponnese), Sri Lanka, and more. I’ve skied in France, explored the UK from coast to coast, and I’ve got plenty of stamps in my passport (and stories to go with them!).
💻 Flexibility is My Superpower
Because I work from home, I’m not chained to 9-to-5 hours. Need help in the evening? Weekend? I’ve got you. I can send you detailed quotes and travel ideas straight to your inbox — whether you’re in your office or on the sofa in your PJs.
✈️ Ready to plan something amazing?
Whether you're dreaming big or just looking for a quick escape, let’s make it happen.
I can’t wait to hear from you.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
A 3 Night Hong Kong Stopover: Pandas, Peaks & The Big Buddha
Hong Kong is one of those cities that feels instantly electric: the glittering harbour, the mix of old and new, and the sense that something is happening on every street corner. On my recent 3 night stopover, I wanted to experience the highlights without feeling overwhelmed, and Hong Kong turned out to be a brilliant, easy add on to a longer trip. From wandering the harbourfront of Kowloon to seei
16 Apr 2026 5 min read
A Perfect 3‑Night Sydney Stopover: How I Fell in Love with Australia’s Harbour City
Sydney has a way of grabbing you from the moment you arrive: the light, the water, that iconic skyline. On my recent 3‑night stopover, I wanted to see as much as possible without feeling rushed, and Sydney delivered in style. From long views over Bondi Beach to climbing the Harbour Bridge and sipping drinks by the Opera House at dusk, it was the perfect taster of Australia.
16 Apr 2026 5 min read
Amazing New Zealand
Southern Wonders of New Zealand's South Island A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. Oh, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in food and wine. A fabulous taste of the country.
25 Mar 2026 5 min read
A festive visit to Krakow with friends
In November I visited Krakow with 4 friends for a special birthday. We ate in some fabulous restaurants, some with live music too. We took the opportunity to visit Aushwitz & Birkenau which was very moving. Krakow is such a lovely City with some much to see... Come and see for yourself!
08 Dec 2025 5 min read
Sri Lanka: My Dream Trip Through Culture, Wildlife & Pure Magic
Sri Lanka: My Dream Trip Through Culture, Wildlife & Pure Magic Some trips change you a little. Sri Lanka? It changes everything. From misty hills to sun-drenched shores, sacred temples to curious elephants, this 11-day journey through the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” was nothing short of extraordinary. Day 1 – Arrival & A Stylish Start We landed in Colombo and eased into the trip with a night i
19 Nov 2024 5 min read
Amsterdam in 72 Hours: Canals, Culture & Cold Drinks
Some cities charm you slowly. Amsterdam shows up on a bicycle, offers you a stroopwafel, and steals your heart before you’ve even finished your coffee. We had just three days—but with a little planning, a lot of walking, and the weather playing nice, we squeezed in an unforgettable adventure with room left for dessert (and beer). Touchdown & Takeoff (Into the City) We landed at Schiphol around
03 Apr 2019 5 min read
Viva Las Vegas: Bright Lights, Big Laughs & Unexpected Quiet Corners
Viva Las Vegas: Bright Lights, Big Laughs & Unexpected Quiet Corners I was lucky enough to jet off to Las Vegas for a friend’s birthday in October—and wow, did the city deliver! With perfect weather and a whirlwind of adventures, four days felt like a dazzling lifetime. Our base? The Elara Aparthotel, just off the Strip. Fun fact: it’s the only hotel without its own casino, meaning peaceful even
05 Nov 2015 5 min read
Dubai: From Desert Dreams to Futuristic Feats
Dubai: From Desert Dreams to Futuristic Feats My first trip to Dubai was back in 2000—a time when the city was just beginning to dream big. Staying in Deira, the historic heart, I gazed up at the then-iconic Burj Al Arab and marveled at plans to transform this desert oasis. Fast forward to 2015, and wow—Dubai had truly arrived. On this trip, I ticked off some unforgettable experiences: Zooming
28 May 2015 5 min read
Lanzarote: Lava Landscapes, Sunshine & Soul-Stirring Seaside Walks
Lanzarote: Lava Landscapes, Sunshine & Soul-Stirring Seaside Walks Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, just 4.5 hours from the UK, Lanzarote is one of my absolute favourite destinations — and after visiting six times, I can safely say it has something special that keeps calling me back. This volcanic Canary Island is unlike anywhere else: think otherworldly black rock landscapes, turquoise seas, and
14 Aug 2008 5 min read
New York, New York: The City That Never Fails to Amaze
New York, New York: The City That Never Fails to Amaze Having visited New York twice, I’m convinced it’s one of the most electrifying cities on Earth. From towering skyscrapers to bustling streets, the Big Apple truly lives up to its cinematic reputation. My first visit was back in 1995. I spent those first two days walking around, neck craned, staring up at the skyline—like I was starring in my
13 Aug 2008 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Additional offers
More destinations to enjoy
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.
Get in touch