Cathy Chapman
My expertise
I'm based in
Bishop Aukland
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
From your first 'Hello' to your return home; I'm here to look after you.
I love my job. Why? How many people can say that they sell dreams? That they sell the world?
Being an independent travel advisor franchisee, but working with a multi award winning global company, I provide a unique travel service, using award-winning technology to tailor make travel plans, both leisure and corporate. From UK breaks to around-the-world personalised itineraries, from honeymoons, weddings and package holidays, to school, skiing and golfing trips: I book them all. All tailor made to suit your exact requirements.
I have an extensive knowledge of the travel industry but specialise in both personalised itineraries, as well as accessible travel. I am a firm believer that everybody, irrespective of ability/disability, should have equal access to the joys of travel. I am also a nominated South Africa and Vancouver Specialist.
But how am I different? Unlike many high street travel agents, I am completely independent and have links to 1000s of airlines, cruise lines and hotels globally, all at the click of a button. Because we have hundreds of directly contracted hotels globally, we are therefore very competitive.
My doors don’t close at 5.30. I am available to talk through your travel plans at times to suit you, whether that be weekends or outside of normal office working hours. No anonymous, uncaring (and expensive) call centres; just me from beginning to end.
I take care of every part of your booking, from all pre-travel documentation, administering your APIs, liaising with the hotels and cruise ships directly, prior to your arrival to ensure everything is in tip-top condition for you. I take care of all medical assistance needs and requests; I hand deliver tickets to your door and a few little extras too. (However, I draw the line at packing your suitcase; and yes, I have been asked that question a few times!)
Most importantly, I am available 24/7 whilst you are away in resort, should any unforeseen eventualities crop up. You will have a direct dial button to me, via our mobile app on your phone.
Tell me again how you book your travel arrangements? Once you’ve experienced Travel Counsellors, you will really wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner. Bon voyage!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Solo Escorted Tours - Sicily
There's a great big world out there, just waiting to be discovered- so what's stopping you? Travelling alone? Don't let this be a hindrance to your travel dreams - I don't. In April, I was lucky enough to experience a 'solo' traveller experience to Sicily, BUT in a small group. Lots of people travel solo for various reasons; it doesn't have to mean that you're single. I am married but my husband
09 May 2024 5 min read
Svalbard Arctic Circle Expedition Cruising
I often say to clients that there are cruises to suit every age, budget, demographic and interest. The one from which I've recently returned, was the PERFECT one for me, so I thought I'd do a quick blog, if ever you thought all cruises were the same: they're not! If you’re looking for casinos, West End entertainment and getting dressed up to the nines, this is NOT the type of cruising for you. Ho
26 Jun 2023 6 min read
Expedition Cruising......
Never heard of a Hurtigruten Cruise before? That's because they don't do 'cruises'; they do 'voyages', and the most spectacular ones at that! What's the difference? With 'Hurtigruten', the ships are simply the means of getting you to the most wonderful places on earth, mostly inaccessible by other cruise lines. Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about cruising, or like me
22 Apr 2019 4 min read
Top Cruising Trends
Think you know cruise? Think again! A look at the latest ‘cruise trends’ I am one of the many people who previously said: ‘I’ll never do a cruise; too many people; it’s like Butlins at sea’ etc…how wrong was I? I am now a complete convert from being that somebody who would stick her heels in, once coming down on one side of an argument or opinion, to having it completely overturned by experienc
17 Mar 2019 5 min read
Think you know Northern Ireland? Think again!
Fancy a short break away not too far from home? Think Northern Ireland! Many people have their own opinions, but have you been and found out for yourself? Just a quick hour's journey from most UK airports, in my case Newcastle, and you're there. Because I wanted to make the most of my three-day break, I decided to hire a car. I stayed in a village called Hillsborough, just south of Lisburn whi
12 Nov 2018 6 min read
Charles de Gaulle Airport
OK, so not your glamorous destination of choice....but an amazing experience all the same! Having worked for Air France for many years in the past, and also in Paris for 2 years as a holiday rep with Thomson (TUI) Holidays, Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) used to be the stuff of nightmares...not any more! For the majority of flyers, we've now moved away from the dreaded 'Camembert' satellite an
27 May 2018 3 min read
Beautiful Cyprus
Beautiful Cyprus - home of Aphrodite and so much more. Upon landing at Larnaca airport we were duly whisked away to the fabulous Adams Beach resort Hotel in Agia Napa on the East coast of Cyprus. We were met by the very friendly staff and after unpacking were shown around this fabulous 5 star property, right on Nissi Beach. It's a perfect place for families, couples, in fact anybody and eve
04 May 2017 7 min read
Pollenca, Mallorca
Oh my! If ever there was a spectacle to see, it's this one, and yes we've now seen it eight times! Think Pollenca, Majorca and you will probably think of the better-known (and touristier) port area, totally beautiful in its own right. But venture inland and uphill for about 4km and you find old Pollenca town itself, an amazingly serene working town, typically Mallorcan in character. Its main squar
09 Nov 2016 3 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Sara's Trip to Japan
Did this itinerary for Sara and her family in October 23....was a fab holiday and so pleased they all enjoyed it.
11 Jul 2024
Postcards from the World Poem
A beautiful and emotional video poem by Poet Tony Walsh, who was a guest at one of our Travel Counsellors conferences.....bewitching!
07 Apr 2021
The Family
Testimonial from 2 lovely clients, Jordan and Michelle and the stress-free process when wanting a family holiday which ticks all of the boxes. Thank you both
11 Mar 2021
All things Weddings & Honeymoons
A lovely testimonial by 2 lovely clients; Rich & Emma...oh to be young again and in love :-) Thank you Rich & Emma x
11 Mar 2021
The Business Woman
A lovely testimonial by Sara, explaining how by using me, the stress of organising business and leisure travel is taken away: thank you Sara.
11 Mar 2021
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
