Collette Howse
My expertise
I'm based in
Bicester
Hi, I'm Collette
As your personal Travel Counsellor, I am here to help with any travel plans you have, from a short UK break to the trip of a lifetime.
I have worked in the travel industry for over 45 years. I began my career with a tour operator in London, spent 18 years with a high street agency, and then took the exciting step to become self‑employed in 2016. During this time, I have had the pleasure of helping so many clients create their dream holidays and I absolutely love hearing all about their experiences when they return.
My own travels have taken me to some incredible destinations. I have explored India’s Golden Triangle, driven California’s stunning coastline from San Francisco to San Diego, and visited Yosemite, Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and much of Florida, including the Keys, Gulf Coast and everything Disney. I have also visited Antigua, St Kitts & Nevis, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean, as well as travelling extensively throughout Europe, including a magical trip to see Santa in Lapland.
I enjoy cruising too and have experienced ocean cruises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as a voyage from Iceland to Denmark. I have recently returned from an Arctic expedition cruise along the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten, which was truly unforgettable. I also love river cruising in Europe and have particularly enjoyed Christmas market sailings and a recent cruise on the Douro. Rail travel is another passion of mine. Canada is high on my list to explore further, having already visited Vancouver, Toronto and Niagara Falls, and I am excited to see more of this beautiful country in the future.
My adventures for 2026 have already included the Galapagos Islands, with future plans for a Seine river cruise, plus Cairo and a cruise along the Nile.
These first‑hand experiences, combined with being an independent Travel Counsellor with access to hundreds of trusted suppliers and destination specialists, mean I can source the best options to match your individual requirements and budget, and help bring your holiday dreams to life. For your peace of mind, everything you book with me is financially protected by the Travel Counsellors Financial Trust and ATOL.
I genuinely love what I do and I pride myself on exceptional customer service and attention to detail. I take care of all my clients’ travel arrangements from start to finish. Whether you are looking for a cruise, a last‑minute city break, ski holiday, round‑the‑world tailor‑made itinerary, safari, beach escape or a cottage in the UK, I would be delighted to help.
Please feel free to get in touch by phone or email and let me take the stress out of organising your next trip.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes
Collette
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Cairo and Nile cruising
The wonders of the Pyramids and cruising the Nile
30 Sept 2026 13 min read
Sailing the Seine on Jane Austen: A Taste of Normandy & Paris
Sailing the Seine on Jane Austen: A Taste of Normandy & Paris
10 Jul 2026 2 min read
My Galápagos Adventure Aboard Celebrity Flora
I have just returned from one of the most extraordinary trips I have ever taken: a week exploring the Galápagos Islands aboard the small ship Celebrity Flora. With all-suite accommodation, superb Ecuadorian naturalists and a warm, attentive crew, it felt like travelling in comfort through a living nature documentary. Every day brought a new island, new landscapes and new encounters with wildlife t
08 May 2026 8 min read
Glorious October Sun: My Four-Night Escape to Majorca
As the autumn leaves began to fall at home, I was fortunate to enjoy a slice of late sunshine on the beautiful island of Majorca. My four-night stay at the end of October was nothing short of rejuvenating – a reminder that this Balearic gem remains wonderfully inviting even as summer fades. Effortless Travel Connections My journey began with an early flight from Birmingham, made all the more seam
05 Dec 2025 3 min read
Experience the Magic of Kraków
Kraków is a city that truly enchants from the very first stroll. Its magnificent Old Town square, one of Europe’s largest, is the beating heart of the city – always alive with the buzz of cafés and restaurants, their terraces spilling out onto cobbled pavements, inviting you to linger with a coffee or a plate of local delicacies. A Moment Not to Miss One of my favourite touches of local tradition
07 Oct 2025 3 min read
Norway - sailing the coast
I sailed on Hurtigruten to Honningsvåg the Northern most town in Europe. It had to be rebuilt after the Second World War as the German nazis burnt down and destroyed everything, though the church remained standing. The towns people returned, they had to get permission before they could come back and skilled men were only allowed at first apart from any single women that could nurse or sew and they
26 Aug 2025 2 min read
City of Dreams.....
I was very lucky to be invited to visit the City of Dreams resort in Cyprus…here are just a few photos of this luxurious resort, think long haul five star standard, in a short haul destination. The room was an exceptional size and beautifully and thoughtfully designed. With a complimentary minibar (soft drinks and beers) tea and coffee. the breakfast was buffet and one of the best I have ever visi
26 Aug 2025 1 min read
Sailing the beautiful Douro
I sailed the Douro on the new ship Riviera Rose in July. The cabins are contemporary in design with a great en suite and a very comfy bed! Most have a Juliette balcony. Some on the lower deck have a window. There is a pool on the sun deck with a small restaurant serving great lunches or you can book to eat in evening some nights, though the main restaurant is inside and serves the most wonderful
26 Aug 2025 2 min read
Annecy by rail - discovering the Venice of the Alps
Some dreams linger just under the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to unfold. For me, that moment arrived this July, when I finally journeyed by train to Annecy—a trip I’d imagined since I first began my travel career back in 1981. Back then, working with the French Travel Service, I organised train adventures across France for clients, often sending them into the Alps. Curiously, I’d neve
26 Aug 2025 3 min read
New Orleans before Mardi Gras
NEW ORLEANS Had the pleasure if visiting New Orleans in February. The city was still buzzing from the Superbowl and getting ready for Mardi Gras and the weather was just perfect for walking around and sitting outside listening to the music! Grab a taxi from the airport as they are set fares into the city of $36 for one or two people you will pay more if there is more of you. We stayed on the edg
28 Mar 2025 3 min read
Should you stay at Universal Orlando?
As a frequent visitor to Orlando and having stayed in motels, hotels, villas, with family and at Disney many times but never at Universal, I thought it would be good to stay on site there for 4 nights to see whether it is worth it! So after a ten night stay at Disney we headed over to The Loews Royal Pacific Resort for 4 nights. The bonus with this hotel is you get fast passes included in the s
14 Nov 2024 2 min read
Toronto and Niagara Falls
We flew to Toronto in October for 4 nights which included a day tour to Niagara Falls. First impression of Toronto was it is like a small New York on a very large and scenic lake. It is a very multi-cultural city – think it is the most diverse city in the world! We did the sightseeing bus, which is a great way to get around the city whilst seeing all the sights and sounds with full commentary. If
14 Nov 2024 2 min read
Is premium or business class worth the extra?
Is business class or premium worth the extra cost? In short, on a long flight then yes! If budget allows then I would always upgrade to at least premium if not business. Premium cabins, depending on airline, tend to be smaller a more personal service in a layout of 2 seats, 3-4 seats, 2 seats. You feel you are getting a more exclusive service. The seats tend to be wider and there is more leg roo
25 Oct 2024 2 min read
Paris and Strasbourg - makes a great twin centre
Had to pleasure to return to Paris in March for a few days and then travel onwards to Strasbourg for a couple more. We travelled over on the Eurostar from St Pancras using the standard premier service which, if budget allows, includes spacious 1st class seats and quiet cabin and you are served drinks and a meal as well, 2.5hrs straight through from the centre of one city to another... With the O
29 Mar 2024 4 min read
Sailing the Christmas Markets
One of the best ways to visit Christmas Markets is on a River cruise. We sailed along the Rhine in December for 5 nights visiting ports of call all with different Christmas markets to wander around. We embarked in Cologne with its beautiful cathedral towering above various traditional Christmas markets. They go all out in Cologne with stalls selling lots of different things to buy, taste and dr
26 Mar 2024 2 min read
Skagen or Copenhagen....why not both!
After a wonderful sailing from Iceland, over the North Sea our first stop in Denmark was Skagen - what a gem of a place this is. I can see why the Danish often head here for their summer break. We spent a lovely day mooching around visiting the local brewery, shops, cafes, Swedish seaman church and the museum showing what life was like many moons ago! After Skagen our next and final stop was Copen
04 Oct 2023 1 min read
Find you Ocean State of Mind with Explora Journeys
We joined the most wonderful ship, the Explora 1 in Reykjavik for a journey around Iceland and over to Denmark. We spent 7 days on a journey around Iceland then over to Skagen, Denmark finally ending in Copenhagen. The scenery was just beautiful. The ship is amazing, elegant, beautiful, peaceful and spacious. With only 461 suites and residences and a ratio of 1.25 members of staff to every passeng
04 Oct 2023 2 min read
Not just Brussels
Just got back from a lovely stay at the Stanhope hotel in Brussels. A traditional, service driven elegant hotel. Lovely buffet breakfast and a great little bar for a nightcap all within a 20 min stroll of many sites like the Grand Place, Museum of European History and central station for day trips to other cities Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and a little gem of a town we visited, Leuven, definitely wou
28 Sept 2023 1 min read
Reykjavik in the summer
Earlier on in the month we visited Reykjavik, Iceland for a pre cruise stay. It is an interesting city, with very friendly people. We stayed at the Centrum hotel where I usually book my clients, as it is in the older part of the town and within easy walking of everywhere. It is a great base for visiting the Blue Lagoon and doing the coach trips around Iceland like the Golden Circle. The hotel itse
23 Aug 2023 1 min read
Flying visit to Tenerife
Just got back from a few days in the sun on the island of Tenerife ?? stayed at the lovely adults only Iberostar Selection Sabila with lovely views from our room of the sea and mountains, stocked mini bar, fabulous pool and the food was excellent. It is a buffet but cooking stations all around. So fresh and plenty of choice for all tastes from Vegan to meat eaters! Too much food & too much drink b
24 May 2023 1 min read
Cruising the Med with Virgin Voyages.....
Had the pleasure of cruising with Virgin Voyages on Valiant Lady on her second sailing in May 2022. We had spent the previous night re-visiting the city of Barcelona so we were not rushed in the morning with flights and transfers. Jumped in a taxi to the port and there she was looking all very grand and new. We embarked in Barcelona, a smooth and easy boarding process with a fun welcome and found
24 May 2023 2 min read
Christmas river cruise
Had the most lovely trip to the Christmas Markets on the Emily Bronte river cruise ship. We visited Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna over 6 nights. We flew into Budapest and after a transfer and a check in to our cabin we had the evening to explore Budapest. I opted for a cabin with a Juliette balcony which gave us wonderful views of the cities as we sailed along. Dinner was served in the main dini
01 Apr 2023 2 min read
Beach time in Florida
Florida has so much more to offer than just Walt Disney World. When I visit I try to add in a couple of beach days. This time we visited Clearwater again as the beach is considered one of the best. Only a couple of hours drive from Orlando or something completely different. Have dinner on the beach at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill for casual dining with a great sunsets and usually live music adding to
28 Sept 2022 1 min read
Getting around Walt Disney World, Florida
Disney World Florida transportation - not just buses! They still have the buses that run between all hotels and the parks very frequent and reliable, but often there are other ways of getting about. If you wish to get away from Magic Kingdom for some peace and quiet take a boat over the lagoon to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The journey itself is very relaxing. There you'll fin
20 Sept 2022 2 min read
Ghent by train
Looking for a different weekend break in Europe? What about Ghent in Belgium by Eurostar? We have been twice now and really enjoy our visits. Ghent is easy to get to. We travelled on the direct Eurostar to Brussels from St Pancras. I recommend, if budget allows, you upgrade to 1st class as you get more space a meal included. After a quick change of train in Brussels we headed to Ghent. We were b
18 Feb 2020 2 min read
Short break to Dubrovnik
We went to Dubrovnik for 4 nights in October. We were very lucky with the weather it was gloriously hot the whole time we were there. Even though it was the end of the summer season where we stayed, there were still plenty of bars and restaurants open. We stayed in Lapad in the hotel Kompas, which is a lovely 4 star hotel. Worth paying extra for the sea view room. The breakfast was served as a b
11 Dec 2019 2 min read
Short break in Crete
A Short Escape to Crete: My 5-Night Stay at Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites Sometimes you just need a few days in the sun, somewhere easy to reach yet full of character and history. This July I enjoyed a short 5-night break to Crete, my first visit to the island, and it turned out to be exactly the relaxed escape I was hoping for. Getting there: smooth and straightforward I flew from Birmingham
15 Aug 2019 4 min read
Florida accommodation choices when visiting Walt Disney World
One place my family love to visit is Florida. Myself and my husband have been going since 1988 and introduced our daughter to Disney when she was 9 months old. She is 27 now and we have just again visited for the umpteenth time! We do not just do Disney, we have travelled all over the state visiting as far south as the Keys, we've stayed in Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater, had a villa on Anna Mari
27 Apr 2019 6 min read
Flying visit to Florence
We headed to Gatwick for our late flights to Florence with Vueling airlines- think Easyjet but Spanish. I could not fault the aircraft or staff and the flight left on time - always a bonus! On arrival in Florence we opted for just grabbing a taxi to the hotel as they have a set €22 fee with an extra charge for luggage at €1 per bag so with tip it cost us €30. We stayed at the Pitti Palace hotel w
27 Apr 2019 5 min read
A few nights in Washington DC and New York
We went to Washington DC for three nights in December. After a comfortable flight from Heathrow and a transfer of around one hour we arrived at our hotel in Georgetown, The Fairmont. A great setting walkable to Georgetown high street and buses easy to get from there around Washington or there was a taxi rank right outside if required. We had breakfast in the hotel, a fantastic buffet, but you can
27 Jan 2019 2 min read
Flying visit to Tallinn
I travelled to Tallinn in November for three nights and so enjoyed my trip. I flew direct from Gatwick. On arrival I had arranged a transfer to meet us and take us to the hotel took approx. 25mins away. Our hotel Schlossle was right in the Old Town. The hotel is a lovely boutique hotel, just a few steps from Old Town Square. On arrival we were greeted with a lovely glass of fizz. The reception are
27 Jan 2019 2 min read
Flying visit to Rome
We flew from Birmingham to Rome in July and I must say I loved it! Everywhere you looked there was something to see. Every corner seemed to have glimpse back into the past. We found the people very friendly, but service was slow everywhere so be prepared to enjoy lunch at a leisurely pace - the Italian way! We went in July and it was very very hot so drink plenty of water! Rome airport on
21 Jan 2019 2 min read
The tale of three islands and Rum! Part one
What fun I had visiting Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis. I flew with BA from their new terminal at Gatwick South and was impressed with the speed of check in and layout. After a 9-hour flight we landed in Antigua, but as we were visiting St Kitts first, we stayed on the plane whilst passengers got off, then took a short 20min flight onwards to St Kitts. What a beautiful island. We were met by hot
13 Jun 2018 5 min read
The tale of three islands and rum - Part two
We had a little surprise in store at the airport, the YU lounge had invited us to visit. If you want to be spoilt, this is a treat! You are taken by car to the plane steps with your own security to go through. A little bit of luxury! After our 20min flight to Antigua we were whisked to our first hotel St James Club. This is an all-inclusive family property with lots of facilities and different
13 Jun 2018 4 min read
Adult stay in Lanzarote
I had a comfortable fight out with Thomas Cook from Birmingham in September for one week. After a short 10-minute transfer by car, I arrived at the 5-star Gran Hotel Arrecife. Nice to be welcomed with a glass of fizz by reception too! The hotel is very traditional in that the staff are welcoming and they remember you. The rooms have everything that you could want. We had a panoramic sea view su
11 Oct 2017 4 min read
The tale of two cities...and dancing!
I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on a mini cruise with some colleagues this month on the Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) Columbus ship. It sails from Tilbury docks rather than Southampton so I was interested to see how easy it would be for me based in Bicester to get there without having to drive. My journey started on the Bicester – Marylebone train service fast and efficient and then I h
31 Aug 2017 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Land iguana of the Galápagos
Snack time!
26 Mar 2026
Galapagos Islands Pelicans having a chat!
Not Jurassic Park but the Galápagos Islands!
25 Mar 2026
Galapagos giant tortoises
Only 10 years old so not fully grown yet!
24 Mar 2026
Universal Harry Potter
Harry Potter land at Universal Florida...
20 Mar 2025
Iceland
Whale watching off the coast of Iceland.....
10 Aug 2023
Explora 1 Cruise
Beautiful new ship the Explora 1. I sailed on part of its maiden voyage from Iceland to Denmark. The journey was wonderful, serene and peaceful.
08 Aug 2023
Universal Orlando
I still get a buzz when I go there, even after all these years! Get in touch to plan your Orlando adventure.
26 Apr 2023
Baglioni Resort Maldives
Baglioni Resort Maldives won 3 recognitions at the 2021 World Luxury Hotel Awards.
07 Sept 2022
Islands
Islands waiting for us to visit...
05 Aug 2021
The iconic Sandy Lane, Barbados
Celebrating 60 years this year - Happy Birthday!
22 Apr 2021
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Could this be your idyllic palm-fringed paradise? The only resort on the remote Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives.
15 Apr 2021
Moments that matter
Moments that matter....
08 Apr 2021
Postcards
Incredible poem by Tony Walsh
08 Apr 2021
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas and Elounda Bay Palace
Five star luxury and they are members of The Leading Hotels of the World, set on the most exclusive waterfront location on Crete.
25 Mar 2021
Stella Island
Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa Adults only
12 Mar 2021
World of good
Looking forward to when we can travel and explore the world again
12 Mar 2021
TC Experience - Ski
Get in touch to plan your ski trip for season 2021/2022
09 Mar 2021
Africa with Travel Counsellors
Take a look at what is waiting for you in Rwanda! Get in touch to plan your bucket list adventure!
04 Mar 2021
Beyond the Horizon
Let's start making plans to get excited about!
12 Oct 2020
St Lucia
The beautiful island of St Lucia is waiting for you....
12 Oct 2020
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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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