Dinah Alonso-Wilkes
I'm based in
Leyburn
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It's Nice To Meet You
I am a travel specialist with expertise in bespoke luxury travel, cruise, and business travel, located in the Yorkshire Dales
Do you ever dream of having someone organize your trips, whether it's a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from your bucket list?
I can be that person for you, taking care of all the details behind the scenes and providing a personalised and caring service from your initial inquiry to your return home.
While my specialty initially focused on cruises, I have expanded my knowledge to tailor-make any holiday experience to meet your specific needs. Having previously working in various independent travel agencies and lectured in Travel and Tourism at New College Durham, I joined Travel Counsellors in 2003.
With a 93% repeat booking rate and many clients that I now consider friends, I pride myself on my ability to create memorable experiences for my clients.
I have had the opportunity to travel extensively over the years, with embarking on over 100 cruise ships to incredible destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Norway, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.
I have explored Canada, covering Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Alberta and the Eastern Seaboard of Montreal & Quebec, taken short breaks in Marrakech, London, Madrid, Venice, and Lapland. Flown long haul to Singapore and Dubai, visited Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida. Skied in the Alps several times with my family.
My latest holiday took me to the Caribbean for 2 weeks on board P&O's Britannia
Future plans include cruising the Panama Canal, island hopping in the Azores, and Switzerland by train (Bernina Express and Glacier Express).
In addition to international travel, I also enjoy fantastic breaks in the UK, mainly in East Anglia, where I stay in a cottage with my dogs and explore, walk, eat, and shopped.
Next time you think, Holidays, UK or Abroad, just get in touch
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Eastern Seaboard Adventure aboard Norwegian Joy
After a quick breakfast at the Riu Manhattan Times Square, we hopped into our pre-booked taxi, buzzing with excitement for our upcoming cruise. Check-in at Pier 90, Manhattan Cruise Terminal was smooth and efficient, and by noon, we were aboard Norwegian Joy, settling into our beautiful Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony in The Haven. We loved the sail away from New York, passing the Statue of Libe
26 Jun 2025 5 min read
3 nights in New York
We landed late afternoon, to be met by a pre-arranged taxi transfer from JFK to Manhattan, staying 3 nights in the Riu Plaza Manhattan, only a minute from Times Square. Checked in to our room on 26th floor, passports into the safe and headed out, crossing a jam packed Times Square, with interesting characters wanting you to pay for a photo, No thank you. Evening meal was in Junior’s, Famous for t
07 Dec 2023 5 min read
5 star cruising
Early start in May 2022, first trip abroad since September 2019, only took 40 minutes from leaving The Clayton Hotel, checked in, completed security and sat down with much needed coffee in Manchester Airport. And we are off on time Jet2.com to Rome, overnight stay at the Bernini Bristol hotel, with a wonderful roof top restaurant. Spend the day walking around all the tourist sites, starting wit
14 Oct 2022 5 min read
Staycation Afloat in 2021
We are now approaching June 2020, week 10 of Lockdown with a slight easing of restrictions And it feels like the green shoots of travel are starting to appear. Most people I have spoken to fall into 2 categories, those who will be jumping on the first airplane out of the UK heading to the sun and those who are seriously worried and have no plans to leave this year. This got me thinking about nex
23 May 2020 5 min read
All the Way to Alaska
We arrived in Vancouver late evening in style – Rocky Mountaineer from Banff and then transferred to The Pan Pacific, 5 star hotel overlooking Coal Harbour. I had booked Pacific Club Rooms, giving us access to a private lounge with tea & coffee available and a free breakfast, the following morning, up early and headed up Burrards St. to hire a couple of bikes. Okay, so I have not been on a bike f
20 Feb 2020 5 min read
Last Minute Break in the UK with your pet
Have you ever got to that point when, you just need a break, a few days away? But you have a long list of requirements: Pet friendly an absolute must for me Hot tub Not a hotel High standard of accommodation King Size Bed Decent kitchen Somewhere not too busy I found that place, so we set off from Yorkshire, for a fairly long drive down to Norfolk. To a lodge at the Waveney River Centre, near B
19 Nov 2019 5 min read
Rocky Mountaineer
A poem about our journey on Rocky Mountaineer written by my husband Matthew Wilkes Rocky Mountaineer As we stand on the platform In the dawns early light We hear a distant rumble And behold a magnificent sight Yellow and blue the rumbling beast Approaches towards us out of the east Our hearts start to tremble And we feel a tear Run down our cheeks, We see the Rocky Mountaineer Whoo! Whoo! A
25 Sept 2019 5 min read
When the Pacific arrived on Tyneside
The sun was shining as I approached the International Cruise Terminal in North Shields, Tyne & Wear. It was early Saturday morning and I was excited to get the opportunity to see this exception to Princess Cruise fleet of cruise ships. Princess are world renowned for their beautiful contemporary large ships, but this one is different. Imagine a country club hotel, with dark wood panelling, fire
23 Sept 2019 5 min read
Mad 60 hours in Spain
“We have decided to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with a party” was the message left on my phone by my parents. Fantastic. But it was for the following Monday, in Spain, and I was supposed to be attending a wedding in Derbyshire on the Saturday. The challenge was set. Every possible and impossible route was investigated. Sadly, Derbyshire had to be crossed off (hubby attended by himself)
20 Sept 2019 5 min read
My Perfect Cruise
I have always said that there is a ship for everyone, and If someone doesn’t like cruising, it’s because they are on the wrong ship. Over the years I have been fortunate to both cruise for my own holidays and be invited to many cruise ship launches. Also, as part of my ongoing training as a CLIA cruise Master, I have had the opportunity to visit ships when they call into UK ports, mainly Southamp
16 Jun 2019 5 min read
MSC Bellissima #BeautyatSea
I was invited by CLIA (cruise lines international association), with whom I am CLIA Master, to see the brand new MSC Bellissima in Southampton. Travelling down from North Yorkshire is always a long journey, especially in the rain, so having driven for 6 hours it was a pleasure to arrive at the Premier Inn, West Quay. Following morning, an early start to walk down to Mayflower Park to get the
07 Mar 2019 5 min read
CLIA conference May 2018
As a CLIA Master (cruise specialist) it seems only right to attend the main conference, held in Southampton. And what a conference, with business sessions, trade fairs, three ship visits, black tie gala dinner, gorgeous evening courtesy of Seabourn and a hotel visit (Harbour Hotel). After a gruelling seven-hour drive I arrived in Southampton, staying centrally at the Premier Inn, West Quay, very
03 Aug 2018 5 min read
That was a different sort of Sunday - MS Zuiderdam
MS Zuiderdam – Holland America Line 2nd July 2017 Sunday morning, very early, alarm goes off, then I remember, a ship visit, my favourite topic - cruise ships. I am off to the Port of Tyne, good drive, checked in and we are all given a self-tour guide, straight up the gangway, a bit steep, the tide is in. The Captain is there to say hello in the Atrium with the beautiful crystal Sea Horse,
04 Jul 2017 5 min read
Weekend cruise with the family on board Celebrity Eclipse
Milo, my chocolate Labrador was dropped off at the kennels and we were off…heading south from North Yorkshire to Southampton. Traffic was heavy and there were plenty of roadworks, so we had to stop for coffee and a bite to eat. Seven hours later we arrived at the hotel for our overnight stay. I woke up early, excited, and looking forward to our weekend. After breakfast was done we walked down t
15 Jun 2017 5 min read
Oceania's MS Insignia
Tuesday 23rd May 2017 - my alarm clock is buzzing at 4am and I need to get up. I had a good but very short night’s sleep at The Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport. I got the free shuttle into Terminal 3, checked in for my Jet2.com flight to Rome, so the next stop was Starbucks for coffee. Flights were on time, although there was a bit of a wait for passport control and retrieving the bags. I jum
14 Jun 2017 5 min read
Weekend in Ibiza
If someone had said to me last year that I would be going to Ibiza, to see my daughter working there, and that I would fall in love with the island, I admit that I would have laughed at them! Me...in Ibiza, well I would have said they must be joking! Like many people, I had an image of Ibiza and its reputation for clubbing and parties. Yet, what if I said to you there is a whole other side to
29 Jan 2017 5 min read
Maiden Voyage on Ovation of the Seas
For years, myself and my daughter, Laura, wanted a girly holiday but every time we came around to looking we could just never decide or nothing was as perfect as we wanted. We wanted somewhere where we could relax together, have a few spa treatments and enjoy a drink or two. In 2016 we finally took the plunge, we decide to go onto Ovation of the Seas for a 5 night cruise to Zeebrugge and Cherbo
29 Jan 2017 5 min read
Voyages to Antiquity – cruise to ancient civilisations
Travelling 1st class by rail to the Capital is always exciting, underground to Heathrow, Hoppa to the Holiday Inn Hotel, not a bad night’s sleep, back on the Hoppa to Terminal Five for BA flight to Athens, about an hour’s transfers to Pireaus, with views of the Parthenon, to join the ship, all very smooth. I was staying in a Premium Outside with Obstructed views on Bridge Deck. MV Aegean Odysse
18 May 2015 5 min read
Launch Event for MSC Magnifica
It’s an early start this Saturday morning, as I head south on the A1m, must remember to pick up colleague Angela from Wetherby and look forward to coffee at Cherwell Valley. We approached the docks on the A3024, the traffic is building and we catch our first glimpse of the brand new ship, looking very splendid on the horizon. Car park is opposite the Terminal Building near gate 8. Securit
09 Mar 2010 5 min read
Walberswick, Suffolk
The Wilkes Family is back on the road and this time we stayed in England exploring the marshes and heaths of Suffolk, basing ourselves in the small village of Walberswick, within easy reach of Southwold. Hiring bikes and dusting off the walking boots was the name of the game, this was a week of back to basics, enjoying the outdoors, with its many marked trails. Many hours were spent messing abo
02 Sept 2009 5 min read
Celebrity Equinox - Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Towering over Southampton was the first view of this amazing ship. Suitcases handed over to the porters, the car was duly parked and into the cruise terminal we proceeded; all very efficiently done. The crew greets you onboard with a glass of champagne, very civilized. Our cabin wasn’t quite ready so it was time to investigate the ship. First stop was the Lawn Club, deck 15, ½ an acre of grass,
02 Sept 2009 5 min read
Boating in Burgundy, France
This is the second half of our holiday, having spent 5 nights in the hotel L’Elysee, Val D’Europe, close to Disneyland Paris and opposite a the Val-Europe shopping centre, where we stocked up on food, loaded the car and set off to drive the 250 miles to Branges in the Burgundy region of France. We were going to spend 7 nights sailing a 52ft cabin cruiser on a one way rental from Branges to Gra
15 Mar 2009 5 min read
Stay and Cruise on board Navigator of the Seas
Once again my family and I set off on our annual summer holiday and as a preference it was decided a cruise should be the main focus. We flew direct from Leeds Bradford on Jet2.com to Rome’s Fiumincino Airport to be met by a pre-organised taxi, which took us to Civitavecchia, approximately 30mins. After check in at our delightful 4 star very Italian hotel call the Sunbay Park (English is spoken
09 Sept 2008 5 min read
Family Holiday to Orlando, Florida
I travelled with my husband Matthew and daughter Laura; after staying overnight in an airport hotel and using a convenient long stay car park, we flew 8½ hours direct from Manchester to Orlando International, where, upon landing, Home Land Security were efficient clearing the airport in 45mins. Then transferring by minibus to our hotel in Lake Buena Vista. Our intention was to visit all the maj
24 Jul 2008 5 min read
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Winter Sun 2021
It maybe cold outside, with long dark nights, but I have the solution - Winter Sun
28 Oct 2021
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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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