Gaynor Burgess
My expertise
I'm based in
Manchester
It's Nice To Meet You
Hello and welcome, I’m Gaynor, your local Travel Counsellor based in Urmston, Manchester.
I started my travel career in 1993 as a trainee with Hogg Robinson Travel and I have been hooked on creating holidays ever since. Today I am a self‑employed Personal Travel Expert and I am proud to be celebrating over 12 years of running my own independent franchise with Travel Counsellors and more than 30 years in the travel industry.
During this time I have helped hundreds of customers plan everything from short UK breaks and European getaways to multi‑centre long‑haul adventures and once‑in‑a‑lifetime trips. No itinerary is too big or too small, and every holiday is designed completely around you.
I have particular expertise in tailor‑made, multi‑centre itineraries across Japan, Australia and the Far East, as well as cruise holidays. Whether it is combining Tokyo with Kyoto and a stay in a traditional ryokan, creating an Australia adventure that links city, reef and outback, building a Far East journey that might include Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam or beyond, or finding the right cruise line and itinerary for your style of travel, I love piecing together complex trips so that every step flows smoothly.
Alongside my own experience, I am supported by a small team of trusted experts who work closely with me and specialise in destinations such as the USA, Africa/ Safari, and Ski.
This means that whatever you are dreaming of, we can draw on in‑depth, first‑hand knowledge to create the right holiday for you.
I am honoured to have been awarded Gold Travel Counsellor status, an accolade held by only a small number of colleagues in recognition of their sales success. I have also been recognised in the Top 20 worldwide within the Travel Counsellors community for achieving 100% customer satisfaction, which I am incredibly proud of as it reflects the care and attention I give to every booking.
When we start planning, I will take the time to really get to know you: the way you like to travel, your non‑negotiables, and the little touches that turn a good holiday into a truly memorable one. I will keep working on your itinerary until it feels just right, taking care of all the finer details along the way.
Once your holiday is booked, you will also be looked after by my dedicated aftersales assistant, Linda, who works with me to take care of the practicalities such as managing your booking, handling any changes, and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Together, we are here to support you before, during and after your trip.
I do not charge a fee for my service, as I am paid via commission from the suppliers and airlines I book with, just as when you use a high street or online travel agent. The difference is that you have my personal support and direct contact, along with the backing of my team, from your first enquiry through to your return home. You will never be passed from person to person or to a call centre: your booking is looked after by us from start to finish.
Travel Counsellors is 100% financially protected and ATOL bonded, so you have complete peace of mind when you book with me.
If you are thinking about your next holiday, I would love to help. You can call me on 0161 826 7210, email me at gaynor.burgess@mytc.com or send a direct enquiry via this website.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your next trip.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Splash & City Adventures: Maldives & Abu Dhabi Family Escape
If you are dreaming of a family holiday that blends castaway‑island fun with big‑city thrills, this combination is a winner: 7 nights at Siyam World in the Maldives, followed by 3 nights in Abu Dhabi at Hilton Abu Dhabi with access to the parks. Think over‑water villas with waterslides, house‑reef snorkelling, then rollercoasters, waterparks and sunshine in the UAE.
07 Jul 2026 5 min read
California Dreaming: Our Family Road Trip from San Francisco to LA
In April 2025 I ticked off a big family travel dream: a California coast road trip with my husband and daughter. Starting in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles, our journey took us through colourful harbours, sweeping Pacific views and some seriously stylish hotels along Highway 1.
07 Jul 2026 5 min read
Friends’ Getaway in Cascais
Cascais is one of those places that just feels easy: a pretty harbour, golden beaches, cobbled streets and fantastic food. I recently spent three nights there with friends, staying at Pestana Cidadela Cascais, and it was the perfect mix of relaxation, sunshine and long, lazy meals together.
07 Jul 2026 5 min read
Wildlife & Beaches: 8 Days in Borneo
This 8‑day Borneo itinerary is perfect for nature‑lovers who want to see Sabah’s iconic wildlife without sacrificing comfort. From the jungles of Sepilok and Kinabatangan to a luxury beach stay near Kota Kinabalu, it blends adventure, conservation and relaxation into one unforgettable journey.
07 Jul 2026 5 min read
Highlights of Japan in 7 Nights: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Hiroshima
Discover the very best of Japan in just one unforgettable week. This 7‑night “Highlights of Japan” itinerary combines vibrant Tokyo, the hot springs of Hakone, timeless Kyoto and reflective Hiroshima, with private guiding, scenic rail journeys and thoughtful touches that make travelling effortless.
07 Jul 2026 5 min read
Idyllic Ibiza!
This is the second time I have visited Ibiza for a family holiday and it did not disappoint. With thirteen members of my family we arrived at the 3 star Intertur Miami hotel in the Resort of Es Cana late on a Saturday after a pleasant two hour flight and forty minute private transfer from the airport. As it was late we had missed dinner but the hotel opened the restaurant for us to grab a
21 Sept 2017 5 min read
London in a Day!
They said it couldn't be done and there's too much to see but we did it. Albeit I want to go back and see more but it really is possible to do a quick whistle stop tour! We boarded the Virgin train to London at 8am grabbing some sandwiches and some snacks for a picnic on the train. Two hours later we arrived into London Euston. I had already purchased some travel cards for me and my husband - k
21 Sept 2017 5 min read
MS Koningsdam - Holland and America Cruise
Ms Koningsdam was docked in Amsterdam ready to embark on a "Jewels of the Baltic" cruise in Northern Europe. I was very privileged to be invited to have a tour of the ship, inspect the staterooms and suites, and experience a lovely lunch! From the outside she looks stunning, launched in 2016 - Koningsdam is Holland America Line's biggest ship to date. She is 975 feet long and holds 2650 passeng
21 Sept 2017 5 min read
Amazing Amsterdam
I was invited to attend a travel agent event in Amsterdam to experience the delights of the city and also visit a cruise ship that was docked ready to embark on a journey to the Baltics! Amsterdam is a great city break option that's only 50 minutes flight from Manchester . On arrival into Schipol airport it is so easy to get to the city centre. You come out of passport control, follow the s
21 Sept 2017 5 min read
Sizzling Zakynthos!
Wow - what an amazing Greek island Zakynthos is for a family holiday. Having just spent a 7 nights holiday here I can thoroughly recommend this as a perfect family holiday destination. We arrived just in time for dinner at our All inclusive hotel situated in the resort of Kalamaki - only 10 minutes from the airport. How amazing this was to watch the planes taking of and landing over the beach a
11 Jun 2017 5 min read
Majorca Mini Break
A mini break to Majorca at Easter was just what we needed after a long and dreary winter! I picked some EasyJet flights flying out on Easter Monday for a 3 night trip. Our flight took off and we landed in Majorca at 10am - ready to get straight into our mini break. Waiting for us in Palma Airport was our private transfer, having taken just cabin baggage this process of exiting the airport was
22 Apr 2017 5 min read
Sensational Sorrento and Amalfi Coast
Sorrento was the choice between my friends and I as a destination we would like to visit to celebrate our special birthday year . We were not disappointed . A 3 hour flight from Manchester and private transfer to greet us on arrival , soon had us at our lovely boutique 4 star hotel called The Plaza . The hotel was an excellent choice as it was in the middle of Piazza Tasso where numerous restau
10 Jun 2016 5 min read
Brilliant Britannia
If you are thinking of going on a cruise for the first time then Britannia is a great choice. Having never been on a cruise with my family before, I decided we should give it a go. We drove down to Southampton the night before and stopped off in a local Premier Inn. This was great for feeling refreshed the next morning. Driving into Southampton we were all taken aback by the huge ships waiting
04 Apr 2016 5 min read
Barcelona Beckons!
I wanted a city break that would cater for families so after doing some research I booked a three night stay in Barcelona for myself, husband and 7 year old daughter. It certainly didn't disappoint. Barcelona gave us a great balance of sightseeing with plenty of things to occupy my daughter too. The first day we arrived at 10am, went straight to the hotel to dump our bags and we headed strai
04 Apr 2016 5 min read
Menorca - a great family holiday destination
I have just returned from a great family holiday on the island of Menorca! With just over two hours flying time, it is a great destination for families. I travelled with my husband and seven year old daughter, and our friends and their two daughters . We stayed in the resort of Cala'n Bosh, a beautiful resort with a gorgeous beach and a marina full of swanky restaurants and bars. Our hote
08 Jun 2015 5 min read
Lapland
I have just been to Lapland on Saturday as a surprise trip for my daughter! It was such a lovely surprise for her to go and see Father Christmas. I have to say it was very cold and perhaps too cold for some but if you are used to ski holidays and camping I would definitely recommend this. We only did a day trip but I think it would be just as good to stay for a few nights where you can get warm
10 Dec 2013 5 min read
If you can dream it , you can do it ! - Walt Disney .
I was lucky enough to be invited by Disney Cruise Line to a spectacular VIP trip to Orlando and cruising the Bahamas on board "The Disney Dream" cruise ship. It all seems like a "dream" now - pardon the pun, we were well and truly spoilt. After a 9 hour flight on award winning airline Virgin Atlantic, I was whisked by private transfer straight to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Waiting to greet us
28 Oct 2013 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
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