Gaynor Burgess
My expertise
I'm based in
Manchester
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
Your personal travel expert in Manchester, creating tailor-made holidays, cruises and adventures worldwide
A memorable holiday starts with understanding the person taking it.
That’s why my first step is to get to know you: the places you’re curious about, the things you love doing and what would make a trip feel special.
Based in Manchester, I work with clients throughout the North West of England and further south across England.
I help busy professionals, couples and families turn their travel ideas into thoughtfully planned holidays, with personal service and guidance through every decision.
The holidays I arrange are as varied as the people I plan them for. From tailor-made journeys across Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the USA to multi-centre European adventures, Indian Ocean retreats and Caribbean escapes, each trip is shaped around you. I also arrange cruises and expedition voyages, whether you want to explore several destinations in comfort or venture somewhere extraordinary.
Perhaps you already know where you’d like to go but need help bringing the details together. Or perhaps you’re starting with an occasion—a honeymoon, a family adventure or a milestone birthday—and would welcome some inspiration. I’ll help you explore the possibilities and find the right fit for your interests, budget and preferred pace.
Choosing where to stay is only part of the picture. The route, flight timings, transfers, cruise itinerary and time spent in each place all shape your experience. I consider how those pieces work together, so you can enjoy looking forward to your holiday without spending your evenings comparing endless options.
For families, that might mean fewer travel days and accommodation that makes life easier. For couples, it could be a balance of exploring and quiet time together. For an ambitious adventure, it’s about creating a rewarding itinerary with enough time to appreciate each destination.
You’ll have a personal point of contact as we plan your trip, prepare for departure and welcome you home. My aim is to make the process clear, manageable and enjoyable, with the details taken care of and a holiday that reflects what matters to you.
If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to hear your ideas. Get in touch and let’s create your next adventure.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Caves, City Lights & Island Dreams: A Romantic Journey from Cappadocia to Santorini
There is something incredibly special about planning a honeymoon. It is not just another holiday, it is the start of a new chapter, and I love weaving in those little details that make it feel completely unique. This particular journey combines Turkey and Greece in one seamless escape: dramatic landscapes, ancient cities, and those impossibly romantic Aegean sunsets that honeymoons are made for.
13 Oct 2026 4 min read
My Stay at the Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza: Why I Fell in Love With Star Prestige
There are some places that feel like a simple holiday, and others that feel like a complete reset. My recent stay at the Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza, in a Star Prestige Penthouse Double Room with private pool and Bali bed, was absolutely the latter. If you are dreaming of grown-up Ibiza: turquoise sea, chic spaces, premium drinks and a rooftop pool just for adults, this might be your p
28 Jul 2026 6 min read
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 3 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 7 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 3 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 3 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 2 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 2 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 3 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 2 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 4 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 3 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 3 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 2 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 1 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 4 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
California Dreaming !
California is made for dreamers: big skies, endless coastline, iconic road trips and that unmistakable West Coast energy.
09 Apr 2026
JAPAN HANDCRAFTED FOR YOU !
From neon cities to quiet temples, sushi counters to serene onsens. Every detail tailored around you, every moment made unforgettable. #Travelcounsellors
03 Mar 2026
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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.
Get in touch
