Helen Birtwistle
I'm based in
Teignmouth
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi I’m Helen and I’m a personal Travel Counsellor.
I live in Teignmouth which is a lovely seaside town on the South Devon coast.
Travel is my biggest passion, I have over 35 years in the industry, as a manager and retail consultant on the high street. I joined Travel Counsellors nearly 13 years ago and it was the best decision I have ever made, as 'customer care' is at the core of what they do. I have a wealth of experience to help you plan the perfect holiday, whether it be a city break, a cruise, a holiday in the sun or a bespoke round the world itinerary. Travel Counsellors are a Global award winning, independent company, having won the highest UK business accolade 'The Queens Award for Enterprise' achieved by no other travel company and 3 times winner of the Guardian 'Best Travel Agent Award'
I take great pride in my work and give 100%. I strive to find the right holiday for my clients and always go the extra mile! Building a rapport and forming friendships with my clients is also a very important element to my job. I care about my clients and would love to have the opportunity to turn your dream holiday into reality. Recently I moved my office in to the Pavilions in Teignmouth. A fantastic new entertainment hub, situated on the seafront. This has allowed me to be more accessible to my clients. I operate from the office on an appointment only basis. It has been proven to be really popular with my local clients, who even just pop in and say hello and perhaps have a cuppa in the lovely café with me. I do also have clients nationwide.
I have visited the majority of Europe, including more unusual destinations such as the Azores. I have also been to South Africa, Mauritius, Caribbean, Mexico, USA, Canada and Egypt. I have a good general knowledge of the cruise market, having had the opportunity to cruise with Fred Olsen, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Carnival, Royal Caribbean International, NCL and Voyages of Antiquities. My holiday wish list for the future would have to include the Asia, New Zealand, India and Peru.
Having had so many years in the travel industry, I am confident I can offer you excellent travel advice. If I have not been to the destination you’re interested in, I have access to the other 1600 Travel Counsellors so I can always ask for advice so you get the very best recommendations!
If you like the idea of having your very own personal Travel Counsellor then just get in touch. I’ll get back to you promptly. Thank you - I look forward to hearing from you!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Breathtaking Kefalonia
In September 2022, I had the chance to visit the stunning island of Kefalonia, and it truly exceeded our expectations. Kefalonia offers a perfect blend of quiet charm, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious food—ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful, authentic Greek island getaway. We flew from Bristol Airport, and in just under four hours, we landed in Kefalonia. After picking up our hire car
20 Aug 2025 4 min read
Sailing the Norwegian Fjords on P&O’s Iona: A Journey to Remember
On 5th April 2025, I set off on a 7-night adventure aboard P&O’s Iona, departing from Southampton and cruising through the stunning Norwegian Fjords. As a travel agent, I’ve been on many cruises, but this one stood out — with stops in Olden, Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Havøysund, it was the perfect mix of natural beauty and onboard luxury. Iona is one of P&O’s newest and most impressive ships, a
14 Aug 2025 5 min read
A Dream Come True: My Scenic Eclipse Cruise Experience
When I got the call offering me a spot on the Scenic Eclipse sailing from Fowey—my second home—I could hardly believe it. Fowey holds a special place in my heart, so the opportunity to sail from there aboard such an extraordinary ship was a dream come true. From June 23 to June 26, 2022, I experienced a 3-night cruise that perfectly blended luxury, adventure, and relaxation. As a travel agent, I’
06 Aug 2025 5 min read
MY DREAM WEDDING ON THE GREEK ISLAND SKOPELOS
Skopelos, Greece, is an island that captured my heart long before I decided to say “I do” here. Known for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages, it was the perfect destination for a romantic escape—and I’m so happy it became the place where I celebrated one of the most important moments of my life. If you’re looking for an unforgettable romantic holiday or even a desti
06 Aug 2025 5 min read
Mother and daughter time in Venice
Venice may tire you out, but you can never tire of Venice... Within this labyrinth of twisting canals linked by narrow bridges is a living, breathing city. The famous Grand Canal lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces, is also home to tired facades of once grand buildings. All leading down to the famous San Marco Square, where you will find the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica. It is a true feast
16 Mar 2018 3 min read
The Algarve and the Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa
I was a young teenager when I last visited the Algarve. My memories were therefore very vague and I had no expectations. I just needed a short break away after a very busy couple of months at work. It had to be hassle free and Portugal ticked the boxes, with a short flight from a local airport. It was February, but I wasn’t concerned about the weather. I wanted to relax in a nice hotel, eat some g
27 Mar 2017 4 min read
Barbados - an island of contrast
Before my first ever visit to Barbados, more than ten years ago, my mind’s eye had images of picture post card, white powder beaches, stretching for miles, fringed by turquoise blue seas and tall swaying palm trees. The reality did not disappoint! When I first landed on what I consider the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, my breath was almost taken away, by the beauty of the place. Barba
12 Dec 2016 4 min read
Mauritius with Beachcomber Hotels
Our wonderful family trip to South Africa involved an extra element; an onward flight to Mauritius for a five night stay, compliments of Beachcomber hotels. I have booked many clients to the island over the years and I had knowledge of the place but was I was looking forward to experiencing it first-hand. Mauritius is everything I envisaged and more. A volcanic island, 65 km long and 45 km wide
28 Jun 2015 5 min read
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE SAFARI & JOHANNESBURG
I have many fond memories as a child, spending long and happy days at our local zoo with my parents and then when I grew up, I relived those memories with my own daughter. But nothing could prepare me for the experience of actually taking a safari and seeing all the wild animals in their natural surroundings. I don’t know how I can give full justice to this amazing experience, but all I can sugges
21 Jun 2015 6 min read
Lapland
I was so excited when I learned I had won a trip for me and my daughter to Lapland, courtesy of Simply Sweden. But nothing could have prepared us for perhaps one of the best experiences of our lives. It felt like we had been placed literally on top of the world. With outstretched arms, I felt I could almost touch the stars above me! The scenery is not like anywhere else I have experienced.
28 Jan 2014 4 min read
Voyages to Antiquity
I was thrilled when head office contacted me to confirm I had been invited on a four night cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. I have been on many cruise ships over the years, but this experience was going to be unlike any other! We took a flight from Heathrow to Athens with British Airways and were met on arrival by the local rep, who swiftly escorted us to our ship, the MV Aegean Odyssey. Before
08 Nov 2013 4 min read
CARNIVAL SUNSHINE
When head office invited me to spend a couple of nights on-board Carnival Sunshine, off the coast of Italy, I happily accepted! In all the years I have been in the travel industry I have never booked a Carnival cruise, so was very unsure what to expect. Carnival Sunshine is the fleets newest Fun Ship and is one of their most exciting ships to date, after her $155 million dollar transformation.
10 Jul 2013 3 min read
Independance of the Seas/Royal Caribbean International
I have recently returned from a three night voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. We departed on 2nd May 2012 from Southampton to Le Havre and return, with the option of spending a day in Paris. On arrival at the Docks, I was surprised at how long the queues were for check in, but it did not take long to board the ship. Check in was very swift and organised. Unfortunately we we
26 Oct 2012 3 min read
Mesmerising Mexico
I travelled to Cancun with Virgin Atlantic and I would definitely recommend upgrading to the extra leg room seats for an extra £30 each way (especially if you’re tall!) On arrival in Cancun we were transferred to the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, about 40 minutes from Cancun. There are four brands in total: Dreams and Now who cater for all ages including families and Zoetry and Secrects who
10 Oct 2012 3 min read
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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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