22 April 2025

As the BBC’s popular travel show, ‘Race Across the World’ returns for a new series this week, last year’s winner, Alfie Watts has talked to the media about ‘authentic travel’ and why he prefers it to your traditional package holiday. For those that don’t know, in the TV programme, contestants race in teams of two from one part of the world to another. Air travel is banned, they have a limited budget, and no smart phones are allowed. They interact with, and often rely on the generosity of locals, with no all-inclusive resort in sight. For many people, their ideal holiday is a nice all-inclusive resort, or a cruise, and this type of holiday absolutely has its place – and always will. However, what we are starting to see in the travel industry is an increase in a different type of holiday – what Alfie refers to as ‘authentic travel’. He explains what he means by this. “And then I'd say there's real authentic travel whereby you see the world as it actually is. And I've just learned that I actually much prefer the authenticity of places... rather than the weather." But stepping away from that resort can be scary. Perhaps it is a country you’ve not visited before? Maybe you don’t speak the language? Of course the culture will be different to back home, and that can feel scary. And of course there is the safety issue. How will I know where it is safe to go? I work with several suppliers who can allow you to experience authentic travel in complete safety. They offer small group tours where you are taken by local guides on a journey through the country you are visiting. From trekking through Nepal, to experiencing the variety on offer in Thailand from bustling Bangkok to hillside villages near the Chiang River. With authentic experiences you can’t get elsewhere such as spending the night in a Maasai village in Kenya to learn about life from community elders, or learning to climb a glacier in Patagonia. And these aren’t just opportunities for backpackers or those in their 20s or 30s. Some suppliers offer family experiences with input from National Geographic. Other offer a ‘luxury’ option where you can tour Morocco where on one day you will be exploring the souks of Marrakech whilst the next day you will be staying in a luxury desert camp, watching the sunset over the dunes from your private terrace. These suppliers are also focused on sustainable travel and ensuring that the money which is spent is given back to the local community. It is responsible tourism which gives back rather than purely giving you memories and souvenirs to take away. Today is also Earth Day and here at Travel Counsellors we are placing an emphasis on responsible travel. As Alfie puts it, yes, you can get a cheap flight to southern European countries, but once there, accommodation and food costs can be high. Spend a bit more on a flight to travel further afield and things are much cheaper when you get there. Whether you want to join one of these organised small group trips, or want to explore the world off the beaten track on your own, having that support behind you is crucial. And of course that is the advantage of using a reputable travel agent or tour operator who will have your back if things go wrong, and will ensure that your itinerary is right for you. If you are ready for this, then do get in touch. You can also read more of Alfie's advice here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxgq1pyypqo

17 September 2024

Today, I’ve been thinking about first time cruisers. I was one of these, way back in 2016. A bit of background, I hated water. We switched from travelling by ferry to France to using the tunnel, because I couldn’t cope with a channel crossing without feeling travel sick (I am generally not a good traveller and suffer from a great deal of motion sickness – I take tablets for a day at a theme park!). We went to Walt Disney World every year and my husband suggested that we try a Disney Cruise as an add on. I was nervous but figured, it was Disney, I might like it, and reassured myself that it was only a 3 night cruise so if I hated it and/or was sick, it wouldn’t last long. Well, it’s probably quite obvious that I loved it and we have now done twelve cruises on five different cruise lines. Now, a cruise would be my preferred way to travel. What do I enjoy so much? The biggest thing has to be that you can visit so many destinations without packing and unpacking. You go to bed and when you wake up the next morning you are in a new destination. Yes, you only get a taster of that destination, but you still get to experience it. And of course some people use it to decide where to go back to for a longer holiday. We loved Stockholm so much when we went on our Baltic cruise last year that we went back this year for a long weekend. You can choose an itinerary which visits multiple countries to give you a taste of different cultures (such as a Baltic, Mediterranean, or Caribbean cruise) or you can choose one which has multiple ports in one country to explore the culture in more detail (such as a Japanese, Greek Island, or New Zealand cruise). I also like the fact that once you get back on the ship everything is there. Dinner time? Just walk down to the restaurant. Want a drink? Head to the bar and don’t worry about getting an uber home! There are many concerns people have about cruising and many myths that need busting! Myth 1: It’s too expensive There is a cruise line for all budgets. If you work out the cost per person per night and think about what you are getting for that then you realise it is actually good value for money. It includes all of your meals and entertainment and when you look at it per night you will often find it is comparable to a lovely resort. You can add on a drinks package, or you can pay as you go – so you have the flexibility that you often won’t get with an all-inclusive resort. It is also possible to sail out of the UK, and therefore you avoid having to add on an airfare. Myth 2: I will feel seasick I totally understand this one, as that was my biggest concern. I’m not saying that it never happens but it is rare. Ships these days are very well stabilised and it can sometimes be hard to feel any movement. It is definitely not like a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais! The Captain also has access to technology which allows them to avoid bad weather, and they do so whenever possible. Some itineraries are more prone to rough seas than others, and this is where I can help you with picking the right one. Myth 3: I will feel too confined For some people, the idea of being ‘trapped’ on a floating hotel in the middle of the ocean is terrifying. And trust me, the cruise lines know this, and so they design ships which help to thin out the crowds. Yes, sea days are can feel more crowded as everyone is on board, but I have certainly felt more crowded on land. I recently cruised on a ship with 2700 passengers and there were times when I felt like there were only a handful of people on board. I’ve also cruised on a ship with 5200 passengers and yes, it did feel more crowded than the other one, but finding quiet places to relax was not a problem. There are tips and tricks for all different situations and different ships, which I can advise you on. Generally, luxury cruise lines will have more space per passenger than main stream cruise lines, but like I always say, there will be a cruise ship that is just right for you. Myth 4: It’s too boring Some cruise ships do offer limited facilities for entertainment and rely on you to amuse yourself. However these days it is far more common for them to offer facilities and activities to keep you busy all day. Very often people will come off these cruises lamenting the fact that they didn’t have time to do everything they wanted to! Myth 5: Cruising is only for the old and wealthy The average age of a cruiser in 2023 as 46. This is dropping year on year. Most cruise lines are dropping their formal night requirements and ballroom dancing lessons, to fit in with the demand from their guests. Family cruising is on the increase. These days there is something for everyone (even those who still want those more traditional and formal experiences). If this is a concern for you then I can find you a cruise line that is not stuffy and formal, and that caters for a more modern cruiser and a younger demographic. Myth 6: Cruising is prone to mishaps The cruise line industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries and is also one of the safest forms of holidays. It is almost impossible to just fall off into the sea. Do be reassured that the level of danger is incredibly low. Myth 7: Cruise ships are unsanitary incubators for viruses This is a valid belief as you do sometimes hear of outbreaks of norovirus on ships. But the reason you hear about them is because they are considered big news. This is because all cruise ships are required by law to make an outbreak public. You can get equally bad breakouts of viruses in a hotel – it just doesn’t make the news as they are NOT required by law to declare it. All cruise lines encourage you to use the wash basins or hand sanitiser next to the restaurants (to the extent that crew members will often be standing there making sure that you do!). It is estimated that you are 0.008% likely to catch norovirus on a cruise, and 750 times more likely to catch a bug on land. Still not convinced? Let me know your concerns and what you would want from your first cruise, and I’ll help you find the right one. Or if this has convinced you to give cruising a go, then you know where I am :)

16 September 2024

Cruising as a family holiday Have you ever thought about taking a cruise as your family holiday? The cruise industry has changed a lot over the last 20 years or so. Cruise ships have changed to provide more entertainment at sea, and the demographic has come down. In recent years the average age of a cruiser has dropped to 46, and 36% of cruisers worldwide in 2023 were under the age of 40. Millennials and Gen Zs made up 46% of all cruisers. These adult cruisers are increasingly choosing to holiday with their children (rather than leaving them home with the grandparents). In fact, including grandparents is also an popular way to cruise with 28% of all cruisers in 2-23 travelling with 3-5 generations of their family! We have cruised with both sets of grandparents – with my parents on Disney and with my in-laws on P&O. So why is cruising so popular with families? Firstly there are the destinations. Fancy sun, sea, and sand? Take your pick from the many cruise lines that operate in the Caribbean and Bahamas (44% of all cruises in 2023). Excursions include many water and beach activities, or exciting zip lines through tropical rainforests. Several cruise lines have their own private islands (such as Castaway Cay and Perfect Day at Coco Cay) and these are very popular with families wanting to feel safe on a beach, try some snorkelling, or take advantage of the water parks that have been built on them. Perhaps you want to experience some culture with your children and take them to destinations they may have learnt about in school, or read about in books. Mediterranean cruises are perfect for this with stops in places like Barcelona, Rome, Napes, Athens, Dubrovnik, etc. Experience the medieval European cities which fill our imaginations and that have formed the societies we are surrounded by today. 18.5% of all cruises in 2023 were in the Mediterranean. Want to stay a bit closer to home but see the world we live in like you never have before? How about a Norwegian Fjords cruise (Northern Europe accounted for 10.4% of all cruises in 2023)? Having cruised 4 times to Norway I have seen children stare in awe at the majestic mountains in the Fjords. Take them to a Viking village and learn about life in Scandinavia in the time of the Vikings. Cruising could also be a great way to see more of the United Kingdom, with a British Isles cruise, taking in England, Scotland, and Ireland. From a practical point of view, who likes long flights with children? Cruises out of Southampton and other UK ports are fantastic as you just arrive at the port and are onboard within 30 mins. This also makes it much easier to travel with large family groups. Then, of course, there are the ships. Cruising is not like flying somewhere. Your holiday starts the minute you embark with a ship packed full of activities. From water slides, to rock climbing. And from go-karts, to ice skating. If you pick the right ship, there will be something for everyone. Kids Clubs are a great way for your children to meet others their own age and on all cruise ships, teens have the freedom to come and go with the friends they make. Depending on your child you may rarely see them during sea days, or they may just dip into the clubs for an hour or so. However you want to holiday is up to you. A cruise allows every guest to do their own thing as much or as little as they want. Mum and Dad get some time to themselves without having to worry about the kids, but you can still enjoy activities and the entertainment together. Of course key to all of this is finding the right ship. Some are great for families, some are not. For example, P&O, are positioning themselves firmly in the family market with their latest two ships, but don’t think they are all like that – they have a couple of adult only ships. However they also have ships that welcome children, but don’t have the big family facilities that the latest ships have. This is where I come in, as I can help guide you to the right ship for you. Don’t be like the guest who boarded an NCL ship and complained to guest services that they couldn’t find the water slide – their ship didn’t have one and the guests hadn’t done their homework! Cruising really can be a great alternative to a land-based family holiday.

13 September 2024

What's that you say? You did the whole of Iceland in one day? Of course not. But we did what you might think of the as the essence of Iceland. We had just disembarked a Norway and Iceland cruise with NCL and the final three ports had been Akureyri and Ísafjörður in the north of Iceland, and the capital city, Reykjavik. These three ports alone were such a contrast. The first two are both in fjords so you have a lovely sail in, and when you dock at the port you are surrounded by the most amazing scenery. But at the same time they are both different with Akureyri being the fifth largest town/city in the country and Ísafjörður being on the opposite end of the spectrum with just 2,700 inhabitants. Reykjavik on the other hand is a small capital city (with 388,000 inhabitants) and whilst it is not the bustling metropolis of many capital cities it seemed very large compared to what we had experienced. We had an overnight in this port so we had already explored it the previous day. We had a hotel booked for the night of our disembarkation before we flew home, which gave us a full day to explore and make the most of our time. So what did we do? Iceland is built on volcanos. The landscape changes whenever a volcano erupts. Roads get closed by lava flow and new temporary ones are built to allow traffic to still get from A to B. It is a land of geographical features which, although you may find elsewhere, you won't find them all so close together like they are here. Volcanos sit alongside glaciers (the Fire and Ice), and continental plates collide. Mists hover over the top of mountains, shrouding them in mystery. Geothermic springs allow you to bath and relax amidst hardened lava, with a sense of being cut off from the world. So, we hired a car and went for a drive. It is not surprising that many tourists want to see some of the geographical features that Iceland is famous for, and by far the most popular way to see some of these is by doing a tour on the Golden Circle. You can do an organised tour but we decided to do a self-drive to allow us to go at our own pace. The entire drive leaving from and returning to Reykjavik takes about 3.5 hours - longer of course, if you want to stop at various points! So what did we see on our tour of the Golden Circle? 1. The Kerid Crater - the remains of a volcano that erupted 6,500 years ago. 2. Geysir Hot Springs - the big one only erupts about 3 times a day so we didn't get to see that, but we did see Strokkur which erupts every few minutes 3. Gullfoss - this is a spectacular waterfall, which I suspect would have looked even better without the rain and VERY strong winds! Also stopped at the café here for lunch where I had Viking style beef goulash 4. Öxarárfoss - whilst not as big as Gullfoss I found this SO impressive. It flows through the place where the American and Eurasian continental plates meet 5. Þingvellir National Park - another great place to see where the continental plates meet and also the site of Iceland's first parliament, which first met in 930 CE The weather did improve as the day went on but by the end of this we were cold and tired. But, other than glaciers, we had seen the key features of the country. Except one. Geothermal baths And so we ended our day at the Blue Lagoon. This is very near the volcano that has been erupting recently and we did have to use a temporary road to get there due to the main one being blocked by lava. But it was definitely worth it. Such an experience, watching the sunset from these warm silica-blue waters, enjoying a face mask and a drink. Driving away at 10pm we saw cars ahead of us put on their hazard lights and pull in. We glanced to the side of the road and immediately did the same. In the dark we could see what we hadn't seen in daylight as we drove to the Blue Lagoon. The volcano erupting in the distance. So that was 'erupting volcano' ticked off our list. A fantastic end to a fantastic holiday that had taken us from the warm weather in Bruges and Amsterdam, to the picturesque fjords in Norway (with a royal wedding thrown in for good measure), and then to the cold and rain of Iceland. Unforgettable.

20 July 2024

I love cruising and one specific cruise line has intrigued me since I joined the travel industry, but I was very reluctant to try due to the fact that I’m autistic. I have sensory issues which mean that I struggle with noise and crowds, and unpredictability. I always book a balcony cabin as I find pool decks hard to cope with. The cruise line I really wanted to try was Virgin Voyages. This line was initially presented in the media as very much a party ship and footage I’d seen made it seem like my worst nightmare. But, having spoken to our BDM at Virgin, I was assured that I would be able to cope. Travelling to new places – or with new cruise lines – when you are autistic is a big step but I decided to give it a go. We sailed on the Resilient Lady in July 2024. So, how was Virgin Voyages as an autistic cruiser, and would I recommend it to other autistic passengers? My first encounter with Virgin Voyages was upon arrival at the port of Piraeus (Athens). We entered the covered tent they use and, after our boarding time was checked, we moved through to the check in area. As we approached this my heart started to sink as there was very loud music playing. I quickly got my sunflower lanyard out of my bag as it as my loop earplugs which I always use in a noisy environment. To my surprise we were immediately directed down the priority check in as they recognised the sunflower lanyard. This was a lovely touch, as the regular queue was one that snaked back and forth and this adds to the feeling of chaos and crowds for me. So, score 1 to Virgin Voyages! Once we had boarded the cabins were ready so we went to check it out and leave our hand luggage before going off and exploring. This was very useful as we had an earlyish check in time and the ship wasn’t particularly crowded. This gave me the opportunity to explore at my own pace and it felt like I had some control. If you are autistic then I definitely recommend that you try and get an early boarding time. The safety briefing advised that anyone with additional/accessibility needs should visit Sailor Services (guest services) to make them aware of this in case of an emergency. We did, and they made a full note on my profile. They also had a lovely chat with me advising me about places to avoid at specific times, and ideas on where I might find some quiet. One thing that really impressed us about the ship was the variety of public spaces (particularly on deck 7), with lots of lovely seating dotted around. Throughout the course of the cruise (with the exception of Scarlet Night) these spaces NEVER felt crowded. We loved spending time in the Social Club which has board games and jigsaws, and where the quizzes take place (and yes, we did win one!). There was never a problem getting a table to play a game and the noise was never too loud. The Dock House was also good for somewhere nice to sit. On Scarlet Night – the biggest party night on the cruise – we even found the Dock House quiet enough for me to cope with, listening to a band. I really wanted to see one of the main shows on the ship, ‘Persephone’. This takes place in the Red Room which is a multi-functional black box space. I was advised by Sailor Services that I might struggle as there was no seating and the audience would mill around with the performers. Thankfully, Virgin acknowledge that this can mean it is inaccessible to some guests (like me) and they open up the balcony seating for those who need it. Looking down at the floor from the balcony I know I would have struggled as the way the crowd and performers were moving around would have been too unpredictable for me. Is there anywhere we didn’t go due to my accessibility needs? Absolutely. We did not go onto the pool deck other than during our initial explore. We had the balcony – with a lovely hammock – and we also enjoyed the outside space and loungers on deck 7. Fewer people, and no music. A must for autistic cruisers! We also avoided many of the bars in the evening as the unpredictable behaviour of people when they are drinking is too much for me. I would give a word of warning about one of the restaurants, Gunbae. This is a Korean BBQ and is a shared table concept (max 6 people) with the food being cooked in the middle of the table. As there were only 2 of us we were placed on a table with people we didn’t know. A big part of Gunbae is the atmosphere and the drinking games and this did make us nervous about booking it. Thankfully we were on a table with another family, all of who ordered soft drinks and said they didn’t want to do the drinking games (our server seemed a bit disappointed). I used my loops as other tables were very loud, but did have a pleasant experience. However, I am fully aware that had we been with a different group of people I may well not have been able to stay and enjoy the meal. My one piece of advice to Virgin Voyages, is to offer people the option to be seated with people who either do or do not want to do that part of it. A simple tick box when reserving would suffice – though of course saying that it is not guaranteed. As it stands, unless you get lucky like we did, this restaurant could very well be inaccessible for many autistic cruisers. I will also say that I took precautions. I didn’t leave the cabin without my lanyard and loops. For example, yes, I was able to sit in the Dock House and listen to the band on Scarlet Night, but I did still have my loops in. We avoided The Galley (the food hall) at busy times, preferring to breakfast early. Overall the ship did not feel crowded, despite it being at around 90% capacity. Would I recommend it for autistic cruisers? Do your research – or ask your travel agent for advice – and take the time to explore, getting to know the quiet places. I would definitely cruise with Virgin Voyages again.

17 May 2024

That depends on what you want from your holiday. There is no doubt that the kids clubs on a Disney ship are much more expansive than other cruise lines. For example, there is no casino on Disney and the space given over to that on other ships has been given over to the kids clubs. They usually occupy most of a deck. The kids clubs also stay open later than most cruise lines - till midnight or 1am - allowing parents to enjoy the adult only entertainment. For the most part the entertainment on board is Disney themed - as you'd expect. Three West End style shows are performed on each cruise. Trivia quizzes tend to be Disney themed (though we have also done TV theme tune and music quizzes). Disney movies show in the onboard cinemas, including brand new releases. Adult entertainment will be more like what you get on other cruise lines, with comedians, game shows, and a wide range of musicians. Naturally there are character meet and greets going on throughout the ships. Yes, you will have to queue but it is usually a shorter queue than you might have in the Disney Parks. Dining on Disney is a rather unique experience where you are allocated a dining time and table, and then rotate throughout the three main dining rooms. Your serving team rotate with you, so they know who you are, what drinks you like, etc. This is a lovely touch. They may also do little magic tricks or give you puzzles to entertain your kids while you wait for your meals. Some of the dining rooms also have entertainment going on between courses. Another thing that surprises people is that Disney Cruise Line is an excellent choice for cruisers sailing without children! When Disney say that they have adult areas they really do mean it and it is enforced more than other cruise lines in my experience. There are also sections of the ship which are out of bounds to children after 9pm, leaving the adults to enjoy the entertainment. This doesn't happen much on other cruise lines and is possible largely due to the fact that the kids clubs are open until later than other cruise lines. Disney was our first ever cruise and it was a bit of a culture shock when we then did a different cruise line and found kids running around in the bars late into the night! Disney doesn't do drinks packages, which might be a shock to regular cruisers. Alcohol is bought on a pay-as-you-go basis, as is premium coffee and tea. But that's it. All of your soft drinks - including Coca Cola products and Minute Maid Lemonade - are free and available 24/7 on the pool deck. Another nice thing I noticed is that if the ship docks slightly out of the centre of a town Disney will provide a free shuttle. This is something that you would pay for on other cruise lines. So yes, it is expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Of course, it still may not be the cruise line for you, and that's okay. If you feel it is for you then get in touch and let me help you plan and book it. If you want to ask me about other cruise lines then also get in touch and I can help you find your perfect match.

13 May 2024

Has the lovely weather of the last few days got you thinking about spending some time outdoors in a beautiful location? Beach holidays not your thing or you fancy a change? Summer holidays in Europe tend to be largely about the Mediterranean, but what about somewhere more inland? Countries such as Austria and Switzerland are fantastic destinations for something a bit different. When we think of the Alps we think of skiing, but in the summer months are actually the best time of year to visit. With the snow of the winter months largely gone (though trails of snow can still be found on the highest peaks) the Alps become alive with colour and wildlife. Summer is most associated with hiking and walking. But this is not just for serious hikers or walkers. Trails can range from challenging to easy, making it a perfect holiday for families. But it is also a great time to learn about Alpine culture, food, and drink. You can visit picturesque Alpine villages, soak up the views of the many lakes in the region, relax in a thermal spa, or take an Alpine train in a panoramic carriage to take in the stunning scenery. Take a cable car up to the top of a mountain, or take it easy with a Swiss Fondue cooking class. If you love this region for skiing, why not go back in the summer to see a completely different side of life here. Accommodation can range from self-catering apartments to 5* spa hotels. With the Alps covering 8 countries including Austria, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, there really is something for everyone. Prices can vary by country and dates, but even in the school holidays there are some reasonable prices out there. I work with some fantastic suppliers who help me to find the perfect holiday for you and your family. Flights go from both London and regional airports, or you could extend the holiday and see more of Europe and travel by train. If this appeals to you, then do get in touch.

25 March 2024

Interesting news has come out from AITO in their annual survey. 52% of respondents said they would consider rail travel as 'a serious alternative' to flying. This is really interesting. The advent of mass air travel opened up the world in a way that had never been seen before. You could get almost anywhere just a few hours. For example, flying to New York from London takes around 7 hours, compared to anything from 7 to 16 nights on a transatlantic cruise. Of course, you can't take a train across the Atlantic, but you can get across to continental Europe by train and from there can go anywhere. Did you know that it is even possible to get from Lagos in Portugal to Beijing in China purely by train (it will take you 3 weeks though!). We used rail as an alternative to flying last summer - though it wasn't through choice. We were due to fly home from Bordeaux with a flight leaving at 9pm. The plane was late arriving for us to board and when it did finally land we were told - at 00:15 - that the our flight was cancelled due to crew illness. With no alternative flights for 3 days we thought about driving, but it is not possible to rent a car in France for a one-way trip back to the UK. So, our only option was rail. We stayed at the airport till around 4am and then got an Uber into the station in Bordeaux. We then took the 05:18 TGV train (the super fast ones) to Paris. Coming in south of the river we had to get the metro across the city to the Gard du Nord, and then the Eurostar to St Pancras. Unfortunately our car was at Gatwick so we then had to get on another train to the airport to collect it. We arrived back home about 20 hours after we were supposed to and with very little sleep other than what we managed to get on the trains. I should also mention that we did not use a Travel Counsellor for this and if we had then we would have had a lot less stress! Would we do it again? Obviously the situation was less than ideal! We hadn't planned this, and we were tired. And a little bit grumpy. However, we have said we would like to do it again - just planned. For us it certainly would be a viable alternative to flying down to Bordeaux again. It was so nice to see more of France (in between napping) and we would love to do it when we are more awake. And of course there was more leg room than on a plane! I'd definitely consider it for other destinations too. We looked at getting a train from LA to Seattle for an Alaskan cruise. I want to do a European cruise and would love to expand the trip by travelling there and back by rail. And it's not just train from London. You could fly to Thailand for example, and do a multi centre stay using the train rather than internal flights. Or use the train to get around Japan. So, would you consider it? Do you not like flying and don't travel well by coach/bus? Are you just looking for something different? Or do the practicalities of it make it seem scary - changing trains, planning connections? Of course, I can help you with that!

25 March 2024

Some of my time each day is spent learning about destinations that I've either never been to or destinations that I just want to learn more about. The more I know, the more I can help you with your perfect holiday. It is also fascinating and I'm so lucky that my job allows me - and provides me with the resources - to do this. Last week my destination of choice was Greece. This Mediterranean country is made up of over 6000 islands - only 227 of which are inhabited. There are so many different ways to experience this country: the home of democracy and one of the oldest civilisations in Europe (the oldest was the Minoan civilisation, which existed between 3,200 and 1,450 BC on the island of Crete). No matter what you are looking for from a holiday, Greece is definitely a destination worth considering. Want a beach holiday? Did you know that no point in Greece is more than 85 miles from water? This gives you two options. You can stay at a beach resort and still travel to other inland destinations. Or you can split your holiday with some time inland and then its just a short drive and/or ferry ride to a delightful beach resort. Are you more into the history and culture? Greece is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a further 14 are currently being considered for this honour. Philosophy. Theatre. The Olympics. Democracy. All of these played a major part in life in Ancient Greece and if you have an interest in any of these then there are places you can visit. Looking for the sun? Greece has more than 3000 hours of sunshine (or 250 days) per year. This makes it one of the world's sunniest places. Are you a wine connoisseur? Greece has more than 300 varieties of grape and has a wine making tradition that dates back to 4000 BCE. The Ancient Greeks even had a god of wine. Are you a foodie? Greece is well-known for its healthy Mediterranean diet. Naturally, being an island nation, fish plays a large role here, and there is so much more than Greek yoghurt, Feta Cheese, Taramasalata, or Moussaka - as nice as those things are. Are you a cruise lover? If a cruise line sails in the Mediterranean, then it will offer cruises that takes in at least some of the Greek islands along with Athens. The perfect way to island hop and get a taster of what this country can offer you, with fully guided tours on excursions to help you explore. We have a number of hotels in Greece where we have built up a close relationship with, allowing me to add those personal touches and giving you the reassurance that you will be well looked after when you visit. From the hustle and bustle of Athens, peace and tranquillity of watching the sunset on Santorini. Beaches, cities, fishing villages, vineyards, and 5* resorts. Greece has something for everyone. I'm off to Greece later this year. As a teacher I taught Philosophy from ages 11-18, and theatre is one of my passions. I can't wait!

13 March 2024

Yesterday I attended a supplier event in London to meet with some of the cruise lines that I can book with. I love cruising and have sailed with Disney, Princess and P&O. I am also a member of CLIA, giving me up to date insights into the cruising industry (and first class training). However there is a wide variety of cruise lines out there and I was keen to expand my knowledge of them. So I set off at 6:30am and headed down to London: destination ‘The Sunborn Yacht Hotel’ near the ExCel. Yes, a hotel on a yacht – what a perfect place to meet up with some cruise lines and learn about what they have to offer! We had presentations from 8 cruise lines who sail from the UK and around the world. From luxury cruise lines with 180 day sailings around the world, to expedition cruise lines sailing to the Antarctic or the Galapagos Islands. From adult only cruise ships, to family orientated ones. It is events like this that really help me in my business and ultimately help me to help you. Part of what I do is matching you to the perfect holiday, and cruises are no exception. Some people have a pre-conceived view of who is the average cruiser. The truth is that there IS no average cruiser, and yesterday certainly highlighted that to me. If you want to try cruising then there is a cruise line for you. This is why people come to me for help as I can advise them in a way that the internet can’t. I don’t want to send you on a holiday that isn’t right for you, just to get a sale. These events also put me in contact with the regional managers for our suppliers. This gives me a direct contact with the cruise line – and you never know when that might help me give you the best experience possible. So who are you? A luxury seeker? A foodie? An intrepid adventurer? A party loving traveller? A family focused parent? A regular holiday maker tired of the same old destinations? Someone looking for their bucket list adventure? Whoever you are, I can recommend a cruise line for you.

22 February 2024

I am an unashamed Disney fan. So much so that at a previous job one of my nicknames was ‘Disney’. I’m the person that friends and family turn to for advice on visiting WDW (Walt Disney World). So of course, I am very excited about being able to help people plan and go on their perfect trip. One question I always get asked is ‘why do you keep going back?’ These people do have a point. There is the whole world to explore out there, but for some reason this 39 square mile patch of land in a city on the other side of the pond keeps pulling me back. I could make a really bad ‘Moana’ reference here, but I won’t – but if you are now singing that song in your head then, ‘you’re welcome’ (yep, sorry if you are singing that one too, and now you know how my family feel!) I first visited WDW in 1994 after university and had the most amazing time. Only two years earlier I’d returned to the love of Disney that I’d had as a child with the release of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Nearly 20 years, one husband, and two kids later, I returned to WDW in Oct 2012. The plan was to take the children on a ‘once in a life time’ trip. They were 8 and 5. It was as amazing as I had remembered and the children were in awe of everything. As with a lot of people this ‘once in a life time’ trip turned out to be anything but. We returned in 2014 and have been returning ever since then. We have stayed off site, on site, become DVC members, had an Annual Pass, and in 2016 discovered Disney Cruise line. When you find your happy place, you catch hold of it. For me Disney is my happy place. It doesn’t matter your age, you can feel like a child again and you will find your own way of enjoying it. As my children have grown up our Disney experience has gone from being all about character meets to being all about the rides. And each age that they have gone has given us different memories. Familiarity is also part of it. Both me and my son are autistic and knowing where our favourite spots are and how we can get away from the crowds, is invaluable. Yes, there are new rides and new experiences each time we go, but the essence of Disney remains the same. We sometimes play the game of ‘signs you are a Disney family’. A lot of our shared memories contain in jokes and references to experiences we shared. Like the time we got stuck in Hollywood Studios in a torrential downpour and whilst three of us sought shelter in the entrance of the ABC Commissary, my daughter refused and just danced in the rain. Or the time we got stuck at Epcot in the rain and we joked about my husband running from ‘Germany’ in the World Showcase back to the Mouse Gears shop while we were waiting. Or the time she ran at Goofy when she was five and nearly knocked him over. Or her very first character interaction when there was no queue for Snow White but she was too nervous to walk up to her. So Snow White came over, took her hand, and led her to the spot. Just the other day I was in the car with her and Earth Wind and Fire’s ‘September’ came on the radio. Her first comment was ‘I feel like the car should be spinning’. No, she wasn’t referring to my driving, but the fact that this was the song we had playing during 6 out of the 9 times we rode ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ in 2022. Family holidays are made of things that generate a lifetime of memories and Disney definitely does that for us. Disney does what it can to make the experience work for everyone. We have had a lot of use out of the DAS (Disability Accessibility Service) Pass. This allows people – primarily those with cognitive disabilities – to be able to access the rides. I struggle with sensory overload and the queues for rides are themed with lots of stuff going on. Whilst this is great in that it passes the time and there is always lots to see, it is a real problem for people like me. I have my limit on how long I can cope with a queue and being able to use the DAS Pass when I need to means I can keep going. If you have a physical disability almost every ride is wheelchair accessible (and they have alternative options for the very small number that aren’t) and wheelchairs/scooters can be hired in the parks or from other companies in the area. I always remember something I read about the character meet and greets, and when I watch them it is 100% true. When they hug someone – child or adult – they will never let go until the guest lets go. The idea is that they don’t know why that guest needs the hug or what is going on in their lives, and so they let the guest decide. This, to me, is SUCH a big thing. There is a sign above the entrance to Magic Kingdom which sums it up very well: "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy" So, to answer the original question: there is no one reason why I keep going back. Unless it is to keep the magic going. So where have we stayed? Here are our experiences with WDW and DCL October 2012 – WDW – offsite in a villa October 2014 – WDW – The Grand Floridian August 2015 – WDW – Old Key West and Port Orleans Riverside August 2016 – WDW – Beach Club Villas, Vero Beach, and cruised on the Disney Dream February 2017 – WDW – Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Villas at the Grand Floridian, and cruised on the Disney Dream (adult only trip) July 2017 – DLP – Newport Bay Club August 2017 – DLP – Sequoia Lodge (adult only trip) October 2017 – WDW – Polynesian and cruised on the Disney Dream August 2018 – WDW – Bay Lake Tower, Port Orleans French Quarter, Vero Beach, cruised on the Disney Dream, and cruised on the Disney Fantasy August 2109 – Cruised on the Disney Magic from Dover (Norwegian Fjords) August 2021 – 4 night Staycation cruise on the Disney Magic to try and get my dose of Disney that Covid had taken away August 2022 – WDW - Port Orleans French Quarter, Beach Club, Riviera, Grand Floridian, Vero Beach, and cruised on the new Disney Wish

08 February 2024

This has to be one of my top bucket list things to do - see the Northern Lights. And I'm guessing it is for a lot of people. But unfortunately there is no place you go can where you are guaranteed to see them, so I do get asked for advice on where is the best place to go and when. Here are some of the top locations that people travel to in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. It will probably come as no surprise to learn that it is the Scandinavian countries which hold the top spot. Lapland in Finland has seen a huge growth in tourists hoping to catch the elusive phenomenon. It's not just the man in red who is the main attraction here! For example the 'Santa's Magic' tour company, who offer trips to Saariselkä, have the option of a resort hotel slightly higher up which gives you a better chance. Other popular spots include Rovaniemi and Inari. Cruises to Norway are also popular ways to try and catch the Northern Lights. If you are planning on a cruise for this purpose then do be aware that a 7 night cruise from the UK will generally not take you far north enough to see them. You really need a 14 night cruise which will take up to Alta or Tromsø. Another popular spot in Norway is the city of Narvik. Sweden also has some great viewing spots, with Abisko and Kiruna particularly popular places to travel to. Also included in the Scandinavian spots is Iceland - in fact there are some lovely cruise itineraries which take in both Norway and Iceland - and the city of Kálfafell is very popular for Northern Light spotting. Moving away from Scandinavia, Churchill, Banff, and Jasper, all in Canada, are popular destinations. Finally, and closer to home, is the Isle of Skye in Scotland. So when should you go? The peak period is late September to late March. Obviously your budget will largely determine when and where you go. It may be the sole purpose of your trip, or you may be wanting to explore the area in general. Perhaps you want to cruise to fjords in Norway, and the Northern Lights would be a bonus. Or perhaps you are tying it in with that trip to see Santa. Whatever the purpose, and however you want to do it, I can help put that perfect itinerary together.