Ian Le-Fevre
My expertise
I'm based in
Newcastle
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
Tailor‑made Adventures, Expedition, River & Ocean Cruises, City Breaks, Villa Stays, Solo Escapes - all designed for you
Hi there and thanks for popping by - I'm Ian your dedicated and trusted Travel Counsellor.
If you're here because you're dreaming of your next big adventure, you’re in the best place, as I make your travel plans effortless, exciting and completely tailored to you.
I have spent more than three decades in the travel industry and have been fortunate enough to visit over 100 countries across the continents. I have travelled solo, as a couple, with family and friends and in groups, and I bring all of that real-world experience into the holidays I design for my clients.
My Clients Come To Me For:
- Expert first-hand insight into destinations, ships and solo-friendly options
- Complex and multi-component itineraries brought together into one seamless trip
- Attention to detail and the confidence that everything has been thought through
- Someone who is there for them, even outside standard office hours especially in our unpredictable world
My Travel Mastery:
- Holidays on water
- Touring and multi-centre itineraries including safari, cruise and luxury rail
- Active, adventure and special interest holidays for couples, families and solo travellers
- Immersive city breaks
- Villa holidays for just you, or for you and your family and friends
If you love to be on the water, we already have something in common. I have sailed on more than 150 river, ocean, tall ship, small ship and expedition cruises, including voyages in the polar regions. Whether you are curious about an Arctic or Antarctic expedition, a sun-soaked Caribbean sailing, world cruise voyage or a cultural river journey, I can guide you through the options and find the right fit.
Solo travel is a particular passion of mine. I know that travelling alone can feel liberating, but it can also feel a little daunting, especially the first time. Whether you want the confidence of joining a small group, the sociability of a cruise, or a fully independent itinerary with private guides and transfers arranged, I will help you find the style of solo trip that feels right for you. For seasoned solo travellers, I can open up new routes, new ships and new destinations that still feel safe, supported and enriching.
I work in partnership with Travel Counsellors, which means you benefit from our excellent financial protection and support, while still enjoying a very personal, one-to-one service. I do not simply search for the cheapest price: I listen carefully to what you want from your time away, then craft a holiday that reflects your tastes, interests and budget.
Whether you are planning your first solo adventure, a special anniversary cruise, bucket-list safari, luxury rail journey, immersive city break, villa retreat or an epic trip that combines several destinations, I would be delighted to help.
Let's start turning your ideas into an amazing itinerary, let's plan and book your dream trip together.
For a friendly chat and expert, personalised service - click the 'Contact Ian' button on the left, or any of the ways below to start your next journey.
WhatsApp Message: 01777 780004
Call Direct: 0191 6225735
Email: ian.le-fevre@mytc.com
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
20 Cities To Visit Before They Become Too Popular
Discover 20 emerging city break destinations to visit before everyone else: from Tbilisi, Kotor and Sarajevo to Bologna, Lecce, Gdańsk, Funchal and more. Find out why to go now, when to travel, and what to see, eat and experience.
26 Jun 2026 10 min read
Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time For a City Break: Cooler Days, Cosy Nights & Crowd Free Exploring
Discover why autumn is the ideal season for a city or short break: softer weather, fewer crowds, shorter queues, seasonal food, great value and magical atmospheres in destinations like Copenhagen, Stockholm, Reykjavik, Abu Dhabi, Marrakech, Montreal, Boston, Istanbul, Lisbon, Rome and more.
26 Jun 2026 12 min read
Luxury Mekong River Cruise Review: Scenic Spirit with Raffles Stays in Ho Chi Minh City & Siem Reap
Thinking about a Mekong river cruise on Scenic Spirit? Read my first‑hand review of this all‑inclusive luxury journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, with Singapore Airlines flights plus stays at Caravelle Saigon and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, weather tips, itinerary highlights and advice for solo travellers.
13 Jun 2026 17 min read
Villa Holidays: Your Relaxed Home From Home With Room For Adventure
Discover how villa holidays can become your relaxed base with optional layers of touring, food and sailing. From Greece and the Balearics to Thailand and Costa Rica, explore how I design villa stays for couples, families, friends and solos who want space, privacy and gentle adventure at their own pace.
10 May 2026 12 min read
Family Holidays to Canada: An A–Z Guide for Active & Multi Generational Families
Discover the ultimate A–Z of family holidays to Canada: wildlife, road trips, RV adventures, national parks, culture and big sky memories for active and multi generational families.
09 May 2026 19 min read
Multi centre holidays: create one trip, many experiences
Discover how multi centre holidays work, who they suit and the best ways to combine city, coast and adventure, from island hopping and USA road trips to culture and beach or safari and wine country combinations.
07 May 2026 11 min read
Touring holidays: the smarter way to see more of the world
In this travel guide discover what touring holidays are, who they suit, and the different ways to travel, from classic and small group tours to family adventures, safaris, rail journeys, self-drives and solo touring options.
07 May 2026 14 min read
Holidays on the Water: Where the Journey Is Just as Inspiring as the Destination
Thinking about a holiday on the water? Explore the best river cruises, expedition cruises, small ship journeys, luxury ocean sailings and yacht charters, and find out which style suits you.
06 May 2026 13 min read
Seychelles Island Hopping: Active Adventures Across 115 Islands
Seychelles is one of those rare places that feels every bit as magical as the photos suggest. Scattered across the Indian Ocean like tiny emeralds, its 115 islands are a dream for travellers who want more than a simple fly‑and‑flop escape. Think soft‑sand beaches framed by granite boulders, lush green hills, colourful Creole villages and warm, clear water that is made for snorkelling and swimming.
28 Apr 2026 13 min read
Indulge Your Green Fingers: Inspiring Garden Holidays and Nature‑filled Escapes
Discover inspiring garden holidays for solo travellers, couples, friends and special‑interest groups. From Tenerife, Madeira, the Azores and the Isles of Scilly to Italy, Japan, Canada and Hawaii, explore tailor‑made garden tours and nature‑filled escapes designed around you.
25 Apr 2026 13 min read
Expedition Cruise to the Polar Regions with Ian Le‑Fevre | Svalbard & Beyond
Almost a year on from my journey to Svalbard in the Arctic with Quark Expeditions, I still find myself pausing mid‑day when a memory surfaces: the crunch of ice against the hull, the soft wingbeat of a kittiwake overhead, the crack of a distant glacier calving into an inky fjord. Seven polar bear sightings, multiple walrus haul‑outs and one very bracing polar plunge later, I can safely say that tr
22 Apr 2026 13 min read
Responsible Travel: Simple Ways To Be A Mindful Traveller
World Earth Day might only come around once a year (22 April), but the way we travel has an impact all year round. Most of us love hopping on a plane, checking into a lovely hotel and exploring somewhere new, but we are also increasingly aware that our holidays affect the planet and the people who call our favourite destinations home. The aim is not to feel guilty about travelling, but to travel i
21 Apr 2026 7 min read
Scenic Eclipse Cruise Review: Luxury Discovery Yacht
There is cruising, and then there is discovering the world by luxury yacht. Scenic Eclipse sits firmly in the second category: a sleek, all-suite discovery yacht that takes you to some of the world’s most intriguing coastlines in outstanding comfort. Think fine dining, attentive service and expert-led excursions, wrapped up in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hote
21 Apr 2026 8 min read
Ontario long weekend: Toronto city break, Muskoka lakes & Algonquin wilderness
Ontario has a way of ticking far more boxes than you expect from a short break. One minute you are standing at the top of the CN Tower, looking out over a glittering city skyline, and the next you are gliding across a still lake, pine forests reflected in the water and nothing but the call of the loons for company. For travellers who like their weekends to feel like a real escape, it is that blend
21 Apr 2026 8 min read
Costa Rica Holiday Itinerary: Cloud Forests, Coffee Farms & Wild Pacific Beaches
Costa Rica is the place you go when you want your holiday to feel like an adventure, not just a change of sun lounger. Misty cloud forests, smoking volcanos, wildlife‑rich jungles and wide Pacific beaches all fit into one small, welcoming country, threaded together by friendly locals and a genuine commitment to sustainability. It is a destination that rewards curiosity: the more you explore, taste
21 Apr 2026 9 min read
Why go on safari: what makes African safari holidays so special?
There are holidays you forget within weeks, and then there are the ones that stay with you for life. African safari holidays fall firmly into the second camp. Dawn light catching a lion’s mane, the soft padding of elephants through the dust, the call of a fish eagle over the river and stars that feel close enough to touch: a safari engages every sense and reconnects you with the natural world in a
21 Apr 2026 14 min read
Atlantic Canada: Big Scenery, Warm Welcomes & Easy Access From The UK & Ireland
If you are dreaming of wild coastlines, colourful harbour towns and genuinely friendly people, Atlantic Canada is a fantastic option for your next adventure. Whether you are travelling as a couple, going solo or planning a special trip with friends or family, this part of Canada delivers big views, big skies and a wonderfully warm welcome.
17 Apr 2026 7 min read
Summer Family Holidays to Canada: Adventure, Wildlife and Big-Sky Memories
Having explored Canada extensively from coast to coast, and experienced the glaciers and fjords of neighbouring Alaska by cruise, I have seen first-hand just how well this part of the world lends itself to unforgettable family holidays. From walking along the harbour in Vancouver and spotting floatplanes take off at sunset, to watching the tide roll in at the Bay of Fundy in Atlantic Canada, to sa
17 Apr 2026 5 min read
Gran Canaria: a continent in miniature
Gran Canaria is so much more than a winter‑sun escape or a week on a sunlounger. Often described as a “continent in miniature”, this intriguing island blends golden southern beaches, a characterful capital in the north and a dramatic volcanic interior laced with walking trails, vineyards and big starry skies. It is an ideal choice if you are drawn to sunshine but want your holiday to feel enrichin
17 Apr 2026 5 min read
20 Luxury Bucket List Trips for Over 50's
In our 20s, we are busy trying new things, starting careers and planning for a comfortable future. As we grow older, many of us feel ready to slow the pace of life just enough to focus on the things that truly make us happy. For a lot of people, that means finally taking those bucket list trips we have dreamed about for years: luxury safaris, small‑ship expedition cruises, iconic natural wonders
17 Apr 2026 12 min read
A New Way to Holiday
There’s a reason the timeless pilgrimage trails of the Camino de Santiago endure to this day. Weaving through the rolling hills of ‘Green Spain’ in the north-west of the country, each Camino route offers a powerful sense of connection and purpose, which – given the rising popularity of pilgrimages – seems to be in our very nature to seek out. I work with Inntravel who offer routes along the Frenc
17 Apr 2026 6 min read
A Middle Eastern Journey
Let me take you on a Middle Eastern journey of ancient and modern times… With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangrove trees and terracotta dunes, as well as fertile, green oases and the dramatic, awe-inspiring
28 Feb 2023 4 min read
Scottsdale - Pure Holiday Inspiration
Get ready to experience pure holiday inspiration in Scottsdale, Arizona! From the stirring beauty of the lush Sonoran Desert to the luxury resorts, chef-driven restaurants and exciting activities and attractions, Scottsdale is bursting at the seams with the makings of a memorable getaway. Scottsdale may not be top of your list, but it really does have something for everyone; Family Fun, Couples
28 Feb 2023 3 min read
Malta has a lot to Offer
Magical Malta… If you love Greece, an adoration for Malta is inevitable. While the beaches beckon in both and the Mediterranean climate calls your name, each has its own distinct history, cuisines and cultures that set them apart. Malta may be smaller than Greece but it certainly packs a mighty punch. The island’s many highlights attract visitors of every kind, from the culture vultures and the hi
28 Feb 2023 3 min read
Discover Nova Scotia
Discover Nova Scotia Only a six-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is the perfect summer destination for a fly drive holiday. The province offers endless opportunities to embark on an adventure to remember, from whale watching, kayaking, hiking and more as they explore Nova Scotia's beautiful wilderness and diverse heritage. Other activities include cultural pursuits, fantastic museums, indigen
28 Feb 2023 3 min read
Cool off in the European Lakes this Summer
Whilst seaside stays grab the largest slice of the holiday pie, there’s a lot to be said for a chilled-out break on the banks of a lake, where exploring the surrounding forests, mountains and villages goes hand in hand with sitting on its shores, Aperol spritz in hand. And Europe isn’t short on options, with more than 500,000 lakes scattered across the continent amid some stunning backdrops. To h
28 Feb 2023 4 min read
Beautiful Bermuda
Bermuda is Britain's oldest colony and it lies 600 miles from the coastline of the USA and 1,000 miles north of the more frenetic tempo of the Caribbean. I spent part of my honeymoon on the spectacular island of Bermuda and I loved it! Perfectly polished and serenely beautiful, Bermuda is a colourful sub-tropical garden paradise made up of 150 small islands, the largest of which are connected by
18 Feb 2021 4 min read
Sun-kissed, timeless elegance on the Amalfi Coast
Sun-kissed, timeless elegance on the Amalfi Coast Extending from Sorrento in the west to Salerno in the East, the legendary Amalfi Coast of Southern Italy embraces a kaleidoscope of terraced towns and antiquated villages along its steep-sided cliffs. Interspersed throughout this dramatic landscape, you’ll find a collection of vineyards and verdant woodland which meld into the manmade features to
14 Nov 2020 4 min read
Delhi has a lot going on...
Steeped in history, overflowing with culture and bursting at the seams with locals and tourists alike, New Delhi has a lot going on. The city of New Delhi can be a little unnerving, to say the least. From the moment you arrive, expect to be launched into the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s liveliest cities. Amidst all the chaos, mindless traffic, and crowds of people, there are plenty of
19 Aug 2020 6 min read
Self-Drive Ski Holidays: Five of the Best Resorts
There's never been a better time to view a ski holiday as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Self-drive ski holidays give you the freedom to explore from the moment you step out of your front door, meaning you can create even more lasting memories. I can now book your self-drive ski holiday from start to finish, including extras such as lift passes and ski/board and boot hire. I've picked out five c
26 Jul 2020 6 min read
A Long Weekend in Stockholm
If you don't mind a little cold, Stockholm in winter is one of Europe's best destinations. This urban paradise in Sweden is the definition of coziness or as they say in Swedish 'mysigt'. For this weekend break I travelled with Marcus and our friends David and Jackie. We flew with Ryanair from Stansted travelling with hand luggage only. Our pre-booked Meet & Greet airport parking worked a treat an
13 Oct 2019 3 min read
30-Hours Spare time!
Two weeks never seems long enough when it comes to a much-anticipated summer getaway and it's been revealed that we spend nearly as much time researching a trip as we do enjoying it! Life is hectic - juggling work, families, relationships, friends, cooking, cleaning, staying fit and healthy, hobbies...I know right, you don't even have time for those! So if somebody came along and gave you 30-hour
09 Sept 2019 3 min read
Fantastic New Cruise Ship - Spirit of Discovery by SAGA
In July, I was invited to spend a few days onboard the newly built SAGA cruise ship - Spirit of Discovery. This was ahead of her naming ceremony by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and before embarking on a new era in boutique British cruising exclusively for the over 50’s. Spirit of Discovery is a boutique size ship which means she can get directly into smaller ports with ease. She carries 999 gues
10 Jul 2019 4 min read
Abu Dhabi Summer
Following my 7-hour flight from Manchester with Etihad, my prebooked Travel Counsellors transfer met me in the arrivals area and took me to my hotel in just 20 minutes. My home for the next 14-nights was the St Regis Saadiyat Island and after just a few days I must say that this hotel is just stunning. The beautifully appointed modern and spacious guest rooms have everything you could need includi
18 Jun 2019 2 min read
Thinking of a different winter break, why not try Boston, Massachusetts?
In February we took a 7-night break to Boston Massachusetts, having visited a few US cities this was next on the list and it didn’t disappoint. We took the train to Kings Cross and then the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow Terminal 5 - this was much cheaper than Heathrow Express at only 30p each, each way, for around an hour’s journey with no changes! Our flights were with British Airways direct from
04 Jun 2019 4 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Sunrise at Angkor Wat is iconic. The sun’s first rays perfectly illuminate the 12th-century temple, framing its famous five lotus-shaped towers in a silhouette.
13 Jun 2026
Sunset by the pool on Scenic Spirit
As a solo traveller, having time to myself is just as important as feeling safe in a group whilst exploring new cities, and a river cruise allows you both.
13 Jun 2026
Dolphins having fun in the Pacific Ocean
Sailing from Guatemala to Mexico the dolphins were having a great time dancing and diving at the bow of Scenic Eclipse in the Pacific Ocean.
06 May 2026
On Deck in the High Arctic
This was the furthest north we sailed 560 miles south of the North Pole and the coldest day of the voyage - the same day I did my polar plunge!
06 May 2026
My Arctic Adventure Highlights
Just a few highlights of my Arctic adventure with Quark Expeditions
06 May 2026
Polar Bear Slip & Slide
A highlight of my Arctic trip was tracking this polar bear for over an hour as he made his way along the mountain side slowly descending closer to the water
06 May 2026
The beauty of Thailand's Island beaches
Just one of the stunning beaches from my amazing island hopping adventure in Thailand - the peace and tranquillity, powder sand and warm, calm waters
24 Dec 2025
Scenic Eclipse from a Zodiac
My Scenic Eclipse Central America cruise from Panama City to Loreto: on board the zodiac arriving in Costa Rica
07 Apr 2023
Additional offers
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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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