Ian Le-Fevre
My expertise
I'm based in
Newcastle
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Tailor‑made Adventures, Ocean, River & Expedition Cruises, Rail Journeys, Solo Escapes - all designed personally for you
Hi there and thanks for popping by - I'm Ian your dedicated and trusted Travel Counsellor.
I guess you're here because you're dreaming of your next big adventure, well I'm here to 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.
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.
If you love to be on the water, we already have something in common. I have sailed on more than 150 river, ocean, 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 or a cultural river journey, I can guide you through the options and find the right fit.
I am also passionate about:
- Touring and multi-centre itineraries (Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka and beyond)
- Safaris and wildlife experiences with responsible partners
- Journeys through Canada and Alaska, including road, rail and cruise combinations
- Luxury rail travel, from classic routes to once-in-a-lifetime adventures
- Holidays for the more active; walking, trekking and pilgrimages, cycling and e-bike holidays, water sports, winter activities, skiing and boarding, ranching and equine adventures
- Special interest holidays; archaeology tours, photography trips, painting holidays, wine tasting, food tours, cooking classes, yoga breaks, garden tours, birdwatching, bridge, Northern Lights and stargazing
My clients come to me for:
- Complex, multi-stop itineraries brought together into one seamless trip
- First-hand insight into destinations, ships, rail journeys and solo-friendly options
- Attention to detail and the confidence that everything has been thought through
- Someone who is there for them, even outside standard office hours
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, a bucket-list safari, a luxury rail journey or an epic trip that combines several destinations, I would be delighted to help.
Let us start turning your ideas into an amazing itinerary.
For a friendly chat and expert, personalised advice - click the 'Contact Ian' button on the left, or any of the ways below to start your next journey.
WhatsApp: 01777 780004
Call direct: 0191 6225735
Email: ian.le-fevre@mytc.com
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Grecotel Corfu Imperial is probably Greece’s most impressively located hotel
Offering sandy beaches, traditional town squares and resorts for everyone, holidays to Corfu are a strong choice May to October. The Corfu Imperial Grecotel Luxury Beach Resort is perfect for a short break or longer stay on this stunning Ionian Island. Grecotel Corfu Imperial is probably Greece’s most impressively located hotel, perched above olive groves at the end of panoramic peninsula Kommeno
28 Feb 2023 5 min read
Thinking of Croatia?
Let me introduce you to Croatia's must-see destinations... The clearest sky, the refreshing scent of pine on a balmy breeze, secret coves and a breathtaking coastline. Where history unravels amongst the magnificent sandstone of ancient cities, and time stands still in sleepy medieval towns and villages. This is Croatia, one of the best-kept secrets in the Mediterranean – simply paradise. Dubrovn
28 Feb 2023 5 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 5 min read
A Continent in Miniature
Gran Canaria…a ‘continent in miniature’… This beautiful island of Gran Canaria is known as a ‘Continent in miniature’ and is definitely worth exploring. Take a beach holiday to the south of the island and soak up the Canarian sun. Spend a few days in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a city with an interesting heritage and charming old quarter combined with fabulous gastronomy and amazing
28 Feb 2023 5 min read
A Perfect Summer Holiday Option
Discover Turkey this summer… Uncover the real Turkey by relaxing in secluded coves, diving into some of Europe's best snorkelling spots, or hiring a boat for a day to sail around the stunning coastline and take in the breathtaking landscape. Explore its intriguing culture and rich history with archaeological gems like the ancient cities of Ephesus and Troy. Enjoy seafood and a bottle of wine as t
28 Feb 2023 5 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 5 min read
Seychelles is a fabulous place to discover...
The Seychelles Islands… The Seychelles Archipelago is a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean that lie 1000 miles off the coast of East Africa, northeast of Madagascar. A melting pot of cultures which have commingled and coexisted since the first settlement of the islands in 1770. The three main inhabited islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and the official languages are English, French and
28 Feb 2023 5 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 5 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 5 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 5 min read
Azamara Cruises
Back in 2019 I was lucky enough to visit Azamara Cruise's Azamara Journey and I discovered what makes Azamara cruises different to other cruise lines - in addition to lots more being included than you get with mainstream cruise lines. Azamara ships are smaller which means that your experience is different, you dock in smaller ports gaining new perspectives with an immersive, intimate voyage that t
18 Apr 2022 5 min read
A Long Weekend in Ontario, Canada...
I love Canada and feel particularly at home on the east coast. Ontario has so much to offer, from the wonders of the Canadian wilderness to the cosmopolitan cities of Toronto and Ottawa. Let me share how to enjoy the best of both worlds incorporating city attractions and natural gems into a long weekend. Day 1-2: Toronto city highlights Day 1: Start your visit with a trip to the top of the iconic
15 Dec 2021 5 min read
Grenada - The Spice Island
We are in the middle of winter and it’s not too late to getaway for some winter sun. The Caribbean islands are perfect for a winter getaway, let me take you on a journey to one of my favourites, the spice island of Grenada. The most southerly of the Windward Islands, Grenada is known as the Spice Island, an affectionate nod to its trading history; the air is filled with scents of abundant nutmeg
15 Dec 2021 5 min read
Winter Sunshine
Winter sunshine, it’s like music to my ears. And June is when I usually book my winter sun holiday before many options are fully booked or prices are sky-high! If you relish the thought of lazing on a beach and coming back to the UK in the depths of winter tanned and feeling fabulous, then let me help you! Whilst far flung places like Thailand or Barbados are superb options, for a shorter flight
06 May 2021 5 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 5 min read
Indulge your Green Fingers on your Next Holiday...
Indulge your Green Fingers on your next holiday… Verdant gardens overflowing with natural beauty are a hallmark of some of the destinations that I can offer. With many people enjoying nature, especially over the last 12-months – many of us have found ourselves connected to the natural beauty around us. This has created enthusiasts who enjoy the colours, fragrance and even the structure of the man
13 Jan 2021 5 min read
Explore Australia's Pacific Coast
The stunning Pacific Coast Touring Route takes you from Sydney to Queensland’s sunny capital Brisbane with stops at some of my favourite places along the way. With a few nights stay in the magnificent city of Sydney, that sits on a natural harbour - use your time here to visit some wonderful sights. From the world-famous Sydney Opera House to the iron-grey struts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge –
02 Dec 2020 5 min read
The Perfect Caribbean Escape
The captivating island of Saint Lucia has enchanted visitors ever since early settlers first arrived on her shores. With soothing turquoise waters that gently lap upon soft, snow-white sands against a backdrop of tropical forest and the iconic soaring Pitons, it’s easy to see why many are beguiled by this island. Saint Lucia welcomes visitors, not only with a heavenly landscape, but with the war
14 Nov 2020 5 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 5 min read
Planning a Safari?
Whilst many have already booked their next holiday, travel might still be off the table for some of us right now. That doesn’t mean that you can’t plan - and book - your next trip, perhaps rolling the money you saved staying home this summer into an even more memorable experience in 2021 or 2022. I believe Africa will be among the first long-haul destinations to reopen to international travel. A
11 Nov 2020 5 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 5 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 5 min read
Cyprus: The island of hidden treasures
Cyprus is one of my favourite year-round destinations - perfect for a few days right through to a long-stay and it goes without saying that it's an island of beautiful beaches lined by gorgeous wide promenades that bathe in warm sunshine all year, but there’s so much more! Get out into the mountains alongside sparkling rivers and streams, visit pretty hillside villages each with their own tradit
17 Jul 2020 5 min read
Makadi Bay is the place to be!
Whilst the Canary Islands are an obvious choice for a late summer or early winter break, there are more options with a similar flight time, stunning hotels and fabulous white sand beaches. Makadi Bay is the place to be! On the western coast of the Red Sea between Safaga and Hurghada, Makadi Bay nestles gently between serene desert sand dunes and the Red Sea Mountains. Boasting long stunning stre
12 Jul 2020 5 min read
Zante - The Magical Island
For many, Zante has a reputation for cheap drinks and an all-night party scene, but Zante (or Zakynthos, to give its Greek name) is a magical island to visit. I've visited a couple of times and next summer will hopefully see my return to the 'Flower of the Levant'. The clear and transparent sea, the smell of the pines, the chance to wander traffic-free lanes through groves of twisted olives and t
14 May 2020 5 min read
Kefalonia - The Daydream Island
I’d happily holiday on any Greek island, but the one that lingers most in my memory for beaches, sunshine and food is Kefalonia. Kefalonia is an island that demands to be explored. Start in Fiskardo, a quaint Venetian-style harbour town in the north. Unlike the rest of Kefalonia and the other Ionian islands, it largely escaped the damage of the 1953 earthquake, leaving beautiful ornate buildings
14 May 2020 5 min read
Corfu - Lush Green Countryside Fringed by Glorious Beaches
Unlike me, Shakespeare never got to visit Corfu but he nailed it when he imagined Corfu as the enchantment-filled isle of the Prospero in The Tempest. Lush green countryside fringed by glorious beaches, it’s a no brainer that Corfu's resorts are loved by so many who visit. Corfu has more to offer than just beautiful beaches, venture inland into a whole other world and into another time. Take a dr
14 May 2020 5 min read
Crete - The Greek Island That Keeps On Giving!
When I hear people say they've 'done' a particular place, it makes me smile whilst also a little sad. After all, changes in personal circumstances, time of year or just the company you keep can make a return visit to any destination a fresh experience. And so it is with Crete. I`ve visited Crete, the largest of the Greek islands a number of times over the last 30 years - as a child on a family ho
14 May 2020 5 min read
Travelling & Mental Health
Travelling with a mental health condition can be overwhelming. Here are some pre-travel preparation tips that may help you or someone you know – feel free to share with others. Your mental and physical health before and during a trip will usually determine how well you cope with travel. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abro
04 Feb 2020 5 min read
10 Cruising Tips for First Timers
Booking your first cruise can be daunting as there is so much choice and so much information available, the hardest part is often knowing where to start. This is my guide for every cruise novice out there, I’ve included tips for choosing your first cruise, before you sail and whilst you're on board. 1. Book with a Cruise Expert In the words of Jane McDonald “there’s a cruise to suit everyone’ an
14 Dec 2019 5 min read
2020 Vision
Winter is here, it’s cold, it’s wet and it’s just a bit gloomy. But, in just a couple of weeks the festivities will be well and truly underway – but for now it’s the last-minute panic buying of gifts, celebration food and drinks to see you through…with extra ‘just in case’ supplies of course, that’s village life! How is your 2020 Vision...? No, not your eyesight - I'm talking travel plans! From
11 Dec 2019 5 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 5 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 5 min read
My Favourite Cruise Port
I have been very fortunate to have sailed on almost 100 cruises over the last 25 years and St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is my absolute favourite cruise port in the world. This little Caribbean island is situated east of Puerto Rico in the Southern Caribbean and draws me back almost every winter since my first visit in 1998. I have visited St Thomas 17 times now and have fond memories of t
01 Aug 2019 5 min read
Bucket Lists and Milestone Birthdays
In our 20s we were trying new out things, starting careers, sorting life goals and planning for a comfortable future. As we get older we can let go a little and work on the things that keep us happy. Turning 50, 60, 70 and beyond are big milestones and many of us have a 'bucket list' or plan that involves visiting and experiencing places around the globe whilst we are still fit and able to enjoy t
16 Jul 2019 5 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 5 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 5 min read
Family Holidays and Travelling with Children
You don’t want to stop travelling overseas just because you now have children and what’s more you still want quality accommodation, great facilities and a little time for yourselves to relax - the good news is that this is possible! As my customers tell me, '...if the kids are happy I can relax on my holiday too', and I couldn't agree more, great kids entertainment and occasional supervision for
06 Jun 2019 5 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 5 min read
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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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