We’re delighted to be collaborating with businesswoman, entrepreneur, and TV personality, Sara Davies, for whom we’ve booked many holidays over the last 12 years (and for more than 20 years for her mum and dad!).
Says Sara, “I love that Travel Counsellors is a massive national business but is run as a franchise, so that you get that personal one-to-one care and support.
The great thing about working with a specific Travel Counsellor is that they get to know and understand your individual needs and how you work. They understand what's important to us and build that into an itinerary. I’m too busy to be spending hours trailing through web links researching the options – my Travel Counsellor does all of that for me and sends it through in an easy-to-digest way for me to make decisions.
Then a few weeks before, they make sure all of my travel documentation is up to date, and they always drop a little pack off at the house along with some sweet treats for the trip!
I've always wanted to take the kids to explore other countries and immerse them in different cultures, so I told my Travel Counsellor I wanted to take them to Japan – both to experience everything its major cities have to offer, and to get out and explore the countryside.
Trust me, I’ve tried a lot of different travel operators over the years, and the personal service I get from these guys is just another level – which is why I've kept coming back for so many years, and why I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with them.”.
As Sara prepares to fly to Japan with her family, we’ve shared some of her favourite family holidays previously booked with Travel Counsellors.
Lapland
Sara treated her family to a magical experience in Santa’s secret home last winter. This is a fantastic holiday with young kids, providing utterly unforgettable bonding experiences including feeding reindeer, learning about traditional Sami culture, snowmobiling, training to be an elf, and of course meeting Santa himself. Says Sara, “It’s been the perfect family getaway – the kids are totally caught up in the magical whirlwind of Santa Claus and his elves, and we have just loved every second living it with them!”.
Lake District
Two of Sara’s favourite places in Cumbria to date have been Grasmere and Ullswater, both of them perfect for outdoorsy, adventurous holidays with kids, with wonderful walks for all ages. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, there are amazing indoor attractions including the Ambleside Climbing Wall and The World of Beatrix Potter. We can book you some lovely child-friendly lodges and cottages in the Lake District, at properties such as White Cross Bay Holiday Park and Ullswater Heights.
Call your Travel Counsellor to discuss your next family holiday, at home or abroad, and watch this space for Sara’s blog about her trip to Japan.
As we look ahead to 2026, the travel possibilities are endless. From off-the-beaten-track gems to long-standing favourites, the world is yours to explore. If you need a little inspiration or simply want help narrowing down your choices, we’ve listed our top six destinations to visit next year, whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, sun-soaked beaches, or energetic cities.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Lisbon is a city bursting with charm, history, and creativity, making it an excellent destination for families seeking an unforgettable city break. From cobbled streets and panoramic views to sunny parks and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Portugal’s lively capital. And when it comes to picking the perfect base for your family adventure, ME Lisbon is a luxury lifestyle hotel that blends sophisticated comfort with family-friendly facilities. A stay at ME Lisbon ensures that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, enjoys a warm and welcoming stay.
