Based in Londonderry

Janine Hay

It's Nice To Meet You

Thank- you for taking the time to visit my website.
My name is Janine Hay and I have been working in the travel industry for over 25 years.

This is my 18th year of being a Gold Travel Counsellor, and in my time working within the industry I have travelled extensively. This includes throughout the Caribbean, USA, Australia, Far East and Indian Ocean. I have visited many other long haul destinations including India, South Africa and more recently I completed a tour of Sri Lanka. I love to cruise and try out different ships, each cruise company offers such different experiences for each individual client, and through sailing on these myself I can help find the perfect one for your needs. Travel is just not my job, but my favourite hobby! I pride myself in giving good honest advice and great customer service.

My speciality is organising worldwide tailor-made holidays, cruises, honeymoons and weddings abroad and I have a wealth of experience in this area. I can also offer a wide range of travel options including flights, car hire and hotels.

Due to my location in Derry/ Londonderry, I can offer travel that can be paid in Sterling or in Euros.

So for all your travel needs - large or small - give me a call or send an email.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

Janine

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Contact Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

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My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Amazing Azamara

12 November 2013

I thought I had already sailed on my favourite ship in the world, but boy have I changed my mind after spending seven wonderful days cruising along the French and Italian Riviera's, on-board the Azamara Quest. From the moment we arrived in Nice everything ran so smoothly. On arrival at the sunny port of Nice our luggage was quickly taken from us and delivered to our cabin, and we boarded the ship to check in with a lovely glass of champagne, which was quite different from the normal hectic quayside check in used by other cruise companies, certainly this was more chilled and relaxed. Once our well-appointed balcony cabin was ready and we had unpacked we started to explore the ship. My first impression was that it was a very traditional and elegant ship, but very warm and welcoming at the same time. Around every corridor there was always a welcoming smile from a staff member, making you feel more at home. The food on-board was amazing, very high quality with loads of choice in both the buffet and main dining room, and the included drinks was an added bonus. Included in every Azamara club cruise is all your food, drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and tips. You are given the opportunity to upgrade your drinks package to have premium branded spirits from only $12 per day. Each day you are on-board they serve a different wine to tie in with the Itinerary you are travelling on too, so fantastic value. There are two speciality restaurants on-board also that you can pay a supplement of $25 to dine in, this is complimentary for Suite guests, Aqualina specialised in Mediterranean food and Prime C in beef and seafood. The ports that we visited were all very interesting and different at the same time. On one of the evening's when we had docked in Monte Carlo we got to experience the Azamazing evening excursion which Azamara provide on a complimentary basis, we were collected at the port and taken to the Oceanographic Museum there, were we were greeted by stilt walkers dressed up in the most fabulous sea creature costumes. The evening was an experience of what the museum had to offer along with some canapé’s and drinks. Our voyage took us from Nice to Monaco, St Tropez, Sardinia, Amalfi, Sorrento and Rome. The thing that I enjoyed the most about this ship was that, due to the size of it, we were able to dock in most ports we visited without having to take a tender ashore. This has such advantages when you are only docked for a few hours in each place. Also it was lovely sight being moored up beside some of the world’s largest yachts in Monte Carlo. Hopefully I will return for another sailing on this wonderful vessel as it was truly a delightful experience.

Family fun in sunny St Lucia

06 September 2011

After a busy school year it was finally time for our August family holiday, and the destination was St Lucia. We chose the fabulous Windjammer Landing resort in the north of the island as we felt it ticked all the boxes for a fun filled family holiday. After a nine hour flight from Gatwick and a further road transfer of just over an hour, we finally arrived. A warm welcome from the staff, a nice cold towel and refreshing rum punch was waiting for us; a nice touch after a long journey, before we were quickly whisked to our three bedroom estate villa. If you fancy taking to the air, the transfer can also be done by helicopter! The resort is made up of a variety of accommodations and has something to suit everyone from couples, families and groups. These include romantic suites for two, one and two bedroom hibiscus suites with jacuzzi's on the balcony and two, three and four bedroom villas with pools - all on the hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Our estate villa was very nice indeed; it had three bedrooms each with their own bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen with every mod con including a washing machine and dryer, cable TV and DVD player and best of all - its own pool. The good thing about Windjammer too is that you can choose to come self catering, bed and breakfast or all inclusive. Cases unpacked it was time to get the shuttle to the beach from our villa and go and find out what activities were on offer for the next couple of days. After looking at the list we knew we wouldn't get bored if we didn't want to just lie in the sun. The Jacquot fun club is the free onsite kids club for ages 4 - 12, younger children can participate if accompanied by a babysitter for a fee. The club provided excellent activities including Tie-dye, talent shows, treasure hunts and much more, loads to keep our seven year old happy. Watersports including Hobie cats, Banana Boat rides, Tubing, Kayaking and Wind surfing were also complimentary no matter what board basis you were staying on, which I found excellent as normally with other properties this is only offered when on all inclusive. Most nights there was some type of entertainment from steel bands, live music and even a Caribbean night with Fire Eaters! So after a few busy days and nights enjoying the activities and fabulous food in the evenings we decided it was time to go and explore more of what the island had to offer outside of the hotel, so we hired a private yacht for the day and sailed down to the south of the Island to take in some the islands spectacular scenery. We sailed to the Pitons and Marigot Bay where the British won the battle against the French for control of the island. The scenes here where truly breathtaking, then we had some time for snorkelling in the clear waters. Even though the resort had everything for our family it was really nice to get out and see the locals and learn more about the island. There are various activities available in St Lucia if you want to explore more such as zip lining in the rainforest, deep sea fishing, jeep safaris to the island volcano and much more, you definitely couldn't get bored. The people of St Lucia are amongst the friendliest in the Caribbean; they are always smiling and are so happy that you are coming to explore their island, truly proud to show it off. We felt very safe at all times. I can't wait to get back, and especially to Windjammer as everyone treated you as if you were part of the family, it will be just like coming home.

Dubai Delights

06 September 2011

As a Gold Travel Counsellor each year we are rewarded with a long weekend to somewhere exotic, this year the destination was Dubai. We flew from Belfast to Dubai via London with Emirates airlines and after clearing immigration and customs, we made our way to the Westin Mina Seyhai Hotel located on Jumeriah Beach. The hotel, like most hotels in Dubai was very opulent, marble floors, chandeliers and plush furnishings in the lobby, everything you would expect from a five star property. After check in it was time to have a few hours on the beach before our planned brunch at the hotels famous Friday Bubbalicious. One word WOW I have never seen so much food in all my life, included in the price was champagne and cocktails, no wonder it gets booked out every Friday by the ex-pats and locals. So after all that eating it was time for a quick snooze in the sun, before the evening events. That evening we were transferred to the new and upcoming part of Dubai an area called Bur Dubai which is home to the Mall of Dubai (the world’s largest shopping mall), Khalifa Tower (the world’s tallest building) and the spectacular Dubai Fountain. Here we had some food and drinks at the new Armani Hotel. The last time I visited Dubai which was 20 months prior to this trip this area was a building site, it always amazes me how quickly things get done here. The next day after a sumptuous breakfast we were off on a city tour which included a trip to the top of the Khalifa Tower, this was the part I was most looking forward to and I wasn't disappointed. The views from up here were amazing. After coming back down to earth we were allowed some time for a spot of retail therapy at the Mall of Dubai which also houses the largest aquarium! The next morning it was time to recharge the batteries and indulge in some relaxation after a couple of hectic days it was great to stay at one of the hotels four pools. That evening we went next door to the One and Only Royal Mirage and watched the sunset over The Palm with a cocktail, before our Gala dinner at the Atlantis hotel (or pink palace as I like to call it!) After a fun filled weekend it was time to bid farewell to this fascinating city, no matter how many times you go each time there is something new to see or try out. It will always amaze me!

2nd Honeymoon/10th Wedding Anniversary

02 August 2011

When I was organising our honeymoon over 12 years ago I had put the Maldives on our list of destinations we wanted to go to, in the end we chose the Caribbean, but the wish to visit these amazing set of little islands remained. When it came round to organising our 10th anniversary trip, we decided that the Maldives ticked all the boxes and I got my wish! From the moment we landed into Mahe we were not disappointed. After a 45 minute speedboat journey we arrived at Huvafen Fushi, our home for the next 7 days. Just like a picture postcards the, colour of the Ocean is the first thing that you take in, secondly the genuine smiles on the hotel staff. During our visit we stayed in an overwater lagoon bungalow, which had every gadget imaginable, every man’s dream! A button on the palm beside the bed closed the curtains, another turned the lights on and off, and another button played the music on the iPod, very James Bond! So the girls wouldn't feel left out the bathroom was fab too, his and hers sinks, a free standing bath overlooking the lagoon and huge mirrors - everything was very well thought out. One thing that worried my husband about going to the Maldives was that he would get bored easily, after a day or so there, this thought had left his mind! We spent our day’s snorkelling, relaxing by the main pool or the plunge pool of our overwater bungalow, having massages at the spa, taking boat trips, catching up on the list of books we wanted to read and enjoying the fabulous fresh food on offer. Most evenings the hotel had some sort of entertainment on from local bands, dancers, gala dinners etc. The one thing that was nice is that most people walked around barefoot even in the restaurants, so all the nice flip flops and shoes I had bought stayed in the wardrobe until I was leaving. It was very relaxed! The quality and variety of good food amazed me, as you do forget that you are on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it was amazing how everything was so plentiful. The Maldivian people are wonderful, nothing was ever any trouble and they always wanted to please you, very genuine and friendly people. I would simply say that the Maldives for me is heaven on earth. It was a truly amazing experience that you never want to end in a very Romantic destination. Hopefully someday we shall return!

My customer stories

Sent by Treasa O'Dowd

I am extremely happy with the service I received from Janine. The service she provides is extremely professional and I very much appreciated her help in arranging my holiday. She gave great consideration to what I was looking for and provided me with fantastic choices. Janine is a highly experienced and well travelled consultant and it is obvious she values her customers and strives to provide them with the best and I most definitely will be recommending her to family/ friends and have done so already!

Sent by Janet Picken

Janine's knowledge of travel and her willingness to deliver is amazing! I will continue to book many more holidays with Janine. Looking forward to Kos in August.

Sent by Janet Picken

I just wanted to write a few words to thank Janine for another wonderful holiday. Janine's knowledge of the travel industry is amazing. Nothing is ever too much trouble, how ever many questions asked. I would highly recommend and have recommended Janine's services to others. Many thanks Janine for making our holiday so memorable.

Sent by Andrew McDermott

Janine has been outstandingly helpfull in everyway, we felt like she was personally going out of her way to make sure we had the best holiday/wedding possible.

Sent by Anthony McGarrigle

It is a great comfort to me each year when booking a holiday to know that Janine is on hand. I simply give her a rough idea of what I want and she will come back to me with everything perfectly arranged. If only she could deal with other aspects of my life!!

Sent by Anita Devine

I was delighted with Janine's service. The hotels were fantastic and the flight connnections etc culd not have been better. Our whole trip was a complete success. Many Thanks Janine, hopefully I will be in touch again soon

Sent by Bertie Faulkner

Janine has been organising our travel for the last five years. Her advice experience and attention to detail is outstanding. Janine has travelled the world so her personal knowledge of destinations is invaluable. Janine is our first port of call when we consider travelling.

Sent by Elizabeth and Alan Wilson

We have been booking our holidays with Janine for the past 8/10 years. She is always so pleasant to talk to on the phone no matter what the problem. She gets to know her customers and their likes and dislikes down to the smallest detail. As she says herself her job is her favourite hobby. At anniversarys/birthdays if you are on holiday every effort is made to make it special for you. If you have a request she will endeavour to have it carried out. Holidays are special to everyone and to have peace of mind whilst on holiday is I think the icing on the cake. I would and have recommended her to friends whom I am sure would say the same thing. Thank you Janine for all your hard work. May you long arrange my holidays

Sent by Ellen Rosborough

I have booked holidays with Janine for some time now and have been more than satisfied with the service I received. Most of the holidays have been on her recomendation of accomendation. My husband is disabled and travel arrangements have been first class. I look forward to booking with Janine in the New Year and receiving the service I have received in the past.

Sent by Maurice Baxter

We have come to rely on Janine's expertise. Whatever we need, whether it be flights, accommodation or a package she always seems to get exactly what we need. When it comes to travel and all things travel related her advice and help are spot on!

Sent by Dianne Whelan

I have booked many holidays with Janinne, always a professinal job nothing is any trouble, i have travelled to Europe America and The Far East all hassle free thanks to Janine and would recommend her to everybody, forget the internet, have a stress free trip.

Sent by Edwin Leonard

When booking a holiday i give Janine location / dates, she gives me options & prices. We agree the booking and Janine puts in place any additional requests including efficient transfers. In the time i have been booking through Janine i have always been delivered exactly what i have requested,never been disappointed in any aspect within her control. Makes booking and going on holiday a more pleasurable experience having that confidence in your counsellor.

Sent by Helen Devine

Janine's personal service has helped me numerous times to book holidays for my family and friends. I love being able to send an email with roughly what I am looking for and I get all these wonderful ideas back in no time without having to leave the house! Everywhere we have been to has been wonderful, all the hotels brilliant and have never had any problems, I especially like how she can personally recommend hotels and they always turn out to be fantastic. Janine's help has been invaluable to us and I would recommend her to everyone.

Sent by Conor & Carly King

After spending a lot of time struggling to find the ideal honeymoon destination, a colleague put us in touch with Janine. We made an appointment with Janine in the evening, which suited us as we both worked. Janine listened to our preferances and came back to us promtly with a few attractive options. Janine gave us an idea which we had not thought of and we had the holiday of a lifetime. We also got admission to the business lounge at Gatwick as a wedding present from Janine which was a lovely touch. We would recomend Janine to anyone and will definitely use her services when booking our next holiday. :)

Sent by Ken Canning

Would have no hesitation on recommending Janine of Travel Counsellors for your travel arrangements.She is thorough, friendly & knowledgeable of all aspects of travel and does everything in her power to give you a successful and enjoyable holiday.

Sent by Alison Spence

I have booked all of my holidays in the last 6 years with Janine & have recommended her to a lot of friends as well. My parents use Janine for all their holidays & have been to some fantastic places & also my brother & his family. I would highly recommend Janine not just for her professionalism but her friendliness as well.

Sent by Pat Donaghy

Just leave everthing to janine and you will have hassle free holiday/trip

Sent by Anne Conneally

This is not a complaint...on the contrary...immence thanks and mega appreciation to Janine Hay for organising our recent holiday of a lifetime for us. From the amazing hotel in Barcelona to the fantastic cruise on Celebrity Summit, and finishing with a glorious chill pad in Venice. You must treasure Janine, we have been dealing with her for about 6 years and in that time she has given us her all in providing us a complete professional service. She has never disappointed us and seems to know instinctively what we may want and enjoy. I could go on forever, we feel so lucky. Well done all at Travel Counsellors.

Sent by S&S Smith

Janine was fantastic when we contacted her to book our holiday this year. The service she provided was excellent and she recommended what would be suitable for the kids. We had a fantastic holiday in Ibiza with the kids who are looking to go back to the same apartments in the future. I would highly recommend Janine for anyone looking to book a holiday!

Sent by John Mccullough

The service that we received from Janine has been a high quality and efficient from the moment we contacted her. When we booked with Janine her professionalism quickly eradicated any fears and anxieties we had about booking our wedding and honeymoon in Italy. She was so supportive and at times she assisted us with information and advice that was not within the agreed package. For those few weeks we had the most amazing time, a lifetime of wonderful memories and we can not express our gratitude to Janine for helping to give us our perfect wedding.