Joanne Cowdery
My expertise
I'm based in
the Oundle area
It's Nice To Meet You
I’ve been a Travel Counsellor for 20 years and have worked in the travel industry for more than 36 years. I joined Travel Counsellors because I knew their number one priority was looking after their customers and I wanted to be able to give independent travel advice.
Everything booked with me is covered by our unique Travel Counsellors Trust and your money is 100% safe. Alongside ATOL protection which covers air holiday packages and charter flights, the Travel Counsellors Trust and airline failure insurance protects every other element of your booking, including low cost airlines, scheduled flights, accommodation, and car hire.
Whether you are thinking about a holiday for the summer or a winter break, as your own professional Travel Counsellor I can use our award-winning technology and my expertise to tailor exactly the right holiday to suit your needs. These include long haul holidays, bespoke tailor-made itineraries, luxury travel, flights, river cruises, small group tours, safaris, honeymoons and weddings abroad, cycling or walking holidays, corporate travel, ski & snowboard holidays, villas with private pools, holidays in the UK or birthday & wedding anniversary surprises.
I love to travel so I can also offer first-hand advice on places to visit. I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the globe to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South America, India, USA, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Africa, Sweden, Norway and Slovenia. I have also been skiing in Canada, Finland, France and Italy. As I love walking and the great outdoors, trips have taken me to the Italian Lakes, the Austrian Alps and Peru to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I have been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in Lapland and Norway and swim with stingrays in the Caribbean, go on safari and sail transatlantic from New York to Southampton.
I live and work from home near Oundle in rural Northamptonshire, but I have customers all over the UK. So however big or small your travel arrangements, complicated or easy, please just ask, because I’d love to turn your travel dreams or business trip into reality. Use me for an easy, efficient, and hassle-free experience, plus I love a challenge and I love sprinkling some magic on every booking I make!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Malta and Gozo
Visiting the beautiful Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo
18 Jan 2026 4 min read
Autumn in Japan
A 16 day trip around Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Hakone taking in all that Japan has to offer.
26 Nov 2025 5 min read
Guernsey
Looking for somewhere to go for a short break or holiday which isn’t far from home? Look no further than the Channel Islands and in particular Guernsey. The capital - historic St Peter Port – or ‘Town’ as the locals call it – rises up from the bustling harbour full of yachts and fishing boats. With a quaint cobbled high street, narrow steps and alleyways, its history is reflected everywhere you
23 Dec 2024 5 min read
Hurtigruten Expedition Voyage – Island Hopping in the Scottish Hebrides
From the minute we checked in at Greenock to board MS Spitsbergen I can honestly say it was a fabulous expedition voyage, which I can highly recommend. With only 220 passengers, resident wildlife & geology experts onboard plus a science lab, this was no normal cruise. No dressing up for your evening meal was required this voyage came with no glitz & glamour. It was informal, yet it had an intimate
22 Dec 2024 4 min read
You’ll never forget the elephants!
I’ve always loved elephants, so the idea of a luxury glamping holiday at Elephant Hills in Thailand held instant appeal – and it exceeded all my expectations! Described as Thailand’s first ‘Luxury Tented Jungle Camps’, Elephant Hills is situated close to the jungle of Khao Sok National Park, in the largest area of rainforest in Southern Thailand. And yes, it is luxurious and very, very comfortab
22 Feb 2024 4 min read
Whistler
Traffic-free Whistler Village is truly a four season resort full of character, shops, bars, restaurants and energy. I loved my visit and I can’t wait to return again and maybe visit in the winter to try out Canada’s premier ski destination. The village is designed to seem bigger than it is so every time you go out for a wander you find a new little area to explore. Opened in 1966 as a ski resort w
04 Feb 2024 5 min read
New York with no jet lag & no luggage limit
Back in the day, an ocean cruise was the preserve of celebrities or the wealthy. Nowadays they are much more affordable and much more popular than ever before. And actually, a transatlantic cruise is a particularly efficient way of travel. A few years ago I was lucky enough to cross from New York to Southampton on the Queen Mary 2 when my family celebrated my father’s special birthday. The trip w
06 Dec 2023 3 min read
Vancouver
Vancouver is spectacularly situated at the foot of the Coast Mountain range, where the Pacific Ocean rolls onto downtown beaches and lush green spaces intertwine with the city. With almost 40% of the residents immigrating to the area from around the world, it gives the city much diversity and everybody is very welcome. To get from the airport to downtown Vancouver we took the Skytrain and in les
29 Oct 2023 5 min read
Valencia
Are you searching for a short break destination that’s easy to get to, with lots to see and do? Look no further than Valencia, which is a hidden gem of a city and perfect for a few days away, or a longer stay if you have time. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! Although less visited than Barcelona, Valencia has so much to offer. The city is a manageable size with wonderful architecture, shops
02 Feb 2023 4 min read
Mauritius: an island paradise
To say I had a fantastic time in Mauritius would be an understatement. I was there for one week and there was so much to see and do that, at times, I was hard-pressed to find time to relax on the beach! The island is only 2,030 square kilometres but the north and south are two very different regions, so I stayed a few days in each to maximise the sightseeing opportunities. Despite a 12-hour fligh
17 Nov 2022 4 min read
Berlin
I mentioned in a recent blog that I’d recently been to Berlin and I can highly recommend it as a city break for a long weekend. It’s a fascinating and vibrant city and, as the capital of unified Germany, it’s far more than just a symbol of the old and new. The city oozes the history of the Cold War and the remains of the Berlin Wall are still a visible reminder of this. You can walk the 1.3km lon
14 Sept 2022 3 min read
Ready to fly!
We’ve all heard the horror stories about airport chaos, so I was a bit apprehensive before I flew to Berlin recently for a weekend break with friends. But I shouldn’t have been worried because things went surprisingly smoothly. Bear in mind we were travelling at the height of the school holidays and early on a Friday morning, so it was never going to be a quiet time. Our flight left from Stansted
20 Aug 2022 3 min read
Northumberland
Are you planning a holiday in England? If you’re looking for an unspoilt landscape, gorgeous villages, breath-taking countryside, fantastic beaches and very friendly and welcoming locals, you must head for Northumberland. I spent a week in Northumberland, close to the Derwent Reservoir. We stayed in a cottage, which was perfect for unwinding in after a full day of exploring. I’d never realised ho
16 Jan 2022 5 min read
Walking the West Highland Way
If you’re thinking about doing a long-distance walk in the UK, look no further than the West Highland Way. It’s 96.5 miles of stunning scenery and varied landscapes, with breath-taking views around every corner. We did the walk with friends over eight days, starting from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow and heading north to finish in Fort William. We all enjoyed the variety the Highland Way
21 Dec 2021 4 min read
Snowdonia National Park
Weren’t we lucky? When the lockdown rules were relaxed to allow us to take self-catering breaks in the UK, my husband and I spent a week in North Wales. We had a fantastic time! Our holiday cottage near Trawsfyndd was lovely and the weather was good. Many of the tourist attractions were still closed because of the coronavirus pandemic and we’re determined to go back so we can see and do more. C
07 May 2021 3 min read
Life on the Open Road
Nowadays, campervans and motorhomes offer a really comfortable, and even luxurious, holiday option. There’s a huge choice available – not just the size of vehicle but the rental package and service as well. And in the current uncertainty of what sort of holidays will be available in the coming months, motorhomes tick all the boxes. The biggest advantage is that you’re answerable to no-one. You ha
09 Mar 2021 3 min read
Travel Insurance
It’s felt strange wishing family and friends a ‘Happy New Year!’ after the time we all had in 2020. But of course there are reasons to feel more optimistic about 2021 and I’m sure we’re all hoping our lives will return to some sort of normal very soon. Which is why I caught myself thinking about travel insurance the other day. Traditionally this is a time when the media is full of advertising for
11 Jan 2021 3 min read
Derbyshire
Last year ‘Staycations’ were the trend. And now we’re in 2021 they should still have a place in your holiday plans, even if you’re just thinking about a short break. For my money, Derbyshire and the Peak District is pretty hard to beat. I admit to being biased because I spent my childhood there. But that aside, its varied and breath-taking landscapes are among the most beautiful you’ll find anywh
04 Jan 2021 2 min read
Accessible Travel in the UK
We all need holidays! Not just to relax and re-charge our batteries, but because having a break is good for our wellbeing. In the past, if you had a disability or mobility issues, finding suitable holiday accommodation could be tricky. But over the past 20 years things have improved enormously and the choices range from luxury hotels to self-catering cottages and Bed & Breakfasts. Some cottages a
02 Dec 2020 3 min read
Pet-friendly holidays
It’s never been easier to enjoy dog friendly holidays in the UK and this year many of my customers have given them a try. They say that being able to take their dogs away with them made the holidays special and, of course, they’ve also saved the money they would usually spend on kennels. So why not think about a ‘Staycation’ with your four-legged friend in 2021? There are lots of pet-friendly ho
08 Nov 2020 3 min read
The Caledonian Sleeper service
In 2019 lots of people were excited to hear about the new Caledonian Sleeper service between Scotland and England, which offers passengers a really comfortable journey with some extra luxuries. Then the coronavirus pandemic arrived and the idea of overnight train travel seemed pretty impossible. For two of my customers it was the wait that was the worst. They had booked their trip last year plann
29 Oct 2020 3 min read
Inca Trail - Peru
A truly awe inspiring trek through rugged meadows, to hidden valleys surrounded by snowy peaks to high mountain passes. We walked through hamlets, cactus gardens, and fields of corn, visiting different magnificent Inca ruins along the trek culminating at the phenomenal Machu Picchu. Peaceful, calm & quiet; unbelievable and breath taking in more ways than one! We generally only saw a few other hike
13 Apr 2020 4 min read
The Yorkshire Three Peaks
After setting myself the challenge to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks, I started training in November and accomplished the stunning Three Peaks in 11 hours and 8 minutes on Sunday 28th April. It is a tough challenge and harder than I imagined. With a 5.30 am start, ruck-sack full of provisions and all the bits you should take in the mountains, we set off. The Yorkshire Three Peaks walk is a 24
30 Apr 2019 3 min read
Long weekend in the Algarve
A break to the Algarve to celebrate becoming a Gold Travel Counsellor made me realise how a long weekend to the sun could be achieved without involving much travelling at all. The flight from Stansted to Faro was just under three hours and the transfer from Faro Airport to Vilamoura took roughly 30 minutes. Vilamoura - a glamourous resort with a magical marina to explore packed with super yacht
20 Feb 2019 4 min read
Peru September 2017
This was my first visit to South America, and I can truly say I was blown away. I covered a massive area in the 12 days, and for 3 of the days it involved 12-hour long coach journeys. However, if I’d have flown from city to city, I would not have seen the ‘real’ Peru. I am so pleased I saw the countryside and little communities where people live and work. I saw such stunning and varied scenery
03 Feb 2019 6 min read
In search of Father Christmas in Finnish Lapland
On the 19th December I experienced a day trip to Lapland in Search of Father Christmas. I crossed the Arctic Circle on an expedition to find Santa in his homeland, and most importantly in an authentic setting in the heart of Finnish Lapland. I’ve returned with precious memories that will last forever. From the moment I landed at Enontekio airport, the sight of the snow on the trees and the sudd
23 Dec 2018 2 min read
Paris - September 2018
Paris has so much more to offer than just the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc De Triomphe, Seine, Louvre Museum and Champs-Élysées. Broad tree-lined boulevards, chic boutiques, elegant stores, iconic monuments all add to the romance and excitement of this wonderful city. Here are a few of my top tips: Book tickets in advance for the lift to go up the Eiffel Tower, it gets very busy. Or for
29 Oct 2018 2 min read
Tuscany June 2018
A week wasn’t long enough for me to take in all that Tuscany can offer. With the rolling countryside showcasing olive groves, vineyards, the iconic tree of Tuscany (the ‘Italian Cypress’), medieval hilltop towns, plus fields and fields of Red Robin and Box trees. There was always something to look at or somewhere amazing to visit. I stayed in Montecatini Terme, a beautiful Tuscan spa town whic
12 Aug 2018 4 min read
Cruise on 'Columbus'
Mini-Cruise on Columbus - Cruise & Maritime Voyages I sailed from London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury a historic cruise terminal making the check-in and boarding experience very pleasurable. The cruise gave me a full day in Amsterdam and a full day in Antwerp, and I was pleasantly surprised at how close to the city centres the ship docked. I was onboard for 3 nights and it was great being able to
21 Sept 2017 2 min read
Morocco
The Enchanting Red City of Marrakech, the stunning Atlas Mountains and the beach resort of Essaouira. On a recent trip with the Moroccan National Tourist Office I experienced 3 nights in Marrakech and 1 night at Essaouira with a day trip in the Atlas Mountains. A visit to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the souks with its bustling charm and exotic aromas. I recommend you
15 May 2017 3 min read
South West Ireland
We took the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin Port and then drove down to the South West region of Ireland. I’d describe the area as mountainous, scenic, wild and with absolutely stunning beaches if the weather is kind enough for you to be able to use them. To visit this region Killarney would be a good base as you can easily drive to the main tourist sites from here. We spent most of our time t
29 Aug 2016 3 min read
Swedish Lapland – A true Winter Wonderland
I’m just back from 4 nights in Swedish Lapland. I loved all the snow, scenery and the activities we did. Ice fishing, husky dog rides, snowmobiling, visiting a Sámi reindeer farm. If you go you are sure to come back with some rather special memories of the snowy-white forest landscape. We spent a night at the famous Treehotel; a collection of designer Tree Rooms perched in the forest. A new
20 Mar 2016 5 min read
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento is a maze of alleys crammed with tiny shops selling Capodimonte porcelain, leather goods, linen tableware, lace, plus fashionable shops with designer clothes. The pavements are lined with lively cafes and bars, and it is a place which should be on everyone’s ‘To Do List’. The Church & Cloister of St. Francis, The Old Walls and the church of the Servants of Mary are a few of the historical
30 Nov 2015 5 min read
Lake Bled
For many years I have wanted to visit the resort of Lake Bled in Slovenia. It’s not a destination people seem to be familiar with, or know where it’s located. Well I can hand on heart say it’s a fantastic holiday destination, very picturesque with much to see and do. Lake Bled is known as 'one of the pearls of Slovenia', 'the Lake with the only Slovenian island' and 'the fascinating medieval ca
19 Jul 2015 4 min read
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is a diverse and dramatic place worth exploring to retreat from the busy world. It has been a National Park since 1954, with each Dale having its own personality and mood. It can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil. It includes some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK, from crags and pavements to an underground labyrinth of caves. Peaceful ancient woodland
04 May 2013 4 min read
Norwegian Fjord Cruise
Once you get into the Norwegian Fjords there is much to see from the cruise ship. The extensive archipelago and the majestic fjords make for highly varied scenery. Waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides, snow glitters on the mountain tops and lush green pastures and lovely small villages line the fjords. Fishing villages and apple orchards cling to the shoreline. This is a land of contrasts, fr
08 Jan 2013 4 min read
Christmas in Le Corbier
With snow falling as the coach made its way up the mountain road it was lovely to think that we would definitely be having a white Christmas for once. We stayed in Le Corbier in the French Alps. The nearest airports are Chambéry and Grenoble. The ski area of Les Sybelles covers 310 kilometres of slopes from 1300 metres to 2620 metres in altitude. With six ski resorts linked together it is th
01 Jan 2013 2 min read
Saint Lucia
I was selected to attend a Wedding & Honeymoon educational trip to St Lucia with the St Lucia Tourist Board. The main aim of the week was to view hotels for the Honeymoon market and to look at some of the many lovely Wedding venues the island has to offer. It’s becoming more and more popular for couples to get married abroad, so it was a wonderful opportunity to see first hand why so many couple
13 Nov 2012 4 min read
Cyprus – the whole of the Mediterranean in a single island
After working in travel for more years than I should mention, I was offered an unforgettable trip to Cyprus with Planet Holidays on their Wedding Educational. What better way to visit the ‘Island of Love’ than to look around the many venues and unusual places couples can get married at. The end of May, beginning of June and September/October are great months to visit Cyprus. July and August a
07 Jan 2011 3 min read
Skiing in The Canadian Rockies
After experiencing skiing in Tremblant a few years ago, I thought it was time to re-visit Canada and experience another fabulous ski resort. I went to Kimberley, the Bavarian city of the Rockies! Once a mining town and now a destination resort, Kimberely Alpine Resort is located in the Purcell Mountains, 4 km’s from the city of Kimberley, British Columbia. With beautiful sun and light Purcel
05 Apr 2010 4 min read
Paradise islands of Antigua and Barbuda
I was lucky enough to be offered a place on the Antigua and Barbuda wedding and honeymoon educational trip which was operated by the Antigua and Barbuda UK Tourist Office. The week was spent visiting the various hotels and villas, attending weddings and wedding fairs, and travelling around this beautiful island. I visited some idyllic wedding photograph locations and saw what Antigua really ha
03 Jul 2008 4 min read
New Zealand
Onboard with Singapore Airlines we soon discovered why we’d paid a little extra to fly with one of the most charming and courteous airlines. 12,500 miles later we’d reached our destination New Zealand…. North Island We explored the North Island by car and stayed in hotels and youth hostels. Some of the main highlights were Auckland - a vibrant South Pacific city, perched between lush hills a
03 Jul 2008 4 min read
Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus is unique – beautiful natural attractions, unspoilt coastlines and over nine thousand years of history. It’s one of those destinations which is off the beaten track (because all flights were indirect via Turkey). After more than three decades of relative isolation, recent EU legislation and a relaxation of the border controls between the North and South of t
02 Jul 2008 3 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Shinkansen
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) passing through Odawara Station
26 Nov 2025
Walking the Inca Trail
Walking the Inca Trail from September 2019
10 Sept 2021
Highlights of Peru
Highlights of Peru from September 2019
01 Sept 2021
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More destinations to enjoy
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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