Based In Northumberland

John Picken

Available for new enquiries

It's Nice To Meet You

Hi, my name is John and I am a Travel Counsellor based in Blyth on the beautiful Northumberland coast.

Are you looking forward to a holiday but don’t want the stress of researching locations, hotels, and flights yourself? Worried about whether those online reviews are reliable or if you’ve missed something important in your itinerary? Do you dream of a trip tailored entirely to you, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience?

If so, you’ve come to the right place. My mission is to provide a completely personal service – from your very first enquiry right through to the moment you return home – so all you need to do is pack your bags and have the time of your life. I’ll take care of everything: researching and planning, securing the best arrangements, thinking through the little details that make a big difference, and being there whenever you need me.

As a vegan myself, I understand how challenging it can be to travel with specific dietary requirements – especially when hotels or destinations aren’t set up for them. That’s why I can create holidays that take the stress out of finding suitable dining options, whether that’s securing vegan-friendly hotels, arranging restaurant recommendations, or building itineraries that celebrate plant-based cuisine.

I also believe travel should have a positive impact, both on you and the world around you. I can help you choose options that support local communities, promote ethical wildlife experiences, and reduce environmental impact – so your holiday is not only memorable for you, but also meaningful for the people and places you visit.

My own travel experiences span from childhood holidays in the UK to multi-destination adventures in South East Asia and beyond. I believe every holiday – whether big or small, hot or cold, adventurous or relaxing – should be special. By taking the time to talk with you at a time that suits you, I’ll design a trip that reflects what truly matters to you, filled with the kind of moments you’ll look back on fondly for years to come.

Alongside my personal expertise, I have access to a global network of fellow Travel Counsellors and local specialists, so wherever you want to go, I can handcraft a quote packed with hidden gems and authentic experiences. You’ll also have the reassurance of 24/7 support from both myself and our Duty Office, plus complete financial protection through ATOL and the unique Travel Counsellors Trust Fund.

So, whether you already have a destination in mind or are looking for inspiration, the first step to your most memorable, worry-free holiday is just a phone call away.

Your perfect holiday, designed around you – your tastes, your values, and your way of travelling.

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My customer stories

Sent by John Wilson

john was brilliant in fine tuning our , ever changing, requirements. we would highly recommend John to anyone

Sent by Michael Tullin

John was fantastic all the way through. This will be my only way to book going forward

Sent by David Marshall

Fantastic holiday, John Picken our travel counsellor made the whole experience so simple and hassle free and will definitely be using him for all our holidays going forward would highly recommend.

Sent by Denise Conliffe

Very friendly & exclusive service.

Sent by Emma Harrison

We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Lisbon, and we owe a huge thank you John for making it so special. Having used other providers in the past, including Trailfinders, we can confidently say that the experience with you was in a completely different league. From the outset, your communication was outstanding, thoughtful, detailed, and genuinely personal. It felt like we were speaking with someone who had lived the trip themselves. Your recommendations and insights were so tailored and engaging that it felt more like planning with a friend than a travel consultant. Your food recommendations were spot on. Kong was a standout - creative, delicious, and unforgettable meal. The vegan nata’s were a hit also, and we discovered Honest Greens, a fantastic chain with options for both plant-based and non-vegan eaters, which suited our group perfectly. We also loved Plant Base for its surprisingly good vegan pizza, and Organi Chiado, which served comforting, home-cooked vegan meals that were absolutely delicious. Our surf lesson day was a highlight, fun, energizing, and a great bonding experience. Digby was thrilled to out-surf Michael! That day ended with a visit to Bone Free, a vegan eatery offering a mix of indulgent and healthy options, another gem. The driver that collected us when we arrived, also took us on the tour day, and also dropped us back at the airport for the return journey. The driver was friendly, and the car was comfortable and clean. We really enjoyed the tour, as we got to see lot’s of different parts, without the hassle of navigating! The Lisboa card came in very handy. We used it a lot on the metro, train and we also used it to get discounts where possible. John, thank you for crafting such a thoughtful and memorable holiday. Your attention to detail, warmth, and genuine care made all the difference. We had a fantastic time and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services to anyone looking for a truly bespoke travel experience.

Sent by Mrs McFadzean

It is the first time we have used an independent travel counsellor and have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have been given. We have booked our holiday for August 26 so can only respond with regards to the booking process, but if the rest of the trip goes the same we will be very happy.

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.

Golf, Coffee, and Travel Plans at Newbiggin

29 September 2025

Exciting News!

How to holiday more often.

08 August 2025

In Praise of the Long Weekend We all love that big, two-week holiday — sunshine, relaxation, and a break from the everyday. But what if you could capture that holiday feeling more than once a year? That’s where the long weekend comes in. Shorter breaks offer some great benefits and they’re easier to fit in-to busy lives. ? More frequent escapes – affordable and accessible ? Maximise annual leav

Travelling as a vegan ( or the culinary curious )

16 May 2025

I’m sure everyone has noticed that there are many more food options in the UK for those that want a plant based diet. However, eating this way when on holiday can be full of challenges, with hotels catering for the majority, language barriers and differing food cultures, to name but a few. However there are ways of making it less of an issue so that you can concentrate on enjoying your holiday, w

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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