27 August 2025

I’ve recently returned from a fantastic holiday in Iceland. I did a twin-centre trip, staying 4 nights in Reykjavik, the capital, and then 4 nights in Akureyri in the north. Reykjavik - Reykjavik is the most northerly capital city in the world. It’s very low rise with coloured, wooden buildings and has a different feel to other capital cities with a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. It’s great to w

04 June 2025

I’m just back from the luxury, 5-star, ultra-all-inclusive Anda Barut Collection in Turkey. I won a 4-night stay here at a supplier event last year. The hotel only opened last year so I was keen to go and see and experience it for myself. I paid for my own flights and transfers and travelled with a good friend. It’s just over an hour from Bodrum airport. My friend and I received a warm welcome on

14 April 2025

In early February I escaped the British winter and visited Valletta, the capital of Malta, for a short break. This small Mediterranean island had been on my radar for several years due to its winning combination of history, culture, food & wine and climate, and this was my first visit. I spent four nights at Palais Le Brun in Valletta. My room had a fabulous enclosed wooden balcony which is very

21 March 2025

I started with Travel Counsellors on 16 March 2020. Here’s a summary and my thoughts about the first five years of my journey as a Travel Counsellor. Since Covid restrictions were lifted and we were ‘allowed’ to meet face to face again, I’ve attended as many Travel Counsellors’ events as possible. There are supplier events held at Head Office and in the last few years there have been a series of

31 December 2024

Over 2,000 delegates comprising Travel Counsellors, Head Office staff, suppliers and partners gathered at Manchester Central from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November 2024 for TC Conference 2024. The theme was 30 Beyond – to celebrate our 30 years of being in business. On the Friday we heard from Greg Whyte, former Olympian and sports scientist, who focussed on sports endurance, the importance of res

12 December 2024

Recently I was a guest of AmaWaterways on one of their river cruises, Captivating Rhine. We started the cruise in Amsterdam in The Netherlands and the trip finished in Basel, Switzerland. Along with a small group of other UK travel agents, I joined the cruise for the first four nights as part of a FAM (familiarisation) trip. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience river cruising first hand. H

03 October 2024

In July I spent some time travelling around the Western Balkans. I visited four countries in two weeks – it was a lot of travelling and moving accommodation nearly every day, however I saw and did so much. I loved it! I joined a small group tour with Explore and myself and 14 others set off together to explore this region which formed part of the former Yugoslavia. MONTENEGRO Country number one

30 August 2024

A few weeks ago I was one of a small group of travel agents who were invited onto the Holland America Line ship, Rotterdam, while she was docked in Liverpool for the day. It was a fantastic opportunity to see and experience a ship first hand. I loved having a good nosey around and seeing all the different decks and the various spaces and facilities available for passengers. There are lots of rest

14 August 2024

I would always suggest considering destinations closer to home. I've been to Northern Ireland quite a few times now and I've really enjoyed all my visits. Each time I've flown from Manchester. It’s a very quick flight of less than an hour. There are several airlines to choose from including Aer Lingus and easyJet. I've mostly landed at George Best Belfast City airport (BHD) which is well connect

28 June 2024

The importance of having travel insurance (as soon as you book)! Perhaps not the most exciting of topics, however it is absolutely essential. A recent incident with a customer of mine highlights why. My customer was at Manchester airport about to fly off to Valencia for a 4-night mini break with a friend when they slipped and fell. They were in a lot of pain with a suspected broken shoulder, a

06 May 2024

I’ve recently returned from a fabulous short break to the walled city of Lucca in Tuscany, Italy. I flew from Manchester to Pisa and I suspect most people on the plane were heading off to Florence – a truly beautiful city and a must see – and one that myself and my travelling companion (my mum) had already visited, years ago. Instead, we escaped the crowds and took a short, 20-minute taxi ride t

18 March 2024

I have just returned from a multi-centre trip that I put together around some hotel nights that I won at various supplier events last year. I had a few nights in Dubai, followed by a few nights in Bangkok and then I stayed in three different places on the island of Koh Samui off the eastern coast of Thailand. Dubai - I flew overnight from Manchester to Dubai with Emirates and stayed at Addres

16 January 2024

Here are my thoughts about the travel trends we’re likely to see in 2024. These are based on my knowledge and experience, reading the travel media and from conversations and feedback from my customers. SUSTAINABILITY / THE ENVIRONMENT - This was included in my travel trends for last year. Climate change and awareness of the impact we all make on the environment continues to be important and one o

05 December 2023

At the end of November my home city of Manchester was host to the Travel Counsellors Conference 2023. Entitled One Team, Travel Counsellors from around the country (and the globe – we operate in six countries), Head Office support staff, suppliers and guests all gathered together at Manchester Central from 24 - 26 November. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with my fellow Travel Counsellors

28 November 2023

Peru had long been on my bucket list and I was determined to make it happen given the last few years and, as I celebrated a big birthday this year, it seemed a great opportunity to make it happen. I booked a group trip with Journey Latin America (JLA). I have previously travelled with them to Cuba, Mexico and Brazil and they are experts in this region with a brilliant range of group and private

26 June 2023

I’ve enjoyed a busy few months with enquiries, bookings and customers being away on holiday and have received some lovely testimonials from my customers. It makes everything I do worthwhile and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help make fabulous holiday memories for my customers. I would like to share a few of them here. A few months ago I helped David and his wife Betsy with their

21 March 2023

I’m back from a wonderful time in South Africa. I first visited the country over 20 years ago and decided it was time to go back! Years ago I stayed in Cape Town for a few days and then travelled to Johannesburg and onto Kruger National Park for a few days of safari. This time my focus was on the Western Cape. I started in Cape Town and after an overnight flight from London Heathrow, I was out an

24 January 2023

As we’re fast approaching the end of January I thought it was time I summarised my views on the travel trends for this year, 2023. These are my thoughts, based on my knowledge and experience plus the feedback and conversations I’ve had with customers, colleagues and the travel media. SUSTAINABILITY / THE ENVIRONMENT Not surprisingly there is increased awareness of the environment and the impact

06 December 2022

In November I attended my first ‘big’ Travel Counsellors Conference in Liverpool. Last year there were a series of ‘mini’ conferences across the country due to restrictions and I attended in Manchester and back in 2020 the conference was online due to lockdown. I’d heard so much about Conference from other Travel Counsellors and it didn’t disappoint. The theme of the three days was ‘ALL IN’ an

05 October 2022

I’ve recently returned from a lovely week spent exploring the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It was my first visit to the country and I stayed in Split for a few days and then Dubrovnik for the rest of the week. I stayed right in the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace in Split in Hotel Murum (a boutique, heritage hotel with just seven rooms), a gorgeous old building just two minutes from Peristil. The

30 May 2022

CLIA Conference 2022, Southampton, UK Having been postponed for two years due to the pandemic, last weekend I was finally able to travel to Southampton to attend the annual CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) conference. CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry trade association. It represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity and they serve nearly 30 million passenger

25 April 2022

Last month I enjoyed a very last-minute short trip to Dubai, UAE. I was in need of a break, a change of scenery and was hoping to enjoy some sunshine too. I flew with Emirates direct from Manchester to Dubai. My flight was less than half empty flying out, but full coming back. It was all very straightforward and easy. I stayed at Palm Tree Court, JA The Resort which is located on Jebel Ali b

30 March 2022

Two weeks ago I was excited to be on board the brand-new Virgin Voyages ship, Valiant Lady, in Liverpool. I was invited to a preview before she sets sail with passengers in the Mediterranean this summer and then the Caribbean during winter. It was the first time I had been on a cruise ship, so I was keen to explore the whole experience and learn more about what makes cruising so popular. The s

26 January 2022

I am just back from a very enjoyable week travelling around Egypt on my first ever visit to the country. I booked last minute (due to other work commitments) onto the Premium Egypt tour with Intrepid. I flew with Lufthansa from Manchester via Frankfurt to Cairo. In advance of travelling I had checked all entry requirements for Egypt, transit passengers in Germany, any specific requirements from th

01 December 2021

Last week I travelled to Murcia in Spain to visit my family. This was my first trip abroad since Brexit procedures have been in place as well as my first flight for 11 months. I hope the following summary of my experience is helpful. I flew Manchester to Alicante on easyJet. The experience at Manchester Airport was straightforward. Everyone was wearing a mask, keeping their distance and there we

29 June 2021

I’m just back from a week exploring the wonders of Northumberland in the UK. I’d never been before and loved the massive (empty) beaches, the big skies and the castles! I stayed in Warkworth, a small village located a mile or so inland along the River Coquet complete with its own castle. It was a good base to explore the surrounding area. During the week I walked various sections of the Northum

21 March 2021

Here is my pick of my favourite European capital cities. It was hard to select just five! 1. Rome, Italy This is probably the most ‘popular’ choice in my top five. Rome has some of the most world-famous sights such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum etc. The architecture and history are stunning and world-class. There

21 March 2021

These five fabulous European cities are not necessarily less well-known, however they are not capitals. I found it difficult to choose just five! 1. Istanbul, Turkey I loved my trip to Istanbul years ago and its stayed top of my list of favourite European cities ever since then! The influence of the East is everywhere and I love that the city is strategically located at the crossroads of both Eu

12 March 2021

Today (16 March) I’m celebrating a year since I took the plunge and started a new chapter in my life (and career) and started the Travel Academy training programme with Travel Counsellors. I’m not sure I could’ve timed this to be any worse?! One week before the first national lockdown started and with travel being restricted for the vast majority of the past year, a new career in the travel indu

29 October 2020

1.Cambodia Cambodia has a special place in my heart. I first visited in late 2010 when I travelled through northern Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. I loved it and wanted to go back! In 2012 I took a sabbatical and chose to volunteer in Cambodia. I lived in Phnom Penh for two months working at an orphanage for several disabled children and HIV positive children who had been abandoned by their family.

29 October 2020

6.Brazil Brazil is such a massive country it was difficult to decide where to go / what to do. I loved the variety from the big cities with their truly iconic sights to natural wonders to gorgeous white sandy beaches and the vast Amazon jungle. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous cities in the world and doesn’t really need an introduction. The view from Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer

24 September 2020

I’m lucky to have visited India several times (five in total to date) and there’s still so much for me to explore. It’s an enormous country (as well as the world’s largest democracy) and very varied so there really is something for everyone. Here are some of my highlights / recommendations: Delhi The capital, Delhi, is a full-on, very busy, noisy and dirty city. There are some fabulous sights su

14 September 2020

I have just returned from a trip to Spain to visit my family. I thought it would be helpful to write about my experience of international travel in light of Covid-19. Often it’s the fear of the unknown that stops us from doing things so I hope this account will offer reassurance and encouragement. BEFORE TRAVEL It’s essential you check the specific entry requirements for your destination. For e

28 August 2020

I visited Brazil for just over two weeks in October/November 2018. I travelled on a private journey which was perfect as my mum and I were able to personalise our trip and do exactly what we wanted to do (which is what I do for my customers now). We flew with British Airways direct from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro in Premium Economy (and it was worth the extra cost for more space and comfort

14 August 2020

I really enjoy visiting museums whether I’m at home or on holiday. I love to learn about different aspects of life and/or a country and be inspired by beautiful objects or fascinating stories. I found it quite hard to choose just five museums that I have visited over the years (also see my top five favourite art galleries blog!) 1. People’s History Museum, Manchester, UK I must declare a bit of

24 July 2020

I visited Cuba for a two-week holiday in late December 2016 into January 2017. I travelled with my mum on a private journey organised for us by Journey Latin America which was perfect as we planned our itinerary to suit our interests and needs (just like I do now for my customers as a Travel Counsellor). Here are some of my highlights: Havana As you might expect, Havana, the capital, is packed f

16 June 2020

I spent a week in Norway in July last year (2019) and this was my first visit to the country. We flew into Bergen (and got a fantastic view from the plane over hundreds of little islands across the archipelago – a stunning setting for a city) and then flew home from Oslo, both with Norwegian Airways. Our Hotel in Bergen We stayed at the Clarion Hotel Admiral in Bergen. Our room was facing the

16 June 2020

I found it hard to decide on my top five for this list – it could easily have been more. Art galleries and museums are an important part of my life and especially when I travel. They are often the driving force for me wanting to visit a city or destination. 1. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Doha, Qatar I visited Doha in January this year (2020) and the MIA has immediately gone straight to the top

09 June 2020

These are my top ten favourite beaches that I’ve been to around the world. I’ve included a few closer to home, so not all of them are in far-flung destinations! 1. ‘Mad dog beach’, Koh Rong, Cambodia I lived on the island of Koh Rong whilst volunteering for Marine Conservation Cambodia in 2012 and the island wasn’t geared up for tourism at this point. ‘Mad dog beach’ was about a 20-minute walk

05 June 2020

I visited Japan in March / April 2019 and booked my trip more than a year in advance to secure a place during the peak time to visit - cherry blossom season! I travelled with my friend Dawn and we joined a small group escorted tour (Ancient & Modern Japan) with Exodus Travels. We flew with Emirates from Manchester via Dubai into Osaka (for Kyoto) and returned home from Tokyo. We saw and did so m

05 June 2020

Doha in Qatar is probably mostly thought of as a stopover destination en route to Australia, South East Asia or India, however I would definitely recommend you visit the city for longer. I went for a week at the end of January with my mum and there’s certainly plenty to see and do. We flew direct with Qatar Airways from London Gatwick (they also fly from Manchester and London Heathrow). It was ide

28 May 2020

In light of the current circumstances with Covid-19, travel within the UK will be an option for us all before we are able to go abroad, so I’ve taken a look at my home city of Manchester and why you should consider visiting. Manchester has been my adopted home for over 15 years now. I moved here for a new job in 2003 and have lived here ever since. And contrary to the media, I can confirm that i

28 May 2020

From a young age I’ve had an interest in the world around us. I’m the daughter of two geography university graduates so I grew up with quizzes about capital cities of the world, the states of America, counties of England etc so that may help to explain. When I was young I remember staying with my grandparents with my younger brother during school holidays. Some years we hired a cottage/holiday ho