Karen Moore
My expertise
I'm based in
Sale, Manchester
Where to next?
I’m Karen and I’m an adopted northerner living in Sale, Manchester.
I’m passionate about travel and love to share my experiences (and photos) and inspire others to do the same. The joke amongst my friends and family is that ‘I am always on holiday’ (if only that was true). I’m lucky to have travelled widely over the years and have been to over 50 countries. Favourite destinations include Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Italy and Spain with Cambodia having a special place in my heart as I lived there for several months whilst volunteering.
Before becoming a Travel Counsellor I worked in marketing for 25 years, for big names such as Virgin and most recently for Marketing Manchester, the tourist board promoting the city region to the world. Now it’s the other way around and I hope I can promote the world to the lovely people of Manchester (btw you don't need to live in Manchester for me to be able to help you with your travel plans).
I would love to hear about your holiday ideas and what’s important and of interest to you to then enable me to create a bespoke travel itinerary. This might be a beach holiday in Europe, a short city break, a long-haul once in a lifetime trip, off the beaten track somewhere, an all-inclusive cruise and not forgetting breaks in the UK too. Flexibility and availability are important – I am available on the phone, email or to meet in person and this can be outside of ‘normal business hours’ if that suits you better. You will get great personal service from me along with the 100% financial protection of Travel Counsellors.
Please get in touch to see how I can help you to plan and book your next trip.
Happy holidays!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Sri Lanka: One Small Island, A World of Variety
In January I escaped the British winter and spent almost three weeks travelling around Sri Lanka. Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, there’s so much to see and do. I travelled with a good friend, and apart from a few days at the beginning and end, we joined a small group trip (Sri Lanka in Depth) with Explore. Here are some of my highlights.
25 Feb 2026 5 min read
Top Travel Trends for 2026
Whether you’re dreaming of a family escape, wanting to experience once-in-a-lifetime natural wonders or transformative solo adventures, here are my thoughts about what’s trending for next year.
12 Dec 2025 5 min read
Awesome Albania
You might have noticed that I like an alliteration in my blog titles! This one is no different and it’s very accurate too – Albania really was awesome. I travelled with a friend and we stayed in the capital, Tirana, for a few days by ourselves before joining a small group for a walking tour exploring the country with Exodus.
05 Dec 2025 5 min read
Off the beaten track in Southern Tuscany
At the end of August I enjoyed a few days away at Locanda Rossa. I won a two-night stay here at a Preferred Hotels event. I paid for an additional night, so spent three nights in total with my mum as my travelling companion.
15 Oct 2025 5 min read
Incredible Iceland
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
27 Aug 2025 5 min read
Tantalising Turkey - Anda Barut Collection
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
04 Jun 2025 5 min read
Marvellous Malta
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
14 Apr 2025 5 min read
My First Five Years in Business
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
21 Mar 2025 5 min read
30 Beyond - TC Conference 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
31 Dec 2024 5 min read
AmaWaterways Captivating Rhine Cruise
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
12 Dec 2024 5 min read
Beautiful Balkans
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
03 Oct 2024 5 min read
Holland America Line Ship Visit
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
30 Aug 2024 5 min read
Closer to home: Northern Ireland
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
14 Aug 2024 5 min read
The Essentials - Travel Insurance
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
28 Jun 2024 5 min read
Lovely Lucca
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
06 May 2024 5 min read
Heading East - UAE & Thailand
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
18 Mar 2024 5 min read
Travel Trends for 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
16 Jan 2024 5 min read
Travel Counsellors Conference 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
05 Dec 2023 5 min read
Picture Perfect Peru
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
28 Nov 2023 5 min read
I love what I do!
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
26 Jun 2023 5 min read
Spectacular South Africa
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
21 Mar 2023 5 min read
Travel Trends in 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
24 Jan 2023 5 min read
ALL IN - Travel Counsellors Conference 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
06 Dec 2022 5 min read
The Dalmatian Coast
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
05 Oct 2022 5 min read
3 ships in 3 days
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
30 May 2022 5 min read
Winter Sun in Dubai
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
25 Apr 2022 5 min read
Valiant Lady, Virgin Voyages Ship Visit
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
30 Mar 2022 5 min read
Egyptian Wonders
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
26 Jan 2022 5 min read
International travel post Brexit and post Covid 19
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
01 Dec 2021 5 min read
My Staycation in Northumberland
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
29 Jun 2021 5 min read
My Top Five European Capital Cities
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 Mar 2021 5 min read
My Top Five (non-capital) European Cities
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
21 Mar 2021 5 min read
My First Year as a Travel Counsellor
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
12 Mar 2021 5 min read
My Top Ten Favourite Countries (1 to 5)
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 Oct 2020 5 min read
My Top Ten Favourite Countries (6 to 10)
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
29 Oct 2020 5 min read
Incredible India
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
24 Sept 2020 5 min read
International Travel post Covid-19
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
14 Sept 2020 5 min read
Beautiful Buzzing Brazil
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
28 Aug 2020 5 min read
My Top Five Favourite Museums
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
14 Aug 2020 5 min read
Rum and Revolution
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
24 Jul 2020 5 min read
Norway
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 Jun 2020 5 min read
My Top Five Favourite Art Galleries
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
16 Jun 2020 5 min read
My Top Ten Beaches
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
09 Jun 2020 5 min read
From the ancient to the ultra-modern
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 Jun 2020 5 min read
Dazzling Doha
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
05 Jun 2020 5 min read
Manchester (my home city)
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 5 min read
My Travel Biography
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
28 May 2020 5 min read
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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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