02 August 2019

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is situated in Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando Or Universal Studios Hollywood. Make sure you plan your day around The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, because you'll never want to leave. With a park-to-park access ticket you'll be able to ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station in UniversaI's lslands of Adventure and King's Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida. Or you can ride the other way around for a different experience. Onboard, you'll see characters and creatures featured in the films. From the thrill of walking through Platform 9¾™ to watching the British countryside pass by your window. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade. Plus, experience thrilling rides and attractions that transport you into a world of wizardry. My daughter Lily was in her element when she got to experience being Hermione for the day. Following her map, casting spells throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The wand experience allows guests to use specially designed wands to interact with certain areas around the Wizarding World. Choosing the right wand was great fun. Head to Ollivanders, where young wizards and witches come in search of the most essential wizarding item. Be prepared to queue. The Smith family always seem to find themselves in a sweet shop, and this one they never want to leave empty handed. Scrumptious sweets and beguiling delights! A must see when visiting Hogsmeade, the shelves of this legendary sweet shop are lined with all manner of colourful treats including Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, Fizzing Whizzbees and Chocolate Frogs. While you’re here, fill up a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Don't miss out on Hogsmeade butterbeer too! This popular wizarding beverage is light and foaming and can be found around the Hogsmeade village. A great tip: all Universal on-site hotels allow guests early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal's Volcano Bay Water park, one hour before the park opens. If you decide to stay in Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific resort you will also get to enjoy FREE Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular queues in both theme parks. This is highly recommended in high/busy seasons.

30 July 2019

New York is a thrilling city, that really doesn’t sleep! There is always something to do! From Midtown and Greenwich, to Ellis Island and Battery Park, Manhattan itself has an array of activities for all types of visitors, from families to couples and solo travellers. I have personally been lucky enough to visit this wonderful city a few times and each time have done something a little different. To help you with planning, you can find my top ten things to do in New York with a few tips to help! One World Trade Centre (Freedom Tower) - My Favourite Your adventure starts from the moment you enter the Sky-Pod Elevator and climb 102 stories in 47 seconds. This astonishing ride reveals the transformation of New York City from unsettled lands to today’s remarkable forest of skyscrapers. One World Trade Center is also known as the Freedom Tower. The moment you exit the elevator is when you need your camera ready! The big reveal is well worth the worry, and the first glimpse of the spectacular skyline will be one to remember, It will take your breath away! Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island This lovely monument stands proudly in the Hudson River as a beacon welcoming everyone to the city. There are a few ways to see the Statue of Liberty. The free way is to get on the Staten Island ferry and sail past. The best way is to book onto the Statue of Liberty cruises and sail to the island, with an audio tour. You can book a reserve ticket, a pedestal ticket (which gets you entry into the base of the statue, or the crown. You can go to the top of the crown, which has fabulous views, but it does need to be booked at least 3 months in advance to guarantee entry. You will also need to take ID such as your passport and although an amazing experience, it wouldn’t be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties or claustrophobia. Empire State Building This is the icon of New York, featured in countless movies, skyline pictures and the affections of many! You can’t really go to New York without a visit here. You can go to the Observatory decks on the 86th and 102nd floors and have a 360-degree view of New York. There is also the Dare to Dream Exhibit to visit if you have time. My favourite views here are in the morning, the Empire State Building is open from 8am, so get in early and avoid the crowds! The morning sun lights up the whole of the city in a spectacular fashion! The Observation decks are open until 2am, so you can defintely find time to fit in a visit. Rockefeller Centre/Top of the Rock Again, another iconic building of New York. A wonderful place to go ice skating around Christmas time, the famous Christmas Tree lighting (usually end of November) and here are some spectacular views from the ‘Top of the Rock’. Tours around the building can be pre-booked, learning about the history and architecture of this famous building. Or you can just visit the Top of the Rock, three observation decks, with unobstructed views across the city, on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors. There are three levels of observation decks to explore at Top of the Rock. The first deck includes the Radiance Wall and gift shop. The second, featuring the Breezeway, is entirely outdoors. The third observation deck, located on the 70th floor open-air roof deck, is completely outdoors and free of a glass enclosure, making it perfect for photos. My favourite time to go to the Top of the Rock is in the evening, here you can see the Empire State building lit up and the rest of NYC with their dazzling lights! 9/11 Tribute Museum and Memorial This poignant landmark keeps the memories alive of the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives in the September 11th, 2001 and February 26th, 1993. The memorial is free to visit and a very surreal experience. My advice is to take tissues and be prepared to remember where you were on that fateful day. The memorial glade is beautiful and a great place to reflect and remember. You also have the survivor tree – the tree that survived the attack in 2001 and serves as a memory of hope. The museum is ticket only, but again a wonderful tribute to all that lost their lives and what many of them and firefighters, police officers and paramedics went through on that day. You may also bump into a few people working there, who were either survivors or assisted in the saving of many lives. Central Park This famous park houses so many treats for you to visit. A bike is the best way to see the park in a short space of time. These can be hired, and you can ride around the park alone if you want to or you could book a cycle tour? Visit the John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields on the west side of the park, the bridges and archways that found fame in many a New York based movie, the Central Park Carousel, Belvedere Castle and the many statues and monuments. Not forgetting Central Park Zoo, you could spend all day in this park. In wintertime there’s ice skating, which gets booked up, so I advise to book tickets in advance. Great fun! Carlo’s Bakery, Hoboken For anyone that has watched Buddy and his ‘familia’ in Cake Boss, this is a must visit. Just a short Path Train to Hoboken New Jersey and then a short walk from the station, this famous bakery houses all of those lovely treats from cannoli’s, Crumb Cake and full size cakes to take away, along with some lovely coffee! Times Square A must visit in the evening when everything is in lights! It’s a great place for shopping and dining too! Madison Square Garden If there is a basketball or ice hockey game on whilst you’re in New York, there is no better way to see Madison Square Garden. Be prepared to see some of the best teams in the USA play here, with a great atmosphere, just like you see on TV! You can buy tickets at the box office subject to availability, or they can be bought online prior to the event. Some other ideas on where to visit whilst you’re in the Big Apple. Bike rental | Brooklyn Bridge | American Museum of Natural History | MMA - Metropolitan Museum of Art | MOMA – Museum of Modern Art | Guggenheim Museum Z| Madame Tussauds | Ripley’s Believe it or Not | Bronx's Little Italy | Arthur Avenue Walking Tour | Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo Neighbourhood Walking Tour | Hop on/Hop off bus | NYC TV & Movie tour | NYC Gospel Walking Tour | Harlem Gospel Tour | Broadway Show | Helicopter Tour over Manhattan

30 July 2019

Gallagher’s Steakhouse New York, famously known as a celebrity hide out. Located W52nd St of 8th Avenue, just steps away from Broadway, making this a perfect location for dinner before or after a theatre show. On first glimpse of the entrance to the restaurant you will find the glass-encased meat locker, where the world’s finest USDA prime steaks are aged to tender perfection for 21+ days. This was our first visit and we decided to celebrate a special birthday here. All the party were very impressed, we were speechless when our meals were distributed around. Gallagher’s is also known as the only New York restaurant that still fires steaks the old school way- over the hickory coals. The venue oozes style and the service is first class. All steaks were cooked to perfection, full of flavour. But can you handle a whole one? Reservations are highly recommended. This was undoubtedly the best restaurant we visited in New York and one not to miss. I'm even tempted to ship some streak over, which is available on their website.

29 July 2019

I was delighted to be offered a place on the Jamaican Tourist board familiarisation trip in May 2019. I jumped at the chance to visit Jamaica, as I have never been before and I sell so much of the country to my luxury honeymoon couples. Couples San Souci for over 18’s is known as the "Jewel of Jamaica". It blends old world glamour with modern style. Hidden amongst the mountains and the sea, it really is a hidden gem. This all-inclusive couples retreat offers gourmet dining in 5 restaurants, complimentary green fees at the Upton Hills golf course, tennis with lesson. The resort is ideal for water sports fans, with white sand beaches where you can try PADI-certified scuba diving, wakeboarding and water-skiing lessons. Close to popular resort town Ochos Rios, Couples San Souci is truly intimate with cobbled lanes and secluded pavilions creating a private world you can get lost in. It has 150 suites decked in nautical colours with sea facing patios or balconies, while some include Jacuzzis and beach access. Wellness awaits at Couples Sans Souci. From their award-winning spa to fitness classes, hide away and enjoy a couple’s massage with stunning views over the Caribbean Sea. Charlie's Spa is a complete tropical style facility and has earned praise as one of the best spas in the Caribbean. The spa got its name from Charlie, a friendly resident sea turtle. For almost 60 years Charlie lived in the grotto fed by the mineral spring. Couples resorts have it all: 24-hour food service Nightly entertainment Yoga, Pilates and meditation. Land and water sport activities Bicycles Au Natural beach with a beach grill, swimming pool with swim-up bar and restrooms Airport transfers Complimentary off-site excursions including: Shopping trips to downtown Ocho Rios Shuttle to Margarita Ville night club Tours of Dunn's River Falls (except Friday) Glass bottom reef boat trips Golfing at Upton Golf Course- Green fees and transfers included Weddings This resort is a perfect couple’s getaway and an ideal group golf trip. I can't wait to return to Couples Resorts they just have it all.

27 July 2019

Journey to Jamaica Fam Trip The Stunning 5 Star Sandals - Montego Bay - Jamaica Everyone loves a true original, so it’s only fitting that the very first Sandals is a masterpiece of design—one that’s been redesigned to be the most modern, open-concept, 5-Star Luxury Included® resort in Jamaica. Nestled along the largest and best private beach in Jamaica, Sandals Montego Bay has been re-created with a carefree spirit of romance and luxury. Discover a chic and intimate oasis at the water’s edge with our new Main Bar, and a spectacular open-air lobby with its magnificent views of the sea. Satisfy your culinary cravings at nine world-class restaurants featuring 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining prepared by a talented team of internationally trained chefs. From the fiery island dishes of the Oleander Room and the stir-fry drama of Tokyo Jo’s, to the heart-warming Italian cuisine of Cucina Romana, your food mood-of-the-moment is always indulged, and always included. Best of all, when you stay here, you can play at the two other nearby Sandals in Montego Bay. It’s all included in one fabulous holiday! Resort Highlights: • Located on the best private beach in Jamaica • Conveniently located minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) • 264 beautifully appointed rooms and suites • 5-Star Global Gourmet™ with 12 unique restaurants • 6 bars serving unlimited premium spirits • 6 pools and 3 whirlpools • Red Lane® Spa* & Fitness Centre • Stay at One, Play at Three exchange privileges with nearby Sandals Resorts • Free resort-wide Wi-Fi for all guests • Unlimited land and water sports including scuba for certified divers^ • Tips, taxes and Sandals transfers included *Treatments at cost. ^Two free dives per day for certified divers. +Sandals airport transfers included.

27 July 2019

Journey to Jamaica Fam Trip Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resort, Montego Bay This resort was by far one of my favourites. The boutique all suite style resort was really light and airy. Facing a private white sand beach, this all-inclusive award-winning boutique hotel is great for water sport enthusiasts, luxury seekers, golfers and couples. Relaxation is key at this resort with its own secluded wellness house, with gardens. Here you can take advantage of their beauty treatments, outdoor massage cabins, Jacuzzi and cold-water pool. All rooms are Junior Suites with the option of tropical view, ocean view and swim out ocean view. Many other activities are also on offer: Paddle Boards, Yoga, afternoon tea, cooking lessons and three championship golf courses within 5 minutes. We were lucky enough to sample so Jerk Chicken from the Jerky Jo's beach shack. A quiet, quaint location situated on the beach front. Located just 10 minutes from Jamaica - Sangster Airport

27 July 2019

Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica A beachfront getaway for the entire family. A luxury included resort. Adults can share time alone while the kids are pampered by certified nannies in the kid’s camp. Families can go head to head in the Xbox lounge. Teens can relax and dance away at the Liquid nightclub. Pirate Island Waterpark is one of the biggest waterpark's in the Caribbean, offering huge water slides, Lazy river, whirlpool, plunge pool and a swim-up bar. Kids of all ages can enjoy fun and games with Elmo and friends in the Sesame Street Caribbean Adventure. Sandals Golf is available locally with a challenging 18-hole, par 71 course, children can take advantage of a free one hour golf clinic. If they have never played golf before, this is an ideal opportunity to learn. Beaches also offer many Scuba diving programs for children 8 years and older. Unlimited Scuba diving is available for certified divers. You will always find many events going on around the resort: Sunday - White Night and Chocolate Buffet Monday - Jamaica Day Tuesday - Festival of the Arts (Talent Show) Wednesday - Carnival Street Party Thursday - Reggae Fest Friday - Caribbean Beach Party Saturday - Family Fiesta Sesame Street Events - The fun and games don't ever stop at Beaches. Join the Sesame Street Characters at an exclusive breakfast with Zoe, Cookie Monster, Bert and Earnie, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird. Character Private Birthday Party and Night Night Tuck in is also available at an additional cost. At Beaches, they give kids extra attention with tailor-made fun just for them, offering age-appropriate activities for kids of all ages. In 2017 they became the first resort company in the world to become Autism certified centres. As an addition they have introduced a new Sesame Street Character called Julia. I had the pleasure of meeting Julia and what a lovely experience, she was very shy but agreed to having her picture taken. Julia is a sweet and curious 4 year-old girl with autism. She enjoys engaging activities, and her favourite activity is painting, as it allows her to express herself through art.

27 July 2019

Scotchies, Montego Bay. Famous for their homemade Jerk Chicken sauce and undoubtedly the best Jerk chicken you will ever taste, Scotchies Jamaica is the best place to go to if you are looking for authentic Jerk cuisine. Jerk is a method of cooking meat, usually chicken or pork; however, you can also jerk goat, fish, and other meats. These were also on the menu to sample. The meat is then slowly cooked over pimento wood to give it a smoky flavour. No reservation required, as its casual dining. You won't miss out as there are three Scotchies restaurants in Jamaica. Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Kingston. Make sure you add Scotchies to your list of things to do!

27 July 2019

The Sensational Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios. Escape to the Caribbean and unwind in timeless style at the Jamaica Inn Hotel and Spa Resort. The moment you arrive at this luxury resort you can expect a warm welcome and outstanding quality service. Stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, relax in your antique appointed bedroom or gaze out from your private veranda and soak up the Caribbean vibe. Located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn resort is ranked among the top luxury hotels in Jamaica. This peaceful Jamaican resort offers a real slice of paradise with lush tropical gardens and champagne coloured sand. Accommodation at Jamaica Inn offers a choice of well-appointed suites and cottages, all with views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The emphasis here is on relaxation and goes as far as there being no televisions, radios or clocks, ensuring total respite from everyday life. The perfect place to truly switch off on a Jamaica luxury holiday. Those who wish to get out and active will love the facilities here which include sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and a fitness room. Those who prefer to relax and be pampered will love the Ocean Spa which offers a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Dining around offers something to suit all tastes. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast on your private veranda overlooking the Caribbean. Make dinner a special occasion and dine under the stars and enjoy live music and international cuisine infused with Jamaican flavours. Now over 60 years old, it retains its special charm and it's no wonder individuals and couples (some famous), return year after year!

27 July 2019

Introducing the latest addition to the Sesame Street family, Julia! At Beaches, they give kids extra attention with tailor-made fun just for them, offering age-appropriate activities for kids of all ages. In 2017 they become the first resort company in the world to become Autism certified centres. As an addition they have introduced a new Sesame Street Character called Julia, she is a sweet and curious 4-year-old girl with autism. I had the pleasure of meeting Julia in May on my recent trip to Jamaica, and what a lovely experience, she was very shy but agreed to having her picture taken. You have to say "hello" quietly and be softly spoken around her. She enjoys engaging activities, and her favourite activity is painting, as it allows her to express herself through art. Having met Julia in her calm, and quiet environment, I really got to understand just what Beaches resorts have to offer and how important the new character is to the resort. I found the whole meet and greet experience quite over whelming, Julia is the cutest thing, and has really settled into the Sesame Street family. Meet and greet experiences can be arranged at Beaches and if you prefer a one to one nanny, this can also be arranged at a small cost. VIP Packages are available and can be booked in resort. Night Night, Sleep Tight: Bedtime tuck in service. Wishes come true, even before their head touches the pillow! In a calm, quiet environment, one of five Sesame Street characters will join in on some relaxing stretches, a bedtime story, and a sweet lullaby before tucking your child in for the night. Character Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast with your favourite Sesame Street friend* Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with Elmo and all his friends in a family-friendly dining environment. *All characters participate except Julia. All-Access Photo Session: SMILE! Enjoy a photo shoot with the Sesame Street gang.

26 July 2019

The Levey Family are enjoying their final evening at Disneyland Paris. I have really enjoyed receiving pictures and videos of their adventure. The Disneyland Hotel takes a prime location at the entrance to Disneyland park. The beautiful Victorian style hotel offers the ultimate, fairy-tale experience. Daniel’s dream was to stay at the Disneyland Hotel in a Castle Club room. He often watched many videos on YouTube and never thought that one day, it would be his turn. Sue and Mark have worked so hard to create this dream for Daniel, a young man who just appreciates everything. The Ultimate Castle Club experience: Benefits: Extra privacy on the Castle Club floor Private dedicated check-in Dedicated lift to the park entrance VIP Fastpass Breakfast with Disney Characters Access to the private lounge for hot and soft drinks Afternoon tea with sweet and savoury snacks The magic lives on... It's not goodbye. It's see you soon! Daniel’s adventure to Disneyland Paris Video coming soon!

20 July 2019

When visiting Jamaica here are some top attractions to add to your list. Venture out of your hotel and see the true beauty of Jamaica. Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica's most magnificent natural treasures. This really was an incredible experience. Join hands and be part of a human chain ascending the slopes of the 600ft waterfall, one of the few in the world that empties directly into the sea. The waterfalls are located near to the town of Ocho Rios and many hotels are happy to provide transfers. Mystic Mountain This exhilarating bobsled ride is one of my favourite things to do in Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios Jamaica — and I know it will top your list too. As you slide through the dense tropical landscape, you’ll be able to control the speed with a handbrake, if you want to! The Sky Lift is part of the experience in the Bobsled Tour and it’s the only way to enter and depart the park. This is the ultimate Jamaica Rainforest tour. Falmouth - Luminous Lagoon Another incredible excursion to experience in Jamaica. Visit glistening waters and witness Mother nature and see the bio-luminescent Luminous Lagoon. Enjoy a night cruise on the Luminous Lagoon and experience the spectacular wonder of the phosphorous waters, surrounded by mangrove trees. The microscopic organisms emit a phosphorescent light when agitated, you will be amazed as the water lights up! Look out for swimming fish as they appear like a shooting star. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and best of the four in the world. Our tour guide Jerry was very funny, during his tour he give an extensive account of why the water glows and performed a cover of his favourite Bob Marley tune. The tour lasts around 45 minutes - 1 hour

15 July 2019

YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRAVEL GURU Remember how easy it used to be to book a holiday? When someone else took care of everything? When they knew you well enough to get it just right? I believe travel should be personal. That's why you deserve your own travel expert, who will build something that fits you perfectly. TRULY INDEPENDENT Our independence makes us unique. It means that I'm able to book with a huge range of travel providers. That way you can be confident you're getting a holiday which suites your needs and your budget. YOUR MONEY'S COMPLETELY SAFE Nobody does financial protection like we do. We've all heard the horror stories - stranded holidaymakers, lost bookings, NOT with Travel Counsellors. Everything you book with us is fully protected (and we mean everything - no ifs, no buts, no excuses). With such peace of mind, all you'll have to worry about is what to pack! WITH US IT'S PERSONAL I will always go, above and beyond for my customers, however big or small the booking is. All my customers have now become friends and I have loved to get to know all their families. I always share the excitement of my customers holiday count down, as I'm just as excited as they're. WE'RE GLOBAL With over 1,800 friendly and professional Travel Counsellors around the world I'm only ever a phone call away. Our global network means that Travel Counsellors around the world can share their expertise, which means accurate local knowledge behind every booking. AWARD WINNING It's always nice to be recognised for doing a good job, especially when it's our customers doing the voting. I think our trophy cabinet looks pretty good, being three-time winners of the Guardian Best Travel Agent and earning the UK's highest business accolade, the Queen's Award for Enterprise, on two separate occasions, also recently voted BEST homeworking agency of 2019, for the sixth year in a row. FULFILLING DREAMS - CREATING MEMORIES - WE'RE TRAVEL COUNSELLORS.

12 July 2019

I was delighted to be offered a place on the Jamaican Tourist board familiarisation trip in May 2019. I jumped at the chance to visit Jamaica, as I have never been before and I sell so much of the country to my luxury honeymoon couples. Our host for the first 2 nights was the stunning Couples - Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, for over 18’s only. Located 5 miles from Ocho Rios and 65 miles from Montego Bay airport, this resort really is a Jamaican paradise. It combines a stunning location with its own private Au Naturel Island and 8 different room types from superior Garden rooms to ultra-luxurious Villa Suites, many of which have recently been refreshed. Couples Tower Isle offers 24-hours dining including three meals daily plus snacks and wine with lunch and dinner, unlimited premium brand drinks from a choice of five bars and a variety of land and water sports. Dine in one of the 6 restaurants and sample Asian, Italian and classic Jamaican cuisine. In-suite dining is also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Why not upgrade for a few nights to an Oasis Spa Villa? These light and airy spa villas are ultra-private retreats, located just steps away from the award-winning Oasis spa. Featuring a private sun terrace, and a personal plunge pool. Unlimited spa treatments all included. Couples resorts have it all: 24-hour food service Premium brand drinks Vegetarian bar Nightly entertainment Yoga, Pilates and meditation. Land and water sport activities Au Natural private Island with swimming pool with swim-up bar and restroom Airport transfers Complimentary off site excursions including: Shopping trips to downtown Ocho Rios Shuttle to Margarita Ville night club Tours of Dunn's River Falls (except Friday) Glass bottom reef boat trips Sunset Catamaran Cruise Weddings This resort is a perfect couple’s getaway and an ideal honeymoon location with a stunning setting and gorgeous views.

27 March 2019

My 2-year anniversary! Wow, where did that time go? Today is exactly 2 years since I took the big leap into setting up my own business with Travel Counsellors. I have had the most amazing 2 years; I've made amazing new friends and my customers have now become my friends too. I never thought I would be celebrating in New York! I've enjoyed every minute of it and it's all thanks to my Travel Counsellors family for giving me this opportunity. Not only have you made my dreams come true, you have given me the ability to make my sons dream come true. Thank you to all my customers throughout the 2 years who have booked with me and continued to support and refer me. My business has grown every year and every day in the office is different. That's what I love about being a Travel Counsellor; no weekly/monthly targets to reach and I can take my business to whatever level I want it to be. I've booked some amazing holidays for clients; some short city breaks, others bucket-list trips that have created amazing memories to last a lifetime. I've learnt so much about myself in this time. Learning to be patient as life isn't a race. The world is a big place and it needs to be explored. 18th Birthday celebrations in style... aim high, believe in yourself and never give up.

04 February 2019

Hyatt Regency Orange County Located in Garden Grove Anaheim, just 1.4 miles from Disneyland, this hotel is in the perfect location to explore the parks, local beaches and shopping outlets. The first impression of the hotel was how stunning the building is. The hotel's approach boasts the beauty of the grand entrance with tall lit up palm trees and water fountains. The unique atrium lobby provides a breath-taking entrance upon arrival. There are two sides to the hotel. North Tower is where all the suites are located, heated pool and jacuzzi area. South Tower is where all standard rooms are located and the newly refurbished recreation desk. The South Tower also accommodates a 24hr fitness centre, swimming pool, sun deck and fire pit. This is where I would regularly find my children. The facilities are great for all age groups. Many activities such as shuffle board, tennis, bean bag toss, giant checkers, connect 4 and basketball. Hotel Dining Daily breakfast is available at TusCA in the hotel’s lobby area for an extra fee. The buffet style breakfast was great value for money, with a large variety of fresh fruit, cereals, fried breakfast choice and an egg station. Look out for the freshly, home-made Mickey Mouse pancakes. OC Brewhouse is in the hotel’s lobby, where you can purchase lunch and dinner. They also offer a take-out and delivery service (for a fee). Chill and unwind with the hotel’s speciality cocktails, while the kids watch a movie. An onsite Starbucks made it easy to start the day on the right foot. Located in the lobby area outside the North Tower. Citrus Grove Deli is open 7am until midnight with fresh, made to go items including breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, snacks and more. The hotel offers a regular Disney shuttle bus service and departs outside the lobby by Starbucks. Shuttle passes can be purchased at the hotel. They cost $3 for 4-10 years and $6 for 11 and up. I had the privilege of being shown around a few of the hotel’s rooms and suites. Unwind in spacious family suites: perfect for larger families. My family stayed in the kid’s suite, which was perfect for my family of 5. The suite is fitted with bunk beds for kids, private adjoining room with one king bed for adults, microwave and refrigerator. Both rooms have 65” flat screen TVs with pay-per-view movies. There is an iron and ironing board, hairdryer, coffee maker, home stereo with iPod docking station, in-room safe and air conditioning. The suite had floor to ceiling glass windows with panoramic views of Anaheim. I requested a room on a high floor with views of Disneyland. Every night Disneyland would put on a spectacular firework display which was great to watch. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew and Michael for your kind hospitality, my family were thoroughly spoilt.

27 January 2019

Los Angeles is such a diverse city, you have access to some amazing places like Santa Monica, Santa Barbara and San Diego. It's all about how you make LA your experience. From exploring the coastal roads, it's amazing beaches to Beverly Hills or the iconic Hollywood sign. LA was very accommodating with its beach city life, day trip attractions like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knotts Berry Farm. Huntington Beach is the closest beach to the Anaheim area, with lots of places to park along the seafront or a short Uber/taxi ride. It’s very popular with surfers which is why it’s nicknamed “Surf City USA”. Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Walk all the way to the end of the pier and you’ll reach Ruby’s Diner. With one of the best views in Huntington Beach, this location has two levels, making it ideal for watching the sunset or scanning for dolphins while enjoying a milkshake or a burger. Disneyland: Where the magic began and lives on! With its unique mix of thrilling experiences and all-time favourite fun, it’s no wonder they call this the happiest place on earth! Here, you can step into classic Disney tales, explore the Star Wars universe and more as you enter lands beyond your wildest imagination. Can’t-Miss Attractions: Haunted Mansion Fantasmic Pirates of the Caribbean Indiana Jones Adventure New to 2019 - Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge - all new land. Disney California Adventure Park: Slightly smaller than the main Disney park, you can access the adventure park from the same drop off locations. Most hotels in the Anaheim area run a regular shuttle bus service to the Disneyland resort. Can’t-Miss Attractions: Pixar Pier Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission Breakout! Cars Land Meet & Greet many famous characters Today was our first day with a car and adventuring out! What a beautiful clear day for seeing the Hollywood sign. After doing a little research into the best viewing spots, we headed into the hills blind.... small winding roads and a stressed husband wasn’t great. Finally, we found it, a little hidden gem away from most tourists. What a view! It was well worth it. Lake Hollywood Park is a must for a chilled viewing spot, have a picnic and enjoy the open space. Next stop - Santa Monica and Muscle Beach! Santa Monica Pier is a very popular iconic landmark, which has always been on my to do list! Ocean Front Walk, home of the Original Muscle Beach, still flexes its charm with a collection of rings, parallel bars, and balance bars plied by bodybuilders and yoga fanatics. Bikes, skateboards, and even hoverboards drift down the beachfront. There’s lots of activities to take in, many of which you can join in, if you wish to. Heading into the city for more sightseeing, my daughter was convinced we were on the hunt for Jo Jo Siwa! Historic Hollywood Boulevard: Home to the walk of fame and famous TCL Chinese Theatre. Over 2,400 celebrities have been immortalised with marble-encased brass stars along the sidewalks. The TCL Chinese Theatre is a very popular location to view over 200 celebrities’ hand and foot prints. Griffith Observatory & Planetarium: The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Admission here is free, however there is a small fee for talks, presentations, and special events. The Mount Hollywood Trail is the popular trek to the highest point in Griffith park. If you’re brave enough to walk, the amazing views of Los Angeles skyline is well worth it. If not there’s plenty of parking and a shuttle bus provided at the entrance of the park. Beverly Hills Hotel: LA’s most famous hotel, featured in many movies. Rodeo Drive is just a stone’s throw away from the Beverly Hills Hotel. Rodeo Drive is one of the world’s most famous and expensive shopping streets and home to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel- Also known as the Pretty Woman Hotel.

22 June 2018

Annette's Diner is located at the entrance to Disney Village next to the Eurostar station. It's an all-American 50/60’s-style diner. Sit yourself down, relax and enjoy the 1950s “Happy Days” atmosphere, featuring giant hamburgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and real American breakfasts served by waiting staff on roller skates! You start to feel you're taken back to the time of bebop, rock & roll, the twist, bobby socks and two-tone shoes. A good tip is to arrive early! There tends to be no queues around 5pm and the restaurant doesn't accept reservations. In peak hours the queue can be huge. Once you make your mind up what burger to sample, the hardest decision of all is what milkshake to choose. My favourite was the Nutella and Oreo flavour. The staff were very friendly, and our order was with us in no time. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone traveling to Disneyland Paris.

23 June 2018

We booked this trip to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and upgraded to a Butler Crystal Lagoon swim up suite. I was blown away with the presentation of the resort. The hotel was fairly new and there was nothing the staff wouldn't do. Our butler was on hand all the time and the staff were very friendly. The restaurants were amazing and there was too much food to choose from! We were never hungry. There were 17 restaurants to choose from, six in the resort and 11 in Sandals Barbados (which you can use too). Our favourite was the Bombay club and we ate here twice. The layout of the hotel was much better than the hotel next door (Sandals Barbados) and more spacious. Our room was located in the lagoon area, very tranquil and a much quieter part of the hotel. Our butler would book all our restaurants for us and allocate us our sunbeds. We were given a mobile phone to contact our butler if we needed him, but he was never far enough for us to call him. I was very sad when the holiday came to an end. I can't wait to return. One thing to warn your customers about is the problem they are having with the seaweed. They are clearing the sea every two to three days as it keeps coming back. This is totally out of their control. It's such a shame as the beach is gorgeous. This still wouldn't put me off returning again. Sharon Best April 18

15 June 2018

Customer Reivew would definitely recommend the Davy Crockett Centre as it was self-catering so had great cooking facilities, a lovely dining/sitting area and the rooms were lovely. The beds were large and comfy and had storage for your clothes too. The room had its own car parking space as well which was great to have. We had 2 bathrooms in our room which was great for us as we were two couples so had one each. The shower was powerful and the water was hot.

13 June 2018

Whether you and your partner have decided to elope, or you want to celebrate with your nearest and dearest somewhere a little different, a destination wedding can open you up to an endless list of incredible locations to host your big day. Cyprus Cyprus has a variety of hotels and venues on offer to suit all types of budgets. There are a lot of all-inclusive hotels available which are popular for couples and guests alike. There is accommodation to suit all budgets, ages and tastes so can cater for all guests’ budgets. Nice and easy legalities here! Italy Italy has some of the most stunning views to offer whilst our couples say their vows. Italy can offer very unique and wow venues, and a lot of the venues are very rustic and beautiful. Not much decoration is needed here so couples can keep it nice and simple! Italy can offer weekend stays for guests, so they don’t have to commit to a week’s holiday. It is a nice short flight over and low-cost flights on offer. Italy is also home to some incredible cuisines and (most importantly) some of the world’s best wines! Portugal In Portugal they offer stunning high-quality hotels with a high standard of food and great venues on site to choose from, many with lovely views. Portugal is a great family destination with great beaches. Again, Portugal has lots of different accommodation to suit all budgets. Portugal is great for large wedding parties. Regional airports and low-cost flights on offer! Mauritius Mauritius offers some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Indian Ocean so a ‘feet on the sand’ weddings is a must here! We have some great luxury hotels to offer here with low price wedding packages. Mauritius is ideal for smaller wedding parties or just the couple themselves and perfect for a nice laid back high quality ceremony. Mauritius also offers easy legalities. Mexico Mexico offers great beaches, lots of Luxury hotels to choose from. Our hotels offer low price wedding packages and special offers. Great night life on offer if guests want this from their stay. Santorini Santorini offers stunning white washed hotels and Venus with breath taking views of the Caldera and stunning sunsets which are a great photograph opportunity! As well as the unbeatable cuisine and clear-blue seas, Greece has plenty to offer in the wedding department! Spain Party-loving couples can celebrate in style in Spain’s Ibiza scene, which is also perfect for hosting a hen or stag do, or even a hag do! With locations like Madrid, Barcelona, Majorca and Valencia under their belt, there’s not much of an argument against hosting your wedding in true Spanish style. Barbados Barbados offers some stunning hotels and beaches, feet on the sand weddings is a must here! There are luxury family or adult only hotels to choose from and very easy legalities. The locals are extremely friendly and with Barbados being such a small island you can explore the whole island in a couple of days. Night life available outside the hotels if some of the guests want this from their stay. New York New York is perfect for a city wedding and ideal for smaller wedding parties or just the couple themselves. Couples who go here tend to want a no fuss wedding ceremony and reception set in this famous city. New York offers nice and simple legalities. Great photo opportunities here! Zante Zante is great for couples who don’t want to spend a great amount of money on their wedding abroad. It offers some very laid-back style venues such as a casual beach ceremony with a BBQ and meze style reception to follow. Zante is great for families and there is a good choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. If you’re thinking about having your very own destination wedding, please feel free to get in touch and I will be more than happy to discuss all the amazing options available for you!

13 June 2018

Getting married? Our exclusive Weddings and Honeymoon Gift Registry service might be just for you. An easy, stress-free way to manage your dream wedding and honeymoon online - courtesy of your personal Travel Counsellor. Our Honeymoon Gift Registry service allows your guests to give you the most memorable gift of all – your dream honeymoon tailor-made down to the finest detail. You may already have all the bed linen and towels you need, or you may have a perfect honeymoon in mind, but need a helping hand making your dream trip a reality. Whether it’s the ultimate adventure trip, a romantic city break or a luxurious retreat to faraway shores, the Gift Registry means you can have the honeymoon you always wanted. Your unique Honeymoon Gift Registry webpage will be personalised with your photo and messages, allowing guests, friends and family to log in easily and contribute towards your honeymoon. As part of this unique service, you can also purchase a Honeymoon Registry pack, which includes guest cards designed to send out with your wedding invitations, to let guests know how they can contribute to your dream honeymoon. The Honeymoon Registry pack also includes thank you cards and envelopes, to let your guests know how much you appreciate their contribution. For more information, or to add this service to your booking please get in contact.

22 March 2019

If you’re off on holiday to the continent this summer, then you’ll more than likely have to drive through France to reach your destination. But with differing traffic laws across the Channel, it's important to know the regulations and what you need to legally carry for a jaunt to France. Here are my top tips for driving in France: Take the following in the car with you. •Passports/Driving Licence •car insurance certificate •certificate to take a motability car out of the country •AA European kit which contains: hazard warning triangle, GB sticker, universal bulb kit, reflective emergency jacket, first aid kit, headlamp beam converters, AA European Driver’s Handbook, canvas carry bag, plus AA glove box Atlas Europe, European Breakdown Cover. •Lease of a motability car/ car on finance. •A print out of your booking details •Blue badge Speed limits Just like the UK, there are set speed limits for rural and urban areas that do not always feature repeated signage. Be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your driving accordingly. As a general guideline, built up areas are usually 50kph, but can be reduced to 30 in residential areas. Trunk roads are 90kph (unless otherwise directed) in the dry and 80kph in the wet, while motorways are 130kph (unless otherwise directed) in the dry and 110kph in the wet. Travelling with children Prepare a bag each with sweets, colouring books, crayons and colouring pencils and magazines. Charge Kindles/tablets and iPads. Headphone and in-car chargers. Ideal snacks •crisps •biscuits (not chocolate as they would melt) •sweets •bottled fruit shoot water •bananas, grapes, strawberries, apples •raisins •cereal bars Plastic bags for rubbish and best to be safe than sorry - spare bags for travel sickness.

05 August 2018

This 30-minute Serengeti Safari Tour magically transports you to the wild and wonderful world of the Serengeti Plain as your tour guide relates secrets and stories of this amazing habitat. The safari was superb mainly thanks to the excellent guide and driver who were both really funny and passionate about the animals. While enjoying your safari you'll get the chance to get up close and hand-feed the giraffes. You're each given a large lettuce which the giraffes spot from far away. You also get to see other familiar favourites like rhinos, ostriches and zebras, while learning about other exotic species. We are still smiling when we think of them and frequently look at the CD to view all our pictures that were taken. I would highly recommend this excursion and at a small extra cost to the entry ticket, it's worth it for the memories. Don't forget your camera!

16 February 2018

Fridays in Dubai are famous for their brunches, as this is the start to their weekend. Spread across three restaurants, Mina A’Salam Friday Brunch boasts a varied culinary line-up. All three restaurants are linked by an outdoor street food section with stalls, live cooking stations and paired drinks and special mixed beverages. The atmosphere is great with live reggae music playing in the back ground. Tortuga offers traditional Mexican fare such as tostadas, guacamole, tacos, ceviche, fajitas, enchiladas and nachos. From Zheng He’s, enjoy dim sum, mango salsa wasabi prawns, roasted duck and other Cantonese favourites. At Al Muna, feast on a selection of grilled meats, international dishes, seafood, dessert and a cheese selection. A new addition is the jerk cooking station, offering Caribbean cuisine of slightly spicy dishes, slow-cooked and roasted. The brunch also offers a separate children’s area with its own buffet and plenty of entertainment. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is a boutique hotel of exquisite style nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and tranquil waters. • Define: A 5* hotel within Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah resort • Arrive: About 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport • Relax: Private balconies with breath-taking views across the Arabian Gulf lead to spacious, beautifully furnished guest rooms and suites • Indulge: The award-winning Talise Spa features signature experiences and treatments that are tailor-made to each guest • Enjoy: Watch the abras (water taxis) and dhows drift by while enjoying a taste of Mexico at Tortuga. Discover delicious Italian delicacies at the hidden Segreto Restaurant & Bar. • Unwind: Browse for souvenirs at the in-resort Souq Madinat or cool off with complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark • Chill out: Drift along the meandering waterways of Madinat Jumeirah on the resort’s own abras

30 January 2018

Are you getting what you deserve out of your travel agent? Here are a few things you should be asking: 1. Is the agent you have chosen experienced to guide you on where to stay and what to do that suits the destination/s you are interested in visiting? 2. Are they offering the airline(s) that best suit your requirements? Your requirements might be can I upgrade on this airfare, what are the costs to make changes prior to travel beginning and whilst you are away. 3. Who do you call and what's the phone number? Whilst you are overseas generally the agent will pass the responsibility to the airline/airlines. 4. Can I cancel prior to travel beginning? Usually you can, it will however have a cancellation fee so ask what that fee is. If your airfare is non-refundable you would be able to keep in credit and use to a equal or higher fare with fees to somewhere in the network of the carrier utilised. 5. Ask the agent to organise your special meals if required and seat requirements. What's on offer? 6. Are children/toddler/infant meals required. Ask them to book them in. 7. Do you require wheelchair assistance or any other special requirements? If the agent knows this, they can enquire with the airlines on your behalf. 8. Once your ticket is issued has the agent given you an itinerary and receipt. Meaning does your itinerary have a ticket number on your documentation. That's the contract between you and the carrier to uplift you. 9. Have they added in your frequent flyer membership? A good habit to be in is to keep your boarding passes anyway and claim retrospectively in case some flights are missed. 10. Have they offered you insurance options either “one trip” or “annual policy” for multiple trips? Read what it covers and go knowing you have adequate cover. 11. Have they checked passport/s for at least six months validity (in general) for travel overseas and does name on ticket/s match passport name exactly without typing errors? 12. If situation/s change beyond your control whilst you are away usually the airline will take control anyway. Not getting the service, you desire. Book direct with Travel Counsellors as we are independent and have gained the experience to support you on your travels. After all, With us, it’s personal

09 January 2018

We really had arrived in a magical wonderland, simply breath-taking. It was snowing and -19! Let the fun begin! Off horse riding into the wilderness this afternoon. Firstly, to collect our thermal suit, we certainly needed them. Day 1 The girls headed off horse riding, deep into the wilderness. I was hoping and praying I didn’t fall off as the snow was around 4ft deep! My pony being a sensitive one, I named him BOLT! Trust me to get a naughty one. A one-hour excursion I would highly recommend but it's not for the faint-hearted if you're scared of bears! Day 2 Our first full day and everyone was excited to do our first adventure activities, husky ride, tobogganing, and snowmobile rides. Then a whole afternoon of sledging into the late evening. Great fun for us adults trying to relive our youth. After heading back to our hotel at the top of the ski slope, we came across a little gem hidden on the hill tops. Laavu is located close to Levi front slopes. There is a 300-metre scenic path to the Laavu. Inside you can enjoy hot drinks and crepes cooked by an open fire and fried sausages. The amazing views carry out all the way to Pallas fells. Café Panorama Laavu’s heart is the open fire. From the shelter of the forest, you can admire the northern lights in winter or midnight sun during the summer time. The Laavu’s front wall is made of glass, so you are not exposed to the chill winter weather. Next to Café Panorama Laavu, you can also find a scenic tower, from where you can see the Lappish scenery even further. Day 3 Up bright and early to meet the big man himself. Hidden deep in the forest is a winter wonderland village. We headed straight to Mrs Claus’ workshop to bake some gingerbread cookies. The smell was amazing, yum, yum. Lots of fun activities are available for the kids, like making Christmas decorations, picture drawings for Santa, tobogganing, Elf football, and riding a reindeer. This was the first day we actually got to see full daylight. The sky was lit up with pink and yellow colours. Then the moment we have all been waiting for. We got to meet the real Father Christmas. The realisation on my daughters’ face was a moment I will never forget. These types of memories stay with you forever. After a hot lunch we headed back for some more tobogganing and to prepare ourselves for a New Year's Eve celebration. Our last evening was celebrated with a gala dinner, kid’s games and a very funny Panto. We all then gathered onto Levi ski slope for fireworks, which were the best I have ever seen. The locals all gathered around and climbed the slopes, we knew we were in for a good night!

30 January 2018

Thank you for the kids pressies, you really didn't have to. All I can say is wow! It is picture postcard beautiful. We have had an amazing first day. Christmas songs on the plane, special elf meet and greet. The accommodation is perfect, very spacious. We have a sauna, a log burner and a drying cupboard to dry all of our clothes in too. The welcome pack is enough to last for a week and very yummy. There are sledges everywhere you can just borrow and play on which the kids are loving. I can’t begin to tell you because if I did I wouldn't stop. Everything was perfect from the journey, food, cabin, activities, just everything. The reps were brilliant, so helpful and friendly, even though our cabin was a little far out from the village they were only a text or call away. I wouldn't underestimate the cold! it is biting at times. Lots of layers and extra gloves in case yours get wet (the kids more so)! The suits you are given are brilliant, as are the gloves and boots, very comfy but you need layers inside. The restaurants in the village are great for families, we ate so well, and the kids were happy too as they serve burgers everywhere too. Thank you for the hand warmers they came in very handy for the night time snowmobiling.

22 January 2018

The world's going crazy for the new film but I have my very own Princess Belle... My daughter had the best experience when she became a princess for the day in Magic Kingdom. She was very overwhelmed by the whole experience, she hardly spoke all day (very unlike her) - it was like she wanted to take the whole day in. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers magical makeovers for young princesses and knights. Girls can choose a hairstyle then add make-up, nail colour and even get to choose a Disney princess costume. Costume choices include Anna, Elsa, Ariel, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Tinker Bell, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida. This is one of those experiences that a child will never forget, I know it's a memory I will always have. Well worth the money to see her little face light up!

24 January 2018

The memorial is located on the grounds of the World Trade Centre and honours the 2,983 people that were killed in the attacks. The memorial consists of two reflecting pools set in the footprint of the twin towers. The first glimpse is just breath taking. The water in the pools is for the symbol of life and it runs continually and you can't see where the water falls to which represents infinity of life continuing. The names of every victim are cut out of the surround walls. The guided tours are the best way to get around as you get to hear about their first-hand accounts of that day. There are many touching testimonies provided by families of the victims from September 11th and you can discover first-hand accounts from survivors. This trip will stay with me forever, the emotion in one room is intense. Then the realisation of the fact that this is real sets in! When I visited New York, Ground Zero was top of my list to visit and pay my respects, and I’m so glad I did. I would highly recommend this to my clients, it's very moving and emotional. It seems strange to rate the outcome of such a horrific incident as excellent but in honour and memory of all the victims it truly is an excellent experience.