Kim McKie

My expertise

Adventure Travel
Couples
Families
Solo Travellers
Beach
City Break
Ocean Cruise
River Cruise

I'm based in

Sunderland

Available for new enquiries

Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here

It's Nice To Meet You

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my page. I’m Kim McKie, your personal Travel Counsellor based in the North East of England.

Travel Counsellors was founded in 1994 in the North West of England and has grown into one of the UK’s longest‑standing and most respected travel franchises. Our global head office is based at Trafford City in Manchester, and today we are a community of over 2,200 independent Travel Counsellors, supported by a large central team of travel and technology experts. We now operate across six countries: the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

As a company we are proud to be multi‑award‑winning, including three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and to hold a 5‑star “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot, reflecting the exceptional care and service our customers experience.

Being part of Travel Counsellors means my clients enjoy the best of both worlds: truly personal, one‑to‑one service from me, with the reassurance of robust financial protection, secure payments, 24/7 duty office support and a powerful, in‑house booking platform behind the scenes. Together, we take care of every detail so you can simply relax and look forward to your trip.

Travel is my passion. I have travelled worldwide on both business and leisure, visiting more than 20 countries, and I bring that first‑hand experience to every itinerary I design.
I curate every detail: seamless flights, private transfers, handpicked hotels and villas, fine-dining recommendations, excursions, car hire, airport hotels, parking and lounges ......... plus those thoughtful touches that make a holiday feel truly special. Your time is precious, so I take care of everything, creating a luxury escape that feels effortless, deeply personalised and completely unforgettable. Whether you are dreaming of:

A relaxing beach escape
A thrilling ski holiday
A once‑in‑a‑lifetime safari
A luxury cruise
A magical Lapland experience
Sun‑soaked Caribbean islands
Florida and the wider USA
A romantic wedding or honeymoon
Seamless business travel
An unforgettable family adventure or group trip
A chic city break
…I will create a bespoke trip that is tailor‑made around you and your loved ones.

I pride myself on genuine, customer service, always going the extra mile to ensure your trip is exactly right for you. I take the time to listen and understand what matters most, then use my skills, knowledge and care to take the stress and hassle out of planning. I can design a completely personalised itinerary that fits your needs and your dreams.

If you are considering your next adventure, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I would love to help you start planning your perfect escape.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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Explore my guides and blogs

Exploring Scotland’s Islands & Coastlines at Easter

Exploring Scotland’s Islands & Coastlines at Easter

A personal review of my Fred. Olsen cruise on Bolette from Liverpool April 2026 - Scenic Cruising The British Isles

13 Apr 2026 8   min read

Twin Centre Escape: Dubai & Fujairah From Newcastle with Emirates

Twin Centre Escape: Dubai & Fujairah From Newcastle with Emirates

Two great destinations within the UAE

27 Mar 2026 5   min read

Family Adventures in Orlando & Walt Disney World

Family Adventures in Orlando & Walt Disney World

Making memories

27 Mar 2026 5   min read

Lapland Day Trips From Newcastle: A Magical Day Of Family Memories

Lapland Day Trips From Newcastle: A Magical Day Of Family Memories

A magical day filled with memories

27 Mar 2026 4   min read

Malta Family Holiday to Sliema

Malta Family Holiday to Sliema

Our family trip to Malta was one of those holidays that blends sightseeing, sunshine and easy everyday moments. We based ourselves in Sliema, which turned out to be a brilliant choice: close to Valletta, with sea views, shopping, cafés and great transport links all on the doorstep.

27 Mar 2026 8   min read

Croatia August 2023: Our Family Island Escape to Brač & Split

Croatia August 2023: Our Family Island Escape to Brač & Split

Why Croatia Works So Well for Families Our August family holiday to Croatia was a brilliant mix of: Relaxing days by the sea and pool Easy island‑hopping adventures Beautiful stone villages and historical sights Great food, gentle evenings on harboursides and lots of swimming

27 Mar 2026 6   min read

Viceroy, Ombria Algarve

Viceroy, Ombria Algarve

I recently visited Ombria Algarve. I love Faro and this hotel is only a short 40 minutes transfer into the countryside from Faro Airport after a short flight from the UK, so really easy to do as a short break, multi centre trip or longer holiday. The hotel does not look like a hotel at all on arrival. Looking uphill it looks like a small village, whitewashed buildings and terracotta roofs surrou

10 Aug 2025 3   min read

Halkidiki, Greece

Halkidiki, Greece

In May I flew from Newcastle to Thessaloniki in Greece, where I stayed at The Domes Noruz Kassandra – 5* adult only hotel in Hanioti, Halkidiki, Greece. I stayed 4 nights and had a lovely stay. The weather was actually really good and we even managed a dip in the sea. Beautiful adults only hotel, beachfront with a very chilled vibe and good food. Great location for exploring either by taxis or

27 Jun 2024 2   min read

Faro City Break

Faro City Break

Flying direct from Newcastle to Faro and then a short 15 minute taxi ride to Faro City centre - We stayed at the 4* Eva Senses hotel on a bed and breakfast basis in a suite with city view. The hotel has a 24 hour reception, serves a lovely buffet breakfast and you can also book into the 5th floor restaurant for a buffet lunch or evening meal. There is also a rooftop bar and terrace, rooftop pool

16 Jan 2024 2   min read

City Break in Vienna

City Break in Vienna

I have just returned from a wonderful city break in Vienna. I flew with British Airways via London Heathrow. It’s about a 30 minute transfer by taxi into the city or you can take the train from the airport. Vienna is a large city with lots to see and do. You can explore on foot but most likely will need to use public transport to explore it fully. The local tram, train, metro, bus and taxis are g

21 Jun 2023 2   min read

Short break to Cap St George, Pegia, Cyprus

Short break to Cap St George, Pegia, Cyprus

Ideally positioned on the South West coastline next to the Akamas National park, the Cap St George offers stunning sunset views. Lovely sitting on the terrace with a cocktail watching the sun go down before getting ready for dinner. I enjoyed a lovely 5 days here in March and the weather was a pleasant 20 - 23 degrees. We did manage a few hours relaxing around the pool and a quick dip in it too.

04 Apr 2023 3   min read

New York New York – The City That never sleeps!

New York New York – The City That never sleeps!

We visited New York Oct 22 for my 50th birthday and what a place to visit for your birthday. I visited with my husband Graeme and my son Evan. We stayed 6 nights, flying from Newcastle via London Heathrow to JFK. As soon as we landed we couldn’t wait to get out and about. We had a pre booked transfer to our hotel, checked in and then went out to explore and get a feel for the area. We booked

08 Dec 2022 4   min read

Summer time in Austria

Summer time in Austria

We flew from Manchester to Innsbruck and then a transfer to the first of my two locations in Austria – Saalbach. We stayed at the lovely Hotel Saalbacher Hof - a beautiful hotel in a great location with a great vibe. The hotel has modern / funky touches commissioned by various artists, an outdoor & indoor pool, sauna, steam, jacuzzi, massage, beauty treatments, yoga, 2 bars with outside patio a

16 Sept 2022 4   min read

Barcelona - Cruising the Med on Wonder of the Seas

Barcelona - Cruising the Med on Wonder of the Seas

We flew to Barcelona the day before our sailing and stayed one night in Barcelona at the Apollo Hotel affiliated by Melia which is about ten minutes from Las Ramblas. On the Saturday We had a walk to Las Ramblas, along the Marina and had dinner at a nice little Italian restaurant. Sunday morning after breakfast we had a walk around town and the shopping centre at the Marina. We then took a taxi a

06 Sept 2022 3   min read

What my customers say

Kim is the best and I have no hesitation in recommending her to my friends and family

Susan Thompson

South Shields

Kim always gives sound advice and manages to get the best deal for you Always on hand for any questions or advice

Tracey Cox

Boldon

We will always use Kim for our Travel plans and Holidays, her knowledge and expertise is second to none and she is just overall such a lovely, down to earth person that my family and I consider a Friend!

Sangeeta Singh Kang

South Shields

Kim goes over and beyond helpful. I'm an elderly lady, and without Kim's expert help, I could not undertake my holiday to Zimbabwe

Wendy Foreman

sunderland

Friendly and professional

Dorothy Allison

sunderland

Once again Kim McKie did us proud. From our initial conversation way back in May 25 regards booking a Marella cruise and stay Kim was on the ball. She got us a competitive price which we accepted and from then she kept in touch with us to make our trip as stress free as is possible. Even downloading boarding cards etc. If you are looking for a travel agent I recommend you use Kim McKie at Travel Counsellors because you won't get better service.

Thompson Susan

South Shields

Kim always looks after us so well. She takes care of everything and takes the stress out of booking a holiday.

T Brassell

sunderland

I’ve recommended Kim to loads of friends and family. It’s a very personal experience dealing with Kim rather than a larger corporation where you don’t really speak with a person. Kim can Taylor things more specific and personalise things to your needs very quickly and smoothly. She’s super helpful and easy to get in touch with over any questions.

Carly Simms

sunderland

Very professional, always very helpful , goes the extra mile every time , nothing to much trouble , has the patience of a saint , for we very particular on what we need from a holiday and sometimes takes a lot of her time , but she is a star always sorts things out to our liking

D Green

sunderland

Kim could not have been more helpful and patient, she had a great knowledge and took the time to walk us through each element of the process and help us to put together what will be the holiday of a lifetime. It is also so reassuring to know that she will still be there to assist all the way until departure and even when we are away, giving us great peace of mind.

Christopher Dillon

Ireland

Kim always gives a great service, tailoring holidays to suit your individual needs. I would definitely recommend her to friends and family.

Judith Young

Sunderland

Kim goes above and beyond to help find the right holiday for me, outstanding customer service, cannot recommend enough.

Melanie Williams

Sunderland

Absolutely 10 out of 10 for the service from Kim, which just doesn’t end once booked, always on the end of the phone for help and advice! What an asset to your company!

Aimee Byrne

Whitburn, Sunderland

More than happy to recommend Kim to friends and family and have already passed her number on

Susan Thompson

South Shields

Second year running we’ve used Kim Really listens to what we are looking for Support and patience has been amazing and we can’t wait for our holiday

Bishop Claire

Cleadon

I am so picky with holidays I want so many different things, kim Is so patient and helpful to make sure we are happy with our holiday

Potts Lucy

Whitburn, Sunderland

Kim could not have been more helpful and patient, she had a great knowledge and took the time to walk us through each element of the process and help us to put together what will be the holiday of a lifetime. It is also so reassuring to know that she will still be there to assist all the way until departure and even when we are away, giving us great peace of mind.

Chris Dillon

Ireland

Nothing is a problem. From start to finish everything is done for you. Brilliant

J Peterson

sunderland

Kim is amazing and always helps us as we’re terrible at choosing where to go ??

S Thompson

Durham

Kim is always super helpful booking with her is easy insightful and always the best service. Fantastic communication and support.

Carly Simms

sunderland

If I could give a higher score I would , Kim always looks out for the best deals for me every time , we are both pensioners and we have to look after the pennies but Id rather pay a bit more to get the best , and she is.

David Green

sunderland

Great service first time booked with. Will definitely use again.

Susan Taggart

sunderland

Very professional and a very quick response

Lisa Chapplow

sunderland

Excellent service from start to finish and Kim’s travel knowledge is second to none I have booked quite a few holidays with her and every one has been excellent and I will definitely be booking more.

Graeme Parson

Durham

Great service due to ease and speed of booking. No waiting or trawling around the high street. A couple of messages and all travel arrangements agreed upon. Kim certainly took the stress of booking away from us. Will return

Simon Dodsworth

sunderland

We were asked what we wanted for our next holiday. We are given 4 options to pick from. We were given plenty of time to think about the options. I didn’t feel pressured into making a decision before we were ready. We are really looking forward to the holiday we have booked.

Donna Facer

sunderland

Super friendly, professional and extremely helpful with all her information

Thompson Susan

South Shields

Is there not a 12 brilliant service from Kim

D Green

sunderland

Kim takes all the stress out of booking holidays! Great recommendations with choices depending on your budget. Excellent communication and everything done for you from booking your seats to printing off documents. Fantastic service!

J Young

sunderland

Excellent service. Very responsive and professional. Our holiday has been tailored to our specific requests, saving us a lot of time and effort. Great location, great price… can’t wait to go. I will definitely recommend Kim to friends and family.

J Young

Whitburn

Kim was great, very patient waiting for us to make our minds up on our destination and dates, good info on the resorts provided, once decided our trip was swiftly booked and all info received promptly, excellent service.

T Wright

South Shields

I have booked via Kim for the last 3 years and she never fails to deliver. Always catering to my needs and requirements. The service throughout booking and all the way to end of the holiday is the reason I keep coming back. The holiday from start to finish is completely stress free! All documents are printed and ready, check in completed with all transfers and any added service required is also added. Quite recently I have booked a surprise holiday as a Christmas gift for my my mum and mother in law. The way I was able to present it as a gift on Christmas Day was so over and above any travel agent would do! All presented nicely in a travel wallet with a travel guide and nicely gift wrapped. Couldn’t ask for better service!! I wouldn’t go anywhere else and would highly recommend Kim

P Kaur

Whitburn

Even before using Kim I have recommended her. Now I’ve used her I will be advocating her services to all. It was completely stress free, we informed her of our wants and needs and she found 3 perfect hotels for us to choose from. Couldn’t ask for more

A Davis

Whitburn

If I could have given a higher score I would have Kim is so helpful and has tailored my trip to suit all my needs, she is very friendly, professional and has lots of tips and advice I will be booking further trips and holidays with her from now on

M Williams

Sunderland

Always goes the extra mile to find the perfect fit

T Cox

Boldon

Kim is always on hand for any queries, she is very helpful and has sorted any thing I've asked/queried straight away.

G Welsh

Whitburn

Kim always handles our requests with the greatest of care and books exactly what we want. Always go to Kim for our holidays.

C Brassell

Guernsey

Kim is a great lady, very knowledgeable and very helpful. I would definitely use her again

L Lloyd

sunderland

Kim had been in touch to tell us about 3 holiday options & adviced re flights and sea views etc. Printed out all our documents for flights, transport, Atol paperwork etc. Brilliant service

J Hounslow

Fulwell

Excellent service from start to finish would highly recommend this service for anyone!

David Bramley

Tyne & Wear

Already have recommended Kim to family

Jonathon Parrish

Sunderland

Excellent service, Most notably the speed of reply and up front detail.

James Richardson

Sunderland

Kim was brilliant from start to finish. She organised our bespoke honeymoon that involved lots of travelling. She liaised with the team in India and the Maldives to ensure we were looked after through booking, visas, travelling, trip excursions and transitions to new places. We also had lovely honeymoon touches at each destination, which added to how special how experience was. Kim kept in touch with us intermittently throughout our travels to check in and welcomed us home too. She’s extremely professional and where we encountered problems, such as a flight being cancelled, Kim always contacted with a solution before we even knew the problem existed. Additionally, when we met to exchange paperwork, she brought us some lovely little gifts and even thought of our daughter by bringing her a lush little Teddy and sweets etc. We even received a card and a bottle from her on our wedding day. She’s just so thoughtful. What a lovely lady to know! We’ll be using Kim for all of our future bespoke adventures. Thank-you for making the dream from our bucket list come true!

Hayley Simpson

South Shields

Kim is super professional and quick despite our varied and probably more complex than required requests and indecisiveness. If it weren’t for Kim we’d still be talking about going away instead of having been. Recommendations and suggestions to help were spot on and she listens. Highly recommend.

S Thompson

Durham

Highly recommend Kim to all my friends an Family. Super fast and smooth transaction really efficient.

Carly .

Sunderland

2 holidays booked with Kim. Faultless service and stress free . Would definitely recommend and we will be booking again

Tracey Cox

Boldon, Tyne & Wear

Kim is super professional and quick despite our varied and probably more complex than required requests and indecisiveness. If it weren’t for Kim we’d still be talking about going away instead of having been. Recommendations and suggestions to help were spot on and she listens. Highly recommend.

Sarah Thompson

Durham

Kim sorted the best location for us and the best deal, lots of information for us on places to visit - beach and restaurants will definitely use her again

Brown Margaret

Sunderland

Excellent service ..easy to use app and very knowledgeable. Friendly and very efficient xx

Scott Angela

Sunderland

Hi Kim, sorry for the delay in thanking you for organising such a wonderful holiday! Everything went perfectly & you couldn’t have suggested a better place. The complex, staff & location were wonderful. Hope you had a lovely holiday too, you deserve it!

David Green

Sunderland

Kim McKie sorted our 5th anniversary getaway!! Great patience and made sure to guide us through our package!! Totally takes all the stress away!! Would highly recommend!!

Pam Kaur Guthrie

Sunderland

First time booking with Kim. 30 minutes in and she had our perfect holiday sorted. Friendly, professional and got us exactly what we wanted for the budget we had. Thank you so much. Definitely would recommend booking through Kim. I know I will be in future.

John Ramsay

Sunderland

First time booking with Kim. 30 minutes in and she had our perfect holiday sorted. Friendly, professional and got us exactly what we wanted for the budget we had. Thank you so much. Definitely would recommend booking through Kim. I know I will be in future.

John Ramsay

Sunderland

First time booking with Kim. 30 minutes in and she had our perfect holiday sorted. Friendly, professional and got us exactly what we wanted for the budget we had. Thank you so much. Definitely would recommend booking through Kim. I know I will be in future.

John Ramsay

Sunderland

Booking a holiday has never been something my husband and I have done well. We’ve always gone to a friend who works for a travel company to sort us out. Too much choice and we just get baffled and end up not booking. We decided, post covid, that we wanted a break away in the sun and wanted some guidance on where to take our 2 year old. Kim provided a few quotes based on our chat, she could have kept going I’m sure but she did the part that we’ve always hated… cut through the choices and narrowed it down to a choice of 3. Legend. Everything we’d asked for she considered, flight times, hotel requirements, travel times, etc… when sending the quotes through to the app she followed up with more information on each and then a call to get our thoughts. Kim made everything simple from start to finish. From the paperwork (the standard stuff), to explaining the process post covid, paperwork, covid passports etc, she was on point in telling us when and how. She was on hand when I had questions too meaning I could focus on getting everything else sorted for travelling with a toddler. The hotel was brilliant, the food choices, the room, the location, the heated pool was a definite win since the littleun wanted to be in there forever. It felt so good to get away and to have some sunshine!!! We can’t thank Kim enough for making everything so simple and straight forward and for hitting it so right with the hotel choice.

Sarah Thompson

Durham

Thank you Kim for finding us the perfect place for our celebration weekend. We had a brilliant time thanks to you. Can't wait for you to find us another. Xxxxxx

Julie Carlin Ellis

SEAHAM

A massive thank you to Kim Mckie for finding such an amazing hotel and deal for our weekend of celebration. Couldn't fault any of it (apart from the weather). Can't wait to book our next trip with you.

Claire Taylor

Sunderland

Kim listened to everything I needed/wanted and took away the stress/uncertainty of my first time travelling since covid and my first holiday with my toddler. Where there is always so much choice available now that you could look and look and look some more and still not get a holiday booked, she gave me a few suitable options, answered a few questions I had and the holiday was booked within the week (probably just a few days to be fair). Definitely made life easier and will be a service I’d highly recommend and will be using myself again, probably in the not too distant future.

Sarah Thompson

Sunderland

Great service, took all the stress of finding suitable accommodation and booking as I had, as usual, left it to late !

Mark Heavisides

Sunderland

Couldn’t recommend Kim enough to book a holiday through. Due to everything that’s happened this year we’ve changed our holiday but unfortunately both have been cancelled. She keeps you up to date with everything that’s going on and managed to get us a refund. Thanks again Kim, we really do appreciate it.

Kirsty Bruce

Sunderland

I sent Kim a message this morning asking her to find us a luxury lodge with hot tub at short notice, she was quick to come back to me to ask a few details about my preferences then set to work. A short time later an email with various options. I was sat in the hairdressers at the time while Kim did all the work to book a fabulous lodge all thru a super efficient app which now has all the documents I’ll need in it, very impressed thanks Kim ??

Tracey Wright

SOUTH SHIELDS

We are so grateful for all of the effort you put in to find us the perfect city break. The hotel you found for us looks amazing, great location, great price and that little bit extra special with the roof top pool. We can’t wait to go ?? thank you xx

F H

Sunderland

Kim was great she emailed around different hotels to meet my needs and kept me in the loop with everything going on. I would definitely recommend her.

Nicola Tuck

Sunderland

I sent Kim a message asking her to find me a weekend hotel break. She found 3 options, all within my budget. She answered the questions I had and clarified anything I was unsure of. Her skills and knowledge are great. Within a few stress free hours my weekend was booked. I was so impressed, I contacted Kim to find a weekend break for my mam and brother. Again, Kim worked her magic and within a couple of hours they also have a booking. Kim listens to what you want/need and she finds it! Very professional! Thanks, Kim. X

Jane Shortland

Sunderland

Discover the world with me

Travel Memories of 2025

Travel Memories of 2025

A video summary of my travels in 2025

13 Apr 2026

Olden, Norway

Olden, Norway

a port of call on our Norwegian Fjords cruise with Fred Olsen August 2025

13 Apr 2026

Viceroy Ombria Algarve

Viceroy Ombria Algarve

Beautiful 5* Hotel with amazing hillside views, great food, service, Spa and Golf Course Summer 25

13 Apr 2026

Seaborn Sojourn

Seaborn Sojourn

Ocean Cruising with Seaborn onboard Sojourn

13 Apr 2026

Malta Summer 25

Malta Summer 25

my family Summer 25 holiday exploring beautiful Malta

13 Apr 2026

Valetta to Sliema Ferry

Valetta to Sliema Ferry

Leaving Valetta

27 Mar 2026

BBC Orchestra Concert Valetta

BBC Orchestra Concert Valetta

Sounds of the 80's, what a night

27 Mar 2026

Valetta fountain

Valetta fountain

Valetta

27 Mar 2026

Views from Valetta

Views from Valetta

Views from The Saluting Battery

27 Mar 2026

Onboard Seaborn Sojourn

Onboard Seaborn Sojourn

a ship visit with Seaborn Cruises

29 Aug 2025

Beer & Boats excursion in Rotterdam

Beer & Boats excursion in Rotterdam

what a great day packed with the sights and tastes of Rotterdam with a local guide

29 Aug 2025

Cruising with Fred Olsen onboard Borealis

Cruising with Fred Olsen onboard Borealis

A 5 nights cruise from Newcastle with Fred Olsen onboard Borealis

29 Aug 2025

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

An overnight port of call on my cruise - Amsterdam

10 May 2025

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

An overnight port stop in Rotterdam on my cruise

10 May 2025

Additional offers

More destinations to enjoy

Let's plan your dream trip together

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Let’s talk through your ideas, no pressure.

0191 381 0021

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Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.