Kim McKie
My expertise
I'm based in
Sunderland
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.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
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
Two great destinations within the UAE
27 Mar 2026 5 min read
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
A magical day filled with memories
27 Mar 2026 4 min read
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Viceroy Ombria Algarve
Beautiful 5* Hotel with amazing hillside views, great food, service, Spa and Golf Course Summer 25
13 Apr 2026
Beer & Boats excursion in Rotterdam
what a great day packed with the sights and tastes of Rotterdam with a local guide
29 Aug 2025
Additional offers
More destinations to enjoy
Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
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.
Get in touch