18 June 2023

Did you know I can assist with Business travel too? With me, your personal leisure travels plans and corporate needs can all be under the same roof oe should I say App. Let me save you the stress, faff and time when it comes to booking and managing your travel needs. Email me for more information. laura.jackson@travelcounsellors.com.

18 June 2023

I was invited onboard the beautiful Ponant ship, Le Bellot, while she was in Penzance. It was great to experience the ship for myself and I really enjoy trade events like this where I can spend time with the suppliers I work with. Ponant ships have some amazing itineraries all over the world and are a fabulous option for luxury expedition cruising. Check out my Cruise stories on Instagram for video highlights of my day. If you would like to know more about their ships, itineraries and packages please register with me on this link https://forms.office.com/r/BaaSNsSMFw

12 June 2022

The buffet, the drinks, swimming pools and resort facilities. I almost forgot to leave the Iberostar Palmeraie to explore the city. It was the reason for picking Marrakesh after all, I always like to go to somewhere I haven’t been before. Firstly, it has such a beautiful setting. The well maintained gardens, colourful flowers and chirping birds, all helped me to relax within a few hours of arriving. Then there’s the sunshine, it was great weather and I’ve enjoyed soaking up the rays and relaxing by the pool, with a pina colada! I stayed in a Garden view room which is light and spacious. It has a lovely balcony with a view only of tree tops and the occasional resident peacock coming to say hello. The complimentary bus to the city is a great perk and it’s easy to spend a few hours or the whole day exploring the charms of the city. From where you are dropped off, you can navigate yourself on a walk to the old town or new shopping areas. I would suggest a guided tour, especially if you are short on time and want to hear about history and culture. All the staff in resort were attentive and helpful, especially in the restaurant. Though it is worth brushing up on some French as this is mostly spoken there. The resort is a perfect add on for a few days as part of a bigger trip to explore Morocco or if you’re looking for the traditional week of all inclusive just a few hours flight from the UK. It's around 30 mins transfer, but there can be quite a bit of traffic. Couples or families will be well catered for as there is the main big pool with daily activities, next to the children splash pool and then a quieter pool, perfect for those that like to get a few laps in. Finally, I wanted to visit an Iberostar hotel because of their substantial green efforts and Wave of Change programme (and their covid reassurance policy). It’s a habit for me now to take my water bottle everywhere with me and refil. They have the water stations here plus there are no single use plastics, those miniatures in the bathroom have been replaced by large refillable bottles which is what I want to see - why cant all hotels choose to do this? My last tip, download the Iberostar App before you go and make sure you are a signed up as an Horizons member too, that's their loyalty programme!

03 December 2020

What will your Travel plans for 2021 look like? I wanted to offer you some quick fire ideas to help you get back on your travels now (fingers crossed and touch wood) we are starting to return to pre-covid time. It's a spin on the word association game, where you say a word or phase and then you say something connected in response. As an experienced traveller and agent, my mind is full of ideas, especially with all the training, product development, supplier and industry news I've been catching up on during lockdown! Why not play this with friends, family or your travel buddy. I hope my suggestions help, maybe you will come away with a new idea for your next adventure. Crave some independence, try a self drive in Iceland Love nature, go to the Galapagos. Want less stress, then book the Airport fast track/lounges to get your holiday off to the right start. Like Boutique Hotel stays then try River Cruising. Need a challenge of the mind, body (and soul) try a Cycling holiday. Want Culture then travel Overland between two cities. Want to be impressed then try a cruise to Alaska Looking to give back then join an Organised tour. Deserve some 'ME' time then choose a swim up room/Villa. Love Spain, try walking some of the Camino. Would you'd pick any of the above for 2021? Remember I am here for you when you are ready, but for now lets keep those travel dreams alive!

25 November 2020

If you are looking for a great balance between joining an organised tour and some holiday DIY, then ask me about some of the self guided adventures and escapes I can put together for you. Be your own tour guide whilst knowing the detailed local logistics are taken care of. You don't have to worry about finding a place to stay each night, it's already booked and waiting for you. If there's an issue, you will have dedicated assistance to help, plus detailed trip notes to ensure you make the most of what's out there. Here are my top 3 for 2021. Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest. Take the easy and historic path through 3 countries. Your luggage makes its own way so you just need to relax, enjoy the ride and decide where to stop for a picnic lunch. Self drive and Nature walks in Cyprus. Explore the beautiful scenery, explore the suggested hikes whilst staying overnight on the doorstep of a National Park. Take the train down to Greece. Have lunch in Paris and overnight in Milan, then travel by overnight ferry to Corfu. Relax there for some summer sun or continue the adventure.... Whatever you want for your next holiday, let me be the one to make it happen for you. Remember with us, it's Personal. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

25 November 2020

Why not sprinkle some luxury dust on your next itinerary. These ideas are perfect to add a little magic, makes a great surprise and might not be as much as you think. Try a fast track service and lounge to kick start your next trip. For me, sitting in the departure lounge is normally when the reality hits and I start to get really excitied about my trip. Instead of finding an uncomfortable metal seat and paying for an overpriced coffee, try having bubbles on arrival! I can arrange complimentary food & WIFI so you can sit back and enjoy the time before your flight! Add some glam and take a black car for some door to door 'rockstar' service. Depending where you live or which airport you are flying, taking a private car can really add something special to your holiday experience, especially when a little indulgence and plenty of convenience is required. Ask me to add a quote and see what you think. Choose a private day trip or experience over the standard options this time around. Say ''no'' to not waiting around for those strangers from the hotel who don't get back to the bus on time. You can have a much more authentic trip with your own local guide/driver and really see the country you've decided to visit. Fly business on the way back and return home in style! I am able to tweak things a little and that can mean flying in different classes on your flights. I have found these to be fab surprises for the other half! Please remember that I can create options to suit all budgets and tastes. These ideas are just one of the many ways I can make sure your trip suits your needs, desires and budget. All wrapped up in a personal touch and support from me when you need it most.

18 November 2020

The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has many Mayan sites but Chichen Itza is probably the most recognized. Symbolized by El Castillo, a pyramid temple, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the must do’s for visitors to the area. We had hired a car and drove from Playa del Carmen, arriving just after 10.30am. The dozen or so buses off loading people made me realise that perhaps we hadn’t timed this that well at all. The drive itself was around 2 hr 30mins, add a little more for the time spent at armed police stop check points. Don’t worry those are normal. I encountered a couple more when I travelled down to Guatemala. At first I just wanted to run away from the crowds, the noise and the 1000th man that wanted to sell me a jaguar flute. But I was hyped up with such excitement that they soon faded into the background as I waiting for that glimpse of El Castillo, the iconic structure that makes you want to visit in the first place. I wasn't disappointed. I found a space on the grass to take it all in. The grounds went on forever and as I continued to explore each section I was able to find a spot away from the crowds to eat my packed lunch. Perched on a tree stump by the Temple of Warriors I people watched and read up on it’s history. I learnt that the site featured in a travel book way back in 1843. Archaeologists have spent decades researching the grounds, making amazing discoveries and that the ownership of the land has been very controversial. I said Adios after a fascinating afternoon realising what a special place it is and that’s even before I had read up on the Mayan history – there’s 365 steps up El Castillo for a reason. During the rest of my few months in the Yucatan, I went to see the ruins in Coba and Tulum (and then also Tikal in Guatemala) so in terms of a comparison Chichen Itza is up there due to its size, significance, history and how well it has been maintained. Would you be visiting this from Cozumel with a cruise ship? This is a very popular day trip...so my tip is to be prepared for crowds, a long transfer time from port, take plenty of water and snacks.

07 November 2020

Perhaps during lockdown you have scrolled through destination ideas for sustainable or responsible travel, seen a lush Eco resort on Instagram or read an article on slow travel. Low impact, living like a local or ecotourism are terms you might have come across too. Hopefully, they intrigue rather than confuse you and maybe you are looking to do things a little differently when you travel again. Now, I am no Greta Thunberg but I wanted to show you some ways that mean you can have these interests in mind and still continue to travel as you want to. It doesn’t matter if you are someone who demands sustainability practices are part of their travel plans or are just learning more about it. - Try a no fly option. Does the city that you've desperately wanted to visit have to start and end with a flight? Why not jump on the Eurostar for a long weekend instead. Did you know that you can even take the train down to Greece for your summer holiday in 2021? You could go 50/50, train it there and then fly back if you haven't got enough time off work. - You can pick a certified hotel next time. It's getting much easier now to see how certain resorts are doing their part, especially if they have earnt a certification. Consider the little things like recycling efforts, plastic drink straws ban, local foods on the menu or maybe they've ditched the small plastic toiletries. - See the sights on two wheels instead of four. You can opt for a city bike tour one day and really get a sense of the place and enjoy a far more intimate experience. Why not take it to another level and actually base your whole trip around cycling. See more and get closer to the areas you've decided to visit. Means you can indulge yourself on the delicious local food after all those calories you’ve burnt off. Your choice of cities or countries to discover is growing all the time, whether it is India or Italy. You don't have to be next Sir Chris Hoy, as long as you are confident and bring your sense of adventure plus there is likely to be a support vehicle to jump in if needed. - Join a small group tour and be a part of their targeted efforts to give back to the local communities that you visit. The average max group size is only 16 people, perfect for post covid travel in 2021. There are so many gains with organised group adventures, but the key ones are that they use public or shared transport, are lead by knowledgeable local guides who speak the lingo and take you to the best local areas and restaurants for a more authentic experience. You can also get off the beaten path to avoid over tourism and get to see the other exciting and Instagram worthy places that didn't make the guidebook. Many operators now have responsible travel as part of their ethos and are creating new itineraries that travel more intensely and cover less ground. And it's not just overland tours who are trying to give back, cruise and expedition companies are also prioritising sustainable practices. - You could make a difference just by choosing a destination that is internationally recognised for their efforts, like Costa Rica, Iceland, Botswana or the Azores. Whether they have protected their national parks or marine reserves or use more solar energy to become more efficient, your visit can be a positive one for you and your hosts. Remember it could be just smallest choice that makes a difference, from what (and how much) you pack to where you buy your souvenirs. A few years ago I wanted to make a real effort to reduce my impact when I was on the road, especially when I saw so much trash in the oceans and on the beaches. I focussed mainly on single use plastic and made a point of finding places to re-fill my water bottle - I love the water stations I found in Thailand. I began rejecting straws and carrying a tote bag so I didn't need to take a plastic one at a shop. Baby steps I know, but it has inspired me to take a closer look now on the subject of responsible travel and the impact we have as travellers and also the proactiveness we can take ourselves. Maybe there are some ideas or changes you can start in your travels, if you routinely recycle at home, why not do it on your travels too? I have a number of hotels and experiences which have been recognised, signifying their efforts towards greener practices. When I'm planning your future trips, I can look at their list of efforts, suggest overland options or other ways to still get everything you want from your trip and satisfy your inner Greta too. Let's have a chat and tell me what you think of those ideas.

20 November 2020

''Pura Vida'' You will hear this a lot there – ‘pure life’ and what a great saying it is and totally sums up my time in this beautiful country. I am going to give you a quick run down of the best parts of my trip which was on 12 day adventure tour. Tortuguero NP is worth the bumpy ride to get there - An amazing place to get your fill of bird life, local creatures like the Jesus lizards and Caiman. The maze of creeks and the canal make for fun boat rides but remember to keep your eyes on the shorelines and trees as I spotted a deer, crocodile and monkeys as we headed towards our rustic accommodation. I was woken up by howler monkeys just behind my cabin and saw so many sloth. Enjoy the thrills - Known for being an adventure destination you won't be disappointed, no matter what you like to do to get that heart rate pulsing. I went zip lining, white water rafting and hiking. It's a favourite destination for Surfing and Scuba too plus so much more to explore. Don’t miss Monterverde and the Cloud Forest… The zip lining was probably the best activity I signed up for and will be one of the main reasons you head there, especially this area, like Arenal. I felt safe and had lots of fun, even though I was soaked through – take a decent lightweight jacket or a poncho, you are in a rainforest after all. You should also get a chance to see the Butterflies and the Hummingbirds, those birds blew my mind. I loved the Instagram worthy forest canopy boardwalks, really beautiful and surprisingly peaceful. The food… I have spent quite a bit of time in other Central American countries and loved eating at food markets and stalls on the streets. I didn’t see so much of it here at the places I visited compared to say Guatemala. Don’t be surprised at the rice and pasta which is the norm at breakfast. Looking past all the carbs, the meals I ordered were the local Typico plates and they were huge – so you might want to share. Veggies like me will have plenty of options. Local currency v USD… you could use both for any of your needs here and ATM’s offer to give either currency. When you are at local markets or small food stands you will want to use your Colones. For bigger expenses such as restaurants and tours/activities you can use USD. Always check with your bank about all foreign transactions and conversion fees and don’t forget to tell them you are away or they might suspect fraud and freeze your card. Joining a tour… True of all destinations really, especially when you are short on time, tours can be the ideal choice. Easy and reassuring as everything is arranged in advance so you know exactly what you are signing up for which can really help reduce stress. If you are interested in Costa Rica, especially their Eco travel efforts, have questions about group tours or would like to do this beautiful country your way, just get in touch.

20 September 2020

My 3 day/2 night stay with Elephant Hills was a real treat. I came away feeling relaxed, humbled and even more in love with Thailand. The Elephants Interacting in some way with Elephants was always going to be the highlight for me and I wanted to make sure it would be a positive experience. I was really nervous as we approached the camp, hoping that ethically I had make the right choice. I soon learnt that these are domesticated elephants. They have been rescued but not able to be released for a number of reasons but mainly for fear of being caught again. Here they can enjoy life, not ridden for pleasure, not used for logging or even worse. The staff and guides in particular were fantastic. They know their stuff, care about what they are doing and want to make sure that you learn something and ultimately have a great stay. What makes it right for any itinerary? Amazing and safe interactions and great photo’s - TICK. Whats great is that you can use this adventure as an add on to your resort stay or tour. It's ideal if you are short on time, plus it’s really handy for the transfer options too if you are travelling at your own pace. For example, I was picked up in Phuket and then taken to Koh Tao afterwards - that’s west to east! This is a great option to take advantage of and I was really impressed at how organised they were throughout the trip. It is also perfect for families with lots for the kids to enjoy and participate in. Its' a GO for Glamping and doing your bit. I love camping anyway, so knowing that I would be in the Jungle and also on the lakeside was really special. I was surrounded by stunning scenery, had the chance to see some Gibbons when out kayaking and hiked the stunning limestone cliffs to explore a cave. I spent time swimming and relaxing besides my floating lakeside tent. The food and service was fantastic. I saw that they purposefully recycled, ..more green efforts…. I travelled solo (standard for me), but if you are thinking of taking that special someone, just to let you know that for 3 years in a row they won Trip Advisor Travelers’’ Top 25 Hotels for Romance – Thailand. Brownie points to be won all rounds I think. It’s a must do when you are in this part of Thailand! Please message me if you would like dates and prices for 2021.

25 November 2020

I spent 12 days exploring this amazing country and I would really love to go back for more as it ticks plenty of boxes for me. Here are 4 reasons why it's a country that has so much to offer which could make it your next holiday destination. An abundance of wildlife from Monkeys, Turtles, Humming Birds, Sloth and migrating Whales. Visit some the popular national parks such as Tortuguero, Manual Antonio or get off the beaten track in Turrialba. Experience the thrills on either the Pacific or Caribbean coasts and inland too. Go there to surf, dive, zip line in a cloud forest, hike around volcanoes, horse riding, white water rafting. Your efforts can be rewarded with some chillaxing at spectacular waterfalls. Zip lining through a jungle canopy was quite magical and that area is stunning. The Culture and the Food. Experience their colourful festivals and carnivals or cowboy country. Foodies will love the sea food available on the Pacific side and vegetarians definitely won't feel left. Meet a few locals and you will soon understand their Pura Vida ethos! Their Sustainability and Ecotourism. Did you know that 90% of its energy comes from renewable resources? Costa Rica is globally recognised for their efforts which makes it a perfect post covid destination with wide open spaces and being surrounded by nature. Stay at one of the many eco lodges to avoid the crowds and it's perfect for a digital detox too. Get in touch if this sounds like your next travel destination, it really is lovely. I can talk you through some options based on what you're looking for. Pura Vida!

21 November 2020

Getting to see this park was one of the main reasons for my trip to Croatia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and an Instagram regular. As a serious waterfall sucker, I could not wait to explore as much as I could in the 4 hours or so I had. I was a little miffed when we arrived to hear that no swimming was allowed but I completely understand why now. The water is pristine and they need to keep it that way. I stared at Entrance 1 and headed to the ‘Big waterfall’. It was getting quite busy as I weaved my way through the large groups. They have maps along the way and it is really well signposted, so no need for a guide, especially if you don’t have much time. You may notice that I like to take pictures of paths or tracks if you follow my Insta. The beautiful boardwalks there did not disappoint and I marvelled at the waterfalls and natural beauty that surrounded me. The amazing views continued as I joined the (free) ferry from P3 – P2. I hopped off and did a lap around the higher tier waterfalls. I realized that by now I was not going to be able to reach the top station by foot with the time I had left so I investigated the free buses they run. It was a shame to cheat, so I would highly recommend spending more time here if you can. By jumping on the bus there was just about time to explore a short top loop and back down before I ran out of time. A wonderful few hours all round! This stop at Plitvice was a stop on my travels from Budapest to Croatia. Overlanding an adventure can be a fabulous way of seeing multiple places and when you are in Europe, travel time over a day can be short, no long bus rides (like Latin America) with great off the beaten track stops. Why not ask me about flying into one country and flying out from another? This can really add a fun mix and adventure to an itinerary.