Laura Sharples

My expertise

Indian Ocean
Mediterranean
Thailand
North America
Family Adventures
Disney
United Arab Emirates
Ocean Cruise

I'm based in

Bury

Available for new enquiries

It's Nice To Meet You

Your Personal Travel Counsellor & Disney Ambassador

Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. Let me introduce myself.

My name is Laura Sharples and I am an enthusiastic, passionate independent Travel Counsellor with over 15 years of experience in creating holidays for my clients. Over the years I have planned everything from family package holidays and luxury getaways to honeymoons, cruises and multi-centre itineraries for a wide variety of very happy customers. I absolutely love creating Disney adventures and honeymoons in particular, and feel very privileged to be trusted with such special trips.

I chose to join Travel Counsellors because it allows me to give every booking the time, care and personal attention it deserves. No two trips are the same, so I take the time to really understand you and your plans. Whether you are looking for expert advice, great value, or a completely bespoke itinerary, I will research and plan every detail so you can start enjoying your holiday from the moment it is booked.

I go the extra mile to tailor-make all types of holidays. I can build everything into one seamless trip or provide individual elements if you simply need flights, attraction tickets, hotels, car hire or travel insurance. I search through hundreds of options and combinations to find the right fit for you, and can also package holidays with your favourite tour operators.

I am proud that much of my business comes from word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat clients. I have received many 5* reviews and lovely testimonials from customers who value the time I spend listening to their wishes before creating their perfect travel plans.

Having a large family myself, I truly understand how important holidays are for making memories together. We are always planning our next adventure. As a family we have travelled widely across Europe on city breaks, beach holidays and cruises. We absolutely love Disney. We have visited Florida, combining the magic of the parks with a relaxing stay in Miami, Cruise or Beach break and Disneyland Paris is a real family favourite. We have been many times, with different ages and group sizes, so I can offer first-hand advice on what works best for each family.

Menorca is my favourite Balearic Island. I have been holidaying there since I was 9, it genuinely feels like our second home. Florida is another destination close to my heart and I love putting together multi-centre trips, especially those that include Disney. I take great pride in tailor-making Disney holidays to suit each family’s specific needs and travelling style. I am also proud to be a Travel Counsellor Disney Ambassador, in recognition of my experience and dedication to planning Disney holidays.

My own travels have taken me further afield too: I have explored parts of Africa and the Caribbean, enjoyed luxury cruises around the Mediterranean and Caribbean, cruised along part of the Nile and even been inside the Pyramids of Giza. I have climbed Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica and visited Stingray City in Grand Cayman. These experiences mean I can confidently recommend destinations, cruises, excursions and hotels, and match you with the type of holiday that feels just right.

I have a huge passion for cruise holidays in particular, and I love experiencing different ships so I can understand which ones will best suit my clients, whether you are travelling as a couple, a family, or a group.

You can contact me at a time that suits you: by phone, email, Teams, or in person if you are local. I always aim to respond quickly and make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I look forward to doing the hard work for you and removing any of the hassles you may have experienced when booking holidays in the past. My promise is to get to know your likes, dislikes and travel dreams, then use that insight to create your perfect trip.

I cannot wait to help you plan your next adventure.

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Explore my guides and blogs

Our Magical Disney World Adventure: August 2023

Our Magical Disney World Adventure: August 2023

August 2023 brought our family of five—myself, my partner, and our three children aged 19, 15, and 13—to Disney World for a thrilling 10-night stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort. From the moment we arrived, the vibrant atmosphere and tropical vibes set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. We kicked off our trip at Magic Kingdom, where we tackled classic rides, captured photos in front of Cind

31 Oct 2024 5   min read

MSC Bellissima

MSC Bellissima

Wonderful New Ship! Lucky me got to go and be one of the first to sample the wonderful new MSC Bellissima ship. We pulled up into the car park and the size of the ship astonished me! Its huge! Embarkation was very easy - printed ticket, passport and that’s all I needed. They took my photo and gave me my room card and tracker bracelet. I had downloaded the app (MSC for me) so just needed to

04 Mar 2019 5   min read

Family fun in London

Family fun in London

FFor Bank Holiday weekend we decided to choose to go to London on the train and spend a few days seeing the sights! We stayed at the Radisson Blu Bloomsbury which was a great location, only 10 minutes’ walk from Euston Station and only 10 minutes’ walk to Oxford Street, the hotel was clean, and the children loved the free sweet stand in reception. We had both of our rooms upgraded too - the roo

22 Jun 2018 5   min read

Perfect mini break Disneyland Paris

Perfect mini break Disneyland Paris

My family of 5 with children (14,10 and 8) visited Disneyland Paris in February 2018 for the 12th time! We stayed for 4 nights on the 2 nights free offer and flew from Liverpool with private transfers to get us to our hotel. This was our first time staying at the Newport Bay and had upgraded to the Compass Club. The hotel has been refurbished fairly recently and it was immaculate. Very nautical

20 Jun 2018 5   min read

Perfect Family Holidays

Perfect Family Holidays

Menorca is my happy place. It is a perfect, scenic relaxing island, ideal for families of all ages and sizes. You will find lots of two bed accommodation here, some three bedroomed and lots of villas. I have been going here for over 25 years and as a child I experienced so many happy holidays. I made friends who I met year after year again and again and played all day in the sun, on the beautif

07 Oct 2017 5   min read

What my customers say

I cannot thank Laura enough for her help in sorting out our holiday for us so perfectly! She not only arranged my assistance through the airports (as I have a broken leg) but went the extra mile to make things as good as possible in regards to room location and support for the local reps. We had big issues with our room and the hotel when we arrived, but she was there for us 24/7 and got things sorted for us, from the UK really quickly. This meant that we ended up having a brilliant holiday and I thank her for her professionalism. Her colleague Vicky was brilliant too, especially when Laura was away, they are a dream team

Paul Exton

Manchester

Laura has provided an amazing first class travel service to our family, booking a long haul trip for us. From our first consultant with her, to getting our holiday planning started, to final prep & advice whenever we needed it, she has been real expert & super friendly too. We would totally recommend Laura if you are planning your next special family holiday, thanks Laura x

Claire Haywood

Bury

Laura was extremely helpful and efficient, providing numerous options with some multiple travellers staying for varying lengths of time. She was knowledgeable, helpful, responsive and I felt like she really cared. pulling options together within a short time period. Thank you so much for all your help!

Victoria Robson

Keighley

Laura had been recommended by family, we have used her services before and found them so helpful. So planning a journey top of the list after destination is message Laura.

Moira Cook

UK

Fabulous service as always :)

Pip Reed

Macclesfield

Laura is a fantastic Travel Counsellor! She listened to what we wanted and made some great suggestions to make our holiday special. She couldn’t have done anymore for us! Highly recommend using her for every type of holiday!

Nicola Lever

Ramsbottom

Laura is amazing!! She is so knowledgeable. I normally find booking a holiday stressful but this has been enjoyable. She takes off the pressure.

Natalie Heys

Bury

Laura is an outstanding consultant and has become an extension of my family. Laura has got to know my family so well that when ever I get a quote I have all of usual requests: standards of bedroom, private transfers etc Laura always goes above and beyond for us and is always available if there is any queries - nothing is ever too much trouble! I also love the extra special treats that comes through the post and we have everything from fruit pastels to inflatables! Would never book another holiday myself again and with someone like Laura why would you!?

Louise Stephenson

LYTHAM ST. ANNES

She's amazing!

Joanne Kinloch

Bury

Always efficient, friendly yet professional

Nick Price

Greenmount

Always super friendly and helpful and never lets us down. Fantastic

Bren Spencer-Hall

Weir

Superb service - Laura is brilliant

Catherine Bennett

Edenfield

Laura has lots of patience and care for the search for the perfect holiday itinerary. Customer service is the starting block for a good experience and Laura has this in abundance . Shall be using again

Julie Haslam

Tottington

We had always intended to do that “Round The World” (RTW) Trip that many people talk about but never do. The loss of our rescue dog Wizard made us very sad but opened up the possibility of being actually being able to go. The timescale was tight and there was lots to do but my wife’s hairdresser said she knew someone who could help. I had never heard of Travel Counsellors before but they get excellent reviews so that’s how we met Laura Sharples our Counsellor. Together we planned our trip via text, email, calls and meetings. We went RTW in 99 days via Columbia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Zimbabwe before heading home. Laura was in constant communication with us and helped us recover a lost bag on our travels. If we hadn’t communicated with her for a few days she checked to see all was ok. I have to say we couldn’t have done it without you Laura and having you as our very effective Travel Butler was very reassuring, especially in some of the Asian countries. We would definitely say you went above and beyond. Couldn’t recommend more highly. Best Regards and thanks again, Andy & Meryl

Andrew Wilson

Ramsbottom

Laura was great organising our trip . Covered all options available and suggested a few combinations until we came up with the best itinerary for us . Really looking forward to the trip . Will be asking Laura to help us again for sure - Highly recommend working with Laura implanting your trip she is friendly professional and above all cares you get the right trip for you .

Julie Haslam

Bury

Laura is exceptional! Laura gets to understand what we like as a family and only sends examples that fit our likes. Laura is always available and supports not only the booking of the holiday but stays with you all the way through, even sending lovely packs before we go and messaging whilst we are away. I am extremely busy and feel that Laura is an extension of my Family!!

Louise Stephenson

Lancashire

Laura really took into account the needs of my family and our budget when creating our perfect family holiday. She is always responsive and takes care to provide extra little things to make our experience even more special.

Anna Joyce

BURY

Laura is an amazing cruise agent. Always there to help and willing to answer questions at any time. The turnaround time for her response is at lightning speed This was my first time using a cruise agent and I am glad I chose Laura. Thank you Laura for your continued help and support with my upcoming cruise

Anila Hashim

NORTHWOOD

Laura is exceptional! nothing is ever too big for her. Laura is always available and provides choices which suit our family needs. Laura recently had to drop everything to help us as our holiday was cancelled and we couldn't be happier with the service. What I love above all about Laura, apart from that she is lovely! is that she gets to know us as a family and only send resorts that suits us. That's why we will now use Laura every time!

Louise Stephenson

LYTHAM ST. ANNES

Laura was very helpful as usual and worked into the evening to get our booking sorted. Can't ask for more!

Michael Brown

Bolton

Laura made the whole process very simple and stress free. She provided us with all the information we needed to be able to travel safely and we were given a range of options to suit all our requirements. Will definitely be using Travel Counsellors again for our next trip.

Jill Caunce

Ramsbottom

Extremely helpful and friendly. Understood our requirements and very knowledgeable

Caroline Donnelly

ROSSENDALE

Laura has been very helpful, getting to understand what I'm looking for and then chatting me through my options that would best suit me.

PAULA MCCONNELL

PRESTON

I recommend Laura all the time to my family and friends.

Brendan Spencer-Hall

BACUP

Laura was brilliant and really patient dealing with 6 of us keep moving the goalposts. We ended up going with one of her recommendations which ticked all our boxes- really looking forward to the holiday. Would use Laura again and have recommended to friends!

Lynne Peters

ACCRINGTON

Laura was brilliant and really patient dealing with 6 of us keep moving the goalposts. We ended up going with one of her recommendations which ticked all our boxes- really looking forward to the holiday. Would use Laura again and have recommended to friends!

Lynne Peters

ACCRINGTON

Laura always goes above and beyond for her customers. Amazing service.

Lucy Bennett

Greenmount

Laura was so helpful she considered all the options we were looking for . She is the best and we will certainly use her services again

Ben Gray

Walshaw

Outstanding service from Laura and we will be looking to book trips through her in the future!

Deepa Parameswaran

Esher

Laura made the whole process very simple and stress free. She provided us with all the information we needed to be able to travel safely and we were given a range of options to suit all our requirements. Will definitely be using Travel Counsellors again for our next trip.

Jillian Caunce

Ramsbottom

Laura was really helpful, she listened to what we wanted from our holiday and came up with various fantastic ideas and at no time did I feel under any pressure. Laura was really quick to respond to my queries. I complete trust Laura and know that she genuinely wants to make sure her clients have a fabulous holiday.

Andrea Horrocks

Summerseat

Additional Comments : Laura had a lot of 'wishes' for our family of 5 and kept looking until she found what we were all looking for. We are all really looking forward to our holiday next year!

Geraldine Edmondson

Rossendale

Laura responded quickly with alternatives and additions I hadn't considered, she is professional and personable . Laura will be our first contact for future holidays. Thanks Laura

Margaret Morgan

Greenmount

Super friendly fantastically helpful and a great depth of knowledge. Nothing is to much trouble for Laura who always goes above and beyond to give a great holiday experience before, during and after the trip

Brendan Spencer-Hall

Rossendale

We would absolutely recommend Laura! Nothing is too much trouble. Laura will listen to our ‘must haves’ and is also great at recommending things we may not have thought about. It is a really easy, friendly experience booking with her.

Kirsty Robinson

Bury

Nothing was too much trouble for Laura .From start to finish Laura made it so exciting to read and hear what was offer I would definitely recommend Laura and Travel Counsellors to all my friends and family

Nicola Bailey

Ramsbottom

I’d been searching for my honeymoon for weeks and found myself totally swamped with possibilities. I contacted Laura and gave her a list of my wishes and we had our honeymoon booked in 24 hours x

Sharon O'Connor

Haslingden

Laura is so committed to finding you the perfect holiday that fits your family. Nothing is too much trouble and she goes above and beyond in ensuring everything is perfect. I would, have and will continue to recommended Laura to others.

Kirsty Robinson

Hawkshaw

Laura always offers a very friendly and caring service. She has been extremely helpful not only with my bookings but with the after care required as well. 5 stars from me!

Vicky Coxen

Hawkshaw

Laura provide a quick service with various option to fulfil our requirements. This saved my time & took the stress out of organising a family holiday with age ranges from 7 to 70. Nothing was too much trouble for her Thank you Laura

Margaret Morgan

Bury

Excellent service and Laura was second to none at listening to our requirements and sorting it all for us . We will be definitely be using Laura again and letting all our friends know! regards Shaun

Shaun Bailey

Ramsbottom

Laura Sharples is a superb Travel Counsellor. She has been amazing and found us the perfect holiday.

Sally Slater

Bolton

Laura was truly amazing. She researched my options thoroughly and managed to offer me the perfect choice of holiday. She was friendly and professional and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to friends and family. Laura is a real credit to the company.

Melanie Filidoro

Bury

Absolutely fantastic service from Laura. I felt she went above and beyond to make our holiday perfect!

Natalie Heys

Bury

Laura was really helpful in providing us with suggestions within our brief and then booking our holiday for us. A really easy and personable transaction and we can’t wait for holiday next year. We’ll definitely be booking with Laura again!

Liz Hazelwood

Ramsbottom

Recently booked a cruise with Laura, nothing was too much trouble for her, she definitely went that extra mile to make sure we were happy with everything before we booked, can’t wait for the holiday now!

Julie Archibald

Manchester

Laura helped us to book a trip with stopovers to Australia. We changed our mind about the dates and stops several times. Laura exceeded our expectations and I would definitely recommend her to anyone planning a trip.

Jackie Barry

Bury

Laura was very friendly and professional throughout the booking process. Having experience of Orlando she was able to provide excellent advice. She got prices to us very quickly and was happy to work at all hours!

Mike Brown

Bolton

Laura has been fantastic and helped me with everything. Thank you Laura

Charlotte Hanley

Bury

I had a tricky itinerary to organise but Laura was extremely helpful and attentive to every detail. I would recommend Laura to anyone looking to book a holiday and will certainly be coming to her for holiday planning in the future!

Victoria Gardner

Rossendale

An absolutely fantastic service. We were booking a first time Disneyland Paris trip including a disabled guest, and Laura not only explained the packages in detail and helped us to pick the right one, she also answered all of the questions we asked in relation to disabilities and provided us with insight we would not have been able to get by just booking through the website. We didn’t know where to start with this holiday and Laura put it together for us in a way that we could never have done on our own. Super friendly and professional too!

Marie Rayner

Rossendale

Laura found us a great deal and listened to all our needs and wants. Would highly recommend her. A true Disney expert.

Paul Oliver

Bury

Laura was extremely helpful and got us the best possible deal. She listened to what we wanted and gave us a few options to choose from. As the holiday is a surprise for our daughter she has kept it secret and worked around when is best for us to speak. We will definitely use Laura again!

Sara Pepperday

Bury

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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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