Louise Mitchell
My expertise
I'm based in
Lauder
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi, I am Louise and I have been a Travel Counsellor for the past 13 years, based in the lovely town of Lauder, near Edinburgh. I create relaxed, stress‑free holidays for people who want their time away to feel special, well looked after and completely tailored to them.
Travel has always been a big part of my life. Some of my happiest memories are family holidays in Greece, where I fell in love with lazy days by the sea, long taverna lunches and that warm, welcoming Greek hospitality. Today, Greece is still one of my favourite places to send clients, whether it is a first family beach holiday, a romantic island escape or a luxury villa stay with friends.
I also have a real passion for more adventurous journeys. Sri Lanka has completely stolen my heart with its tea‑covered hills, golden beaches and incredible culture, and I love designing trips that combine its highlights with plenty of time to slow down and soak it all in. Safari is another favourite of mine: there is nothing quite like that first game drive, the sounds of the bush at dusk and the thrill of seeing wildlife in its natural home. I am always excited to help clients plan their first safari or return for a new adventure.
When you book with me, you can expect:
* Friendly, one‑to‑one support from our very first chat until you arrive back home
* Holidays that are designed around you, your interests and your budget
* Thoughtful touches, from the right hotel or lodge to private transfers and special experiences
* Peace of mind, with everything organised and protected for you
I look after every detail of your trip, so you can simply look forward to it. Whether you are dreaming of a Greek island, a Sri Lankan adventure, an unforgettable safari, or something completely different, I would love to help you plan it.
If you are starting to think about your next holiday, just get in touch and we can begin turning your ideas into a trip you will always remember.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Aldourie Castle, exclusive hire
After a long dark winter, I needed a shot of fresh air, somewhere peaceful, restorative and luxurious but without travelling far. I found exactly that on the shores of Loch Ness, at the beautiful Aldourie Estate in the Scottish Highlands.
19 Mar 2026 5 min read
Singita: Untamed Wilderness meets Luxury Safari
Since the opening of its flagship Ebony Lodge in 1993, Singita has set the gold standard for ecotourism in Africa. With a steadfast commitment to preserving the continent’s untouched wilderness, the brand blends world-class safari experiences with a deeply rooted philosophy of sustainability. Every property reflects the brand’s 100-year purpose: to protect Africa’s pristine landscapes, support loc
24 Feb 2026 5 min read
Perfect winter itinerary for Iceland
The Perfect Winter Weekend in Reykjavik If you’re dreaming of a winter getaway filled with breathtaking landscapes, cozy dining, and unforgettable experiences, Reykjavik is the perfect destination. Here’s how to spend a long weekend in Iceland’s charming capital. Thursday: Arrival and Relaxation Kick off your Icelandic adventure with an early flight and head straight to the iconic Blue Lagoon. W
13 Jan 2025 5 min read
Real life Lion King
Recommending where my clients go and which camps they stay on a safari makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of what can be a very expensive holiday – which is why I jumped at the opportunity to invest in my knowledge of Kenya and take a 6 night trip in November. I was excited to learn more about Cottar’s 1920s Camp as I knew they were a member of the Long Run and therefore one of the world’s
16 Nov 2024 5 min read
First time to India
It’s 3 weeks since I returned from India and I still can’t get over how much we packed into our short 6 night trip. So many people have tried to describe India, and what the experience of travelling there is like, but you can’t really appreciate the words until you have seen it with your own eyes. It was such a fabulous experience, to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect – would it be too bu
19 Oct 2024 5 min read
Remote and wonderful safari
In July 2024 I took my 2 teenagers to South Africa - on safari! When I first heard about Last Word Hotels “Kitara” 5* luxury lodge, located far in the north of the Klaserie Private Game Reserve, with its unfenced border to Kruger National Park, I knew I wanted to go there. There are only 6 suites at Kitara - so you feel as though you have the entire bush – 60,000 hectares - to yourselves. W
31 Jul 2024 5 min read
Magical Iceland
October half term saw us take the really short flight to Reykjavik from Edinburgh – it’s only a couple of hours away and I can’t believe I have never been before! It is on so many people’s bucket list but it has a reputation for being expensive which puts a lot of people off – see my tips at the bottom on how to save money! Tourism boomed in Iceland in the last 15 years with low cost airlines (
08 Nov 2022 5 min read
Travel Counsellors "Gold" Conference Dubai
As a fabulous celebration and recognition of those Travel Counsellors who achieve the status of "Gold" - which is the top performing Travel Counsellors worldwide in terms of sales and customer service - we were whisked off to Dubai for 3 nights of updates, supplier presentations and partying. I decided to go out to Dubai a couple of nights early and visit the neighbouring Emirate of Ras Al Khaima
16 Sept 2022 5 min read
Windstar Cruise - 180° from ordinary
My latest trip took me from Oban on the west coast of Scotland, sailing round the north coast of the UK and arriving in Edinburgh 4 days later. I was a guest onboard Windstar Cruises “Star Legend” – one of their fleet of 6 small luxury cruise ships. We were only experiencing the final 3 nights of a 10-night voyage which had taken guests from Amsterdam and around the Irish Coast, stopping in Dub
15 Aug 2022 5 min read
Disney Magic at Sea
I am very lucky to have just returned from a 3 night Disney Cruise – sailing from Liverpool on the 27th July. I took my teenage children with me – ages 16 and 14. We have cruised with Disney before, from New York to the Bahamas in 2017 so we knew what to expect, and we were not disappointed! I’d love to share some of our special moments with you! The dining experience – without giving too much
02 Aug 2021 5 min read
Travelling to Crete in the "new normal"
As the global travel industry reawakens to welcome guests again, it is understandable that people have questions about what it the experience will be like; what has changed and how does it feel? No better way than to actually experience it and report back, so at the end of July I booked a trip to one of my favourite destinations – the Greek island of Crete. I was comfortable that Greece had manag
17 Aug 2020 5 min read
All you need to know about Disney Transportation
Did you know that Walt Disney World in Florida is HUGE? It’s approximately the same size as San Francisco, so you definitely need to know how to get from one place to another, whether that’s from your villa to the parks in your own car, or from your resort hotel to Disney Springs, and back again. It can be fairly complex, so let’s have a look… The first thing to remember when navigating WDW is th
15 Jan 2020 5 min read
Sri Lanka Adventures
I had been planning our trip to Sri Lanka for a long time, and we had an amazing time. I was blown away by the scenery, the friendly people and the fantastic food. We did so much, and saw so many things in our 10 night stay, and I always felt very safe and welcomed. The weather - we expected a bit of a mixed bag in Oct, and I was a bit worried about the forecast, but we generally had lovely hot su
13 Nov 2019 5 min read
Cambodia with the family
While many family travellers are looking for unique recommendations for their visit to Asia, sometimes it can be difficult to balance the need for creature comforts and well-sorted logistics. While Cambodia hasn't traditionally been high on the list of family-friendly destinations, a lot has changed in recent years to make the kingdom uniquely well-suited to family travel. Travel Counsellors hav
11 Jun 2019 5 min read
Street Food Paradise
Sampling some of the local delicacies is a huge part of the South East Asia travel experience, and you just must step out of your comfort zone a little bit to experience it! Food served on the streets in Thailand gives you a window into the local culture and finds an ideal balance of affordability and delicious taste! So popular is the allure of al fresco fare, it was showcased in Netflix’s recen
05 Jun 2019 5 min read
All you need to know about skiing in Alberta!
While our "normal" ski destinations from the UK tend to be in Europe, there is a wonderful alternative on the west coast of Canada, with spectacular scenery, reliable snow, friendly locals and no queues. We work with a great ski specialist company who know all the insider tips for avid skiers and snowboarders, whether novice or highly experienced. Ski Independence have first-hand knowledge of all
26 May 2019 5 min read
First Stop Cape Town
I travelled to South Africa in Sept 2018. My overall impressions, having never been to South Africa, is that the country is safe, the infrastructure is excellent, food and wine is first class and the hospitality is great, with a huge choice of excellent accommodation in various categories. There is a focus on sustainability which pays more than lip service to conservation, community and culture. B
23 Sept 2018 5 min read
Solo Travel to Crete in the summer
I stayed for a week on my own in the Idi Hotel, located just outside the lovely mountain town of Zaros, about one hour south of Heraklion. This is a family owned hotel with various members of a large extended family - everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I had a lovely ground floor bungalow with a terrace, just steps away from the gardens, filled with orange, olive and bougainvillea trees, whi
03 Sept 2018 5 min read
5 absolute must do's in the Caribbean
The range of world-class scenic thrills and cultural attractions in the Caribbean is extraordinary! Here's my list of the absolute Top Ten! 1. Climb a volcano! Climbing to over 4,000ft, La Soufriere on the island of St Vincent offers a strenuous but satisfying climb. It's best to go with a guide, meaning your transfers are organised and they provide food and drink as well as the local kn
26 Jun 2018 5 min read
Perfect family trips to Sri Lanka
If you are wondering where your family should travel this year for your summer break or for an Autumn half term escape, consider Sri Lanka, which is an ideal family destination. Why? Sri Lanka is tremendously family friendly. The island is incredibly diverse and comprises ancient ruins, colonial forts, beaches, wildlife reserves, tea estates and coconut plantations. Thanks to Sri Lanka’s re
19 Jun 2018 5 min read
Why Mauritius is perfect for your romantic escape
Looking like a long-lost relative of the Caribbean, Mauritius is an island paradise in its own right. Located off the coast of east Africa, this tiny country has 330 kilometres of white, sandy beaches caressed by the blissfully warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re looking for a fabulous honeymoon destination or a carefree, relaxing escape for you and your partner, head to Mauritius f
18 Jun 2018 5 min read
The Journey for those who love Travel
The last thing you want to do when you are visiting some of the most dazzling cities, beautiful sights and jaw-dropping destinations is to have to rush back to your ship in case they sail away without you, and Azamara understand this perfectly. In July, the lucky guests of Azamara “Quest” disembarked in Edinburgh and many of them headed off to attend the 144th Open Golf Championship at St And
18 Jun 2018 5 min read
Turkey
As we didn't get abroad this summer, we took the chance on some half term sunshine in Turkey in the 3rd week in October. The weather here is definitely starting to turn autumnal, however it really is pot luck whether you get wall to wall sunshine (like they did in the first 2 weeks of Oct) or a couple of days of cloud and rain, which we did, although luckily with lovely hot sunshine in between.
18 Jun 2018 5 min read
Seville - Simply Amazing!
Seville is an amazing city. A destination where you can enjoy numerous attractions: its rich and varied gastronomy; its astonishing historical heritage – with three World Heritage sites: Cathedral and Giralda, Alcazar and Archive of the Indies - and one of the most visited monuments, Plaza de España. An open city famous for the hospitality of its inhabitants, where you will be warmly welcomed.
18 Jun 2018 5 min read
Fabulous family fun at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
This new hotel, located in the resort of Playa Paraiso, promises an indulgent getaway, brimming with entertainment, luxurious rooms and suites, a host of bars and restaurants and everything you would expect from a Hard Rock Hotel. The hotel spans across its two towers: Oasis and Nirvana, creating a resort idyllic for couples and families alike. The hotel boasts a wide range of entertainment option
17 Jun 2018 5 min read
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise - Danube Christmas Markets, Dec 2016
Why river cruise? River cruising is definitely the "next big thing" in the travel industry and it’s easy to see the advantages. Once you have joined your ship, you settle into your cabin, unpack once and then spend the next seven to 10 days exploring new areas, visiting a new city or region each day. As any primary school child will be able to tell you, the great rivers of the world were the or
13 Jun 2018 5 min read
Meeting Mickey and Minnie on Disney Cruise Line
I booked a Disney Cruise for myself and my children (9 and 11) in the October school holidays. Our itinerary was: – Depart New York – Two sea days – Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas!) – A day in Florida at Walt Disney World – Two sea days – Return to New York After weeks of planning, discovering some unique Disney Cruise essentials such as what "Fish Extenders"
06 Jun 2018 5 min read
Luxury Yacht Club sailing in the Arabian Gulf
In February my family and I flew out to Dubai to join the lovely MSC Splendida, and we experienced the "ship within a ship" exclusive Yacht Club onboard. The Yacht Club is an exclusive area on the 16th Deck - right at the bow of the ship. There are around 50 suites, all with 24-hour butler service, with access to a private concierge, lovey spacious Top Sail lounge with great views and an excl
01 Jun 2018 5 min read
Magical weekend break in Northumberland
With the sunny October break in Tenerife now just a memory, I always think it's a great idea to have a weekend break in the UK to tide me over until Christmas and then the thought of warmer holidays next year! I love checking out the gorgeous properties from the specialist company "Crabtree and Crabtree" - based in the Scottish Borders, so not far from home for me, they state that they know eve
26 Nov 2017 5 min read
A 12 year old's view of our 6 night P&O cruise
We drove from just south of Edinburgh to the bottom of England, Southampton. It took us 7 hours and we were all really tired. We boarded the ship the next day, it was absolutely massive, bigger than any cruise ship I’d seen before. We had a really good lunch in the buffet, then met up with one of mum’s colleagues; Lou and her son Rhys. We went to the kids club, which was really fun, and there
25 Jul 2017 5 min read
Luxurious Scottish private island escape
Do you ever just want to run away to an island on the West Coast of Scotland and escape from the "real" world? My family and I are lucky enough to have been able to do this frequently by visiting the fabulous Isle of Eriska Hotel - a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection of luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. My kids love jumping out of the car before we get to the rickety wooden bri
20 Jun 2017 5 min read
Silversea Expeditions - adventure and exploration
I was lucky enough to go onboard the Silversea Explorer today - one of 4 "Expedition Class" ships in the Silversea Fleet. While I was impressed with the lovely Suites, Butler Service, all inclusive concept and fantastic food, the real purpose of these ultra-luxury small ships is to transport you away from the rest of the world, and take you where no one else goes... to the furthest, most remo
21 May 2016 5 min read
Bucket List Cruise on the Hebridean Princess
I am writing this, sitting in the Tiree Lounge of this amazing little ship. I look around me at the stunning scenery - currently we are sailing through the Sound of Luing with the sea a beautiful aquamarine colour, the hills of Jura and Mull in silhouette against the sun. The guests have enjoyed a trip to Arduaine Gardens this morning, and are now relaxing before lunch. Egon is the waiter in the
24 Mar 2016 5 min read
Luxury Dubai on the Palm
We stayed for two nights at the Waldorf Astoria, the Palm in December. The location is a 30 minute drive from Dubai Downtown, 45 mins from Dubai airport or only an hour from Abu Dhabi airport. The hotel is located on the East Frond of the Palm, the man-made island reaching out into the Arabian Sea. There is a complimentary shuttle bus service to the waterpark at Atlantis, Mall of the Emirates
08 Feb 2016 5 min read
Top 5 reasons to stay on the Palm, Dubai
1. “The Palm Islands” are the largest man made islands in the world and often called the 8th wonder of the world. They take the shape of a date palm and can be seen from space, adding around 180 km of shoreline to Dubai. A six lane sub-sea tunnel has been built to connect the spine to the crescent – it is 1.4 km long, 40m wide and 25m below sea level. It’s also the most beautiful tunnel I have se
11 Mar 2015 5 min read
Magical Travel Lottery win to St Lucia!
“Hi Louise, thanks so much for buying a ticket for the Travel Lottery last week – I’m pleased to tell you that you’ve won!” That was the start of my conversation with Graham from the Travel Foundation, an independent charity which works with the travel industry to promote sustainable tourism. Needless to say, I was delighted – a bottle of wine, perhaps even champagne – would be a very welc
09 Dec 2014 5 min read
Crete - myths, legends and sunshine!
As the daughter of an enthusiastic classicist, I grew up with vivid mental pictures of the exotic myths and legends surrounding Crete but none of them quite prepared me for the island I found. Crystal clear seas and skies, amazing aromatic fragrances and a welcome that was as warm as the climate. I felt a little guilty that I had only allowed one week and wish my schedule could have stretched
28 Jul 2014 5 min read
Cunard's Queen Victoria visits Edinburgh
On a breezy Sunday I joined a group of other travel agents to get a sneak peek at the lovely Cunard "Queen Victoria" on her British Isles cruise. Hopping on board the tender from Newhaven Harbour, it didn't take long to reach the ship, which was anchored in the Firth of Forth, giving her passengers a fabulous view of Edinburgh as well as the Forth Rail Bridge. I was immediately impressed by the
29 May 2014 5 min read
Top Tips for Cruising
I was lucky enough to be invited onto the Royal Caribbean "Adventure of the Seas" for a 4 night cruise, leaving Southampton in early May. Having never cruised before, this was a great opportunity for me to get a taster of life on the ocean waves, and to pick up some top tips for my customers! First of all, I would say that preparation is key, and Royal Caribbean have a fantastic facility calle
28 May 2014 5 min read
Pure Luxury at the Royal Palm Marrakech
After our weeks stay in Marrakech, I couldn't resist spending one final night at the brand new 5* Deluxe Royal Palm property. It is the second Royal Palm, flagship of the Beachcomber Hotel group, the original being in Mauritius. This is their first venture out of the Indian Ocean, and I was really looking forward to it. To get to the hotel, you drive south out of Marrakech itself, with a simply
06 Apr 2014 5 min read
Marrakech en famille
We travelled to Marrakech, known as the Red City for its famed pink-hued buildings, in late March for an early Easter family holiday. Our destination was the Club Med resort of la Palmeraie, situated a short drive from both the airport and the town centre. Having never been to a Club Med before, I was taken by the size (240 hectares, if this means anything to you) but I was assured that some
06 Apr 2014 5 min read
Easter luxury in the Algarve
I have recently come back from a weeks’ holiday at the Dounas Douradas Beach Club in the Algarve with a friend, and our 4 children, aged from 5 to 8 years old. The flights from Edinburgh to Faro were great, breakfast time flights which get you to the resort in time for lunch, with no time difference. I had pre-booked a private transfer for us all, and on arrival at the hotel, check-in was very
20 Aug 2013 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
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Discover the world with me
Welcome back to New Zealand
It is amazing to be able to send people off on long awaited holidays and to see friends and family in New Zealand. Look at what awaits them!
15 Aug 2022
Daios Cove, Crete
I travelled to Daios Cove in July 2020 and absolutely loved it!
03 Dec 2020
South Africa
I just loved my trip to South Africa and can't wait to go back. I have sent so many clients who have all loved their trips.
08 Sept 2018
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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.
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