15 October 2024

Island Hopping in Greece is an amazing way to discover hidden gems and soak up authentic Greek culture whilst visiting several islands, each offering a unique experience. Travelling by boat between connected islands is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint, whilst staying in locally owned accommodation and visiting local shops and restaurants that offer authentic dining experiences to support the local community are great ways to ensure you travel responsibly and reap the unique benefits at the same time. There are thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. While the popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are undeniably beautiful, exploring lesser-known islands will provide a much more authentic and sustainable experience whilst offering unspoiled beauty, pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you plan a tailor-made itinerary with ferry travel between islands, join a small island-hopping group tour or a sailing adventure by yacht – there are many ways to experience the Greek islands with options to suit all budgets. To help you get started, here are some popular island-hopping combinations that allow you to explore different regions of Greece with regular ferry connections. SARONIC (VIA ATHENS) Group 1: Agistri, Aegina Group 2: Poros, Hydra, Spetses (note: can combine the groups with a change of ferry at Piraeus) WESTERN CYCLADES (VIA ATHENS OR MYKONOS) Group 1: Sifnos, Serifos, Milos, Folegandros Group 2: Andros, Tinos, Syros (also Mykonos) EASTERN CYCLADES (VIA MYKONOS OR SANTORINI) Mykonos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini (note: can combine with Western Cyclades Group 1 in season) SMALL CYCLADES (VIA MYKONOS) Koufonissi, Schinoussa, Amorgos (also with Naxos) (note: can combine with Eastern Cyclades or Western Cyclades Group 1 in season) SPORADES (VIA SKIATHOS, WEEKLY DURATIONS ONLY) Skopelos, Alonissos, Skiathos DODECANESE (VIA RHODES OR KOS) Rhodes, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos. (Tilos and Halki are also possible to include but more tricky as the ferry schedules do not link very frequently with the rest of the island chain) If this inspires your next Greek island hopping adventure, get in touch to plan and book your next holiday with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

21 August 2024

Thailand, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, is a dream destination for families. But what makes it truly exceptional is its ability to offer fantastic experiences throughout the year, regardless of the season. To maximize your family vacation, it's essential to tailor your itinerary based on the time of year to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. Thailand's tropical climate offers a warm and humid experience throughout the year. However, understanding the country's distinct wet and dry seasons can help you plan the perfect trip. The south-west monsoon season, from June to October, affects the northern, central, and south-western regions, while the south-eastern coast and Gulf of Thailand experience their heaviest rainfall between October and December. Despite the occasional showers, temperatures remain pleasantly warm, averaging between 24°C and 32°C. For those seeking a dry and sunny experience, the peak season between November and February is ideal. Average temperatures during this time range from 27°C to 31°C, making it comfortable for exploring Thailand's stunning beaches, bustling cities, and cultural landmarks. While the low season, typically from May to October, can be wetter in most parts of Thailand, it also offers opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan remain relatively dry during this period, providing a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the rain. No matter when you choose to visit, Thailand's diverse landscape and friendly locals make it a captivating destination for travellers of all ages. Here’s a guide to where to go when in Thailand to avoid the rain and enjoy the best of the Thai sunshine… SPRING Island hopping in Phuket Ideal time: March to May Spring time in Thailand is a delightful season, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is a prime destination during this period. Enjoy sun-kissed beaches, exciting water sports, and captivating cultural attractions. Phuket offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families – perfect for getting away at Easter. SUMMER Tropical paradise in Koh Samui Ideal time: June to August Summer brings vibrant energy to Thailand, and Koh Samui is a must-visit during this time. This island paradise boasts pristine beaches, lush greenery, and a laid-back atmosphere. Families can indulge in snorkelling, kayaking, or simply unwind on the sandy shores. Koh Samui's friendly locals and family-friendly accommodations make it an ideal summer getaway. AUTUMN Cultural exploration in Chiang Mai Ideal time: September to November Autumn in Thailand offers a pleasant climate with fewer crowds. Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of the north, is a captivating destination during this time. Explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the enchanting Doi Inthanon National Park. Families can experience ChangChill elephant residence, cooking classes, and traditional Thai performances. WINTER Beach bliss in Krabi Ideal time: December to February Winter in Thailand is a peak tourist season, but the rewards are worth it. Krabi, with its stunning limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, is a popular choice. Families can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, and island hopping. Krabi also offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations and amazing dining options. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach break, an island hopping adventure, or a multi-centre experience to combine culture, history and authentic experiences - I can help you plan and book the perfect tailor-made itinerary to suit you with fantastic hotel recommendations. Whatever time of year you’re looking to experience the best of Thailand, get in touch to plan and book your next adventure with a personal service, expert advice and 100% financial protection at no extra cost.

06 August 2024

If you’ve been with me a while, you might remember that at the start of 2022 I set myself a new business goal – my biggest one yet. I wanted to focus on sustainability, finding ways to run a greener business while helping my clients to make more responsible travel decisions. That goal was supposed to be for that year, but it turned into something much bigger, and more important to me and my business, the further I went along. So now, 2 years later in 2024, I wanted to give you a quick update on my journey to becoming a sustainable travel expert, and share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. The 2023 Roundup... Following on from a successful and enlightening 2022, I spent the first few months of 2023 learning and growing. And studying! Then in June I took my next big step – I became one of just 20 certified Sustainable Travel Ambassadors in the UK. I’d spent 3 months working with TTG Media, taking workshops to better understand climate change and the impact travel has. That included things like how to understand carbon, how to help my clients have a positive impact, how to advise my clients on travelling more responsibly, and animal welfare. I’m pretty proud of this achievement, and it definitely gave me the confidence to spread the word about sustainable travel. I also took part in an experiential tour of outback Crete, hosted by the Greek Tourist Board and Intrepid Travel, which gave me a first-hand understanding of what a truly sustainable travel experience could look like off the beaten track. After that, I visited Majorca with Iberostar to take a look at their Wave of Change commitments in action, and to experience exactly how an industry-leading sustainable hotel operates. In August, I wrote and published my responsible travel pledge, which was followed quickly in September by my animal welfare policy. Both of these documents are designed to not only showcase that I have thought about the commitments I want to set out for myself and my business, but also that I am taking every step possible to minimise my customers impact on the environment, and wildlife worldwide. I took the Kiwano Sustainable Travel Masterclass in December, designed for travel industry professionals to learn more about the issues associated with travel and how I can educate my clients to make more positive choices while inspiring the wider travel industry to do the same. To round off the year, I was invited to the Travel Weekly Sustainability Summit at Google HQ in London. It was amazing to hear industry leaders discussing the future of travel, The Climate Crisis and sustainability, especially going beyond the environmental factors. It’s easy to forget that tourism also impacts the local economy and communities in the destinations we visit, so it was great to hear what is being done to draw attention to this and inspire travel that is better for the local people. Opening New Doors In 2024... With the new year dawning, I wanted to up my game from the previous 2 years. So in January 2024 I launched a new partnership with TreeSisters – an amazing charity who are working to ethically restore the rainforest and the planet through ethical, community-led projects that improve socioeconomic outcomes with women and community at their core. I committed to donating a percentage of my profits from all holiday sales to the amazing work that TreeSisters does, helping support them to fund new projects. A few months on in March this year, I completed the Zopeful Intro to Climate course – something I had wanted to do for a while and then I studied and took the exam to become a certified GSTC sustainable travel agent – which I passed in April! So now I can provide my clients with even more in-depth advice on how to travel in a way that benefits the destinations we visit, minimising environmental impact, supporting local communities and ensuring cultural preservation. On A Personal Note... In and around all of that, I’ve been doing a bit of travelling myself. I’ve taken several holidays, including a small group adventure tour to Uzbekistan, and a first-class rail adventure around Switzerland. All along the way, I’ve been sharing and showcasing my own responsible travel choices, so that people can see I live my ethos, and that it isn’t difficult to travel sustainably. During the last 2 years I’ve formed a growing community of UK-based travel agents, all representing different travel companies, but brought together by a passion for sustainability. It’s given me a real sense of purpose to be part of such an inspiring group of people who are all striving to make travel a force for good. We all keep each other accountable, energised, and share ideas on a daily basis. I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next. Thanks for sticking with me this far. I hope you’re just as chuffed as I am with the amount that’s been achieved, and maybe I’ve even piqued your interest in more sustainable travel options. If you’re looking to travel more responsibly in 2025 and beyond, I’d love to help you plan an eco-conscious adventure that reduces your carbon footprint and supports the local community. I can’t wait to hear from you.

05 June 2024

It’s no secret that the travel and tourism industry has seen a lot of growth in the last decade or so – aside from that Covid-19 period. And while the uptick in travel is great for the people travelling and for travel professionals, it’s not the best news for the world at large. Especially when sustainability is such an important issue, and one of the biggest trends in travel right now. So naturally, I’m here to break the silence. Sustainable travel basically means travel that seeks to meet the social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations. It isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint when you travel. Sustainable decisions can be woven into every part of your travel plans, not just your airline and hotels. But why is sustainable travel so important? What impact does travel really have on the world? WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY IN TRAVEL? Sustainable travel is all about finding a way that global tourism can be maintained long-term without harming natural cultural environments. That means everything from the environment, the plants and creatures in it, the people and their native cultures too. It’s a way to allow tourists to travel and enjoy new places, while still protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. More than that, sustainable travel is about valuing the environment. Looking after our natural resources and respecting local communities and cultures. As travellers, we need to be more aware of the pollution levels caused by travel, how tourism affects local people, businesses and native culture, and what we can do to make a positive difference. The realities of climate change have inspired people to take better care of the planet we live on, and to transform their impact from a negative into a positive one. Surprisingly, the travelling that’s done sustainably is often more enjoyable too! WHY IS SUSTAINABILITY SO IMPORTANT? Because only by acting sustainably can we protect the world around us and keep it beautiful for centuries to come. By travelling more responsibly, we can all contribute towards the improvement of sustainability in the travel industry. At present, the travel industry, for all of it’s positives, has also paved the way for a lot of damage to the world. It’s one of the largest contributors to CO2 and greenhouse gasses producing around 5% of all global emissions. It’s also fuelled overtourism, which has wreaked havoc on the environments, culture and ecologies of popular destinations, as well as using up huge amounts of natural resources along the way. As I mentioned earlier, sustainable travel isn’t just about the carbon footprint. It’s also about the impact travel has on the destination, its communities and culture. That’s why every sustainable choice you make is important. WHAT CAN I DO? Glad you asked! Sustainable travel is an important issue for everyone to address, even if you don’t spend a lot of your own time travelling. By making more conscious travel decisions, we can all continue to experience new cultures, meet new people and see amazing places without causing harm. So, here are my top tips: 1. Plan your route: Some destinations are more sustainable than others. I’m not saying you shouldn’t book your dream, bucket-list trip, but sometimes there are alternatives that give you the same (or a better) experience, and less affected by overtourism. Consider what’s important to you when choosing a destination so that you can find the best fit – it isn’t always the most well-known destination. Once you have your destination, it’s time to work out how to get there. Depending on where you’re going, you may have the option to fly, drive, take a train or a coach. I can help you weigh up your options and see which one is the best fit for both you and the environment. 2. Pack considerately: Believe it or not, the weight of your luggage adds up to the carbon emissions. Packing lightly will help cut your carbon footprint, especially if you choose eco-friendly essentials when you’re packing as well. Bring your own refillable water bottle to save you money and cut down on single use plastics, and pack a canvas style shopping bag so you don’t end up with dozens of plastic bags at the end. 3. Support local: You’ve carefully chosen your destination, so why not enjoy it to the fullest? Staying in a locally-owned eco-certified accommodation like guesthouses, B&Bs doesn’t mean you need to compromise on luxury! At the same time, it gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture. Stay local, eat local, and shop local. Buy locally made artisan gifts to take home as souvenirs that are truly unique to the place you’re visiting, instead of the same tat you can buy anywhere. So you see, it’s all about making small changes and meaningful choices, and my job is to help you make them, and make your experience as enjoyable as possible. As a travel agent myself I face a dilemma. On the one hand, without any efforts to stop it, global warming will mean places like New York, the Maldives and Dubai will be underwater. I’m desperate to do what I can to stop that from happening, and keeping our world safe. On the other hand, I feel a lot of guilt, since travel is a huge part of the problem, and my work does, in some way, contribute to it. That’s why I made my goal to run a sustainable travel business, help my clients make responsible travel choices and offset the impact of their travel with other ethical decisions. The latest step in that journey is partnering with TreeSisters which I’m very excited about! Since the beginning of 2024, I have donated a percentage of every holiday sale to this incredible charity to support restoring diverse forest ecosystems and habitats, protecting critically endangered species, and funding ethical, community-led planting projects with women & community at their core. If you would like to know more about travelling responsibly, or the impact your choices really have, give me a call and I’ll be happy to assist you in planning your next holiday that has a positive impact on the environment without compromising on luxury, and without inflating the cost.

05 March 2024

I’ve been a travel agent for a long time now. And I know that as a travel agent, my business is dependent on selling travel, which is one of the biggest contributors to CO2 emissions in the world. I don’t know about you, but I really care about the world we live in! So it’s important to me that I help my clients to reduce their carbon emissions as much as possible, educate them to make responsible choices so that they have a positive impact on their travels, and give back to the planet myself as a responsible business owner. In that light, I have an exciting announcement to make. I have partnered with TreeSisters! TreeSisters is a fantastic charity focused on funding ethical, community-led planting projects that take direct climate action. Moving forward, I will be donating a percentage of the profits from every holiday booking made through me to Tree Sisters. No matter how big or small, they will get a cut. That’s because I believe in their cause, and it’s my way of giving back to the planet that we all live on. What TreeSisters Are All About... TreeSisters is a charity working to ethically reforest and restore the planet. But they are far more than just a tree-planting charity. Rather than focus just on how many trees are in the ground, they fund ethical, community-led planting projects that improve socioeconomic outcomes in common travel destinations, and have women, community and nature at their heart. Their focus is to create a world where nature and people flourish in connection, equity and harmony. This means they don’t just plant trees - they also work to challenge dominant power structures, championing gender equality in traditionally male-dominant areas, and bringing Indigenous community voices to the conversation. It’s a very holistic approach to creating a greener, more equal future. Their work is mainly in Brazil, Borneo, Columbia, Cameroon, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nepal, Uganda, West Papua and more. But their approach is very different to traditional ‘tree planting’ charities. Instead of focusing on the monetisation of nature (like the £1 for every tree planted campaign), TreeSisters want to highlight the broader impacts and the ethical reforestation of the world – things like water, supply systems, and the communities living and working among these trees. Their work is tough, but they are fighting back against deforestation and inequality in a very real way. The Real Impact of Travel... According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism account for between 8% and 11% of the global greenhouse gas emissions (which makes it worse than the construction industry), with aviation making up 17% of that number. From plane flights and boat rides to souvenirs and lodging, tourism has a carbon footprint the size of Bigfoot. And as the number of people who can afford to travel grows, that environmental footprint will only get bigger. There were a lot of different charitable causes I could have chosen when looking for a partnership. But for me, it was about the bigger picture. Because travel isn’t just about the way you get to your destination, and carbon isn’t the only harmful element to travel. You see far too many people talking about offsetting their carbon footprint by planting a few trees, without giving any consideration to the wider impact they’re having on the environment. After all, it’s not just the effects of carbon that are harmful to the planet. When holidaymakers descend on a destination they can make a big difference, and it’s not always good. If you want to see exactly what I mean and discover some of the negative sides of tourism, just watch The Last Tourist. So when I was looking for a charity to partner with, I wanted one that wasn’t just about carbon. One that also was aware of the impact you have when you get there, helped people learn about the local people and communities they visit, taught good travel habits, and showed people how to make sure you have a positive impact on every destination you visit. So Why TreeSisters? The result? I found TreeSisters. They stood out to me in the travel charity space because their values are completely and entirely aligned with my own. By working with and donating a percentage of my profits to TreeSisters, I, and my wonderful clients, are helping restore our planet, combat climate change, and join the fight for gender equality and ethical reforestation. On top of that, we can be part of a movement that rebalances power dynamics in some of the most deprived areas, empowering women and local communities while putting nature at the centre of all their decision-making. I want to be a part of that. I want to be involved, in even a small way, in building a greener and more sustainable world for all, while making travel a force for good. Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful bonus when you book a holiday? If you’re interested and want to find out more about TreeSisters, or maybe even donate yourself, you can visit their website or give me a call and I will be happy to chat it all through.

11 December 2023

The festive season is always a popular time to start talking about holiday plans for the year ahead. With that comes all kinds of theories around when the best time to book a holiday is, when to get the best price, and when the best deals are going to be available. One common misperception is that January is the cheapest time of year to book a holiday and get the best deal. Others will argue that leaving it until nearer the time will get you a last minute bargain. That might be the case in terms of accommodation if you're happy to bag whatever is left on the shelf, but flight costs could be double what you would have paid six months earlier. Since the Covid pandemic and other Global factors affecting the cost of living, the travel industry has been affected by the same inflationary pressures as every other industry and holiday prices are rising. The simple fact is that the costs are determined by supply and demand. As a trusted Independent Travel Agent backed by Travel Counsellors, I am often asked "When is the best time to book my holiday?". My answer is always NOW! Where 'Now' means as soon as you can if you want to have the most choice at the best price. Here are my top 6 reasons to book your 2024 holiday before January... 1. Flights are already available to book up until November 2024 and the prices are at their lowest. The more seats get booked up - the higher the prices get. Booking as early as possible will guarantee the best price. 2. Early booking discounts are already available for thousands of hotels in 2024 with offers of up to 40% off accommodation, and some free child places. 3. Getting in there early will guarantee your preferred room type at your first choice of hotel. This is especially important if you're looking to stay at smaller properties or if you're hoping to grab a 2 bedroom family suite or interconnecting room during the school holidays (these are in high demand and availability is limited). 4. Booking early will require a booking deposit of as little as £125pp. You can sit back and relax knowing that you have secured a great value holiday with flexible terms and payment options to suit you up until your balance is due. 5. Travel Agents are notoriously busy with enquiries in January and you will get a speedier response and more personal service if you avoid the January rush. 6. It is a proven fact that having a holiday in the diary boosts energy and mental wellbeing, giving you something exciting to look forward to in the future. If you're looking to book your next holiday for 2024, get in touch to plan ahead and secure a great value holiday at your first choice hotel with your preferred room type, a personal service, and a low booking deposit - giving you something to feel great about and look forward to.

28 September 2023

COVID-19 has challenged us to create change. The pandemic has shone a harsh spotlight on how people treat wild animals. The catastrophic impact of wildlife exploitation has impacted our health, worldwide economies, the planet and the travel industry, in addition to causing the suffering of millions of animals worldwide. There can be no going back to what once was. Sixty percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic (originate from animals), with over 70 percent of these thought to originate from wild animals. The demand for and exploitation of wild animals exposes us to diseases like COVID-19, putting us all at risk. Considering that wildlife tourist attractions account for a large proportion of tourism outlines the need to address the increasing demand of people searching for wildlife encounters as part of their ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday experience. When done responsibly these encounters can play a major role in protecting wildlife and their natural habitats. Unfortunately we know that most wildlife tourism takes place in captivity were as a result up to half a million wild animals suffer to entertain tourists around the world. Animals at these wildlife attractions are either taken from the wild or bred in captivity so tourists can take a tiger selfie, swim with a dolphin or ride or wash an elephant, driving a multi-billion dollar global trade in wild animals. As a member of the travel industry, It is important to me to do what I can to prevent another pandemic, secure livelihoods and help keep wild animals in the wild by becoming a wildlife-friendly travel business. This involves eliminating wildlife entertainment from my supply chain and offering responsible tourist experiences only. ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY My business is committed to responsible tourism and protecting animals who are impacted by the travel industry. I have developed this animal welfare policy as animal encounters have become increasingly popular as part of people’s holiday experiences. However, some animal related activities, such as elephant washing and rides, photo opportunities with tigers or watching dolphins perform, lead to suffering through cruel treatment and inhumane conditions. I believe that all animals should be respected for their intrinsic value and that the best way to experience animals whilst on holiday is by seeing them in the wild. When under human care, both domesticated and non-domesticated (wild) animals, must have ‘a good life’ by enjoying good physical and mental health. The conditions they are provided must favour positive experiences over negative ones within an environment that encourages making choices and enables them to express the widest possible range of natural behaviours. I only work with suppliers if the animals under their care are provided with the highest possible welfare in line with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare: NUTRITION Factors that involve the animal’s access to sufficient, balanced, varied and clean food and water. ENVIRONMENT Factors that enable comfort through temperature, substrate, space, air, odour, noise and predictability. HEALTH Factors that enable good health through absence of disease, injury, impairment and good fitness level. BEHAVIOUR Factors that provide varied, novel and engaging environmental challenges through sensory inputs, exploration, foraging, bonding, playing, retreating and others. MENTAL STATE By presenting positive situations in the previous four functional domains, the mental state of the animal should benefit from predominantly positive states, such as pleasure, comfort or vitality, while reducing negative states such as fear, frustration, hunger, pain or boredom. I also recognise that the needs of wild animals in particular can never be fully met in captivity. Where wild animals are kept in captivity the facility must not only provide them with best possible welfare conditions, it must also contribute towards a shift away from exploitative practices and be supportive of phasing out keeping wild animals for commercial purposes. GUIDELINES I do not sell or promote venues and/or activities that offer tourists any of the following experiences: • Close interaction with wild animals, such as, touching or riding, including but not limited to elephant riding and bathing, swimming with dolphins or walking with lions; • Watching wild animal performances, including but not limited to dolphin shows, circuses, orangutan boxing; • Photo opportunities with wild animals, including, but not limited to big cats, sloths, or primates, tiger selfies, dolphin kissing, or selfies with orangutans; • Watching animals fight or race, or being used in other sport or cultural events that cause animals to suffer or die, including but not limited to bullfighting and running, crocodile wrestling, dog fighting, rodeo, elephant polo and horse racing; • Visiting facilities where captive wild animals are bred and kept for commercial products, including but not limited to crocodile farms, civet coffee farms, bear bile farms, turtle farms; • Engaging in trophy, canned hunting or sport fishing. When not in conflict with any of the above guidelines I do offer and/or promotes the following venues and activities were tourist can experience animals: • Genuine animal sanctuaries, rehabilitation facilities and rescue centres that have the highest possible standards of animal care. E.g. sanctuaries certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) or elephant venues following World Animal Protection’s Elephant-Friendly venue guidelines. • Responsible, wildlife watching where a visitor can observe animals in their natural environment from a suitable distance without interrupting their natural behaviours or disturbing their routines. E.g. whale watching experiences certified by the Whale Cetacean Alliance (WCA). • Zoos and aquariums that are accredited by members of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and national zoo and aquarium accrediting bodies which do not hold cetaceans in captivity and do not use wild animals for direct contact activities with visitors or have them perform in shows. If you are looking to fulfil your dream wildlife adventure with guidance to ensure that you select the most ethical animal experiences, I would be delighted to help you plan and book your trip with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

29 August 2023

As a sustainable travel advocate within the travel industry, it is my passion and duty to promote responsible tourism and educate others on how we can better protect the planet and people on it when we travel. As a business owner, I am accountable for designing and selling holidays to my clients that align with my sustainable travel commitments. As an individual and a travel enthusiast, it is my responsibility to lead by example and travel with transparency. With that in mind, I share my responsible travel pledge which I commit to upholding whenever I travel on personal trips... RESPECT To consider myself as a guest (not a tourist) in the places I visit and to treat the people and environment as if it was my own. SINGLE USE PLASTIC To always travel with a refillable water bottle and reusable shopping bag and to avoid single use plastic where possible by choosing accommodation, restaurants and bars that share the same commitment. CULTURE & TRADITIONS To embrace local life by taking part in activities that help educate me and showcase the traditions that local people are proud of and celebrate the culture in the places I visit. CARBON EMISSIONS To limit my personal flying time to 24 hours a year and limit my business flying time to 48 hours a year. To select destinations that can easily be explored on foot, by rail or electric car and to always select hotels that have great green credentials. To consider group travel where possible. SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES To always support the local community by shopping in local independently owned gift shops and markets that support local artisans, eating in family run restaurants, using local tour guides, and supporting local life in any way I can when choosing how to spend my money whilst travelling. ETHICAL WILDLIFE VIEWING To never visit wildlife attractions that are unethical and do not adhere to my animal welfare policy. EDUCATION & AWARENESS To share the highlights of my personal trips that showcase aspects of responsible travel to inspire others.

02 June 2023

Travelling is a great way to experience new cultures, meet new people, and see amazing places. Travelling responsibly means considering the negative impact that travel can have on the people, places, communities, animals, and the environment of the places you visit. This is something I am personally passionate about. I love inspiring others with ideas on how to be more mindful of the planet when they travel. There are many small changes you can make to your travel style which will have a much more positive impact on the environment and help reduce social and economic problems in the places you visit. As well as the ecological benefits there are powerful personal benefits that come from doing good and feeling good about your decisions. These all contribute to one of the fundamental outcomes of travel – increased happiness and wellbeing! If you’re eco-minded, here are a few top things to consider before planning your next holiday… THINK LOCAL AND SUPPORT THE COMMUNITIES YOU VISIT When you support local businesses, you help to keep money circulating within the local economy. This can help to reduce poverty and inequality, and it can also help to protect the environment. When you eat at local restaurants, shop at local markets, book local tour guides, and stay at local accommodations, you are supporting local businesses which helps to boost the local economy and ensure that your money stays within the community. Thinking 'local' allows you to experience the culture of the place you're visiting in a more authentic way and you're also more likely to meet locals and learn about their lives. When you support local communities, you're helping to make a positive impact on the world. You're helping to create jobs, support families, and protect the environment. SAY NO TO THINGS THAT DON’T FEEL RIGHT It’s easy to get chatting to a tour company that you simply can’t say no to when you’re abroad, but it pays to be wary and make sure you know what you’re saying yes to before you sign up to an excursion that you might later regret. Particularly wildlife experiences that exploit animals. This includes things like elephant rides, animal petting zoos, and swimming with dolphins. These activities often involve cruelty to animals and can easily be avoided. If you can touch, bathe, feed, or ride wild animals, it's best to say no. Another thing to be mindful of is purchasing souvenirs that are mass-produced and sold at tourist traps. It’s often hard to say no if you come across a persistent salesperson but there’s always an alternative to support local artisans and buy souvenirs that are handmade and unique. GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK With a little bit of research and the help of a trusted Travel Agent, you will often find that the most interesting and beautiful places can be discovered outside of the major tourist zones, away from the mass crowds in lesser visited communities. There is almost always a better alternative! I recently visited Haarlem in Netherlands as an alternative to Amsterdam. I also visited Tarragona in Spain as a great alternative to Barcelona. Both of these cities are smaller, offering a more authentic travel experience but with all the same unique culture and historical aspects to discover along with a much more local vibe. Both can be reached by rail too! BE AWARE OF YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT There are a number of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint such as choosing more sustainable transportation options. Can you take a train instead of a plane? Can you walk for 20 minutes instead of taking a 5 minute taxi? Can you join a cycling tour instead of hopping on the City bus to see the local sights? Can you hire an electric car? Another thing to consider is travelling for longer – doing and seeing more in one trip instead of taking multiple trips is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, Greek island hopping; visiting 2 or 3 islands in one trip and travelling between them by boat means you can experience more in one longer trip with only two flights instead of flying on separate occasions to each island and back. Or a multi-centre stay in Italy where you fly into one airport and home from another whilst navigating around the country to your various accommodation locations by train. This is a fantastic way to see Rome, Puglia, and Naples in one trip instead of taking three separate ones. BE MINDFUL OF THE ENVIRONMENT Some great ways to reduce your plastic consumption when travelling include packing your own refillable water bottle and coffee mug. Also, bringing a reusable shopping bag with you. Choosing accommodation with green credentials that promote their focus on sustainability will ensure that your hotel is also thinking about the environment and making steps to reduce waste, support local food producers, implement recycling processes and energy saving solutions. Get in touch to talk more about planning and booking your next holiday or for more inspiration on ways to make a positive impact on the planet next time you travel.

27 December 2022

At the start of 2022 I set out my single biggest business goal for the year; to focus on sustainability and to find ways to run a greener business whilst helping my clients to make more responsible choices when it comes to travelling. In a World where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly obvious, I am passionate about advocating the importance of everyone doing their bit, no matter how small, to help save the planet from a future of vicious storms and extreme drought. Running a Travel Agency business, and being a keen traveller myself weighed on my conscience daily. The long range effects of Global Warming will ultimately impact our ability to Travel the World. In years to come, places like New York, the Maldives and Dubai will be under water. On one hand I am desperate to save this from happening to prolong the existence of travel but, on the other hand, I feel a huge amount of guilt for facilitating travel which is one of the largest contributors of C02 emissions. You see my dilemma? My goal was threefold: 1. To run a sustainable home based business where my office and work related tasks are eco-friendly and to make responsible choices to minimise my carbon footprint. 2. To help my clients make responsible travel choices and in turn to attract more eco-conscious clients to book travel with me. 3. To help my clients offset the impact of their travel and compensate for their carbon emissions by making equivalent reductions elsewhere. A year on, I am delighted and proud to be able to share that I have achieved those goals to a point where I am comfortable doing what I do and enabling my clients to do what they want to do, in a way that is much better for our planet, and leaving us with a clearer conscience. ECO FRIENDLY OFFICE LIFE My biggest goal for office life was to become 100% paper free. I am pleased to say that I think I am now very close to that goal. The only exception is when I book niche or specialist travel through a third party partner who still insists on providing printed collateral which I have to pass on to my clients. You could argue that it's them, not me, but I take responsibility for who I choose to work with so I'm happy to cop the flack here. This only represents a small amount of my business now because I'm increasingly choosing to work with partners who also operate a paperless system and I've nearly nailed it... I send my clients digital quotes, itineraries and tickets through the MyTC travel app. I use a digital business card instead of printing business cards. I take notes using Evernote instead of buying paper notebooks. I cancelled all my subscriptions to printed trade publications because I can read them online. I don't order or hold any brochure stock. I also walk and use public transport wherever I can and I’ve started to track my driving miles so I can offset my carbon emissions with a tree planting scheme. OFFERING RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL OPTIONS An increasing number of hotels are putting positive social and environmental impact at their heart. Regarding themselves as guardians of special places that have existed long before them, they are introducing ways of operating that actively conserve the environment and educate local communities on how best to care for it. If it is possible to make a conscious choice to stay at places, like these, that are leading the way, I want to make sure that my clients know about them. Our Green Leaf symbol denotes products that meet sustainability standards recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which means they’re working to reduce their environmental impact and better serve the communities in which they operate. OFFSETTING CARBON EMMISSIONS I have started offering a free service to help my eco-conscious clients calculate the carbon emissions for their travel and advising them to mitigate the effects by planting the right number of trees to make equivalent reductions in developing countries. Trees are one of the most powerful absorbers of carbon emissions - by planting trees in developing countries as we travel, we also help to restore ecosystems, biodiversity & support local communities through the dignity of employment - together building a more sustainable & equitable world. My sustainability goals for 2023 are: 1. To continue to grow my business with the health of our planet in mind. 2. To further develop my ability to offer sustainable travel solutions to my clients and give them the knowledge that their travel is a force for good. 3. To be a true advocate for sustainability within the Travel Industry by sharing my knowledge and ideas to inspire agents to run greener businesses and sell responsible travel options. If you're looking to travel responsibly in 2023, I would be delighted to help you find the perfect hotel to suit your criteria with 'green leaf' status, or create an adventure itinerary packed with authentic experiences that support the local community. I can help you calculate your carbon footprint, offset your carbon emissions, and satisfy you knowledge that your travel is a force for good. I look forward to hearing from you.

13 December 2022

When it comes to visiting Lapland, there are lots of different options including different destinations and arctic villages with different styles of accommodation and each tour has different activities included. Some are fully inclusive and others have unforeseen hidden costs, so it pays to do your research and make sure you're booking an experience with a trusted tour operator. Personally, I only sell the BEST award-winning tours to my clients with amazing, authentic experiences that ensure families make memories that will last a lifetime. All my trips include flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and transfers. They are facilitated by expert tour agencies in the most magical locations and include amazing experiences with authentic Santa, Elves and activities. In this blog I will share everything you need to know about booking a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland next December. WHERE IS LAPLAND? Finnish Lapland is the part of Finland north of the Arctic Circle. It is a magical realm of forests and fells, Northern Lights and midnight sun, unique wildlife and traditional culture. It is also the home of a jolly old man known locally as Joulupukki – Santa Claus! Every December, families from across the world travel to Lapland to experience the magic of Santa’s frozen forest home. It's a fairy tale come true, with reindeer and huskies dashing through the snow, enchanting elves around every corner, crackling fires and cosy log cabins and the best Christmas present ever, that magical meeting with Santa Claus himself. This winter wonderland serves up a host of action-packed Arctic activities for kids and parents alike, from snowmobiling, skiing, sledging and snowshoeing, to the yelp and yowl of husky mushing, and the gentler pace of a traditional reindeer sleigh ride. Lapland is Europe’s last great wilderness, a land of outstanding natural beauty, where reindeer roam freely and far outnumber their human counterparts. For hundreds of years the indigenous Sami people have lived in harmony with Mother Nature and the land, hunting, fishing and reindeer farming. Little has changed, and it’s a privilege to be welcomed to this wonderful landscape and its rich culture. WHEN SHOULD I BOOK? December is always the busiest time of year for booking trips to Lapland for the following Christmas period. This is because it's almost always too late to book a last-minute trip to go sooner and also because the best trips get booked up so far in advance, so it pays to be organised and book a year in advance to get the best price, the best trips, and your first choice of dates and accommodation. Tours go on sale more than a year in advance and can be booked with a deposit of around £200pp. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The short answer is, roughly about £500-700pp per day. The slightly longer answer is… it depends on where you go, when you go, who you go with, how long you go for, what type of accommodation you stay in and what activities are included. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. WHICH TRIPS ARE THE MOST POPULAR? I have put together a short list of award-winning Lapland Holidays, Day Trips & Short Breaks which are the most sought after based on the quality of the experience. ENCHANTING LAPLAND DAY TRIP Meet Santa Claus in Lapland next Christmas and enjoy an action packed day trip to Enontekio with husky and reindeer sleigh rides galore. Enjoy an exciting sleigh transfer from the airport to a beautiful location in the Lappish countryside before visiting a snow igloo and participating in a variety of traditional Arctic activities. CHRISTMAS SPARKLE - 3 NIGHT BREAK This Lapland Santa holiday is based in the peaceful village of Suomu or the picturesque Ruka Valley, on the edge of the Valtavaara National Park. The resorts are two of Santa’s favourite Lapland locations and in Suomu and Ruka Valley you can meet some of the traditional elves who work tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly for Santa on Christmas Eve. MAGICAL INTERLUDE - 3 NIGHT TRIP Join the Search for Santa on this 3 night/4 day Lapland Santa holiday Escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world & be transported to a land full of mystery and magic in Search of Santa. Prepare to be spellbound by the beauty of Luosto, as you feel at one with nature, set amidst the Lappish wilderness. Meet Wendy Wood, the toymaker & a host of special friends as you Search for Santa. Feel the power of the paw, as the huskies whisk you away through ancient snow covered forests in our quest to find the great man. WHAT IS INCLUDED? Depending on which tour you book, the activities will vary on the duration of your stay. The Magical Interlude 3 night trip includes: - Reindeer Experience Feed the reindeer, learn traditional Sami culture and enjoy a magical reindeer sleigh ride. - Adult & Junior Snowmobiling A mini-drive for adults and children across a prepared track. - Santa's Special Elves Meet Santa’s most trusted helpers and prepare for mayhem, magic and giggles galore! - Sleigh Ride to Santa’s House The excitement builds as you swish deep into the forest by snowmobile sleigh. - A Gift from Santa - Celebration Dinner - Accommodation Hotel, log cabin & villa options available. - Return Flights - Snow Suits & Boots Cosy thermal suits and boots supplied free of charge. - 100% ATOL Protected for Your Peace of Mind - Husky Experience Learn all about Arctic huskies and try your hand at dog sledding. - Snow Fun & Games Tobogganing, snowballing, snow angels & more. - Santa’s Magical Post Office See how the elves sort those very special letters! - Private Family Meeting with Santa Your family’s private time with Father Christmas. - We Found Santa Party Put on your dancing shoes and join the Special Elves for special celebration! - Fully Inclusive Itinerary All the listed activities are included as standard. There are no hidden extras, and no unexpected “upsells”. - All Meals Included Buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner included. À la carte dinner upgrade available. - Resort Transfers Airport and activity coach transfers are included. - Souvenir Certificate & CD Get in touch to plan and book your next magical Lapland experience with a personal service.

28 August 2022

With costs going through the roof for just about everything, holidays are no exception. I wanted to share my thoughts on how the current cost of living crisis will impact travel and to share my advice on how to lessen the blow with a bit of prior planning and savvy decision making. We’ve already seen quite sharp increases in holiday prices this year, not least due to soaring demand, but things like rising fuel surcharges also saw average holiday prices jump by around 17% this Summer. It’s not just the holiday costs which are in the rise but the extras too – car hire, travel insurance, food. It all adds up and it’s all going up. Just as consumers need to tighten their belts, businesses do too and it’s not just the UK that’s suffering right now. When it comes to providing a 5* hotel service with gourmet dining, it isn’t really an option to switch out the triple cooked hand cut chips for a bag of frozen fries or to refill the Molten Brown bottle with soap from the pound shop to minimise costs. Not if you’re paying for luxury. So what happens is, the costs go up to allow the resorts to cover their bills and still provide the same level of service which you will ultimately pay more for. Now, and the next month, and the next month, and the next month. It won’t get less, it’ll get more. My top tip on how to avoid a huge price tag on your next holiday is to BOOK EARLY! Pay a low deposit NOW, and in 8,9,10 months time whenever you’re travelling you will be so glad you did. There’s going to be a lot of people who leave it too late and their dream holiday becomes unaffordable. I previously wrote a blog with lots more reasons why it pays to book early so check that out on my webpage too for more inspiration. There are going to be resorts that employ cost reduction tactics – cheaper food, less staff, no refurbs. Things that will compromise their service levels and the customer experience in the process and whilst the price tag might seem more attractive, guests will be desperately disappointed and there’s even more cost involved when that happens. So, there could be twos scenarios... 1. Book early with a low deposit, secure a great rate and pay the same or only a tiny bit more for the level of service and experience you know and expect which will represent good value. 2. Wait until you’re priced out of your dream holiday and end up booking whatever is left on the shelf for much more money and a potentially substandard service that in the long run costs you even more to deal with and does not represent good value. If that happens to you, you’ll find it very hard to justify your decision on the basis that it was cheap because it wont be. My second piece of advice is - make sure you book your holiday with a trusted travel agent. A reputable company with great reviews who will financially protect you and have your back when you need them. I have heard so many stories this Summer from people who booked their own holiday or were brainwashed by a bright and colourful website that provided terrible service. They ended up on the phone on hold for hours on end, wracking up huge phone bills and waiting months for refunds. These things are not ok at the best of times but when money is tight, you don’t want to be left out of pocket, spending hours of your time trying to resolve things and paying for the pleasure when you could have your own travel agent to save you the job. I hope this has inspired you to think about when you book and how you book your next holiday to avoid spending a fortune before, during or after you travel.

01 July 2022

In my experience of booking holidays for my clients over the years I have seen the same annual patterns emerge when it comes to the ‘early birds’ compared with the ‘last minute bookers’. Every year I spend time making some specific comparisons on holidays I have booked for my clients and studied the price difference between bookings made 10 months in advance versus 10 weeks in advance. I have seen clients pay up to 40% more on accommodation alone, before the cost difference in the flight prices which can be double what you would pay if you book them as early as possible. Most airlines publish their fares around 11 months in advance which is the best time to grab yourself a seat at the lowest price. From there on, it’s a case of supply and demand driving the price up and up and up…. Those who are savvy enough to book their Summer holidays between October – January pay deposits as low as £270 and get a far better deal than those who wait until much nearer the time, and they save themselves thousands of pounds. They also get their first choice when it comes to selecting their preferred hotel, room type and view because availability is plentiful. The same goes for other peak travel periods such as Easter and Christmas. If you want to take your family to the Caribbean at Easter you will save a fortune if you book it in June or July the year before rather than waiting until January. And if you fancy a festive escape to warmer climates over the Christmas period, I recommend booking something in January or February to beat the rush and bag yourself a bargain. TOP FIVE REASONS TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY EARLY 1. SAVE LOADS OF MONEY Get the lowest possible airfare and save thousands of pounds on accommodation 2. PLENTY OF TIME TO PAY Book with a low deposit and have plenty of time to budget and pay off your balance at your own pace 3. MORE CHOICE Abundant availability to secure your first choice hotel, room type and resort view 4. FLEXIBLE TERMS Maximum flexibility with amendment and cancellation terms 5. THE JOY OF PLANNING Booking early gives you something special to look forward to for longer and maximises the pre-holiday excitement period whilst giving you plenty of time to research the local area to make the most of your holiday when the time comes Get in touch to start planning your next great value holiday in plenty of time with plenty of choice, a low deposit, and a personal service with expert knowledge and advice at no extra cost.

01 June 2022

Planning a honeymoon is a very special event and one of my favourite experiences to help my clients plan and book. I love knowing that I can provide a high level of service to take the hassle away and ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Here are 5 great reasons to book your Honeymoon with me, your own personal honeymoon specialist... 1. YOUR DEDICATED HONEYMOON SPECIALIST My personal service ensures that I manage all of the honeymoon preparations for you. From finding your dream accommodation and creating a trip that suits both of you, to ensuring I help you maximise your honeymoon budget with a great value experience that includes everything you've dreamed of. As your personal honeymoon specialist, my expert knowledge and advice comes at no extra cost. No matter what specific requirement you have, I will take of everything to ensure you have the perfect experience. From recommending great LGBTQ+ friendly properties to finding luxury vegan hotels, I am dedicated to planning your perfect honeymoon. 2. AN ESCAPE CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU Whether you're dreaming of a paradise island hideaway, an adventure to far-flung shores, or a mini-moon made for two - all my honeymoons are tailor-made to suit each individual couple. Wherever you’re hoping visit on your honeymoon, I’m here to create your dream trip for you. I’ll take the time to understand what you like and what you don’t, and craft a honeymoon that’s exclusive to you. From small intimate boutique hotels to panoramic city suites, whether you're looking for an adult-only retreat, an eco-friendly resort, a luxury safari lodge or a glass igloo - whatever you have in mind for your romantic trip of a lifetime, I will perfectly tailor an experience to suit you. 3. FULL TIME SUPPORT As a trusted Travel Counsellor, my unique service extends well beyond simply booking your honeymoon. I will be on hand from the moment you get in touch to the moment you arrive back at your front door, so you can relax and enjoy the trip of your dreams. You will also have access to my 24/7 global duty office, so no matter what time it is anywhere in the world, you will have someone to turn to whenever you need us. 4. HONEYMOON GIFT REGISTRY SERVICE My unique Honeymoon Gift Registry Service allows your wedding guests to contribute to your honeymoon as a gift. I’ll create a special online webpage and account for you, complete with your personalised message and photograph, and provide you with guest access for quick and easy contributions. 5. YOUR MONEY IS COMPLETELY SAFE Nobody protects your money like Travel Counsellors. Everything you book with me is completely financially protected in the event of a supplier failure, so all you’ll need to worry about is what you’re going to pack! Get in touch for more honeymoon inspiration and to start planning your perfect escape with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

30 January 2021

As a trusted independent travel expert backed by Travel Counsellors, I want to share with you 10 great reasons to book your next holiday with me and to give you peace of mind and the confidence to book a holiday to look forward to knowing that it’ll be hassle free and that you’ll be looked after every step of the way. 1: A PERSONAL SERVICE I provide a personal service at no extra cost. Your holiday will be tailored to suit you. I won’t sell you an off-the shelf package that someone else already put together. With me, you can cut out the middle man and I will dynamically package your prefect holiday with directly contracted airlines and hotels. And you’ll have me as your personal point of contact before, during and after your trip. 2. EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE I provide expert knowledge and advice at all times. Visas, passports, weather conditions, you name it - I won't let you go before you have everything you need to know. This includes monitoring the latest FCDO advice and travel updates, and sharing any information that might affect your journey. On top of that, I will gladly share great restaurant recommendations and highly rated excursions, or anything else you are interested in to help make your holiday special. 3. 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION & FLEXIBLE PRICE PROMISE You can book travel knowing that you will be 100% financially protected in the event of a supplier failure. Your booking will always be protected and no matter what happens, you won’t be left out of pocket. Our flexible booking terms ensure that if you book a Travel Counsellors Package Holiday with me you will benefit from free amendments up to 12 weeks before travel so if change your mind you can change your holiday! 4. AROUND THE CLOCK SUPPORT All my clients have access to an emergency 24/7 global duty office so no matter where you are in the world or what time of day it is, there is always someone to talk to if you need assistance outside of normal office hours. 5. EXCLUSIVE RATES I can offer my clients exclusive rates thanks to the huge network of travel professionals I belong to with Travel Counsellors and having access to nett rates for premium hotels globally that we contract directly. With no middle man, I can pass extra savings onto my clients. 6. LOW DEPOSIT You can secure your dream holiday with a low deposit. From as little as £125pp, you can book now any pay your balance any time you like up to 12 weeks before your departure. 7. TRUSTED REVIEWS I have access to trusted travel reviews for properties all around the world that have been visited by colleagues in my network of over 2000 travel agents and our customers who have provided feedback on their return. Remember that TripAdvisor is sadly full of fixed and fake reviews so it is really important to know that you’re booking a holiday based on the reviews of real unbiased customers. 8. MYTC You will have access to the MyTC travel app with your own account to keep track of all your holiday bookings and travel details, with an option to share your holiday information privately or on social media and a link to contact me anywhere in the world at the touch of a button. 9. TRAVEL INSURANCE The travel insurance product I recommend to my clients includes multiple policy options for all kinds of travel arrangements and protects you personal possessions, curtailment cover if you have to cut your journey short, and medical cover If you become ill whilst overseas. 10. GIVING BACK For every holiday booked with me, you will be contributing towards my partner charity - TreeSisters. So you can have peace of mind knowing that your travel experience will help fund new projects to ethically restore the rainforest and the planet through ethical, community-led projects that improve socioeconomic outcomes with women and community at their core. Get in touch and start planning your next holiday with confidence. I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon!

28 January 2021

Travel can sometimes be a very stressful experience. Not the going away and enjoying yourself part, but the planning, organisation, sorting insurances and logistics of taking a trip away are a headache many wish would just go away. For those entering their golden years, this stress is something they just don’t need. Which is where I step in. I help people from all walks of life make the most of their time off by arranging amazing holidays, from start to finish. But why would you choose a Travel Counsellor over, say, doing it all yourself? YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRAVEL GURU While going on holiday might seem like a simple thing, there are a lot of moving pieces involved in making it happen. From arranging flights and hotel rooms, sorting out travel insurances, arranging things to do, making sure paperwork is in order and making sure there are no hidden surprises when you arrive. It’s a lot to keep on top of! But instead of spending your nights stressing about boarding passes or airport parking, you can sit back and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine. With a Travel Counsellor (Me!), you get your own personal, highly experienced travel guru, dedicated to tailoring a holiday just for you. Just give me an idea of what you want to do (no matter how far out it is) and how much you want to spend, and let me handle everything else! From arranging premium flights at bargain prices to sorting out your daily itinerary, my aim is to give you the most stress free and enjoyable holiday experience possible. Any questions you have can be answered quickly by a person who knows your plans and needs, instead of a robotic automatic response. Any specialist requirements can be accommodated from the very start, creating the perfect holiday for your needs every time. NO 'ONLINE ONLY' ISSUES Over the last few years people have been increasingly concerned with the number of online ‘cowboy’ travel agents, taking advantage of older travellers and marking them targets. And sadly, it’s true that you don’t have to go far to find the horror stories. It’s not really surprising that people turned against travel agents in general for a while, all thanks to a few bad apples in the bunch. Even taking travel agents out of the mix, the number of ways things can go wrong when booking online is astronomical – from incorrect dates to ending up in the wrong country. With me as your personal advisor, I help you navigate those murky waters, protect you and keep you and your data safe every step of the way. I help my clients avoid making those nightmare mistakes along the way – like booking transport with unreliable companies or turning up to a hotel only to find it’s not disabled friendly. I guide you through every aspect of booking your holiday using years of industry knowledge and trusted contacts, so you can be sure that you avoid making simple mistakes and just enjoy your holiday! PEACE OF MIND A holiday is an expensive thing, so you want to make sure you’re putting your money in the right places, and that you are protected should anything go wrong. We’ve all heard stories of stranded holiday makers and lost bookings, with no recourse to get their money back, or even to get home. And while the younger folk might be happy to sleep in the airport lounge overnight, for the older generation that’s just not practical or safe. Thankfully, no one does financial protection like Travel Counsellors. We take the protection of your money very seriously, so we make sure that everything you book with Travel Counsellors is fully covered, no ifs, no buts and no loopholes. Even if the worst should happen, our global 24/7 offices are on hand to protect our clients by responding to anything that could potentially affect your holiday – anything from extreme weather to train strikes and terrorism. In these cases, we help you make alternate travel arrangements that will have a minimal impact on you. There is nothing I love more than receiving postcards from happy clients having fun on their golden getaways. As a Travel Counsellor, I work with a lot of individuals and couple over 50 who just want to relax without all the hassle that goes with it. To find out more about me, or how I could help you plan your perfect retirement getaway, just get in touch to arrange a chat at a time to suit you.

28 January 2021

Once you’ve said ‘Yes’.. then comes the rest! Including the much needed respite of the honeymoon. For most couples, this is a truly special trip – the first long, exotic holiday together and the start of their new lives as a married couple. So you want it to be perfect, right? Sadly, it is possible to do this heavenly trip wrong, and a few simple mistakes could endanger your wonderful trip. But I don’t want that – I want you to have the time of your lives. So here are my 5 top tips for planning the perfect honeymoon, whatever your tastes. CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU BOOK If you’ve been dreaming of a winter wedding followed by a glorious beach honeymoon, you need to do some serious planning beforehand. Despite some of these destinations seeming ‘always sunny’, most of them have wet seasons, hurricane seasons and harsh winters that could ruin your ideal sunny honeymoon. Now if you like rain that’s fine, but it’s always worth doing your research, so that you know what you want is what you’ll actually get! So before you book your February honeymoon to Mauritius, remember to check the weather and make sure it isn’t cyclone season! USE A TRUSTED TRAVEL AGENT With a wedding to plan, the honeymoon often ends up being an afterthought for busy couples. But your honeymoon is one of the most special holidays you will ever have, so you should make it memorable. Using a trusted travel agent means you will have access to all sorts of hidden perks from complimentary champagne and fruit platters in your room to spa access and romantic dining experiences. Not only that, your Travel Agent will have direct contact with a wide range of hotels that offer fantastic benefits packages for honeymooning couples, so you can get the 5-star treatment for a fraction of the cost. There’s one more benefit to using a trusted travel agent to arrange your honeymoon, and that’s complete peace of mind. I can completely tailor your honeymoon experience and take care of all the little details – like luggage, seat reservations, car transfers, and hotel bookings – so you can enjoy a stress-free, seamless honeymoon from start to finish. ASK FOR CONTRIBUTIONS If you’re desperate for a particular honeymoon but your budget won’t quite stretch to it, you might want to consider a honeymoon gift list. Honeymoon contributions as wedding gifts have been growing in popularity over the last few years, especially since most couples getting married already live together. This makes the ‘traditional’ wedding gifts of linens and china a bit redundant, so instead ask your wedding guests to help you put together the perfect honeymoon. With me, you have access to a unique gift registry service that makes it simple and easy to manage your donations. Guests can buy a particular activity for you, or simply give a sum of money for you to spend on you trip. Our registry services include a web page, where we can upload photos and messages, as well as all the stationary you need to ask – and thank – for your honeymoon gifts. READ TRUSTED REVIEWS It saddens me to say it, but every year I deal with so many people who have been taken in by fake reviews on their previous holidays. But you can avoid all of that by talking to a trusted travel agent. I have access to millions of hotel reviews worldwide from trusted and certified sources, so you can read real stories from real clients, without worrying that you’re being sold to based on fake reviews that have been posted by reputation management agencies. BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET! Just like the wedding, the honeymoon budget can easily spiral out of control. So when you’re talking honeymoons, it’s important to set yourself a realistic budget. From there, you can work out a savings plan, how much you can pay off in advance and whether you want your guests to contribute. By working out a budget, you avoid overspending and having to make last minute cut backs on other elements of the wedding. It also stops you from dipping into the honeymoon fund if the wedding starts to go over budget, as you know you won’t be able to afford that wonderful 10-day trip if you take away from the pot. But above all, planning the perfect honeymoon means being true to yourself. There is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ honeymoon, and this once in a lifetime trip should be a celebration of everything that makes your marriage unique. As a Travel Counsellor, I love helping each couple I work with craft the ideal honeymoon for them – whether it’s swimming in clear blue oceans or hunkering down to watch the Northern Lights together. With my network of contacts and knowledge of luxury travel worldwide, I can help plan the perfect honeymoon for you. For more information or to start planning the most exciting getaway of your life, get in touch and I'll look forward to hearing from you!