Sent by Diane Barnes
Pulborough 20/01/2025
I have already recommended Mark to several friends as his service is always exceptionally efficient. He responds immediately to enquiries and always manages to provide a professional service.
Based In Hove
Mark Gibson
Available for new enquiries
It's Nice To Meet You
Do you love going on holiday but dread the thought of organising and researching it? Do you dislike spending hours online looking through different sites and options? Do you worry about whether you have booked the right thing, and what if you need help if something goes wrong?
If the answer is yes to these questions why not have your very own personal travel expert? With me, it is personal, because I care. I will look after you from start to finish, offering you my knowledge and support. I’ll take all the worries away, leaving you with a memorable holiday experience which is exciting, relaxing and fun!
Travel and customer service is my passion. I love exploring new places and cultures and have visited Florida, California, New York and New England in the US as well as Australia, the Caribbean, India and the Middle East, and many other great places in Europe and beyond. I draw on my wealth of travel knowledge built up over close to 20 years in the travel industry and can call upon the knowledge and experience of our local destination representatives in most countries in order to provide you with a tailor-made bespoke holiday that’s right for you.
Your holiday is very personal to you and those travelling with you and my aim is to provide you with a holiday and a service to meet your requirements. If you like to have your tickets in your wallet, with hand written luggage labels, I will do that. If, however, your prefer the latest technology; then the My TC app which is the only smartphone tool of its kind currently available in the industry, will give you all the information you require including your documents, quotes and flights status updates.
What’s more, Travel Counsellors has the highest level of financial protection in the travel industry. Every penny you spend with me will always be completely protected - so why go anywhere else?
If you would like to see what my customers say about me just click on the customer comments tab above.
For more information or to discuss your holiday plans, please contact me I would love to hear from you!
My customer stories
Sent by Gillian Clancy
Worthing 10/05/2024
My travel counsellor takes the stress out of planning my journeys and responds readily to emails in a friendly and very helpful manner. I would definitely recommend him.
Sent by Kalpesh Shah
Brighton & Hove 24/07/2023
Mark recently organised and planned a family trip of 4 to Thailand.
From start to finish, Mark was concise and meticulous. He suggested places and areas to visit and hotels and resorts to stay in.
From the minute we landed to the moment we left, the organisation was perfect allowing us to enjoy and indulge in the wonders of the country.
I will certainly be using Mark’s services in the future and recommend him highly.
Kalpesh and Jayna.
Sent by Sarah Barnett
Peacehaven 03/10/2022
I can highly recommend Mark Gibson. Mark listened to what I wanted out of a holiday and our budget and was realistic with what he presented us. He nailed it. The hotel he suggested was actually one I had looked at on another website so he was bang in with what we wanted and came in cheaper. I was worried using a travel counsellor what it would be pricey but it wasn. I would definitely use Mark again.
Sent by Shaun McMahon
Brighton 31/03/2022
Mark listened to our exact needs and gave multiple options which met them. First time using this type of approach to booking a holiday and wouldn’t do it any other way now!
Sent by Noel Preston
Hove 29/10/2021
Great service from Mark. Quick responses, understood our holiday requirements and preferences, provided plenty of options taking these into condition and all set up and booked with the minimal of hassle! So much easier than doing ourselves and would definitely recommend and use again
Sent by Jacqueline Reyher
HOVE 22/10/2021
I am already recommending my Travel Counsellor Mark Gibson to my friends, family and colleagues. Mark has taken all the stress out of booking my holiday, has tailored the service to suit me and given recommendations of places to visit once I arrive. I also know I can rely on him once I am there if need be. And all this with no extra cost to me than if I had booked it all myself. Thank you Mark.
Sent by John Barber
CHELTENHAM 08/10/2021
As always, Mark has done an excellent job for us; taking our brief about what we were looking for and turning it into a great holiday itinerary. All done at very short notice! Many thanks
Sent by Stuart Le Duc
BRIGHTON 19/09/2021
I would definitely recommend Mark to all of my family and friends, he is always so pleasant and helpful a 10 out of 10 every time
Sent by Laura Heaton
Reinholds 08/07/2021
Mark takes all the hassle out of planning a dream vacation! No matter what or where we want to go, Mark is knowledgeable and creates a comprehensive experience that exceeds expectations
Sent by Michael Scott
Sittingbourne 10/01/2020
Mark is always helpful and friendly and finds exactly what we are looking for at a good price, nothing is too much trouble, and always gets back to you with an answer to your enquiry. Great service right till you fly and while you are away.
Sent by Benjamin Colyer
Hove 17/12/2019
Mark has provided an excellent professional service and has kept our best interests at the forefront of any quote he has generated for us, often amending small aspects of our quote to tailor it to exactly what we are looking for and within our budget.
Sent by Sienna Reyher
Hove 21/10/2019
I was very pleased with how friendly and helpful Mark was when booking my trip to Canada. He really quickly got back to me having found the best deals. Would definitely recommend to others and use again myself.
Sent by Diane Barnes
West Sussex 01/10/2019
Mark has been amazing. Not only has he managed all of the arrangements for our holiday including two hotels, parking, airport transfers, flights - but has done so with amazing efficiency and with great attention to detail. We continue to be so impressed and have already recommended him to friends and relations.
Sent by Laura Heaton
USA 18/05/2019
Mark,Thank you so very much for creating such a wonderful experience in Turkey. Everything was just wonderful and I can’t wait to go back.
The guide you arranged for me in Istanbul (Tugberk) was absolutely fantastic and made the day and trip to Istanbul so very enjoyable. He is a gem.
Thank you again for all your help, it was absolutely perfect.
Sent by James Wright
Brighton 04/04/2019
I asked mark to suggest and arrange an all inclusive holiday for Sarah, my partner and myself.
He came up with some great places to stay, we decided on Port Ghalib in Egypt and the 5 star Sun Palace Hotel.
It was great, Mark certainly knows his stuff.
The whole experience was fantastic, the hotel itself was magnificent, the staff were great and the food was excellent.
Sarah and I will certainly be using Mark again, as his attention to detail and always being available on the phone to answer question was great.
James & Sarah
Sent by Kimberley Foulkes
Cyprus 25/02/2019
Mark is always available when I make an enquiry and has a wealth of knowledge to help me book my holidays adding value to make my experiences extra special. I regularly recommend him to my friends, and they have also benefitted from his experience and help.
Sent by Andrew Meakin
Crowborough 30/10/2018
Mark put together a fabulous trip for us this October. We gave him our suggested itinerary which consisted of 3 nights in the Victoria Falls Hotel and 3 nights at the Thornybush Waterside Lodge in the Kruger National Park. Mark's attention to detail was exemplary from the organization of all the 6 flights to letting the hotels know that it was our 30th wedding anniversary. Consequently, every hotel we stayed in provided us with special room makeups and complimentary bottles. We had a truly memorable trip and would not hesitate to recommend Mark to our friends and family in the future. Thank you to Mark and Travel Counsellors for putting together such a great holiday.
Sent by Alison Colyer
Hove 02/07/2018
Mark recently organised an amazing trip for us to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. He made it so easy for us and went above and beyond to ensure that everything exceeded our expectations. Thank you so much Mark, will definitely be recommending you to all my family and friends!
Sent by Tina La Roche
Port Solent 29/06/2018
Mark came highly recommended by some friends who had called upon his expertise to plan their honeymoon in Canada.
From our very first phone call, Mark presented as personable, professional, knowledgeable, quite charming and gave us the impression that nothing would be too much trouble. Now, having returned from our own honeymoon tailored and booked especially for us by Mark, we can confirm that this was indeed the case. Even when we interrupted him on holiday to check our itinerary, Mark ensured that all our requests were met and indeed surpassed.
Mark succeeded in planning a fabulous honeymoon for us, touring the west and east coasts of France, despite our attempts at sabotage! Thank you Mark. We would highly recommend your services.
Sent by Sally Gabriel
Lewes 07/05/2018
Mark kindly helped me to book a weekend away for my partner's birthday. My wish was for us to have a quiet weekend but still to be close to a town/city - preferably walking distance. Mark found us the perfect place in Bath - it was peaceful and tranquil but also right on the doorstep of the city centre - meeting our needs exactly. The weekend was delightful and gave us the opportunity to spend some quality time together and this was because mark truly listened to our needs and then found the perfect place. Mark then went one step further and recommended some delightful places to eat which fully complimented the weekend. I would wholeheartedly recommend Mark to all friends and family wishing to book the perfect holiday/break. Thank you Mark!
Sent by Stephen Musiol
Brighton and Hove 23/01/2018
I have used Mark at Travel Counsellors on a number of occasions and always find him to be friendly and knowledgeable. You will never feel the experience is just a 'sales pitch' as Mark will tailor your holiday to your own requirements and budget. 100% recommend.
Sent by George Burdon
Brighton 13/12/2017
Mark took very good care of us.
We had a honeymoon to Mexico, and after putting up with months of indecision Mark helped us find our perfect getaway.
The location was stunning (Grand Occidental in Xcaret), the all-inclusive package we were on was superb and very all- inclusive.
We enjoyed 10 stress free days of sun, new animals and environments and general pampering.
The location was exceptional and the airport transfers etc. being included made everything very convenient and stress-free.
As we didn't have internet access in Mexico, Mark even checked us in online to make sure we got the seats we wanted.
One issue we suffered with a terminal transfer we raised with Mark and he reimbursed us for our cab fare.
Mark was quick to respond, keen to accommodate all requests and very sensible in his recommendations.
He has being nothing but polite and helpful the entire time we've dealt with him and we'd definitely run our next holiday idea by him to see what he can do for us.
Mark was prepared for any brief and be it anything from a budget saving trip to a decadent travelling spree, I'm sure he would be equipped to deal with all requirements.
Thank you Mark for a lovely honeymoon!
Sent by Amy Trevellick
Hove 12/12/2017
Mark organised a fantastic trip for us to drive across California. We started in San Francisco, travelling initially for a friend’s wedding. Then we headed south east into Yosemite National Park, back out to Carmel by Sea and Monterey on the coast, and eventually down to LA. We wanted to do the typical American road trip so Mark organised a convertible Mustang to take us on our journey.
It was fantastic to have someone who had visited each of those places to guide us on where to stay, which areas were best, and how long we needed to really get the most of each location. Mark’s knowledge was second to none, and he was easily able to suggest some small alterations to the itinerary to help bring the trip in on budget.
We were extremely happy with the service and will definitely book again! Thank you Mark.
Sent by Valerie Upsher
West Mersea 10/08/2017
Thank you Mark for all your help and suggestions regarding our South Africa trip. I couldn't have done it without your help and prompt reply to my questions. I would reccomend you to my friends.
Sent by David Foster
Seaford 10/08/2017
Mark was very helpful and professional in the way he has dealt with our booking . This included getting back to us at weekends and in the evening .
Sent by Amanda Lloyd
Hove 27/07/2017
Mark was very patient helping myself and my mum choose a week away. We had a week in a fabulous hotel in Gran Canaria and everything was perfect! How lovely to have Mark arrange everything, it definitely eliminated some stress and was therefore a very personal service which I would thoroughly recommend. Many thanks Mark. Keep up the good work!
Sent by JOHN BARBER
CHELTENHAM 07/07/2017
Mark took the time to understand what we wanted and was happy to amend ideas as we worked together to create the holidays we wanted. A real bespoke approach.
Sent by Lynne Edwards
Hove 12/06/2017
Mark has been incredibly helpful not only booking flights and hotels for us, but also our golf too. I can get on with my day job knowing that he has taken care of all the details! Happy days.
Sent by Jodie Collier
Brighton 19/05/2017
Mark never fails to deliver such fantastic service. This is the 3rd holiday I have booked with him and also have referred him to several people including my parents who have booked 2 cruises through him. The service received is very personal and honest which is what you want when booking your dream holiday. In a word "Outstanding"!
Sent by Naresh Daswani
Brighton & Hove 18/01/2017
Mark organised a highly successful trip to India for me and my wife Anne. He was always on call tying up all issues including booking restaurants for us. When we lost our rucksack with passports in our transfer taxi, Mark successfully managed to retrieve them. All his agents in India were first rate and we were really well looked after. It was extremely reassuring to have this level of support in India. Thank you Mark for your efforts. We will definitely use you again in the future. We will highly recommend Mark to all our family and friends as well.
Sent by Sandra Eldridge
Hove 08/01/2017
I would like to express my grateful thanks to Mark Gibson for the excellent service he provided for my stay in Nice. No detail was too small, from organising the flight and hotel to making sure that I had special assistance at both Gatwick and Nice airports. I had ordered a taxi to take me to Gatwick but had forgotten to order the one to pick me up which he did for me.
I had also organised coach travel from Pool Valley in Brighton to Victoria coach station i London at other times through him which he did beautifully. As I said, nothing is too small for him to sort out.
Sent by Emily Charles
Burgess Hill 18/08/2016
We had an amazing time. it was all organised perfectly. All the camps and hotels were brilliant and we loved every minute! We didn't want to come home and we already want to go back!
Thanks so much for organising the honeymoon of a lifetime - it was by far the best holiday of both of our lives and everything we hoped it would be!
Sent by Alison Colyer
Hove 15/07/2016
We have just returned from an amazing holiday to Dubrovnik that Mark booked for us. The hotel he recommended was fantastic and he obviously took a lot of time to find the perfect holiday for us. We booked everything though him including transfers and airport parking and it was completely stress free. Would definitely recommend. Thank you Mark!
Sent by Johnny Ernest
St Albans 21/12/2015
I would most definitely recommend Mark to friends and family in the future. There was no pressure or hard sell unlike other competitors - while still being very helpful and informative.
Sent by Jodie Collier
Brighton 27/09/2015
Everything from start to finish was fantastic, the service I received was something I have never experienced when booking a holiday before. It really does have the "personal touch" I was kept in touch with the whole way through which made me feel quite special rather than just another customer.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends and family infact I already have!
Sent by Mark Adams
London 18/09/2015
Mark set up the perfect holiday for our particular needs; his recommendations were spot on and his attention to detail top notch. Thanks a lot!
Sent by Robert Miles
Hove 20/08/2015
Mark took care of every aspect of our 20th Wedding Anniversary holiday. It was naturally an important holiday to us and Mark was superb, organising every aspect of the trip......all we had to do was be in the right place at the right time and relax! Thank you so much Mark for all that you did.
Sent by Rosalind Russell
Worthing 10/08/2015
Mark has been so helpful in finding a holiday for my friend and I. He is patient and friendly which adds a personal touch missing in an Internet holiday booking.
Based in
My Videos
Banan Beach, Ras Al Khaiman
11/03/2023
A brief intro to Banan Beach
Balloon burners
11/03/2023
Getting our balloon ready to go
Sunrise from Balloon Ras Al Khaiman
11/03/2023
Incredible feeling as I watch sunrise from hot air balloon
View from Movenpick Marjan Island Ras Al Khaiman
11/03/2023
Morning view from Hotel room
My Blog
I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.
oslo
03 September 2025
We flew into Oslo for a short 4 day visit and we luckily had beautiful warm and sunny weather. We particularly enjoyed the area we were staying in Aker Brigge and it close proximity ot the waterfront where the national museum and the Nobel Peace museum are located. We went out into the Fjord on an old wooden ship for a short cruise and also used the local ferry to visit the folk museum which is we
Montenegro Summer 25
21 July 2025
We flew into Tivat airport and took a taxi to our hotel Vivid Blue Serenity Resort which is 10 minutes outside the resort of Budva. The hotel is lovely with a fab inifinity pool with views over the clear and beautifully blue sea. The hotel also offer a complimentary shuttle transfer down to Pura Vida Beach club which is 5 minutes from the hotel by taxi but down a steep hill which you can walk down
South Africa – Bush,Beach,Battlefields and Berg
21 October 2024
This was my first visit to South Africa and to experience an Africa safari as well as seeing other parts of the rainbow nation in an 8-day visit. On arrival at Johannesburg airport, we went straight onto a connecting flight to Skukusa airport in the Kruger National Park. We were transported by open sided land cruiser with its tiered seats towards Tshokwane River camp our home for the next 3 days
Italy part 2 - Venice
21 September 2024
We took the train from Padua and arrived into Saint Lucia station and as you exit the train station you are immediately on the banks of the Grand Canal and the hustle and bustle of water craft plying the waters. We decided to buy a 2 day pass for the water buses which allows you to use them on every route which is a good tip as one journey is 10 euros and a 2 day pass is currently 35 euros. Our f
Italy part 1 - Abano Therme Wellness break
19 September 2024
We flew to Verona at the start of our holiday and after a wander around the Arena (Roman Amphitheatre) and the obligatory view of the Romeo and Giulietta balcony and the imposing Lamberti tower and some lunch we took the 35 minute train journey to Padua. I would recommend spending some time in Padua with it’s wonderful cathedral and Piazzas where you can spend some aperitivo time enjoying a pre di
Break to Copenhagen
23 December 2023
We travelled to Copenhagen for a short 4 night break and on arrival the journey from the airport to the city centre couldn't be simpler with a short 20 minute train journey taking you right to the heart of the city. We stayed by the park close to Rosenborg castle and would definitely recommend doing a tour of the castle and it's houses the royal families crown jewels which are spectacular. It's al
Short break to Ras Al Khaiman
25 April 2023
Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem located in the United Arab Emirates and I was fortunate enough to be shown around as a guest of the Ras Al Khaimah tourist board. It is the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience luxury beachfront resorts, adventure, and relaxation. If you are planning a trip to Ras Al Khaimah, then you should consider staying at the DoubleTree Marjan Island and Mov
Arcachon and Cap Ferret
25 November 2022
We flew to Bordeaux and took the bus transfer to Bordeaux Saint – Jean train station. The train journey to Arcachon takes about 40 minutes. We had 4 nights at a hotel close to the beach and in the centre of the town which made our stay very convenient. Arcachon is a lovely seaside town attracting mainly French tourists and I would describe it is an upscale resort without the bling of St Tropez or
I Love New York
07 January 2022
Having not been able to fly to the USA for the past 2 years until recently when the restrictions were lifted made me reflect on my visits to the Big Apple and reminded me just why I love New York. The last time I visited was in 2017, a family holiday with my wife and teenage children. It was their first visit and we stayed at the New Yorker hotel with views of the Empire State and a few blocks fr
Staycation in the Cotswolds
13 July 2021
It was so amazing to be able to have a holiday for the first time since 2019 and to write this blog about it. With lockdown restrictions recently lifted allowing stays in the UK we decided on a trip to the Cotswolds. We chose Barn End cottage in the pretty village of Paxford which boasts the lovely Churchill Arms where we had an excellent meal from award winning chef Nick Deverell-Smith. We were
Sweden In the City and Countryside
12 June 2019
We went on holiday to see family who live in the countryside about an hour outside of Stockholm. During the summer the weather is lovely with warm sunny days which are long as the sunsets are late in the evening and it never gets really dark. We visited Stockholm which makes for a perfect short break. My highlights include wandering the labyrinth of cobble streets and alleyways which make up the
New Year in Lanzarote
19 May 2019
My wife and I travelled to Playa Blanca in Lanzarote with some friends for a birthday celebration over Xmas/New Year. Playa Blanca is located in the South of the Island and you can see Fuerteventura in the distance. The town has a 5km promenade which runs from the Marina Rubicon at one end to the lighthouse at the other and has a number of white sand beaches along it including Flamingo Beach and
Kerala God's own country - April 2018
30 April 2018
Kerala is located on the south west tip of India and we flew into Trivandrum at the start of our eight-day visit exploring the coastline and backwaters. Kerala has 44 rivers and 34 lakes and innumerable canals to explore. Our first night was spent at the idyllic Poovar Resort Island which can only be reached by boat transfer and gave us our first view of waterways, birds and tropical trees and
Tuscany and the Cinque Terre
08 October 2017
My wife and I love Italy. For us it has it all, from the most wonderful cities and countryside to it’s warm sunshine and superb food and wine. Visiting the Cinque Terre (which means 5 lands) on the Italian Riviera has for some time been on our bucket list and we also very much wanted to visit Tuscany. Our first stop in Tuscany was to its capital Florence. We arrived in the early evening and as
Seville
06 July 2017
Hello and thank you for reading my latest travel blog on our trip to Seville. We spent 5 days in Seville in June 17 and love this city. Our hotel the Fernando III was located in the Old Town a few minutes walk through the narrow lanes that are a feature of the city to the Cathedral square and the Alcajar Palace. Our hotel had a roof top swimming pool which was great for a refreshing dip. T
Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
04 May 2017
My wife and I travelled to Playa Blanca in Lanzarote with some friends. Playa Blanca is located in the South of the Island and you can see Fuerteventura in the distance. The town has a 5km promenade which runs from the Marina Rubicon at one end to the lighthouse at the other and has a number of white sand beaches along it including Flamingo Beach and Dorado Beach which are wide and safe. Playa Bla
Prague
10 October 2016
We went for a mini break in early October and stayed in a hotel within walking distance of the Old Town but we also took advantage of the great tram and underground services which are the best way to get around. Prague has many sightseeing attractions so even if the weather wasn’t as hot as it would be through the summer months it really doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the city. On arrival we
Tuscany
25 July 2016
I visited Lucca, Florence and Pisa on a small group tour over five days. We flew into Pisa and took a short train journey to Lucca. Lucca is one of Tuscany’s real hidden gems, a walled city with ancient buildings and beautiful churches, lovely piazzas (and Pizza) and narrow streets. During our stay in Lucca we hired bikes and rode around the elevated walkway and cycle paths that form the top o
Sicily
30 May 2016
We flew to Taormina in Sicily to celebrate our wedding anniversary in May. We stayed at the lovely La Plage Resort which is located directly below the town of Taormina. The small bay in front of the resort has wonderful views and is connected via a shingle bar to the small Island and nature reserve of Isola Bella. The quickest route to Taormina town was via the Fenicular which whisks you up the hi
Paphos, Cyprus
12 April 2016
We spent a week in the Paphos area of Cyprus as we were visiting a good friend who lives there and was our guide and taxi driver during our stay. We arrived at the beginning of April and despite being still quite cold when we left England on arrival in Paphos the temperatures were between 21-24 degrees Celsius and we were lucky enough to have blue sky every day so great for sun worshippers. In ac
Gran Canaria
01 July 2015
I visited Gran Canaria for 5 days in June 2015 as part of a group trip with some fellow travel Counsellors. This was my first visit to Gran Canaria and I was based in Maspalomas on the southern coast of the island which is a 30 minute drive from the airport. Maspalomas is famous for its abundance of sand dunes and beautiful beach. The whole area of Maspalomas and neighbouring Meloneras have be
Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard
14 April 2015
We spent a family holiday in Cape Cod renting a house on a golf course near to the town of Falmouth. Cape Cod is in the state of Massachussetts and is a peninsular which juts out into the Atlantic on the easternmost part of the state. Cape Cod has a number of places given names from the United Kingdom such as Chatham, Sandwich, Harwich and Barnstable. This is because this part of America is where
Doha, Qatar
10 April 2015
During the time I was working in the Middle East my family and I had a holiday in Doha the capital of Qatar. During our taxi ride from Doha airport to our hotel our first impression was of the spectacular skyline of Doha dominated by the skyscrapers that are concentrated by and run along the West Bay area of the City. The waterfront is called the Corniche and curves for about 5 kms around the bay
Amalfi Coast
05 November 2014
The island of Capri is a 30 minute ferry journey across the bay of Naples setting off from Sorrento and arriving at Marina Grande. We were keen to get a closer view of the island but rather than another large boat sharing with groups of people we opted for own small boat with our own captain - a local who had a great knowledge of the sights and water ways around the island. As we were in our small
Contact Me
Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you: