Mark Hallam
My expertise
I'm based in
Redditch
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Cruise & Tailor-Made Travel Specialist | 18+ Years' Experience | Helping You Get Travel Right
Travel is personal. So the way you plan it should be too.
I've been helping people arrange their holidays and travel for more than 18 years, and I've travelled extensively myself along the way.
Cruising is a particular area of expertise for me. I've now sailed on 34 cruises, giving me first-hand experience of different ships, cruise lines, itineraries and styles of cruising, from ocean and river cruising to expedition travel.
I also specialise in tailor-made travel, where getting the detail right can make all the difference.
My approach is simple: I listen first.
I want to understand who you're travelling with, what you enjoy, what matters to you and what you don't want. I then use my experience and knowledge to research the options and help you make an informed choice.
Because when you're spending several thousand pounds on a holiday, finding a holiday isn't usually the difficult part.
Finding the right one is.
Cruising can also be an excellent way to bring a family together across several generations. I've helped organise holidays where grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren can all travel together, while still having the freedom to enjoy the holiday in their own way. These trips can involve a lot of moving parts, and that's where having one person coordinating everything can make a real difference.
Whether you're considering your first cruise, looking for a different cruise line, planning a complicated tailor-made journey, bringing a large family together or simply don't have the time to work it all out yourself, I'll take care of the detail.
You'll deal directly with me from the first conversation through to your return home, with proactive support if plans change along the way.
No call centre. No passing you from one person to another. Just a genuinely personal relationship with someone who knows your travel.
And if you're not quite sure what you want yet, that's fine too.
Sometimes the most useful conversation starts with:
“We'd like to go somewhere, but we're not quite sure where.”
If you're thinking about your next trip, I'd love to help.
Let's talk.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Celebrity Beyond: Beyond Expectations
Celebrity Cruises' latest Edge Class ship, Celebrity Beyond, did more than live up to my expectations. Just like its name, it really did go Beyond. My cabin was one of the new-style Infinite Verandas, which gives you the option of creating a larger living space while still having what feels like a proper balcony. The bed was wonderfully comfortable and felt genuinely luxurious, while the multi-p
31 Oct 2022 3 min read
Discovering Thailand
I had never been to Thailand before, but I'd sold it as a destination many times. I was therefore really looking forward to experiencing the places and experiences my clients had told me so much about. Our original plan was to spend three nights in Bangkok before flying down to Koh Samui for a twin-centre stay, with six nights at each destination. Unfortunately, those plans were dashed almost im
04 Jun 2019 5 min read
Italian Lakes - Lake Garda - Is it for me?
Having done the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Venice and Sicily the opportunity to visit Lake Garda for 5 nights was too good to pass up, myself and 3 other agents were treated to an immersive experience of everything the Lake has to offer courtesy of our hosts Hotelplan whose portfolio includes Inghams. This Educational trip was not about the hotels they feature although we saw quite a few, it was why
22 Nov 2018 4 min read
Canada - Coast to Coast - Niagara Falls To Vancouver and The Rocky Mountaineer
First stop Niagara and I have to say it’s only the Falls that appeal. One night here and perhaps one night at Niagara on the lake is perfect. I think it is well worth having a great view of the Falls from your hotel, so you can see it first thing in the morning and last thing at night when it is all lit up. Selecting your hotel and room type is important. (pic 1) The drive to the lake is litter
22 Nov 2018 6 min read
European River Cruising - Here is the lowdown
Fancy a bit of culture? And a bit of fine dining? If the answer is yes then you need to look at a European river cruise. I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on an educational by a company we use called APT. In just one week I saw Mozart's birthplace in Salzsburg as well as the famous fountain used in a scene from the Sound of Music. The castle which kept Richard the Lionheart captive for
07 Aug 2018 2 min read
Staycation - Hoseasons Heaven
Just got back from a fantastic 4 night stay in the peak district we stayed at Hoseasons award winning Darwin Forest Country Park. We went with another family who has a Labrador and stayed in a 4 bedroom lodge which was so modern in every way – fully fitted kitchen with a washing machine, Mira showers and flat screen TV’s. The facilities on site were amazing namely the ultra modern Swimming pool
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
What Happens In Vegas...............
On entering the Hotel Bellagio I was amazed at the size of the reception area even the concierge desk had 6 people manning it. Until you actually visit Vegas yourself it’s hard to imagine just how busy all the hotels are. Hotels is probably not the best way to describe them, more resorts or a complex. As the week progressed the Bellagio grew on me and I got used to the constant ebb and flow of
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
Why Not Try An Unspoilt Turkish Riviera Delight?
This trip started off very well due to the fact I booked a Meet & Greet service to park my car – as we were not due back until the early hours I thought a little indulgence was in order and what a fabulous service it is, you just drive up hand over keys and stroll into departures and on return they are waiting for you in the same spot very smooth and no waiting for shuttle buses. We decided earlie
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
Adriatic Coast on Thomson Spirit - What an itinerary!
I have been on quite a lot of cruise ships and it was with a little trepidation that I joined 18 friends and booked onto Thomson Spirit, but the thought of being with so many friends and not least the actual itinerary – The Adriatic, I went for it. Thomson ships have taken a battering in the press and on TV so I am pleased to report that the ship and cruise exceeded my expectations. The Itinera
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
Is The Red Sea For You? - You Decide
Red sea holidays are an Egyptian specialist and I was lucky enough to go on an educational trip to see firsthand their accommodations portfolio in not one but four separate resorts. We flew into Hurghada and spent two nights at the 5* Grand Resort which is a great hotel for both couples and families, it is distinctly split into two areas with two large pools one more lively than the other so if yo
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
Why Toronto? - Here's Why
Canada has 13 provinces and territories and if they all have as much appeal as Ontario then I want to visit them all. They say first impressions last and how true – arriving at Toronto airport which was spotless and efficient we were then whisked off to our hotel Le Royal Meridien King Edward. Steeped in Britishness but with a very friendly North American level of service, the rooms were spaci
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
Niagara Falls is it all that?
My first view of Niagra Falls was from a helicopter and it quite simply breathtaking! I got to see the falls in many other ways during our 2 night stopover at the fabulous Sheraton on the falls. My falls view room, high on the 21st floor presented this natural wonder of the world in all its glory both in the morning and bathed in light in the evening. The first night we dined at the revolvin
07 Aug 2018 2 min read
How to make the most of Australias' Gold Coast Twinned with Sydney
We flew out to Brisbane via Singapore with Qantas and were fortunate to be upgraded to premium economy on the final leg. I would definitely recommend this experience if you can afford it as the little touches are so worth it not to mention the larger seats and extra leg room. We were greeted by our host for the trip and whisked off to our first accommodation Peppers Broadbeach. An early check can
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
Rome in 3 days is it possible? Oh Yes
Early flight with Monarch (my preferred low cost airline) from Birmingham got us into Rome around midday, We thought we would try the express train into the main railway station 'Termini', as opposed to the expensive transfers just to see how they compare and to be honest it is an easy thing to do at a fraction of the cost (€28pp as opposed to £40pp on a shuttle transfer if booked in the UK).
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
How to get the best of New York in a few days
Having only three nights in New York, we decided to cram in as much as possible! We were very lucky on arrival as we sailed through immigration, but be prepared for this to sometimes be a lengthy process. We joined the cab queue which is a standard $52 dollars (plus any tunnel toll fees) for a Manhattan drop off. We stayed at the Staybridge Suites and were really happy to be granted our request
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
5 Top tips for first time cruisers
Many of my clients say they would like to try something different for their holiday and I always suggest a cruise. Unfortunately, lots of people have their reservations as there are many myths surrounding cruising. I decided to put together 5 top tips to ensure that people get the most out of what I believe is the best way to see a collection of wonderful places - while only having to unpack once!
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
Bermuda - So Much More Than A Triangle
Why Bermuda? I don’t have enough space to review each hotel individually but there is something for everyone on Bermuda and if this destination appeals we can discuss which of the 11 properties I visited would be most suitable. If beaches are your thing then Bermuda will not disappoint at all. I saw some stunning pink sandy secluded locations and even one Horseshoe Bay (see pictures) which a
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
The Truth About Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife Is About To Be Revealed.
One of the perks of being in the travel industry is that we get the opportunity to go, look and see for ourselves certain resorts and specific destinations. One of the trade magazines advertised a competition to win a week's stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tenerife. All that was required was to complete online training about the hotel and three lucky travel agents names were drawn out, mine include
07 Aug 2018 5 min read
Life's Too Short - Write Your Bucket List
Life is just too short We do not know when our time is up so it’s very important to try and achieve your life goals. Call them what you want, be it be ‘A Bucket List’ or ‘Wish List’ - just set it and do it. I am sharing mine to hopefully inspire others to ‘Live their Dreams’! Some I have already achieved and some I may never get to do but I am going to die trying… • Spot the Big 5 on Safari
07 Aug 2018 3 min read
Can I Tease You To Try Malta?
A very early start from Gatwick gave us three full days in Malta and I regret to say it simply was not enough. Although a very small island you need a least a week. Our cram packed itinerary saw us visit nine hotels/resorts, a walking tour of the capital Valletta which included a history of Malta show and lunch in a fabulous restaurant called Nenu the Artisan Baker as well as a boat tour of Vallet
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
First Aboard The Royal Princess Cruise Ship
The Princess Royal has officially been named by her Godmother Kate the Duchess of Cambridge. I was one of the lucky ones to get to spend an afternoon exploring all she has to offer as well as an evening sampling the food and entertainment. From the first glimpse of the ship I have to say she definitely looked regal. My self-guided tour took me all over and on many of the different decks. I got
07 Aug 2018 2 min read
Reasons Why You Should Go California For Your Next Vacation.
On arrival in San Jose the immigration process was so smooth no queues but then the luggage took 40 minutes to come through – win some, lose some. Our first hotel was the Fairmont in San Jose and very impressive it was, you can usually find some flaw of some description but not on this occasion. A great breakfast with plenty of choice. Our first full day began with a drive to Mount Herman fo
07 Aug 2018 5 min read
Things You Probably Didn't Know About South Africa - Cape Town And Beyond.
South Africa - Cape Town Firstly let me say if a trip to South Africa is not on your ‘To Do List’ then please give it some serious consideration. As a popular destination for my clients I was very keen to sample what this fantastic country has to offer its visitors. The journey began with our first experience of the newly opened Terminal 2 at Heathrow and having read all the travel blurb I
07 Aug 2018 5 min read
Discover The Top Secret Norwegian Fjords Cruise Hideaways.
The Norwegian Fjords were breathtakingly beautiful and sailing into them on Celebrity Eclipse made the trip even better. We sailed out of Southampton on the 8 night cruise in May Scheduled to visit 5 of Norway’s most popular ports, first up was Bergen famed for having one of the highest rainfalls of any city on earth and on our arrival it did not let us down, so with a courtesy umbrella from t
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
Choose Your South China Sea Cruise Itinerary Carefully
We set off on 2nd March flying from Birmingham with Emirates. We decided to break up the 14 hour flight to Singapore by spending a couple of days in Dubai with some friends who live there a fellow Travel Counsellor no less, and what a couple of days – we did the compulsory brunch choosing the Westin, it was supposed to last 4 hours but we stretched it to 8! The following day breakfast was at Jumei
07 Aug 2018 5 min read
Why You Must Experience Amsterdam At Least Once In Your Lifetime.
We arrived at Schiphol airport after a 45 min flight on KLM from Birmingham. Following the signs for the train to Amsterdam Central was easy enough then just a short 15 min ride. Our chosen hotel was less than a kilometre away, and it was a lovely sunny day so we decided to walk. Then it hits you - how diverse both the age range and the sheer amount of nationalities that descend upon the Venice of
07 Aug 2018 4 min read
Dubai with Etihad via Abu Dhabi
The collaboration of Dubai Tourist Board and Etihad Airways was to show us another gateway into Dubai via the award winning airlines hub airport in Abu Dhabi. Flying from Manchester we met some colleagues who flew from the other UK route Heathrow. The flight took 7 hours but really did seem like a lot less. The touch screen entertainment screens were different in so much as you could get camera vi
05 Nov 2010 4 min read
P&O AZURA Inaugural Launch
P&O’s Azura was my very first time aboard a brand new ship but hopefully not my last. She was as beautiful as her Godmother ‘Darcey Bussell’ the ballet dancer who named her officially My only complaint is that I could not spend more time onboard – however I did get to see everything I had planned on. In case anyone has any questions about her – on embarkation we were given a guide book which h
12 Apr 2010 3 min read
Fred Olsen's Flagship - The Balmoral
I wanted to get on this educational mini cruise with Fred Olsen for the very good reason. Although I am selling a lot of cruises I have had no enquiries for this company nor was I sure who the target market was, read on and all will be revealed. I booked car parking at the cruise terminal which was so effortless. I drove straight in and right up to the ship where I unloaded my luggage, which wa
18 Sept 2009 4 min read
Prague
Prague impressed me for many reasons, not least the fantastic buildings which were all so clean and well kept. The distinct lack of any birds flying around maybe had a lot to do with this, but even the streets were very tidy and I saw very little in the way of litter, and any there was, was quickly swept up and removed, I got the feeling that all the locals were very proud of their city and rightl
17 Apr 2009 2 min read
Cyprus Part 1
My recent trip to Cyprus was fascinating in many ways. I have been to the island twice before but never taken in any of its history which I did this time, however the main purpose of my visit was to view a selection of its hotels. I have not gone into great detail here but if you need further information on any of the properties just let me know and I can elaborate, but please look at the pictures
17 Apr 2009 3 min read
Cyprus Part 2
My first point of call on the second leg of my trip was to the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite –Petra tou Romiou we took pictures from a great vantage point. Another archaeological site next called Kourian which was very busy with tourists around lunch time much better to go see this fantastic place earlier in the day I was told. It is situated on cliff tops overlooking the sea. I saw evide
15 Apr 2009 4 min read
Fabulous Florida
Wow - I have just spent the most action-packed, fun-filled week of my life in Florida, courtesy of the Orlando Tourist Board. They flew me and over 90 other travel agents from all over the UK on an educational trip to see exactly what it has to offer the British tourist. Well from day one we set about fact finding all there is to know about Disney parks - we had a whistle stop tour of Blizzard
12 Dec 2008 4 min read
West End Weekend
Everytime I made a booking for a London West End theatre break everyone kept feeding back how much of a fantastic time they had. So with my birthday coming up we decided to go see how our capital city was fairing as it has been some time since my last recreational visit. We went and did all the touristy sightseeing - Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament etc which was great and because we land
02 Oct 2008 2 min read
Navigator of the Seas
I have never been on a cruise before, and like most people I had pre-conceived ideas of what a cruise was like – Too formal /stuffy/average age 60+/ not family friendly etc. I couldn't be more mistaken, all these popular misconceptions are now gone and my first taste of cruising was simply wonderful. I feel the experience of just 4 nights on board has given me an insight into cruising that sim
23 Sept 2008 2 min read
Perfect Portugal - All Inclusive
The reviews we read about this resort prior to booking were a mixture of good and bad but having worked for a season in the area as a holiday rep about 10 years ago I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. I am so glad I did - what a wonderful week we had from beginning to end - it surpassed my expectations. We opted for a taxi transfer from the airport which started the trip off really well
22 Jul 2008 3 min read
Monaco Grand Prix
Last year I was lucky enough to guide some clients on a trip to watch the Monaco Grand Prix. We stayed in a small village outside Monaco called Beaulieu-sur-Mer as hotel rooms are booked years in advance for this particular event. As it happens I am glad that we were not in Monaco for the whole 4 days as it gave us an opportunity to see more of the Cote d'Azur. We saw some fantastic coastline v
17 May 2008 3 min read
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Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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