Martin Ross
I'm based in
Gloucester
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi! I'm Martin, your new independent travel agent and I'm here to help you plan the perfect holiday.
So, what is a Travel Counsellor and what can I do for you?
There's nothing quite like the feeling of finally booking that perfect holiday. The anticipation of spending time in an amazing new place, experiencing different cultures and seeing some amazing sights is enough to get anyone excited. But actually planning the perfect holiday can be a bit of a nightmare. With so many different places to research and an overwhelming avalanche of guides and opinions, it can be tough to know where to start.
And that's where I come in. I'm based in Gloucestershire and have clients all over the UK, Ireland and even from Australia and the USA. My job is to take away the countless hours spent in front of your phone and computer scrolling through endless flights, hotels and reviews to do all the hard work for you. I'll work with you to find the perfect destination, using my years of experience and insider knowledge to make sure you have the holiday of a lifetime. So if you're looking for someone to take away the stress of planning your next trip, give me a call today. I'd love to chat about how I can help you turn your travel dreams into reality.
Sounds good, but who are Travel Counsellors?
We have over 25 years of experience creating amazing memories and this was recognised when we won the "Best National Travel Retailer" award from the British Travel Awards. In 2022, 96% of my customers said they would recommend me to a friend, so you can be sure that you're in good hands. And if anything goes wrong, you can relax knowing that Travel Counsellors' financial protection trust and 24 hour duty office have got you covered. So why not let me take the stress out of booking your next holiday? Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Like the sound of having all your travel sorted by someone else? Here's a little bit about me
From an early age, I’ve always had a passion for travelling. For me, nothing beats the feeling of getting away from everyday life and exploring both new places and rediscovering firm favourites. In the past few years, I’ve visited places such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Orlando, Japan, Greece, Cuba, Norway, Disneyland Paris, Turkey, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Gibraltar, Denmark, New York, Guernsey, Italy, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Thailand, China, France, Canada and Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Before becoming a Travel Counsellor (over 5 years ago now), I worked for some of the biggest names in leisure such as Virgin, Marriott, Captivating Cuba, Travelzest and Disney. I worked onboard the P&O Cruise ship Azura and the world-famous luxurious Queen Mary II Ocean Liner.
To discuss your next holiday, please call Martin Ross Travel on 01452 855 433 or drop me an email.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
From Parks to Pigs?
I was out shopping the other day and suddenly craved Polite Pig If you’ve never been to this amazing Disney Springs restaurant, you’re missing out. Barbecue smoked on-site is the name of the game, but the side dishes are not to be missed. Skip the sandwiches and split a few mains with sides; it’s the best bang for your buck Just thinking about the “sauce bar” is making me drool right now So
25 Jun 2024 5 min read
Unique Paris Tour and Holidays
Ah Paris. You're probably thinking of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and maybe Ratatouille. But how about something a little different? I work with some fantastic local guides who can show you a different side to Paris. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure through the diverse and vibrant Marais neighbourhood of Paris! From the well-preserved medieval streets to the lively Jewish quarter and
07 Apr 2024 5 min read
Why do you have to open your window blind for take-off? - Airline safety rules explained
Ever wondered why you are asked to open your window blind during take-off? Or why you have to turn on 'flight mode' on your electronic devices? I'll explain these and other safety requirement so next time you go, you'll know. **Why do you have to open your window blind for take-off?** Ah, the mysterious window blinds on an airplane! Have you ever wondered why you are always asked to open them
30 Dec 2023 5 min read
My Top 7 Tips To Help You Have A Better 2024 Holiday
Looking for the perfect holiday can feel overwhelming at first. With so many options out there, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, I’m here to make sure you find the ultimate tailor-made holiday just for you. Before you begin your search, it’s important to carefully think about what you truly need and want from your vacation. That’s where this guide comes in handy. Here are my to
29 Dec 2023 5 min read
What Is Genie Plus At Walt Disney World?
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming, especially with the challenge of navigating long lines for popular attractions. Fortunately, Disney Genie Plus comes to the rescue! In this guide, we'll take you through the essentials of this time-saving paid service. Let's get started! Disney Genie Plus is a planning tool enabling users to skip standby lines and access shorter queues for
18 Dec 2023 5 min read
Why Choose Me as Your Travel Agent: The Simple Guide
Hey there! My name’s Martin, your friendly travel agent. I'm here to clear up some misunderstandings you might have about booking your holiday with a travel agent. In this blog, I'll explain why teaming up with a travel agent, like myself, is a smart decision. Let's dive in and discover the fantastic benefits I can offer! No Extra Costs: Criticism: You may think that using a travel agent means
16 May 2023 5 min read
Best Things To Do In Rome On A Cruise
The city of Rome is known as the “Eternal City” for its long and storied history. It’s no surprise that this bustling, vibrant city is also one of the most popular stops on Mediterranean cruises. But it’s not just cruise ships that visit Rome for the day. There’s an endless array of cruises departing or finishing in Rome. And what better way to explore this fascinating city than with a pre- or po
16 Jan 2023 5 min read
Disney Magic - My Disney Cruise Line Review
In September 2022, I had the chance to go on the amazing Disney Magic cruise ship, and I must say that it exceeded all of my expectations. From the moment I stepped on board, I was greeted with friendly staff (Cast Members), delicious food and a magical atmosphere. The ship was extremely spacious and its amenities included everything from basketball courts to spa rooms. The entertainment options w
28 Dec 2022 5 min read
How To Find The Best Authentic French Paris Restaurants
Finding a good and authentic French restaurant in Paris can be tricky. There are so many guide books and websites that recommend restaurants in Paris, but I always find it best to trust my gut feeling. With a little local knowledge added into the mix of course! As a British Travel Agent living around Paris, I’ve written this handy guide for you to hopefully have some lovely meals in the city of
21 Nov 2022 5 min read
A Romantic Thailand Honeymoon Itinerary: Bangkok, Phuket, and Elephant Hills
If you're looking for an unforgettable Thailand honeymoon, then you'll want to check out our suggested itinerary. This 14-day trip will take you to some of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in Thailand. Start off in Bangkok, where you'll explore the city's ancient temples and bustling markets. Then head to Phuket, home to stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. Finally, end your trip wi
16 Nov 2022 5 min read
Elephant Hills - Bucket List Must-Do
At the forefront of innovative and responsible tourism in Thailand for over 20 years now is Elephant Hills. They offer interactive experiences with these majestic elephants without compromising their welfare. Taking you into the heart of rural Thailand with awards for its conservation and a hit on TripAdvisor it's no surprise that this wildlife adventure is on so many bucket lists! No riding t
18 Apr 2022 5 min read
No Haggle Holiday Price Promise
Lets face it, some people are good at haggling. Maybe it’s in their nature, part of their job or they've been trained in the souks of Marrakech? Some people will only ever book a holiday if they’re getting money off and are more obsessed with getting a deal instead of what really matters, booking the perfect holiday. In reality, if a travel agent thinks a client is going to haggle, they’ll st
28 Dec 2019 5 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect 2020 holiday
Searching for your perfect holiday can seem like a complete nightmare. There are hundreds of thousands of hotels, cruises and experiences all around the world, so how do you know which one is right for you? My job is to find the very best holiday tailor-made just for you. But before you start searching, you need to make sure that you’ve covered all your bases and carefully considered what it
27 Dec 2019 5 min read
Top 5 reasons why you should split your Orlando holiday between Disney & Universal
Universal Orlando offers some of the best theme park rides and experiences in the world including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s no wonder that guests visiting Disney World leave Mickey’s backyard for a few days to explore Universal’s three theme and water parks. Here’s my top 5 reasons to split your stay between Walt Disney World
16 Apr 2019 5 min read
How Travel Counsellors protects your holiday better than anyone else
When you book your holiday with Martin Ross, you're covered by the best protection in the travel business. Find out how Travel Counsellors offers more than booking online or on the high street. In the past few weeks alone, the UK has seen flights grounded, Eurostar advising against travel and airlines failures all highlighting potential disruption to travel. Plus, who can forget drones, ash clou
31 Mar 2019 5 min read
Magical Pride at Disneyland Paris
Magical Pride is a dazzling party lighting up Disneyland Paris on 1st June 2019. Dress like a dream, feel fabulous and experience Walt Disney Studios like never before! Loud, proud and alive with all the colours of the rainbow. Here's a sneak peek at some of the incredible things ready to make Magical Pride a truly unforgettable experience: - A brand new parade illuminating the streets of Wa
27 Nov 2018 5 min read
Opera Holidays
There’s nothing quite like a night at the opera. These works have stood the test of time and each new performance brings new life to these masterpieces. I work with some of Europe and the world’s leading opera venues and festivals to create unforgettable holidays with opera right at the heart of it. One of the most sought-after annual events is the Puccini Opera Festival. Taking place in Torre
03 Sept 2018 5 min read
Last-Minute Holiday Top Tips
I’m often asked when the best time is to book a holiday. The answer does vary depending on the destination and time of the year. For example, if you must go on a certain date in August, to an exact hotel with your preference of rooms, then book this as soon as you can. For the hotels and resorts based in the hotter areas of Europe, July and August are peak seasons. If you book last-minute, it’s
20 Jul 2018 5 min read
Introducing the Travel Counsellors Honeymoon Gift Registry Service
Weddings can be tough to plan. Venues, dresses, speeches and the hardest part, the seating plan. Traditionally, the happy couple would ask their nearest and dearest to buy them items for their new home. Nowadays, most couples already have plenty of towels, a toaster and maybe even a fancy avocado peeler. Instead, let your wedding guests contribute towards an unforgettable honeymoon. I unders
25 Jun 2018 5 min read
Mark Warner Phokaia Beach Resort
I was recently invited by Mark Warner to experience first-hand their new Turkish resort – Phokaia Beach Resort. We arrived quite late at night and were greeted by a team of people to collect our bags, show us around and most importantly, where the buffet and bar was. A few years ago, I was reasonably fit. I took part in exercise classes and was quick at running too. However, in the past few
01 Jun 2018 5 min read
Why book your Orlando holiday with Martin Ross?
As an ex-Disney cast member and someone who has travelled extensively to Orlando, I have a unique service to offer my clients. Here are the top seven reasons why you should book your next Orlando holiday with me. Free Magic Maker Holiday Planning Service Take the hassle out of your holiday - let me do everything necessary to ensure that it is! As an Ex-Disney cast member (staff), I have insider
27 Mar 2018 5 min read
Free Disney Dining Offer- Maximising your snack credit
As part of most Disney Dining Plans, you’ll receive two credits per day for snacks. There’s no rush to have two snacks per day. Your credits last for the duration of your stay. If you only used one on one day, you haven’t missed out. What does Disney count as a snack? It turns out, Disney count quite a lot of items as just a snack. Items that qualify as snacks for the Disney Dining Plan ar
12 Mar 2018 5 min read
Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Review
Before the release of the 2019 Free Disney Dining offer, I wanted to share my experience at one of my favourite Disney restaurants – Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Despite having worked for Disney parks and being a constant visitor to parks around the world, I’ve never been a massive fan of character dining. I was recommended to try Tuskers by a ca
04 Mar 2018 5 min read
Amazing Amsterdam
The city has some of the best museums in the world to offer, awesome shopping facilities and world-class restaurants. In addition, there's the famous flower market you should see as well as the Vondelpark if you want to take in some fresh air and view the largest green area in the city. If you are a fan of Dutch art, get ready to see the most amazing artwork in the famous museums of Amsterdam F
30 Jan 2018 5 min read
Beautiful Barcelona
Barcelona is best known around the world for the 1992 Olympics and Las Ramblas, but the city itself holds a magical aura about it that makes it a fantastic place to visit. Take to the city on foot to take in the beauty of its splendid architecture including of course the work of Gaudi. However, if you are an architecture fan, there are many other architects whose work you can observe while vis
30 Jan 2018 5 min read
5 things that can ruin your Disneyland Paris holiday and how to avoid them
You've spent all year saving and waiting for those magical few days at Disney so don't let a few simple things ruin your holiday. I spent 3 and half years working and living next to Disneyland Paris and here's the top five things that I've found could ruin your holiday and how to avoid them. 1. The weather Disney is pretty much in the countryside and, unknown to most tourists, it's actually on
29 Jan 2018 5 min read
Why you should stay onsite at Universal Studios
I love Orlando. It's the theme park capital of the world and spending quality time in each park requires more than a two week stay. Universal Studios have upped their game in the past few years opening attractions and lands based on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers, The Minions and King Kong. Last year, they opened their new water park, Volcano Bay which is one of the first i
29 Jan 2018 5 min read
Cruising - Myth Busting
A record 1.9 million holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took an ocean cruise in 2016, up from 1.78 million the previous year. Yet, there are still some myths around cruising that need to be busted. I will get seasick Many people fear seasickness; however, today's cruise ships are very stable, and seasickness is a rarity. However, for those prone to seasickness, there are many remedies ava
25 Jan 2018 5 min read
Why should I book a package holiday?
A simple question, and this weekend one of my colleague's customers has experienced the best possible answer first hand. To set the scene – imagine a busy man treating his wife and kids at Christmas by sending them away on a wonderful New Year break to New York. What a way for the boys to get their first taste of America – some quality time with Mum before going back to school. The first cou
07 Jan 2018 5 min read
5 Surprisingly Family-Friendly Holidays For 2018
Taking your family on holiday isn't all about all-inclusive hotels and iPads. My job is to help create amazing family holidays that you'll remember forever. I do all the hard work such as finding the best flights, hotels and excursions. Either email martin.ross@travelcounsellors.com or call 01452 855 433. Here are five surprising family-friendly holidays to try out in 2018. Hong Kong Tackli
06 Dec 2017 5 min read
Gloucestershire School Holiday 2018 Guide
Starting to plan for your 2018 family holiday? I can help create the perfect, hassle-free family holiday. Email martin.ross@travelcounsellors.com call 01452 855 433 or Facebook Messenger m.me/martinrosstravel Here's the official school holidays dates for 2018 from Gloucestershire County Council: Christmas 2017: Last day of school: Friday 15th December 2017 First day back: Tuesday 2nd
06 Dec 2017 5 min read
6 Jaw-Dropping European Cities For Families To Visit In 2018
Here's six of Europe's most fun, cool, interesting and safe cities to take the kids for a short break. Get a personalised quote for your family - call 01452 855433 or email martin.ross@travelcounsellors.com Reykjavik It is not unusual to find Icelandic babies sleeping in their prams outside of shops in Reykjavik, so safe and friendly is this city. Venture beyond the city limits for once-in-
15 Nov 2017 5 min read
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Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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