My name is Melissa LoGalbo and I am a personal Travel Counsellor. I would like to thank you for choosing to look at my personal webpage. I have worked in the travel industry for over 30 years, both in the leisure and business sectors and have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during this time.
Travel to me is not just a job but my passion. I have travelled extensively throughout Europe, the Far East, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, USA and the Caribbean.
As a personal Travel Counsellor I can take this experience, together with the knowledge from the numerous countries in the world I have visited, to offer a full comprehensive service for both leisure and business travel. So whatever your travel plans - city break, beach holiday, cruise, honeymoon, car hire, business meeting or conference, just pick up the phone and give me a call, I will be delighted to hear from you.
The unique concept of having your own personal Travel Counsellor means no lengthy waits in High Street travel agents or spending hours of your valuable time trawling through thousands of websites. You can call me from the comfort of your home or office to discuss your travel requirements, safe in the knowledge that you will be receiving the very best service.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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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.
I really enjoy a Greek Holiday as I love the food and the people are just so friendly. So I thought I would try somewhere I had not been before – Stoupa. Stoupa is a village on the coast of the Southern Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. Its about 1hrs 15mins from the airport of Kalamata. Its is certainly did not disappoint that I returned again for another visit within the same year.
Stoupa is a very pretty village with a dramatic backdrop of the mountains. There are two large sandy beaches one being Kalogria beach which is in a stunning location with shallow turquoise clear waters and a couple of beautiful tavernas.
Stoupa is certainly low key, the road is closed in the evenings to traffic and the tavernas extend their tables and chairs onto the pavements. It’s a great place to watch the sun go down and see one of the beautiful sunsets .The tavernas and restaurants are family run and I don’t think we had one bad meal at all. Everyone was so friendly and it seems to be a place where people return time after time and after visiting myself I can see why now.
I went on a Ski holiday to Bansko which I was part of a group of 26 for a big birthday celebration. I had not skied in Bansko before.
Bansko has developed into a modern ski resort destination, which has excellent facilities and the traditional spirit of the old town that has been beautifully preserved through the centuries with cobbled streets and traditional Bulgarian restaurants.
Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are well catered for as Bansko has 75 kilometres of marked pistes, which are easily accessed by a fantastic network of lifts. Bansko is classed as one of the best value for money ski destinations in the world, so it is ideal for not only beginners but ski-ers of all abilities that are maybe on a budget but still want that winter holiday.
As the day draws to a close, the après-ski is centred around the local 'Mehanas', a friendly taverna type restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine and drinks, often with roaring log fires and live entertainment.
It is a resort that certainly has something for everyone and is very popular with families as well.
So if you are looking to book a ski holiday just get in touch.
If I was to think of one of my dream holidays then the Maldives would spring to mind. Beautiful white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters , water bungalows on stilts and an array of coral reefs to explore. A perfect place to unwind, relax and chill.
Having been lucky enough to visit a few islands myself, I recently stayed at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi which is within the Noonu Atoll and can be reached by a 45 minute seaplane from Male international airport.
They offer a choice of meal plans to suit everyone, between Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board and All Inclusive. I opted for the All inclusive plan which I can say was one of the best All Inclusive plans I have experienced as you can dine in any of their A La Carte restaurants unlimited times under the plan. There are 6 bars on the island and 10 restaurants, ranging from Asian, Italian, Indian, French, ice cream parlour, Seafood grill so something to cater for all.
With regards to the accommodation on the island there is a choice of Overwater and beach villas plus exclusive VIP retreats.. many with jacuzzis and private pools. Iru Fushi is the perfect getaway for families due its activities and accommodation that includes two and three bedroom retreats. Each villa has its own dedicated butler whom is contactable 24/7, they are there to assist you with every need from making table reservations, booking trips, treatments in the spa and just generally everything you need.
If you are feeling active there is plenty to do for all from snorkelling and diving on the house reef, dolphin cruises, fishing and cultural outings.
So if the Maldives is on your bucket list please get in contact and I can turn your dreams into reality.
I was lucky enough to go on an educational trip to the beautiful Seychelles which was arranged by the Seychelles Tourist Board. Our first stay was at the adult only boutique hotel, Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa. It is a secluded hideaway set amidst breath-taking natural beauty. The rooms are scattered throughout the resort and they also have private villas with pools overlooking the ocean.
Our next stay was at the Savoy resort & Spa which is situated on the beachfront at Beau Vallon Bay. This resort has a great location as you can walk out to local restaurants and bars. The rooms are spacious with a contemporary feel.
On from here we next stayed at the Constance Ephelia which is an all suite hotel which is suitable for couples and families alike. There are also villas within the complex. It has a stunning setting surrounded by lush landscape and beautiful beaches.
Next we took an internal flight to the Island of Praslin, this took just 15 minutes. We stayed at the exclusive Constance Lemuria which is the only hotel in the Seychelles to have its own golf course. The resort has rooms as well as numerous villas with private pools. I was lucky enough to have my own private 2 bedroom villa with private pool all to myself for the night, he villa was ultimate luxury indeed. The resort is very spread out with several stunning beaches.
Our final stay was on Denis Private Island. We flew back to Mahe and then it was a 30 minute flight by private plane to Denis Island. On the island there is only 25 detached cottages and villas scattered at various walking distance from the beach. This is an island to totally get away from it all, there is no phone signal, no in room internet and no TVs.
Our last day we flew back to Mahe by private plane from Denis Island and we spent the day at the Kempinski Seychelles before our evening flight back to the UK. It was a great opportunity to get to see this wonderful resort as well.
We got to see and do a lot whilst in the Seychelles. During our stay we visited the capital Victoria and the Daily produce market and their famous clock tower. We also had an authentic creole meal at the Restaurant Maria Antoinette which was totally delicious. We had a full days excursion to the marine park where we had time on a semi-submersible to view the coral reefs, snorkelled here and fed the fish. We went ashore to Moyenne Island and spent some time on the very quiet secluded beach and got to see the Giant Tortoises and walk around the island.
Whilst on the island of Praslin we got the ferry to La Digue which has some of the most stunning beaches I have ever seen. We stopped at Anse De L’Argent which is said to be the most photographed beach in the world and I can understand why.
I really loved the Seychelles and can highly recommend the Islands and hope to return again one day. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like me to arrange your dream holiday to this beautiful place.
This year our Gold Travel Counsellors weekend was in Jamaica. I travelled out a few days prior and stayed at the Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay which is an adult only all-inclusive resort. I would highly recommend the resort as there is a great choice of places to eat and drink and the rooms are very spacious and have everything you need in them.
After a few days at Secrets we then joined the group and stayed at the Half Moon in Montego Bay which is set on 400 acres of grounds with two miles of beachfront. We had groups of between 9-16 of us and we stayed in the Rose Hall Villas by Half moon. Each villa has a cook, housekeeper and butler - we were truly spoilt. We also had a private swimming pool and garden and even a couple of golf buggies to get around the resort. Even though we had our own private villas we still had access to the whole of Half Moons resort facilities.
During our time in Jamaica, we were hosted by Sandals Montego Bay and had an open air meal on the beach followed by a disco with a live band, this was a fabulous evening. Also had a ‘White & Gold’ evening at the Secrets resort.
Our time was short in Jamaica so I did not get an opportunity to explore this fabulous Island but next time I will do for sure.
This year our Gold Travel Counsellors Conference took place in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK for short) which is one of the seven member states that make up the UAE. RAK is a great destination for families as unlike Dubai, a lot of the properties offer an all-inclusive programme. Depending on traffic it can take from 45 minutes – 1hr 15 mins by road from Dubai airport. It offers pristine beaches, clear sea, nature and a truly relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city, fast going pace of Dubai. There is stunning nature with terracotta deserts and high mountains which make it a unique destination with year-round sunshine.
For our Gold Travel Counsellors trip, we stayed at the beautiful 5*Waldorf Astoria in RAK which is situated on the private Al Hamra Beach. There is an abundance of activities available to suit all whether you want to just flip and flop on the beach or motorised water sports, Kayaking in the mangroves, Desert safaris, golf, mountain biking or even experience the infamous world’s longest zipwire which is around 2 miles long and can get up to speeds of 90mph.
The hotel itself is very spread out with spacious rooms which are suitable for families, couples and singles. The staff were very attentive and there is a choice of ten stylish restaurants and lounges to eat and drink including a swim up pool and great waiter service on the beach also.
Whilst in RAK I was lucky enough to visit some of the other fabulous hotels, Doubeltree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Rixos and the Ritz Carlton which were also of a great standard.
We had a night at a Bedouin Camp, enjoyed sundowners whilst watching a falconry show, followed by entertainment and dinner in the desert which was a memorable experience.
I would not hesitate to recommend Ras Al Khaimah and please don’t hesitate to contact me for any further information or if you would like me to organise a holiday here for you.
21 April-23rd April 2018
Well what can I say? I think Venice has got to be one of my favourite cities in Europe now. We went for just two nights; however, we really did max our time there and felt that I got to see a lot of the stunning place.
This glorious city is built on more than 100 islands, traversed by 200 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. Every corner you turn is a magnificent sight and a fabulous photo opportunity.
We stayed just 10 minutes outside of the city itself in a place called Mestre. We purchased a 36hrs hour travel pass which included all of the local buses and the water taxis as well and I feel this is the most cost-effective way to experience Venice. Staying in the city itself can be pretty costly.
Whilst in Venice we visited the top tourist attractions, the infamous Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, took a Gondola ride through the back waters and we sampled the beautiful Italian food.
One day when we knew the cruise ships were coming in, we decided to visit the Islands of Murano and Burano. We did this by using our travel pass and it was a very cost-effective way of doing so. I was intrigued by the many colours and colourful houses on each island. Murano is renowned for its glass and Burano is renowned for its lace making.
I would highly recommend a city break to Venice, and look forward to hearing from you if you would like any further information
I returned in July from a wonderful week on the beautiful Island of Thassos. We flew into Kavala airport and then it was approximately 30-40 mins by ferry across to the island.
We stayed in the small town of Limenaria which had a beach and plentiful beautiful restaurants line the promenade. Thassos is a true authentic Greek Island and I found it was not very touristy at all - it was a true gem.
Thassos’ scenery is trademark Greek. The island is blanketed with rolling hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and there is the mountain as well. We hired a jeep one day and we got to see quite a bit of this beautiful Island. We stopped at stunning deserted beaches, visited Archagelou monastery, the Giola Natural Pool and then headed inland towards the Mount Ipsarion which is Thassos’ tallest peak. We stopped at mountain villages on the way and sampled some of the local mountain foods and purchased the local Olive Oils.
I would highly recommend this Island if you are looking for something a bit more authentic and typically Greek. The local people were very friendly, and the food was of excellent quality and there was an abundance of local fish restaurants also.
If you are looking to take a holiday on one of the Greek Islands, please get in touch.
In November 2018 I spent a week on the beautiful Island of Kanifushi which is situated in the Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. The resort of Atmosphere Kanifushi can be reached by a 30-minute sea plane transfer. This is an experience in itself and a great start to the holiday flying over the Atolls and getting to see some of the other Islands and beautiful views.
Kanifushi Island is approximately 2km in length and 90 metres wide, with stand-alone beach villas and suites spreading along the beautiful turquoise lagoon. All villas have direct access to the pristine white beach, and it is a 5 star resort which offers a premium all inclusive – Platinum Plus.
On arrival to the island we were met by the manager and some of the staff with their friendly smiles and then taken to our room by golf buggy. I was lucky enough to stay in one of the Sunset Beach Villas, which are ideal for honeymoon couples. They have a large open-air veranda and a huge open-air bathroom with a standalone bath/whirlpool. The rooms are just so spacious and very comfortable indeed. The minibar was replenished daily and likewise snacks, the room had everything you could have ever asked for. Also, we got 2 bikes per villa to get around the island on.
There are several restaurants on the island, all of a very high standard. They have a pure vegetarian restaurant called ‘Just Veg’ and this is the first to the Maldives and was one of my favourite restaurants. All the food was of a very high standard and would highly recommend them all. There was even a pop-up Sri Lankan restaurant called ‘Ceylon Bliss’ which was in a beautiful setting, an ideal place to watch the sun go down.
Every evening the sting rays would come into the shallow waters for fish feeding and this was something fabulous to watch. This island is truly wonderful, and you can do as much or as little as you like. They have a gym, spa, sports & recreation centre and organise daily trips to reefs for snorkelling and fishing trips.
I have been to several islands in the Maldives and this is certainly one of my favourites. It’s an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries for sure, and the staff could certainly not do enough for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are looking for a holiday in the beautiful Maldives.
We flew with South African airways into Johannesburg. On arrival we stayed at the 5* D’Oreale Grand Hotel at Emperors palace which is only 5 minutes’ drive from the airport. If looking for an airport hotel I would highly recommend this hotel or to stay in one of its sister properties within the complex. The hotel is situated within a casino resort so there are an abundance of restaurants and bars within walking distance. We used this as a base before our onward trip the next day.
The next day we took a small aircraft (very small!) with Federal airlines to Madikwe Game reserve. On arrival to the airstrip we were met by the manager of the lodge greeted with a glass of champagne which was a lovely touch indeed. On the way to our lodge – Dithaba, we saw herds of elephants, zebra and many more which was a great start to our safari experience.
We stayed here for two nights which was full board and included two game drives per day. We had a fabulous guide whom knew so much about the area and made the game drives an unforgettable experience.
This is a truly wonderful safari lodge and would highly recommend it. The staff make it an excellent experience for you and each day they have a little surprise. There are three lodges within the same resort but Dithaba is a lot smaller and only takes eight guests so is more personal and exclusive.
We were sad to leave this Game reserve, but we took the small aircraft back to Johannesburg and stayed two nights which gave us the opportunity to soak up a bit of the city.
Our next destination was Cape Town. Rather than flying here we took the Rovos Rail which is hailed as the most luxurious train in the world. It took two days to reach Cape Town, but it was a very special experience with fine dining, fabulous service and something that was just a little different than what we would normally do.
On arrival into Cape Town we picked up a car and headed towards Camps Bay and stayed just outside at the Twelve Apostles hotel. From here we visited a lot of the sights, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, the infamous Table Mountain were just a few to name. I totally love this city, there’s just so much to do and see.
After our stay in Cape Town we headed further down the coast to Hermanus for two nights which is the whale watching capital of South Africa. It’s about a two-hour drive very scenic. Luckily it was whale season and we saw whales every day and even from our hotel room. Hermanus is a pretty town and there are some beautiful scenic coastal walks and an abundance of great restaurants.
Our next stop was a short drive to Franschoek which is known as South Africa’s culinary capital. We stayed here for two nights which gave us the chance to visit some of the wine estates and sample some of the amazing restaurants.
After here we drove to Stellenbosch, again a short drive but a very scenic drive stopping at a few wine estates on the way for a bit of tasting.
It was one night here then back to the airport for our homeward journey. This was my second time to South Africa now and really is a country that I have fell in love with and vow to return again one day.
If you would like my first-hand experience in planning a holiday to this destination, then please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me I can ensure you I can put together a trip of a lifetime for you.
It had a been a long time since I had holidayed in Greece and I thought it was about time I did so. We booked a very last-minute holiday to ‘Parga’ which is in Greece’s north-western Preveza region. We stayed in a small hotel studio apartment/hotel just about a 15-minute walk from the centre of the town.
The town itself is a very pretty little town, boats in the harbour, tavernas spill out onto the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses in the steep hillside. The scenery is quite breath-taking. You can hire boats at a very reasonable price and go along the coast and stop off at little hidden coves, we did this, and it was a great day out.
Parga town has its own little beach, or otherwise you can use the water taxis to go to the long stretch of sandy beach ‘Valtos’ or even walk there. From Parga itself you can use the water taxis to alternative beaches or even book day trips to other islands, like Paxos and Anti Paxos. It was a fabulous day out and an opportunity to go to other islands. You can even have a day trip to Albania.
I found prices very reasonable in Parga for both food and drinks. There was an abundance of beautiful restaurants/bars and nothing was ‘tacky’ this is why I loved about the place.
There is so much to do in Parga whether you wanted a 7 night or 14-night holiday. Accommodation can vary from standard to boutique style hotels so there is something to suit everyone’s budget.
It is a hidden gem for sure that not a lot of people know about and I will be returning there for sure.
If you would like my expertise in planning a holiday here, then please get in touch with me.
I fancied a week away before Xmas for some Winter sun and why not Grenada, an island in the Caribbean I had not been before, known as the Spice Isle.
We stayed at the Sandals LaSource Grenada and Spa which was my second time I had stayed at a Sandals property and this one definitely did not fail to impress. It is situated in the heart of Grenada’s exclusive Pink Gin beach.
The resort itself is beautiful, well maintained with gorgeous flowers everywhere and there are quite a lot of different room types, some with infinity pools as balconies. The rooms are modern and spacious also. There are 10 restaurants which offer unlimited fine dining, my favourite being ‘Butch’s Chophouse’ the best steak and lobster tails I have had. The food and service were amazing, we could not have faulted anything. There was so much to do within the resort, which was your choice whether you partook or just flip and flop on the beach which I opted to do. It is set on a beautiful white with clear waters and can walk quite a long way out of the resort along the beach.
We took a boat trip which was complimentary from the resort, it went along the coast to St Georges so was nice to get to see some of the beautiful island which is very green and lush.
I had a great time in Grenada and will certainly return one day, I would say it had a more ‘Caribbean’ feel to it in comparison to some of the other islands which I have stayed on and this is what I liked.
A lovely winter break for sure.
I travelled to Sorrento because I was invited to a wedding over there. Sorrento is just simply stunning and typically Italian, situated on one of the most spectacular points on the Neapolitan Coast. We stayed at the Grand hotel Capodimonte which is set on a hillside amongst terraced gardens which boasts amazing views across the beautiful bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the main shopping street and bustling Piazzo Tasso.
There is a very wide choice of places to eat in Sorrento where you can sit at pavement tables and watch the world go by. The cobbled side streets are bustling with local shops selling their local produces and relaxed cafes and restaurants.
There is so much you can see and do from Sorrento it’s a great base to explore the area from. We took the ferry to Positano for the day, its important to check the ferry times as they do not operate frequently. Positano is the coast’s most picturesque and photogenic town, with steeply stacked houses tumbling down to the sea in a cascade of peach, pink and terracotta colours. The streets are steep and steps lined with wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants and plentiful boutiques. There is also a sandy beach so the ideal place for a day out.
You can also get the Ferry from Sorrento to the Islands of Capri and Ischia and there is a great bus service that can take you to the town of Amalfi and Ravello. There are trips you can go on for example Pompei, Vesuvius or Herculaneum. Or maybe have an Italian cookery lesson or an afternoon wine tasting.
If you would like any further information about this area then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I was lucky enough to go on an educational trip to India. We flew overnight into Delhi with Virgin Atlantic. Delhi is also known as Green Delhi due to the rows of trees and parks around the city. Unfortunately the day we arrived the traffic was worse than usual due to the President of China being in India on a State Visit. However, after a quick lunch at the Lalit Hotel and an inspection we were on our way to Delhi railway station for our journey to Amritsar.
Delhi station is where you can watch the real life of India, with trains departing for destinations all around the country. We may think we have problems with train delays, but one announcement was ‘the train from Kerala will be 10 hours late’. At the station, children run across the tracks to get from one platform to another, porters carry several suitcases on top of their heads and people just sleep on the platforms waiting for their train to arrive. Luckily ours was on time and we settled into the first class carriage. This is not first class as we know it.. Slightly different I would say! The train journey to Amritsar was 6 hours, I think it is worth going one way on the train just for the experience and also for looking at the surrounding country which can be a bit of an eye opener.
We stayed at the Radisson Blu in Amritsar. The main highlight in Amritsar is the Golden Temple which we visited both in the daytime and evening when it was lit up. It is situated in the middle of a man-made lake. The temple is the most important pilgrimage centre for the Sikhs and yes, it is beautiful, but what I liked most was not the Golden Temple itself, but was the community kitchens where thousands of meals are produced, free of charge for anyone who wants one. There is a constant flow of volunteers to help, from washing up to peeling the onions and garlic - such a wonderful sense of community.
Our next visit was to witness the Wagah Border Ceremony, for me this was the highlight of my tour. The ceremony takes place every evening before sunset at the Wagah border post, performed by the Indian and Pakistani armed forces. The atmosphere, with the watching and flag-waving crowds, and the soldiers performing their rituals of high kicks, flexing their muscles and adjusting their hats, makes it very entertaining. As the sun sets the iron gates are opened, the two flags are lowered and folded and a brisk handshake between the soldiers brings the ceremony to an end.
We returned to Delhi by train so another 6 hours. After a night’s rest at the Radisson Blu Plaza we were ready to tackle sightseeing in Delhi, and what better way than on a rickshaw around the back streets and the markets. This was followed by a delicious lunch at the Claridges Hotel, such a contrast from the hustle and bustle of street life to a hotel with a fabulous garden in a quiet area. After lunch we had a city tour of New & Old Delhi.
Our next stop after Delhi was Agra which we travelled by road, around 4 hours, to see one of the most famous sites in the world, the Taj Mahal. Despite the crowds, we were not disappointed - it is a beautiful monument built for the emperor’s third wife. I've seen many pictures of the Taj Mahal, but seeing it close up is truly a wonderful sight. When planning your trip it is important to remember the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. We also visited Agra Fort which was beautiful.
In the evening we had dinner at the Oberoi Amarvilas which is a beautiful property. Our local guide dressed us all in the traditional saree which was beautiful.
After Agra we made our way by road to Jaipur (6hrs by road) stopping enroute at Fatehpur Sikri which is a beautiful and deserted medieval city built in the 16th century. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly-coloured buildings, which were originally painted this colour to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. We visited the Amber City Fort which is situated 130m high in the Aravalli hills. You can get an elephant trek up to the top and a taxi-jeep back down. Jaipur has a number of wonderful sites to see including City Palace, and it is also a good place to shop for local handicrafts.
Mumbai was our last stop on our whirlwind tour, we took a flight from Jaipur to Mumbai which was just under 2hrs. Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan and commercial city in India. It is interesting seeing the contrasts of the city, with the expensive hotels sitting side by side surrounded by the slums of the city. We visited the Gateway of India followed by afternoon tea at the Taj Mahal Place. The downside of Mumbai is the traffic, always give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport!
India is a fascinating country to visit with friendly people, delicious food and amazing sites to see - definitely one for your wish-list!
I was fortunate enough to be invited on one of the overnight launch parties onboard the new P&O ship Britannia.
The cabins are comfortable with soothing colours, bespoke artwork from British artists and large flatscreen TV’s along with the ‘White Company’ products in the bathroom. All outside cabins have balconies and the ship even has 27 single cabins, the majority with balconies.
In terms of dining options, the ship offers 3 main signature restaurants. Also plenty of other eateries from grab & go outlets and buffet style.. there is something for everyone along with a wide choice of bars to suit.
If you like to ‘cruise’ then why not try this new ship.
I travelled to Mexico 9th May for the Gold Travel Counsellors conference. We stayed at Secrets the Vine which is an adult only hotel located in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. It is very much a contemporary, chic hotel with spacious rooms which have views of the beach and sea. The rooms have everything in them that you could require and all have balconies or a terrace too. It is an all inclusive hotel with a choice of 6 a la carte restaurants, a buffet and a café. The food was of a very high quality and there was lots of choice so something for everyone.
I would recommend the location to anyone whom is looking to be more central to the nightlife that Cancun has to offer or the wide choice of designer shops.
If you would like more information about this destination then please do not hesitate to contact me.
This year Travel Counsellors congratulated its top performing ‘Gold Travel Counsellors’ by rewarding us with a fun filled trip to Orlando.
The weekend was hosted at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios, Orlando which is just steps from the two amazing theme parks, non-stop nightlife and more. If you are staying at the hotel they include the Universal Express pass which allows you to skip the regular lines and also early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
We were lucky enough to have included a VIP tour of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. This is definitely worthwhile as you never have to queue for the rides, literally go through the exits and straight onto the rides so that was fabulous and we were very lucky to get the opportunity to do this.
Whilst we were there it was Mardi Gras at Universal and on the Saturday night the boy band ‘The Wanted’ played so it was a fabulous opportunity for us to see the parade with the concert afterwards.
We also had a day at Wet & Wild which they set up a private area for us with a BBQ and drinks. It was a fabulous day out and so much fun.
Orlando has so much to do and see for all ages it’s not just for children. There are amazing Theme Parks, great shopping outlets, an abundance of nightlife and restaurants.
If you would like any further information about Orlando or would like me to assist in putting a trip together for you then please do not hesitate to contact me.
We flew overnight to Cape Town with South African Airways via Johannesburg. On arrival to Cape Town we collected our hire car and drove into the City where we stayed for 3 nights in a hotel within walking distance of the V&A waterfront.
We were totally overwhelmed by Cape Town, it is a beautiful city and there is just so much to do as well and so easy to drive around. We went to Table Mountain which is a must and went up in the cable car and once up there the views across Table Bay and the Atlantic are spectacular. Camps Bay was one of our favourite places to go for lunch and watch the world go by and there is a vast amount of excellent places to eat too. A must do is Chapman’s Peak drive, one of the World’s great Ocean drives and visit Cape point also. The list of things to do in Cape Town is endless really.
After Cape Town we drove into the Winelands and stopped at Somerset West for a couple of nights which is approx. 45mins from Cape Town itself. We visited numerous wineries including the renowned Vergelegen and Morgenster for a spot of wine tasting which was great fun.
Our next stop was Gondwana Game Reserve for two nights which is situated in the heart of the Garden route. Here we had 2 game drives per day and were lucky enough over the drives to see the Big Five. It is a private game reserve and Kwena Lodge itself only has 14 open plan suites so it is small, intimate and the food was amazing.
After here we continued driving the Garden Route which is stunning until we arrived to Plettenberg Bay. We stayed here for a couple of nights. Whilst here a trip to Knysna Elephant Park is a must, it’s a home for abandoned, orphaned and abused young elephants and you can interact and walk with the elephants.
Next stop was to work our way back towards Cape Town stopping at Swellendam, we stayed in the most beautiful guesthouse which only had 5 rooms and zebras in the garden…great place to break the journey and have some chill out time.
Then back to the Winelands we stayed in Franschhoek which is known as the culinary capital of the Western Cape. Beautiful little town with a street lined with amazing restaurants so we sampled a few of those. Whilst in Franschhoek we went Wine tasting on horseback for 4.5hrs…this was absolutely wonderful and a fabulous experience and would highly recommend it to do. Maybe not for the 4.5hrs though can get a little sore!
Then it was back to Cape Town for our last 3 nights before heading home.
I can honestly say that this was one of my most favourite holidays and a country that I want to go back for sure. It was so easy to drive, the people were very friendly and the food and wine was amazing and extremely good value too.
If you would like any further information about this destination then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
We flew direct from Abu Dhabi after the Gold Travel Counsellors conference to the Maldives for 5 nights. The flight is only 4hrs 20 minutes.
On arrival to Male we were greeted by the Island representative who took us to the sea plane transfer desk to check in our luggage for our onward flight to Zithali Resort & Spa Kuda-Funafaru. We waited in the Zithali lounge for our plane to arrive where we received refreshments and here we completed all our check in forms for our stay.
The seaplane transfer is approx. 50 minutes duration but you get to see a lot of the beautiful islands on the way.
Once we got to the island we were greeted by a member of the Zitahli staff whom then took us for a quick tour of the island in a golf buggy then took us to our room.
We had a Deluxe Beach Villa. The beach villas are very spacious 175sqm and have everything you need for your stay. They are very private too with your own little beach area, outside decking area, inside day bed and just a few steps from the beautiful turquoise waters. There is a bose sound system within the villas, a kitchen/personalised bar area and one of the biggest bathrooms I have ever seen with an outdoor and indoor shower and a giant Jacuzzi where you can soak and look into the ocean. There was nothing at all that I could have faulted about the villas as they were extremely luxurious.
The Island itself whilst we were there was very much under capacity and at one stage there was only about 10 people on the whole island! Perfect for us. It only takes approx. 20mins to walk around the whole island.
The staff were very friendly and nothing was ever too much trouble. We were on a full board basis so each night they had a different theme on the buffet and the food was always very good. At lunch time we ate in the Breezes restaurants and the menu choice was superb.
The weather was a little touch and go to be honest but we expected that as it was their rainy season, however we have been to other Islands in the Maldives this time of year and never had a drop of rain.
The Maldives is the place to go if you want total relaxation and to unwind. You can always twin it up with a two centre holiday to make it a little more varied if sitting on a beach and doing nothing is a little much for you.
If you would like any more information with regards to the Maldives as a destination then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Travel Counsellors congratulated its top performing ‘Gold Travel Counsellors’ by rewarding us with an exclusive weekend to Abu Dhabi. The weekend was hosted at the 5* Fairmont Bab Al Bar which has a beachfront location. The rooms were very spacious with either views of the city or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The hotel had an abundance of restaurants, bars and fabulous facilities. I would say that it is more suitable for the business traveller rather than the leisure. However it has a great location at the mainland gateway to the City.
Abu Dhabi is an up and coming destination; just an hour’s drive from Dubai and to date is not as developed as Dubai. There is plenty to do, take a city tour and soak up the local culture and visit the Mosques, take a trip out to the dunes or the new Waterworld Park. If you want to get your adrenalin going then visit Ferrari world, the world’s largest indoor theme park located on Yas Island. Here they have the world’s fastest rollercoaster which goes from 0-150mph in 4 seconds…I went on this and never again it took me a day to recover! Or if you are into F1 then you can take a tour around the famous Yas Marina circuit.
Abu Dhabi has lots to offer as a stopover destination or longer stays. For longer stays I would suggest Saadiyat Island where the beaches and blue seas rival some of the best in the World. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a perfect place for all round sunshine and ideal as the flight is just seven hours too.
If you would like any more information at all please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I was lucky enough to win a trip to Mauritius at a trade event so off again to this the beautiful island…
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We flew overnight direct with Air Mauritius which took 12hrs 45 minutes. Our first hotel was the Movenpick Resort and Spa which is on the South coast.
The location of this resort was great. The sea was crystal clear but a little rocky in places and there was a lovely long stretch of beach to wander along. Our room was a beachfront junior suite with fabulous views of the sea and was overall very spacious. We were on an all-inclusive basis. Breakfast and dinner were in the buffet restaurant and you could have your lunch at the poolside restaurant. There was a great choice of drinks available under the all-inclusive programme.
After four nights at the Movenpick it was onto our next hotel, the Sugar Beach on the West Coast in the Flic en Flac area. It is very much a colonial style hotel set on an idyllic beach with crystal clear calm waters. Again we were all-inclusive basis which I would recommend as food and drinks can be quite pricey in Mauritius. This hotel is in a great location, next to its sister resort La Pirogue so you can eat and drink at both properties. The restaurants in both were fabulous as there is a great choice of food and the presentation as well as the service was always second to none.
I really loved this hotel and would have no hesitations in recommending it to families or couples alike. The facilities were excellent, Tennis courts, state of the art Gym, beautiful spa and more. I was only sorry we were only there for three nights.
The Residence on the East coast for 7 nights was our next stop. Again this property is in fabulous location on a stunning beach and within walking distance of Belle Mare where there were plenty of local shops to choose from to pick up provisions or local arts and crafts to take home.
The rooms at the Residence have everything you could possibly need during your stay. You also get your own private butler who will assist you with everything - even unpacking and packing while running a bath complete with rose petals!
The service at the hotel was of a very high standard, nothing was ever too much trouble for them. The food was A La Carte and was amazing. One thing I particularly liked was that you could have breakfast delivered to your room for no extra charge and they set it up beautifully on your balcony or in your room.
The beach was simply stunning. The water sports, even water-skiing was included at no extra charge. At the hotel the beach attendants set your beds up daily and brought you cold water as well as ice when needed to keep cool. The service was fabulous.
While we were there we went on a trip Ile Aux Certs by Catamaran. It is an island near the east coast of Mauritius. I would thoroughly recommend this trip as the island is a must see with breath-taking beaches and fantastic activities available.
I have now seen a lot of Mauritius and have visited most of the coasts. I would highly recommend it as a holiday destination for couples, families, perfect place for weddings and honeymoons.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any more information at all.
If you are looking for culture and sightseeing, then Rome is definitely the right choice for you.
I spent my ‘special’ birthday in Rome. I was lucky enough to stay at the 5*Gran Melia in Rome which is just 5 minutes’ walk from the Vatican and St Peters Basilica and only 15 minutes walk from the Piazza Navona. The hotel itself is very contemporary and boasts a truly exceptional location on the banks of the river Tiber. We stayed in a premium city view room which had views of the Vatican. There is a lovely outdoor pool which is nice to spend time relaxing when you are exhausted from all the sightseeing that Rome has to offer.
Within walking distance from the Gran Melia is the Trastevere area where we spent a lot of time. We found that it was very local and traditional and half the price of eating and drinking right in the city centre. We even found a restaurant where you could get a delicious pizza for €1.00!
During our stay we did not use public transport we walked everywhere that we went, from the iconic Colosseum to the Trevi fountain and Spanish Steps. I feel that the best way to see Rome is on foot. Also the wonderful thing about Rome is that most of the sights are free. I would however stress that if you wish to enter any of the main attractions like the Vatican and St Peters the queues can be pretty long so maybe get there early to beat the rush.
Try some of the world –renowned cuisine in one of the city’s many restaurants and trattorias, or for that extra special treat go to Imago, the Hassler hotels’ 6th floor panoramic Michelin starred restaurant with it unique view over the city. It was totally fabulous.
There is just so much to see and do in Rome and make sure when travelling to Rome you have some comfy shoes. If you would like any further information about a city break in Rome then please feel free to contact me.
We were lucky enough to travel to Mauritius for our Travel Counsellors Gold conference and we extended our trip for another 11 nights to get married and honeymoon there.
The trip was hosted by Beachcomber and was split between the Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa and the Paradis which share facilities. We stayed at the Dinarobin as this is where we had arranged for our wedding to take place afterwards. The Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa is an elegant five star resort which is located on Le Morne Peninsula and truly has the most dramatic backdrop that I have ever seen. The resort is absolutely stunning with clusters of rooms set around their own infinity pools, surrounded by tropical flowers and palm trees.
Guests of the Dinarobin have access to the 18 hole par 72 golf course at Paradis, I am not a golfer myself but the course looked amazing and again the backdrops were outstanding. There is also a Clarins spa at the Dinarobin, hairdressers, gym, tennis courts and a couple of shops. There are eight fantastic restaurants to choose from over both resorts. We were on half board and under the half board option you could eat off the half board menu in any of the restaurants or get a credit towards anything else on the menus. We had no complaints at all about any of the meals in any of the restaurants where we ate, the food was outstanding.
The resorts are quite spread out throughout the lush grounds, however that’s not a problem as you can just call reception to call a Golf Buggy to transfer you from A to B. We were lucky enough to stay in a Club Senior Beachfront Suite. The room itself was bigger than our house at home! It was located on the ground floor, literally a few steps from the beach and had everything you could have ever asked for to make you feel at home including iPod docking station, two flat screen TVs, minibar and complimentary water daily. Each evening we were brought canapés to our room prior to leaving for dinner which I thought was a lovely touch.
During our stay we went on a Catamaran trip, where we were lucky enough to see lots of dolphins and have a great BBQ on the back on the boat along with endless glasses of rum punches! If you like boats then I would highly recommend this trip.
Mauritius is a truly magical island and there really is so much to do for everyone, both couples and families. We arranged a trip from the hotel to swim with the wild dolphins. We got up early one morning sharing the trip with another couple and went out on a speedboat. We got to see endless dolphins and snorkel with them and it really was a memorable trip. Another trip we arranged was to Casela Nature and Leisure park. Here we interacted with the Cheetahs and did a walk with lions and tigers which was approximately one hour long This was an amazing experience as we got to stroke them and walk side by side. It was very safe as we had the guides with us at all times whom knew when it was ok to get close to the animals or not.
At the Paradis there is a watersports centre which includes water ski-ing, pedaloes, windsurfing, glass bottom boat trips and snorkelling trips to name a few. We took advantage of this and went snorkelling several times and went out to the coral reefs.
The staff throughout both resorts were fabulous, they were very efficient and gave so much attention to detail. Nothing was ever too much trouble and they really did make our stay very memorable for us. I would recommend that you upgrade to a Club room as then you receive access to the private ‘Club at Dinarobin.’ This is open from 8am-8pm and with that you receive complimentary snacks throughout the day along with unlimited soft drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic drinks and cocktails. The added advantage is that you can also have the privileges’ in the main bar between 6.30-8pm in the evenings.
I would have no hesitation in recommending the resorts to both couples and families. If you would like any further information with regards to Mauritius please do not hesitate to contact me.
We decided to get married and honeymoon in Mauritius at the beautiful Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa. We flew to Mauritius with Emirates via Dubai, a few reasons why we chose to fly with Emirates was that number one, they are a great airline to fly with and number two, they offer a generous luggage allowance of 30kg per person which when you are getting married you definitely need!
The planning of the Wedding was so stress-free. Our Wedding Co-ordinator Sarah and the services of Audrey the guest relations manager were just fabulous. Nothing was ever too much trouble and they honestly took the stress of getting married away.
Beachcomber offers a classic wedding package or a luxury package which we opted for. On arrival we had an initial meeting with our Wedding Co-ordinator to discuss the legalities, choose what flowers and colours we wanted, the location of the ceremony, the location of the reception and the finer details like the wedding vows. Our menu for the evening, the wedding cake, music and photos were also discussed. She also arranged the appointments for my bridal hair and make-up trial and all of our appointments for our beauty treatments which were included within our wedding package. Early morning calls were set in place where needed as well. The ladies very adaptable and if there was something which did not suit, they just changed for us. Our wedding co-ordinator was also on hand with any questions we had or anything else at any point that we needed. Everything that was ever discussed by the time we got back to our room was in writing; their services were so efficient and faultless.
Our wedding co-ordinator arranged the appointments in Port Louis to meet the civil officer of Port Louis and swear our affidavit. We were taken by the Dinarobin’s limousine and escorted from beginning to end and also met the registrar in Casa-Noyale whom would prefer our wedding ceremony. The hotel certainly made everything so easy and stress free for us.
On our wedding day itself everything was just perfect from beginning to end and we could not have asked for anything else. Sarah was always on hand, popping into the spa to see how I was feeling, how my hair and make-up was coming and checking if I needed anything to eat or drink. She was absolutely amazing. My husband checked into his own room on the day to get ready and Sarah was always on hand to make sure he was feeling ok too. She delivered the button holes to his room, my dress was waiting in my room along with my bridal bouquet - there was nothing we had to do ourselves apart from turn up!!
We paid extra for a DVD to be made which was fantastic and I'd highly recommend to save all those wonderful memories. The DVD director and photographer came to my room approx. 30 mins prior to take some pictures of me getting ready and the same for my husband. In addition to this we had a guitarist during and after the ceremony plus on the beach before the ceremony, who was fabulous and just made the day even more romantic and memorable.
Sarah collected both of us from our rooms individually and escorted us to the wedding venue which had been decorated in the colours we chose. The words and vows during the ceremony were really touching, with everything just truly perfect and amazing. After the ceremony the guitarist played whilst we sipped champagne, cut the cake and had more photos taken. The staff at the Dinarobin really did go the extra mile with everything and made our day extra special. They also provided a boat trip for us to have same pictures taken with Le Morne Mountain in the backdrop, which was a nice touch too.
We had our wedding meal in the French restaurant ‘Saveurs Des Iles’ in a secluded area. The table had been decorated beautifully and Sarah had put out our guest book, candles and extra little touches. The food was outstanding and the service impeccable, as always. On returning to our room after our fabulous day, the room had been decorated with red petals and bottle of champagne this was such a lovely surprise.
We were lucky enough to be staying in a Club Senior beachfront suite and Sarah had pre-arranged a special celebration breakfast on our fabulous terrace the next morning. The staff turned up and set the table beautifully, a white table cloth, more flowers, a glass of champagne and a feast of food from, pastries, fruits, meats, cheeses, breads and there was even an oven which had plated eggs and bacon in for us. Every single thing was covered and it was these little touches that made the whole experience unforgettable.
That evening we came back from dinner and they had set up a romantic bath which was part of the wedding package and the time was pre-arranged by our wedding co-ordinator. The bath was surrounded with red petals bath and there was some more champagne..
Our special day and evening ran so smoothly and was completely faultless from beginning to end. We were made to feel very special by every single member of staff within the resort. If anyone is thinking of getting married abroad on a beautiful island, I would not hesitate recommending the Dinarobin Hotel & Spa for one moment.
If you would like anymore information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I travelled to Turkey for a fabulous trip which was courtesy of The Discerning Collection. We flew from Manchester with Monarch into Dalaman airport. The transfer from here to Kalkan was approximately two hours. We were lucky enough to stay at the five star Likya Residence and Spa in Kalkan, which is an adult only property. Hotel Likya is a boutique hotel offering panoramic views from incredibly spacious suites and deluxe rooms. There is no other hotel in Kalkan that can claim such wonderful, uninterrupted views; there are no buildings between the hotel and sea.
The hotel itself has a wealth of amenities to offer; 2 outdoor swimming pools, one indoor pool and a fabulous spa which was very reasonably priced. I found the staff to be very welcoming and friendly and nothing was ever too much trouble. We ate a couple of times at the hotel and I must say that the food was amazing, always well presented and to a very high standard.
Kalkan itself does not have any real beaches but you have access to the beach clubs where you can easily access the brilliant blue crystal clear seas. Yali Beach club is about a five minute walk from the Hotel Likya.
Whilst in Kalkan we also visited the other Discerning Collection properties like the Asfiya hotel, Oasis Hotel, Kas Peninsula Gardens, Villa Sarafin/Amethyst, Villa Saray are a few to name. All properties were of a very high standard and the Villas were outstanding with private pools.
Kalkan is an enchanting place and one of the most beautiful locations along the Lycian coast. It is said to have the highest number of restaurants and bars per square metre on the Turkish coast. Kalkan is renowned for its roof-top restaurants, which offer wonderful views of the town and sea.
One evening we ate at Kalkans’ best restaurant ‘Aubergine’. I would highly recommend a visit here. The food was out of this world and offered a very extensive menu to suit all tastes. The traditional Turkish mezze is a must!
There are plenty of shops in Kalkan also, and unlike other Turkish resort towns, shopping in Kalkan is completely hassle free. You can buy almost anything from pashminas, Turkish delight, to beautiful decorated ceramics to high quality leather handbags.
Other things to do in Kalkan, maybe take a Gulet trip around the coast and stop at the spectacular Kaputas Beach, or even get there by the local Dolmus. Or take a trip to the quaint town of Kas or a visit to the ancient site of Patara.
Kalkan is ideal for people whom like a place that still has its original charm and has not been overrun my mass tourism. I found it to be a truly classy place and ideal for those of you whom like to go out and wine and dine in beautiful surroundings.
If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I was lucky enough to travel to Dubai for the Gold Travel Counsellors conference. I flew from Heathrow on the overnight flight with Emirates on the new A380!
We stayed at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. The room was very spacious with a lovely balcony and equipped with everything you need for your entire stay; slippers, robes, dvd player and even an expresso machine.
As my first day in Dubai was a Friday it is tradition that they hold a brunch, which unites most people in the city. The brunch at the Westin was called ‘Bubbalicious’ and I now know why the name came about; Laurent Perrier champagne flowing endlessly! I have never seen anything like it; this really was the most impressive brunch I have ever seen. In addition to the champagne there were various cocktails being made, a Bacardi cocktail bar and soft drinks all available as well. The restaurants on the ground floor opened up and you could literally eat anything you wanted from fresh lobster and fish to roast meats and to steaks, and of course Asian Food - the choice was immense! The desserts were to die for and the presentation of everything really was outstanding. There was no limit to what you ate and drank at all. The cost for this was approximately £85.00 per person and I would highly recommend this.
After brunch I managed to get a few hours of relaxation in on the hotels private beach. The beach beds were perfect with thick mattresses and there was also a waiter service too. Due to the time of the year the weather was extremely hot nearing 45 degrees but there were plenty of shaded areas on the beach and around the pool and grass areas for you to escape to. The pool area at the Westin was very nice; there was a separate childrens pool and a meandering pool up to the swim up pool bar.
In the evening we went to the Armani Hotel, which is situated in the Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world. The hotel is the world’s first hotel developed and designed by Giorgio Armani. In addition to seeing the rooms at the Armani hotel we also went to the Armani Prive bar for cocktails and canapés, which is very exclusive.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi is located next to the Westin hotel and you can use the facilities of both hotels and charge anything back to your room. I can highly recommend the Barasti bar, which is the beach bar at the Le Meridien and seems to be one of the places to ‘hang out’.
Whilst in Dubai we also went to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa for dinner, which is situated in the heart of the desert. We dined in the Al Hadheerah desert restaurant – a great place to experience traditional fare. There was 1001 culinary delights from the live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens with spit roasts, live entertainment, belly dancers, camels - it was truly and Arabic experience!
I also visited the Jumeirah Beach hotel which has a superb location on Jumeirah beach and is ideal for families and you get unlimited access to the Wadi Wadi water park next to the hotel. In addition to this I visited the Burj Al Arab, which is voted the world’s most luxurious hotel.
I also got to look around the Madinat Jumeirah, which is made up of 3 hotels, Mina A’Salam, Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf. I loved this resort as it really had a true Arabic feel.
Our awards celebration was hosted by the Atlantis hotel on the Palm. This is a beautiful hotel and ideal for families as it has a loads of marine life and waterpark! The hotel truly looked after us the food was exceptional.
A visit to the Souks is must. If you are looking for ‘genuine fakes’ then a visit to Al Karama Souk is recommend; it’s great fun to barter with the locals and some great items can be purchased. If you are looking to purchase gold then there is an abundance of Gold Souks in Dubai. If you want more traditional shops then you have the Mall of the Emirates, which is the biggest shopping mall in the world.
Dubai is a great place to go, guaranteed sunshine - it only rains about three times a year! There is loads to do for everyone, from relaxing on the beach or shopping to even skiing at Ski Dubai.
If you would like any more information on Dubai then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ayubowan!
In May 2010 I was lucky enough travel to Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan tourist board. Sri Lanka contains as many variations of cultures, scenery and climate as some countries dozen times its size, it really has astonishing diversity.
The country is now a peaceful destination following the civil unrest on the north in 2008. It is the ideal destination for a varied holiday consisting of idyllic beaches, cultural sights, national parks and stunning scenery. There is really something to suit everyone.
We flew overnight direct to Colombo with Sri Lankan airlines. On arrival to Colombo our 1st stop was a hotel visit to the Walawwa, which is a boutique hotel located not to far from the airport. So if you don’t fancy staying in the city this would be an ideal option. After this we travelled into the heart of the city of Colombo for our first night at the Galadari hotel. Whilst here we had a short city tour visiting Independence Square and Gangarama Temple.
The next morning we travelled north to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which has the biggest herd of rescued elephants. It was an amazing sight to see the elephants make their journey down to the river to bathe and enjoy a dip. This happens twice a day under the eye of the tourist.
Our next stop on this day was to the Dambulla Caves which is one of seven UNESCO world heritage sites. The rock towers 160m over the surrounding plains, the cave temples are masterpieces of Buddhist art. Each is filled with murals depicting scenes from the Buddhist life and statues of the Buddha in various poses.
This evening we stayed at the Amaya Lake hotel in Dambulla.
We left early the next morning before the temperatures soared to climb Sigiriya (Lions Rock), which is an ancient rock fortress and ruin. Sigiriya is one of the islands most awe inspiring archaeological sites and leading tourist attraction. There are approx 1200 steps to reach the top, so definitely not for the faint hearted! Once at the top there are breathtaking views of the central Matale district of Sri Lanka.
Once down from the rock we made our way to do an elephant trek in the vicinity of the area. This was great fun and got some wonderful views of the rock. The elephants even took us in the water so that they could cool down.
Our next stop was another UNESCO heritage site to see the temples in Polonnaruwa which was the islands 2nd ancient capital.
This evening we checked into the Chayya Village located in Habarana. The hotel consisted of cozy cottages throughout the grounds.
The next day was an early departure towards Kandy. A visit to Kandy must include going to see the ‘Temple of the Tooth’.Said to have been snatched from the Buddhas’ funeral pyre and smuggled to Sri Lanka in the hair of a princess. The tooth relic is of great spiritual significance.
We next started to ascend to the tea country, otherwise known as ‘Little England’ the temperature is a lot cooler up there. On the way we stopped at Labookelie tea centre for a tea tasting event which was much fun. Afterwards we continued to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya and checked into the Grand Hotel. This was like a typical English hotel, with beautiful gardens, log fires and we were even greeted with hot soup.
On the following day we made our way down to one of 14 national Parks ‘Yala’ which is the largest and the most visited in Sri Lanka. Also one of the best places in the World to see the elusive leopard as it is said to have the highest density of them. That afternoon we did a jeep safari in the park and were lucky enough to see a leopard, elephants even the tusker, an array of birdlife and even the sloth bear. The safari was so much fun that we decided to do another one the following morning at 5.30am!
After the early morning safari we headed further down the coast towards the walled city of Galle. On the way we did a hotel visit at the Fortress hotel which has a beautiful beachfront setting this was a very nice contemporary style hotel. The Dutch fort at Galle is said to be the best preserved fort in South Asia and was modified by the Dutch in the 17th century. We also visited the Amangalle hotel for lunch and a visit, this hotel was very much boutique style an very small and personal. We captured a beautiful sunset this evening from the fortress walls.
It was an overnight at the Jetwing Lighthouse hotel which has a magnificent position on the coast with amazing coastal views. The hotel was contemporary style with spacious comfortable rooms.
Finally on our last day we headed towards Beruwela and then onto the Blue Water hotel in Waaduwa, stopping at the Eden hotel on the way for another hotel visit. It was an overnight at the Blue water before heading back to the UK on a direct flight with Sri Lankan airlines.
This was a truly amazing trip and gave me the opportunity to see the highlights of Sri Lanka. The people were very welcoming, the food was fantastic and of a very high standard, the beaches were idyllic. Sri Lanka is a year round destination as it has 2 monsoons that cover in different halves of the island at different times. So if you wish to enjoy the western and southern coastal areas when the weather is best then it is best to come between Dec-Apr. However even during monsoon time sunny warm days are common.
I would certainly recommend Sri Lanka as a holiday destination, either on its on or maybe you could twin it up with Dubai or the Maldives.
If you would like more information or would like me to put an itinerary together for you then please feel free to contact me.
I flew out to the Maldives with Thomson, the flight was fantastic along with the service.
On arrival into Male airport we were met by a Rep whom advised us what time our seaplane transfer would be, checked our luggage in which we did not see again until we got to our Island and then he directed us to a minibus which took us to the seaplane terminal. We were very lucky that we only had about a 30 minute wait for our flight. At the seaplane terminal Adaaran have their own air conditioned lounge to wait in. Here we completed our information for the hotel which saved us having to do that on arrival.
The seaplane transfer took 40 minutes and was amazing, what a great start to the holiday and an experience in itself. The planes are pretty small and can get a little hot .The views from the plane were spectacular you could see other islands along the way and we were lucky enough to have clear blue skies.
On arrival to Meedhupparu our first impressions on the Island were ‘Wow’. It was total paradise, the water was so blue and so clear and the sand was pure white. We were greeted by our Thomson Rep Gerard and taken to the main bar for a cool drink, cold towel and a quick chat. We were then allocated our room and taken their straightaway.
The rooms were much better than I expected as the brochures definitely did not do them justice. All bungalows are around the island on the beach with sea views and are very spacious with large balconies. We couldn't’t have asked for a better room in a better location, room 268 was perfect just steps away from the turquoise waters with idyllic views. The rooms were very comfortable, nicely decorated with a flat screen tv, minibar and an indoor and outdoor shower in the bathroom. They were well air conditioned with a fan too. To our surprise one evening our room boy decorated our bed in the shape of a heart with fresh flowers and petals and shaped the towels into swans. We thanked him the next day and asked him how long this took and he said ½ hr. Just shows how much effort is put in by the staff!
The Island is beautiful and only takes approx 15 minutes to walk around. It is spotlessly clean ,the staff are always on top of everything raking leaves from the beach daily, pruning trees and keeping everything in tip toe condition.
I was booked on all inclusive which entitles you to 3 meals a day in the main restaurant and snacks are available at certain times outside of the restaurant hours. The food was superb and the choices each day were endless. Nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff. Chef Guru was fantastic he went out of his way to speak to guests for their feedback and offered to cook anything you fancied, which I took him up on his offer several times. If for example you had been on a fishing trip then they would cook the fish that you had caught for you.
There are several excursions that you can go on from the island which included snorkelling trips, fishing trips, Lovers Paradise, desert Island BBQs. We did not feel the need to do any of these as we had everything we wanted on Meedhupparu, The snorkelling on the reef was one of the best that I have ever done! Amazing! We saw turtles, stingrays, eaglerays, Moray Eels and an array of beautiful tropical fish. I would recommend that you buy your snorkelling equipment prior to travel and take it with you then you can just go out and snorkel as and when you wish.
The staff have definitely thought of everything, each evening at 9.30pm they do fish feeding on the North Pier which is a must to go and see.
One evening we paid extra to have the ‘romantic Lobster dinner on the beach’. This was a truly special experience which I can highly recommend. The staff set a table up on the beach with torch candles and we were lucky enough to be the only table at the time. It was a 5 course meal and the lobster was cooked to perfection.
On the island there is the Coconut Spa, hairdressers, Ayurveda centre plenty of places to choose from for relaxation and a bit of pampering. I thought that the prices were pretty reasonable as well and they always seemed to have some different promotions on each day.
The weather whilst I was there was fantastic. Considering it was their highest month of rainfall within the 2 weeks there was only 1 day that it rained all day. Apart from that we had the occasional shower and then the sun came straight out. So I would not deter anyone from travelling this time of year..
I would not hesitate for one moment to return to this Island or recommend it to any clients. This was one of the best holidays and most relaxing I have ever had, it was a very casual atmosphere. The staff were truly amazing and nothing was ever too much trouble for them There is also the Andaaran Prestige Water villas which you can stay in. Subject to availability you can upgrade to the villas for an extra fee once you are there which is dependant upon the time of the year. So if you wanted a little special treat then this is always an option.
If you would like any further information with regards to the destination or Island please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I flew to Cancun on 28th October with Thomsonfly. The service and flight was fantastic.
We stayed on the Yucatan Peninsula (Riviera Maya) and at the Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun. The resort is located on one of the most pristine beaches in Mexico and set amongst more than 500 stunning acres of lush paradise. It is an all suites resort, all inclusive and for adults only.
The facilities are superb, over 12 swimming pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, non motorised watersports including kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. There is a gym, tennis courts and if you fancy a bit of pampering there is an amazing Spa which offers indoor and outdoor treatments.
At Secrets there are 7 gourmet restaurants to choose from and you can eat in any of them. They all offer a la carte service, there was a choice of Italian, French, Mexican, Seafood and Asian are to name a few. Whilst we were there we ate in all of the restaurants and I found the food amazing, the staff were very accommodating too so if I fancied something different that was not on the menu they would rustle this up for me.
As part of the all inclusive you can also take advantage of the 24hr unlimited luxury room service. So whilst we were getting ready for dinner we used to order a few glasses or wine to enjoy in the room.
The rooms at the resort are all suites. They have four poster beds, Jacuzzis for two, DVDs, TV, minibar etc. They are very modern and very comfortable. When the maid service came they used to light the josticks and candles around the bath, it was small touches like this that made it such a memorable holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff within the resort.
I found the beach at the Maroma idyllic, pure white sands and crystal clear waters. It was total paradise for me. Never a problem to get sunbeds on the beach and the great thing as well was that there was waiter service on the beach for your drinks and food as well so no need to move far if you did not want to.
Whilst in Mexico, as we had visited here in April 08, I did not feel the need to go on as many trips. The only one we did was horse riding on the beach which was fantastic. The trip lasted 3 hours and it did not matter what level of experience you had if any, you could still go out riding. We actually paid extra (which was for insurance reasons) to do a gallop on the beach which was well worth the money. Also, we got the opportunity to ride the horses without a saddle into the sea, this was definitely an experience.
To sum up, I can highly recommend this area of Mexico if you want a more relaxing and quiet holiday in comparison to being in Cancun. No high rise buildings and more secluded. Still there is an option to take excursions in the area if you wanted. The resort was just perfect if you are wanting to get away for a bit of luxury and not having to put your hands into your pockets whilst being there. The food and choice was superb, likewise the premium drinks!
If you would like any more information at all with regards to this area or would like me to plan your trip then please contact me.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to jet off to Oman for a long weekend for the Travel Counsellors Gold Conference and experience what the country had to offer in addition to looking at a variety of hotels.
Oman is located along the Gulf of Oman with over 1000 miles of coastline on the Indian Ocean, the Sultanate of Oman combines the best of luxury beach resorts with a rich culture heritage dating back over 5000 years. Oman also has a diverse topography with mountains and fjords, sand dunes and salt flats as well as lush green hills and desert. You won’t find sky scrapers and huge office blocks, buildings are generally no more than 4 storey’s high and white with beautiful arches and a very Arabic look.
On 4th June we travelled from Heathrow to Muscat (the capital) with Oman Air which was a flight time of 7hrs. The service onboard was fantastic, likewise the food and the seat pitch in economy was 34’’ with seat back TV’s with a wide choice of films and entertainment. Oman Air currently have new planes on order and will be extending their network to fly to Colombo and Male which will be great to have a twin centre holiday with Sri Lanka or the Maldives.
We stayed at the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental which was a 50mins transfer from the airport. This iconic property has been reborn as a superlative resort, ‘Jewel of the Sultanate.‘ My first impressions were ‘wow.’ In the reception area there is an exquisite centre-piece chandelier and crystal fountain. Check in was very efficient and we were lucky enough to check into our rooms early, which after a 7hr overnight flight was much needed.
The hotel rooms were very luxurious with every kind of home comfort, slippers, dressing gowns, mini bar and the most comfortable bed and pillows I have experienced in a hotel! The hotel itself it situated on 200 acres of landscaped grounds with four lagoon pools and water features. It is in a beautiful isolated location with mountains as a backdrop on a kilometer long private sandy beach. There is a stunning infinity pool stretching under an avenue of palms through the spacious lawns. Never a problem to obtain a sunbed; they are placed on the beach, around the pool area and throughout the grounds. The food and service was impeccable. This hotel is best for a touch of luxury for both families and couples due to the vast amount of facilities. I also visited three other hotels during my time there; the Chedi hotel, the Grand Hyatt hotel and the Shangri-La so ask me for more information about these and which will best suit your needs.
Oman has more to offer than just beaches. A long weekend doesn’t give you much time to explore but we did fit in a city tour incorporating the museum, Grand Palace and the spectacular Grand Mosque. The Omani culture is very much Islamic and we got to see many beautiful mosques with their ornate golden domes throughout the city.
Visitors to this country are expected to show respect to local customs, and we ensured that we covered shoulders and knees whenever we travelled out of the hotel. Consideration should also be taken when taking photographs and ask permission if taking any of the local people.
Also I went on a Dolphin watching Safari, a bit of an early start at 7am but it was well worth the early rise. We did actually get to see a few dolphins and even some turtles which Oman is renowned for as some 20,000 of them come ashore each year to breed. This trip was also combined with sailing along the cost to a secluded cove where we snorkeled and a large brunch was awaiting us. A terrific morning out and got to see a lot of Omans beautiful coastline as well.
There are numerous activities that can be arranged in Oman ranging from trips to see the countryside including Wadis, forts and mountain villages as well as more extreme sports such as sand vipers, dune bashing and off road motorbiking. Diving is also very popular in Oman as there is an impressive coral reef and several ship wrecks.
The weather whilst we were in Oman was very hot but a dry heat it got up to 47 degrees some days. The hottest time to travel here is between May and September which is when temperatures can become stifling. They say the best time to visit is between Mid October – Mid March.
Overall I would definitely go back to Oman for a short break, some guaranteed sunshine and luxury.
The reason for my visit to Marbella in November was the Travel Counsellors annual conference - how lucky was I?!
We stayed at the Gran hotel Guadalpin Banus which is a 5* hotel with a prime beachfront location only 15 minutes walk along the beachfront to Puerto Banus. Puerto Banus is especially recognised for the elite and cosmopolitan and you can often spot a famous person dining in one of the exclusive restaurants around the marina, or hanging out in one of the local bars.
The hotel is modern and the rooms are furnished to a very high standard with plasma TV, Hi Fi systems, mini bar and so on.. There is a great choice of restaurants to choose from and I can highly recommend the beach bar, with superb fresh fish and a great place to watch the sun go down.
Whilst in Marbella I took part in an adventure tour which was so much fun. It was up in the stunning mountainous area. The activities included archery, mountain biking, orienteering, rock climbing and driving a 4 x 4 around cones whilst blind folded! So if you are looking for an active day out I would highly recommend this.
If you want a fun night out why not try Olivia Valere nightclub. It does not really get going until late but it is amazing, with a real Moroccan feel, 4 poster beds upstairs around the dancefloor, fantastic music to suit all tastes and there are so many different rooms you can go into. This also seems the place to be for famous people to ‘hang out’ including the likes of Mariah Carey to name one.
Considering it was late November we were very lucky with the weather, 21 degrees every day and not a cloud in the sky.
With regular, cheap flights from the majority of regional airports, Marbella represents the ideal destination to spend a long weekend or more relaxing in the sun. There is something for everyone of all ages.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need anymore information or would like me to plan your break away.
I flew out to Cancun on 22nd April with Thomsonfly for a one week. First of all I was very apprehensive about flying with a charter airline for 10hrs. However as soon as we boarded the aircraft my mind was put at rest of how much legroom there was and leather seats too. We were also provided with a complimentary snuggle pack which contained a blanket, neck pillow and an eye mask.
We stayed at the Marriott Casamagna which is on the Cancun Hotel Zone. It was graced by stunning views of the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean and perfect white sand. On arrival to the hotel the reception staff were very welcoming and could not do enough for us. The reception area was marbled floors, high ceilings and a strong scent of fresh flowers. Our first impressions were ‘wow’.
We were booked into a premium ocean view room which was spacious, clean, had a large flat screen TV and patio doors which opened up onto our balcony. We were astounded by the ‘perfect idyllic’ view we had. All you could hear from your hotel room was the crashing of waves. I would highly recommend paying extra to upgrade to a premium ocean view room.
The hotel itself had a wide choice of restaurants with Japanese, Thai, Argentinean, American, and is also adjoined to the JW Marriott hotel so you can use their facilities too.
Within the hotel there is also a travel agency where we booked a couple of excursions.
The first excursion we went on was a day trip to Xel-Ha which is about 1hrs 45 mins from Cancun. Xel-ha is a unique and beautiful natural park. Here we swam with the dolphins which was just an amazing and unreal experience and I would highly recommend this activity to anyone. Also it was worth the money as we got to be in the water with the dolphins for 45 minutes.
The natural park is an ‘all inclusive’ park whereby all the activities apart from the dolphin swim are included as well as food, snacks, drinks (alcoholic too) and ice creams all day long on an unlimited basis. There is a choice of activities varying from snorkelling (equipment provided), kayaks, inner tubes, bikes, cliff jumps are some to name. If you are travelling with children this is an ideal day out as well.
The other excursion we went on was the ‘Jungle Tour’ - this was great fun. You get to have your own 2 seater mini boat which is very similar to a jet ski and you drive through the lagoon area until you come out into the Caribbean Sea where the boats are tied up and you get the opportunity to snorkel on one of the reefs for 45 minutes. Then return back through the lagoon and back to where you started.
The weather was perfect every day whilst in Cancun. I would recommend Cancun as a winter or summer destination as there is so much to do for everyone whether it is a couple or a family.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me for further information about this holiday destination and let me know if I can help you plan your trip.
My customer stories
Sent by John Gallagher
Luton 03/10/2024
Melissa is 1 in a million I've travelled last year south America for 5 weeks. This year Thailand for 4 weeks as solo traveller. I have trouble focusing at times with itineraries Mellissa is always at the end of the phone to help me get to planes and transfer on time . For me she has been more like PA than a travel agent. She's at the end of the phone 24/7 . She helped book all my tours and finding things i would be interested in . I've never know service like this in my 49 years alive . I would highly recommend her
Sent by Veronica Whittingham
Tadcaster 06/08/2024
Melissa is a font of all knowledge on travel she’s quite amazing. She is also a fantastic administrator and manages me really well, ensuring all arrangements are agreed and in place in a timely manner. I have absolute confidence in Melissa. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Melissa.
Sent by Karolina Lewis
Surrey 15/07/2024
Melissa is efficient, very helpful and extremely friendly. She’s a pleasure to deal with so we have been using her service for many years now. I’d highly recommend Melissa.
Sent by John Gallagher
Luton 01/11/2023
Mel had been amazing very helpful and available 24 hours a day . After missing a flight she was on her phone helping me at 2 am in the morning. No other travel agency would give this level of service
Sent by Kate Alcock
Brixworth 25/09/2023
Melissa always goes above and beyond. Excellent service at all times. Her emails are always clear and detailed and she looks after every detail to ensure the holiday goes to plan. Thank you Melissa for looking after us so well xx
Sent by Wilby Meadows
Barton Seagrave 25/09/2023
Melissa is super fast, super efficient, super professional. She immediately instills confidence in her customers right from the outset of their enquiries. I have returned to Melissa again for the next trip we're going on. She grasps the remit straight away and there is nothing ambiguous at all about her dealings and transactions. Just as you would like it to be. THROUGHLY RECOMMEND! x
Sent by Katharine Alcock
Brixworth 25/01/2023
Melissa always goes above and beyond to ensure we get the best possible service. She is friendly, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable, and gives 110 % at all times. She will start work early and will continue to work late into the evening to ensure she gets the job done. She keeps you informed of what’s going on which is extremely important and is always at the end of the phone or on an email if you need her. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to my friends and wouldn’t go anywhere else to book my travel arrangements. Thank you xx
Sent by Dave Schirn
Surrey 30/11/2022
Melissa, you are amazing. You have been arranging our holidays, since we went in our honeymoon 13 yrs ago. We wouldn’t use anyone else!!!!
Sent by D Davies
Surrey 12/09/2022
Melissa was extremely helpful and communicated every step of the way. She helped answer my every question even through her weekend and holiday!
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 06/09/2022
Its always been a pleasure to deal with Melissa. We always feel assured and safe when we have booked our holidays with Melissa knowing that she is on the end of a phone if we have a problem. GREAT SERVICE.
Sent by Cristina Cheshire
Brixworth 01/09/2022
We left it to the last minute and was panicking as we couldn't make the decision where to go. Melissa sent a lists of holidays to choose from ,she was very patient whilst we dithered and was great once we had made our minds up. Melissa has been super easy and took the pressure off us. We have booked our holidays with Melissa so many time and never fails to impress us, . So easy to contact with any queries and helpful information. Thank you Melissa. for making it hassle free xxx
Sent by Brian Berry
Northampton 19/08/2022
Having used Melissa as our travel counsellor over many years we have always found her to be very helpful/professional and knowledgeable plus nothing is too much trouble for her to ensure that she answers any questions that we may have about a forthcoming holiday prior to booking as she likes to ensure that she is giving us the very best service she can. Therefore, this year we had no hesitation is asking her once again to sort our latest holiday for us... also we should add that when we had a couple of problems in the past (cancelled flights etc!) even though there was an international time difference she was always available at whatever time of day it is UK to help sort it straight away!
Sent by Karolina Lewis
Surrey 19/07/2022
Melissa goes out of her way to help arrange holidays when dealing with tricky providers. She’s diligent and persistent and her customer service is flawless. She’s a delight to deal with.
Sent by Claire Engeham
Weybridge 11/02/2022
Melissa is absolutely brilliant at her job, not only is she a professional she’s a genuinely lovely person too. We have needed lots of help in the last couple of years with travel restrictions and reorganising holidays she is always so helpful and calm. We feel very lucky to have her as our travel consultant.
Sent by Peter Smallwood
Banbury 08/12/2021
Melissa has been brilliant both putting together a great trip but also dealing with issues and concerns as they have arisen. If we had booked our trip independently we would have had a big problem with Covid restrictions, changing schedules ect. She has gone above and beyond to look after us.
Sent by Claire Hersant
Northampton 24/11/2021
The service Melissa provides is outstanding - she's professional, helpful and extremely knowledgeable (not to mention patient!). The advice and guidance she provides is exceptional, and having the peace of mind and assurance of booking through Melissa is invaluable, particularly in these uncertain times.
Sent by Pat Mchugh
Corby 03/11/2021
Melissa is very knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. She is very friendly and always makes you feel like you are the only person she is dealing with that day(even though I am sure she is juggling many bookings!) nothing is too much trouble. I would not consider using another agent as I have full confidence in Melissa.
Sent by Bridget Gilmour
Wellingborough 29/09/2021
Support and advice at an intriguing time for travel. Melissa’s support made the process easy and gave me peace of mind. Knowing I will also have support when the trip happens and in the build up to it is priceless. I would 100% recommend Melissa to anyone and in fact I often do.
Sent by Matthew Harris
Brixworth 23/09/2021
Melissa was and is very helpful, Any questions we have she is on it very quickly, nothing is never to much.
Sent by Amy Schick
London 27/07/2021
I have been working with Melissa for several years now and she provides an absolutely first-class service, she is willing to support no matter what the time or day and is really an outstanding person!
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 25/05/2021
It is always a delight to speak to Melissa who deals with all your concerns and takes away the worries, she is just great.
Sent by Patricia McHugh
Corby 18/03/2020
Melissa is always more than helpful and even when she is under extreme pressure, she makes you feel like you are her top priority. Very friendly, efficient and professional.
Sent by Cristina Cheshire
Brixworth 21/01/2020
Melissa had gave us a few wonderful choice of places to choose from,she helped us decide which one to go for after she explained the difference, definitely the most successful easy booking we done ,any problems or worry she put it right.x
Sent by Sharon Bassett
26/03/2019
Just wanted to drop you a quick email to say a massive thank you for arranging my recent trip to Lapland, it was an amazing experience and one which I will treasure for the rest of my life. Your knowledge and expertise along with exceptional customer service you provide is really appreciated. The booking process is so easy as you always seem to know what I want and deliver. Even down to the fact the night before you had the unenviable task of calling me the evening before I was due to travel to explain that there had been a fire in the hotel which had affected our room upgrade! Many of the other travellers we discovered were unaware until they got to the resort! My itinery was packed full with husky ride, snow mobiles, snow shoe walking, reindeer trip and with my additional visit to the Ice Hotel and a further Husky night safari meant that we were kept very busy and entertained with sufficient time to relax and explore a little. Whilst I was away you continued to deliver your fantastic service by arranging a refund for the upgraded cabin that we were not able to stay in and so it was a great relief to see that had all been taken care of too. The final icing on the cake was seeing the Northern Lights on our last night, which was the finishing touch to an exhilarating 4 night holiday. You are now putting together my next big trip to Australia – which I have no doubt will be yet another amazing experience made even better by the fact I have peace of mind that you are always around to answer any questions and if I encounter any issues whilst away I know I will be absolutely fine. Thank you for your fantastic service Mel – you truly are a ‘Gold’ Travel Counsellor
Sent by Elizabeth Harris
Brixworth 28/02/2019
Melissa was so helpful and honest with us whilst we were thinking of booking our Lapland holiday, and patient as had lots of questions and numerous emails going back and forth, We are now looking forward to our amazing adventure in December Thankyou Melissa
Sent by Gary Bruce
Long Buckby 13/02/2019
A truly wonderful experience. All I asked for in my travel wishes were met and even surpassed. My travel itinerary, notes and documents have me relaxed and looking forward to my adventures down under.
Sent by Bridget Gilmour
Irthlingborough 13/02/2019
Melissa is an absolute star. Making suggestions, developing an itinerary and making amendments till it is exactly what I want. Happy to recommend to anyone.
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 18/12/2018
Val and I would like to say a big thank you for organising out “Big Adventure” in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
The whole trip went smoothly over the 2 months we were away.
There were no hick-ups and when you think you organised for us over a two month period
9 flights,
1 car hire,
1 cruise,
11 hotels,
12 taxi limos (airports-hotels-airports and hotel to hotel).
Always making sure we had boarding cards, either to print or collect at hotel reception desk it made it a stress free holiday.
Thank you Melissa
Sent by Sharon Bassett
Northampton 18/12/2018
Melissa is great at getting just what you are looking for, her service and knowledge is second to none and I highly recommend her to family, friends and clients wherever I can.
Sent by Ann Brebner
Northampton 18/12/2018
Melissa was spot on with her holiday choice for my 50th birthday. Melissa's attention to detail was first class throughout the whole booking procedure. We were totally blown away with her exceptional customer service. Thank you!
Sent by Liz Pickop
Addlestone 18/12/2018
Sorry this has taken so long to send! We wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you did to make our honeymoon so wonderful!
In all three of the places we visited, we explored, ate, drank and explored some more! Matt was particularly impressed with the limos that picked us up; we felt like royalty! We didn’t need to worry at all about how to get to and from the airports, hotels and trains; it was so fantastic to know it was all arranged for us and we could just relax and enjoy every moment.
Sent by Ann Brebner
Northampton 27/06/2018
Melissa was spot on with her holiday choice for my 50th birthday. Melissa's attention to detail was first class throughout the whole booking procedure. We were totally blown away with her exceptional customer service. THANK YOU!
Sent by Peter Ogden
London 08/06/2018
Mel is awesome. Funny, helpful, knowledgable, efficient and most of all patient!
Sent by Joanne Checkley
Raunds 29/05/2018
Melissa has helped us find and book several holidays and never fails to understand our preferences and always manages to find the perfect "gem"
.
Sent by Hannah Tidd
Northampton 14/02/2018
Mel was fantastic! Would highly recommend. Really informative, put our minds at ease and took all of the hassle out of booking our first holiday together!
Sent by Claire Humphrey
Buckingham 29/01/2018
Melissa is so easy to deal with and so patient when I change my mind about things. Have already booked 2 holidays with her for 2018.
Sent by Medha Mhaiskar
Milton Keynes 17/01/2018
Melissa gave us a quotation fast and booking was no hassle. Very professional. Very efficient. She took away the stress that comes with booking holidays. Will definitely recommend her.
Sent by Tracie Harrold
Northampton 16/01/2018
Very good service catered for all our needs without much fuss, planned us the best holiday to look forward to.
Sent by Patricia McHugh
Corby 16/01/2018
The service received from Melissa is first class, efficient, very friendly and helpful. We would not hesitate to recommend her to everyone we know. Thank you for making bookings and changes pain free and simple.
Sent by James Wallace
Goole 16/01/2018
Melissa always listens to our preferences and doesn't just offer us "the next best thing".
Sent by Sean Buckley
London 06/09/2016
We deal with Melissa LoGalbo. She is one of the calmest and clearest communicators we deal with, always very pleasant, professional, knowledgable and above all friendly. She is the only reason we do business with TC.
Sent by Edward Sewell
Stratford Upon Avon 01/09/2016
Extremely helpful and professional in knowledge that it all works out as planned.
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 01/09/2016
Have always had 1st class service
Sent by Peter Ordway
Warwickshire 05/07/2016
Melissa provides very fast, professional and friendly service along with good 'product' knowledge to help get the best flights.
Sent by Peter Ordway
Buckingham 21/06/2016
Melissa provides very fast, professional and friendly service along with good 'product' knowledge to help get the best flights
Sent by Jackie Tidd
Brixworth 11/04/2016
Melissa is always extremely helpful, nothing is too much trouble, I know I can completely leave the whole trip in her capable hands, allowing us to sit back and enjoy the different ideas and possibilities that she comes back with,, ideas that we would never have thought of ourselves. An excellent travel counsellor that I would recommend to anyone.
Sent by Lorna Freeman
Irthlingborough 17/02/2016
Melissa was extremely helpful and efficient. The booking was made quickly with no hassle leaving me to look forward to my holiday. Thank you !!
Sent by Marion Lowe
Isleworth 05/02/2016
I think the team at Travel Counsellors are very efficient, professional and helpful at all times. Melissa always responds super quickly to requests which is much appreciated and goes the extra mile to come up with viable alternatives especially when the request are particularly complicted. We at Sportcel wouldn't use anyone else.
Sent by James Prince
Wellingborough - BCC Marketing 28/01/2016
Melissa is such a pleasure to deal with. Always on hand to answer questions and if she is busy will always call back to deal with queries. Life has become so much easier with Melissa in my life!
Sent by Brynhild Goadby
Portugal 27/01/2016
Melissa was extremely helpful and attentive to all our requirements. She was recommended to us by some friends we met last year who had embarked on a tour and who told us of their experience and how satisfied they were with her help. As our impending travel plans have been well designed for our purpose with lots of detailed attention taken to ensure that we are offered the right options. We were extremely satisfied with Melissa's help. In our experience, Melissa is a very professional individual who goes to extreme lengths to ensure that her clients are completely satisfied. We will definitely recommend her services to any of our friends or colleagues who are considering future travel. Thank you so much Melissa.
Sent by B Goadby
27/01/2016
Melissa was extremely helpful and attentive to all our requirements. She was recommended to us by some friends we met last year who had embarked on a tour and who told us of their experience and how satisfied they were with her help. As our impending travel plans have been well designed for our purpose with lots of detailed attention taken to ensure that we are offered the right options. We were extremely satisfied with Melissa's help. In our experience, Melissa is a very professional individual who goes to extreme lengths to ensure that her clients are completely satisfied. We will definitely recommend her services to any of our friends or colleagues who are considering future travel. Thank you so much Melissa.
Sent by Siobhan Buddrige
11/01/2016
Fantastic service, even over the Christmas period. Thank you.
Sent by Siobhan Buddrige
Milton Keynes 05/01/2016
Fantastic service, even over the Christmas period. Thank You.
Sent by Peter Ordway
Buckingham 01/12/2015
Melissa is very professional and very responsive to my requests... this is really important as travel arrangements are often left to the last minute as my plans and schedule flex. Melissa provides an excellent service!
Sent by Corey Stockwell
Pitsford 27/11/2015
Fantastic experience. So helpful and friendly! Always finds me what I want.
Sent by Frances Gales
Bedford 26/11/2015
Melissa is lovely to deal with, very helpful and provides a very efficient service.
Sent by Gary Doggett
Suffolk 24/11/2015
Melissa gives a great reliable service!
Sent by Louise Twycross
Stoke on Trent 14/10/2015
Very helpful lots of options and excellent service!
Sent by Philippa Aber
Northampton 14/10/2015
Brilliant personal service, thanks Mel
Sent by Craig Fitzhugh
Northampton 14/10/2015
Excellent service and very friendly.
Sent by Jim Wallace
Yorkshire 16/09/2015
Unlike most travel agents, Melissa actually listens to what we want from our holiday! and goes the extra mile to see that we get it.
Sent by Lesley Preston
Portugal 16/09/2015
Very efficient service and a quick turn around on queries. Alternative suggestions and options are always offered with reasons for the choice. Also so far a good knowledge of the areas we are travelling to helps a lot.
Sent by Pete Ogden
London 11/08/2015
I absolutely adore Melissa and would recommend her to anyone. I've never had a bad holiday and she's a total pleasure to deal with every time.
Sent by Jenna Bruce
Long Buckby 20/07/2015
Melissa has been fantastic, and suggested what looks like the perfect destination given our brief. Can't wait to get there!
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 22/06/2015
Have already highly recommended Melissa several times to other people and would continue to do so in the future.
Sent by Louise Phillips
Northampton 26/05/2015
Dear Melissa, We just wanted to say thank you so much for helping us to choose and book our amazing honeymoon to the Maldives in August. You were so patient and honest and we definitely made the right decision in the end! Thank you for the champagne as well which was a lovely surprise on our return. You get quite used to drinking champagne while planning and having a wedding - we are missing having that excuse now! We hope that we can also find an excuse to book another holiday with you in the future too! Love from Nick & Lou Phillips x
Sent by Sharon Green
Brixworth 22/05/2015
Melissa has been so helpful finding our summer holiday. All we had to do was give her our dates, potential destinations and a price range. She came back to us with so much choice! Melissa definitely took the stress out of booking our ideal holiday. Melissa will be our first choice when booking holidays in future.
Sent by David Parnaby
Brixworth 15/05/2015
No problems with our bookings. Everything done in a timely and efficient fashion.
Sent by Gary Doggett
Suffolk 15/05/2015
Mel is fab!
Sent by Chris Walley
London 15/05/2015
From my experience Melissa has always been great and provides an exceptional service.
Sent by Francois Beranger
London 15/05/2015
Melissa is always there with quick, competent advice when I need her.
Sent by Wendy Roberston
Northampton 28/04/2015
Excellent advice and Mel is extremely efficient.
Sent by Brian Berry
Northampton 07/04/2015
Always very professional, knowledgeable, courteous and helpful and will go "the extra mile" to ensure that you have a worry free holiday.
Sent by Edward Sewell
Maidwell, Northamptonshire 07/04/2015
Melissa was very quick to work out what we wanted and worked efficiently in booking our travel and accommodation requirements for a week’s holiday in Tenerife.
Sent by Heather Sharman
Northampton 29/03/2015
Melissa is very knowledgeable and helpful in assisting with decisions. Also very friendly and gives you her time and you feel nothing is too much trouble - she is a star!
Sent by Brian Berry
Northampton 26/03/2015
Thank you so much for all your efforts in making our holiday a memorable one. It's so nice to know you are there for us.
Sent by Jayne Davidson
Northampton 12/03/2015
Mel is brilliant & always finds us the best deal & holiday we are looking for! & gets it done very quickly!
Sent by Sharon Bassett
Northampton 25/02/2015
I have known Mel for sometime now and have referred many clients to her. Mel always delivers good honest advice when helping to find the right holiday and I always recommend her services to friends and family.
Sent by Julie Hammond
Portugal 12/02/2015
Excellent service would and have recommended her to others, will absolutely use her for further trips.
Sent by Lisa Freeman
Barbados 09/02/2015
Melissa is truly fantastic. Nothing is too much - she goes beyond the normal duties of an agent I wouldn't use anyone else.
Sent by Penny Slein
Northampton 27/01/2015
Melissa books all our trips and is excellent.
Sent by Mark O'Neill
Northampton 26/01/2015
In my most recent dealings with Melissa LoGalbo, I required urgent help whilst in Germany. As ever Melissa's expert knowledge and professional approach resolved my issues within minutes. I can honestly say Melissa's customer service is exceptional and her in-depth level of knowledge makes for an incredibly effective and efficient Travel Counsellor. I would not hesitate to recommend Melissa.
Sent by Lesley Preston
Loule -Portugal 20/01/2015
Excellent service with very quick responses to any questions. Gave us what we needed with no fuss. The service we have received has been second to none and we will definitely use Melissa again.
Sent by Louisa Talbot
Northampton 05/01/2015
Melissa listens, understands what is required and then provides it. She gives prompt feedback and will always go that extra mile to make a holiday fit you. It is the second time I have used her services and I would certainly recommend her to anyone.
Sent by Jane Bates
Scaldwell 28/10/2014
Just to let your know all great at the hotel - they upgraded us again I think, room beautiful, bathroom unreal!!!!! Thanks Mel as per usual you've done an amazing job!!! If everything and everyone could be as brilliant as you the world would be a better place. I don't think I've ever met anyone in my life who is as conscientious and caring as you are, you do an amazing job and you should be praised to the highest level Xxxxxx
Sent by Margaret Desai
Aylesbury 28/10/2014
As usual I received exceptional support in terms of tailoring the options to my exact requirements whilst ensuring the best possible value for money. This level of knowledge is invaluable when you have very little time to do in-depth research yourself. I also had the pleasure of working with Melissa's colleague Michelle who was covering for Melissa when she was away and I am delighted to say I received an exceptional level of service from Michelle also. Well done Travel Counsellors you have some amazing staff working for you - knowledgeable, personable, talented, and extremely helpful!
Sent by Carol Mason
Northampton 29/09/2014
Melissa is wonderful, every time we are thinking about going on holiday we contact Melissa and she came back with some wonderful options. I would never use another travel agent or book online as I trust Melissa and I am safe in the knowledge that she will do everything she can to ensure our holidays are perfect.
Sent by James Wallace
Reedness 28/09/2014
Unlike other travel agents, Melissa actually listens to what we want from our holiday and doesn't just give us the next best thing. J.W.
Sent by Louise Phillips
Northampton 12/08/2014
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for helping us to book our amazing honeymoon. We had the most perfect time in the Maldives and were lucky with the weather as it only rained for two days! The resort was lovely and very relaxing so thank you for all your patience and kindness. Thank you also for your cards - very thoughtful.
Sent by Elizabeth Ridgway
Portsmouth 31/07/2014
Thank you for providing an excellent service. I was very impressed with the level of research and detail entered into designing a bespoke holiday.
Sent by Brian Berry
Northampton 08/07/2014
Melissa is always very professional, knowledgeable and courteous at all times and has proven she will "go the extra mile" for you at all times day/night whatever time it is in the UK.
Sent by Lisa Freeman
Barbados 12/06/2014
Melissa is a great travel agent reliable, efficient and very attentive. I would highly recommend Melissa.
Sent by Peter Williams
Northampton 30/05/2014
Melissa Logalbo is the Travel Counsellor who deals with my travel arrangements. Melissa provides a highly efficient and professional travel service. I have already introduced one of my colleagues to Melissa.
Sent by Joanne Worth
Northampton 21/05/2014
Melissa has been a huge help in arranging my wedding day and taken so much stress out of it for me. I would not hesitate to recommend her in the future.
Sent by Mark Wildash
London 13/05/2014
Melissa is always a great help, very personable and comes up with fab resorts and hotels! Would not hesitate to recommend her.
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 24/02/2014
Melissa is just wonderful, nothing is too much trouble for her. You cannot get much more helpful then she is.
Sent by Philip House
Great Oxendon, Market Harborough 18/02/2014
Ever since the first phone call we have not stopped ringing your praises.
We loved the choices you gave us which included one within our budget requirement and some alternatives. You were then incredibly efficient in booking everything and we immediately looked forward to our holiday.
The organisation of the tickets and booking information was great and we particularly liked receiving the boarding pass with a seat allocation before we flew. I also liked the wallet that you sent and which I used very efficiently.
Interestingly I found my receipts from the previous holiday in Costa Adeje and the total cost this year was less than last year for a much much better holiday.
Once again we cannot thank you enough for the way you organised the holiday for us.
Sent by Andrew Bolton
Middlesex 11/02/2014
Melissa at TC gives the perfect service, just right for us in terms of the personal service backed up by a global capability and understanding of how the industry works. I'd absolutely recomend and if I was to move companes I'd keep Melissa's contact details for future projects. Thank you!
Sent by Dawn Exley
Northampton 06/02/2014
This is the second holiday that Melissa has booked for me. At all times Melissa has been extremely professional and has gone 'the extra mile' to make sure that she found me exactly the holiday I was looking for. I would have no hesitation in recommending Melissa to people.
Sent by Stephen Edmonds
Brixworth,Northants 24/01/2014
Prompt, efficient and very helpful!
Sent by Louise Withington
Northampton 20/01/2014
Melissa was amazing! She was very patient and really worked hard to help us find what we wanted for our honeymoon. We have already highly recommended her to a couple who have just got engaged and are looking into their own honeymoon.
Sent by Katy Chetland
Bristol 09/01/2014
Melissa was absolutely amazing, what was at first a daunting task for me became a pain free and really enjoyable experience. I would and already have recommended many of my friends and family. brilliant and extremely efficient service. Incredible!
Sent by Hayley Boniface
Northampton 07/01/2014
Melissa is the most helpful, thorough, professional and conscientious travel consultant/agent we have ever had to deal with! She always goes that extra step and nothing is ever to much trouble! She is highly recommended to all our friends and family! Always a fantastic job, thank you!!!!!
Sent by Marion Ansell
Northampton 03/01/2014
Really pleased with the service - it went above and beyond any other service I have had, regarding communication and the hard work and unsociable hours involved in finding me the best deal for my trip.
Sent by Glen Booth
Middlesex 30/12/2013
Travel Counsellors are excellent - Melissa Logalbo is on the ball all the time.
Sent by Ben Lord
Higham Ferrers 05/12/2013
Great service , great choices offered & very speedily resolved. Thanks
Sent by Philippa Aber
Northampton 02/12/2013
Brilliant service, helpful and knowledgeable.
Sent by Brian Berry
Northampton 04/11/2013
I have used the services of Melissa a number of times and always found her to be very efficient and professional but at the same time very friendly/helpful... she will go "the extra mile" for you, an example of which is that she is always available at any time should there be any problem(s) even when you are on the other side of the world and there is a large time difference with your "day" being her "night". Would have no hesitation in recommending Melissa to anybody and indeed have done so in the past. Many thanks.
Sent by Christine Newman
Northampton 30/10/2013
An excellent professional service from Melissa. Kept me updated with her search for a good rate and was impressed with the deal. This is the second time we have used Melissa. Excellent.
Sent by Alan Isaacs
Bishops Stortford 29/10/2013
Absolutely superb.
Sent by Emily Chesterton
Bristol 29/10/2013
We had the most amazing time…Thank you. It was so hard coming back, especially after the 10 nights of luxury at the Kilindi resort. You did such a wonderful job in organising the entire trip, we loved it from start to finish. It almost felt like we had three holidays in one, with the safari, then Naorobi and finishing off in Zanzibar... amazing! Both lodges on safari were great and the food was excellent, Kilindi was undoubtedly the most incredible place we have ever stayed at and the food was the best we've ever had. The staff were all amazing and the facilities were second to none... All in all, a VERY successful honeymoon. Thank you so much for all of your hard work, we really did have the time of our lives (despite the hick-up at the beginning). Thanks again for sorting out the flights at the beginning of the trip, I don't know what we would have done without you! Back to work tomorrow and back to reality :-( Hopefully we will plan another trip in good time and will definitely call upon your services again! Thanks for everything.
Sent by Paul Sharp
Northampton 11/10/2013
It is always a pleasure booking travel with Melissa. I can guarantee without fail that Melissa gives top service and is very knowledgeable. Thanks again Melissa!
Sent by Carol Mason
Northampton 30/09/2013
Melissa was brilliant, she took all the stress out of booking a holiday and gave us exactly what we were looking for, I did have to chop and change dates due to work commitments, but Melissa kindly checked out other dates without a problem. Would definitely recommend Melissa to everyone and I will always book my holidays through her. Fab service
Sent by Elizabeth Barrett-Merton
Northampton 13/08/2013
Wonderful service from Mel. She is very knowledgeable and really tries to meet your requirements to make your holiday just as you would like it to be. Can't wait to go on holiday now! Thank you!
Sent by Jim Wallace
Goole, East Yorkshire 12/08/2013
Melissa is always prepared to go the extra mile for us, rather than just pick a tour ‘off the shelf’, which is why we keep coming back.
Sent by Heather Sharman
Northampton 07/08/2013
Melissa is always so helpful, friendly and gives loads of great advice to help with any booking.
Sent by David Parnaby
Northampton 17/07/2013
Thank you for the excellent arrangements which you made for our holiday. Everything worked perfectly and you were quite right to allow for extra time at Lille on the return journey. The Aix-Lille train was delayed owing to an animal on the line and we may not have made the earlier connection.
Sent by David Parnaby
Brixworth, Northants 28/05/2013
Melissa provided excellent service -quick and obliging. She has helped me several times previously and I shall doubtless approach her again.
Sent by Pete Ogden
London 28/05/2013
Melissa is absolutely wonderful - I genuinely go on holiday more because she is so brilliant and so helpful. She's sent me on some corking holidays. THANK YOU
Sent by Jo Checkley
Raunds, Northamptonshire 08/05/2013
This is the second time we have booked with Melissa and once again she has excelled at the level of service she has given. She is always very friendly, helpful and seems to understand our requirements so well, it makes booking a holiday even more pleasurable.
Sent by Sarah Ogden
Northampton 26/04/2013
Melissa was very helpful if finding us the right holiday to suit our requirements. Nothing was too much trouble and her response to our requests have been done in a timely manner. Would certainly recommend her to friends and family. Thank you
Sent by Dawn Exley
Northampton 25/04/2013
Melissa has been fantastic in helping me sort out my travel arrangements. My requirements changed several times during the time Melissa was helping me and each time she was patient, courteous and kept providing me with more options until we found the right one for us. I would have no hesitation in recommending Melissa
Sent by Joanne Checkley
Raunds 04/09/2012
Melissa was exceptionally helpful and professional. She managed to find us the perfect holiday and whilst incurring a problem during our visit to Corsica Melissa did her upmost to make sure the problem was resolved to our satisfaction and without inconvenience. The postcard we received upon our return was a lovely gesture and her follow up call was equally welcome. We look forward to using Melissa's services in the future.
Sent by Joanne Checkley
Raunds 10/08/2012
Melissa was a pleasure to deal with, very professional and friendly and I would certainly recommend her to friends and family. I felt nothing was too much trouble for Melissa and she was nothing but helpful and accommodating and responded to all questions expeditiously.
Sent by Michael Ellis
St Neots 10/08/2012
Always there to help, does not forget even the smallest detail. Always gets us the best service on our holidays, just great.
Sent by Anne-Marie Harrison
Chester 10/08/2012
As ever it is a pleasure to have Melissa book our travel arrangements. We always have peace of mind, Melissa is so reliable, professional and prompt. I am constantly recommending Melissa and know other family and friends have asked Melissa to book their travel arrangements, they too have been extremely impressed with the high level of service they have received. Melissa is fantastic!
Sent by Sajel Patel
Northampton 10/08/2012
A very efficient and friendly service with a quick response and a variety of options. Perfect for busy people!
Sent by Tracy Shepherd-Regan
Daventry 10/08/2012
Efficient and friendly service, listened to our needs and came up with the perfect solution for our holiday.
Sent by Nina Thomas
Northampton 10/08/2012
It has been a joy to have our holiday arranged by Melissa. From the first phone call, when we only had a rough idea what we wanted from this holiday, to the finished package. We spoke on a daily basis changing bits here and there, and trying to come up with a great holiday that also included meeting up with friends and our sons who were on rugby tour in Sri Lanka. This is our second holiday booked with Melissa, and would always come to her for our 1st choice and also to recommend her to our friends.
Sent by Pamela Hillman
Surrey 03/08/2012
I found Melissa to be extremely informative and helpful, I certainly will look to book future trips in the future.
Sent by Marthinus Hofmeyr
Kettering 30/07/2012
Great service! Prompt, efficient and accurate. It made my travel experience so much easier and enjoyable. Thank you Melissa!! You will definitely hear from me again!
Sent by Vicki Nicholson
Buckinghamshire 02/02/2012
To Melissa,
There are so many things to thank you for, so please don’t think me rude if I have forgotten to mention them all. Thank you for making booking a holiday so easy, if there were hiccups you sorted them out, you accepted my calls calmly and you were never impatient with me, you sorted every request I made, you organized trips not planned by me, which I did enjoy. You made my wedding seamless, you sent me flip flops, which I wore during my honeymoon and you sent us beautiful flowers to come home to. You gave us so much, thank you is such a small word for what you did for us……. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have both had such a wonderful year with the build up to the wedding, holidaying in Jamaica and celebrating our marriage infront of a group of very special friends, and finally partying with our friends and family that couldn’t come with us to Jamaica. We have been so blessed and are so very happy; we will have lots of lovely memories to hold onto for a very long time, because of you.
Thank you so much for being part of our special celebrations.
Love from
Vicki and Andy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent by Lauren Walder
Middlesex 31/01/2012
Hi Melissa, I wanted to say a massive thank you for your help. There have been people sent to test us throughout; but even when I haven’t been able to, you have dealt with the issues quickly, effectively and in such a good manner. The whole team really appreciate your help with the project and professional manner you deal with our insane requests on a (pretty much) daily and sometimes hourly basis - even at weekends. I would recommend you to anybody and we are all really impressed and pleased with your service and the fact that you still work with us considering our demands!! Many thanks and best of luck, Lauren
Sent by Chris Walley
London 31/01/2012
I just wanted to say a very big Thank You for sorting our amazing South African holiday out. Pete and I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every moment. Thank you for your hard work in sorting it out at such short notice. I thought you were brilliant and will definitely be in contact re. my next trip. Will also pass your details around to friends if that's ok with you, Speak soon, Chris.
Sent by Daniel Henry
High Wycombe Buckinghamshire 21/09/2011
I know it's a bit late but I want to thank you Melissa Adams for a superb holiday trip for myself and my now wife to New York. Melissa is a real credit to Travel Counsellors, everything was perfect a lot had been taken off our shoulders, she planned everything, (except the weather ) lol. As my wife and I have just got married we are currently in the process of using Melissa's great assistance again.
Kind Regards
Dan S Henry
Sent by Dave & Alex Schirn
Addlestone, Surrey 12/02/2010
Dear Melissa,
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your help with our honeymoon! It took a while to come to a decision but it was worth it! Everything about the honeymoon was perfect and it's all thanks to you! Thanks also for the lovely cards and bubbly you sent it was such a nice thought and really meant a lot! We will definitely be recommending you to all our friends!
Thanks again!
Sent by Sally Knight
London 15/12/2009
Melissa saved our holiday to Japan. The unexpected death of a very close friend meant we were going to cancel our holiday but Melissa stepped in, found us new flights, dealt with the cancellation and all the financials. Melissa went above and beyond her role to help us out and her personal touch at such troubling times left us without the worry. I can't recommend Melissa highly enough.
Sent by Paul and Emily Dunstan
High Wycombe 12/02/2009
Hi Melissa,
Back at work now so a quick email to say thanks for all your hard work. We made the airport on time despite all the fears the day before.....
As for the trip itself, we can't possibly thank you enough, everything was organised superbly from the limo pick up at the airport to the breakfasts in the hotel! Amazingly, we also somehow got upgraded to one of their top suites in the hotel - if you had any part in that then you truly are a genius....
To sum up, thank you massively for the organisation, was a perfect weekend break to a beautiful city which we will definitely return to, and I will be recommending you to anyone who's looking for a break anywhere if that's ok with you?
So - Great work Melissa, we really appreciate it!
Paul & Emily
Sent by Kay Aitken
Northamptonshire 30/08/2008
Melissa was our key asset during the summer of 08, organising 5 seperate flights for over one hundred scouts, taking part in 3 legs of a Tall Ship adventure. When bad weather caused the first leg to arrive 2 days late for the awaiting second crew, Melissa at very short notice arranged alternative flights and hotels in Spain to save the trip. She was absolutely invaluable to us.
