28 November 2024

In March 2018, I had the pleasure of staying at Rattray’s on Mala Mala , a luxurious safari lodge in one of South Africa’s most iconic private game reserves. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this would be an experience unlike any other. Combining the elegance of a bygone era with the excitement of unparalleled wildlife encounters, Rattray’s offered an unforgettable escape into the African wilderness. On the drive from the airport to the lodge, we spotted an array of animals, including impalas, kudus, giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. Mala Mala’s location, bordering the Kruger National Park without fences, allows for an incredible variety of wildlife to roam freely across its vast landscapes. This seamless integration with nature makes every game drive a thrilling adventure. Our accommodation was a revelation. Each suite, or “Khaya” (the Zulu word for “home”), is designed to blend understated luxury with the tranquillity of the bush. Spacious and elegantly decorated, our suite provided every comfort imaginable, from a sumptuous en-suite bathroom to a private plunge pool. The wildlife encounters continued before we had even unpacked. Stepping onto our outdoor deck, we were greeted by an uninterrupted view of the Sand River, where a herd of elephants—my favourite animals—gathered to drink and play. It was a mesmerising introduction to the magic of Mala Mala and the perfect beginning to our stay. Our ranger, Daniel, guided us on daily excursions, expertly tracking animals and sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem. The game drives at Mala Mala are intimate and personalised, ensuring each guest has a front-row seat to the action. We witnessed everything from a very young elephant calf learning to walk whilst being held up by the herd, spotting an elusive leopard whilst enjoying a sundowner, to lion cubs playing in the grass, and even a herd of buffalo gathering at a waterhole. The beauty of Mala Mala is that its expansive terrain offers a sense of exclusivity; many sightings felt as though the animals were performing just for us, with no other vehicles in sight. The service at Rattray’s was impeccable throughout. From the warm welcome we received upon arrival to the attentive care shown by every member of the team, the lodge exudes an atmosphere of hospitality and relaxation. Meals were a highlight of the day, served in elegant yet inviting settings, often with views of the surrounding wilderness. Rattray's on Mala Mala is more than a safari lodge—it’s an experience that perfectly balances indulgence and adventure. The lodge’s stunning location along the Sand River, combined with its exceptional game drives and luxurious accommodation, creates a sanctuary where guests can connect with nature in comfort and style. Reflecting on our stay, I’m struck by how effortlessly Rattray’s delivered moments of awe and serenity. Whether marvelling at wildlife from the deck of our Khaya, sharing stories with our ranger after an exciting game drive, or simply soaking in the beauty of the African bush, every moment felt deeply special. For anyone seeking a truly unique safari experience, Rattray’s is a destination like no other. It’s a place where luxury meets the untamed beauty of nature, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re dreaming of an African adventure, let me help you plan your perfect trip to Mala Mala. It’s a journey you’ll never forget.

11 November 2024

Three Days in New York City with Teenagers: A Family Adventure through Iconic Landmarks, Dazzling Skyscrapers, and Unforgettable Experiences New York City is a dream destination for families, especially with teens in tow. With a mix of iconic sights, thrilling views, and famous hangouts, the Big Apple offers something for everyone. Here's how we spent three incredible days exploring NYC, taking in the history, entertainment, and non-stop energy of the city that never sleeps. ________________________________________ Day 1: Reflection and Skyline Views Morning: 9/11 Memorial & Museum We began our trip with a meaningful visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum where we took a group tour. This experience was both sombre and enlightening, as we explored the exhibits detailing the events and legacy of 9/11. The teenagers appreciated the chance to understand history through the immersive displays, paying their respects at the twin reflecting pools. Afternoon: Macy's, Empire State Building and Grand Central Station After the museum, we headed to Macy's, the world’s largest department store, where we took in the beautiful holiday decorations and found the iconic wooden escalators. Macy’s was an ideal spot to pick up souvenirs and explore New York’s iconic retail scene. Later, we strolled over to the Empire State Building, admiring its Art Deco charm as it stood tall against the Manhattan skyline. Grand Central Station was our next stop, where we marvelled at the historic architecture, and the teens were fascinated by the Whispering Gallery and the impressive ceiling. Evening: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt We ended the day on a high note at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. The observation deck, with its mesmerising glass floors and 360-degree views, was a massive hit. The teens loved the mix of city views and contemporary art installations, which created a surreal and visually stunning experience. Watching the sun set and the city lights come alive as night fell was nothing short of magical and was one of the highlights of the trip. ________________________________________ Day 2: Classic NYC Sites and a Night Out in Times Square Morning: Statue of Liberty (Crown Access) and Ellis Island Day 2 started with an early ferry ride to one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, where we climbed all the way to the crown! The ascent added a bit of adventure, and the view from the top was well worth it with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Next, we headed to Ellis Island to explore the museum and learn about the experiences of immigrants who arrived here. This was a touching, educational stop, providing valuable historical context for the teens. Afternoon: The "Friends" Building and Washington Square Park After Ellis Island, we made our way to West Village, specifically Grove and Bedford, where the building from Friends stands. Although it's just an apartment building, it was exciting for the teens to see this pop culture landmark in person. A short walk brought us to Washington Square Park, a lively and quintessential New York spot with its iconic arch, street performers and chess players. Evening: Times Square, Ellen’s Stardust Diner and the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Our day ended in the neon-lit, electric heart of New York – Times Square. The teens were captivated by the flashing billboards, street performers and bustling crowds, soaking in the energy of this famous intersection. We capped off the evening with a meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the singing waitstaff made the dining experience both fun and unforgettable. A classic New York experience awaited us at Rockefeller Center – ice skating under the twinkling holiday lights. The rink wasn’t too crowded, and the teens loved the experience, making plenty of family memories. ________________________________________ Day 3: Parks and Shopping on Fifth Avenue Morning: Central Park and the New York Public Library On our final day, we headed to Central Park for a pedicab tour. The park’s beauty was a refreshing contrast to the city’s buzz, and the teens enjoyed spotting famous landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and John Lenon’s Memorial. Central Park provided a perfect, peaceful start to our last day in the city. The teens enjoyed a quick stop by the New York Public Library as we walked through midtown, admiring its grand architecture and iconic lion statues. Afternoon: Fifth Avenue Shopping Extravaganza The afternoon was all about Fifth Avenue, where we indulged in some shopping at iconic stores. Highlights included the Nike House of Innovation, which impressed the teens with its tech-forward displays and exclusive gear, the Microsoft Experience Center (check out the McLaren Senna Simulator!) and the Apple Store. Even if we didn’t buy much, exploring these flagship stores was a fun experience in itself. Evening: Final Stroll through Midtown As the day came to a close, we walked back through Midtown, taking in the atmosphere of this vibrant part of New York City. Our last few hours were a chance to soak up the energy of the city before heading home with unforgettable memories. ________________________________________ Tips for Exploring NYC with Teens • Use the Subway: Not only is the subway the most efficient way to get around, but it’s also a quintessential part of the NYC experience. • Book in Advance: Popular attractions like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the crown access at the Statue of Liberty can be extremely busy, so book tickets early to avoid disappointment. • Balance Sightseeing and Shopping: NYC can be fast paced, so it helped to alternate between busy attractions and relaxed shopping or park visits to keep everyone energised. ________________________________________ Exploring New York City as a family was an incredible adventure. The city’s dynamic blend of history, culture, and modern-day magic made each day unique, and left us with memories to treasure. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to visit some of my favourite parts of New York, including the Highline and Brooklyn - we can’t wait to return!

31 January 2024

Embarking on a family trip during the festive season is truly special, and our recent adventure to Prague with our teenage boys was nothing short of magical. The enchanting Christmas markets, on cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights and filled with the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon, set the scene for moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Nestled in the heart of Prague, the Old Town Square is transformed into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The towering Christmas tree served as a focal point for the festivities, while the hustle and bustle of the markets supplied a vibrant backdrop for our family adventure. With our teenagers in tow, we explored the stalls, each offering a treasure trove of unique gifts, delectable treats, and the unmistakable aroma of Christmas. The markets' diverse culinary offerings allowed us to sample local delicacies – trdelník, a traditional pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon, was a particular favourite. While the Christmas markets were a major draw, we also took the opportunity to explore Prague's iconic landmarks. From the medieval charm of Charles Bridge to the panoramic views from Prague Castle, our family adventure embraced both the festive spirit and the city's rich cultural heritage. Our trip to Prague's Christmas markets with teenagers was a delightful blend of discovery, indulgence, and shared moments. The city's enchanting ambiance, combined with the allure of the festive markets, created a wonderland that left us with cherished memories. For families considering a holiday with teenagers during the Christmas season, Prague's markets offer the perfect blend of excitement, cultural exploration, and culinary delights for an unforgettable experience.

03 April 2023

Disney World Resort, Florida is a magical place, but it can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. With four theme parks, two water parks, and a variety of other attractions, it can be hard to know where to start. This year I have noticed an increase in client enquiries for DisneyWorld Resort in Florida, both from first-time visitors and repeat guests too. I first visited DisneyWorld Resort in Florida at 10 years old and have returned many times since, both with my own children and on adult-only trips, including a fabulous VIP trip in 2016 courtesy of Disney. I love helping clients tailor-make their magical holidays to Florida and my service to clients includes assistance with planning visits to both Disney and Universal including how to use Genie+, restaurant recommendations and a copy of my personal Disney Tips document. Get in touch to start planning your tailor-made trip to DisneyWorld Resort and Orlando today! 020 3051 1970 Nicola.foley@travelcounsellors.com ********************** In the meantime, here are my top tips for making the most of your time at Disney World: 1. Plan ahead. The first step to a successful Disney World trip is to plan. This includes booking your tickets, making dining reservations, and researching the different attractions and shows. 2. Arrive early. One of the best ways to avoid long lines is to arrive at the park early. Plus, the earlier you arrive at the park, the more time you'll have to enjoy the rides and attractions. If you are staying in a Disney World Resort Hotel you can take advantage of 30 minute’s Early Entry in the four theme parks every day. 3. Download the My Disney Experience app. The My Disney Experience app is an essential resource for planning your Disney World trip. You can use the app to book park reservations, make dining reservations, and check wait times for attractions. 4. Take advantage of the Genie+ and Lightning Lane systems. Genie+ is a paid service that gives you the opportunity to reserve a timeslot to ride certain attractions. Lightning Lane is a similar service that is only available for the most popular attractions in each park. During peak times both can save you a lot of time waiting in line. A relatively new concept at DisneyWorld, as part of my service I help all my clients understand how these work and which rides are included. 5. Take advantage of the single rider line. If you are willing to ride by yourself, you can often save time by using the single rider line. 6. Take breaks. Don't try to do too much in one day! Disney World is a big place, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. It is important to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you are traveling with young children. You can find plenty of places to sit and relax in the parks including restaurants, shops, and even the shows or why not go back to your accommodation for a swim and return to the parks later in the day when it’s cooler. 7. Stay hydrated. It is important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot Florida sun. Bring a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day. 8. Pack snacks. Food can be expensive at the parks, so it is a good idea to pack some snacks, especially if you are travelling with young children. 9. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking at Disney World, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals. 10. Have fun! Most importantly, remember to have fun! Disney World is a magical place that can create lasting memories for the whole family, so be sure to relax and enjoy your time there. Take your time, explore the parks, and make memories that will last a lifetime. I hope these tips inspire you to think about a magical holiday to Disney World Resort and I look forward to helping you make the dream trip a reality. Give me a call today to start the planning. 020 3051 1970 Nicola.foley@travelcounsellors.com

04 August 2020

Given the change in the FCO advice and the recent requirement to quarantine on return from the Canary Islands, I debated whether to post about our experience of being out and about in Lanzarote. However, several of my clients have asked me about the experience, so I felt it might be useful should the advice change again in the near future. My experience in Lanzarote made me feel that they are taking it all much more seriously than the UK and I felt much safer there than I do here. IN RESORT As it's not as busy as it would usually be in the peak of summer, it was so easy to maintain social distance when walking around the resort. I never felt that people were walking too close or not keeping their distance. SHOPS We took the opportunity to do a little retail therapy (I haven't been into a clothes shop since early March) and visited a couple of malls in town centres and the shops along the seafront in Playa Blanca. Masks were mandatory in all shops and malls, and all staff were wearing them too. The shops all have hand sanitiser by the entrance and the shop staff will not let you enter the store unless you use it, and they are not afraid to ask you. Most shops have a one way system in place, which is clearly marked, and separate entrance and exit. They weren't busy but some shops did have a limit on the number of people they would allow in store at one time. If you tried clothes on, most stores had somewhere for you to put the clothes that you didn't buy. They then sanitised these items before putting them back on the shelf. We popped into a supermarket to buy some water and they took your temperature before you could enter. You were also not allowed to take any bags in with you and were asked to put them in a locker. RESTAURANTS Again, the restaurants we visited during our trip had hand sanitiser by the entrance and you were asked to use it. Masks were required until you sat down, at which point they could be removed. All staff wore masks, even in the outdoor restaurants and cafes. Menus were not available, instead online menus were available which were accessible on their website or by scanning a QR code. Instead of a large bottle of olive oil and salt/pepper on the table, the restaurants had individual, one-use condiments. RETURN AIRPORT Lanzarote airport was quiet in departures. There was no queue at security and we got through in minutes. Duty Free was fully open although there were signs reminding you to socially distance. All other shops were closed. There was one sandwich bar open for food and drink and a couple of machines for crisps, chocolate, cold drinks and tea/coffee. ******************* After my 4-day visit last week I would definitely have returned to Lanzarote with my family and felt safe doing so. I feel so sad for the locals as they have done everything possible to make it safe for tourists, putting great protocols in place and keeping the case numbers low. I appreciate that travel at this point in time isn't for everyone, but I am so pleased that I was able to visit and given my experience whilst in Lanzarote would return again if I could. Please do give me a call if you have any questions about my trip or would like to find out more. Nic 020 3051 1970 or nic.foley@travelcounsellors.com

04 August 2020

This beautiful hotel has 385 rooms offering different configurations to accommodate 2-6 people, with 6 outdoor pools, Spa, gym, and 7 restaurants. An excellent kids club, tennis and basketball courts make this the ideal family resort. Situated on the beach, with Playa Blanca centre and the Rubicon Marina either side accessible via a promenade walkway and all of this only 30 mins transfer from the airport. It gets the thumbs up from me and I can see why I have many clients who return year on year! Lanzarote is an all year round destination so is also perfect for a short weekend break in the sunshine ?? Get an early morning flight and be relaxing around the pool by lunchtime! *PROTOCOLS* Lots of new protocols are in place which the hotel are constantly updating and due to just reopening this week not all restaurants are currently being used but will do gradually as it becomes busier. The family wing of the hotel is reopening on Saturday and occupancy is increasing daily. - In the restaurant you need to use hand sanitiser on arrival and wear a mask when walking around or at the buffet - There are no physical menus in the restaurant or by the pool - you can access them on the Princesa Yaiza app or via QR code - You are not required to wear masks outside, by the pool or on the beach - Sunbeds are fairly well spaced around the pool and sunbeds and mattresses are disinfected daily - Reduced hours and capacity in Kikoland kids club, but this will increase as the resort gets busier - Sports courts are open but Spa is shut - The hotel boutiques have reduced opening hours and some are currently closed - Hand sanitiser is available around the hotel and there is a small bottle in your bathroom with the usual amenities - All staff are wearing masks, even outside by the pool - When you check in they ask what time you would like your housekeeping and turn down services - All glasses in the room are sealed in a plastic bag and have been sanitised

04 August 2020

EXPERIENCE OF LUTON AIRPORT Luton Airport was busier than I expected it to be although everyone was wearing masks and most people were observing the social distancing rules. It was early so not all shops were open yet. Boots and WHSmiths were busy, with reasonable queues outside to maintain social distancing. Pret a Manger and Starbucks had small queues but only around 10 mins from start to finish. None of the main eat-in restaurants were open. Duty Free was restricted...you could buy alcohol and gifts/sweets but no access to the area with beauty/perfume. Hand sanitiser was available throughout the airport. Security didn't take too long to get through - there were new screens between each person where you put your bags on the conveyor to help with social distancing. ON BOARD RYANAIR Ryanair have implemented new measures to protect the health of passengers including: - Mandatory to wear a face mask in the airport and on board (you may only take it off if you are eating or drinking) - Remain seated at all times - queuing for the loo is not permitted - Crew will wear a face mask at all times - Aircraft are disinfected daily, effective for over 24 hours - Aircraft are fitted with state of the art filtering systems, which removes 99% of airborne particles Our Experience: We had priority boarding and when we got to the gate went straight onto the plane. The gate crew took our passports and boarding passes as usual. We each had a trolley case and took it on board with no questions. They didn't measure or weigh our cases as is the norm with Ryanair. The flight wasn't full and there were plenty of spare seats, with no one next to us. However, I believe flights are getting busier and have heard from other people that their flights were full with no social distancing for seating. We thought that it might be uncomfortable wearing a mask for the duration but we got used to it. Everyone I saw adhered to the rules. During the flight there were several announcements reminding passengers to wear masks at all times, to wash their hands regularly and to call a member of the crew if you wanted to use the loo - they managed a virtual queuing system and told you when it was your turn to go. There was a food and beverage service on the flight, in fact the trolley went past around 4 times as not many people bought anything. They were offering a limited selection of hot and cold food and snacks, chocolate, pringles, soft and alcoholic drinks. Ryanair are not selling hot drinks on board in July but our cabin crew told us they expect to re-start in August. No menus on board - you need to download the Ryanair app before you travel and look at all the menus whilst you have WiFi. You could save favourites so you could access them from on board. Only card payments are currently accepted on board. Duty free was sold on board - not sure if this was a limited selection. ARRIVAL AT LANZAROTE: We got through the airport very quickly, with no queue at passport control. There were signs telling you not to take your mask off when you handed over your passport. Straight after passport control there were lots of people in high vis jackets who asked you to present your QR code or paper entry form (you need to complete this no earlier than 48 hours before arrival). We walked through an arch which checked your temperature although there were no signs telling you, and we only found out when we asked a Jet2 rep who the people were in white coats. Car hire desks were all open and they sanitised the counter and card machines between every customer. We'd pre-booked ours and the process was very efficient. We were relaxing beside the pool by lunchtime! I'll follow this blog with one about the fabulous hotel, Princesa Yaiza, and another about our experience out and about in Lanzarote. Do let me know if you have any questions about my experience or if I haven't covered everything.

09 September 2018

After our extremely empty flight from London City Airport (only 30 passengers) and a wonderful trip across the lagoon James Bond Style, we arrived at the beautiful Belmond Hotel Cipriani. What a stunning hotel set on the peaceful Giudecca Island. I was truly lost for words! We were spoilt with a Junior Suite with a balcony and lagoon view, along with a welcome note and bottle of Prosecco. The Suite was spacious and airy, with a separate living area with doors to the balcony, a King Size bed in the bedroom (also with doors to the balcony), a walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom with bath, separate shower and his and hers sinks. The room was so beautiful that we didn’t want to leave it to head out for the afternoon and stayed admiring the view on the balcony with just one more glass of Prosecco on Italian time. Having been to Venice 18 months ago we had visited a lot of the sights, so we spent our first evening meandering through the streets, soaking up the beauty that is Venice, until we found ourselves at the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal where we stopped for a photo. The wonderful thing about Venice is that you can just walk and walk until you lose yourselves in the maze of narrow streets and amongst picturesque canals and bridges. We continued walking until we found a little Trattoria tucked away on a narrow street filled with handbag shops and boutiques selling hand-made paper and notebooks, where we stopped for supper. We shared a wonderfully fresh melon and Parma ham salad, accompanied by a selection of breads, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, followed by King Prawns. After supper we strolled back to Piazza San Marco where we soaked up the atmosphere with a post-dinner drink at the infamous Caffè Florian, one of the oldest cafes in Europe, with live music, before heading back to the hotel for a nightcap. The following morning the hotel arranged a water taxi to Murano where we visited the Bisanzio Glass Factory and experienced an interactive demonstration where I got to try my hand at turning the glass in the kiln, which is harder than it looks! We then took the factory's complimentary boat over to Burano to visit the brightly coloured fishermen's houses and lace shops. On the recommendation of a friend we had lunch at the fabulous Gatto Nero, with a table on the canal-side and a menu brimming with delicious fish dishes. Highly recommended! After an afternoon wandering around Venice with no particular place to be, stopping for wine and coffee, we headed back to the hotel. On our last evening my lovely husband treated me to an early birthday supper in the hotel’s al fresco Cip’s Club overlooking Piazza San Marco. We had a waterside table where we could admire the view and watch the boats (and P&O Aurora) sail past. The food was delicious, the service perfectly attentive and the ambiance relaxed yet sophisticated. I finished with the Sgroppino al Limone, a Venetian vodka lemon sorbet, which was both refreshing and moreish. Two meals in one day that made it into our top ten meals of all time. After breakfast with a view, we had to say a very reluctant goodbye to the Belmond Hotel Cipriani. We had a fabulous few days there and I would highly recommend it if you’re planning a trip to Venice. It is a wonderful oasis away from the hustle and bustle, with a large swimming pool, bar and three restaurants, yet the regular, 24-hour shuttle whisks you over to Piazza San Marco in five minutes. A fabulous few days in Venice thanks to Belmond and the Hotel Cipriani. Now onto the second part of our adventure…the Venice Simplon Orient Express.

27 January 2017

In December 2015 we had the trip of a lifetime, taking the boys to meet Father Christmas in Lapland. It is so hard to portray just how wonderful it was through the written word, so please do give me a call if you would like to chat about our experience and Lapland in general. To give you a quick overview: After speaking to some friends who had already been, we chose to do the 3 day/2-night trip from Gatwick with Santa's Lapland so that we had plenty of time to experience everything they had to offer, but we still didn't want to come home! Santa's Lapland is one of the most popular companies amongst my clients due to the amount of activities included in their trips, and the value for money that they offer. During our trip, we all went husky sledding, on a reindeer sleigh ride to meet the elves and see the igloos (and the Ice Bar for grown-ups), kick sledding and took part in ice fishing and snow hockey. The boys rode their very own mini skidoo which they loved and went tobogganing. We stayed in the Luxury Gielas wing, and our room had its very own Sauna to warm us up at the end of the day. The food was on a half board basis and included a Gala dinner on our last evening, which was great fun for the boys and a very social evening for us too. We had the added bonus of viewing the Northern Lights on our way to the Gala dinner, which was such a special experience and one I would love to repeat one day. The whole trip was absolutely magical, and we created memories that we will never, ever forget. It was such a wonderful thing to do as a family and one I would highly recommend to anyone. Give me a call on 020 3051 1970 to find out more. Nic

25 May 2016

You could be forgiven for thinking of American cuisine as nothing more than burgers and fries; after all it is synonymous with large portions and bottomless soft drinks. However, a recent trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on the DoSomethingDifferent fam trip gave me an opportunity to dispel these myths and to experience some of the unique dining opportunities that Disney has to offer. From quick service options in the parks to fine dining restaurants in the parks and hotels, there really is something for every taste and budget. On arriving in Orlando, we were whisked off for dinner at Citricos in the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – a fine-dining restaurant with a menu billed as American cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavours. To whet my appetite I chose to start with the sautéed Florida local Shrimp accompanied by freshly squeezed lemon, chardonnay, ripe tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and sharp feta, followed by pan-seared snapper served with saffron-scented jasmine rice, Cedar Key middleneck clams, calico scallops, and chorizo vinaigrette. Both courses were absolutely delicious, full of flavour and cooked to perfection. The next morning we had an opportunity to sample the All-American Breakfast at the Grand Floridian Café, a casual dining venue in the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. With a long day ahead, I opted for my all-time favourite of brioche French toast with Madagascar vanilla bean-butter accompanied with bacon which didn’t disappoint. HOME-GROWN DELIGHTS Our first day was spent in Epcot, which gave us the chance to sample some of the food grown in Epcot at The Land pavilion’s greenhouses. The quick service restaurant, Sunshine Seasons, offers a choice of Asian fare, gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads, and wood-fired mains. After a large breakfast I chose the power salad with oak-fired chicken, quinoa, almonds, and honey vinaigrette, followed by the biggest, most delicious carrot cake topped with a carrot made from icing (needless to say I couldn’t finish it!). During our stay we were fortunate to eat at some of the wonderful restaurants located in Disney Springs, including the BOATHOUSE, for an upscale waterfront dining experience. The BOATHOUSE offers an extensive menu comprising offerings from the sea and shore – I chose to finish my meal with their unique twist on the native key lime pie served in a mason jar accompanied by vanilla bean cream which was delightful. Whilst the quick service restaurants in the parks do offer the standard fare of burgers, chicken nuggets, pizza and fries, it is possible to find alternatives such as grilled salmon with couscous and steamed fresh broccoli in Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House or Mediterranean falafel wrap served with hummus in Epcot’s Tangierine Café. Diners with special dietary requests, including food allergies, food intolerances and medically restricted diets, are well catered for too. Having a son who suffered from food allergies during the first seven years of his life, it was refreshing to see how much effort was put into catering for people with special requirements without making them feel awkward. MAGICAL EXPERIENCES Those of us big kids in the group, who love Mickey and Minnie Mouse as much as the average Disney guest, were not overlooked as we enjoyed not one, but two Character Breakfasts where we were joined by Mickey, Minnie and friends. The first was in Tusker House, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where we enjoyed an extensive breakfast buffet accompanied by a glass of the local Jungle Juice, and met Safari Mickey, Donald Duck and friends. We also enjoyed a Beach Bash character breakfast with Minnie and friends at Cape May Café in Disney’s Beach Club Resort. On our last evening we experienced gourmet dining Disney style at the California Grill, on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with panoramic views of the lagoon and Cinderella Castle. Our menu comprised of six courses, served in a private dining room with a view of the lagoon below, and was definitely the foodie highlight of our trip. All six courses were presented beautifully and complemented each other perfectly. Unfortunately I had given up chocolate for Lent so I didn’t get to taste the signature chocolate pudding cake, but I was assured by those on my table that it was a fitting end to a wonderful meal. The evening concluded with a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom Park Wishes fireworks display from the outside observation deck with a glass of wine in hand. A magical end to a magical week!

09 September 2015

Nicola Foley, Travel Counsellor, talks to West Essex Life about the benefits of using a Travel Agent Published May 2015 Why Should We Use a Travel Agent? Why spend hours of your valuable time searching for your holiday online, trawling through website after website – when you can get a travel expert to do all the hard work for you? Someone who lives and breathes travel. Someone who can recommend child-friendly hotels in Dubai. Someone who knows the best time to visit the Maldives, or what visa entries are needed for Turkey. Holidays are so important, arguably the one thing people look forward to most in the year. It’s your time to relax, unwind and spend time with your loved ones. Is it really worth taking the risk and getting it wrong? If a sub-standard hotel, miles from anywhere with a view of a brick wall makes you shudder then you’re already realising the benefits of booking with an expert! What Makes You Different From An Online Travel Booking Site? One Word – Service! Once you’ve pressed ‘pay’ on an online booking site, the service ends. Travel should mean more than that. When you book through me I am available from the start of the booking process to the very end of your holiday. You will always speak to me – no call centres or expensive premium telephone numbers. I take pride in getting to know my clients, providing them with the highest level of personal service and attention to detail. Nothing beats good old fashioned personal service! You arrive at the airport at 3am and your flight has been cancelled. What do you do? Get stuck in a queue on the phone to a call centre? This is when my service really comes into play – I am your one point of contact to help you when things go wrong. It’s this kind of service which is invaluable. What about Financial Protection? When booking your holiday it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Things such as financial protection might not be at the forefront of your mind. Everything you book through me is fully protected, including hotels, low cost airlines and car rental at no extra cost. So if an airline goes bust or a hotel shuts down the safety of your money will never be a worry.

16 April 2015

Worrying news emerged from the holiday industry last week, when it was revealed that UK holidaymakers were conned out of £2.2 million in false bookings last year – through online activity alone. From airline tickets that never materialised to dream holiday villas that didn’t even exist, it’s clear from the holiday horror stories that being able to trust your holiday supplier is more important than ever before. Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Clark, head of the Economic Crime Unit at the City of London Police, said that while the internet has revolutionised the way we look for and book our holidays, the “unfortunate reality” was that the internet was being exploited by fraudsters to rip off unsuspecting holidaymakers. The internet certainly has its place in researching and booking travel, but as has been seen in the last week, booking online isn’t without its pitfalls. At Travel Counsellors, we had the vision to deliver a travel service which removed all the stress and worry from booking holidays, and put personal relationships back at the heart of the booking experience. It was all about building trust between an agent and a customer. As part of this goal, we installed our unique Financial Trust – and it’s as ground-breaking now as it was then. This trust continues to offer a watertight guarantee for anyone booking travel with a Travel Counsellor. Whether flights or accommodation, car hire or even airport parking, every single penny of every single booking is 100% protected against any supplier failure. Through excellent personal service underpinned by honesty and trust, a Travel Counsellor invariably becomes a true friend. Someone to hold a customer’s hand for every step of the booking experience, and an ever-present in case anything goes wrong. Next time you book your holiday, make sure you fully consider what is most important to you, and whether it is worth risking your precious holiday by booking online. If you’d prefer a highly personal, and tailor-made service from someone who will be there for you long after the initial booking process, then booking with a travel agent is the way forward for you. We promise you won’t regret it!

18 March 2015

After my stay on P&O Britannia last week I was lucky enough to be featured in an article in the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian: Woodford Green travel agent selected for VIP tour of new luxury vessel unveiled by Her Majesty First published Wednesday 11 March 2015 in Wanstead & Woodford.East London and West Essex Guardian Series: by Natalie Glanvill, Reporter A travel agent was given a first glimpse at Britain's newest luxury vessel. Nicola Foley of Montalt Road, Woodford Green, was one of 500 advisors from independent travel company, Travel Counsellors, who travelled to Southampton yesterday (March 10) for the official naming ceremony of P&O's Britannia cruise ship. Britannia bears the same name as the Queen's former Royal Yacht Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997 after more than 50 years of service. The 3,600-passenger vessel, which cost £500m to build, is the largest cruise ship designed for the British holiday market. Ms Foley, 40, watched as the Queen, accompanied by Prince Phillip, named her fifth cruise ship, and enjoyed an exclusive VIP Gala event. She said: "I was delighted to be invited to such a prestigious event and to be one of the first to see this fabulous ship and to try its facilities for myself. "She really is a stunning vessel and has set a new benchmark in cruise travel. The whole experience was wonderful and it has been a privilege to learn more about the ship. My business is built on providing a personalised, tailored service and this visit has ensured that I am up to date on everything Britannia has to offer." The cruise ship will sail from Southampton around the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands and Baltic Sea during the summer months and from the Caribbean in the winter.