Hello, and thank you for visiting my webpage. My name is Rachael and I live in Riccall, near both York and Selby with my husband and our two young boys.
I have a vast amount of travel experience going to places such as Africa, China, the Maldives and Florida. I also have first hand experience of travelling as a family with children and we have experienced Lapland, Disneyland Paris, Spain, Crete and Sardina to name a few. I have been lucky enough to have had many adventures ranging from a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, luxury holiday in Las Vegas, temples in Cambodia to Scuba diving in Cuba and Antigua.
I have always been very passionate about travel and holidays and from school I went on to college and then university to study Tourism. Since joining Travel Counsellors I have become an accredited member of the Cruise line International Association, as well as continuing my learning and development as destinations are offering new and exciting holidays all the time and I love to pass my knowledge on to my customers.
Holidays are precious and enable us to treasure the memories of what we have seen, experienced and a time to relax or to go on an adventure. My job is to plan, book and add that personal service to arranging your holiday, taking all that hard work out of it for you. I can tailor your holiday to suit your requirements whether it be a city break, a beach holiday, cruise or that adventure of a lifetime.
As a Travel Counsellor I am here to discuss, plan and book your dream holidays and perfect breaks. I am not only available during the day but also on an evening and weekend when it is more convenient for you.
'To Travel is to live' Hans Christian Anderson.
My customer stories
Sent by Christopher Cook
YORK 18/07/2025
Rachael is first class & makes it feel that she is our own personal travel provider, even when we are away eg notes at reception for us, a bottle of wine in our room & staying up late to ensure that our delayed flight (8 hrs) eventually took off. When we ask Rachael to arrange a personalised trip, eg our 5 week trip to Australia, we give her an idea of an itinerary & 'magically' she comes up with the perfect trip, time after time. Her professionalism & patience, when listening ro my ramblings & vague ideas, is second to none. No matter which type of holiday we choose nothing is too much trouble eg booking us in on flights & sorting transport. In a sentance Rachael is excellent at what she does.
Sent by Libby Bird Tysall
YORK 12/05/2025
Rachael was very helpful and listened to what I wanted and informed me well about the questions I had asked about the holiday as she had been before , which gave me confidence in booking which i didn’t with other places . Would definitely recommend and use her again for any holiday query’s :) thankyou
Sent by Libby Bird Tysall
YORK 12/05/2025
Rachael was very helpful and listened to what I wanted and informed me well about the questions I had asked about the holiday as she had been before , which gave me confidence in booking which i didn’t with other places . Would definitely recommend and use her again for any holiday query’s :) thankyou
Sent by Lynne Barker
York 02/05/2025
Rachael is always a pleasure to work with. She will take the time to find out what is important to me and my family and provide help and advice from her own holidays. I trust what she tells me and have always been happy with our holidays.
Sent by Valerie Fletcher
York 13/04/2025
Rachael has booked many holidays for us, near and far. We go away with confidence knowing that she is there for us should anything go wrong. She always manages to find us then perfect holiday. I wouldn't book a holiday any other way.
Sent by Jennifer Robinson
York 04/04/2025
Excellent service from Rachael, helpful and responsive, would definitely recommend
Sent by Gail Blackburn-Barker
York 10/03/2025
We often recommend Rachael to our friends and family to book their holidays, she has always been brilliant in sorting all of our holidays.
Sent by Shaun Robson
North Yorkshire 05/03/2025
Rachael has been great, we asked her to put a package together with multiple stops across Australia and she delivered with ease along with a complete itinerary, flights, hotels, transfers and car hire, would highly recommend.
Sent by Dan Crampton
York 12/02/2025
Just booked our 4th trip with Rachael. Confident in her quotes and knows her stuff.
Sent by Bernadette Hind
North Yorkshire 29/01/2025
Rachael has been professional and extremely efficient booking our holidays in the past and also the ones we have booked this coming year . 10/10
Sent by Val Fletcher
YORK 18/10/2024
Rachael is an absolute wonder. We make some suggestions and she will come up with an ideal holiday. We say we have no idea and she will come up with suggestions. Every holiday Rachael has planed and booked for us has been fabulous and if there has been an issue she has sorted it for us. She goes above and beyond to make sure it all goes smoothly, you just feel that she is there with you all the time from leaving the house to getting back. I would never book through anyone else, and will gladly recommend her to other people. I am so glad I found her.
Sent by Caitlin Hymes
North Yorkshire 18/09/2024
Rachael has been extremely accommodating, detailed and always happy to help throughout this experience. She has sent all the necessary documentation in an easy to read and access format, answered any questions I had before and during my trip and overall made my trip to New York an easy and stress-free process. I could not recommend her enough and would definitely use her expertise again. Thank you Rachael!
Sent by Hazel Stevens
York 10/07/2024
Rachael really listened to what we wanted and came up with great suggestions and a quote we were happy with. She's very approachable and friendly, she just takes the stress out of sorting everything out and just leaves us time to focus on the fun bits.
Sent by Amy Stone
York 01/07/2024
Rachael has helped book quite a few holidays now for my husband and myself. We’ve always found her very helpful, informative and efficient. We like the attention to detail especially the teabags and mints!
Sent by Julie Handforth
North Yorkshire 01/07/2024
Rachael has taken any worries I had & booked me the holiday I wanted. She has been helpful & timely in her replies to any question I may have had. I feel safe in her hands
Sent by C Cook
York 19/06/2024
Rachael has booked, amongst others, 3 'tailor made' hols for me. From the initial enquiry through to returning home, from the hol, Rachael is totally professional & keeps me informed of all things I need to know. All hotels are great & the numerous transfers all on time. It feels like Rachael is my own personal Travel Counsellor especially as there is always a little something waiting for us on our arrival at each hotel.
Sent by Morwenna Roberts
Cheshire 11/04/2024
Rachel was amazing and so informative and so patient with me whilst we looked through all our options and she found the best for us and what we needed.
Sent by Emma Knight
North Yorkshire 30/03/2024
Such an easy process absolutely fantastic service could not have been any easier. Will definitely use Rachael for future holidays going forward.
Sent by Siobhan Hymes
North Yorkshire 18/03/2024
Rachael is always really helpful and comes up with some great ideas for holidays. Nothing is ever too much trouble.
Sent by Laura Willerton
York 05/03/2024
Nothing is ever too much trouble for Rachael, we wouldn't use anybody else!
Sent by Julie Tree
West Yorkshire 21/02/2024
Using Rachael has been a great experience. We will continue to use her services in the future. She is efficient, knowledgeable and supportive.
Sent by Julie Handforth
North Yorkshire 21/02/2024
Rachael has been an absolute gem Advising, helpful, nothing too much trouble.
Sent by Jess Boyle
Nottingham 17/10/2023
Rachael made booking this holiday so easy! She gave great advice and had all the answers to my questions. She responded really quickly. Thank you Rachael
Sent by Holly Malone
York 26/09/2023
Rachael has been incredibly helpful, paying close attention to all of our very many requirements! Unlike other agents we’ve used before, she didn’t glaze over some of our requests but considered every single thing I mentioned that was important to us, and created a trip which ticked every single box and which was within our budget.
Sent by Chris Cook
York 28/06/2023
We have recently returned from the holiday of a lifetime. 5 weeks visiting 4 countries (Singapore, Australia, The Cook Islands & New Zealand), 10 flights, 7 hotels/apts & numerous transfers. The whole trip was wonderful, from start to finish, but, could never have taken place without Rachael's expertise. Planning everything for us meant all we had to do was turn up & enjoy ourselves & that's exactly what we did. Everything went to plan.
As soon & I contacted Rachael, with an outline of our itinerary, her enthusiasm, for the task ahead shone through, bearing in mind I can't believe she has had many bookings for the Cook Islands.
Rachael's professionalism putting together all of the pieces, whilst keeping me informed, was second to none, but, what really separates her from the rest is her personal touch. A bottle of wine to greet us at 2 of our hotels along with a personal message at them all, plus, keeping in contact with us throughout our trip informing us what we needed to do at each airport.
Will we be using Rachael again, too right we will & we can't wait to arrange our next adventure. I would also advise anyone, wishing to book a holiday, to contact Rachael.
Sent by Valerie Fletcher
York 28/06/2023
I have always found Rachael to be most helpful, from helping to choose a destination to go to, putting together an itinerary for our needs and wants and helping to fill out firms , even when I struggled at the airport a few hours before departure. I feel like she is in my hand luggage and can call on her whenever. I really don't know how I managed to go on holiday before Rachael came along. I have recommended her to quite a few friends and will continue to do so.
Sent by Paula Garrigan
North Yorkshire 28/06/2023
It's been a wonderful experience so far. I described a dream holiday, our needs as a family and Rachael produced 3 wonderful options that fit the brief and all within budget. It was such an easy quick process. Clearly knows her profession. It's like having a personal assistant. Never used a travel counsellor before now can't stop going on about it! Really impressed!
Sent by Lisa Ackroyd
York 28/06/2023
Very helpful with information, patient and very flexible with time. Made the experience less stressful for me.
Sent by C Naylor
Merseyside 28/06/2023
Superb, personal service with lots of extra touches! Wouldn’t hesitate to use again!
Sent by J Wells
Sheffield 28/06/2023
What can I say? Rachael is always courteous, friendly and knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble for her. Whenever the situation presents, I will wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend her.
Sent by S Fowler
York 25/05/2023
Rachael has found and booked us an amazing once in a lifetime trip on a Lapland Holiday, which is something we have wanted to organise for four years. The process so far has been smooth, reliable and faultless and I would not hesitate to book future holidays through her, based on her professional and personal touch, in depth experience and knowledge and organisational skills. She has arranged to contact me to fit around my work and family commitments, responded quickly to questions, and has provided wrap around care, including parking and hotels requested as extras, in record time. I have never experienced such an amazing service when booking a holiday before and can't wait to organise my next trip. Thank you, Rachael.
Sent by Chris Cook
York 04/11/2022
Having returned last week, from Italy, our first holiday booked with yourself, I would like to say a huge thank you. From my first contact to discuss the itinerary through to the end of the holiday I felt as if you were my own personal Travel Counsellor. The little things of sweets for the journey, a message from you at our final hotel & a note & tea bags on returning home confirmed this.
We had a fantastic trip to Venice, Lake Garda & Verona made all the more enjoyable because, as everything was booked by you, we just had to turn up. The hotels were all in great locations & every transfer was on time which meant we had no worries & more time to enjoy ourselves, which we did.
Once again, a massive thank you for everything.
Sent by Ray Dando
York 13/07/2022
In my opinion the level of service from Rachael sets the benchmark for excellent customer service. So helpful and nothing is too much trouble.
Sent by Richard Falkingham
Selby 20/01/2022
We would just like to leave you a review of how happy we were with the service from your self & travel counsellors. We first booked our holiday in 2019 to San Francisco only for it to be cancelled because of covid. Then from that moment on we kept moving the destination (5 times) under the expert advice of Rachael. She assured us that everything would be fine & that we would eventually get our dream holiday. So November 2021 we finally manage to get to the Maldives & it was amazing! We can only thank Rachael again for all her help & advice from Covid forms & other unforeseen circumstances that popped up she was there to hold our hand all the way. We will definitely be using you again in the future.
Sent by Valerie Fletcher
YORK 24/06/2021
Rachael has always found us exactly what we were looking for, whether it be a short break or a big trip. She is always there for you and always answers your questions and puts your mind at ease. I have every confidence in Rachael to ensure I always have a great holiday.
Sent by Val Fletcher
YORK 24/10/2020
Thank you again Rachael for coming to my rescue. Holiday planned on Lancaster Canal in 1 weeks time while we were having building work done, Lancashire were put on level 3 at lunch time which meant that we would not be able to go! Rang Rachael and within an hour she had found us somewhere to go for a week that wasn't too far away and met all my needs. I can sleep tonight
Sent by Richard Falkingham
York 22/07/2020
Rachael Kneale did a fantastic job organising our first holiday that had to be cancelled because of everything going on in the world!!! She then sorted everything out with no stress or pain & was able to rebook what we wanted at a different spot for next year she has gone above & beyond to make our experience with travel counsellors one of the best....
Thank you so much Rachael
Sent by Phil Pickles
Yorkshire 20/02/2020
loved the efficiency , attention to detail and peace of mind. I Can highly recommend Rachael every time !
Sent by Kat Smith
York 26/01/2020
Rach has guided us through the minefield that is Disneyland. Not only securing us a great deal but also the extra tips and advice have been invaluable in making the most of our trip. The security of having her there on the end of the phone if needed was a huge bonus. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rach to anyone and will be booking again Thank you
Sent by Laura Wilson
York 06/12/2019
Just booked out honeymoon with Rachael and couldn't be happier. From the moment we got in touch everything has been easy and stress free and we now have our dream honeymoon arranged. Nothing was too much hassle for Rachael, and we were able to get in touch any time of day to ask any questions...would not book a holiday with anyone else! Thank you!! X
Sent by Val Fletcher
Riccall, York 03/12/2019
Can I just say what a wonderful agent Rachael is. She has planned a wonderful holiday for us to Cambodia and Vietnam next August. Keep coming up with questions, even down to what is available in airport lounges in Dubai as we have a long stop over. She is so committed that she even rung them as she couldn't find out the info on line. That is the extra special step she takes, that's what you call service!
Sent by Val Fletcher
Riccall, York 26/11/2019
Rachael Kneale was absolutely fabulous. She listened to what we wanted, chopped and changed suggested itinerary to fit our needs and came up with a trip we can't wait to make. It id the first time we have uses Travel Counsellors and will certainly use again and recommend to others
Sent by Jo Taylor
Halifax 24/10/2019
Approachable, helpful and friendly with great knowledge of destination booked.
Sent by Lisa Jackson
Sheffield 11/09/2019
Found the perfect holiday. Knowledgeable and efficient, highly recommended.
Sent by Daniel Kneale
York 09/09/2019
Rachael sorted out a city break for me and a few friends. Excellent service right down to sorting out airport car parking at very short notice. Would highly recommend!
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My Videos
On Board The Valiant Lady - Virgin Voyages Cruise
27/05/2022
If a great itinerary, wonderful food and a modern ship adult by design appeals to you then Virgin Voyages may be just what you are looking for.
Postcards
21/04/2021
This is a beautiful explanation of what I do for my customers and why we travel.
My Blog
I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.
Have you ever been somewhere that you want to remember how you felt at that moment in time forever? If only we could bottle it and take it with us….
Well, this is just how Italy makes me feel. I was sat under a fragrant lemon tree as the evening sun warmed my face on the cobbled streets of Pisa in a pavement trattoria with a cold glass of local white wine and thought that I want to remember this
If great destinations, wonderful freshly prepared food, a modern cruise ship and an adult only holiday appeal to you then Virgin Voyages may be just what you are looking for.
It was a mix of the fantastic itinerary and all the speciality restaurants included in the cruise that stood out for me. The cruise was The Valiant Lady’s maiden voyage out of Barcelona on The Irresistible Med cruise; and it
Sat with a coffee, digging my toes in the soft sand and watching my two children laughing, playing in the sea and build sandcastles is what Sunday mornings on holiday are all about for me.
Less than an hour’s flight from Manchester, Jersey offers wonderful restaurants, fantastic castles and amazing beaches that stretch for miles. It is an ideal holiday destination for everyone. This time we went a
It now seems like a dream that we went on safari spanning over Kenya and Tanzania, but I can still remember it as though it was yesterday. The freshly baked pastries served by a sweeping vista of the Masai Mara under a sapphire sky, and when you spot a giraffe whilst sipping champagne it becomes even more magical.
The hospitality and welcome we received was second to none from everyone we met, fr
I’ve been lucky enough to visit many destinations, but Lapland was completely different to anything and more magical than I could believe. Not only did we have an amazing time but we came away believing.
From the moment you step off the plane you have arrived at a wonderful, magical Christmas Fairyland. We went to Saariselka in Finland which is located in the Artic Circle in Lapland and also Finl
Yesterday I overhead my eldest son (8 years old) advising his friends’ mum on how they should go on a holiday to Crete. (I think he will take over my business one day). He was telling her all the amazing things we saw and did on our week away in May. As a parent you always hope that the holiday you plan for your family will be a memory maker for your children, and so to hear him speak with such en
Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:
