Rachel Shayler

I'm based in

Northumberland

Available for new enquiries

It's Nice To Meet You

Hello and welcome, my name is Rachel and I love nothing more than making your travel dreams come true. I live in rural Northumberland with my young family and our chocolate labrador. Always happy to chat travel…over the phone or we can have a cuppa.

I got the travel bug from a young age and have worked as an agent and also overseas. I have travelled extensively, including New York, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Europe and ski but if I was pinned down to one or two favourites there is something very special about the Indian Ocean and Italy.

Travel Counsellors is unique. We’re all about putting our customer at the heart of everything. I take care of every detail so you get to enjoy every moment. Dietary requirements, additional needs, mobility issues, a special anniversary, a bucket list experience. I’m here to take care of it all through the booking stage and during your holiday too.

I now see travel through the lens of family life and would love to help you make incredible memories with your children. But I am passionate about making travel accessible for everyone, whatever your age and interests. If there’s somewhere you’ve dreamed of going let’s make that happen. Life is too short. Be bold, be adventurous, try something new. I will be there in the wings to make it happen for you.

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Explore my guides and blogs

Changes to ESTAs

Changes to ESTAs

We have been advised that U.S. Customs and Border Protection are cancelling previously approved ESTA applications where the photo that is required as part of the application process is a picture of a traveller's passport photo.

28 Jan 2026 5   min read

Book your holiday in advance, or last minute. Which is best?

Book your holiday in advance, or last minute. Which is best?

When you are planning your main family holiday, one of the biggest questions is simple: Do you grab your spot early, or hold out for a last‑minute bargain? Here is a short, honest guide from a family point of view, to help you decide what fits you best.

14 Jan 2026 5   min read

Set Sail on a River Cruise: The Effortless Way to Explore Iconic Destinations

Set Sail on a River Cruise: The Effortless Way to Explore Iconic Destinations

Have you ever dreamed of waking up each morning in the heart of a new city or village, with centuries of history, vibrant markets and stunning scenery just steps from your cabin? A river cruise might be exactly what you’re looking for.

11 Nov 2025 5   min read

Lesser Known Italian Lakes

Lesser Known Italian Lakes

Here are five lesser-known Italian lakes that deserve a spot on your travel map — each with its own unique vibe, ideal for different kinds of travellers. 1. Lago di Mergozzo Tucked away just west of the much-larger Lago Maggiore, Lago di Mergozzo is a small sub-alpine lake famed for its crystal-clear waters and gentle atmosphere. Why visit: Because it feels quiet and unspoilt, yet still accessib

04 Nov 2025 5   min read

Best Family Ski Resorts in Bulgaria: Affordable Winter Fun for All Ages

Best Family Ski Resorts in Bulgaria: Affordable Winter Fun for All Ages

Looking for an affordable family ski holiday? Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-value ski destinations and could be just the answer to squeezing in an extra holiday, or trying skiing for the first time, without breaking the bank. It combines modern resorts, friendly ski schools, and budget-friendly prices. Now that we have a flight Newcastle to Sofia December to February, here’s a quick guide to th

20 Oct 2025 5   min read

Why Visit the Channel Islands Instead of Going Abroad?

Why Visit the Channel Islands Instead of Going Abroad?

When planning a holiday, it’s easy to dream of hopping on a plane to somewhere far away — but what if your next great escape was right on your doorstep? The Channel Islands — a cluster of small islands between England and France, including Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm, and Alderney — offer the perfect blend of British comfort and continental charm. And now, getting there is easier than ever. Blue

20 Oct 2025 5   min read

Autumn in Japan: When and where to see the best Fall colours

Autumn in Japan: When and where to see the best Fall colours

Japan’s autumn foliage season is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural spectacles — and the estimated best viewing dates for red maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees have just been announced! Each year, the koyo season (autumn leaf season) begins in the cooler regions of northern Hokkaido, where vibrant hues start to appear as early as late September. From there, the wave of color slowly

18 Oct 2025 5   min read

Lake Garda vs Lake Como. Two beautiful Italian lakes but which one is calling your name?

Lake Garda vs Lake Como. Two beautiful Italian lakes but which one is calling your name?

When planning a trip to northern Italy, one question pops up again and again: Lake Garda or Lake Como? Both lakes are breathtaking, surrounded by mountains and charming villages that feel straight out of an Italian postcard. But their personalities couldn’t be more different — one adventurous and sun-soaked, the other elegant and romantic. Let’s explore the key differences between Lake Garda and

17 Oct 2025 5   min read

Why Book with me? I’m great in a Crisis!

Why Book with me? I’m great in a Crisis!

Why book with a Travel Counsellor instead of sorting your trip yourself? You’re a grown adult. I’m absolutely sure you’re capable. But do you have the experience, training, contacts? What if something went wrong? Where would you turn? Recently my client, a solo traveller, booked the trip of a lifetime with me, to Vietnam. She wanted to see the sights, enjoy foodie experiences and meet up with a

05 Jun 2025 5   min read

Exciting new routes from Newcastle Airport

Exciting new routes from Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport are opening up some very exciting routes for this year and next. May has seen the introduction of Copenhagen, the Channel Islands and Berlin. From May 2026 Easyjet are introducing three new planes to Newcastle and we're waiting to find out the routes they'll bring us, but for now we know we will also be able to fly directly to... Palermo; Sicily is a great summer destination for

22 May 2025 5   min read

5 of the most stylish cities in the world

5 of the most stylish cities in the world

Fashion and travel have always gone hand in hand. Some cities aren’t just style capitals—they practically breathe fashion. Whether it's the chic café culture of Paris or the bold streetwear in London, these cities set trends not just during their epic fashion weeks but every single day through the effortlessly cool sense of style of their residents and the recognisable architecture of their neighb

13 Mar 2025 5   min read

How to reduce carbon emissions when you travel

How to reduce carbon emissions when you travel

28th January was International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day and, as Travel Counsellors, we feel that it is our responsibility to ensure all our customers know how to make lower carbon choices when travelling. To help you with this, I’ve gathered my top tips for reducing the carbon footprint of your next trip. Swap flights for rail; Opting for the train in place of flying can cut your emissions by a

04 Mar 2025 5   min read

Explore Four Seasons Koh Samui, the setting of The White Lotus

Explore Four Seasons Koh Samui, the setting of The White Lotus

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, the Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort is a laidback and luxurious hideaway that acts as the location for the new, highly anticipated season of ‘The White Lotus’. With sweeping views of the sea and the island's lush interior, this resort's commitment to offering an unrivalled experience is evident in its melding of traditional Thai architecture with a contemporary sense

03 Mar 2025 5   min read

What my customers say

Rachel gave us a very reassuring and professional service. She gave us lots of options to consider, but no pressure if we chose not to use them. The extra touches of booking trips and placing us in the correct hotel was spot on. It is our first experience of a Travel Counsellor and would certainly come back to Rachel.

Linda Kelly

Crook

Amazing service from Rachel with organising our special 30th wedding anniversary trip. She was creative with ideas and packaged several different options. We can’t wait to visit Athens in April.

Marie Jones

Northumberland

Rachel found exactly what we were looking for, and then again when we had to change the dates! The process so far has been so easy

Jenny Grieve

Northumberland

Rachel was absolutely fantastic! She listened to exactly what we wanted and pulled together the perfect break to London for us and our daughter. She sourced theatre tickets as we requested and then found additional sight seeing activities for us which we can’t wait to see. I would highly recommend Rachel and wouldn’t hesitate to book through her again! Thank you so much!

Emily Leightley

Northumberland

Rachel was great and made booking our ski trip hassle free and easy. We hate getting stuck in a loop of seeing a deal then by the time you add it all on its tripled in price. Rachel came back to us with two options and we picked the one that suited us best. We will use her again !!

Adam Savage

Morpeth

Rachel was a pleasure to deal with and incredibly efficient in booking my hotel for a work trip. She took time to understand my needs and preferences to ensure that everything met my expectations. As it happens, the hotel I stayed at exceeded every expectation I had. The service from the hotel was impeccable and it was in a very convenient location for the client I was visiting and I was also given a complementary upgrade on my room when I arrived which was a first for me and very welcome after a 7 hour drive to Wales. An excellent experience from start to finish, facilitated by an incredibly professional and considerate travel counsellor. Thank you Rachel

Andrew Stevenson

Newcastle

Rachel Shayler was truly amazing from start to finish. Her enthusiasm to build me a wonderful holiday started right from my initial enquiry and didn’t stop throughout. Her knowledge is unquestionable and I wouldn’t hesitate in using her services again! Thank you Rachel, we’ve had such a wonderful family holiday this year and we are truly grateful to you.

Marie Jones

Northumberland

Thank you so much for organising. We had a fab time!

Claire Carter

Newcastle upon Tyne

My TC Rachel is second to none. My initial brief was "family holiday in a nice place in Sicily, with scope for nice evenings out with friends if they join us" All proposed itineraries were well thought out and she had a solid understanding of the non negotiables when travelling with children. Rachel maintained regular contact to make sure all was ok during our break. This was absolutely not expected and a very thoughtful touch I was grateful for. For peace of mind, security and the creative flair that goes into the research of trips and to just deal with somebody lovely and professional I would 100% recommend that you get in touch with Rachel.

Maria Wallace

Newcastle

I'm incredibly happy with my experience! I'd highly recommend Rachel Shayler to my friends, family, and colleagues without hesitation.

Kathryn Corbett

Northumberland

Great service and so knowledgeable! Booking with Rachel made everything so easy and we’d highly recommend her to friends and family!!

Nicola Holmes-Long

Killingworth

Rachel really understood what I was looking for from my holiday and has worked with me to tweak it to be perfect

Catherine Tellwright

Northumberland

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Tailor-made for you

Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.

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Personalised service. Always

When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.

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Stress-free travel, and more time
for what matters most

I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.

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Support when it matters most

If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.

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Let’s talk through your ideas, no pressure.

01670 613399

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Travel Counsellors

Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.