02 September 2022

To say I was elated the day I found out I was going to Canada is an understatement, it had long been on my list of dream destinations to visit and so I was really excited. Our itinerary consisted of Banff and Jasper in the Rockies and then making an overnight rail journey to Vancouver. We had a week to see and experience as much as possible and I couldn't wait! The check in at London Heathrow was smooth and it was really lovely to meet the other people who I was going on this wonderful trip with. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to Air Canada's fabulous business class service which meant we got to experience their executive lounge before our journey, having your own little pod with a lie flat bed was a first for me and a wonderful way to arrive in Calgary feeling refreshed and raring to go- It was a very special way to start our trip. The arrival process at Calgary airport was very smooth and we were soon greeted by our lovely guide and driver Dwaine, before we knew it we were on our way to our first destination Banff. I absolutely loved Banff, we stayed at the gorgeous Moose hotel at the very heart of Banff- A cosy hotel within walking distance of local restaurants, cafes, bars and shops and the bonus of this property was a beautiful roof top pool which was perfect for relaxing in while taking in the stunning mountain scenery. This was a real pinch me moment and I honestly could not believe I was actually there- It was completely breath taking. Banff itself is a popular year round resort and perfect for both skiers and sightseeing, Don't miss the dining experience 360 at the beautiful Fairmont hotel as well as the Banff Gondola- absolutely stunning views. During our stay in Banff we visited the very popular town of lake Louise, it's around 40 minutes drive from Banff and it is worth visiting the iconic Fairmont Chateau hotel with it's stunning lakeside setting. It is a popular tourist attraction year round and it is not hard to see why- everywhere you look the scenery is beautiful. Lake Louise is a small resort and perfect to experience during your stay in Banff or as part of a Canadian road trip. Driving in Canada is a great way to travel, roads are very good, drivers are courteous and the real bonus is getting to enjoy the passing scenery and trying to spot wildlife along the way. We even managed to spot bears on our trip- from a distance of course!!!!! Banff does however have a shuttle bus and of course taxis are readily available should you prefer not to drive. Our next stop on our itinerary was the charming town of Jasper, we travelled via the attraction Icefield Parkway- The journey time is just under 4 hours and is a fabulous experience and a great way to break the journey while doing something quite special and unique at the same time. On arrival we were transported in large truck like vehicles to the top of the Icefield mountains- it gets pretty cold up there so pack a hat! I then got to experience the optional glass walkway. I wasn't brave enough to look down but it was an incredible experience. Arriving in Jasper we stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Resort which included an outdoor pool with the most amazing lakeside views- It was so special and such a unique place to stay. We even saw black and grizzly bears, it was simply amazing. The resort itself is located outside the main area of Jasper but is perfect if you love the outdoors. We met up with Dwaine who had been our driver and tour guide for the first part of our trip for a fun evening and a farewell dinner at one of the pubs in Japer. The next morning we made our way to the station in Jasper ready for our overnight train journey to Vibrant Vancouver- Our final destination on this amazing trip. We arrived at the station and boarded our Via rail train and located our cosy sleep cabins which we had been allocated for this overnight journey, the cabins themselves had a chair which convert to a bed and you have your own toilet and sink facilities. We enjoyed delicious dining, stunning views in the glass domed carriage and the freedom to move around between carriages- we even enjoyed a game of bingo! There's something quite special about retiring back to your cosy cabin, snuggling down and watching the mountainous back drop as you drift off to sleep. We arrived in Vancouver after enjoying a gorgeous breakfast on the train, collected our luggage and was soon on our way ready to explore the city of Vancouver and everything it had to offer. I knew I would this city but it really did surpass all of my expectations, it has it all! Endless sightseeing we enjoyed a trip to Granville Island where we visited the local market and took a boat trip to look for seals, we visited the Capilano suspension bridge, the gondola at grouse mountain, stunning Stanley park, a lovely beachside lunch, a visit to the steam clock in Gastown and so much more. We even got to experience a fabulous recommendation from the locals of a teppanyaki meal which was not only delicious but a great night out too and so much fun. We spent an evening in Yaletown which again is a popular place to visit, full of vibrant bars and eateries. We stayed at the Sheraton wall centre hotel, perfect location being minutes on foot from restaurants, shops and attractions. This hotel is a modern hotel with floor to ceiling windows showcasing views of this city. On our final day in Vancouver we visited the Simulator "Fly Over Canada" which was fun and unique followed by a fabulous sea plane trip from Canada place harbourside where we were able to enjoy birds eye views of this inspiring city and a perfect way to end such an incredible trip. Canada- Wow is all I can say and Thank You for making so many dreams come true in one trip. You have stolen my heart and I cannot wait to visit again. Whether you are travelling with friends, family, as a couple or a solo holiday- I would whole heartily recommend you visit and I would absolutely love to help plan and book your Canadian adventure trip. Canada has a wealth of dining options, endless attractions, beautiful beaches, friendly people and great shopping- but the real wow factor for me is the jaw dropping stunning scenery and the wildlife- You must go and experience it for yourself.

30 April 2020

Hi everyone. Let’s get this out there from the outset...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY JOB!! For those of you that already know me and for my wonderful clients, both old and new, I am sure that you get my passion for making peoples travel dreams come true. I simply love the industry and get as much as a buzz from creating experiences, no matter how long they are for, as I ever have. There is so much of the UK and the world to see that always leaves me awestruck when i talk with my clients after their journeys and travels. I’ll be honest, though, I have worked in this Industry all of my adult life and the last few weeks have been the hardest and toughest ever. That said, I am still doing my absolute best to help each and everyone of my clients with existing bookings and keeping everyone fully updated. I AM OPEN FOR BUSINESS!! I am still rebooking and rearranging my clients travel plans who were due to travel in the coming weeks and months. Sometimes it is 24/7 but thats what it takes as I put my clients at the heart of everything I do and I am 100% committed to delivering you a “best in class” experience. One great advantage of booking through me, and Travel Counsellors is the support. This means that you have me as a dedicated contact to talk to. You will not be put on hold and have to spend hours on the phone to get through to a call centre as my job is to make sure that you are safe and have as little inconvenience as possible at all points right through to when you get back home. Over the years I think I have dealt with every possible emergency or situation and I proudly stand up and say that i deliver and never leave anyone behind. This is so vital when you are on holiday, whether abroad or in the UK, having that peace of mind. One of my clients says I am his second travel insurance policy. All of my clients I have, and those with bookings have all been either re-scheduled or re-planned with many holidays moving forward by a few months. There are some that are still awaiting guidance from the FCO but now that I can see my way through giving everyone booked some real peace of mind I can now start to concentrate on making sure that everyone is aware not only of all of the ongoing advice from the Government but what I and Travel Counsellors can really do to deliver for you as we move forward. We are a day closer to the end of this situation and what better way to look forwards than to start to think about possible future destinations for your next trip. I think we will all need a break after this and that can be as far into the future as you wish, as I realise it will take time to get back to a form of normal living. As I have said, I love talking travel so please call me, e mail me, respond on LinkedIn, Facebook and lets talk whether it be a short UK break through to some exotic far off sun kissed place that you would like to go. I have over 20 years experience and have so much to tell you about just how to make your trip so very special, never forgetting that I will always be here to support and look after you in person. It’s great to be taking bookings for later this year, 2021 and beyond and as always there is always I am always here to help, I love booking your holidays and making those Travel dreams come true. Take care, stay safe Best Wishes Sarah

10 September 2019

A new start... September is seen by many people as a time for change, a new start, the start of a new year... None more so than if you have little ones going back to school, or even starting “big school” for the first time. Although my little girl has been at school for a couple of years now, I still remember her first day as if it were yesterday. I felt like I was losing a part of me as she walked into her classroom for the first time, as though that little hand that squeezed tightly was never going to be all mine again. I worried if I’d remembered to pack everything, to label everything (!), whether she was ready? (I know I wasn’t!). How did you feel after your child(ren’s) first day at school? Were you sad, upset, relieved, happy? I’m pleased to say though that my gorgeous princess has really enjoyed her time at school so far and I have delighted in seeing her grow and become the lovely little lady she is today. I’m so very proud of her. What I have realised though, now she is not with me all day every day, is that it makes family time even more special than it was before. It is most definitely about making the most of the time that we have, spending quality time together. A huge part of our family time is our holidays, we make the most amazing memories, whether it be on a trip of a lifetime to places like Lapland and Dubai, or more regular trips to Spain or UK breaks by the sea, where building sandcastles and fish and chips on the beach is a tradition that will hopefully last a lifetime. We are already looking at where we’d like to go in 2020 and I’d love to help you and your family plan your special time together too x

10 October 2019

It’s turned decidedly chilly in the last few days, although the sun is shining this morning, taking me back to our sunny summer trip to Salou. We had a fantastic week of family fun in the sun, a traditional budget family holiday, building lots of lovely memories with our children! Salou has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax in a hotel, or prefer to work to your own timescale in self-catering accommodation, there’s an abundance to choose from. There’s an amazing array of bars and restaurants, some even serving a traditional English fry up and you can always find somewhere to watch the latest footie match and enjoy a good old pint of English lager! Away from the town itself, we enjoyed a day trip to beautiful baroque Barcelona, visiting Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia and tasting delicious tapas on Las Ramblas. We also visited Port Aventura, Ferrari Land and the local water park, the children are still deciding which was their favourite! Salou really was a fantastic base for us! Best of all though were it’s sandy beach, short flight and quick transfer times to and from the airport, just perfect for a relaxing week in the sunshine. Y Viva Espana!

02 July 2019

I’ve just returned from an absolutely magical trip to Disneyland Paris. There are a variety of options to transport you to the French land of the mouse - only a flight of just over an hour (from most UK airports), self drive or Eurostar. I opted for the latter this time and benefitted from arriving directly at the park, as well as an increased luggage allowance (just perfect for all of my extra mouse ears!) There are lots of choices of hotel as you’d expect, to suit all tastes and budgets. This time I stayed at the Cheyenne, a value hotel but still only a 15-20 minute walk around the lake to the park, with it’s Woody themed rooms (my fave), it was a perfect choice! During my stay, I also took the opportunity to explore the other hotels, including Sequoia Lodge, Newport Bay hotel and of course the amazing Disneyland Hotel (otherwise known as the pink one!) which is located right at the gates to the park. Disneyland Paris has 2 parks - the Disneyland Park (like the Parisian Magic Kingdom) and the Studios - both are fabulous with lots going on and are suitable for all age groups. If you’re character spotting and autograph hunting, Toy Story Land and the Marvel characters are located at the Studios along with other attractions and rides. Your favourite Disney princesses, Mickey, Minnie and friends are all in the Disneyland Park. There are also some fabulous dining experiences and I would highly recommend these are booked in advance as they do sell out quickly, especially the princess lunch at Auberge de Cendillon and inventions (where you get to dine with some of the Disney Characters). Buffalo Bills’ Wild West show and the parades are a real highlight and the illuminations were just WOW! I actually had a tear in my eye and it took me back to my childhood. As soon as you step through the gates, and walk down Main Street, you step into a wonderful world of make believe. When travelling as a family, you’re making magical memories right there, watching your children’s faces light up when they meet their favourite character. With a group of adults this time, I got to experience the rides in all of their glory, including the fabulous hydro space mountain, Indiana Jones and not forgetting a journey to infinity and beyond on Buzz Light Year’s laser blast. Meeting a few of my favourite characters topped off with a few of the legendary glowtinis, there was lots for me to enjoy. I really would recommend a trip to Disneyland Paris for both adults and children, its a magical place for everyone to enjoy. I’m often asked when is the best season to visit, however there really is no one true answer to this as each one offers something different - summer sun, Halloween, Christmas, all have their own exciting offerings. Don’t delay booking your magical Disneyland Paris Holiday, I can’t wait to get you there so contact me- It would be my pleasure to help you.

06 June 2019

What images come to mind when you hear the word Dubai? Striking skyscraper hotels which defy gravity? Sun, sea and sand? Middle Eastern culture and delectable delights for your taste buds? Within just a few hours, you can experience all of these and so much more! My wonderful husband bought me this amazing trip for my special birthday and wow, it certainly did not disappoint! Just over a 6-hour direct flight from London, it was a fantastic alternative to a European break. We travelled as a family taking our 7-year-old daughter. We chose to stay at two different hotels during our time there: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, followed by the stunning Atlantis, complete with its very own superb water park. We therefore got to enjoy the contrast of the striking city and a beautiful beach resort. Our very own perfect paradise, glorious weather, a 5-10 minute walk from Jumeirah Walk which is foodie heaven, personal dedicated service, courtesy buses to the luxurious shopping malls, a club upgrade which I would highly recommend and a visit to the top of Burj Khalifa, we have special memories banked that will last a life time and my little girl loved it. Why not consider Dubai as a change from your usual European break? It really does have everything couples, families and groups of friends could ever dream of!

15 May 2019

So he’s put a ring on it, you’ve started looking for the fairy-tale dress of your dreams and are hugely excited about planning your big day, even if you’re dreading the politics of the guest list! Have your thoughts turned to your honeymoon yet? For a lot of couples, this is more important in terms of planning than the wedding itself, with many taking the opportunity to tick a dream destination off their bucket list. Whether your trip of choice is a long-haul paradise such as The Maldives, Seychelles or Bora Bora, a stunning city such as New York or Singapore, a traditional home for romantics like Paris or Venice, or something a little more active like a safari in South Africa or kayaking in Canada; I’d be delighted to tailor make your perfect, bespoke paradise. I offer full, expert advice on how to make your honeymoon everything you want it to be and can even offer a unique Travel Counsellors honeymoon registry to enable your guests to gift towards the cost of your dream trip, instead of that third or fourth toaster. I look forward to making your dreams of a holiday of a lifetime come true.

02 April 2019

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside...Oh I do like to be beside the sea... Be honest! You sang it didn’t you? There’s something special about being beside the sea, especially if you live in a completely landlocked area of the country like I do here in The Midlands! Some of my favourite childhood memories are sitting on the beach eating fish and chips and probably more than the odd grain of sand! There were competitions to see who could build the best sandcastle, looking for crabs in rock pools and the inevitable family game of beach cricket and not forgetting the donkey rides up and down the beach, all washed down with a Mr Whippy, with a flake of course! I now cherish the times I can spend with my own children, sharing those memories and creating our own new family traditions. There’s not a lot that can compare to a traditional British summer spent on the beach (even if you do need an anorak from time to time!). One of the fantastic parts of my job is that I can offer all varieties of UK breaks, from a stay at Haven or Butlins to your very own luxury cottage or lodge. I love booking the more unusual too, everything from windmills to signal boxes and treehouses! With the weather forecasters predicting a lovely spring and summer for us, why not dig out your flip flops, pull up a deckchair and book your stay today?

05 March 2019

The Magic and The Mouse A lot of people dream about visiting Walt Disney World from when they are very small. I’m one of the lucky ones who has been able to turn my dreams of visiting the most famous Mouse himself into reality, and wow, what a reality! We stayed onsite at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside hotel, a beautifully picturesque “moderate” hotel. There are a range of choices onsite to suit all budgets (deluxe, moderate and value) and if you prefer a bit more freedom, or to relax away from the “Disney bubble”, we can also explore options on I-Drive or a self-catering villa within driving distance. We chose to upgrade our free quick service plan to the Disney Dining Plan as we felt as a family it would be lovely to have a nice sit-down meal each day and take our time after a busy day in the parks to chat about all of our magical experiences. The Dining Plan offers one “table service” meal each day which was perfect for us and I’d highly recommend upgrading if you can. Most of these restaurants can get very busy so you need to book these in advance. Our absolute favourite meal was The Boat House at Disney Springs (the former Downtown Disney), fabulous for a special evening, with delicious food and fantastic service. We also enjoyed many character dining experiences, which again were included as part of our dining plan, a great way for children (and adults!) to meet their idols, and a fantastic alternative to queuing in the parks for the meet and greets, a huge time saver! It also meant we could save our fast passes for the rides and shows! Eating out on the dining plan was a huge part of our holiday and really enhanced our experience. It is just one of the huge benefits of staying onsite. The characters really make the holiday, my all-time favourites are Chip and Dale as they’re just so adorable and playful but even meeting them doesn’t get close to my best memory....my daughter Aimee, who is 7, when she met her idols Buzz and Woody from Toy Story! I honestly think that moment and the look of sheer adoration on her face will stay with me forever! Her smile was the true epitome of Disney Magic! Without a doubt, my favourite ride, along with many others who’ve been over the past couple of years, must be Pandora’s Flight of Passage - it really is as stunning as everyone says it is and we rode it more than once because it just took our breath away. My little girl came off that ride saying “Mummy, I really can fly”, just another one of our Magical Disney moments. If you ever have the chance to visit Disney World, grab it! It could never be described as a cheap holiday but boy is it worth it! The memories you make, and your own little piece of Disney magic will stay with you forever! If you need any assistance planning your Magical Disney holiday please get in touch, it would be my absolute pleasure to help.

18 February 2019

It’s a dark and dreary day in the UK, with the weather forecast predicting endless days of wind and rain. Your mind starts to wander and you’re soon dreaming of your summer holidays. Stop. What if you didn’t have to wait another five or six months? What if you could be in the sunshine sooner than you thought? I’ve enjoyed many winter sun holidays over the years and it makes such a difference, no more winter blues in this house! My favourite just has to be Tenerife, a short four-hour flight from a local airport makes it absolutely perfect for a long weekend or a cheeky week in the sun. Transfers to the resorts are short, the weather is gorgeous and you can choose from bed and breakfast, half-board or all-inclusive with a fantastic array of hotels and restaurants. A few of my favourites are the beautiful five-star Bahia del Duque (where famous footballers are known to visit), Bahia Principe and Jacaranda. Many hotels offer a free bus to the fantastic water parks of Siam Park (great fun with its thrilling water slides) or Aqualandia (cheaper, quieter and better suited to younger children). There is also the TITSA - a cheap and frequent local bus service if you fancy getting out and about and exploring this lovely island. I’d be delighted to have a chat and find the perfect winter sun break just for you - Sarah x

05 December 2018

What a magical time of year Christmas is, I never thought I’d like anything more than the thrill of racing downstairs on Christmas morning to find out what Santa Claus had left for me under the tree. Then I became a mum, and everything changed! There’s just nothing that can compare to seeing Christmas through the eyes of your own child. Last Christmas, we were fortunate to travel to the home of the real Santa Claus, Lapland, and it was everything I dreamed it would be and more! We travelled to traditional Finnish Lapland for a magical two-night stay in Saariselka. Even though it’s possible to travel there and back in one day, I’m so glad we chose to enjoy the experience for longer as it allowed us some relaxation time as well as all the activities. As soon as we arrived, I got all the feels as we were greeted by an elf and reindeer. We collected our Arctic clothing in our very own Santa hessian sack on the way to our hotel, which had the feel of a traditional ski lodge. **Top tip** Layer your thermals as it keeps you warmer! The first afternoon was spent sledging and enjoying the pool and then it was off to the bar for a yummy hot chocolate with marshmallows and, of course, hot toddies! Day two was amazing - skiing, children’s mini skidoo, Santa safari to meet the man himself, children’s show, ice sculptures, husky dog sledding, snow hockey and even ice fishing! This fairy-tale experience was rounded off with a traditional Christmas dinner and a Christmas party back at the hotel. We travelled home on day three, after popping to the village shop for our must-have Christmas bauble, which now sits in pride of place on our tree. However, there is an option to add additional excursions/activities if you want an extended trip. Seeing my daughter’s face when she met Santa Claus was a dream come true, a huge tick on the bucket list as well as memories banked for a lifetime.

20 November 2018

After such a wonderful holiday in Las Vegas in 2015, my husband and I decided there really was only one place to go to celebrate his special milestone birthday. We stayed at the wonderful New York New York which is a tourist attraction in its own right like most of the hotels that are located on the famous strip. It’s a great location for everything this amazing city has to offer. *Top Tip* If possible, upgrade to a strip-view for a few pounds more - it’s breath-taking in the evening! On our previous trip, we’d done a huge amount of sightseeing taking in all the amazing attractions Las Vegas has to offer including the fabulous Grand Canyon. *Top Tip* Go by helicopter, not by road! (Yes, it will cost more but will save you a lot of time, what would be a whole day out of your holiday will be 3 to 4 hours from door to door). Once in a lifetime views and a champagne picnic at the foot of the Canyon are just some of the options available. The shows in Las Vegas are not to be missed, we saw Cirque du Soleil at the world-famous Bellagio which was amazing! *Top Tip* Book the more popular shows in advance as they get booked up! *Top Tip* Make sure you pack comfortable footwear as there is plenty of walking to do or you have the option of jumping on the local bus service, the “Deuce” which is very inexpensive and runs regularly up and down the strip so a fabulous way of getting around to save your feet! This time we went for a spin on “The high roller” which is like the London eye and gives you awe-inspiring views of Las Vegas. *Top Tip* Book in advance and go in the evening, the bright lights are fabulous! We also had a wonderful time enjoying downtown and an area called Freemont Street. This is especially good if you want to dabble in the casinos or experience the live bands along the way. Las Vegas has so much for everyone, it really isn’t just about the Casinos - to be honest our first visit I didn’t gamble a dollar. The shows are incredible, the shopping and sightseeing are wonderful, and the people are really friendly. We were there for four days which is perfect for a city break, but you can also add on a beach destination like Mexico for that rest and relaxation afterwards! I really cannot recommend Las Vegas enough for a holiday that will suit anyone. I doubt this will be our last visit as it seems to change each time we go, and I have a milestone birthday coming soon so we may just be making a return visit...

11 November 2019

The US of A really does have it all. When considering a city break, The States really does have everything to offer. The sheer range of choice is as immense as the size of the country. Sometimes the trouble is knowing where to start! Often, when people think of holidaying in America they think of Disney, Universal and Orlando, however there is so much more... Traditional favourites such as Christmas shopping in New York, gambling in Vegas and the culture of beautiful Boston are true crowd-pleasers. Nothing can beat the amazing Christmassy-feeling of the ice-rink outside the Rockefeller Centre, along with its’ stunning Christmas tree, shopping in Macy’s and partying in Times Square! Las Vegas is an eternal favourite of ours (and I have another blog dedicated to the bright lights and fantastic entertainment to be found there). Boston is just gorgeous and its’ famous Freedom Trail is a must! Yet, these “Stars in Stripes” are just the start of this fascinating country and there is so much more to explore. From the snow-capped mountains of the Rockies in the North to the glorious Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco and the must visit tourist attraction Alcatraz and not forgetting Fisherman's wharf and the delicious clam chowder which is the most amazing soup/ strew you will ever taste- back across Route 66 to Chicago, there really is something for everyone. For music fans, visit the home of Elvis in Memphis, chill out to some traditional jazz, (with your spicy gumbo of course!) in the buzzing New Orleans. Or, if you prefer something a bit more laid-back, take a romantic carriage ride in Charleston, relax on the beach in San Diego, Miami or Los Angeles. Decisions, decisions! A weekend break, a family holiday or a once in a lifetime road trip, I’d love to tailor-make the perfect holiday just for you. The holiday may not last forever but the memories will be forever in your heart.