Based in Wickford

Sarah Jennings

It's Nice To Meet You

Hi, I’m Sarah your Travel Counsellor based in Essex.

My enthusiasm for all things travel has given me a very happy and successful 27-year career, working for leading travel companies and arranging bespoke itineraries that span the globe.

My curiosity for travel has been there from a young age and I can remember as a child looking at the airport departure boards and thinking where can we go next? The excitement of visiting a new destination has never diminished.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to over 50 countries across six continents. From horseback riding in Argentina, climbing Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, to hot air ballooning across the Serengeti. If you have that trip of a lifetime planned it’s likely that I’ve visited it!

Each holiday I arrange is unique and tailored to your specific requirements. I really care about your holiday experience and find it’s the fine details that make a good holiday, a great one, creating the best memories.

My expertise lies in long haul travel from honeymoons and anniversaries, to milestone birthday celebrations, however as a mum of three children ranging in age from 7 to 14 years, I recognise the importance of finding the right destination and balance, for the best family holidays, from long haul adventures to Europe’s best kept secrets.

My personal knowledge, attention to detail and impartial advice, means I can offer a personal service, enabling you more precious free time, no more trawling through the Internet or waiting in a queue or never getting the same person twice. I can be available at a time that suits, you from evenings to weekends – as a Travel Counsellor I have the flexibility to work outside regular working hours.
So whether you’re looking for the best beaches in the Indian Ocean, a family holiday, city break or simply need some advice or inspiration, please feel free to call me and discuss your ideas and aspirations.

I’ll look forward to helping you achieve lifetime memories.
Best wishes
Sarah

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Contact Me

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:

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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.

Teens a tween and Thailand

02 November 2023

Travelling with older children can be a balancing act. You never know what the daily mood will be and if your idea of fun will be met with dramatic eyerolling. One thing I was certain of is that I wanted them to ditch their screens and experience something new. I decided on Thailand and Singapore partly as it’s a long time since I have travelled East, and I wanted a holiday that incorporated Singapore, one of the first Asian cities I visited 28 years ago. Twinning it with Thailand was an easy combination that gave us a good mix of relaxing and new experiences. The first part of our trip we stayed at the Intercontinental Phuket Resort which is on the stunning Kamala beach. This beautiful hotel was a great choice. It’s flanked by jungle covered hills one side and the stunning Kamala beach the other. Sunsets here are especially spectacular. The rooms are luxurious and, depending on room type, offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea. They are generous in size with huge comfortable beds and a luxury bathroom that can either be open plan or closed off with sliding doors. Breakfast was equally impressive. I loved the Barista station, it had the best coffees I've experienced in a hotel, whilst my youngest was spoilt with waffles, pancakes and a plethora of tropical fruits. Lunch times we loved the Pine beach restaurant, and if you really didn't want to drag yourself away from your lounger, they would serve you without having to move a step. The hotel has seven dining options, with the Thai restaurant, Jaras being Michelin Guide recommended. The hotel is also a great location for exploring some of the local beach restaurants located a short walk along the beach. We found one we all loved and by the end of the week we were sad to leave the wonderful staff who were so friendly and cooked the best green curry I’ve ever had. We mixed our time relaxing at the hotel and exploring Phuket. The highlight for us all, especially my girls was the Green Elephant Sanctuary. This ethical sanctuary rescues abused Elephants, whilst protecting and caring for them. The sanctuary allows you to get up close to these majestic loveable animals. You get the opportunity to feed them which didn't last long as they hoovered up all the bananas super quick! Then prepare to get muddy and wet as you give them a mud bath before finally scrubbing them clean. All while learning interesting and fun information about their lives. We all really enjoyed it, as did the Elephants. We also visited the Sea Caves and canoed around Hong Island - the scenery is so stunning. We stopped at Panyee Island, known as the Sea Gypsy Village, for lunch and then visited nearby James Bond Island famed for the filming of the Man with Golden Gun. It is beautiful however super busy. We asked the hotel to hire us a driver who took us on a Phuket island tour, taking in Big Bhudda, Wat Chalong (Phuket’s most revered monastery) before ending in Phuket Old Town. Singapore A 2-hour flight from Phuket and we landed into Singapore. I was intrigued to visit after so many years, it has seen many changes most noticeably the Marina Bay Gardens which ceased to exist when I last visited. Singapore, after a day of getting lost, is relatively easy to navigate. Taxis are reasonable, however as there are five of us, we opted for the MRT. We purchased 3-day SGD cards which allow you to use the whole network and are great value for money as well as providing much needed air conditioning. We stayed at Clarke Quay which had good transport links, a large selection of restaurants plus the kids were pleased as it was opposite a shopping centre! We purchased a GO CITY pass which had a selection of some of the most popular tourist attractions. You just prepay and select how many attractions you would like then download the app. It’s very straightforward. My highlight over the four days was the Marina Bay Gardens both at night and during the day. The Cloud Forest is stunning, the indoor waterfall is spectacular, and the Avatar experience is fun for all. Supertree Grove twice a night offers a bedazzling free show called Garden Rhapsody where the trees all light up set along to various soundtracks. Ours was retro fever - who doesn’t love a bit of disco. Another highlight was dining at the Marina Bay Sands hotel. We booked Lavo on the 57th floor which offers amazing views whilst dining in a buzzy Italian restaurant with great music. It’s more expensive than a regular Italian however the views and atmosphere more than make up for it. The chocolate cake is so ginormous the five of us couldn’t even finish it! We also visited the Night Zoo. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, and my advice is eat before you go as by the time you arrive back into the city its quite late. It’s quite a novel experience seeing nocturnal species, especially the Tasmanian Devils. Our final day we spent on Sentosa Island; you could easily spend a few days here as there is so much to do. From water parks to beach clubs and of course Universal Studios. We took the cable car over which gave you access to the cable car network on the island for fantastic views. As it was our last day, we spent some time at one of the beach clubs, took the cable car up to Fort Silso and had fun whizzing down a man-made track on the Skyline Luge. Overall, they gave the trip a thumbs up. They still missed their friends, moaned about the Wi-Fi getting up early and walking lots but that's teenagers for you. Flying home, I asked what their highlights were, they all loved the Elephant sanctuary. Although my youngest daughters highlight was the ginormous chocolate cake at Lavo.. like mother like daughter.

Island hopping in the Maldives

26 June 2023

With over 1200 Islands and 26 Atolls, the natural beauty of the Maldives has always remained one of my favourite beach destinations ever since my first visit 27 years ago. It remains one of the best destinations to leave behind the rest of the world where "no shoes no news" is there mantra. I was lucky enough to recently spend 8 nights visiting 4 amazing and uniquely different hotels. My first two nights were spent at Nova. Fully refurbished in 2022, Nova is a 30 minute sea plane transfer located in the South Ari Atoll. Famed for great diving and being able to see whale sharks all year round. It's a beautiful small island great for couples and small groups. With 76 beach and water villas, some with pools, the villas are spacious with neutral and relaxing decor. Nova has three amazing restaurants, including my favourite, Mizu an exceptional Teppanyaki. Great entertainment watching live the performance and tricks of the chefs. My next 2 night stop was Kandima, 40 minutes by sea plane transfer from Male. Kandima is situated on the largest island in the Dhaalu Atoll. Measuring 3kms long it is one of the biggest resorts in the Maldives.The island is lush and tropical with the most amazing long stretch of white sand beach. It boasts 10 dining venues and a range of rooms from water villas with pools to the sky and beach studios. It offers great family accommodation which can accommodate up to 8 people. The beach is one of the most stunning I have seen in the Maldives, a huge stretch of pristine white sand. The kids club Kandiland offers a fun packed daily programme and is one of the biggest in the Maldives. Kandima has its own house reef and Aquaholics the water sports centre offers activities such as big game fishing and snorkelling trips. If you're lucky you may spot the 5 or 6 Turtles that inhabit the area. Kandima is a really good all-rounder offering something for everyone. Our next stop was the exclusive Intercontinental Maamunagau.On arrival at Male, you're whisked off to their private lounge. Where the staff greet you with breakfast in the most comfortable of surroundings. Located in the crystal clear waters of the Raa Atoll, Maamunagau is a 30 minute sea plane transfer from Male. Stepping off the sea plane you're traditionally greeted with drummers and then transferred straight to your villa and checked in. I stayed in a beach villa with a pool. The WOW factor hits you as soon as you open the door. Beautiful luxurious interiors with large pools and beach views. You are given an island curator whose thoughtful personal touches completely elevate your experience. My curator Nishaz, knowing I love chocolate, left a quirky chocolate related present each evening. He even had a little video call with my daughter. We were truly spoiled by all the staff and got to experience so much of what the island can offer guests, from serene spa treatments (best facial I've ever had) to the wonderful destination dining, and the islands sunset dolphin watching, luxury yacht cruise. The Intercontinental Maamunagau is one of the most luxurious hotels I've stayed in, nothing is too much trouble. Lots of thoughtful personal touches and I've not even mentioned the amazing food we experienced! Our last 2 nights were spent in laid back luxury at Cora Cora. Based in the Raa Atoll, a 45 minute seaplane transfer from Male. Cora Cora has a footloose fancy free philosophy - they have managed to create a perfect ambiance that appeals to multi gen families and couples alike. The decor is bright and colourful with a beach club vibe. With four restaurants to choose from, plus a coffee shop with the beans freshly roasted on the island, all included in their premium all inclusive. Plus a grab and go concept in each outlet, so you can dine where it suits you. I particularly liked Ginger Moon an A la carte Asian restaurant completely run solely by women. Cora Cora is on the island of Maamigili which is a unique island. Ships that sailed the Spice route over 900 years years ago would have stopped and traded here. Excavations on the island have revealed more than 60 remarkable finds which you can find in the onsite museum, one of only two in the Maldives. History buffs would love the free guided tour of the relics. Cora Cora offers lots of fun activities, sushi making, art classes, beach movies and an extensive wellness programme. Overall this is a little gem of an island with a big heart.

Family Adventure in Western Canada

05 May 2020

Vancouver Our first family road trip and we decided on Canada. As a family of 5 with children ranging from 13 to 6 years it was important to find something for everyone and the West Coast of Canada didn’t disappoint! First stop Vancouver! We stayed in Yaletown which is pretty central for getting everywhere. I was nervous about spending 4 days in a city with a 6-year-old however Vancouver is such a family friendly city with so much to offer Our 4 days flew Without a doubt Stanley Park is the jewel in Vancouver's Crown 1000 acres of old growth forest on the edge of the Pacific Ocean is hard to beat. With around 16km of cycle paths, activities for kids, restaurants all around it, and fantastic views. After a mornings cycle catch the ferry to Granville Island for the ultimate farmers market. We had lunch at the Sandbar which I recommend booking. Kids will also love Breakfast with the Bears at Grouse mountain. You get there before the crowds and spend a magical hour with a park ranger learning about the resident grizzly bears Grinder and Coola. Then they take you for a huge breakfast whilst entertaining the children with lots of bear facts. Capilano suspension bridge is also well worth a visit.It's stunningly beautiful, walking under an umbrella of Douglas Firs, Red Cedars and Hemlock trees. Vancouver Island Tofino Our next stop Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry over to Nanaimo and then onto Tofino It's a three-hour drive to Tofino from Nanaimo through fabulous scenery. We stayed at Longbeach lodge. It's a spectacular setting, a huge sweeping cove with the main hotel bar and restaurant facing the beach the perfect spot for a G&T. One of the must dos for Tofino is a seaplane trip to the hot springs the views are absolutely breath taking you land at Manquina National Park where a 40 minute stroll through old growth rain forest brings you to the geothermal pools. My top tip is go as early as you can before it gets to busy. The rock pools themselves are like a warm bath, I liked them even more when I realised they had anti-aging properties. Our last day we booked a bear watching tour. You take a boat ride out to Meares Water at low tide and watch the bears lumber out of the rainforest foraging the shoreline in search of food all from the safety of your boat. Magical to watch. Campbell River Campbell River on the East coast has vast areas of wilderness, lakes and waterfalls all with fantastic trails you can cycle or walk. Make sure you book a whale watching trip whilst you’re here. You’re kitted out in flotation suits, hats, gloves, etc. it may be hot and sunny on dry land, the minute you get out to sea travelling at around 30mph, you're glad of them, as its pretty chilly. The zodiac can be bumpy at times my daughters likened it to a rollercoaster! We were lucky and spotted three humpback whales but the highlight was watching a pod of around a hundred dolphins. I’ll never forget watching them swim alongside us in the surf so playful and friendly, just metres from you close enough to see their faces even under the water! Whistler The final part of our trip we spent in Whistler. Staying at The Pan Pacific which was lovely and a great location. Whistler village is a great resort there are loads of different restaurants to choose from and the whole village has a buzzy feel. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Whistler is a Mecca for adrenaline junkies - Ziplines, Mountain Biking, Rafting, you can even experience the Olympic bobsleigh with an experienced driver if you're feeling brave. We’d booked the Bear zipline tour which has an age range of 6 yrs upwards After a few initial nerves we all loved it and by the end they’re getting you to try all sorts of tricks like turning upside down. We also tried white water rafting on the Cheakmus river. Again, there are two different options a family-based Grade 2 rapids tour or a more adventurous option on the Squamish river. Its brilliant fun but watch out if you fall in its freezing! Our last day in Whistler we took the Gondola to the top of Whistler peak. You can walk the Cloudraker Skybridge at the top a dizzyingly high suspension bridge that spans 130m across a deep ravine the views are amazing. The Peak2Peak glass bottomed gondola is also included in your ticket. This connects Whistler to Blackcomb and is a great photo opportunity. You could easily spend longer in any of the areas we visited it really has something for every age group.

My customer stories

Sent by J Dorfling

I'll never arrange travel any other way than via Sarah ever again - so easy, so thoughtful, so detailed, so well tailored. Thank you!

Sent by Rachel Ollington

Sarah has been amazing booking my big birthday holiday for next year, there is a family group of us aged between 1 and 63 and she has made sure that everyone's needs have been catered for, given different options and made suggestions that have helped us to book the best holiday for us all.Thank you so much Sarah for all your help.

Sent by L Aspinall

Great customer service , Sarah has kept us updated promptly when there has been any changes . I totally recommend travel counsellors , I used Sarah last year also and I shall continue to do so as I know I’m in safe hands .

Sent by S Crowder

Sarah has been very pro active in not only finding a holiday that suits our initial request, but also suggesting alternatives that may add more value to our family holiday and experiences. It has been a pleasure working with Sarah to find the perfect family holiday and her knowledge of everything from flights, destinations and hotels to airline baggage allowance and procedures has been first rate. Sarah has also assisted us with insurance for our trip, transfers to / from the airport and even picked up that our daughter needed to get her passport re-issued straight after our planned vacation. We would highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking to book a holiday.

Sent by Lisa Deal

I would definitely recommend Sarah and speak to Sarah again for any future holidays. Sarah has arranged an amazing holiday for us and tailored it exactly to what we asked for and more. Sarah gave us a few different options and nothing was too much trouble definitely the best service I have ever received when booking a holiday!