08 April 2024

Booking a holiday and then counting down the days until you can set that ‘out of office’ on your work email account is one of the most exciting times of the year, isn’t it? We look forward to making those memories for so long. But how protected are you? And how much do you really know about it? Having the peace of mind that no matter what, your holiday is safe is priceless and it’s not something you can find everywhere. But the minefield of financial protection is not easily negotiated so we’re trying to make it clearer to help preserve your precious holiday funds. Why do I need to worry about financially protecting my holiday? In short, if you don’t and something happens to one of the companies involved in your trip, you could lose out. If you’ve booked a package holiday, your holiday is financially protected. If you’ve booked your flight and accommodation separately and one of the companies fails, you could end up in a situation where you’re having to pay for an alternative flight or accommodation. Even if you book accommodation with a travel agent, if they fail, you could end up losing your money and be left without your hotel room. Your holiday insurance isn’t fail-safe either, as it isn’t guaranteed to cover a travel company going bust. Read on to understand more about the financial protection available for your holiday… What are the different types of financial protection? ATOL ABTA Section 75 Insurance Independent protection >>What is ATOL? The Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) regime is a financial protection scheme for holidaymakers regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In the UK, all travel companies selling package holidays with flights must hold an ATOL. If the company isn’t registered in the UK, they aren’t legally required to hold an ATOL and you might find you aren’t as covered as you thought. And unfortunately, by that stage, it’s probably too late. If a travel company with an ATOL stops trading, the ATOL scheme protects all customers who had booked with that company. If the company goes into administration before you travel, your money is protected, and you’ll be able to apply for a full refund. If you’re on holiday when the travel company goes bust, the ATOL scheme guarantees you’ll be able to finish your holiday and return home. When you book a protected holiday, you’ll receive an ATOL certificate as soon as you pay for your trip. The certificate explains how you’re protected and what to do in the event of a company collapsing. If the company is a registered member, you’ll spot the ATOL logo and a four or five-digit number on their website and in brochures and adverts. (You can also check that the company is an accredited member of ATOL on the Civil Aviation Authority’s website) >>My travel agent is an ABTA Agent. What is ABTA? If you’ve booked a package holiday from an ABTA agent, your money is protected. However, you might not be financially protected if you haven’t booked a package holiday. You will need to speak with your travel agent if you are relying on this level of protection. I paid for my holiday using my credit card. If the travel company goes bust can I claim through my credit card provider? (Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974) If you’ve booked your trip and have paid on your credit card, you might be able to make a claim against your credit card company. This claim is under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, so you might hear people talk about “section 75”. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 applies to goods and services paid for with your credit card and includes online bookings. If you’ve paid for your travels using your credit card, it means that you can claim against the creditor, which in this case is the credit card company. To make a claim against your credit card provider, the amount you’re claiming for must be between £100 and £30,000. However, you may still be able to make a claim if the amount on your credit card is less (a deposit, for example) as the claim against the credit card provider is directed at the total cost of your trip. One Travel Counsellor helped a group of 25 when the travel company they booked their holiday with went into administration: “They thought all was lost as they had planned a Christmas in the sun and after my advice they have instigated section 75 on their credit cards.” If you paid using a debit card, you may be able to use chargeback to claim some or all the money back. You will need to contact your card provider and speak to them about your claim. >>Doesn’t my travel insurance cover me if the company I’ve booked with goes into administration? Not every travel insurance policy will cover you if a company goes bust, so it’s best to read the small print and check with your travel insurance provider. It’s also worth checking whether the provider will cover you for the whole holiday if you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and car hire separately. As an example, you might find that your travel insurance will cover you if the airline goes into administration but that you can’t claim for a refund on your accommodation or car hire. If you’ve booked through Travel Counsellors, your holiday is 100% financially protected so your money is safe. In the event of an issue, your personal Travel Counsellor will contact you to discuss the options available, such as travelling to a different destination or changing your flights to another airline carrier. In many cases, our customers don’t even need to know when a company has gone bust – we just do the necessary work behind the scenes. >>Is my money 100% safe when booking with Travel Counsellors? Yes. And it’s the highest level of protection you could wish for because it’s fully independent. Set up in 2004, it sits alongside our ATOL cover and financially protects every part of every trip, whether it be the whole holiday, a flight, hotel stay, car hire or even airport parking. It’s completely robust meaning no matter what happens, your money is safe.

07 October 2023

Vietnam is one of my absolute favourite places to visit. So much so that I even got married there in the beautiful Ha Long Bay and plan to return for our upcoming 10 year anniversary. I can’t get enough of the place, and find it an easy destination to sell to clients who like to explore and really get under the skin of a country. I often recommend a north to south or vice versa itinerary to really enjoy all the country has to offer, and with this, a beach destination to finalise the tour and have some relaxation time really completes the package before coming home. So when the opportunity came for me to go to Phu Quoc Island and Mui Ne, two locations synonymous with the words ‘beach’ and ‘relaxation’, I jumped at the chance having yet to personally visit either (they were on the list!). First to Phu Quoc, a gorgeous island in the Gulf of Thailand, and an easy 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), with direct flights also from Hanoi, Danang and Bangkok. Our hosts were the Sailing Club Signature Resort who treated us to an array of beautiful two or three bed villas, each equipped with huge living area, kitchen and outdoor seating area and 12.5m pool. These villas were an instant wow factor as soon as we arrived, and I could immediately see the appeal, especially for groups of friends and families. The resort itself has plenty to do when not soaking in the year round sun. A beautiful restaurant with absolutely to die for food including lots of locally sourced seafood and famous Phu Quoc pepper. Daily yoga classes, a 5 star spa and activities for kids with a small kids club, as well as Vietnamese coffee classes and gin tasting are also available. There was also a fabulous beach club 10 minutes walk away or via the hotel buggy, with amazing sunset views, an infinity pool, again amazing food, and daily evening entertainment. Phu Quoc itself had so much for us to do. We took a bike ride along the beach side promenade, went to the night market in town, and also visited a local pepper farm, which was a really great experience and a wonderful insight into the Vietnamese farming lifestyle. In general I had a fantastic stay at the Sailing Club Resort and was endeared to all that the Island had to offer. Whilst I can now tick Phu Quoc off the list, I will most certainly be returning. Our next stop was Mui Ne, 3 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh, and much more of beach town than Phu Quoc. Sailing Club Mui Ne hosted us, and the resort was very different to its southern counterpart but by no means lesser. We were accommodated in beautiful and quaint beach shacks, many with outside showers set in a small boutique resort where the staff really shone as the heroes of the place. The food again was absolutely fantastic, and we were treated to a Vietnamese cooking class, Vietnamese language lessons and an hour long yoga class overlooking the resort. We also took part in a beach clean up morning with the hotel staff which was really great to see and be involved in, and shows how the hotel was taking sustainability seriously along with other initiatives such as banning single use plastics at the resort. I would really recommend this resorts for couples looking for a romantic break. It was such a beautiful place and really easy to just relax and enjoy the beach. For me, both destinations were perfect for those wanting some down time, and you could easily spend time in each destination and enjoy what both places had to offer with some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Phu Quoc really stood out to me as a perfect destination for families and a rival to Phuket as an island beach destination, whilst Mui Ne is an ideal location to relax and regather after taking in the rest of the country before heading home. I would encourage you to look at both destinations as more than just an excellent addition to any Vietnam itinerary. As for me, I’ve already picked out my Phu Quoc villa for that anniversary tour!

16 February 2021

Holidays in the UK are set to be more popular than ever this year. But you can never predict the weather, except in the UK's version of the Tropics... The Scilly Isles. This archipelago off the coast of Cornwall boasts the warmest weather in the UK. The islands have particularly good weather between May and September, however Easter and October half term have often been very pleasant and much quieter so still are good destinations for family holidays. The sea temperature is between 8c and 16c throughout the year. The journey to the Scilly Isles is an adventure in itself. Fly from Exeter, Newquay or Lands End, take the Ferry from Penzance or even a helicopter ride. If that sounds a bit daunting the uncrowded, unspoilt and outstanding beautiful islands are well worth the trip. Here are my top things to do whilst there: > Visit Tresco Abbey Gardens > Sample the gin at the Scilly Islands Distillery > Take a boat between islands > Snorkel with Seals off St Martin's > Visit the farm at St Agnes (try the Ice Cream) My top places to stay: > The Star Castle, Hugh Town for understated elegance, jaw dropping views and incredible restaurants. > Karma St Martins - the beach is incredible, this is only hotel on this gorgeous island. > Sea Garden Cottages, Tresco - self catering accommodation right on the waters edge > Hell Bay Hotel, Bryher for crashing Atlantic views and seafood galore. Best places to eat and drink: > Adams fish and chip shop > The Crab Shack at Hell Bay Hotel > High Tide, only open 2 or 3 evenings a week on St Agnes. Go here for a spectacular three course dinner. > The Star Castle Conservatory restaurant . Claimed by the Guardian to be one of the best meals in the UK. > Holy Vale , the UK's most southerly vineyard hosting tasting sessions every weekday For your tailor made Scilly island adventure - get in touch today

15 February 2021

My husband and I were married in Vietnam in April 2015. After signing legal papers in England a few months beforehand, my best friend performed the ceremony on a boat in Halong Bay and we had a reception with our friends and family on a private beach afterwards. I know from first hand experience with my own wedding, as well as planning weddings for clients since then, that planning a wedding can be stressful. Never mind in the middle of a pandemic with all the uncertainty. So I've pulled together a guide to destination weddings if you aren't sure where to start. It includes a worksheet so you can start thinking about the key components of your wedding. A little guide to some of my favourite destinations for weddings + the top times for destinations across the world. Download your guide here > https://bit.ly/Destination-Wedding-Guide

07 January 2021

I love a roadtrip. The perfect opportunity to explore an area, find things off the beaten track and go at your own pace. Also a great holiday for families as it gives the kids time to have a breather between activities and also keeps all the mess contained to one area! (or at least try to) So, follow your spirit of adventure and hit the open road for a truly amazing journey of a lifetime. Below I’ve picked out five of my all time favourite road trips, in the world's most stunning long haul destinations. Which would you choose? 1) Highway 1 and The Big Sur, A feature on roadtrips wouldn't be complete without a trip the US. And there are so many options to choose, but my personal favourite is the West Coast, fly into LA pick up a car and head straight for the coast. Take in the Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Half Moon Bay to name just a few must see destinations on the way to San Francisco and get a true taste of California living. And you can even add a tour to the wine country from San Francisco if you have the time. A must do trip. 2) The Great Ocean Road I used to live at the entry point to the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, and I often wondered why the hell I came back to the UK. This part of the world is absolutely stunning, has some amazing festivals and events and some of the best coastline in the world. Highlights for me are fish and chips in Torquay, taking in the 12 apostles at sunset from Gibson Beach, and the Australian version of Glastonbury at Falls Festival in Lorne. 3) The Garden Route, South Africa It's roughly 200km from Mossel Bay in the West to Storms River in the East and the huge variety of wildlife, scenery and activities available means this route begs to be explored. Top picks for your self drive should include a Robberg Nature Reserve, a great place for hiking, bird watching and even whale spotting in the right season. The Cango caves are also a must see and Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a great opportunity for those interested in doing a safari but only have a limited time. 4) East Cape, New Zealand The East Cape of New Zealand isn't often visited by tourists. But this area of the North island of New Zealand has some of the best scenery, culture and history that you could wish for. It also is the first place in the world you can see the sunrise (a little village called Opotiki)- So you can be the first person in the world to welcome a new day. Favourite things to do on the East cape include Morere Hot Springs, the amazing forest of Lake Waikaremoana and the Maori church at Tikitiki. 5) Trans-Canada highway, Canada The Trans-Canada highway is nearly 5000 miles, and I'm not suggesting you do all of it. But Vancouver to Calgary is a great start that takes in some of the incredible vistas of the Rockies. Vancouver and Vancouver Island deserve a decent stretch of time in their own right. But be prepared for some jaw-dropping scenery as soon as you start your route. Highlights include Harrison, home to famous hot springs, Banff with its towering mountains, glaciers and wildlife, and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. I can package flights with your choice of car hire and accommodation to create your perfect self-drive itinerary.Get in touch for more details.

04 December 2020

Planning your dream trip but not sure when is best to expereince the country. Here is a handy guide for some of the best destinations based on time of year: January: It's dry season in the Caribbean, but it is also incredibly popular so make sure you book early. Other top destinations at this time of year; Maldives, Mexico, Phillipines, Sri Lanka and Thailand February: Leave the winter blues behind with a honeymoon in the Maldives. Other top destinations at this time of year; Caribbean, Maldives, Mexico, Phillipines, Sri Lanka and Thailand March: There is guaranteed sunshine in Mexico at this time of year. Other top destinations at this time of year; Caribbean, Fiji, Hawaii, Maldives, Phillipines, Sri Lanka and Thailand April: The sweet spot for Hawaii - a warm climate but fewer crowds. Other top destinations at this time of year; Caribbean, Fiji, Hawaii, Italy, Maldives, Malaysia, Mexico, Portugal, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand May: Experience the Seychelles spectacular shores in May. Other top destinations at this time of year; Bali, Borneo, Caribbean, USA, Fiji, Italy, Maldives, Mauritius, Portugal, Spain, Seychelles, South Africa June: The Greek islands are sublime in Summertime. Other top destinations at this time of year; Bali, Borneo, Fiji, Greece, Hawaii, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, South Africa, Spain, USA July: Get a taste of the exotic with a Malaysian honeymoon Other top destinations at this time of year; Bali, Borneo, Fiji, Greece, Iceland, Seychelles, South Africa, USA August When it comes to long haul luxury, Bali is hard to beat. Other top destinations at this time of year; Borneo, Fiji, Greece, Iceland, Malaysia, South Africa, USA September: The prime time for weddings and honeymoons in Italy. Borneo, Fiji, Greece, Italy, Maldives, Mauritius, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, USA October: Enjoy the backdrop of South Africa's natural wonders. Other top destinations at this time of year; Fiji, Italy, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Portugal, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain November: For year-round sunshine, opt for Dubai Other top destinations at this time of year; Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain December: Escape the winter blues on Mauritius' pristine beaches Other top destinations at this time of year; Caribbean, Mauritius, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand

24 November 2020

Some amazing news to bring you this morning from Grant Shapps. From the 15th of December, the Government will have in place a "test and release" system of quarantine. Giving some hope to people wanting to be reunited with friends and family overseas before Christmas. ?? We will still have the travel corridors, which means NO quarantine, and I would be advising to stick to these if you can. But if you return from a country that is not on the quarantine-free travel corridor list you will be able to take a test 5 days after arriving in the UK, if that test comes back negative, you are "released" from quarantine. A few key points from today's announcement: ??NHS tests MUST NOT be used for this purpose and WILL NOT legally permit you to "release" from quarantine even if it comes back negative ??tests must be booked with an approved provider taken from gov.uk website (still to be released) ??you must still complete a Passenger Locator Form no matter where you are returning from and on that form state that you are having the test (and have it booked) ??if you book the test after you return you must complete a new Passenger Locator Form ??you must still quarantine on arrival and only "release" from this after a negative test result ??normal FCDO advice (which is yet to be updated) must still be followed This is certainly a step in the right direction for international travel, however, there are still lots of things to consider. Many countries still have closed borders, or require a negative PCR test before allowing you entry. When I work with my clients on their holiday plans, I will advise on every aspect so that they make an informed decision. I can't say I have all the answers, but I certainly have the knowledge and experience to offer the best advice. Far above what you will be able to find out from Google. To find out what today's announcement means for your future travel plans, get in touch with me.

04 June 2020

Covid-19 has placed many restrictions on travel and as a result many of you have questions about your airline loyalty programmes and the validity of your points earned so far. I wanted to give a quick summary of the main loyalty programmes and what changes they have made since lockdown began. British Airways BA have taken the decision to lower Tier Point thresholds by 30% for all Members due for Tier upgrade or renewal in April, May and June. The lower Tier qualification thresholds are: • Bronze: 210 Tier Points • Silver: 420 Tier Points • Gold: 1050 Tier Points Also worth noting: A six month extension is being applied to any Gold Upgrade Vouchers, Companion Vouchers and Travel Together Tickets earned via a BA credit card. Still no news on memberships that expire beyond June but hopefully BA announce a further update shortly. More Information from British Airways here: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/tiers-and-benefits Emirates Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members with a tier review date prior to 1 April 2021 will retain their current status for a further 12 months with just 70% of the usual travel requirements. Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members, with a tier status review between March 2020 and September 2020 who are unable to retain their existing tier, will have their existing status extended until 31 December 2020. Those members who have Skywards Miles expiring soon needn’t worry – Emirates have extended their validity until 31 December 2020. More information here: https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/help/covid-19/ Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Virgin Flying Club are extending the status of all our Silver and Gold members by 6 months. This means you will now have 18 months to earn the tier points you need to maintain your current status or achieve new status: 400 tier points need to be earned during the 18 month Extended Membership Year for Silver status to be maintained for another 12 months 1000 tier points need to be earned during the 18 month Extended Membership Year for Gold status to be maintained for another 12 months. Your Extended Membership Year will be viewable online in your Flying Club account. They are also extending the validity of any current companion, upgrade or Clubhouse vouchers by six months. Vouchers will not be reissued, however will still be able to be used https://www.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/flying-club/how-flying-club-works/offers-news.html American Airlines American Airlines are extending the elite status of their AAdvantage members as follows: • Extending elite status for AAdvantage members until Jan. 31, 2022. • Reducing elite status qualifications for 2020. • Extending Admirals Club® memberships purchased from American for 6 months. • Introducing up to $400 special credits for future travel on American Airlines Vacations packages for elite members. • Every dollar spent on an eligible AAdvantage co-branded credit card through the end of 2020 will count for one mile toward Million Miler status. • Award reinstatement fees waived for travel through September 2020. Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific are adding 12 months to the status of Marco Polo Silver, Gold and Diamond members whose membership anniversary falls between May and April 21. In addition, 'mid-tier benefits' such as first and business class lounge passes expiring between May and April 21 will be extended for an additional 12 months. Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines are renewing PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club membership for one membership year. They are also extending PPS Rewards that will be expiring between July and December 2020 to be valid till 31 March 2021. Your PPS Club / Solitaire PPS Club membership will be automatically renewed on the date based on your membership expiry month Further information and details can be found at singaporeair.com Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian etc - Miles and More Current status is now valid until the end of February 2022. If you qualify or re-qualify for status this year, be it Frequent Traveller, Senator or HON Circle, the status is valid until the end of February 2023. Qualifying Miles required are not reduced: • Frequent Traveller: 30 segments or 35,000 status miles • Senator: 100,000 status miles • HON Circle: 600,000 status miles Please do get in touch if you would like any information on any programmes not mentioned here.