Stephen Bellingham
I'm based in
Dorchester
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
Hello, my name is Stephen Bellingham.
After leaving the army as a musician and travelling the world, I followed my passion. With nearly 35 years in travel, I have visited some amazing places and had the satisfaction of creating successful travel experiences for clients by paying attention to detail and going that extra mile. I became a Cruise Master with CLIA in 2015. I have also travelled extensively in the UK so can help with your UK holiday. Zoom meetings are available.
Originally based in Clevedon, Somerset but now in Dorchester, some clients prefer face-to-face meetings, either at their homes or my office while others are happy to liaise by telephone or in today's environment Zoom. I am available at a time to suit you and often travel to visit my clients at home, as it's more convenient for them.
Whether it's an overnight stay in London or a luxury holiday of a lifetime, I find out what is important and ensure that I match your expectations and more. The feedback and referrals I receive from my clients verify this to be true.
My clients enjoy personalised itineraries; such as a city break, a European sun-break, ocean and river cruises, long-haul itineraries, or an escorted tour. I often 'tweak' trips to make them even more special.
I am a Rocky Mountaineer Specialist. Commodore status with Cunard giving me their highest training rating and also a CLIA Cruise Master, again the highest level of training with them.
Solo travellers use my services as they trust my judgment and feel safe in the knowledge that I am on hand, even whilst they are away.
Using a live airline reservation system is a great asset for booking flight itineraries to select seating, special requests, and last minute availability.
Experience in Saga’s ‘Travel by Design’ department and business travel for TV programs like ‘I’m A Celebrity’ and 'BBC Natural History’ including The Blue Planet means I offer a discreet and confidential service when required, to unusual and remote destinations alike.
As a self-employed Travel Counsellor, I offer a personal service as with any privately owned agency, whilst having the financial support of a large, global organisation. Every aspect of your holiday is financially covered by ATOL and the unique Travel Counsellors Financial Trust.
My passion for travel has taken me to most continents from walking tours to first-class rail, from camping throughout Alaska to cruising the Lei River in Guilin, China. I feel privileged to share this knowledge and experience with clients.
My latest adventures were to Porto, Lisbon, Dresden, Philippines, Malaysia, Borneo, and Ras al-Khaimah and Porto, and a revisit to Singapore after 35 years please do have a read of my blogs!
Now I am also able to use my knowledge of the UK from the highlands and Islands of Scotland to Cornwall and Devon and my home county of Kent the garden of England and my personal favorite being Northumbria
For ideas and inspiration to when or wherever you might like, please give me a call or send an email - I look forward to hearing from you.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Rocky Maountain National Park
Today we visit the highest part of the Rocky Mountains
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
Canyon Spirit Train day 2
Day 2 on the train
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
First day on the train
Let the luxury begin from red carpet welcome introduction and drinks, amazing scenery from both glass dome windows and open windows for viewing and to top it all second to none service and food. Staying overnight on the lovely mountain town of Glywood Springs
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
Arches National Park
Day 4 and the famouse Arches National Park Moab
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
Day 3 Canyonlands National Park
Day 3 Exploring Canyon ,Lands National park
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
On route from Salt Lake City to Moab Day 2
Day 2 Salt Lake City to Moab
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
Canyon Spirit
Education trip from Salt Lake city to Denver
02 Nov 2025 5 min read
Orlando without the Parks
Who knew that Orlando had so much to offer besides the theme parks! A 5-day stay, busy from dawn to dusk, with the opportunity to visit various hotels in the main Downtown and International Drive area, and experience their cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner – just ask if you need advice on where to stay, and what to see. Monday’s itinerary began at The Ramada Plaza, which is undergoing a
23 Apr 2025 5 min read
QM2
Have you ever fancied a trip on Queen Mary 2? I have been fortunate enough to have my second short trip to Brugge, having enjoyed a 7-day Transatlantic and loved it thinking I would get bored but with amazing lectures, unbelievable food, and great entertainment I read for 20 minutes in a week and that was waiting for the next great lecture onboard. If you have any questions let me know
30 Sept 2024 5 min read
Retrunn to Sigapore 25 years on
I had the most amazing time revisiting Singapore after 30 years what a transformation…… Just ask for more
08 Aug 2024 5 min read
Exploring Dartmoor
I had always wanted to explore Dartmoor, so for my birthday this year, I did not go abroad for once we went and explored the Dartmoor. The beautiful property I sound with our supplies was amazing to the point I have already booked for next year for total peace and quiet but with stunning views. Even during Half term, it was still quiet with beautiful walk fauna and waterfalls as well as many lov
07 Aug 2024 5 min read
Windstar Round Britian Cruise
We were very lucky to have the opportunity to go on a round-UK cruise with the luxury all-suite, small ship cruise line, Windstar. This line offers a very personal service with great food. The informal entertainment had the highlight of your favourite crew member doing their party piece! Starting in the historic castled city of Edinburgh, we cruised around the top of Scotland, with its stunnin
07 Aug 2024 5 min read
Explora I
In 2023, I was lucky enough to win a sales incentive that took me on the brand new Explora 1 ship on what was only her second week at sea! This all-balcony suite ship has a large capacity but limits passenger numbers so that one can experience fully the spaciousness and luxury of the ship. Departing from Reykjavik in Iceland, the 5-star floating luxury hotel was truly amazing. The service from
05 Mar 2024 5 min read
The BodyHoliday
St Lucia – what an extraordinary, beautiful island, and the most incredible holiday. There’s so much to tell you… After a comfortable flight – well worth the extra for the upgrade to ‘Premium Economy’ – our private taxi driver was our first experience of the friendly, helpful nature of the people on the island. Our first stop was in the capital, Castries. This is where the cruise ships call in, an
03 Oct 2022 5 min read
Virgin Voyages from Barcelona to Barcelona the Iresistible Med
I have just returned from an amazing new cruise experience with Virgin Voyages. The big question is how does it vary from other cruise lines? Well, here are my observations: 1) Adults only, so 18 plus. 2) You can pick your boarding and disembarkation time and even take your own luggage off if you prefer. 3) No dress code (they do have a Scarlet Night so encourage you to wear something scarlet,
10 Jun 2022 5 min read
Davenport and Brixham
Although I have travelled extensively throughout the UK, Dartmouth was a town I had never visited. It had been on my ‘wish list’ for a while, not least because of Greenway House, the summer home of Agatha Christie, which had always been a place I fancied exploring. So, with foreign travel temporarily suspended, we decided to head to Devon! We were very lucky to find a self-contained property to
22 Sept 2020 5 min read
First stop on my Round the World Trip from 06th May 1990
As we are in shut-down, I wanted to make the most of my time in between helping my clients to get home or re-book and book for next year’s travel. I thought I would do something I have meant to do for decades - write up my around the world trip from 1990 that started my amazing travel industry career. This was the only time in my life I have kept a diary! My first stop is perhaps not a city that
01 May 2020 5 min read
Christmas in Dresden
I have long wanted to visit Dresden and I was not disappointed. We arrived on the last day of the Christmas markets - my favourite was the very colourful Medieval-themed one in the palace old courtyard where we enjoyed local food and drink like Spätzle and Bratvurst. Perhaps the biggest surprise was finding a few ‘Medieval’ locals in a hot tub in the ‘altogether’! In the plaza outside the main c
07 Jan 2020 5 min read
Suprises all the way
Lisbon is a city I have long wanted to visit, and I was not at all disappointed, though there were a few surprises! The saying that Lisbon is built on seven hills may be an exaggeration for advertising purposes (in reality, our walking tour guide told us, it’s built on seven hillsides, which is not quite the same as seven hills!) but gosh, you will know it once you start exploring! With its steep
07 Nov 2019 5 min read
Where to begin..
I knew that a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York on the iconic RMS Queen Mary II was going to be a special experience – but it was all and more than I could have ever expected. The Queen Mary is the world’s only purpose-built ocean liner, capable of navigating any high sea including the Atlantic Ocean. From the embarkation and departure from Southampton, marked by a lovely glass of
12 Jun 2019 5 min read
Porto and the MS Amalia Rodrigues of Croisi Europe
I had for a long time wanted to visit Porto. So, when Travel Counsellors asked me if I would like to represent them at the inauguration ceremony of Croisi Europe’s latest ship on the Douro I jumped at the chance! The weather was exceptionally good. Sitting at one of the many riverside cafes was just magical, with the port barges in front of me and the winding, steep cobbled streets behind. The
20 Mar 2019 5 min read
A Krakow Christmas Cracker
I went to Krakow for Christmas, as a white Christmas is what I had hoped for, but it seemed it was not meant to be. With the world’s climate changing the temperature went up from minus 7 to plus 7 degrees in the time that the delightful drones over Gatwick were causing chaos, resulting in my flight being cancelled. Luckily, I know a good travel agent (!) who was able to book me a new flight th
30 Jan 2019 5 min read
Gold weekend
This year 2018 I was lucky enough to make it to the level of Gold Travel Counsellor putting me with the top sellers of the 1700 of us worldwide. Our trip to Ras al-Khaimah is about the first place that none of my clients had heard of. Although closer to Dubai international airport than Dubai, it is a quieter Emirates closet to the desert and a fascinating place. From desert and falconry to w
02 Oct 2018 5 min read
Onboard Oceania's Marina
On Friday I was lucky enough to be invited on Oceania’s Marina ship, sister ship to the Riviera. I wanted to see if Oceania lived up to its reputation of the best food at sea and I am pleased to say they did. Here are some shots of the restaurants and food. I also discovered a buffet where you don't serve yourself which means no bun fights and no cross contamination from others. I also f
02 Oct 2018 5 min read
Malaysian Fam Trip - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Our first night was at the Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. What a most amazing experience - I was very impressed with the hotel. As you will see from the photos, I had a twin Tower View room, which as it became dark changed, making for a very impressive view with the lights. The Bar on the 32nd floor, also let you enjoy the view in style. The next day we took a short walk to the shopping Mall, n
06 Nov 2017 5 min read
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
Next we flew to Kota Kinabalu, where we were met by our fabulous, local agent EXO. The guide took us to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, which gives you a look as close as possible to authentic local life in rural Borneo in the long houses. We spent several, very enjoyable hours there. You can visit and stay in a genuine Longhouse if you have time to go bush and explore in more detail. You woul
25 Oct 2017 5 min read
A hidden treasure
As my Philippine Airlines trip approached, I had a feeling of excitement of a new destination for me to explore, along with a sense of trepidation of what I would find. Armed with my Lonely Planet Guide I joined 49 others for a 14-hour direct flight. I was pleasantly surprised during my first introduction to Filipino food - the experience was far superior to many major airlines' offerings. M
05 Apr 2017 5 min read
Ephesus and Kusadasi, Turkey
I was pleased that the cruise line decided to include a stop in Kusadasi. It meant we were able to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus 30km away. This ticked of one of my 'travel list to do' places. What an amazing site, and fortunate we picked the early departure trip, which resulted in a deserted Ephesus, before the crowds and heat were at their peak. Once the trade centre of the ancient world,
15 Jul 2016 5 min read
Athens and the Acropolis
I had always wanted to visit Athens and the Acropolis and thanks to a cruse I got to spend a day and night there. Although a busy and hot city, it was well worth it. We climbed the hill to the top of the Acropolis -you really must go early, late or in the middle of the day (when it is really too hot) or book with a tour to avoid having to queue for tickets. Once you are up there, the view is brill
15 Jul 2016 5 min read
Carnival Vista
My five day trip on Carnival Vista to experience first-hand what makes their brand new ship so special, was as a result of an invitation from a fellow Travel Counsellor. We chose the Crete to Athens sector, which stopped at Rhodes, Kusadasi and finally Athens. Our initial impression was of a large ship designed for families. Once you get your bearings on board, it is really easy navigate your w
15 Jul 2016 5 min read
Rhodes Town and Lindos
This is an island I have sent clients too many times, especially the 5-star Lindos Memories Hotel on the east coast. Its' ideal for those wishing to escape the busy resorts or wanting to have a quality experience, whilst also exploring the island with a car. It's a small hotel which as you can see from the photos is not packed, even on a day they were fully booked. I normally suggest half board, d
15 Jul 2016 5 min read
A city full of surprises
With an 8am landing, we went straight to a Heritage Walking Tour and lunch within the Bastakiya quarter - a 19th-Century neighbourhood established by Iranian textile and pearl traders. It was a rare opportunity to meet Emiratis, ask plenty of questions and learn about their local heritage and traditions. On to the JA Ocean View just a few minutes’ walk from the Marina and JBR Walk. How fortuna
04 Apr 2016 5 min read
Last port of call for us ...
Our short taxi trip took us to the Melia Hotel, primarily a business hotel. It proved to be a well-appointed hotel, with a good buffet breakfast and tranquil spa and pool area. The check-in staff were really helpful, providing a map and rail times for our proposed trip to the Cinque Terre National Park ‘The Five Lands’, an area reported in the guide books as popular with American and Australian
13 Oct 2014 5 min read
First stop Venice
Our couple of nights in Venice before our European cruise made a great difference to the enjoyment of our holiday. We learned a lot about the pros and cons depending on the particular client. Staying on the Lido proved good value and a new area for us both. We hadn't appreciated the ease of travelling by Vaporetto, and the fact that the frequent crossings run so regularly. Result! Our bed an
08 Oct 2014 5 min read
Part 2 - Cruising the Med
Joining P&O’s cruise ship Ventura in Venice made a brilliant start to our week’s cruise. We initially explored the whole ship to discover our favourite places. With East booked, the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea located and a tour of the Spa area we were set. Our mid-ship balcony cabin had fantastic views as we arrived early morning into ports. There were fridge and tea/
08 Oct 2014 5 min read
Marrakech - East Meets West
We were attracted by the lovely Riads, colourful crafts and deep-rooted heritage, so different and yet so near to Europe across the Gibraltar Strait. Relatives joined us knowing they would have an adventure - a good test for the country too with a vegetarian and a celiac within our party. Choice of location and properties were based on wishing to experience the diversity of Morocco and its Riad
17 Feb 2014 5 min read
Final stop - Essaouira
Our next and final stop was Essaouira, (pronounced ‘essa-weera’, or ‘es-Sweera’ in Arabic). It was a good drive by taxi from the Mountains (about 4 hours in all) however well worth it. Our chosen accommodation, the Riad Watier was located in the winding back streets of the old Medina accessed on foot. A porter showed us the way left and right through the maze of streets until we arrived to a we
17 Feb 2014 5 min read
Tamatert - The High Atlas Mountains
Our trip up to the High Atlas Mountains was fantastic. The scenery is stunning with Toubkai the highest peak in North Africa looming above us, and being surrounded by the numerous local villages unchanged no doubt for hundreds of years. We were delighted with our choice of Douar Samra in an unspoilt Berber Village with serene views over the Imlil valley. Jule, the mule arrived with his brand sp
17 Feb 2014 5 min read
My holiday in Cyprus
My holiday in Cyprus. I stayed at an excellent Hotel Apartment in Pissouri, between Paphos and Limassol. It was my first time on the island. April, my wife has been keen for a long time to show me what Cyprus has to offer, as she had often visited, whilst working for Sunvil Holidays, an independent, specialist Tour Operator. Cyprus by far exceeded my expectations. Following our 4½ hour fligh
03 May 2013 5 min read
LUXURY TRAVEL
For me one of the most exciting things during 2010 was attending the annual Luxury Travel Show in Cannes, South of France. It provides the opportunity to source authentic and unique luxury products, which reflect their destination naturally. A SAMPLE OF WHAT’S ON OFFER … Vancouver Island—Special Places savour the luxury, embrace the visual pleasures and welcome a pace of life they call Islan
19 Oct 2012 5 min read
Kalkan Turkey
I had no idea what to expect from my trip to Kalkan never having visited a Turkish holiday resort. I found a small quite beautiful and friendly harbour village on Turkey’s southern coast. Everyone in Kalkan was friendly and focused on making our trip special. The wide array of restaurants served excellent, varied Mediterranean cuisine with good English being spoken by most. The hotel I
19 Oct 2012 5 min read
Croatia revisited
Croatia – a place very close to our hearts! My wife and I met in Croatia five years ago on a hosted eight night trip. Treated like royalty we dined in some of the best restaurants Croatia has to offer. We explored the mainland from Dubrovnik in the south, drove up to Split and finally flew to Zagreb in the north, touring much of the Istrian Peninsula. We ended in Zagreb in a hotel where the En
12 Oct 2011 5 min read
BARCELONA CITY-BREAK
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, is quoted as being the 16th most visited city in the world and 4th in Europe. We were amongst those visitors along with a couple of friends for a few nights in March 2011. My wife and I had been before, but to be honest one never tires of the city. It has so much to offer that you get a different perspective each time you vi
28 Sept 2011 5 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
The Great American view from the Balcony
The Great American view from the Balcony of Salt Lake City
25 Oct 2025
A Room with a View The Great American
An amazing Hotel Room with a view at the Great American Salt Lake City
25 Oct 2025
Passing under Tower Bridge
I had the great privilege and pleasure to sail up the Thames with Windstar cruises amazing once in a lifetime experance
02 Aug 2024
Introducing Explora
Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand. Please ask me all about this amazing new experience.
19 Apr 2023
Merlion Singapore
Singapore's mascot the merlion on the Fullerton road pedestrian area Singapore
14 Dec 2022
Antartic
Is the Antarctic on your wish list? I have just completed some comprehensive training. Let me know if you are interested
21 Nov 2020
The Petronas Towers
This was the view from my hotel room on Kula Lupar totally amazing just had to keep looking. Want to know what hotel it is then give me a call
16 Oct 2020
Philippine river trip
Excuse the music but enjoy the amazing scenery of the river trip I took in Bohol in the Philippines
16 Oct 2020
Arriving in New York
Docking in Brooklyn on Queen Mary II after a brilliant transatlantic cruise
14 Oct 2020
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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.
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.
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.
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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