Hello, my name is Stephen Rowlay and I am a Travel Counsellor, based in Shipley, West Yorkshire. My core of clients are based locally but they are also located around the UK and overseas. I am happy to help with all business and leisure travel arrangements utilising the full range of resources available to Travel Counsellors.
Travel is a long-standing passion of mine and I’ve been very fortunate to have visited many interesting and beautiful places around the world. I’ve experienced all types of holidays including ocean and river cruises, safaris, beach holidays, skiing trips, city breaks, ferry crossings, theatre and sporting breaks and pet-friendly cottage holidays. I’ve travelled either alone, with family and friends or as part of a larger group. I’ve explored most of Europe, North America, the USA, Africa, Scandinavia, parts of Asia and South America. There are still many more destinations I’d like to visit, Australasia particularly, and I look forward increasing the breadth of my travel knowledge. I’ve already learned a great deal along the way from personal exposure and sharing those experiences with others. I am also able to draw on the knowledge gained from working within the airline industry for several years.
My passion for travel has led me to join Travel Counsellors, one of the largest truly independent travel agencies in the UK. Their award-winning technology, together with the network of experienced travel professionals, allow for the creation of tailor-made holiday experiences to match each client’s unique requirements. The financial protection offered with every Travel Counsellors arranged package is second to none, thus enhancing the high reputation Travel Counsellors already has within the industry.
Together with Travel Counsellors, I pride myself on being able to deliver the personalised service expected by clients. Throughout my whole working life I have been engaged in various customer facing activities, enjoying educating individuals and bringing pleasure to them where I can. I am willing to discuss all your requirements at a time which best suits your lifestyle including evenings and weekends. You can even communicate with me whilst you’re away for additional support or even just to let me know you’re having a great time.
You can contact me by telephone, email or via social media to make your travel enquiries.
I look forward to hearing from you in the very near future and making your travel dreams come true. I'm not just organising a holiday, but creating lasting memories.
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As an avid tennis fan, I've had the pleasure of visiting Wimbledon on a couple of occasions. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain tickets for the premier event on the UK tennis calendar. On a recent trip to Barcelona, which just happened to correspond with the city hosting its annual ATP 1000 Series event, I decided to make the trip to the venue in the hope of seeing some of the world's top players competing.
My travelling companion and I were not to be disappointed as we had a fantastic day watching some good matches, witnessing upsets and experiencing a most pleasant venue. We obtained our tickets on the day itself and did not have to queue at all. We had a great viewing position which really helped us appreciate how skilled the players were. The weather was really kind which enhanced our experience and encouraged us to explore more of the city.
Barcelona has so much to offer and is so easily accessible as it is served by most UK airports all year round. The open top bus tours are a great starting point as they allow you the opportunity to find your bearings so that you can then decide on your sightseeing itinerary. We navigated our way around the city pretty easily using the Metro or on foot and called into Park Güell, had a wander down La Rambla, taking in the market, and finally paid a visit to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous ongoing project before returning to our base in Sitges some 30 minutes away by train on the beautiful Costa Dorada coastline.
I never tire of Barcelona as I find something different to occupy my time every time I visit. I'm certainly looking forward to next April when the ATP Tour returns and I'll be planning my trip accordingly.
My customer stories
Sent by Ken Parker
Bradford 07/11/2022
Stephen makes every effort from the outset to ensure clients' wishes are fully addressed and follows up with detailed, costed information and options in a timely manner. Once your chosen holiday commences you have the assurance that he will follow through and ensure you have a stress free enjoyable experience.
Sent by Faye Thompson
Leeds 27/08/2022
Never book with anyone else. Never hesitate to recommend Stephen. The service he offers is great, always on hand to answer any questions.
Sent by Glenda Swallow
Brighouse 27/08/2022
Always very professional and helpful. Makes me feel very confident about travelling. Anything I need to ask, Stephen is there help. He's the Best!
Sent by Dorothy Sheldon
Leeds 27/08/2022
Very professional and also very approachable thank you Stephen
Sent by Adrian Wales
Mirfield 27/08/2022
My wife and I have been delighted by the service and care offered by Stephen Rowlay, our Travel Counsellor. Nothing is too much trouble for Stephen and he frequently "goes the extra mile" in ensuring we have a brilliant holiday. This has been particularly appreciated given the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. We would describe the service as outstanding and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Stephen and Travel Counsellors to others.
Sent by Karen Shaw
Castleford 27/08/2022
Speedy response, efficient and timely bookings. Friendly and approachable. Stephen is always helpful and always makes great recommendations too
Sent by Donna Shaw
Keighley 27/08/2022
Stephen has been amazing at a really difficult time. He took the stress away from me and sorted my flights out very quickly. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs his services.
Sent by Elisabeth Memery
Shipley 27/08/2022
Very quick turn around. Stephen was great
Sent by Margaret Coulson
Leeds 27/08/2022
Stephen we cannot thank you enough for helping with our recent holiday booking making everything simple . Considering all the family just perfect thanks .. Would highly recommend your expert services Margaret and Steve
Sent by Lisa Wales
Mirfield 22/08/2022
I know you will probably catch up with Adrian sometime but I just wanted to say thank you so much for arranging an absolutely fantastic honeymoon for us. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. The hotel in Rhodes was really lovely and reminded me of the gorgeous boutique hotel we got married in, up in Edinburgh. The staff were great, so pleasant and helpful. It was ideally placed between the old and new town and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring those areas and a bit of the rest of the island plus a trip to Symi which we loved. We were a bit sorry to leave Rhodes but of course we had Crete to look forward to and it did not disappoint. I really can’t fault The Rodos Park but The Caramel just blew us away. It is the most wonderful place and the staff were magnificent, their customer service is second to none. Every single person there made us so welcome and really looked after us. The location, the attention to detail, the fuss they all made of us, as well as all the added extras we weren’t aware of, just made for a perfect second week. Apart from a couple of trips to Rethymnon, we didn’t leave the hotel as it was so fantastic, so we will have to go back to Crete at some point to explore it properly! Our room was lovely and only about 20 paces to the pool and maybe 30 to the beach. The spa’s In both locations were really good too and we made good use of them (well, I did!). I think the only downside of the trip is that it has probably spoilt us a bit for future holidays! We might have to agree a bigger holiday budget!
Thanks again Stephen, as I said, we really appreciate all your help and support, you really are very good at what you do.
Sent by Jacqueline Collier
Keighley 16/03/2022
Stephen's service is exceptional in every way. I have recommended him to 2 other people so far and will continue to do so in addition to using him ourselves for future holidays
Sent by Paul Luford
Exmouth 16/03/2022
Great personal service, quick response. Details as we requested. Perfect
Sent by Simon Monaghan
Leeds 16/03/2022
Stephen is great, I’ve already passed his details to a friend
Sent by Paul Van Heeswyk
Bradford 16/03/2022
Leaves no stone unturned. Dedicated and caring to get the holiday we required. Thank you Stephen.
Sent by Andrew Gibson
Leeds 16/03/2022
Always happy to recommend you Stephen. Thank you for your rapid response and for all your help.
Sent by Emma Taylor
Baildon 08/09/2021
Brilliant from start to finish and will definitely use again. Have recommended to friends and family.
Sent by Andrew Hastwell
Baildon 10/08/2021
Exceptional service, if you had a score for 12/10 we would've given 12. Since first using Stephen in 2015 we would never consider anyone else now to help us book our holidays and travel each year.
Sent by Sherree Dooley
Leeds 23/07/2021
Great service, very helpful. Will use again.
Sent by James Orr
Bradford 23/07/2021
Always one step ahead and rings me with updates first. Honestly and sincere who has made this easy in uncertain times. Bent over backwards to help and not only come up trumps every time made it completely stress free. Thank you so much
Sent by Amy Russell
Leeds 17/07/2021
Stephen was tasked with booking a 3 centre trip to the Far East for myself, & my family, with some very specific requirements. He did this, with ease & we ended up with a perfect trip that was totally suited to our needs. That was until Covid-19 hit, & we had to postpone everything to the following year! Stephen stepped up to the challenge, dealing with what had been a couple of non refundable parts of the trip & arranging for these to not only be transferred to the following year at little or no cost, but turning them into fully flexible bookings. Unfortunately we have now had to cancel the whole trip (thanks Covid-19!), but Stephen has been amazing throughout the whole process, & I will have no hesitation in using him again for future trips. Without his experience we would have lost a lot of money on the holiday so he has been worth his weight in gold! Thank you Stephen.
Sent by Glenda Swallow
Brighouse 09/07/2021
Stephen is a wonderful Travel Counsellor. Nothing is ever too much trouble and will go the extra mile to ensure you have a wonderful holiday
Sent by Adrian Wales
Mirfield 10/10/2020
I met Stephen some time ago and was impressed by his knowledge of the Travel business and keenness to help people get the very best holiday experience. I've now hired Stephen to arrange a last minute vacation and was delighted with how easy Stephen made it all, which in the current pandemic minefield is no mean feat!
Stephen took time to understand what we really wanted in terms of our trip, he offered us various options and ensured we were happy with his proposals. His communication was excellent and we felt looked after every step of the way. There were a number of last minute changes and Stephen ensured we were aware of these which helped us feel much more comfortable and relaxed than if we had just booked directly. His love of travel and experience in the industry shone through and we felt we were in the hands of an expert.
I have no hesitation in recommending Stephen for anyone planning a holiday, he is very easy to talk to and delivers a first-class service.
Sent by Elizabeth Lees
Halifax 08/01/2020
Hi Stephen thank you for the post card about the holiday to Florida we had a fantastic time lots of fun and laughter and Matthew and Joseph were epic at pushing my wheelchair. The villa was superb and you couldn't have got any better the games room was brilliant. I will be recommending you to all my friends and want to go back to Florida in a couple of years. Am sure my brother Tim will be in touch soon for another holiday. Once again a massive thank you to you. X
Sent by June Iwancz
Sandbach 28/09/2019
It’s a ten at least! Stephen has provided us with some great experiences & come up with options we had not consumed. Great service!
Sent by Sally Howarth
Otley 28/09/2019
Our holidays just get better and better, I have complete trust in Stephen, he makes it a special and memorable experience with the added personal touch.
Sent by Christine Chelinski
Otley 28/09/2019
Stephen was recommended to us by friends and we are delighted they did ! We can happily say that we have been so impressed by his friendly, efficient , patient and polite service in helping us with the arrangements for a special family holiday - he is so thorough and gives great tips too such as which car to hire and arranging a map to help us find our villa too! Very reassuring to know we have his expertise to call on with any queries at all.
Sent by Angela Millar
Shipley 28/09/2019
Stephen is brilliant and I will recommend him to everyone.
Sent by Faye Thompson
Leeds 28/09/2019
Wouldn't want to book my holidays with anyone else. Always receive good advice and a first class service.
Sent by Lynda Brining
Halifax 28/09/2019
Stephen is great. He goes above and beyond to ensure that we get the holiday that we want. Nothing is ever too much trouble.
Sent by Kenneth Parker
Bradford 28/09/2019
Stephen always delivers a prompt response to queries and exceeds expectations in providing a comprehensive range of packages to suit our thoughts and needs. Having arranged the most relevant package he follows up during our travels to ensure there are no problems. With you all the way!
Sent by Karen Hill
Leeds 05/12/2017
We have Stephen to thank for sorting out our amazing family trip to the USA this summer. From the start, he listened to our needs and tweaked and adjusted, until we had just what we wanted. Arriving to our first hotel with a personal email message at reception, to checking us in for our flights, the whole service was excellent and we would highly recommend.
Thank you, looking forward to our next trip
Sent by Don Reavey
Huddersfield 05/12/2017
Stephen is fantastic. He has the knowledge and contacts to arrange the perfect holiday for you! Absolutely recommend you contact him and book your next holiday. His customer service and dedication is amazing!! Really great guy to deal with.
Sent by Jayne McPhillimy
Leeds 05/12/2017
Just coming to the end of a fab holiday organised for us by Stephen Rowlay - incorporating a city break in Copenhagen, a cruise around the Baltic Sea and a sunshine break in Spain. Attention to detail and customer care - top notch! Thank You Stephen.
Sent by Sophie Purnell
Skipton 10/01/2017
Stephen was great from start to finish. He was very quick to get back to us with our quotes and even though we took a while to decide to go ahead he was really helpful getting updated quotes etc. He has put together a package exactly what we asked for and well within the budget we gave him. Thank you again for a great service
Sent by Melanie Hunt
Castleford 08/05/2015
We recently booked a holiday to Sitges, near Barcelona, through Stephen Rowlay of Travel Counsellors and could not be happier with the first class service received. We had previously overlooked the airport lounges but this time we used the lounge recommended at Leeds Bradford airport and we were very impressed with it. It was a great way to start the holiday. Such a relaxing environment to unwind and refresh yourself prior to boarding the plane. There was plenty of choice in terms of food and drink available, all included in the price. We thoroughly enjoyed chilling out and indulging in the delights on offer! Our private transfer vehicle was punctual and the journey very comfortable and much quicker than if we’d used other transport options. I would definitely use again. It was a reliable service. Our hotel was truly exceptional. Complimentary glass of cava on arrival. The breakfast was first rate. Inclusive Afternoon Tea on the roof terrace was a special treat we weren't expecting, as British Travellers we do love our tea! We enjoyed that so much we went for it every day and watched the world go by on the promenade, through the glass balcony. The rooms were very tastefully decorated and the huge beds very comfortable. The spa pool was such a relaxing experience, with the integral Jacuzzi seats and beds, but my favourite 'The Volcano', a new experience for me! Location, Location, Location, it was perfect.
Stephen tailor-made this package so it was perfect for our needs, and made suggestions I would not have thought of or considered if I'd booked independently. Those extra touches really did make a difference to my holiday experience and enhanced the trip. We will definitely be using Stephen to book future holidays. Thank you for making it a special one :-)
Sent by Andrea Nash
Leeds 28/04/2015
A very friendly service provider, attended to all my requests in a positive manner and with professionlism. Handled my problems with haste and managed to save my holiday. I believe that the best prices were proved and the level of communication was great.
