Festive News 2022

It would be easy to dwell on the things that haven't gone well and staying positive can at times be difficult. Having something good to look forward to can certainly improve our mind-set.

The festive season does have a tendency to lift our spirits and there is a more familiar buzz leading up to Christmas this year; stores full of shoppers; festive markets in full swing and lots of happy gatherings with friends and families taking place.

Our recent annual conference in Liverpool provided an opportunity for us to celebrate our recovery and collective success with both our colleagues and suppliers. Spending time with those that share a united passion after such a long time was an uplifting and joyous occasion. I feel blessed to be part of such a vibrant and caring community.

It's wonderful to see so many people finally able to come together and enjoy their celebrations. We have much to be thankful for this year and I'll certainly be embracing every opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

The past few months have seen a huge upturn in the travel industry with business now back to pre-pandemic levels. The pent up demand to explore the wider world has, at times, outstripped supply. Our desire to travel has certainly been re-ignited. It's fantastic to see so many people sharing their holidays and adventures again.

Many people are now seeking those once in a lifetime journeys and experiences, sooner rather than later; demand for luxury travel is increasingly popular and sustainable tourism options are high on the agenda. The travel industry is bouncing back with an array of new and different offerings. Wellness holidays have become increasingly popular; river cruising is likely to see continued growth and travelling by rail evokes a return to a more nostalgic era. Multi-generational holidays and group travel are expected to remain prominent. Cruising is firmly back on the travel agenda with new and exciting ships and itineraries. Those trips that take us out of our comfort zones and/or allow us to explore iconic destinations are anticipated to remain in demand. Requests for bespoke touring and independent travel, that allow travellers maximum freedom, are expected to increase. Now is a good time to try something different.

This month, I celebrate four years in the Travel Counsellors community; I am blessed with wonderful clients, many of whom I now call friends; without you and your continued business, positive feedback and referrals, I would not be here. Travelling the world with you is a privilege; my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your loyalty and support, your business is never taken for granted. 2022 has been my most successful yet; the office has been buzzing with new enquiries and fabulous holiday bookings to all corners of the globe throughout the year, thankyou!

This year we were also finally able to embark on our own 'bucket list' adventure to Australia and Singapore; what a fabulous experience it was too. Like many of this years long-distance travellers, it has been a long wait. Placing ticks in so many of our collective wish-list boxes and living our holiday fantasy for an entire month. The stuff of family holiday dreams! I'm already planning our next adventure!

I know that many of you followed our journey via social media and have since confirmed your own antipodean holidays as a result. I'm excited for you all and can't wait to plan our next visit too. More recently, we also managed to sneak a few days in our beloved Western Algarve, which provided some welcome rest and relaxation and an opportunity to catch up with friends. When time has allowed, we have explored a little more of the UK; there is always something new to discover and much of it, just a short distance from home.

I'd urge anyone with a yearning to explore to simply 'go for it'; as Mark Twain once said... 'Focus more on your desire than on your doubt and the dream will take care of itself'

World events have shocked us; as a family, we have supported the Ukraine appeal throughout and continue to do so. The cost of living crisis is a concern for many and has caused a re-evaluation of priorities. It's important to be thankful for what we have and how we choose to live and never to take anything for granted.

Wherever and whenever there is an opportunity; I'd urge you to get into the habit of saying 'yes'. Life really is too short; we will only ever regret the things we didn't do..

Travel can be a truly humbling experience and will open your hearts and minds to things, people and places that you never expected.

Make 2023 and beyond your time to Explore, Dream and Discover

I look forward to sharing many more adventures with you.

My warmest good wishes xx