Festive News 2023

Tracie Cooke on 19 December 2023
It's fair to say that 2023 has exceeded expectations... A huge 'THANKYOU' for your business and referrals; your on-going support means the world to me.

I've recorded my highest annual sales since beginning my self-employed journey. December marks five years in business and hence there may just be a small celebration pending......

A year packed with on-going personal development, training events, overseas adventures and conferences. Making up for lost time has kept us all very busy.

There has been personal sadness; having to say goodbye to our beloved furry family member, Barney; office companion; chief assistant and keeper of all secrets, it's very quiet without him; he is sorely missed. I choose to think that he is on a new adventure.

2023 has taken me (virtually) to all corners of the globe. It has been a fabulous and exciting adventure. I'd be lying if I said it had all been straightforward; travel does seem to have a habit of throwing the odd curve ball here and there! I also embarked on a journey of a different kind; by attempting to master a foreign language! Putting my new skills into practice has been an interesting and on-going voyage of discovery. One of this years favourite events was a week on the high seas visiting some of Europe's most beautiful destinations. A real highlight of the voyage was a trip to UNESCO listed Cinque Terre in Italy. We also visited Corsica, Ibiza and Majorca. This Adults Only cruise exceeded all expectations, we had a ball and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different to a more traditional style of holiday afloat.

TC 'One Team' Conference in Manchester - An event that brought our global community together with our suppliers to discover what is coming to the market, where is 'hot' for 2024 and to fully immerse ourselves in all things travel for a few days. New destinations for the coming year include Doha, Qatar in the Middle East; a hidden gem that will delight and surprise many. Ideal for both short breaks and longer adventures, expect to see and hear a lot about this destination. The eastern seaboard of Canada will receive a lot of attention too; with a new flight from London for 2024, this long-haul destination is now much closer than you'd imagine. With just 6 hours flying time, you can experience somewhere new before the crowds begin to arrive. To find out more, please get in touch.

Personally, we have shared some great experiences; with opportunities to explore the wider world and all it encompasses. Our first stop was the beautiful Sporades Islands, Skiathos and Skopelos; equally charming and beautiful; followed by a return to our beloved Algarve in Portugal. I was also fortunate to visit the Alentejo region of Portugal, as a guest of the Tourist Board. Closer to home; we've explored more of the UK, including short breaks in the New Forest, the Lake District, Bath and London. I hope you've enjoyed sharing some of our experiences along the way. Our next planned adventure will take us to the glamourous Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Grenada. Travel really is fuel for the soul.

The festive season allows time to reflect; after a turbulent couple of years, I feel fortunate to be doing what I love with the support of a great team around me. I'm all too aware that others may not be so blessed. Having the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others by making changes in both our personal and work lives, coupled with sustainable travel choices is high on my agenda for 2024. I'd encourage those travelling to seek out indigenous opportunities and to embrace sustainable initiatives wherever and whenever possible. Every journey begins with a single step; together we can make a big impact.

With my heartfelt thanks and warmest good wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2024............... May it be filled with wonderful adventures and memories to treasure for you and those closest to you. I look forward to catching up with you again soon xx