With over 38 years’ in the leisure travel industry, the majority of which were with Thomas Cook, I have gained extensive knowledge and first-hand experience. I am totally committed to providing you with the ultimate customer service experience, an extensive choice and guidance.
I am able to offer impartial, independent advice, matching the perfect holiday to your personal requirements. With my many years within the industry I will be able to recommend adventures you may not even have thought of! I’m not tied to any particular airline or hotel chain so you know that everything I do will be tailored just for you.
I have been incredibly lucky to have travelled to some amazing destinations including Thailand, Jamaica, Grenada, St Lucia, Barbados, Bonaire, Mexico, Egypt, USA and many more. One special place in my heart is Jamaica where I learned to Scuba Dive. My love of the underwater world has taken me to some beautiful locations, an experience everyone should have. I absolutely adore cruising too and have enjoyed sailing the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Northern Europe. Last year I visited Walt Disney World, Florida for the very first time where I learnt that it's definitely not just for the kids, it really is the most Magical Place on Earth! I've also just been on my first River Cruise, exploring the fabulous Temples & Cities of Upper Egypt on the River Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back again.
With Travel Counsellors I can offer a bespoke service. I’m available to speak to you at any time. Unlike the high street, my doors do not close at 5.30. So for any of your travel arrangements, anywhere in the world, contact me and I will be happy to help!
“Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before.” –Dalai Lama
“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” – Michael Palin
Contact Me
Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:
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My customer stories
Sent by Trish Hoyland
Wakefield 01/04/2025
It's brilliant to have a guardian angel getting you the best holiday and being there 'just in case' while you are away. So much can go wrong when you travel these days and it's lovely to know that Vanda will be waiting to help out if needed. Great service
Sent by Philip Clarke
Rugby 11/03/2025
I have recommended Vanda Cowley to my friends and family for many years now, and wouldn't book my holidays or travel plans with anybody else.
Sent by Susan Richards
Corby 11/03/2025
Vanda is one of the best travel consultants I ever have the pleasure of using she makes our holidays worry free.
Sent by Keith Cottam
Loughborough 11/03/2025
Very knowledgeable, always helpful
Sent by Margaret Crisp
Lowestoft 11/03/2025
We liked the personal contact with the Travel Counsellor VANDA COWLEY she was very helpful and understood our requests
Sent by Julie Brazier
Rugby 11/03/2025
If there was number 11 I would have put that!! Vanda is amazing!! Can’t do enough for you!
Sent by Phillip Mappin
Lincoln 11/03/2025
Impulsive desire to travel at short notice on Friday evening, I received an out of office response suggesting a weekends delay (totally understandable) and yet when I checked my emails Saturday morning, I had a choice of 2 holidays that matched most of my request and had everything booked before noon meaning I could travel that week. Even though Vanda could not get the exact accommodation I wanted in the hotel, she was able to negotiate a deal where we could have access to the restaurant and bar we favoured if we really wanted it. We were very pleased, and surprised she was able to organise this holiday at such short notice, especially as the hotel was fully booked, and are already looking forward to discussing our future plans with her.
Sent by Stewart Oliver
Truro 04/01/2025
Lovely person,easy to speak to, very knowledgeable,goes above and beyond to help you get the holiday you want.
Sent by Alison Bunyard
Rugby 04/01/2025
Already have recommended Vanda as nothing is too much trouble even a question just to put your mind at rest
Sent by Danny Finlay
Rugby 11/12/2024
Vanda is a top drawer professional and I can’t believe up until this last couple of years myself and my wife hadn’t used her before as some members of my family have for a good number of years now . She’s ace
Sent by Keven McColl
Rugby 31/10/2024
Vanda, as always, is absolutely fantastic. Nothing is ever too much trouble. She knows what we like and how we like to travel. I would, and have, recommend Vanda to anyone.
Sent by Karen Chapman
Lincolnshire 31/10/2024
Amazing service, Vanda took care of everything even changing seats on the airplane to accommodate my husband who likes to sit on the Aisle! Would highly recommend!
Sent by Michelle Mitchell
Rugby 31/10/2024
I wouldn’t use anyone but Vanda Cowley, her attention to detail is out of this world. I have travelled with Vanda before she was at my tc and have no hesitations in recommending her to anyone 100% first class service
Sent by Natalie Conroy
Rugby 17/01/2024
I would only trust Vanda to book my holiday for me. The knowledge and expertise she brings gives us the peace of mind we need to book again and again with her and I have recommended her to family and friends
Sent by Vivian Bales
Colchester 12/01/2024
Vanda is very professional but also friendly at the same time. Very polite and is always true to her word. An excellent Travel Counsellor
Sent by Wendy Horsfall
Rugby 18/09/2023
I have been very happy with my communications with Vanda, very friendly, helpful and reassuring
Sent by Susan Koria
Rugby 18/09/2023
Nothing is too much trouble for Vanda. She is approachable, knowledgeable and above all listens to her clients needs and provides such a slick service whether it is a fly and flop holiday or a tailor made holiday. I regularly recommend Vanda to family and friends.
Sent by Andrew Cleverdon
St Austell 07/08/2023
Fantastic agent, so friendly and knowledgeable guiding and giving sensible and accurate advice enabling us to make informed and good choices through her obvious knowledge and incredible experience. Simply a great lady to deal with.
Sent by Janice Willin
Rugby 03/08/2023
Following a positive and pleasant first experience with travelcounsellors’s Vanda, I will definitely consult Vanda again to discuss a 2024 cruise for ourselves and recommend Vanda to friends and colleagues.
Sent by Jane Gadsby
Rugby 03/08/2023
Vanda is 10 10 10 every time: responsive, knowledgeable, efficient, effective, friendly, helpful - everything to make our holiday planning as easy as possible
Sent by Tracey Job
Rugby 03/08/2023
Vanda gives a 1st class service. She is always available to discuss different options to suit your travel needs, from 2 people travelling to 6 people travelling.
Sent by Joanne Price
Rugby 03/08/2023
Vanda discussed our requirements and also went through the different areas and resorts with us in detail, so we had a god knowledge of the right resort for our requirements. Vanda also sent some hotels and apartments that she recommended, some of which we had already identified as possible options for us - which helped us to choose the final option
Sent by Christine Upton
Southport 03/08/2023
Always most helpful
Sent by Sharon Lloyd
Rugby 03/08/2023
Very helpful, friendly service, could not ask for more
Sent by Viv Bales
Colcheste 21/02/2023
Vanda is very professional and always at the end of the telephone if needed. Would not deal with anyone else
Sent by Phil Clarke
Rugby 21/02/2023
I’ve had the pleasure of having Vanda look after my family’s travel and holiday plans for over 15 years, and she has always been wonderful. After moving to Travel Counsellors she’s been able to provide an even greater level of personalised service and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her.
Sent by Mary & John Kington
Rugby 21/02/2023
Excellent Travel Counsellor kept in touch throughout when we had to change Holiday dates due to Covid. All went smoothly and completely enjoyed our Holiday. Thank You Vanda
Sent by Tracy Prout
Wakefield 21/02/2023
Vanda has been amazing. Due to illness we had to cancel our cruise. She sorted everything out and rescheduled our cruise for next year. Nothing has been too much trouble. I will definitely be using her services again
Sent by Vicky McKay
Rugby 21/02/2023
Vanda has been excellent helping us plan our trip, she has provided lots of information and help and I would definitely recommend! Friendly and professional service and I've been very pleased and appreciate all the help provided
Sent by Keven McColl
Rugby 21/02/2023
Would and do 110% recommend Vanda to all our friends and family. She is the most helpful, happy go lucky person I know. Nothing is too much trouble, and trust me when I say we have asked some really dumb questions, she always comes up with the answers.
Sent by Tracey Job
Rugby 21/02/2023
Vanda is always quick to reply to the holiday requests we ask for and will always give any options that are requested too. She will reply promptly to any questions that we may have. Vanda is amazing
Sent by Laura Brough
Rugby 21/02/2023
Vanda has been booking our holidays for over 20 years, we would never use anyone else. Her knowledge of her profession is beyond incredible and she has never failed to find us the perfect getaway yet. She is a credit to her profession
Sent by Richard McPhillips
Rugby 21/02/2023
The TC experience is the best and I would recommend them to anyone. The knowledge and experience of my contact, Vanda Cowley, covers the travel spectrum to be able to assist with all enquiries and give the best support available. Top Class
Sent by Mark Lloyd
London 21/02/2023
Vanda was amazing, I will without doubt go to her for future holidays
Sent by Susan Koria
Rugby 26/05/2022
I have already recommended Vanda to my friends and family. Vanda is always accessible either via phone, email or Whatsapp and knows her customers requirements that well that normally when she quotes for a holiday there are no changes to be made - sign of a excellent travel counsellor.
Sent by Keith Slaughter
Guisborough 20/05/2022
Vanda has been absolutely fantastic keeping a booking to fly to Italy for my Nieces wedding for over 3 years now through covid and then been brilliant getting me to & from Dublin in 2 weeks time
Sent by David Hall
Rugby 12/05/2022
Vanda was amazing and helpful as always!
Sent by Terry Mozley
Rugby 12/05/2022
you can always rely on Vanda to go that extra mile, so good
Sent by Margaret McClean
Daventry 12/05/2022
Vanda is always pleasant, efficient and helpful
Sent by Trish Hoyland
Wakefield 12/05/2022
Vanda has been really helpful. If I have a question, I get a quick informative reply. It's good to know that if the covid rules change and affect our holiday, we have someone there to advise us. I met Vanda by recommendation and will definitely pass her details to friends
Sent by Richard McPhillips
Rugby 12/05/2022
What can I say; nothing is too much trouble. She spends time researching to gain the best results to provide the best holiday information and deals. Very friendly, knowledgeable, experienced.
Sent by John Kington
Rugby 12/05/2022
Vanda worked above and beyond to help me and my wife when we caught Covid just before we were due to go on Holiday
Sent by Natalie Conroy
Rugby 12/05/2022
Vanda has helped us find the right holiday so many times and always goes above and beyond to help us when things haven’t gone to plan! I would highly recommend her the knowledge and information she provides is so much more than we would find anywhere else can’t thank her enough
Sent by Ginny Thacker
Rugby 12/05/2022
Superb service every time. Takes the stress out of searching knowing that what you ask for is going to be what is recommended. Vanda is really amiable, friendly and professional and works hard to get the right holiday for us.
Sent by Anthony Crick
Rugby 12/05/2022
Excellent manner, thorough at finding what we wanted for a competitive price - most importantly listens and helps with us inexperienced travellers.
Sent by Jane Gadsby
Rugby 12/05/2022
Whatever the number range is, Vanda consistently scores the maximum.: knowledgeable, professional, effective, helpful, friendly, wonderful!
Sent by Paul Berry
Rugby 12/05/2022
I have already recommended Vanda to my friends and family
Sent by William Stafford
Rugby 12/05/2022
One cannot ask for better personal service. 10 should read ' Most Definitely'
Sent by Yvonne Powis
Rugby 12/05/2022
Vanda gave a very good service. She is very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to book our cruise through. I have highly recommended Vanda to my family and friends.
Sent by Keith Cottam
Loughborough 12/05/2022
I have recommended Vanda to several people, she is always very helpful
Sent by Michael Russell
Rugby 12/05/2022
Very helpful & fulfilled my requirements
Sent by Charlotte James
Rugby 12/05/2022
Fantastic experience, extremely helpful. 100% would recommend
Sent by Gavin Law
Rugby 12/05/2022
Amazing help, very friendly! Cannot wait for my holiday
Sent by Michelle Holloway
Rugby 19/10/2021
Fabulous service from Vanda. Holiday was arranged at very short notice and all queries were answered quickly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Vanda to anyone wanting to book a holiday, I’ll definitely be using her services again
Sent by Alison Bunyard
Rugby 19/10/2021
Really pleased as was going to sort myself but vanda took that stress away from me and now have the reassurance of getting my questions and queries sorted promptly.
Sent by Keith Cottam
LOUGHBOROUGH 31/08/2021
Vanda is very efficient, knowledgeable and very pleasant to speak to. She has kept me informed at all stages of the booking process and dealt with my holiday being cancelled due to Covid without any fuss. I shall highly recommend her to my friends.
Sent by Vivian Bales
COLCHESTER 31/08/2021
An amazing Counsellor, Vanda goes that extra mile which is getting rarer these days. Her telephone manner is impeccable a joy to do business with Vanda., would recommend every time. Thank you.
Sent by Alison Todd
DALKEITH 31/08/2021
I cannot recommend Vanda enough, she goes the extra mile and then some to ensure that you get everything that you want and need. Excellant customer service, friendly very, very knowledgable and would not go with anyone else. Vanda's expertise in what she does is second to none and an absolute joy to deal with, her infectious outlook and knowledge makes you start to enjoy your holiday prior to even leaving.
Sent by Karen Bates
Rugby 30/07/2021
Vanda was super professional, great communication and gave me holiday options I would never have dreamed of - can’t wait to go
Sent by Gary Lyttle
RUGBY 01/06/2021
Excellent professional service
Sent by Dorothy Lines
Rugby 22/05/2021
Vanda is an amazing travel agent. She is very knowledgeable and gives good honest advice. She is very passionate about her job and gives all her attention to our bookings. Highly recommend Vanda and wouldn’t go anywhere else..
Sent by Ian Simpson
Rugby 25/02/2020
Vanda was very helpful helping us find our perfect destination for my wife's 50th, nothing was too much trouble and we will definitely be using her expertise again.
Sent by David Leathley
Rugby 25/02/2020
Vanda was always a huge help when she was at Thomas Cook. She has brought all that help with her.
Sent by Yvonne Powis
Rugby 25/02/2020
Excellent service given my Vanda Cowley. Very knowledgeable, very friendly. Easy to access and prompt with replies. Nothing seems too much trouble for Vanda. Felt at ease dealing with her and very confident that the information given was for my best interest. Would highly recommend and will definitely be using Vanda and Travel Counsellors for all my holidays in future.
Sent by Nigel Coates
Rugby 25/02/2020
Always excellent and efficient customer service with a smile. Holiday and location knowledge with recommendations based on experience from Vanda is vast. I would recommend to all.
Sent by Alison Todd
Edinburgh 21/12/2019
Amazing service from start to booking - cannot recommend Vanda enough - Absolute Star
Sent by Ruth Eldridge
Rugby 21/12/2019
Excellent knowledge of travel. Fantastic person, full of enthusiasm. Highly recommend her
Sent by Michelle Lines
Rugby 26/11/2019
Excellent knowledge of travel. Fantastic person, full of enthusiasm. Highly recommended her
Sent by John Gray
SHEFFIELD 26/11/2019
Vanda listened to all of our requirements & hopes and went off and came back with a trip exceeding the dream - I would most definitely have no hesitation in recommending Vanda
Sent by Lisa Padimore
Rugby 13/11/2019
Great service, friendly counseller. Gave us just what we asked for.
Sent by Josephine Price
Rugby 08/11/2019
I would go more than 10 at least 50. Vanda is first class.
Sent by Keven McColl
Rugby 08/11/2019
Will 100% be recommending Vanda to friends and Colleagues as nothing is too much trouble and always done with a smile.
