Vanda Cowley
My expertise
I'm based in
Rugby
It's Nice To Meet You
Welcome, I am Vanda, your personal travel specialist.
With almost 40 years in the leisure travel industry and with the last 6 years as a truly independent Travel Counsellor, I offer a depth of knowledge and first-hand experience that comes from a lifetime in travel. My business is built on personal recommendations and word-of-mouth referrals, and I am proud to look after multiple generations of the same families.
Travel is not just my career, it is my lifelong passion, shared with my partner Ian. We genuinely love to travel and are always exploring new destinations, hotels and experiences, including my upcoming multi-centre trip to Thailand this Christmas, so I can pass that real-world insight directly on to you.
I offer impartial, independent advice and a genuinely personal service, taking the time to understand what matters most to you. I specialise in bespoke, tailor-made itineraries, from complex multi-centre trips to unique experiences that reflect your individual style. Because I am not tied to any airline or hotel group, every recommendation is chosen purely for you.
My own travels have taken me across Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean, the USA and Egypt. Jamaica holds a special place in my heart as it is where I learned to scuba dive, sparking a love of the underwater world that I believe everyone should experience at least once. I am also a keen cruise enthusiast, having sailed the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and the River Nile from Luxor to Aswan. I've also recently experienced the magic of Walt Disney World in Florida for the first time in my life - I can now officially call myself a Disney Adult!
Whether you are dreaming of a luxury beach escape, an inspiring cultural journey, a special cruise or a carefully crafted family adventure, I am here to make every step effortless and completely tailored to you.
Contact me to start planning your next holiday and let us turn your travel dreams into memories you will treasure.
“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
Reviews
What my customers say
The service and professionalism Vanda gives her clients is absolutely 100%. She is the only person we would ever use for booking our holidays 😊
Mary Kington
Rugby
25/05/2026
Vanda is amazing. She goes out of her way to ensure that we always have the best and most relaxing holidays. She takes care of everything for us. We have already recommended Vanda to several of our friends and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
Keven McColl
Rugby
25/05/2026
Truly is truly brilliant at her job. A job she is so passionate about. She is always there to help and advise and gives us 100% at all times.
Yvonne Powis
Rugby
25/02/2026
Always helpful, responsive and thinking ahead for all my travel needs, Vanda is simply wonderful and I recommend her to anyone who wants to travel
Philip Clarke
Rugby
25/02/2026
This will be our 4th holiday that we have booked with Vanda. She has been very patient with us on finding our perfect holiday all 4 times. We ask silly questions, but no question is silly to Vanda. I highly recommend Vanda to anyone that asks about our holiday.
Muriel Humphries
Rugby
25/02/2026
100%recommend Vanda always goes above & beyond to find a perfect location without any stress and so very professional too.
Anita Perkins
Lutterworth
25/02/2026
We love Vanda, she has always come up trumps, great knowledgeable service all the time. Have recommended her to others
Eudeen & Stuart Finlay
Rugby
25/02/2026
As good as ever. Thank you Vanda 😀
Nicholas Versey
Rugby
25/02/2026
Fabulous as always 🤩
Alison Traversoni
Rugby
25/02/2026
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
Trish Hoyland
Wakefield
01/04/2025
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.
Philip Clarke
Rugby
11/03/2025
Vanda is one of the best travel consultants I ever have the pleasure of using she makes our holidays worry free.
Susan Richards
Corby
11/03/2025
Very knowledgeable, always helpful
Keith Cottam
Loughborough
11/03/2025
We liked the personal contact with the Travel Counsellor VANDA COWLEY she was very helpful and understood our requests
Margaret Crisp
Lowestoft
11/03/2025
If there was number 11 I would have put that!! Vanda is amazing!! Can’t do enough for you!
Julie Brazier
Rugby
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.
Phillip Mappin
Lincoln
11/03/2025
Lovely person,easy to speak to, very knowledgeable,goes above and beyond to help you get the holiday you want.
Stewart Oliver
Truro
04/01/2025
Already have recommended Vanda as nothing is too much trouble even a question just to put your mind at rest
Alison Bunyard
Rugby
04/01/2025
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
Danny Finlay
Rugby
11/12/2024
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.
Keven McColl
Rugby
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!
Karen Chapman
Lincolnshire
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
Michelle Mitchell
Rugby
31/10/2024
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
Natalie Conroy
Rugby
17/01/2024
Vanda is very professional but also friendly at the same time. Very polite and is always true to her word. An excellent Travel Counsellor
Vivian Bales
Colchester
12/01/2024
I have been very happy with my communications with Vanda, very friendly, helpful and reassuring
Wendy Horsfall
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.
Susan Koria
Rugby
18/09/2023
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.
Andrew Cleverdon
St Austell
07/08/2023
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.
Janice Willin
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
Jane Gadsby
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.
Tracey Job
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
Joanne Price
Rugby
03/08/2023
Always most helpful
Christine Upton
Southport
03/08/2023
Very helpful, friendly service, could not ask for more
Sharon Lloyd
Rugby
03/08/2023
Vanda is very professional and always at the end of the telephone if needed. Would not deal with anyone else
Viv Bales
Colcheste
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.
Phil Clarke
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
Mary & John Kington
Rugby
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
Tracy Prout
Wakefield
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
Vicky McKay
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.
Keven McColl
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
Tracey Job
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
Laura Brough
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
Richard McPhillips
Rugby
21/02/2023
Vanda was amazing, I will without doubt go to her for future holidays
Mark Lloyd
London
21/02/2023
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.
Susan Koria
Rugby
26/05/2022
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
Keith Slaughter
Guisborough
20/05/2022
Vanda was amazing and helpful as always!
David Hall
Rugby
12/05/2022
you can always rely on Vanda to go that extra mile, so good
Terry Mozley
Rugby
12/05/2022
Vanda is always pleasant, efficient and helpful
Margaret McClean
Daventry
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
Trish Hoyland
Wakefield
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.
Richard McPhillips
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
John Kington
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
Natalie Conroy
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.
Ginny Thacker
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.
Anthony Crick
Rugby
12/05/2022
Whatever the number range is, Vanda consistently scores the maximum.: knowledgeable, professional, effective, helpful, friendly, wonderful!
Jane Gadsby
Rugby
12/05/2022
I have already recommended Vanda to my friends and family
Paul Berry
Rugby
12/05/2022
One cannot ask for better personal service. 10 should read ' Most Definitely'
William Stafford
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.
Yvonne Powis
Rugby
12/05/2022
I have recommended Vanda to several people, she is always very helpful
Keith Cottam
Loughborough
12/05/2022
Very helpful & fulfilled my requirements
Michael Russell
Rugby
12/05/2022
Fantastic experience, extremely helpful. 100% would recommend
Charlotte James
Rugby
12/05/2022
Amazing help, very friendly! Cannot wait for my holiday
Gavin Law
Rugby
12/05/2022
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
Michelle Holloway
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.
Alison Bunyard
Rugby
19/10/2021
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.
Keith Cottam
LOUGHBOROUGH
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.
Vivian Bales
COLCHESTER
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.
Alison Todd
DALKEITH
31/08/2021
Vanda was super professional, great communication and gave me holiday options I would never have dreamed of - can’t wait to go
Karen Bates
Rugby
30/07/2021
Excellent professional service
Gary Lyttle
RUGBY
01/06/2021
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..
Dorothy Lines
Rugby
22/05/2021
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.
Ian Simpson
Rugby
25/02/2020
Vanda was always a huge help when she was at Thomas Cook. She has brought all that help with her.
David Leathley
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.
Yvonne Powis
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.
Nigel Coates
Rugby
25/02/2020
Amazing service from start to booking - cannot recommend Vanda enough - Absolute Star
Alison Todd
Edinburgh
21/12/2019
Excellent knowledge of travel. Fantastic person, full of enthusiasm. Highly recommend her
Ruth Eldridge
Rugby
21/12/2019
Excellent knowledge of travel. Fantastic person, full of enthusiasm. Highly recommended her
Michelle Lines
Rugby
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
John Gray
SHEFFIELD
26/11/2019
Great service, friendly counseller. Gave us just what we asked for.
Lisa Padimore
Rugby
13/11/2019
I would go more than 10 at least 50. Vanda is first class.
Josephine Price
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.
Keven McColl
Rugby
08/11/2019
Additional offers
More destinations to enjoy
Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
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.
Get in touch
Start planning with me
Let me inspire you
Stay inspired with my insider tips, hidden gems, and dream-worthy itineraries until you're ready to make them real
You're all set
I’ll be in touch soon to share personalised recommendations, exclusive offers, and a few travel secrets worth dreaming about.
Vanda Cowley