05 June 2019

In March this year I visited the Grand Massif ski region in France, spread across the resorts of Flaine, Samoens, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt. With stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi, the skiing is amongst the best you'll find in Europe. We flew into Geneva as it's a shorter transfer to the resort and chose to stay in Flaine in one of Pierre et Vacances Aparthotels, the Terrasses d'Helios, in a perfect ski in/ski out position on the edge of the village. Great facilities with a pool and spa, shop and restaurant. Everything you could want and a free shuttle service into the village/resort centre in the evenings, perfect for those looking for nightlife! The region's lift system is well connected, meaning it's easy to explore all the resorts within a week and on the same region ski pass. And with over 400km of slopes there's plenty to keep skiers of all abilities busy. Although it's an old-style purpose-built resort, Flaine has a quirky feel to it and a great selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. Lots of great mountain restaurants to choose from dotted around the ski area too. The view from the top of Les Grand Platieres, the main lift from resort, across towards Mont Blanc must be amongst the most spectacular anywhere in the Alps. And on a sunny day the perfect picnic spot. Samoens, Les Carroz and Morillon are pretty resorts with lots of character and Sixt is a picturesque small village on the edge of the ski area. They are excellent alternatives to Flaine. Its definitely better value skiing the Grand Massif than it's up market neighbour the Three Valleys region or the Portes du Soleil. It certainly ranks as one of my favourite places to ski and if you want to find out more then please get in touch. I've extensive knowledge of ski resorts around Europe and North America too so if you're looking for help to plan your next skiing trip then look no further.

05 June 2019

My wife and I visited Mauritius last September to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary. What a wonderful island! We normally like to combine lots of sightseeing with some relaxation and Mauritius turned out to be perfect. We chose a quiet corner of the island, Bel Ombre, and stayed at the beautiful Outrigger Beach Resort. From start to finish we were well and truly spoilt as the hotel provided all sorts of anniversary specials like champagne and fruit in our room on arrival, an anniversary dinner on the beach, free spa treatment and even a special anniversary cake with indoor fireworks! What we liked most about the hotel was its informality, despite a 5* rating. Nothing was too much trouble for the lovely staff who without exception always greeted us with a sunny smile and friendly word. The private beach was perfect and the resort facilities everything we could have wished for. There are so many high-quality hotels like the Outrigger that offer all-inclusive packages, the temptation might be to spend the whole time on site. However, we like to explore, and Mauritius did not disappoint. We took a catamaran cruise one day sailing up the stunning East coast, snorkelling in a lagoon, visiting the Grand River South East Waterfall, before a BBQ lunch served on board and then on to the beautiful Ile Aux Cerfs with a swimming stop on the island. We finally headed back towards Bel Ombre and ended up "racing" a couple of other catamarans! The highlight of our week though was the Wild South West tour with a wonderful guide. We visited the 90m high Chamarel Waterfalls and the stunning Seven-Coloured Earth, sampled rum at the Rhumerie de Chamarel, enjoyed a traditional Mauritian lunch stopped in the Black River Gorges Park, home to most of the island’s flora and fauna. We also visited Grand Bassin, (Ganga Talao), the atmospheric sacred lake for the Hindus, saw the Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater with a 360-degree view over the island and even visited a model ship workshop where all the models are handcrafted. We took time to try sea kayaking, took a glass bottomed boat trip over the coral reef near the hotel, went quad biking and rented electric cycles to go exploring. The island has something for everyone. Would we go back? Definitely. Would we recommend it? Absolutely. It's the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or landmark birthday. To find out more why not get in touch about what the island has to offer and some of the many lovely hotels we feature you can choose from. It truly is a special place.

27 June 2018

It's almost 25 years since I visited Barbados on honeymoon. It's a trip that has lasted long in the memory and I've always dreamed of going back one day. It's aptly described as the gem of the Caribbean Sea. It's just 21 miles long by what the locals call a "smile wide" (14 miles), this paradise island has stunning coral pink and white sand beaches all washed by the emerald and turquoise warm waters of the Caribbean and really does offer something for everyone! Barbados gained independence in 1966 but still keeps a lot of its links to British heritage. With 11 parishes, the island is affectionately referred to as “Bimshire” or “Little England”. It's undoubtedly one of the friendliest places I have ever visited where the people are every bit as sunny as the climate!! It has accommodation to suit all budgets from comfortable self-catering apartments to luxurious 5* all-inclusive properties with private beaches and a dazzling array of international cuisine to pick from as well as local restaurants serving traditional Bajan dishes. Don’t go to Barbados without trying flying fish cutters, their Macaroni pie, Bajan style pork chops, Banks beer and their legendary Rum punch. St Lawrence Gap is the perfect place to find an abundance of restaurants and bars and to sample the vibrant night life with local calypso and reggae bands. For the perfect way to explore, hire a car for a couple of days and start exploring, they drive on the left there too! You'll see sugar cane fields, beautiful old plantations houses, rum shacks, and on a Sunday morning watch the locals heading for church dressed in all their finery. An abiding memory was listening to a gospel choir in a small chapel about 10 minutes from Holetown where we stayed and sat outside, captivated by their wonderful singing. A must do is a visit to the rugged East Coast, which is so reminiscent of Cornwall with the dramatic Atlantic Ocean and incredible rock formations. The scenic Scotland district with the island's highest point, Mount Hillaby. North Point and the Animal Flower cave are all worth a visit. However, everyone is drawn most to the idyllic beaches of west and south coasts where every single beach is as beautiful as the next. If you enjoy excursions you can try a Jeep safari that takes you completely off the beaten track or take to the sea for a relaxing day on a catamaran or join The Jolly Roger party cruise. My favourite memory of this amazing holiday island - sitting at our hotel beach bar watching the stunning sunsets with a Rum punch or cocktail in hand. Simply beautiful.... Will I go back one day? Absolutely.....

27 June 2018

Are you planning a wedding and thinking about your dream honeymoon destination? The Travel Counsellors' exclusive Weddings and Honeymoon Gift Registry service might be just what you are looking for. An easy, stress-free way to manage your wedding and honeymoon plans online - courtesy of your personal Travel Counsellor. Our Honeymoon Gift Registry service allows your friends and family to give you the most memorable gift of all – the perfect honeymoon, tailor-made and planned with you down to the finest detail. You may already have everything you need for your home, and perhaps you do have the ideal honeymoon destination in mind, but need a helping hand making your dream trip a reality. Whether it’s the ultimate adventure trip on safari in Africa, a romantic city break to the "city of love" Paris or romantic Venice, or a relaxing retreat at a 5* luxury resort in the Maldives or Mauritius, the Gift Registry means you can have the honeymoon you always wanted. Your unique Honeymoon Gift Registry webpage will be personalised with your photo and messages, allowing guests, friends and family to log in easily and contribute towards the costs of your trip. As part of this unique service, you can also purchase a Honeymoon Registry pack, which includes guest cards specially designed to send out with your wedding invitations, to let guests know how they can contribute. The special pack also includes thank you cards and envelopes, to let your guests know how much you appreciate their contribution. Some of our top selling overseas wedding and honeymoon destinations are Mauritius, the Maldives and the Caribbean but no matter where in the world you choose to go, Travel Counsellors can help you get there. For more information, please get in touch.

06 June 2018

I've just received an enquiry for a road trip in Canada for 2019. A two-week trip for 6 people starting in Calgary, exploring British Colombia and culminating in Vancouver, one of the most exciting cities in the world, surrounded by stunning scenery. It's a wonderful itinerary and one I will love working on. It made me reflect on my first nine months as a Travel Counsellor. I joined as a TC in August 2017 and since then I've been blown away by how many different destinations I've been asked to quote for and the wide variety of wonderful products I've booked for customers so far. My sons recently bought me one of my best ever gifts, a pinboard map of the world and asked me to track all my bookings with a red pin so I thought I'd share the results so far on the map itself. From Iceland to the Cape Verde Islands from Paris to New Zealand. I never imagined it would be such a diverse mix of amazing places in my first few months. My travel background was in ski holidays, lakes and mountains and European city breaks and yes I've booked customers skiing holidays in France, an autumn break in the French mountains, and visits to Paris, Budapest, Krakow, Antwerp and Vienna. My bread and butter if you like! However, add to that beach holidays in Spain, Majorca, Menorca, Cyprus and Croatia as well as sunseekers trips in further flung destinations like the Cape Verde Islands and Mauritius, and it has made me appreciate that I can offer customers a wonderful array of products to choose from. Closer to home some customers are spending a weekend at a spa/golf hotel in Norfolk. My most exciting booking to date has been a "once in a lifetime" trip to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - destinations I knew a little about but worked closely with our DMC (Destination Management Company) partner Southern World to build the itinerary which worked best for my clients. It goes to show what an amazing world we live in and how much more accessible it's become. My sons have challenged me to add another 50 red pins to the world map in as many different destinations as possible by the end of 2018! Can I do it? Well I will give it my best shot because with the worldwide network of partners and suppliers Travel Counsellors, the world really is my oyster!

30 January 2018

Not many people would associate the Netherlands with Rugby Union (football is the most popular sport over there) but in the last two years I've been over to Amsterdam twice to watch some rugby. Other than travel, rugby and skiing are my main passions in life. Over the years I've organised many a rugby tour to more traditional overseas rugby playing destinations like France and Italy and some closer to home in the West Country and Wales! In 2016 my local rugby club, Hertford RFC, received an invitation from the Dutch Rugby Federation to send a youth team to Amsterdam for a warm up match to help their National U18s prepare for the European U18 championships but with only a few weeks’ notice. I like a challenge so set about organising the trip with the help of our good friends at Gullivers Sports Travel, one of Travel Counsellors preferred suppliers. In the space of two weeks we had everything in place for the trip for a touring party of 35-40 with two rugby matches set up and an entertainment programme laid on by our hosts. Group travel can be tricky, but I love seeing a plan fall into place. Some sightseeing, two matches, post-match meals and rugby camaraderie were a perfect way to spend a short weekend in the Dutch capital. We stayed about 20 minutes from the city centre, but Amsterdam has a superb transport network with trains, trams and buses all available on the Amsterdam Travel Ticket which is brilliant value, so getting around was easy. It's a beautiful city with so much to see and do. With canal trips, fantastic museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank’s House, the Flower Market, the Heineken Experience, the vibrant Rembrandtplein and Dam Square there is something for everyone. A few other distractions too but probably best not mentioned here! In June 2017 I was back with the family - this time to watch my younger son play for the England Counties Rugby U20s against the Netherlands, who once again were fantastic hosts. A proud parent moment too! Another weekend of brilliant sightseeing not just in Amsterdam but beyond to explore places like the lovely seaside town of Volendam. The Amsterdam Regional ticket, valid on local and regional trains, buses and trams proved a godsend. Café culture and great restaurants make the city a great place for food and drink too. Both trips reminded me that Amsterdam is a fantastic city to spend a weekend but also that we can always be surprised by destinations we think we know well. Who'd have thought Amsterdam and rugby would be such a good combination?

30 January 2018

The Eternal City is one of the most exciting and beautiful anywhere in the world. Rome is called the Eternal City because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world or how many empires came and collapsed, Rome would go on forever. They were not wrong! I first went there many years ago on a rail trip around Europe and had a hectic few days in Italy visiting Milan, Verona, Venice, Pisa, Florence - all of which are gorgeous in their own right. But Rome topped the lot! I've been back twice since and it always amazes me. The city conjures up so many images of ancient history, stunning architecture, incredibly ornate buildings, bustling nightlife, fantastic food, wine and of course a touch of romance! You can easily spend hours wandering the cobbled streets and to be honest walking is one of the best ways to get around as you see so much more. I'm not sure I'd want to drive there anyway! The sights and sounds are of a vibrant city and you cannot fail to be blown away by the Italian zest for life. The sightseeing is of course what it's all about. The first time I stepped inside St Peter's blew me away. Not just the scale of the building but it's beauty. St Peter's Square during a Papal address is something that will live long in my memory. The Sistine Chapel, the Forum, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, the Victor Emmanuel monument and so many beautiful little chapels and churches hidden away down side streets. The nightlife and an amazing selection of restaurants, trattoria and cafés and Italian hospitality make Rome a truly special place to stay. On my last visit our hotel concierge recommended a little restaurant near the Trevi fountain. If you ever visit Rome, try the Hostaria Romana - a small unprepossessing frontage but inside full of locals (always a good sign), fantastic food at incredibly good prices, good service and a brilliant wine list. Best of all at the end of the meal you're invited to scribble a message on the graffiti covered walls so great fun too. Will I go back to Rome and the Hostaria Romana - for sure. The ancient Romans were right - the city's appeal is enduring.

23 January 2018

Yes, it's a long way to go but boy when you get there, it's amazing. People often choose a big-name resort like Whistler - the saying goes you ain't skied, until you've skied Whistler! Or Lake Louise and Banff perhaps. Large ski areas to match the best of Europe. Over the years I've been lucky to ski both and would definitely go back. But some of my favourite ski trips have been to a few of Canada's lesser known resorts and boy were they good too! Fernie Resort and Kicking Horse, great piste and back bowl skiing everywhere we went. Perched high above the old mining towns of Fernie and Golden, they have developed into top class ski resorts with something for everyone. If you like it steep, then try the runs "Truth", "Dare" or "Consequence" in Kicking Horse! The aptly named Sun Peaks is a gorgeous resort reminiscent of some of Austria's pretty Alpine villages or Big White and it's eerie "Snow Ghosts". Fantastic snow conditions in both made for memorable family ski trips. Silver Star and Revelstoke are also resorts gaining a big reputation across the pond. Many ski operators now offer twin centre or ski touring holidays combining a few days to sample the best skiing in two or more resorts. If you're going all that way, then it's worth seeing as much as you can. We are having a vintage ski season in Europe - in fact some resorts have had "too much snow" if there's such a thing! That's not always the case. Canada enjoys bumper snow, year in year out. Some resorts have had five metres already this year and that's the norm every winter! There are regular flights into Calgary and Vancouver from the UK and with onward connections to Kamploops or Kelowna you can reach some of the smaller resorts easily. The resorts are busiest at weekends when all the locals come out to ski but there are times when you have the slopes to yourself and unlike Europe any queues are polite, orderly and move quickly! Add to that great value food, laid back and friendly service Canadian style and après ski to match the best in Europe, it's definitely worth a try. If you are stuck for ideas of where to try, I'm happy to help. I first skied in Canada over 15 years ago and have been hooked ever since!

10 January 2018

One of my favourite cities anywhere in the world is Paris. I never tire of visiting the French capital and it never ceases to surprise! Here's why: Its mix of famous landmarks, fantastic museums and galleries, bustling night life, top quality hotels and amazing restaurants make it the perfect city break destination. With direct Eurostar services to the Gare du Nord from St Pancras International and flights from all over the UK to its airports, make it one of the most accessible European cities to explore from the UK. Since I joined Travel Counsellors in August 2017, two clients have booked weekend breaks in Paris, both to celebrate special occasions and by coincidence both 50th birthdays. And again by sheer coincidence, both wanted to keep the bookings as a surprise for their partners. The first insisted I couldn't send e-mail quotes, text messages or even call between certain times to discuss the booking as he and his wife work together and she does all his Admin with full access to his e-mails and mobile phone messages! What to do - let's arrange secret meetings at our local rugby club, where he is one of the coaches. We crept around for 3 or 4 weeks trying to finalise the booking. So after weeks of planning and secret meetings, we finally arrived at the final itinerary which was to travel Eurostar, stay at the lovely 4* Hotel Littré, with limousine transfers. I suggested a trip to Versailles to see the Palace and Gardens, a show at the Moulin Rouge and all topped off with a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine. Job done! All confirmed but hang on, travel documents could not be sent to their home address or e-mailed as he wanted to keep that surprise element right to the last minute. So it had to be good old fashioned printed documents, tickets, vouchers etc with a gift of a Paris guide book thrown in from me. Could I deliver them to the rugby club before they were due to travel? No problem, said I. A couple of days before you travel? Perfect said he! Delivery day arrived but panic set in when I realised that his wife was sat next to him in the bar so I wandered past them with the ticket wallet, pretending to look for someone else. They both laughed and he said "It's OK Vince, she knows!" Surprise, surprise! Their trip went really well - brilliantly in fact and they had fantastic weather which helped. They loved the hotel, I arranged a celebratory bottle of wine at the hotel and Versailles blew them away!! They'd been to Paris before but never like this. Full of surprises. My second booking is for someone who wanted to take her husband to see England play France in the 6 Nations rugby in March but could I arrange it without sending any emails to their home address or calling them at home!! And could I arrange to have everything booked, packaged up and delivered to her father's house so she could present it to her husband on Christmas Day as a surprise. Bit of a theme developing here, I thought. So to cut a long story short, the booking was made with one of our specialist Sports Travel suppliers, Gullivers. As tickets would not be released until February, they pulled out all the stops to organise a special seasonal voucher with information about the trip to add to my TC ticket wallet and Paris guide book. The package was duly delivered a few days before Christmas, under cover of darkness of course, to her father's address as requested. The parcel was wrapped and ready to give to her husband on Christmas Day. Hubbie's face was a picture by all accounts! Surprise, surprise! This just goes to prove that we should never underestimate destinations we know well. They will continue to delight new and returning visitors in all sorts of ways. And hopefully continue to surprise us too. Doing that little bit extra to help keep things a secret, with Head Office able to join in by flagging the bookings as surprises, shows what Travel Counsellors is all about. Surprise and delight our customers!! I may blog again about how the second trip goes but only on one condition - that England beat France!!

29 September 2017

I guess most skiers have their favourite resorts and ski areas and I'm no exception. I've been fortunate to ski all over Europe and North America over the years, but time and again I think back to some wonderful skiing holidays with family and friends in the tiny Swiss village of Saas Fee. Compared to the powerhouse resorts and massive skiing areas of France and Austria, Saas Fee and its sister villages have a small ski area but it punches way above its weight. With one of the most reliable snow records anywhere in Europe, it has a stunning array of high altitude skiing with spectacular views over the mountains combined with gentle nursery slopes down in the village and slopes in between to cater for every ability. Combine that with chocolate box village scenery, pretty chalet, hotel and apartment buildings and you have the perfect ski resort. What's more, the resort is mostly traffic free so as you arrive at the entrance to the village you are met by electric trolleys or sometimes horse drawn carriages to be taken to your accommodation. You almost step back in time to an unspoilt world but with a great choice of high quality places to stay. I've escorted groups of travel journalists and travel agents to the resort who knew little about it before their visit and who fell in love with the place just like me. My sons learned to ski there, my wife gained her confidence skiing there and I can't wait till my next visit and maybe one day to take my grandchildren there to learn to ski too! To find out more about this hidden gem, or to receive advice about any skiing trip, please don't hesitate to contact me.