29 March 2023

Travelling as a family may feel a little more expensive in more recent years and certainly in more recent times, but with the right expert advice and planning you can make your money go further. As a travel expert, I frequently work with families to find holidays best suiting their wants, needs and budget, providing excellent value for money and magical memories for years to come. So here are my 2023 hot spots for your next family holiday! 1. Turkey - Make the most of the long warm Turkish summers and the pound’s strength against the lira. Choose from many family-friendly resorts and eat out like a king as a three-course meal can come in at just £7.50 a head in the popular beach resort of Marmaris, while a round of drinks is less than £5. 2. Portugal - The sterling’s value against the euro has plummeted since Brexit, but Portugal is one Eurozone destination your cash can work harder. In the Algarve, dinner for two will come to around £20, half the price than on the island of Madeira. But even with the bigger food bills, Madeira and the Azores are still relatively inexpensive compared with some Greek equivalents. 3. Montenegro - Montenegro offers a great alternative to its popular neighbouring country Croatia, with cheaper prices and quieter beaches. The local food is delicious and accommodation can cater to a variety of family budgets. Boasting golden beaches, whitewashed villages and lush green forests, it’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Balkans. 4. Mauritius Looking further afield, Mauritius offers great value, where prices are almost half of that of its neighbour the Seychelles. With white sands, crystal-clear waters and adrenaline-filled activities, Mauritius has something for kids and adults of all ages. So if you’re after a family holiday with a difference, this should be on your list. 5. Jamaica -The Post Office’s long haul holiday report named Jamaica as best value destination in the Caribbean, based on Montego Bay; a perfect base for families wanting an active holiday keeping everyone entertained from beach lovers, to snorkellers and those that like to get off the beaten track and explore the rainforest. 6. South Africa -South Africa might not be the cheapest place to get to, but once you’re there you won’t have to dig too deep into your wallet. Expect to pay around £20 per person for a three-course meal with a bottle of wine in Cape Town and £1.55 for a coffee. It offers the perfect combination of wildlife, exploration and relaxation – a once in a lifetime family adventure! 7. Albania -Although a small country & still relatively unknown to tourists, it’s packed with things to see and do with a surprising number of attractions to enjoy kids will love. Eating out and enjoying a three course meal and wine wouldn’t cost more than £20 for a family. The Albanian Riviera also has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches around too! 8. Sri Lanka -Sri Lanka is open for tourism and the pound is strong against the rupee providing very good value for money for families and a fantastic adventure. Once you are there it's incredibly easy to holiday on a budget with food, transport and accommodation all relatively cheap and travelling around this beautiful country by train is great value and fun for families!

03 January 2023

I am very excited to launch my new client referral incentive for 2023! As I am sure you know, my business is based on referrals, so by letting your friends, family and colleagues know about me you’re helping me to grow and develop my business and as a thank you I am launching a very exciting incentive this year! What can you win? You can choose from two fantastic options - firstly WIN a trip on the luxurious British Pullman for two adults where you will find out why Kent is known as the ‘garden of England’ when savouring the county’s freshest produce as you spend the day gliding past orchards, vineyards and farmland. This is a gorgeous prize for anyone who loves good food, wine and soaking up beautiful views. This incredible experience begins as you settle into your comfortable armchair with a glass of something exquisitely chilled and sparkling. Soak up your authentic art deco surroundings, as the train winds its way through the countryside and enjoy a bespoke five-course feast. More information on this luxurious experience can be found here: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/belmond-british-pullman/journeys/garden-of-england Or you can choose to entertain your family with a fabulous Legoland Windsor short break with hotel and theme park tickets - get the kids ready for a super fun night away staying at one of the Legoland resorts for the ultimate sleepover! The prize includes a one night stay in one of the incredible Legoland Resort Hotels in a Lego themed bedroom where your children can do a treasure hunt for their hidden gift in their room, play with the Lego bricks, splash and play in the Lego pirate-themed indoor play area and pool and of course enjoy the day in Legoland itself! More information on Legoland and the resorts can be found here: https://www.legolandholidays.co.uk/ What do you need to do? It is really simple to be in with a chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes! Whether you have booked with me or not, all you need to do is simply refer your friends, family and colleagues to me when they are planning holidays and I will look after them. If they go on to book with me, the holiday will be logged against your name. The person or the couple who refer the highest value of bookings will WIN their choice of either a trip on the stunning Belmond British Pullman or the Legoland Windsor holiday package. I will keep you posted throughout the year as to where you are on the referral leader board and how close you are to winning - the more times you refer me the better your chances of winning one of the fab prizes. Simple! Why recommend me? I adore travel and have over 17 years worldwide travel knowledge & first-hand experience of many destinations and hotels and help clients plan holidays from Family trips to special occasions, big birthdays, honeymoons and everywhere in-between. Holidays are personal and when my clients trust me with their plans they have someone who cares about them and their journey from start to finish. With me travel is personal, this is my own business and I am fully independent caring about all of my clients, ensuring they get the very best value and experience each and every time. So please don’t forget to mention my name when you are with friends, family and colleagues if the subject of holidays comes up throughout the year. Phone number: 01737 390 119 Email address: ashley.lutz@travelcounsellors.com Follow me on instagram @ashley_travelcounsellor Terms and Conditions apply: Booking period for referral clients: 1 January - 31 December 2023 Only one prize to be selected Prize cannot be transferred 2 adults max for British Pullman Prize 'Garden of England' Max value for Legoland package £700 total (up to 2 adults and 3 children)

12 September 2022

Indonesia is an incredible collection of volcanic islands stretching across the Pacific and Indian Oceans and together they offer unbelievable beaches, exotic wildlife, intricate Hindu temples, active volcanoes, amazing trekking, world-class diving and some of the warmest people to welcome you to their home. Planning a trip to Indonesia is exciting but can also be a little daunting with so many islands on offer, huge distances to cover and so many amazing experiences to choose from. From which islands work best together, to how do I get from A to B and when is best to go. Luckily I know it well and help my clients plan the best holidays suited to them. When people think of Indonesia they automatically think of Bali, which is a beautiful island full of gorgeous terraced rice paddies and sunsets on the beach but there is also so much more to Indonesia. In a two week holiday you can combine a few different islands giving you a variety of experiences from searching for the Komodo dragons, snorkelling past incredible fish and coral reef, to hiking up the most amazing hiking trails and volcanoes. The peak time for visitors to Indonesia is the UK summer time, June – August but overall the best time to visit Indonesia is between April to October when the weather is perfect for island hopping, snorkelling and chilling out on the many gorgeous beaches! That said my personal travel tip is if you are flexible with travel dates the travel in May, June and September as the sun is shining and rain is minimal and you beat the crowds and can take advantage of shoulder season offers! Indonesia is a special place and I love helping clients plan the perfect trip! I will never forget hiking up Mt Rinjani and seeing one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen from my tent as I camped overnight, to following an experienced ranger around Rinca Island in the Komodo National Park looking for Komodo dragons. I adored island hopping in the Gilli Islands and discovering little villages by bike in northern Bali and using Bali’s neighbouring island Lombok, a more untouched island, as a base for day trips and exploration. One of my favourite spots was Sudamala Resort Seraya, a gateway to the Komodo National Park, just off of Flores Island. A beautiful resort with bungalows overlooking the pristine beach, surrounding islands with incredible snorkelling right off the beach. Take me back! Whether you are travelling as a couple and perhaps planning a honeymoon or special trip, with friends or your family there are so many wonderful experiences to have and each holiday will be slightly different depending on what you want to encounter. What I can guarantee is that you will have an amazing trip wherever you go – but planning is essential to make sure you have a tailored holiday for you. This is where I come in with my experience in Indonesia as I have both travelled there and worked with Indonesian companies for many years so I can help you plan something truly special!

05 September 2022

As much as the idea of huddling round a log fire on a cold winters day is tempting, the idea of jumping on a plane to a much warmer climate can be even more appealing for many! So if you are thinking about whisking your family away for a fun-packed holiday in the sun but you are not sure where to go, look no further for inspiration! There are so many wonderful options, but I have handpicked 8 places, all offering an excellent choice of properties for all family styles and budgets with enough to keep the whole family entertained. First stop Australia. Simply bursting with incredible experiences for the family from learning to surf in Bondi Beach to spending an afternoon hiking up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. So many wonderful combinations in Australia but one of my top tips is to head over to the West coast and explore with a fun family campervan - Redsands Campers are a fantastic option! Discover exotic wildlife, ancient forts, fascinating culture and fun beaches in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a journey of discovery with a perfect introduction to the Indian subcontinent. Chill out by the beach and spot turtles, cycle through peaceful villages and explore the national parks in a jeep safari. So many ways to explore this beautiful country! A little closer to home you can experience the pleasant year round warm island of Tenerife. Home to one of Europe’s best waterparks and plenty of sandy beaches there is enough to keep even the most active of families entertained. Go in February and you’ll experience the largest and most vibrant Carnival outside of Rio! Another European gem is Cyprus, just four hours away with temperatures in the high teens even in January. From water parks, to mountain climbing adventures and stunning sandy beaches with shallow waters ideal for paddling you have plenty of variety here. Older kids might like the exciting range of water sports too! If you love hitting the slopes and are looking for a family friendly place for a ski trip, consider the ‘car free’ resort village of Saas-Fee, in the Swiss Alps. Why go? Aside from the picturesque backdrop, this smaller resort is pedestrianised with nursery slopes walkable from the village – perfect for little ones. Florida offers something for everyone from water sports to snorkelling and the unforgettable bucket list experiences in Orlando. For those looking for a more relaxed family trip Florida’s hidden beaches off the beaten path such as St George Island give you peace and solitude for miles. Combining the bliss of the Caribbean and it’s friendly locals and full-on adventure a family trip to Mexico could be just right. Immediately you think of the sweeping beaches and delicious cuisine but there is so much more to it! From exploring ancient Mayan temples to zip lining through jungles or cooling off in the waterslides at Xcaret Park. Another perfect location for a family of any age is Thailand, the land of smiles! From its food, to the people and culture and the stunning scenery and beaches, you can create the perfect holiday for your family. Explore the bustling city of Bangkok to the mountainous cultural hub of Chiang Mai and for beach lovers you have islands both big and small to explore from Koh Chang and Koh Kood closer to the capital to heading further south to the Andaman coastline and discovering places such as Railay Beach in Krabi and Koh Lanta. Last but by no means least, St Lucia is another special place for adventure seekers, nature lovers and even those who want to sit back and chill. This lush tropical island offers white sandy beaches perfect for sand castles and sipping cocktails at the end of the day. Splash Island, the Caribbean’s first open-water sports park, is a must for a fun few hours with the kids too! I would love to chat to you about your plans for a winter getaway and help you plan the right trip for you whether it is a family trip or a more intimate getaway for two, there are so many wonderful worldwide destinations to choose from so get in touch with me today to discover what is right for you!

24 August 2022

There are many reasons to work with a travel professional such as myself, a Travel Counsellor, to plan and book your holiday and I thought I would share a few of them with you if you are wondering what is it that I do or why would you may need services like mine. To be honest and open, I earn a living through commissions paid to me from suppliers and tour operators, by booking holidays for my clients. I love researching and planning family holidays, long haul adventures and special trips or a multi destination holiday and I use my connections, knowledge and expertise to make sure clients get the most out of my services and ultimately the best holiday! There are many reasons for you to contact me for your next holiday but these are my top three reasons: 1. Personal caring service – when booking with me you have your own independent travel professional looking after all your holiday needs from start to finish. I get to know each of my clients individually, understanding likes and dislikes, ideas they have and overall goals for the trip. I research the right options for them and recommend what I think will best suit their needs and budget using my global partnerships with suppliers giving them the best value. 2. I save clients time – this is crucial for so many of my clients. I have personal knowledge, and travel experience along with connections to an extensive network of industry contacts and colleagues, so there is no need to go from one online review to the next spending hours trying to look for the right thing. With my services, I do all the research and planning for you, taking the stress out so you can enjoy the process, relax and have the perfect holiday! 3. I offer peace of mind – I am with my clients every step of the way from the initial conversations to the point when they return home from their trip. I am at the end of the phone or in person depending on location throughout the process and I offer expert travel advice and guidance wherever you travel in the world with 100% financial protection. Clients also have access to a 24/7 round the clock duty office team when travelling, providing assistance to ensure everything runs smoothly. I love what I do and I am someone you can trust with your travel plans and aspirations and would love to talk to you about your next trip and how I can help you!

24 February 2022

Family travel is a hot topic right now, with so many families booking their precious holidays this year, many that are long overdue a nice holiday with guaranteed sunshine and that ‘holiday feel’. Having a young family myself, I naturally think about and plan my own travels and constantly talk to friends about their trips too. It is also a top enquiry from my clients, so I wanted to share my top tips with you on travelling with a family. 1. Book in advance as much as possible – you will give yourself the ultimate choice for you budget and style of trave, especially in school holidays 2. Be open with where you go – so many lovely places that can give you what you want, some with more choice than others. I can help you navigate where to go and make sure you get the best match possible to what you are looking for maximising experience & family budget 3. If you don’t need to travel peak season then don’t – simple advice but really think about when Easter / half terms and summer holidays are as that can save you a lot of money if you don’t need to travel then 4. Be flexible on dates – if you can look into holidays with a level of flexibility as changing by a day or two can make all the difference 5. Agree as a family your top couple of non-negotiables for your holiday – this helps to narrow down where you go and makes the searching much easier! Is it a must have to be by the beach but have your own pool? Do you mind being remote and driving around more to get more space? 6. Consider travelling short haul and long haul – the thought of a dreamy Caribbean beach might be perfect for you or for what you actually want you might be able to get that same experience a lot closer to home and potentially make your budget work harder for you I love nothing more than getting to know my clients and finding the absolute best holiday for their needs. My job is to provide the best options showing them how they can get the best value for money for the experience that they want. Booking the perfect family holiday is more than just booking flights and accommodation – it is about choosing the best place that will help you create amazing memories! I have lots of great ideas for family holidays both in and out of school term time, so get in touch and let me know how I can help you this year with planning your next trip!

18 January 2022

When I sit and think about why I am in travel and why I am doing the job that I do it comes down to a simple fact. I love creating incredible memories and engaging the senses when introducing travellers to new places. I find for most travellers the highlight of any holiday from a week relaxing in a Portuguese villa to heading down under and exploring Australia is when they really get under the skin of a destination and have that special interaction or moment. Whether that’s discovering the best place for a steaming bowl of pho in Vietnam, sharing a story with a local over a beer in Bali or finding that secret beach that only the locals go to on a Greek Island. Whether they realise it or not people want more than just a nice hotel room, or a top trip advisor restaurant to eat in, they want that personal experience which cannot be found by just trawling through the internet. Everyone travels for different reasons, but everyone loves their travel experience for a similar reason and it needs a personal touch and local expertise to make the magic happen! This is why I love to travel and why I love helping others to travel too. I can think of so many amazing travel moments over the years and thought it might be nice to share some and although hard to pin them down to a few, these are some that sprung to mind as I type this blog that will hopefully inspire you when you sit and plan your next adventure or two: 1. Getting married in Sri Lanka – quite a broad one, but one of the best memories was seeing my grandparents faces when they were in a tuk tuk for the first time! 2. Climbing mount Rinjani in Indonesia and sleeping under the stars at the summit – by far the best sunset I have ever seen! 3. Eating the best pizza I have ever tasted in Napoli when backpacking around Europe 4. Sipping on the best Mojitos in our hotel in Havana, Cuba on Christmas day 5. Being welcomed into a locals home in Sri Lanka to have home cooked Sri Lankan curry and numerous glasses of the local tipple ‘Arrack’ 6. Cooling down in a billabong after a long hot day exploring Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory The list can go on and I only plan to add to this list and would love to help you add to yours too! What are your top travel memories and where were you – leave your thoughts on the comments box below!