Based in Bingley

Damian Newell

It's Nice To Meet You

Hello, my name is Damian Newell.

Based close to Bingley, West Yorkshire I look after clients from all over the country. With over 43 years experience in the travel industry, I am part of a network of independent, professional travel consultants.

Many people now attempt to book their holidays via the internet rather than having the hassle of going into a travel agency, often unaware of the problems this can create, particularly when it comes to financial protection and lack of personal knowledge, let alone the hours of time and expense trying to sort out issues. We at Travel Counsellors take your travel experience to the next stage and give you the opportunity of selecting your holiday from the comfort of your own home, coupled with a level of expertise and complete financial protection you will not find elsewhere.

I will offer you the best value available from a wider range of operators than any high street agency can offer and am happy to tailor make travel to suit your needs and budget. I can provide you with any details you require quickly by email and as I work from home. I work flexible hours so can be contacted when you need me.

My aim is to build long term partnerships with all my clients based on trust, understanding and the honesty of independent and professional advice.

I have had many years experience in organising travel all over the world and am familiar with most aspects of the industry.

I have first hand knowledge of many cruise ships and through the benefit of extensive personal experience I am able to specialise in travel to Australia, New Zealand, USA, many Caribbean Islands, Canada, Middle East, Peru, India, Indian Ocean, South Africa & the Far East including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong as well as many other destinations in Europe and further afield.

Please do not hesitate to contact me so together, we can arrange your next exciting trip.

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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:

My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Silversea Explorer

09 June 2018

I was lucky enough to sail on Silversea Expedition on an 8-night voyage between San Francisco and Vancouver. The ship was very small and because of this, had limited facilities compared to most cruise ships. Silversea Explorer is built to reach the small ports and rivers around the world allowing passengers to experience the towns and scenery and wildlife which is inaccessible for larger ships. The vessel has limited facilities as far as entertainment and restaurant choice go due to the nature of the cruise. However, there was a bar which doubled up as an entertaining lounge in the evening with piano music and lounge singer. During the day there was also a viewing lounge/library at the front of the ship where drinks could also be served to guests wanting to view from the warmth of the lounge. DAILY LECTURE/UPDATE The expedition crew did a daily update in the small theatre (which also doubles up as a cinema on occasions), with photos, maps and information on the following days port of call as well as a summary of wildlife viewed on the previous day. These were enthusiastically presented by the expedition staff who really involved everyone (who wanted to) in the local sights, walks, flora and the abundance of wildlife that we saw during our day. As this cruise was specifically designed to view the marine life, there were specialist whale and dolphin experts who kept a constant look out for passing wildlife making announcements so that passengers could go on deck to view and take photographs. It was not unusual for announcements to occur during meal times and as this is a casual cruise, guests did occasionally visit the deck to view the wildlife and then return to continue dinner service. On occasions where viewing was better, they even permitted passengers to go onto the forward bow which is usually out of bounds to passengers. FOOD & DRINKS There was one main restaurant onboard offering high quality fine dining menu for dinner with a buffet service at lunchtime and breakfast. Freshly prepared and waiter served menu was also available at breakfast. There is also the 24-hour room service menu which could be enjoyed in your suite, the restaurant or on deck if preferred. The menu always had a nice choice, but as the ship is so small the choice was scaled down from what you would expect on a larger traditional cruise ship. The quality however was excellent and the service exceptional. In addition to the main restaurant, guests were invited to reserve a table at “Hot Rocks” which is an informal steak and seafood restaurant prepared daily on the deck. Capacity is limited so booking was required although there was no cover charge. Hot rocks served your choice of steak and seafood served to you raw with a very hot stone on which you could cook your own food. Vegetables, baked potatoes and salad were served to accompany your main course. It was great fun, although the night we booked the weather was a bit too cold, however, the waiters came around with blankets to keep us warm. A full bar service is available in the bar lounge as well as on deck and with meals. All drinks including the mini bar in your suite is included in the cost of the voyage. EXCURSIONS There was a selection of excursions available each day with the focus on wildlife, scenery and walks/hikes specifically tailored to the itinerary. Guests could select any excursion they wished and if the duration was over a meal time, complimentary boxed meals and drinks were provided. Very well organised and excellent guides too. ZODIAC The ship was not always able to dock alongside the quay and in this event, guests went ashore by the Zodiac inflatables. They were a little tricky to board at first, but always lots of help available and even the elderly were able to use them with comfort and knowledge they were in safe hands BUTLER SUITES The suite was fairly compact but had all the necessary features including a complimentary mini bar, large flat screen TV, sitting area with small table for in suite dining and very comfortable beds. The shower was spacious with a power shower head and Bvulgari toiletries were provided in all suites. Every guest has a butler to attend to their needs and our butler was really professional, friendly and very efficient. SERVICE Every crew member from the cabin attendants, bar staff, waiting staff, expedition leaders and butlers were outstanding. PASSENGER SUITABILITY The ship may have access issues for some guests. There is a lift to most areas of the ship, but I would not recommend this to any person who requires a wheelchair. The crew are extremely patient and anyone who is elderly or has minor mobility issues will be absolutely fine. VALUE FOR MONEY Taking into account the quality of food, service and the fact that all drinks and excursions are included, Silver Explorer is exceptional value for money. I chose to extend my stay in San Francisco for two nights pre-cruise and a further two night in Vancouver post cruise. This is something I am happy to arrange for my clients on any cruise.

Ama Waterways River Cruise

20 June 2014

APT River Cruise, 5th June 2014 Before I boarded the vessel, I was expecting a modest vessel with basic cabins. I was expecting most of the passengers to be European and therefore the cuisine to match. I also expected the whole operation to be geared up to suit the European market with limited English being spoken. How wrong could I have been! My AMA Waterways River Cruise experience was thoroughly enjoyable! The passenger cabins were very well designed and although fairly compact, there was ample room and the furnishings were exceptionally high quality. The bathrooms were extremely well designed and fitted to a very high standard. The crew were extremely attentive and the service would match any of the big sea cruise companies and exceed most! It was a great chance to sightsee in the posts of call with virtually all the excursions being included. The guides were exceptional and the tours very well organised. Food on board was better than many sea cruise companies and the choice was excellent. One of the highlights was the D Day Anniversary Remembrance taking place in Normandy which formed part of our cruise excursions. All the ports of call were great and the tours departed efficiently. My favourite had to be Honfleur and Givernay where we visited Monets Garden. The radio commentary system used by the guides worked very well. I was really pleased to find that most of the passengers were Australian and American. This made for a great atmosphere on board and the other passengers were great company too. I was very surprised at the quality of the ship and particularly appreciated the great informal but very professional service. The balance was perfect. I would recommend an AMA Waterways River Cruise to any of my passengers as it would appeal to such a wide audience. The River Cruises certainly exceeded my expectations and the quality in every respect was faultless. The key points which made the cruise such a success are: • The majority of passengers being Australian and English speaking • It is great to have good wine included in the price for dinner • The waiters being very generous with the wine too! • Great way to see Europe leisurely. So many city breaks can be hard work and stressful, not to mention the other option being a coach tour. The river cruise took away all the hard work and was very relaxing • Most of the ports were very close to the city centre or a short coach ride away which means that people can go ashore for a few hours if they wish and return for lunch and have a restful afternoon on board or stay ashore exploring all day if they prefer • The food was exceptional • The product is well refined and it is difficult to offer suggestions for improvement • The crew on board were superb from the cabin attendants, waiters in the bar and Restaurants to the Cruise director and Hotel Manager Overall a great experience and one which I will HIGHLY recommend to my clients and colleagues.

Avalon River Cruise - Dutch bulb fields and Belgian waterways

21 April 2014

I was lucky enough to sail on one of the new generation of river ships operated by Avalon Waterways. From start to finish, the arrangements were outstanding, with a personal chauffeur driven car to collect me from my doorstep and promptly drop me off in good time for my flight to Amsterdam. On arrival into Amsterdam, I was met by the Avalon guide who then took me to a hotel located close to the city centre where refreshments were provided. Whilst there was a four hour wait before boarding the ship, I walked into town and spent a leisurely afternoon exploring the city on foot. I boarded the Avalon Expression at around 4pm and was promptly shown to my cabin. The cabin was outstanding, particularly taking into consideration that this is a river vessel so space is at a premium. The double bed which faced the triple width Juliet balcony was remarkably comfortable and the entire cabin furnished to a high standard. The bathroom was spacious and beautifully presented with marble tiles and surfaces. The cabin had a nice sitting area which was wonderful, particularly when the patio doors were fully open. There was lots of cupboards, drawers and wardrobe space for two adults were provided in all cabins. A good sized flat screen TV had many European channels including the BBC and also a very wide selection of well-known movies which could be viewed without further charge. After settling in, a short meeting was called by the cruise director who explained the safety features and also a rundown of the week’s itinerary, over a glass of complimentary Champagne. The itinerary was very interesting and enjoyable with at least one excursion or walking tour included every day. Numerous other excursions by coach were available for those who wanted to see the ports of call and local attractions in more detail. Most of the optional excursions by coach were in the region of £30 to £40 per person depending on whether any entrance fees were included. One of the highlights included in the price was a visit to Keukenhof to see the spectacular bulb fields famous in The Netherlands. This was about a 90 minute coach ride and the travel and entrance was also included as standard. Local guides were there to meet us at each place we visited and it was interesting to do many of the walking tours included with the knowledgeable guides. The meals served on the ship were excellent. There was a good choice every day for the buffet breakfast with a chef preparing egg dishes to order, Bucks Fizz and smoothies also available daily. Lunch was a mixture of self service and a selection of waiter served dishes from the menu. The choice of food was very wide with soft drinks included. Dinner was one of the daily highlights. The a la carte menu was different each day with a small selection of main course dishes to choose from, as well as the regular choices of salmon, grilled chicken and fillet steak which were always available daily with a choice of vegetables/salads etc. A varied selection of starters, salads, soups and deserts/cheese made up the five courses. Local complimentary wine and beers were included in the restaurant for dinner. Each day there was entertainment provided in the spacious lounge and bar where most days, local entertainers would board and play music as well as the resident entertainer. Bar prices were very reasonable, but each day they had a half price happy hour which made the drinks very cheap! There was a spacious sundeck with a Jacuzzi on the top deck, but in April, this was too cold to use. A Club Lounge at the rear of the ship was a great place to escape to for a quiet coffee (complimentary) as well as a small selection of cakes and pastries daily. At the end of the week, transfers to Amsterdam Airport were very efficiently arranged with guests on later flights able to use the lounge with refreshments at the hotel free of charge. It was fantastic to arrive back into the UK to see my chauffeur waiting to bring me back home! There is no doubt that Avalon offer a very high standard cruise with a great deal of thought put into everything from the journey to the ship, food and wine on board, not to mention the fantastic crew, the facilities and comfort of the ship as well as the included excursions. Many other river cruise companies include all excursions, but I felt that Avalon have a good balance between the included excursions and those at additional cost. Of course if all excursions were included, the cost would increase for everyone. This way, passengers have the choice to please themselves. Highly recommended.

Wonderful Barbados

06 December 2013

I was lucky enough to be invited to Barbados travelling business class with British Airways and staying at three of the elegant hotels property is on the islands. The first two nights we stayed at the Turtle Beach hotel on the south of the island close to Barbados airport. This is a four-star family orientated property offering an all-inclusive board and drinks arrangements. This hotel is a short walk to lively St Lawrence Gap. The hotel was very comfortable with spacious modern rooms. Main meals were taken in an outdoor restaurant next to the pool and beach and all meals were buffet service. There was always a good choice for both breakfast and dinner. The beach on which the hotel is located was pristine yet swimming from the beach could be restricted due to tidal conditions. The second hotel we stayed at was the Crystal Cove. This is a delightful property and whilst small, it had endless charm and the service by the staff in both the restaurant and throughout the hotel was very relaxed and friendly. The rooms were fairly compact in size yet very comfortable. Many of the rooms did look a little tired and some attention to bathrooms was required (I understand this is part of an ongoing process of improvements). All the rooms had easy access to the swimming pool area and also the small yet beautiful, pristine beach. The restaurant served an excellent buffet breakfast and in the evening, dinner was waiter service in the main restaurant. For a four star all inclusive hotel, the food served was of an excellent standard. The hotel had a small swimming pool on the beach side with a swim up bar. Most evenings around the pool side there was entertainment with local entertainers and the standard was exceptionally high. This property is ideal for couples of all ages, limited entertainment for children. The welcome and friendliness of the staff was exceptional. The final hotel where we stayed was Tamarind. The hotel is located on a pristine beach and has lots of water sports complimentary to guests of the hotel. This property is offered on a bed and breakfast basis with the option to upgrade to half-board. There are a good number of restaurants close by but the option to take half-board is a good idea as the standards were very high and it will be a good saving overall. The rooms were undoubtedly the nicest of the three hotels we stayed at with modern bathrooms all recently refurbished and ample space in the guest rooms for couples or families. During our stay we took an excursion zip wiring above the trees of the Barbados forest over 200 feet above ground. This was an exhilarating experience and is well worth doing if you are adventurous! We also went to play polo on horseback and visit the magnificent golf course at Apes Hill, one of the top golf courses in the world set amongst breath-taking scenery. Another day we sailed up the west coast on a catamaran with the opportunity to swim with turtles, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. An excellent lunch was served with an endless supply of rum punch! We also dined at both Champers and Daphne’s restaurants. These two restaurants are frequented by many famous people who visit the island and the food and service was exceptional, a real treat! Table reservations are essential. We also had dinner at Oistins which is the local fish market in Bridgetown. The market has numerous seafood stalls serving the catch of the day. Simple surroundings, but a seafood lover’s paradise! Barbados is the most picturesque island with local people who were so delightful and friendly. A perfect retreat in the Caribbean sunshine with much more to see and do than I ever realised. Call me if you would like to experience Barbados or any other Caribbean island.

Azamara Club Cruises

26 July 2013

AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES I was lucky enough to sail on a 7 night Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Club Cruise ship Journey. Azamara Club Cruises are a relatively new and up market cruise line under the Umbrella of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The ships are smaller and more intimate than those operated by the parent company. On-board the emphasis is most definitely on quality, relaxed sophistication and the destination. The two ‘Boutique Style’ Ships, Azamara Journey and Quest, are both identical and have all the facilities you would expect from an up market cruise line. However they also offer a unique ‘Club Style’ concept which adds to the overall experience. The ships are smart, but informal so there is no necessity to dress up in the evenings. Instead dressing up is optional and you definitely wouldn’t look out of place if you did. I have to admit that the service was without doubt, the friendliest I have experienced on-board any cruise. It was obvious that the staff and all the crew enjoyed their jobs and were all pleased to be on the ship. DESTINATION The itineraries are designed to make the most of the time in port. As the ship is smaller than average, it can sail into smaller ports such as Sorrento. It was great not having to endure the expensive 45 minute taxi journey from Naples! The itineraries allow for many late evening departures and overnight stays, again making the most of the ports of call. Where necessary, Azamara also provided their guests with complimentary transfers to the local town. This was particularly good in Taormina where another luxury cruise company charged 50 Euro return for the same transfer. There are some fantastic itineraries in the brochure, especially for people who want to visit special events such as the Rio Carnival, The Monaco Grand Prix or there is even the opportunity for golfers to sample some of the premier courses in Europe. DINING The dining arrangements on-board were exceptional. Guests can take a full buffet breakfast in the Windows Café which was always very quiet and well organised. Most guests chose to have complimentary room service which consisted of a full menu of traditional cooked breakfast dishes, cereals, fresh fruit etc. It’s great and is virtually everything you’d expect from dining in the restaurant. Lunch was also served in the Windows Café and again, there was a huge selection of exceptional quality dishes, many cooked fresh to order. For dinner there were more options. You could dine in the Windows Café or the main restaurant, Discoveries (any time between 6pm and 9:30pm). There is no need to reserve a table in advance so this made it a very flexible option. In addition there are also two speciality restaurants serving exceptional cuisine, which a small cover charge applies to non-suite guests. DRINKS Complimentary boutique house wines, beers spirits and cocktails are served in all of the restaurants and bars on-board. The ship also has a no charge policy for soft drinks, speciality coffee or tea and fruit juices anywhere on board. This is fantastic and helps make this cruise great value for money. ENTERTAINMENT There is a good programme of entertainment daily. As the ship is quite small the theatre was intimate. Never the less, the entertainment was very varied, enthusiastic and enjoyable. TIPS Tipping is included in the cruise price. THE SHIP The ship is very homely and comfortable. After the recent upgrade, the cabins and public areas are all looking fresh and comfortable SPA There is a very relaxing spa on-board for those who want to pamper themselves, this offers a huge selection of treatments and therapy as well as a well-equipped gym. It’s far bigger than I expected for a ship of this size. STATEROOMS I had a balcony stateroom which was very comfortable and of a good size. It was very practical and had lots of wardrobe, drawer space and hangers for two guests. As with most ships, the bathrooms and showers were a little compact. This cruise is perfect for discerning clients who expect a high level of service and high quality of meals, but in a relaxed atmosphere. I would highly recommend this to any of my clients, particularly those who like good quality boutique style hotels at the same time as getting fantastic value for money! It would be a very good option for people who normally don’t cruise.

Sri Lanka

27 June 2013

I was recently lucky enough to visit Sri Lanka. It’s a country which has long been on my list of places I would love to visit and I was certainly not disappointed. Our tour was very tightly packed with a mixture of hotel visits and sightseeing which gave me a great insight into the country from a holiday maker’s point of view. It also left me with a wonderful taste of the country, its people and a great wish to go again to enjoy things at my own pace. Our tour started in Galle which was a rather long transfer after our flight from the UK. The ancient port city of Galle is Sri Lanka’s fourth largest town, with a population of around 80,000 inhabitants. It is Sri Lanka’s oldest living city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site that retains a unique old-world atmosphere. We stayed at the Jetwing Lighthouse hotel. The rooms were full of character and the beds extremely comfortable. There was a lovely pool and it was in a great beachside location. Local tuk tuks are very cheap so you can get to the neatest town easily. The restaurant and buffet meal is good, but not outstanding. I did enjoy my stay here and would recommend the property for people wanting to be by the beach. During our brief stay in Galle we were invited to dinner at The Amangalla Hotel. This is a beautiful colonial property with impressive standards. The hotel is located close to the town and the rooms are very spacious and full of character. It is most definitely a prestigious property! The food was very good although the menu was slightly pricey but worth it. We were then taken to Pinnewala elephant orphanage en route to our next stay in Kandy. The orphanage was set up to save abandoned or orphaned wild elephants. Nowhere else in Sri Lanka are you likely to see so many elephants at such close quarters. They are controlled by their keepers to make sure they feed at the right times and don't endanger anyone, but the elephants are otherwise free to roam around the sanctuary. Kandy at an altitude of 500m is the cultural centre of Sri Lanka and was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It is a particularly relaxed hill station, once captured by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The lake and the nearby Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic, a tooth of the Lord Buddha, dominate the city. We also visited the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its fine collection of orchids and a stately avenue of royal palms planted in 1905. Our accommodation was at the Cinnamon Citadel. This hotel was in a beautiful location overlooking the river. The property is in a perfect location for spotting the local bird life and other wildlife with a beautiful pool and public areas. We also visited a number of hotels in this area including the Earls Regency, and Mahaweli Reach – both were fantastic! Our next scheduled stop was the Mattale Spice Gardens. It is well worth a visit as the tour we experienced contained a wealth of interesting facts from a botanical scientist who told us about his research into the use of plants in medicines. Our journey continued to Habarana which took us via the Rock Caves at Dambulla. 150 metres above the road and has a history that is thought to date back as far as the 1st century BC when King Valagam Bahu took refuge here. You can explore these and also visit the rock temple on the vast, sloping rock. From the level of the caves there are superb views over the surrounding countryside. Habarana is near the ruins of the ancient empires of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Somawathiya, Kalawewa, Namal Uyana, Medirigiriya, Pidurangala and Mihintale. Other places of interest in close proximity include the Kaudulla National Park and the Minneriya Wildlife Park. Our next stop was Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana which was our base for three nights. Service was good and public areas, pool and bar nice. It does need a little money spending, but does have great potential. We visited a number of resorts in this area so just contact me if you need any further information or insight. Our next stop was Negombo which is the closest beach resort to Colombo and the airport. We visited a number of hotels here too, and stayed at the Jetwing Lagoon. It is a lovely holiday property for couples and families. I have a number of tips and advice so please let me know if you’d like to hear more. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with beautiful, gentle and courteous people. Famous for its wildlife, lush scenery and tea plantations, it makes a perfect holiday destination with lots to see and do as well as excellent sandy beaches to relax at the end of a tour. To me, what made the trip particularly memorable were the local people and excellent food. I would dearly like to return and enjoy the warm hospitality, food and see much more of the wildlife which sadly we had limited time to appreciate. As we visited so many resorts and hotels while we were there I’d love to hear from you if you are thinking about visiting this amazing country.

Australia, the country with so much to offer!

26 July 2013

AUSTRALIA Australia is probably my favourite place in the world. I have travelled extensively throughout the country and am passionate about everything this country has to offer the discerning tourist, From the magnificent white sandy beaches to the unique wildlife, not forgetting the fantastic cuisine and wine. There are so many places worth visiting in this diverse country. It is difficult to know where to start, so I will begin with my favourite city in the world. SYDNEY With such iconic buildings like the Sydney Opera House, a tour of which is a must for all visitors, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge where many visitors book the famous Bridge Climb to see the city and harbour and opera house from the best vantage point. Sydney has so much to offer everyone not forgetting the fantastic city beaches of Bondi, Coogee, Manly and the many other smaller beaches dotted around the city. Tauranga Zoo is well worth a visit. The giraffes have the best city view in the whole of Sydney. Fantastic shopping and walking Sydney has the best of everything! Why not base your stay in one of the many hotels or apartments the city has to offer. I have a personal preference for Darling Harbour. This is a great location to see the city. There are many shops and restaurants on the doorstep as well as the Maritime Museum, theatres and the Star City Casino a short walk away. Darling Harbour has great links by public transport too. There is a regular ferry service to Circular Quay, which is the location of the Opera House. The journey is only a few minutes and takes you under the iconic Harbour Bridge. Sydney public transport is exceptional. You can buy a 7 day pass allowing unlimited travel on local busses, trains and ferries these are available for about £20 for a whole week! (not the tourist pass, this is the pass the locals buy!!) A short 2 hour drive from the city brings you to the magnificent Blue Mountains. Excursions to the Blue Mountains and also the Hunter Valley for wine tasting is a great way to spend the day. Some of the other places I have visited in Australia are: MELBOURNE & the Yarra Valley ADELAIDE & Kangaroo Island PERTH, Margaret River & Freemantle BRISBANE, The Gold Coast & The Sunshine Coast CAIRNES, Port Douglas, Palm Cove Kuranda and the Great Barrier Reef. Why not call me if you are interested in travel to any part of Australia. I would love to plan your holiday with you.

Crystal Serenity Cruise

15 November 2011

CRYSTAL SERENITY I was lucky enough to sail on a 5 night Mediterranean cruise aboard Crystal Serenity between Rome and Athens, calling at Sorrento, Kusadasi & Mykonos. Special arrangements were made for our boarding as we joined the cruise part way through its itinerary. This made boarding very simple and quick, although I am sure that when boarding under normal circumstances, the process would have been very rapid and smooth too. THE SHIP There is no doubt that the ship was pristine and the cabins furnished to a high standard with all cabins having a sizable bathroom with double wash basins and bath with shower over. Due to the larger than average bathroom, the cabin and wardrobe space was a little compromised, but never the less, very comfortable. We did visit a couple of suites which were furnished to a similar high standard, but rather smaller than expected. The size of the suites cannot be compared to most cruise ships, even mainstream ships. The deck and sun area was outstanding. The quality of the sunbeds was exceptional and a wonderful touch was the delightful cabanas, sofas and coffee tables which were all around the pool area. Very comfortable for those who just wish to sit in the sun and enjoy a drink and a conversation with friends. SPA There was a well equipped spa and gym onboard. A wide spa menu was on offer. Prices were very expensive, but probably on par with many cruise ships. Ladies and gents sauna and steam were complimentary. SERVICE The service onboard was particularly good in the Speciality restaurants, Prego and Silk Road as well as the main restaurant, although not as attentive and a bit lacking in enthusiasm at the Lido and Trident Bar & Grill during the daytime. I dined at the Trident most lunch times and had to actually go to a waiter to ask for service each time. Dinner at the Trident was much better and had a nice relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes I got the impression that the waiters were only interested in those buying alcoholic drinks. This was particularly noticeable in the casual restaurants and on the sundeck areas. RESTAURANTS & FOOD The speciality restaurants of Prego (Italian style) and Silk Road (Asian Fusion) were both excellent and could not be faulted for food quality and service. The waiters were very attentive and helpful and the food quality and menu was exceptional. The food and service in the Crystal Dining room was also exceptional. The choice and variety was excellent. The trident has two sections, the first being a grill with self service burgers, chicken etc and the second section open between 1 and 3pm was a waiter service lunchtime menu. Whilst the food in the Trident Grill was also excellent, the service was poor by comparison. Great Ice Cream bar though! The Lido is open for buffet breakfast and again excellent quality and a good choice. It was usually quiet and we never had a problem getting a table. ENTERTAINMENT I was very disappointed in the entertainment. The resident singers offered a couple of shows, but not very professional and apart from the lead male and female singers, the rest appeared to be miming. There was a guest violinist onboard who did an excellent show and saved the day! Whilst you expect the entertainment to be on a smaller scale on a ship this size, I have experienced much more professional shows (and more frequent) on even smaller ships with less passenger capacity. BARS The ship offers complimentary soft drinks at any time. In the evening most of the bars were deserted. Not sure if this was due to the limited passenger numbers, many passengers retiring to bed early or the very high bar prices. From 2012 Crystal will be going All Inclusive, which I am sure will be a good thing. Currently, passengers are allowed to bring their own wine on board, but a charge of $15 per bottle is made for corkage. This seemed to defeat the object, although there was no wine on the menu less than US£46 per bottle. On a ship of this standard, you expect drinks to be expensive, but it was difficult to find a drink under US$12. The ship did lack atmosphere although this may have been because there were only 600 passengers when she normally carries 1000 passengers. DESTINATION The itineraries are designed to make the most of the time in port. As the ship is smaller than average, it can sail into smaller ports such as Sorrento which we visited. It was great not having to endure the expensive 45 minute taxi journey from Naples!! The itineraries allow for many late evening departures and overnight stays, again making the most of the posts of call. Where necessary, Crystal also provided their guests with complimentary transfers to the local town. There are some fantastic itineraries in the brochure with some unique excursions to special events worldwide. GUESTS I would suggest this ship caters mainly for wealthy retired couples and singles (single room supplement often only 25%) with the emphasis on the North American market. Crystal offer a superb product and on the whole, excellent quality although I am not certain that passengers who traditionally travel on smaller luxury ships such as Seaborne or guests who like the relaxed informality yet exceptional service of Azamara would be would be entirely happy.

India's Golden Triangle & Kerela Homestays

16 March 2010

INDIA One of the most interesting places I have ever been to must be India. There is so much diversity and culture within this huge country, but the one thing that stands out and is common to every region I have visited is the friendliness and the welcoming people. The one thing that every visitor to India wants to see would be the Taj Mahal. I saw this as part of my Golden Triangle tour which is the perfect introduction to the wonders of north India. The Golden Triangle The three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur make up India's 'Golden Triangle' and give a fantastic snapshot of the colours and spectacles of this land of wonders. Of the many sights I saw, the highlights had to be the Red Fort in Delhi, the majestic and romantic Taj Mahal in Agra, and the 'Pink City', Jaipur, the capital of the colourful capital of Rajasthan. Delhi. View the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Also pay a visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Note: The Red Fort in Delhi is closed on Mondays. Agra. For me the highlight of the tour was to view the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, the marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Also in Agra I saw the famous Fort, a very special place to visit with its intriguing history. Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday Jaipur. Our route to Jaipur took us to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar and a popular stopping place for travellers. Once in Jaipur I made a visit to the impressive Amber Fort and explored the magnificent royal halls. Another “must” is a city tour which will include the City Palace Museum, where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Then onto Jantar Mantar observatory, a photo stop outside the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and visit the local markets and shops. Kerela, “Gods Own Country” After such a busy week it is important to spend time relaxing. I took a short flight to Cochin, Kerela where I spend time staying with an Indian family in the small hillside town of Munnar. This small community is in one of the best tea growing areas of Southern India. The scenery is magnificent and very lush and a complete contrast to the northern cities I had previously visited. I even made the journey to the highest tea factory in the world, located about 2 hours drive from Munnar. After spending two nights in Munnar, I went back down the hillside to Alleppey where I again spent a couple of nights at the most wonderful private home, Vembanard House which is located directly on Lake. The home had just four guest rooms each with private facilities and the location was idyllic. On the second day I boarded a houseboat which was moored right in front of the house. Guests can hire the houseboat overnight and they can enjoy a leisurely cruise along the lake and backwaters of Kerela. The rooms were exceptional as was the food provided. It was such a great opportunity to stay at private homes in Kerela. Whilst simple, the accommodation was very clean and comfortable. The highlight for me was meeting the home owners who took a great pride in cooking local specialities for their guests. Cookery lessons were even offered to the guests who wanted to learn more about Indian Cuisine. Yes, I did try to cook a couple of dishes too! GOA I have also visited Goa and will be happy to chat to you about this region too. Please call me for advice.

My customer stories

Sent by Brian Young

Damian has always steered us well and all our bookings have been excellent and organised. He always has suggestions that improve on one's first thoughts of the trip you are thinking of taking. Highly recommended it's a 10 from us.

Sent by Susan Sutcliffe

Fantastic service. Attentive, efficient, informative, friendly. Gets the booking done and does it extremely well.

Sent by Michael Walker

We always feel comfortable and safe with Damian handling our travel requirements. Nothing is too much trouble and his patience is legendary. We have used Travel Counsellors for years and have never been disappointed. M.WALKER.

Sent by Ian Feeley

We have known Damian for over 20 years now and have booked a lot of holidays with him during that time. His advice when securing a holiday is phenomenal and he is always there, if needed, at any time before, during or after your holiday. We class him as a friend these days and wouldn’t book our holidays with anybody else.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

We have been using Damian for a number of years and received a first class, professional service every single time. We have recommended him several times to family and friends and they, too, have been extremely impressed. His knowledge and expertise of all aspects of the travel industry are second to none. Thank you Damian for your continued service!

Sent by Michael Duffy

Damian had provided an excellent service to us on every occasion we’ve contacted him and his help and advice has always added value to our holiday experience.

Sent by Patrizia Guzzo

Damian is a Top Notch travel agent. His knowledge and professionalism are stellar. He planned a wonderful itinerary for my 50th birthday celebration. His communication and response to my emails were answered quickly. He planned a trip in my budget range and made sure that I was going to see everything that I needed to. Damian was recommended to me by a friend, and in return, I will be recommending him to mine. Thank you, Damian. I wish you all the success you desire.

Sent by Paul Spencer

Damian always goes beyond the call of duty and no effort seems to be too much for him to secure the best holiday, most suited to your needs.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

If it was possible to score Damian more than 10 we would not hesitate! His knowledge, expertise, professionalism and helpfulness always goes above and beyond expectations. He is and always will be our first choice for any future travel plans. We cannot recommend him highly enough.

Sent by Sheryll Driver

Damian Newell has been superb! I will continue to use his services as he has transformed how we organise holidays . He is so knowledgeable and helpful

Sent by Michael Duffy

Damian has consistently provided us with useful advice and opinions based on his personal experience and knowledge, which has informed our decisions on which destinations and accommodation are the best fit for us. And we would have no hesitation in recommending his services to friends and family.

Sent by Frances Elliot

I have not met Damian, but he is always friendly and very helpful. He has clearly done a lot of travelling himself and is therefore able to give advice based on his own experiences. It takes a lot of pressure and worry away from hoping one has chosen the right holiday

Sent by Kathryn Dove

I've used Damian before and had a trouble free holiday so would always go to him for long haul trips. He is exceptionally helpful and super efficient.

Sent by Lorna James

It is always my pleasure to recommend Damian to family and friends. He has been my Travel Counsellor for over 20 years and I have confidence in his ability to find the holiday that caters for all my needs. As a busy person, I just have to tell him where I want to go, when I want to travel and he will find the best holiday at an affordable price. He is kind, helpful and considerate and knowledgeable. He will always be my Travel Counsellor. He is the best!

Sent by Susan Winrow

I would have no hesitation in recommending Damian he is very knowledgable and experienced in the travel industry, very professional , friendly and always available for any questions advice and support.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

We have used Damian for many years. He is always, and will continue to be our first consideration when we’re planning any type of holiday. He provides a first class, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable service at all times. We have and will continue to recommend Damian to family and friends.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

We have used Damian for a number of years for various holidays around the world, where he has designed several first class bespoke trips for us. He is unquestionably our first port of call when planning future trips. His friendliness, professional knowledge, care and attention to detail is second to none and he goes far beyond what would be normally expected from a travel agent; nothing has ever been too much trouble for Damian. We have no hesitation at all in recommending him to family and friends, a professional, excellent and first class service throughout.

Sent by Deborah Carroll

Delighted with Damian's service …..his communication was immediate once he had been notified by Cunard that our cruise had been cancelled due to Coronavirus. He put all the wheels in motion to organise our refund for the 2020 holiday …...and also rebooked our holiday for 2021. I would not hesitate in recommending him for any holiday booking.

Sent by Hannah Wilson

Damian has been wonderful yet again. I have already recommended him to friends and will continue to do so. He listens and aims to cater to each request, responses are very quick and the whole experience feels very personal.

Sent by Lorna James

Damian has been my Travel Counsellor for 17 years, the service I have received has been second to none. Always professional, personal, Friendly and good value for money. Damian is knowledgeable and able to give me excellent advice, I trust him implicitly to help me get the best holiday experience. With my Travel Counsellor I have piece of mind and to date I have never had a bad experience neither have family and friends I have recommended. Thank you Damian for your service over the past 17 years and I am looking forward to you arranging my future holidays.

Sent by Emily Cox

Damian is always super accommodating, he bends over backwards to help us book our holidays. He is always considerate to budget. Damian enables us to book holidays which give us memories for our lifetime he is able to advise on the areas surrounding and what there is to do and see.

Sent by Ruth Jolly

Would never use anybody else, first class service, goes above and beyond to make sure your holiday goes without a hitch, Professional yet friendly.

Sent by Michael O'Brien

Damian was brilliant. He understood my needs and was able to give personal recomendations for the hotels and flights which was invaluable to me when planning the trip. I have been booking with Damian for years and always find his customer service second to none. I would/have recomended his services to friends and family.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

We have used Damian on numerous occasions over several years and will continue to do so in the future. Consequently, due to his extremely friendly, experienced, reliable and professional service we have been more than happy to recommend Damian to our family and friends, who have also been happy to use his services, on more than one occasion. A highly recommended service from a man who certainly knows his profession.

Sent by Linda Eaves

Damian came highly recommended from colleagues and I would recommend him too. He was quick, efficient and thorough and took the time to find out exactly what my preferences were for my trip.

Sent by Michael Walker

Damian always makes the process of booking so easy for us .His knowledge of the travel industry is emmense and I would not hesitate to recommend Travel Counsellors to anyone. M and A Walker

Sent by Ann-Marie Allen

Damian is an amazing person to work with over the phone, I feel very safe when I book holidays with him, he is a true professional in his field.

Sent by Owen Wilson

Damian is brilliant, I told him where I wanted to go and the standard of hotel we was looking at. Within minutes he came back to me with multiple suggestions also talking from personal experience. he gave us a full breakdown of the resort costs and any hidden fees that most sites will not advise you on. I would definitely recommend and will be using Damian again in the future.

Sent by Sam Fillan

A brilliant, prompt, patient and professional service from start to finish, thank you Damian

Sent by Helen Hodgson

Brilliant service, always very swift, flexible and looking to help us make the best decisions - thank you I have already recommend you to family and friends.

Sent by Brian & Barabara Wilcox

We have just returned from another fabulous and amazing holiday arranged by Damian. We have now used him on several occasions, over recent years, and without a shadow of doubt we cannot recommend him highly enough. This testament can also be supported by both family and friends who have also used his service, on our recommendation, both recently and in the past. His professionalism, expertise, knowledge and full commitment to ensuring that everything is tailored made to suit your personal needs is comforting and reassuring. We can go away on holiday knowing that the travel arrangements, accommodation and all other arrangements of the itinerary are perfect in every aspect. Another added reassurance is that Damian is always available, either at the end of the phone of by email. Thanks once again Damian for an outstanding service.

Sent by Anthony Maloney

The service Damian has provided to us over the years has always been exceptional, kind, thoughtful and considerate. Damian has a talent in setting high standards of performance for himself, assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing our requirements and ensuring interactions and transactions are ethical and convey integrity at all times.

Sent by Enna Rey

From my first contact to booking my holiday was very easy and speedy

Sent by Brian Young

Damian was very helpful and listened to our needs and price range. He managed on both accounts and we are very happy with his ssrvice. Already we have passed his name and number onto friends. Keep up the good work Damian.

Sent by Sharon Wilson

I have recommended Damian to all my friends. For the great service advice and choice given when looking to book any holiday. Excellent service throughout.

Sent by Jane Shilling

I have used Damian at Travel Counsellors several times now and have always found him extremely helpful and efficient. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending him to any of my family or friends.

Sent by Keith Underwood

I fail to see how anyone could have been more helpful than Damian when we were booking our holiday. We have already recommended him to members of our family

Sent by Michael Walker

Damian is a lovely man. He is most helpful and nothing is too much trouble.We would highly recommend him. Avril and Michael Walker

Sent by Catherine Pitts

Really quick to sort our holiday, responded to our questions and gave us options to make the best choice for us.

Sent by Ann Jolly

Always there for us to answer any questions or queries wether important or trivial. Extremely knowledgeable, helpful yet professional at all times. Would not hesitate to use Damian Newell as our go to Travel Counsellor.

Sent by Richard Evans

We have recommended Damian to many friends, he delivers an incredible service. He puts together bespoke holidays for myself and my wife which always exceed our expectations.

Sent by Alan Yates

Damian as usual got exactly what we wanted for our holiday. Dedicated, great service and assistance helping us choose our holiday arrangements.

Sent by Caroline O'Brien

Damian is very helpful and knowledgeable. I have trusted him with my travel arrangements for many years and hope to continue for many years to come. I have recommended him to friends and will continue to do so.

Sent by Barbara Bond

Fantastic service. Arrangements made very quickly without any delays

Sent by Linda Will

Through Damian's knowledge and excellent connections we've toured New Zealand, sailed the coast of Norway, chilled in the Maldives and hiked the Grand Canyon. Wherever you want to go, he'll make it happen.

Sent by Catherine Newell

When I want to see the world, I see Damian.

Sent by Paula Johnston

Quick turnaround on providing holiday options and went the extra mile to ensure we got the cruise and accommodation required even when it said there was no availability.

Sent by Marie Wright

Damian Newell has arranged our travel ever since becoming a Travel Counsellor. His passion and enthusiasm for his job are evident as is his flair for selecting exactly the right trip to suit our needs. We recommend him to all of our friends who also reap the benefits of his expertise and speak very highly of the holidays he has arranged for them. We give him our very highest recommendation.

Sent by Roger Darnell

Brilliant service. As per usual!

Sent by Helen Wild

Damian is patient, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. I do recommend him to family and friends and look forward to using his services again.

Sent by Jacqueline Fox

Damian's advice invaluable and he is always happy to look out alternatives when we change our minds! Always go with the ideal itineraries he plans for us.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

We have used Damian several times over the years and have always found him to be extremely professional, helpful and very friendly. His knowledge is second to none! We have recommended him to family and friends on numerous occasions and will continue to so.

Sent by Lorna James

Damian Newell has been my Travel Counsellor for the past 15 years during which time I have experienced a high standard of service from him. He is helpful, friendly, approachable whilst being professional. Damian is knowledgeable about travel and I rely on him for advice on the countries I want to visit. I often just tell him where I would like to visit and in a short time I have the information needed to complete the booking. Damian is courteous and his attention to detail is excellent. He always goes the extra mile to make my travel experiences memorable. I am happy to have Damian as my personal Travel Counsellor and will always recommend him to friends and family so they too can experience the high standard of service I have enjoyed over the past 15 years. Once again thank you Damian. you are 'simply the best.'.

Sent by Richard Evans

Damian is incredibly helpful and makes the experience of booking a holiday an absolute pleasure.

Sent by Susan Cope

We do recommend Damian, he always gives a good service, particularly if asked to put together holidays based on our personal preferences.

Sent by Lorna James

It's a pleasure booking my holiday with Damian, getting high standards and added personal touch and attention to details as always. Thank you. Warm wishes.

Sent by Rebecca Mazur

Damian provided a first class service, even recommending changes to our trip that we would never have thought of!

Sent by Hannah Wilson

Damian was recommended to me and I would definitely recommend him to others. He was really helpful and friendly throughout and he responded to any queries rapidly.

Sent by Pauline Maloney

Fantastic service couldn't be improved

Sent by Julie Guy

As usual ( as we have had the pleasure of using Damian previously to book cruises) a first class service. Damian always goes the extra mile. Thanks.

Sent by Philip Lee

Damian provides an excellent service. Highly recommend him.

Sent by Karthryn Harris

Damian is very helpful and professional, it is always a pleasure to talk to him.

Sent by Annette Stapleton

Helpful, Courteous, prompt action, sure to recommend to anyone wanting help and advice regarding travel arrangements.

Sent by Rob Flahey

Damian will ensure he understands the clients requirements and circumstances and do his utmost to satisfy them. Never made to feel a nusience or a pain keep asking for different quotes. Has not failed us to date. 4 holidays taken or booked thru him in the last 2 years. Would recommend.

Sent by David Bunnell

I have always found Damian to deal with any order or a query in the highest professional manner and in an exemplary fashion. His personal touch is without doubt second to none. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who is looking to book a holiday as his advise based on his years of experience in the travel industry is extensive.

Sent by Andrew Simonett

Nothing is too much trouble for Damian. No matter how many queries I have or change of plans to my holiday itinerary Damian just deals with everything very professionally and is helpful in making useful suggestions to help improve our overall holiday experience which the latter trait I find particularly helpful and valuable. Thanks Damian.

Sent by Sharon Wilson

Yes I would definitely recommend damian newell to my friends,and I already have. Very helpful in sorting out a special trip to Thailand. Excellent communication throughout.

Sent by Harriet Farley

Damian has helped us with our holidays for the last six years and always comes up with amazing deals, he spends so much time and effort with us. He has great knowledge and passes this on. I would recommend Damian to everyone I meet

Sent by Ann Chattaway

Damian is always prompt returning an email and if he is unfamiliar with a place/resort he reasearches it very well sometimes using experiences from his other clients. We always enjoy our holidays booked through Damian as there are no hidden surprises like additional costs or less than we expected.

Sent by Beverley Weeks

Excellent service, Damian researched our holiday needs and then provided us with a range holiday alternatives which enabled us to make our final choice. He was also always available on the phone if we had any queries about the various holidays,

Sent by Jodi Lund

Quality, swift service from Damian. Understands needs and requirements well and is extremely knowledgeable on chosen travel destinations.

Sent by Roger Darnell

As usual Damian was excellent. He takes all the hassle out of travelling. Thank you once again Damian.

Sent by Amir Khan

Very helpful, experienced and kept us informed throughout. Flexible and offered plenty of suggestions when we got stuck.

Sent by Liam Maloney

Very helpful and incredibly accommodating. Would very much recommend to others.

Sent by Christopher Harris

Very informative and helpful Also very efficient and did exactly what he said he would do So far so good!

Sent by Julie Guy

Damian is available anytime to answer any queries and is always very helpful. Thanks again.

Sent by Andrew Simonett

Damian is always very attentive to our needs, provides useful suggestions to improve your holiday experience and prompt in dealing with any travel arrangements. I would happily recommend hi to any of our friends and family. Angie and Andrew Simonett

Sent by Marilyn Denney

After sending Damian an email on a Sunday I was surprised to receive an early response and our holiday was booked before the end of the day.

Sent by Richard Steel

I cannot fault Damian and Travel Counsellors, he is always available to help and sort out our needs.

Sent by David Bunnell

Very customer focused with a great deal of experience under his belt. I have no hesitation in recommending Damian to anybody

Sent by David Mercer

Dear Damian. We would both just like to thank you so much for our AWESOME trip to New Zealand! You put together the most amazing itinerary, and at such short notice too. Everything went like clockwork, from our wonderful train journeys, to our hire cars and splendid accommodation. Flights were all excellent and our stop offs in Hong Kong and Singapore were fantastic. What can we say, watch this space, as we will certainly be planning our next trip with you, service par excellence!!

Sent by David Mercer

Excellent service, really went out of his way to organise a big trip at such short notice, if the trip goes as well as the organisation we will be in for a treat. Thanks Damian

Sent by Sarah Hargreaves

I have already recommended Damian to a work colleague who may use him in the future. Excellent service will definitely use him again

Sent by Emma Daines

I have been using Damian's travel service for six months after being recommended by a family member. Damian's services is fantastic and saves you so much time not having to go online and trawl through the ten million offers and going through reviews to check you're getting the right deal! Why I didn't leave it to the experts in the first place I really dont know. I will be using Damien again and again and have recommended him to several other people too. It dosent cost you any extra so let him do what he does best.

Sent by Richard Steel

Damian was so helpful with sorting out our travel arrangements and was very supportive of our needs related to having a disabled person in our group. He was always at the end of the phone and able to answer questions when needed.

Sent by Ann Chattaway

We shall always book with Damian as the service he provides is second to none. What he doesn't know about travel isn't worth knowing.

Sent by Lorna James

Damian Newell has been my Travel Counsellor for 14 years. He is professional, friendly, helpful and dependable. The breath and depth of his knowledge on all aspects of holiday/travel is vast and he always goes the extra mile to ensure my holiday experiences are the best ever. I would not change him for any other travel provider. I have also recommended him to many friends who all agree that he is the best!

Sent by Janice Whatley

Damian has always been most helpful, provided good advice and given suggestions for places we have visited.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

We have used Damian a number of times to arrange our holidays. We have always received a very professional service, his knowledge & expertise is excellent and has ensured thoroughly memorable holidays. He is always prepared to assist in every way he can, which is very reassuring. We will continue to use Damian & Travel Counsellors for our future holidays and will not hesitate to recommend him to our family & friends.

Sent by George Watson

Damian has been excellent for booking our holidays and I would definitely pass his name to any one who wanted a holiday. He does his work very professionally and is always there to help you at any time early morning or night. His service is secound to none. I personaly would not go any where else.

Sent by Brian Patton

Damian is friendly and always willing to go that extra mile to find the best deals and value for money. He has a vast knowledge of the industry.

Sent by Julie Guy

After a traumatic event initiated by Norwegian cruise line Damian Newell spent an inordinate amount of time sorting out my issue with great success. This is the second time I have booked with Damian and I would not hesitate to recommend my friends and family to book with him. Thanks Damian for your help from both myself and my mother who had a great birthday as well thanks to you.

Sent by Phil Lee

Damian is an excellent source of information and knowledge and always very helpful and gives excellent personal support every time we use him. Highly recommended.

Sent by Patricia Deeley

Damian is always there for you, is patient, understanding and gets the job done. Would highly recommend.

Sent by Jeanette Wallace

Damian has provided an excellent service for both myself and several friends over the years. He is prompt in response, williing to visit and discuss options and use his personal experience to enhance one's travelling experience.

Sent by Caroline O'Brien

Damian is always very knowledgeable and helpful, I would not hesitate to recommend him to others

Sent by Alan Yates

10 out of 10 every time for helpfulness but more importantly Damian always comes up with the perfect holiday to suit our very often demanding requirements. First class!

Sent by William Holliday

Past experience has shown that Damian gives excellent service. He is well informed and ready to put in a lot of time and effort to make sure that we get what we are looking for. His service is delivered with friendliness and personal concern.

Sent by Ann-Marie Allen

Damian has excellent people skills, he is very conscientious and goes over and beyond the call of duty when planning my holidays overseas and hotels and travel in the UK.

Sent by Marlice Stalker

Damian has been most helpful and I wouldn't hesitate in using his services in the future.

Sent by June Knight

We have booked with Travel Counsellor Damian for our last three holidays and will continue to do so in the future. We have already recommended him to friends who have also booked with him.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

Had to be a 10! Damian is always very friendly and extremely helpful and we have no hesitation in recommending him to family and friends.

Sent by Jacqui Fox

Really helpful service again - takes all the hassle out of sorting a holiday and always finds exactly what we were looking for. Thanks again.

Sent by Jane Shilling

I was very unsure where I wanted to go on holiday and it was very short notice too. Damian came up with an excellent deal - too good to miss. We have just returned from what was for us, a second honeymoon! Thank You Damian.

Sent by Emily Cox

Amazing, told Damian exactly what we wanted and he produced some amazing hotels for us to choose from! Very quick service I was able to email and ring too! We will be using Damian again.

Sent by Roger Darnell

As always Damian was brilliant!

Sent by Bill Dowle

Damian has been incredibly helpful to us for a number of years now and we will continue to use him in the future. His attention to detail is exceptional. We have and will continue to recommend him to family and friends.

Sent by Lorna Waters

Damian has been fantastic to deal with, very knowledgeable & helpful, nothing seems too much trouble. We look forward to dealing with Damian for our family’s future holidays.

Sent by Alan Yates

Damian as usual found exactly the holiday we were looking for. As always the best travel adviser and information anyone could wish for. 11 out of 10!

Sent by Gary Radcliffe

We have relied upon Damian for our travel plans and holidays for many years - the help, advice and service is excellent. We frequently recommend Damian to friends, family etc.

Sent by Pat Deeley

Damian is a pleasure to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble and I have already recommended him as he was recommended to me too,

Sent by Caroline O'Brien

Damian ALWAYS gives me good advice. He is always very helpful and approachable. I always recommend him to friends and family.

Sent by Chris Deeley

Damian is extremely helpful, very prompt and efficient.

Sent by Julie Drysdale

Always very helpful, polite and friendly, whilst being professional. Damian certainly always re-contacts you when he says he will. No detail too small for them to help you with. Brilliant!

Sent by Ann-Marie Allen

Damian is amazing, has excellent people skills, and is caring and supporting when booking my holiday -finding a hotel in UK or overseas. I always recommend him to my friends.

Sent by Andrew Simonett

We have already recommended Damian to several friends as we find the advice and service form Damian is first class.

Sent by Ann Chattaway

Damian always goes the extra mile and has a fountain of knowledge and knows exactly what we like in a holiday. We are always recommending him to friends and family. He truly deserves special recognition. We always book with Damian and every holiday he has booked for us has been hassle free.

Sent by Wendy Hughes

Damian always but always gives us 110% service. We have nothing but praise for him.

Sent by Elaine Kelk

I am not a well-seasoned traveller and I have found Damian's knowledge, hints and tips extremely helpful and knowing he is at the end of a phone to be very comforting if I need any help or guidance. He always goes the extra mile to ensure that I have the best deal possible and I trust his knowledge and experience and have no hesitation in recommending him wherever I find the opportunity arises.

Sent by Randell Moll

Damian Newell, Travel Counsellor, has given us excellent service. Over the past four years my wife and I have travelled for ten weeks, touring extensively in South Africa and New Zealand, via Sydney and Singapore; we organised a complicated trip for seventeen of us to Morocco, for varying durations and taking different tours; my wife and I have just returned from a last minute city break in Prague. Everything; travel, documentation and accommodation, was brilliantly organised by Damian, within our budget and giving excellent value, providing upgrades or discounts where possible. We asked him to vary our itinerary while we were travelling in South Africa and we appealed for help with a bizarre local difficulty in Morocco. Damian and his colleagues overcame these challenges promptly and to our complete satisfaction. We have already recommended friends to use him and they have, again with great success. We will certainly continue to recommend Damian Newell of Travel Counsellors.

Sent by Lynda Millington

Brilliant service - totally trust Damian to work with us to plan the holiday we want. Have already recommended him to friends.

Sent by Marina Elliott

Damian has looked after us for approximately ten years, I would not book a holiday without consulting first him.

Sent by Susan Winrow

Damian offers a friendly, professional service whilst giving honest advice from experience and getting to know his clients' needs.

Sent by Lorna James

I have just completed my holiday booking with Damian and as usual, he provided the personal service he is renowned for. He took the time to listen, ensuring he got the details correct and found the package that is right for us. Damian is patient, kind and helpful, he applies his breadth and depth of knowledge to find the right package for us. He is professional and pays attention to details always suggesting ways of enhancing the holiday to provide the best possible experience. I trust Damian implicitly, he is and always will be a big hit among myself, family and friends.

Sent by Jean Thomas

I always recommend Damian to people who ask me where I book holidays. This year my daughter has booked with him and I am also taking my sister on a holiday booked with him. I have booked with Damian for 10 years or more and we have always had a trouble free holiday. He knows about everywhere in the world and all the best places to stay. Nothing is too much trouble for him and he is very courteous on the phone. Damian would not send you anywhere that he wouldn't go to himself.

Sent by Philip Archer

The service which we received from Damian was first class and we would recommend him to any one for travel service.

Sent by Val Greaves

Damian was totally brilliant, we were delighted with the prompt, efficient and friendly service he gave us. We will most certainly will be using him again and only wish we had come across him years ago.

Sent by Marie Wright

Damian knows his job extremely well, he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the destinations coupled with an ability to recommend the right holiday for each individual. We have recommended him to many of our friends who in turn rate him very highly and continually speak about the wonderful holidays they have booked through him.

Sent by Lynda Turner

My parents have used Damian for many years and had many fabulous holidays. This year as we are we're interested in USA I contacted Damian and am so pleased I did! I have already recommended Damian to my friends! (Sorry in advance!)

Sent by Moira Jones

Damian is always obliging and quick to respond to any requests. He is very polite and helpful on the phone and is not at all pushy with his suggestions.

Sent by Barbara Wilcox

Our latest holiday to South Africa (Sept/Oct 2013) was the third holiday we have booked through Damian. His friendly approach, customer service, knowledge and experience have ensured that we have not been at all disappointed with any part and especially the itineraries which he has provided. He has already arranged a family holiday for us to Florida in November 2014. A first class service...we will definitely be using Damian again and have recommended him to our friends and will continue to do so.

Sent by Wendy Hughes

Damian gives us excellent service, is always available and nothing is too much trouble for him.

Sent by Roger Havelock

We had a complicated holiday for 14 people staying at a variety of places and all the bookings were well organised. Problems at one hotel were quickly rectified by Travel Counsellors. Thank you Damian.

Sent by Susan Radcliffe

In all our dealings with Damian we have always found him extremely helpful, knowledgeable and he always goes the extra mile to help us with our holiday arrangements!!

Sent by Pauline Palfreyman

We always welcome Damian's advice and appreciate the speed at which he responds to our questions. Thanks Damian.

Sent by Bill Dowle

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Damian to family and friends. His service has been second to none.

Sent by Randell Moll

We have always received excellent service from Damian Newell and have already recommended him to others. One friend has just referred to him for arrangements for a family holiday next year. We have given Damian a complicated series of requests including a visit he has arranged for a party to Morocco this month and we have always received unfailing courtesy and efficient service.

Sent by Anthony Maloney

Our family has used Damian Newell for the last 9 years and have found him to be a consummate professional, always courteous, thoughtful and considerate. He knows exactly what our requirements are, the standard of holiday we call for and never fails to exceed our expectations. We have recommended Damian to many family members, friends and work colleagues and again the feedback from their experience with Damian has been excellent.

Sent by Caroline O'Brien

Damian is always ready to help and is very knowledgeable and provides excellent customer service. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my friends and family AND frequently do so. I always trust his advice and he has never let me down.

Sent by Ros O'Connor

Excellent (patient) service every time! Damian never lets me down ... he always comes up with something! I used to love coming home to a postcard from him at the end of the holiday. Always thought that was a lovely touch. Overall brilliant service! Thank you.

Sent by Philip Lee

I was introduced to Damien through a colleague. I can say he has been fantastic in his support and totally professional. Nothing is too much trouble and his experience is immense. I will definitely use him again. He booked flights, cruise, hotels and even did our visas. Thanks Damien!

Sent by Victoria Johnston

I just wanted you to know that our family holiday to Florida was out of this world. Many, many thanks to you for making this trip so smooth and problem free. The quality of service you provide is second to none! I will most definitely be in touch soon as I'm sure will many of my friends. Once again, thank you from me and all my family.

Sent by Marie Wright

Damian always manages to find the ideal holiday to suit our needs. He is always available day and night, seven days a week and has a keen understanding of what we like to do.

Sent by Tony Thould

Fantastic service, very slick. Would highly recommend - made to feel you are getting a truly personal service. Well done!

Sent by Deborah Winrow

Damian Newell is an asset to the company. He is knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and very professional in his manner and attention to detail.

Sent by Sylvia East

Sent by Dorothy Rhoden

We have booked several holidays with Damian and all the bookings have gone through like clockwork. He's more a friend now than just a booking agent.

Sent by George Whilde

We found Mr Damian Newell extremely polite, helpful and very informative. We have already recommended Mr Newell to many of our family and friends and we hope to be in touch for any future holidays.

Sent by Alan Yates

I always get the personal touch from Damian with useful advice readily available and every holiday tailored exactly to our needs.

Sent by Andrew Gregory

Very friendly and efficient service, I can't thank Damian enough for his help in sorting my tickets to Australia for a friends wedding. Very satisfied customer, many thanks.

Sent by Lisa Knight

Damian Newell has been my Travel Counsellor for over a decade now and I have recommended him to many of my friends, family and colleagues over the years, and will continue to do so.

Sent by Jacqui Fox

Excellent advice and a trip tailored specifically to our requirements and budget. Can't wait to go!

Sent by Randell Moll

Our party to Morocco has caused several complications, in order to satisfy our varying considerations. Damian Newell has been first-rate in managing all our concerns, as he was when we used his services for an extended trip to the southern hemisphere, eighteen months ago. We shall certainly recommend him to friends and have already done so.

Sent by Trish Brown

We have used Damian Newell's expertise to arrange most of our holidays over the past twelve years. We have also passed on his name to our friends. Neither ourselves or our friends have been disappointed with his service.

Sent by Lorna James

Damian Newell has been my travel Counsellor for the past 11 years and I am highly delighted with the service I received and continues to receive from him. I have recently booked two holidays with him and as usual, I tell him when I am available to travel, the region I would like to visit, whether I would like a cruise a holiday resort holiday or just a flight. Having booked my holidays for such a long time, Damian is aware of my likes and dislikes. Coupled with the depth and breadth of his knowledge in the travel buisness, he goes to work and finds a tailor made holiday for my mother and I. He has never advised us or booked a holiday for us that we were/are not happy with, or one that was unsuitable. I trust Damian implicitly and have faith in his discretion. Damian is a true professional who goes the extra miles to make our holiday experience a memorable occasion. He is accommodating to whatever changes we make or help we need. I have recommended him to friends, family and colleagues who have had similar experiences. For me, Damian Newell is the best and will forever be my Travel Counsellor.

Sent by Tim Shrimpton

I would recomend Damian to friends and family due to his great ability to find the perfect holiday and to stay within the budget we set. He has been very helpfull and offered lots of advice regarding hotels and things to do whilst away.

Sent by Jean Thomas

I am always telling friends to give Damian a call about holidays. He is quick to reply, very efficient and we always get the best quality in whichever catergory of anything we choose. He is not a miracle worker so if you choose two or three star quality you will get the best in that catergory, but he always gives us a choice. Nothing has ever been out of place in the ten years or more that we have booked with him.

Sent by Brian Wilcox

Last year we were looking for a last minute two week break to Lake Garda, Italy and were recommended Damian by friends, who have dealt with him for several years and always speak very highly of him. The holiday that he arranged was quite simply perfect, so we had no hesitation whatsoever in asking Damian to build an itinerary when planning a month long holiday, in November this year, to New Zealand and Australia. Damian was very professional, helpful and knowledgeable in every respect, the whole initinerary - flights, accommodation, car hire and transfers, was absolutely spot on! We have no doubt that it was through Damian's expertise and knowledge of New Zealand and Australia that everything ran like clock-work and we had the most fantastic holiday of a lifetime. Throughout the entire planning process we found Damian to be extremely polite and courteous, nothing at all was to much trouble with any queries we had and always getting a prompt response from him. Would we be using Damian for future holidays? Without a shadow of a doubt! We are so impressed by his service that we have recommended him to family and friends and will continue to do so. Thank you so much Damian. Mr & Mrs Brian Wilcox, Bolton

Sent by Michelle Capper

My husband and I have just returned from Mauritius where we got married on the beach and had the most amazing honeymoon. We chose to book with Damian at Travel Counsellors as we have booked various holidays with him for ten years and he always works very hard for us to get the best deals on flights and accommodation. We got a fantastic deal for our wedding/honeymoon with all the legal fees included. We were looked after in resort from the moment we arrived. Katie, our wedding co-ordinator in the UK and the co-ordinator in resort helped make everything run smoothly and without stress. It really was perfect. I always recommend Damian to my friends and family who are equally satisfied with the exceptional service they receive. Thank you very much Damian

Sent by Robin L'Oste-Brown

I have been extremely impressed with Damian's service. Always polite and helpful he has a wealth of knowledge which has been invaluable in planning our holiday. I have already recommended his services to several other fiends and will continue to do so.

Sent by Adam Beecroft

We have been booking our holidays with Damian for the past 4 years and each one has been superb. Damian tailor makes each holiday to meet our needs and our budget and his vast knowledge and experience of destinations are invaluable. Booking with Travel Counsellors also gives us peace of mind that no matter what happens our money is safe and this was highlighted when our Excel flight was cancelled only days before we were due to depart. Damian sorted this in a flash; we had a new flight instantly and Travel Counsellors made sure we were not out of pocket with its ATOL protection. This continued level of excellent and personalised service has led us to ask Damian to plan our dream honeymoon through Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and I would recommend Travel Counsellors above anyone else. Thank you Damian for some wonderful experiences and memories.

Sent by Rosalinda O'Connor

Very helpful, knowledgeable and patient! Nothing seems to be too much trouble. Always a first class service. Best holiday Damian ever found for us was an unforgettable week in the Maldives. Second best was a perfectly organised holiday in New York where he used his personal experiences to best direct us.

Sent by Jean Thomas

Damian has organised our holidays for the past ten years. Including a trip round the world by ourselves, a guided tour of china, plus many cruises and other holidays. Each time everything has gone very smoothly and we have never had a single problem. He has secured some really great hotels with extras for us that do not come up on the internet. Damian gives extra special service to his clients.

Sent by Linda Will

Damian planned our "once in a lifetime" trip to Oz and New Zealand from beginning to end. From recommending a round the world ticket with Air New Zealand (best premium economy in the world) to great hotels and amazing experiences, he put the whole trip together and it worked like a dream.

Sent by Philip Hurst

Damian has booked 3 or 4 cruises for me now - I always get great service and the prices he comes up with are much better than anyone else .Damian is always happy to go the extra mile if I ever need anything adding to my booking later. suffice to say that I would ask Damian to book my next cruise. I almost forgot, he also saved me £1000 on a business class flight to Canada - not bad at all !!!!

Sent by Ian Feeley

We have used Damian for all our holidays for around 6 years and the reason we still do is his extremely high levels of service and efficiency. Throughout this time Damian has got to know the types of holidays we enjoy and we trust his judgement 100%, he has never let us down. As long as he is there we will never book with anyone else and we both recommend him on a regular basis to anyone we know.

Sent by Ailsa Stewart

Damian was recommended to me as being someone who took great trouble in satisfying his customer with every travel detail. He did not disappoint me! I was particularly grateful for his concern about my age and checking that I had all the necessary documents for my tour.

Sent by M ODEHADAKOLE

MY WIFE AND I WERE LOOKING FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY AFTER OUR WEDDING, WE DID TRY ONE OR TWO PLACE'S AND A FAMILY FRIEND GAVE US DAMIAN’S OFFICE NUMBER TO RING AND SPEAK TO HIM ABOUT WHAT KIND OF HOLIDAY WE WERE LOOKING OUT FOR. MAN THIS GUY IS GOOD HE BOOKED A NICE AND CHEAP HOLIDAY, THE BEST ANYONE CAN THINK OF. WE WILL ALWAYS BOOK OUR FAMILY HOLIDAY WITH THIS GUY. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A NICE HOLIDAY DAMIAN IS THE MAN.

Sent by Kath Millington

With Damian's expert help we had a fantastic holiday in Peru last year. The organisation was superb, and we had a marvellous time. As an added extra, when our flight was delayed and the whole itinerary was at risk, Damian did a great job on the other end of the phone sorting it all out. It was good to know he was handling it as we travelled on! We will definitely use his services again this year.

Sent by Jacqueline Priestley

I would like to say what a help Damian has been to us in helping us plan our holidays I have been very impressed with the way he has helped and would recommend him to anyone. Thank you Damian

Sent by Alan Yates

Happy to say that Damian is exceptionally helpful and innovative in his advice and suggestions and always willing to put in ample time and effort to come up with a holiday solution. He would certainly be my first choice seeking a holiday. Thanks Damian!

Sent by Elaine Knowles

Damian has arranged many holidays and weekend breaks over the years for me and my husband. We have never been disappointed with the arrangements. We have found Damian to be extremely efficient, professional and very knowledgeable. If he says he will return a call and get back to you then he does every time. On a more personal level he is friendly and has never ending patience.

Sent by Barrie & Christine Boardman

Damian has been excellent with helping and booking holidays. A wonderful personality and so helpful to us both and we will be using him again soon for our cruise in Jan 2011. I have referred him to a number of my friends and family who are very happy with his service, never met him but feel like he is a good friend.

Sent by Dorothy Shields

I have found Damian Newell a great asset when arranging my holidays - I tell him where I want to go and when - and he does the rest! This has been the arrangement for a number of years and all itineraries have been excellently arranged and no mishaps or problems encountered. I am happy to recommend him as a capable, caring agent, professional, at all times and possessing a sound knowledge of travel.

Sent by Alan & Ann Chattaway

Our first experience using Travel Counsellors, namely Damian was to arrange a short notice booking to Turkey, as some friends had recommended we should go. Having given Damian our wish list of preferences and budget, Damian came up with the ideal resort, even taking the time to ring one of his clients who had been there recently for feedback and to make sure that he had made the right choice for us. Needless to say we have since been cruising to both the Caribbean and Mediterranean expertly organised by Damian, who takes the hassle out of holiday hunting, and is far more knowledgeable and gives accurate information about any resort or country than any brochure could give. Damian is well travelled and his fountain of knowledge meets the needs of any potential traveller anywhere in the world. We have recommended Damian to both family and friends who have all been pleased with his services. The hardest part of booking our holiday for next year will be where to go, the rest we'll leave up to Damian. Kind regards.

Sent by Paula Folkes

We have been booking our cruises with Damian for the past 7 years. We know that we can trust that our holiday has been booked and confirmed. Damian's knowledge of places and especially cruise liners and their destination is unbelievable. I know I can call Damian and ask him questions about our ship we are booked on; things like what facilities are on board for a 7 and 1 year old, what is the food and service like. Damian is very honest with his opinions and he will tell us why he thinks the cruise is not suitable for our requirements and family needs and will recommend an alternative. Damian is very hard working.. we know because we are very demanding customers, but Damian always comes up trumps. We would totally recommend his service.

Sent by Lorna James

After browsing teletext for a holiday, I came across Travel Counsellors and telephoned the number. I spoke to Damian Newell, who told me what was available within the region I wanted to travel. He then supported the information he gave me over the telephone by sending print outs of the nice hotels within my price range which I indicated I was interested in visiting. I was most impressed by the depth of Damian’s knowledge of holidays and travel. He was also courteous, conscientious, thoughtful and very professional throughout our conversation and has remained the same ever since. Damian knows exactly the type of holidays that are suitable for me and has arranged several over past 7 years for myself and my family. I have also recommended Damian to my friends and colleagues who have always been highly satisfied with the service they receive. Damian, my personal Travel Counsellor is fantastic! He can always be depended on to deliver a friendly tailor made service to suit individual needs which gives me peace of mind. He is simply the best.

Sent by Tony & Wendy Hughes

At the time of writing we have booked two holidays with Damian. The service he has provided has been excellent. To receive such caring and efficient service is rare these days. We would have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone. As already stated the service we have received from Travel Councillors has been, to say the least, exceptional and having experienced this we cannot see any occasion when we would return to a high street travel agent. Kind regards.