Based in Penarth

Jo Baldwin

It's Nice To Meet You

Welcome to my website and thank you for taking the time to visit.

I have been an independent Travel Counsellor for 10 years and I also have many years of experience working in the travel industry as a tour guide. I can help with any luxury tailormade leisure travel plans you have including beach, ski, family, adventure, round the world, sailing, skiing, Lapland, flights, cruise, city break, scuba diving, honeymoon, safari or UK breaks. I also provide a bespoke corporate travel management service for businesses looking for a quick and easy solution to book their travel plans.

I save you the time and hassle of searching for your next bespoke holiday. I provide a trustworthy, friendly personal service and our independent Financial Trust and ATOL bond offers protection on every element of your booking for peace of mind. I will plan your holiday using my extensive travel knowledge and my own journeys to over 50 countries worldwide to make great suggestions and offer hotels and destinations that really suit you. I am a specialist in the complexities of large groups bookings including multi-generation family groups, corporate incentive holidays, sport tours, choral, corporate and university groups.

After more than two years of dealing with changing covid travel restrictions on a day to day basis I am an expert in taking the very best care of my clients in unprecedented circumstances, and I am fully up to date with the latest travel advice. Travel Counsellors have been named MoneySavingExpert’s number one travel company for looking after customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are rated 5 star on Trustpilot.

You can read the testimonials my clients have left below, and read about my previous travel adventures in my blogs.

Please get in touch with your requirements so that I can take all of the details I need to tailor make your perfect travel plans, I look forward to speaking with you.

signature

Contact Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

Find me on social

My Videos

Barbados 2020

10/22/2020

What's it like to travel in 2020? I went to Barbados to find out..

Blue Hole Jamaica

2/19/2020

An absolute highlight of our holiday to Jamaica was a visit to the ‘The Blue Hole’, also known as Island Gully Falls, Irie Falls, or The Cool Blue Hole.

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.

Meneghetti & Rovinj, Croatia

31 October 2023

I’ve recently returned from a magical stay at Meneghetti hotel in Croatia and simply had to share with you how smitten I am! Nestled in the Istrian countryside among centuries-old cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves you’ll find this unique Relais & Chateaux property. Offering a mix of hotel rooms, residences and villas, many with private pools, there are accommodation options to suit everyone from solos, couples, families and larger groups. The restaurant here is Michelin recommended and offers a modern interpretation of traditional Mediterranean cuisine using fresh local ingredients, many of which are sourced from the hotel’s own gardens. Locally sourced olives and truffles are a speciality. I’d go back here for the food alone, but there’s so much more besides. The hotel has two outdoor and one indoor swimming pools, but if you’d prefer a dip in the sea it is less than 2km from Croatia’s turquoise coast. There’s a beach shuttle service or you can walk/cycle if preferred. A boho beach club complete with bar and sunloungers on the water’s edge awaits. The winery on site produces over 100,000 bottles of wine every year and there is ample opportunity for wine tasting (I can confirm it is divine!), tours of the vineyards and wine making process. The olive oil produced on site is also recognised as among the world’s finest and is utterly delicious. I can’t imagine a better place for celebrating a special occasion, and the site can host a range of events such as birthday or anniversary celebrations, weddings and even corporate meetings. It's impossible to convey adequately in words all the things that make this hotel so special, it pleases all senses. The area smells blissfully of herbs, pine trees and olives and the soft light bathes everything in a glorious warm glow. The staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming, and the service is exemplary and discreet. As an idea of cost, a three night weekend break at Meneghetti on Fri 05 July 2024 from Gatwick is from £1,125 per person based on two sharing a Vintage Room, B&B (at time of writing, Oct 2023). I stayed at Meneghetti on a short weekend break and twinned it with a stay in charming Rovinj town nearby on the coast. It also lends itself well to a twin centre with nearby Venice, or incorporated into a longer itinerary exploring more of Croatia, Italy or Slovenia. In Rovinj I stayed at adult only Monte Mulini hotel, which is a short walk from the narrow cobbled streets of Rovinj old town and perfect for exploring the local area. Monte Mulini has a gorgeous beach area and a host of pools. Rovinj is known as the ‘pearl’ of the Istrian peninsula. Its Venetian old town contains a treasure trove of artisan workshops, eateries and boutiques. Fine dining restaurants are tucked away next to chic lounge bars and gelato shops lining the waterfront. The backdrop is one of dense pine trees, interspersed with pristine coves for swimming.

Central American Discovery Cruise on Scenic Eclipse Part 1

05 June 2023

There’s 'cruising', and then there’s 'Scenic Eclipse', 6 star luxury discovery cruising in the some of the most marine rich and diverse waters on the planet. I was very fortunate to embark on the latter, with a two week ‘Central America Discovery’ cruise on board Scenic Eclipse. This is no ordinary cruise itinerary, and no ordinary ship. Before I go into the places we sailed to, let’s talk first about the stunning ship I was sailing aboard. Scenic Eclipse is the World's First Discovery Yacht. She’s 168m in length and hosts only 228 passengers in 114 spacious cabins. The fact she was built in Croatia makes me love her even more. Each cabin has a dedicated butler, and there's a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. There are more than 38 chefs, from 15 different countries offering cuisine at 10 different dining venues, and there are 9 bars and lounges. She's got a sleek exterior with custom-built stabilisers that are 50% larger than other ships, offering a smooth ride for navigating waters all over the globe. The spa is 550m2. She houses 2 helicopters, 1 submarine, and a host of zodiacs, kayaks and SUP's for exploration on, above and below water. She's as comfortable in Polar regions as she is in the tropics. Her sister ship, Scenic Eclipse 2, launched this year so now there are two ships that offer this elevated cruise experience with all-inclusive luxury food, beverages and discovery excursions all included. Her voyages range from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, Canada and Australia, and she is at her forte in the polar regions, where the ship effortlessly glides through icy waters with glacial backdrops in search of penguins, seals and whales in one of the most extreme climates on earth. On this voyage exploring the west coast of Central America we sailed from Panama to Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Stops along the way included Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, with a final night in Los Angeles. The once in a lifetime journey started in Panama city, a curious and colourful blend of old and new. Highrise glass and metal juxtaposes with the soft beauty of the historic quarter’s quaint, narrow streets. Enroute to board the ship the driver of our bus pulls and signals to a roadside almond tree, where two hairy sloths peer out of the foliage- yes we’re definitely in Central America! Scenic Eclipse looks like a sleek private yacht docked in Panama’s busy port, and alongside ‘normal’ cruise ships she’s dwarfed. After being warmly welcomed aboard the ship with red carpet treatment I was shown to my cabin which was very spacious and had every amenity imaginable- Dyson hairdryer, espresso machine for fresh coffees, well stocked minibar, and even two carafes for decanting your favourite tipple. They really have thought of everything. The ship is immaculate, clean modern luxury- think plush carpets, shiny glass or metal and décor that belongs in a sleek hotel. There are a variety of amazing restaurants, cafes and bars on board and room service is 24/7, should you wish to dine in the cabin. I really liked the café concept of Azure, where you could pop in anytime for a sandwich and a coffee, with an outdoor deck to watch the world go by. Evenings proposed a range of places to dine, some of which required advance booking, and the standout meal for me was at the sushi restaurant. Our first port of call was at one of Panama’s untouched tropical islands, Isla Cebaco, where we had the first taste of what it’s like to have a luxury experience on a remote sandy beach. Isla Cebaco offers no commercial transportation, meaning it can only be reached by private charter so the beaches are empty and the water is warm and clear, fringed by gently rustling palms. The ship docked in a tranquil bay and then zodiacs taxied guests onto the beach. What awaited was a dream come true! The ship had provided a full bar fully stocked with ice cold drinks, deckchairs, shade from the sun under gazebos and clean fluffy beach towels. The setup was so well planned- including a range of suncreams to use in case you left yours on the ship. There were also kayaks, SUP’s and snorkelling gear- all in all, everything you could possibly need for the most perfect afternoon on the beach- in remote unspoilt paradise. One of Scenic’s many charms is that their cruises include excursions, so at the next stop in Costa Rica at Golfito we were given a choice of activities from which I chose the dolphin watching, which was a great chance to head out into the gulf on a small local boat to see dolphins enjoying their natural habitat, undisturbed. It didn’t take long to spot several pods of playful dolphins, and a marine expert on board provided us with lots of information about these remarkable marine creatures. Those who explored the rainforest at Casa Orquideaos saw crocodiles and a huge variety of local birds. Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica was the next stop, and we had the chance here to snorkel from a platform above coral and an abundance of fish. There was also a great sandy sweep of beach to kick back on, with local bars serving up rum in fresh coconuts and more great snorkelling opportunities. The marine life on view underwater here was incredible, I enjoyed it so much I did it twice, the kaleidoscope of colours and variety of different fish left me astounded and amazed. Back on the ship, the stern had been transformed into a floating pontoon, allowing those on the ship to swim from the back of the boat so whilst the sun set on another perfect day we could jump into the warm water form the back of the ship, making the most of every minute. Zip lining in Costa Rica is a must, so the next day a group set out to zipline through the jungle canopy spotting local wildlife and soaking up the rainforest atmosphere. Continued in blog 2...

Central American Discovery Cruise on Scenic Eclipse Part 2

05 June 2023

For the next country to tick off the itinerary we docked at Acajutla in El Salvador, where a guided tour to see local churches was on offer, but I decided to take the local transfer bus to go and explore independently, seeing a couple of stops in Acajutla including a nice sandy beach area. I was received so warmly wherever I went in El Salvador, and even had a chance to try the refreshing local beer and stock up on coffee to take home with me. It is here that the ship’s helicopter took to the skies, whizzing passengers over El Salvador’s fascinating landscapes and azure coastline. One of my favourite stops was next, docking at Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, where we had the opportunity to summit Pacaya, an active complex volcano. The views from our hike were resplendent, and a real highlight of the trip. Guatemala has 37 volcanoes in total, so by climbing one you get to witness for yourself just how many there are in the surrounding area- every vista has a volcano- some of which are erupting with smoke and fiery red lava! We were yet again shown the most incredible hospitality here at every turn, such a warm, welcoming country and one I would love to return to again. Others on the cruise chose to visit the picture perfect town of Antigua 1500m above sea level, once the city’s colourful colonial capital with bougainvillea draped buildings clustered around stunning bright courtyards and squares. Saying farewell to Guatemala we next arrived into the port of Huatulco in Mexico, home to a rich and varied heritage of indigenous groups where the local National Park has 300 bird species and 87 types of amphibian and reptile flourish in the unique ecosystem. Excursions here included a boat trip through silent mangroves looking for crocodiles, or a visit to a coffee plantation to hear all about this important produce from the area. Our penultimate port of call was at the buzzy seaside resort of Puerto Vallarta, a beach destination backed by the Sierra Madre mountains, made famous for the publicity around Elizabeth Taylor’s affair with Richard Burton while filming in Banderas Bay, putting it firmly on the map in the sixties. Here we visited local taco restaurants and dipped into the local markets and shops along the pedestrianised Malecon, a waterfront walkway that’s the heart and soul of the city where musicians and street artists play alongside stall vendors, lively bars and restaurants. Travelling onwards north into the Sea of Cortez we had the excitement of seeing whales breach and play as well as devil rays doing backflips out of the water in incredible ariel displays. The final stop was dropping anchor just off Isla Cerralvo, or Isla Jacques Cousteau, an island located off the Mexican Baja California Sur. Above the water line here the dry landscape is very barren and with sparse spiny cacti. However, under the water life flourishes. Virtually all local marine life must migrate past the island, and the water visibility goes up to 30 meters making it a prime location for snorkelling- I spent an hour or so admiring the richness of marine life here, especially the vivid puffer fish, who were ubiquitous. From Baja we had a short flight up to Los Angeles for one final night on land, staying at the classy SLS hotel in Beverley Hills. I was enamoured with LA- from the moment we approached the city it was like being immersed in the movies. From the swish shops in Beverly Hills to the skateboarders at Venice Beach to the wide sands of Santa Monica I soaked it all up in 24 hours and it’s a city I look forward to revisiting. I could say as much about my time at sea, sailing along in the sunshine, as I could about the places we stopped. The sea life in this region is varied and spectacular, so vast pods of dolphins accompanied us alongside the ship daily. Whales joined us as we got further north, breaching and feeding, so the ship stopped to allow us time to watch at a respectful distance. Flying fish and leaping devil rays wowed with acrobatics above the water and large turtles regularly stopped to bob by the ship. Sea birds accompanied our progress, and there was never a dull moment as the scenery slipped by seamlessly, always stunning and ever changing. There were plenty of places to relax on the ship, from the hot tubs and sun deck on top deck to the refreshing plunge pool outside the spa area. I indulged in daily yoga or stretching classes, and topped up my training for the London marathon in the ship’s gym, where dolphins leapt and played in the waters outside the window as I ticked off the miles on the treadmill. This has to be the best view of any gym in the world, surely? There were daily seminars discussing the history, wildlife and vegetation of the areas we travelled through, as well as performances from the talented on board singers and entertainers. My favourite memories from the cruise will be sitting on my private balcony in the sunshine having breakfast whilst rainforest views slid by and dolphins played alongside the ship in bright turquoise waters, shoals of flying fish glittering in the morning light. The views of Guatemala from the summit of the volcano, and the chilled beach vibes in Mexico were also highlights. I loved watching the climate, flora and fauna change as we sailed north along the coast. From the humidity and thickness of the lush green tropical rainforest in Panama and Costa Rica to the volcanoes of Guatemala to the barren parched earth of Jacques Cousteau Island. Spending time on Scenic Eclipse, this very special ship, was a dream. The sight of her brought tears to our eyes as we approached to dock from the zodiacs, she is the most beautiful sight to behold and turns heads wherever she goes. If you’re looking to experience a cruise like no other and want to know more about sailing on Scenic Eclipse then please get in touch.

Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia

16 February 2023

Zoëtry Marigot Bay, St. Lucia is located on a stunning harbour, the waterfront restaurant here is known as 'Hurricane Hole' due to its natural protection from the elements. Glittering yachts line the marina with a steep backdrop of dense lush jungle. We explored the island on horseback and snorkelled in azure seas next to the famous Piton Mountain Twin Peaks. This impressive hotel is built into a steep hill on Marigot marina. There are several lovely pool areas spread over the resort, plus there is a swim up bar. It is all-inclusive, and has no buffets at all, everything is à la carte - including room service. Yoga at the hotel was superb, and several times per week in the morning for guests, under a pagoda in the open air. We also took a guided walk provided by the hotel, to a nearby lookout point with a knowledgeable guide telling us about the local flora and fauna. Boat trips from here are easy, as boats can dock at the hotel’s private jetty to collect. We went on a catamaran afternoon to view the Piton mountains with snorkelling and lunch and would highly recommend. We were even joined by a pod of playful dolphins who raced the boat and played in the bow waves, which was magical. The concierge at the hotel can organise boat trips plus a range of activities like zip lining or horse riding too. The hotel is set on a marina, so there’s no official beach area. The harbour is beautiful, a green and lush cove surrounded by dense trees and plants. The hotel provides a water taxi to take guests from one side of the marina to a small beach on the other side of the bay. There are plans to open a beach bar with hotel sunbeds on this strip of beach in the future. Café Coco on the marina has delicious fresh pastries/cakes cooked on site and coffees/teas all day, a real highlight. Residence rooms are massive, with a large kitchen/lounge area separate from the bedroom. Some rooms have private plunge pools on the balcony. There’s the possibility to book two or three-bedroom suites here, so it’s ideal for larger families or groups. The ‘mini bar’ in the Residence rooms is in fact a full-size fridge, stocked with drinks and snacks, and there is a decent coffee maker in the room for morning coffees. There was lively evening entertainment like karaoke, but this didn’t pollute the resort with noise. An exclusive little rum cave bar offers private dining and rum tasting. You can check in/out whenever you want, so we kept our rooms until we left, which was a real bonus. We also went to St. James’s Club hotel and were shown architect’s plans and a prototype room for the renovation into a brand-new adult only Secrets Saint Lucia resort, due to be open by the end of the year 2023, and it looks incredible. They plan to upgrade all rooms, renovating all public areas and restaurants and adding a helipad, so clients can helicopter transfer to the resort. Located on a superb beach, with a pier going out into the crystal-clear water, this promises to be a really special resort once it’s had a Secrets makeover, ideal for weddings and honeymoons.

Kalkan Turkey October 2022

02 November 2022

Kalkan is located on Turkey’s stunning Lycian coast. The weather in early October was hot and sunny, ideal for sightseeing and sunbathing at beach clubs and on boat trips. What an amazing combination of hot sunny weather, delicious food, jaw dropping views, amazing friends and loads of fun. Our week was simply perfect at Villa Sapphire. Kalkan is the prettiest town with charming, cobbled streets, a weekly local market and top-notch rooftop restaurants. The food and drink in Kalkan were incredible! It's always a real highlight of travelling to Turkey. Kalkan's best restaurants are hidden high up above street level, in a series of small rooftop restaurants. Lit with twinkling fairy lights, these little gems serve up delicious fresh food with views over the pretty town and harbour below. Luxury beach clubs offer the indulgence of fresh cocktails delivered to your sun lounger, and local markets are overflowing with produce, showcasing local flavours and ingredients. We visited Likya Residence & Spa, a luxurious adult-only retreat a short stroll from the heart of the charming harbour town of Kalkan. Most impressive here is the terrace restaurant with a wide menu of delicious Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, a fabulous spot to marvel at the stunning views over Kalkan and out to sea. This excellent restaurant is probably one of the best, if not ‘the’ best in Kalkan. All the light, airy and incredibly spacious rooms and suites offer unrivalled sea views and have a large balcony or terrace, a superb spot to sit and watch the sun go down over the deep blue Mediterranean. Asfiya Sea View Hotel, a modern boutique hotel with sea views from every angle and in an exceptional location, within a stone's throw of the centre of Kalkan. With only 34 stylish en-suite rooms, 15 have their very own plunge pools, 3 rooms have direct access to the communal swimming pool, and all enjoy breathtaking sea views. Guests are invited to use the nearby Yali Beach Club, easily accessible on foot, a 10-minute stroll downhill from the hotel. Parasols and day beds are scattered on rocky platforms and waiter and towel service is available to your daybed. A highlight of any time in Turkey is the opportunity to visit a Turkish hammam, which offers a classic hamman experience with intense steam room massage and exfoliation with lots and lots of bubbles! There's also loads of things to do in Kalkan and the area, from luxury beach clubs to boat trips for lunch and snorkelling and easy access to Saklikent Gorge and Patara beach. There's a local market every Thursday, which was a great experience. Bougainvillea spirals from every house in Kalkan, and the sunsets here are breath taking. A perfect holiday! Here are my top tips from Kalkan: General: - Taxis to/from the centre are 60 to 100 lira (£3 to £5) each way in Kalkan. - Cash is king in Kalkan! British pounds or Turkish lira are both widely accepted. There are several ATMs dotted around town. - You will need to prebook almost everything in Kalkan over peak summer months, it does get very busy. You will need reservations for a boat trip, tables at restaurants, hammam and sunbeds at beach clubs. Restaurants: - Rooftop restaurants we tried in central Kalkan include Blue Terrace, Kalamaki and Lal, all excellent with amazing views. Book ahead! - Trio is on the waterfront overlooking the harbour and has amazing food and service is second to none. Go here for balloon bread! (Authentic Turkish Lavas Puff Bread) - Likya Residence & Spa hotel has an incredible restaurant, with a terrace that overlooks the bay. - If staying in a villa or apartment then you can get pizza /pide/ kebabs delivered, and inexpensive too. The supermarkets also offer a shopping delivery service. Hammam: - We had the hammam starter package at Nur & Hakan Spa at Elixir Boutique Hotel, which was so good we went twice! Two people go in at a time. - The spa/hammam at Lykia Residence hotel is also lovely. Things to Do: - Don’t miss trips to nearby Salikent Gorge and Patara Beach. It’s inexpensive to get taxis there or use local dolmus (minibuses which act as public buses and are fast and cheap) for an authentic taste of travelling in Turkey. - Kalkan has a colourful weekly market every Thursday morning, don’t miss the fresh orange juice, and pancakes that are made in front of you while you wait. - BSG handbags in the centre of Kalkan have the best reputation for ‘genuine fakes’ and have a great selection of real leather handbags that look just like the real thing! Boat Trip: - Common consensus is that Eylul boat is the best. Lunch on the boat was utterly delicious, and we stopped at beautiful bays to swim/snorkel. Beach Clubs: - Zest: We thought this was the best one. Book well in advance for Bali beds/ the best location. Built in 2019, it has a huge infinity pool and really comfy sunbeds. Access to the sea is from steps and platforms. You can get a free shuttle bus here from the harbour to/from the club. - Yali Beach club: has a couples/adult’s atmosphere, not so great with kids. - Indigo: right by the harbour. - Kalamar is the most basic of the beach clubs, but has a restaurant/bar and a sea trampoline for kids, kayaks etc. Very family friendly. Lovely at sunset, as it faces west. Call me to plan your holiday in Kalkan, I can find you the perfect Kalkan holiday from hotels to apartments and private villas.

Barbados 2020

29 October 2020

This was my first overseas venture in covid times, and I was intrigued by what travel now looks and feels like in late 2020. When I was offered the opportunity to travel to Barbados courtesy of the Barbados Tourist Marketing Inc. alongside a handful of agents as well as the UK and Irish media, I jumped at the chance. This was a last-minute break, so there was no time to waste. Barbados is on the government’s ‘safe corridor’ list, so no quarantine is necessary on return, but negative PCR (covid) test-two of them-are required. The first test is within three days of travel. A private clinic performed the test with guaranteed results by the following evening. Once I had my negative certificate, I uploaded this to the Barbados immigration form, printed off several copies, and was ready to go. The airport experience at Heathrow was identical to normal, just with masks on and social distancing in place throughout. There was a palpable atmosphere of excitement when we took off, this was the first trip abroad for many since the start of the pandemic and everyone was thrilled to be flying again. Our arrival in Barbados was spectacular. There in the balmy darkness on the warm runway was a full brass band and stilt walkers to welcome us. As we entered the terminal building, our PCR certificates were checked, and we were each given wristbands to signify we had just arrived and were now in quarantine until our second negative test. Our temperatures were checked, and we were asked to record and submit our temperatures twice daily. Check in at The Sands hotel was seamless. Our temperatures were checked again, and we were shown to our spotlessly clean room. It was explained that until we’d had a second test, we’d be asked to stay in the quarantine areas of the hotel with no access to the pool or to the beach, as all beaches in Barbados are public. There is a lovely garden with sun loungers for the initial quarantine, and a separate area within the restaurant. Content with being asked to lie on a sun lounger until asked to move, I was happy with this arrangement! The Sands, Barbados offers apartment accommodation with a slick and distinctive smart Miami Beach feel. It has a superb location right on Worthing Beach, whilst also being within easy walking distance of St Lawrence Gap’s many restaurants, cafés and bars. The flexible apartment rooms can be adapted from double rooms all the way up to two-bedroom duplexes set over two stories, ideal for larger families. The rooms overlooking the beach are south facing, so capture both the sunrise and sunsets that grace the island with a riot of colour. The beach front restaurant here provides delicious fresh à la carte meals, and the pool is larger than most, with a graduate entry point. Our second covid test, 48 hours after arrival, was a private test, arranged through the hotel. We were tested at 6.30am and the results were back by early that evening. Our wristbands were ceremoniously removed, and now permitted to leave the hotel, we got straight into a taxi for a sunset cruise on board the luxury catamaran Cool Runnings IV. This was an experience I’d highly recommend. The food and drinks on board were incredible, the views were divine, and once moored we swam from the back of the boat in the still warm waters. With the remaining time in Barbados, we explored different hotels and activities. The Sea Breeze Beach House have not only adapted to the way we now travel; they have positively embraced it. Their ‘VIP experience’ area they have created for quarantining guests has access to a swimming pool and huge comfy loungers. The luxury block of the hotel houses the best rooms: pared back minimal beach house style overlooking the wide expanse of white sandy beach. Situated close to the fishing village of Oistins on the south coast of Barbados, we were lucky to be taken to the fish market, where turtles swam underneath the pier and local fisherman prepare their catch for market. Coral Reef Club offers not only a calm sandy beach but also the opportunity to snorkel the kaleidoscope of coral located right in front of the hotel. The impressive spa here is a destination in its own right. The luxurious rooms are spaciously set within the 12 acres of lush tropical garden, and there’s a feeling of space and privacy with all the rooms. An incredibly popular hotel with repeat clients, it is easy to see why guests return year after year here. The Sandpiper is a sister hotel to Coral Reef Club with lush and verdant garden areas. Guests are free to use the facilities at both hotels. A distinctly family-run hotel, it has a lovely boutique feel. The newly built Tree Top Suite has jaw dropping views over the ocean from its glass fronted balcony. Families are encouraged and welcomed, with two-bedroom suites that sleep five comfortably and with a popular and award-winning restaurant, foodies won’t be disappointed. Cobbler’s Cove is a small family-owned converted mansion painted pastel pink throughout that is a Barbados institution. With only 40 suites, guests here are mainly repeat clients and know the hotel staff by first name, creating a charming laid-back atmosphere. It is a benchmark in old school luxury and glamour, where the comforts of a grand country house meet the rustic charm and colour of the Caribbean. A pool party thrown by our hosts at Villa Tamarindo was graced by an exquisite sunset and the Barbados Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Lisa Cummins, who spoke with positivity and hope for the future. The villa itself, highly spec’d with five bedrooms, private pool and direct beach access, is a west coast high-end luxury gem, ideal for a special occasion or family/group holiday. A journey around the island on board the vintage #1 Bajan Bus was a highlight. The rugged east coast of the island, pummelled by the Atlantic, is such a contrast to the calm Caribbean west. We stopped at Mount Gay rum distillery, the oldest in the world, and sampled the delicious products! There was a sense of renewed normality in Barbados. In so many ways it was a glimpse of holidays pre-covid; Live music, dancing, families splashing in the pool together, meals with new friends. But in many other ways there was always a reminder that times have changed, masks, temperature checks and social distancing vigilance. It reminded me just why I love travel so much, and how it is possible to travel safely in 2020 and beyond with the right preparation and advice from a trusted travel agent.

Jamaica

02 March 2020

Flying to the Caribbean in February to escape the British winter had never seemed like a better idea than when we boarded our 10-hr flight to Jamaica, leaving behind the freezing cold rain and gale force winds of Storm Dennis in the UK to swap for balmy heat, swaying palm trees and white ribbons of fine sand next to azure seas. In hindsight, this was just pre-covid so our last trip away before the pandemic, and timed so that we arrived back just before the world went into lockdown. Our hotel, Bahia Grand Principe, is situated in Runaway Bay, around halfway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. No frills, it provides great family friendly accommodation with all-inclusive food and drinks. The BBQ jerk chicken with rice and peas served by the pool at lunchtime was a daily feast, and I have been learning to cook this similarly since I returned home. The à la carte offerings were mediocre, although the fresh cooking station at the Teriyaki restaurant was delicious and the chef put on a great show, keeping the attention of the kids and wowing us with their skills. The best thing about Bahia Grand Principe was the outdoor areas. The pool is massive and snakes around the resort, providing hours of fun for the kids, who never seemed to tire of chasing a ball around. They also loved the swim up bar with mocktails on tap. There is a newly built water splash park with slides for smaller kids, which is ideally located just behind the beach. The beach areas are out of this world with shallow, gently sloping white sand and crystal-clear sea, ideal for snorkelling. A floating lobster bar (not included with the hotel AI) appeared most lunchtimes in the bay, and we could swim up to enjoy a freshly caught lobster lunch and ice-cold beer, amazing. An absolute highlight was a visit to ‘The Blue Hole’, also known as Island Gully Falls, Irie Falls, or The Cool Blue Hole. This series of natural limestone sinkholes, near Ocho Rios, gets its name from the deep azure hue of the waters. It was exciting making our way through the lush rainforest to walk to these Secret Falls. We’re still talking about this trip at home, and my son has asked to revisit one day. It was one of the best things we have done together on holiday, a real treat. We spent several hours scrambling, climbing, jumping, cliff diving, swimming, rope swinging and exploring this jaw-droppingly beautiful spot in the deep jungle, surrounded by nature. Our private guide took lots of videos and photos for posterity and made sure we safely navigated the complex of pools, waterfalls and rapids whilst making it super fun for the kids. We sadly never made it to the famous Dunns River Falls, as our catamaran engine died en route, leaving us floating at sea and needing to be towed back to port. An adventure that we had not expected but isn’t that what travel is all about?! Whilst in Jamaica, we jumped at the chance to visit The Bob Marley Museum, located at the former home of the reggae legend. Bob’s home is filled with rich memories and treasured mementos, which seek to preserve the life and accomplishment of this great Jamaican and outstanding musician. Our friendly, funny and knowledgeable guides escorted us through the grounds, which include the main house, exhibition hall, theatre, gift shops and the One Love Café. All the original rooms have been kept as they were when Bob lived here to ensure authenticity. Whilst in Jamaica, I could not resist a visit to nearby hotel Beaches Ocho Rios, which is the family brand of Sandals Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. We spent the day enjoying the hotel’s excellent family friendly facilities. The kids spent all day busy on the water park slides, snorkelling and endless banana boat rides (all of which are included) and I sat back and soaked up some sunshine and cocktails, along with a tour of the whole hotel and various room categories, so I could see what they offer. We travelled back on the upper deck of Virgin's 747 which was worth every penny of the £30 prebooked seat charge. The upper deck cabin has a 2-2 configuration of seats and only 10 rows of economy seats, and 10 rows of premium. The smaller cabin size means it is much quieter with lots more space. We had more legroom than seats downstairs, plus there is a wide gap between the window seat and the window, which Virgin have cleverly filled with a storage chest, so all blankets/ pillows/ bags/ shoes can go in there to clear more space. I also thought the service was better and more attentive on the upper deck, as the crew had fewer passengers to deal with. I'd recommend. We all agreed: Jamaica is a destination we’ll come back to again and again, hopefully as soon as possible. A family getaway in February half-term to escape the UK in the winter months, grabbing some much-needed Caribbean sunshine vibes is on the do list for as soon as possible!

Magical Mauritius

03 December 2018

Mark Twain is famously quoted as having said that “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” Never were a truer word said. When you’re on the island of Mauritius, the rest of the world suddenly seems irrelevant and quite unnecessary. It is pure paradise, in the truest sense of the word. Located in the vast Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar, this small island (28 miles by 40 miles) offers travellers the chance to experience their own version of heaven. Be prepared to cry when it’s time to leave. Don’t believe the misconception that Mauritius is just about the beaches, because it has so much more to offer. You can swim with dolphins in the wild, walk alongside giant tortoises, zip line, browse colourful local markets, visit museums, trek sumptuous jungle routes, hire a car and road trip, cycle through lush vegetation, watch the sun setting from a catamaran, whale watch, dive into waterfalls and so much more. On my latest educational trip to Mauritius, I visited 11 stunning properties, so here’s a snippet of my thoughts: The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offers villa accommodation, with each villa boasting its own private pool. If you envisage pure luxury, this hotel epitomises it in every facet. I loved this hotel so much I only had two hours sleep the night I stayed here, because I didn’t want to miss a single moment! The food is up there with the best I’ve ever had, and I was blown away by the consistency of the excellent service, friendly attitude and warm welcome. I’ll treasure memories of the exhilarating speedboat ride over to Ile Aux Cerfs where the colour of the water is mesmerising blue and watching the sunrise turn the sky golden. Constance Prince Maurice is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, and it’s easy to see why. Gracious, elegant luxury pervades this exclusive resort. There is an impressive wine cellar boasting over 25,000 bottles, ideal for wine tasting. The grounds and rooms are immaculately kept, and the large villas here are ideal for families or groups. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf on the two courses at the nearby sister resort. Maradiva Villas have a picture-perfect view of the Le Morne peninsula in the distance, and the beach here is unforgettably beautiful. Each villa has its own private plunge pool, so it’s ideal for couples who want total privacy and tranquillity. Quirky touches like the Rolls-Royce used for day trips around the island, and well-stocked gin bar, mean that you’ll feel like royalty staying here. Families are equally welcome with a kid’s club and spacious two-bedroom villas to accommodate everyone. Sakoa is a small, intimate boutique hotel situated on one of the best beaches on the island, Trou Aux Biches. It’s perfect for couples, with such a romantic setting, and has a genuine authentically Mauritian rustic feel to it. The town of Grand Baie is only 10 minutes away, so if you like exploring and eating out, then the location’s ideal. This is the hotel I’ve been dreaming of since coming back! LUX* Grand Gaube is immaculately designed by Kelly Hoppen and is possibly the most ‘Instagram worthy’ place I’ve ever been! It oozes super chic décor and interiors, as well as being situated on a stunning stretch of beach. The spa is sumptuous, there’s a fun kids club, the food is out of this world, they have a specialist coffee shop, and there are gin and rum bars to tempt you. An adult only pool and wing of the hotel allows couples their privacy, but I’d really recommend this funky hotel to families - this is the hotel I’d bring my son to, any time. St Regis has a grown-up look and feel and sets the benchmark for what a 5-star property should offer. I loved the private villas here, ideal for families and groups. We had a BBQ dinner with toes in the sand on the beach and the food was superb. The threads of luxury weave through the whole resort, and the spa here is jaw-dropping. Families are welcome, and the kids and teens clubs are also spot on. Ravenella Attitude is an authentic tropical paradise hotel - completely laid back, relaxed and cool. It’s the perfect place for sundowners and barefoot walks on the beach. I loved the emphasis on cuisine with a wide array of restaurants. Choose from 8 dining venues as well as cooking classes, dinner in a local home, market visits and culture and heritage tours. LUX* Belle Mare has also been treated to the Kelly Hoppen magic design wand, with funky interiors and public spaces. The rum shack stocks over 150 rums, and it’s home to one of the island’s largest swimming pools. It’s got a family-friendly feel, but there’s also an adults-only area of the beach. I loved the pop-up beach cinema, speciality tearoom and PADI dive centre, and was really wowed by the food here. Westin Turtle Bay has an excellent coral reef in front of the hotel, providing snorkelling opportunities aplenty - it's called Turtle Bay for a reason! Rooms here are very spacious with signature 'Heavenly Beds' (like sleeping on a cloud) and 'Heavenly Baths', and there’s a peaceful adult only pool area. Outrigger Hotel offers great family-friendly facilities, a selection of pools and a superb beach. Families are well catered for here with nice touches like a kids-only seating area in the restaurant, and excellent kids club facilities. If staying as a couple, it's worth upgrading rooms to allow access to the private club area, for a more secluded luxury getaway. Club Med La Plantation D'Albion has all the bells and whistles you’d expect of a ClubMed property. An adults-only zen area provides peace and quiet, but there are so many activities for both kids and adults to partake in, you’ll not be bored for a minute. You can fly to Mauritius from various UK airports, there are direct services from London Gatwick with BA and Heathrow with Air Mauritius (who are due to renew their fleet next year which is long overdue and exciting news). You can connect via Dubai with Emirates from regional airports - opening the possibility of a twin-centre here. And if you’re considering a safari with a beach break at the end, then flights work out well for combining Mauritius with South Africa. Having now visited a total of 19 hotels on the island of Mauritius, I am the perfect person to help plan your next trip to this dream island, whether it’s for a honeymoon, anniversary, family break or golf trip. Just call me to discuss! 02920 003530.

Trogir, Croatia- part 1

21 September 2018

On my latest trip to Croatia, I returned to the small medieval town of Trogir where I was based as a tour guide working in the early noughties. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been back here, and its testament to how enduring Trogir’s charm is. I’m not usually one to return again and again to the same place on holiday, but I’d happily spend every summer here. It’s a popular place to start and end Dalmatian Island Cruises and its proximity to Split airport makes it a great place to spend a night or two when flying in or out, but don’t overlook spending a week or more here. There’s plenty to see and do in both the old town and the vicinity. The town has several nicknames: The Town Museum, The Stone Beauty and Little Venice of Dalmatia. Trogir has a very high concentration of palaces, churches, towers and a fortress and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With influences from the ancient Greeks, the Romans, and Venetians who’ve all lived here, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this picture postcard town. The old walled part of the town is on a small island sandwiched between the mainland and a larger island called Ciovo. The town is connected to the mainland by a small bridge (Mali Most) and to Ciovo Island by a big bridge (Veliki Most). Like so many coastal towns in Croatia, it’s completely enclosed by imposing stone walls, built to repel unwanted visitors. There are two main entrances to the walled old town - the imposing, elaborate and ornate north and south gates. The South town Gate is decorated with renaissance ornaments and the original preserved wooden doors. Look above as you enter the North Gate - on the top of the gate is the patron of the Town - St. John, guarding its citizens. The town’s completely pedestrianised streets are narrow alleyways which form an intricate maze. The network of passages leads onto stunning piazzas, bougainvillea filled courtyards and open-air restaurants. It’s very easy to get lost, although this is part of the fun; it’s not a huge town, so you can briskly walk the circumference in half an hour or while away hours meandering though the centre on polished cobbled stones worn slippery smooth by centuries of footfall. Even though Trogir has become increasingly popular with visitors, the town still has an incredible old-world charm. Although many locals give up their prime old town apartments during the summer (to lucratively rent out) the town still has such a local feel with washing hanging across the street, locals playing Bocce (like boules) in the park and kids playing football in the shadow of 15th century Kamerlengo Fortress. The perfect mix of old and new. Foodies will love the array of restaurants here. The best of Mediterranean cuisine is on offer from fresh seafood to pizzas, pasta, risottos, fresh salads and hearty meat dishes local to the region. Gelato shops are abundant with a dizzying selection of flavours. Iced coffees are sipped under umbrellas in the piazza and chic bars line the waterfront, allowing you to watch yachts come and go. The region produces excellent wine, and cherry brandy is also a popular local tipple. Bakeries serve up fresh crusty bread and my favourite- cherry strudel fresh from the oven. Trogir’s ‘Riva’ (waterfront) area showcases local artists and musicians in the summer months. It’s a popular stop off for yachts and in peak season the boats jostle for spaces on the quayside and floating gin palaces line the port alongside more traditional wooden ‘old-timers’ with sails which have been converted from freight boats to allow passengers to sleep on board. The town’s links with the sea are evident everywhere, and you’re never far from the glittering blue waters that surround the island. For excellent swimming and snorkelling you don’t have to walk far in any direction away from the town to find a spot to take a dip, but for the clearest waters and azure sea head to the south of Ciovo Island, where trendy beach bars overlook the bluest waters. Relax in opulent cabanas or Bali beach beds while sipping a cocktail and snacking on seafood, it’s a genuine slice of heaven on earth. Walking through Trogir, you’ll be bombarded with buildings that boast fascinating histories. There’s the three knave Venetian St Lawrence's Cathedral; Karmalengo Fortress that houses atmospheric outdoor concerts during the Trogir Summer festival; the Small Loggia packed full of local art and jewellery; St Nicholas's Benedictine Convent; Marmont's Gloriette, an elegant gazebo by the sea; The splendid Grand Cipiko Palace with intricately carved Gothic gallery; 15th century Town Hall and St Sebastian's Church… to name just a few! Pay a visit to the museum, which is housed in a former palace, with artefacts from Trogir’s long and rich history. The neighbouring island of Ciovo boasts a long beach, Okrug Gornji, which is packed with places to eat and very popular with families. There’s a wide array of villas and apartments here, perfect for a self-catering holiday. The island’s coastline is lined with pine trees and alive with the hum of cicadas (tree crickets). You can easily catch a water taxi from Trogir’s Riva to the beach, which takes around 20 mins. If you like being out on the water, then a three-island boat trip will take you to the nearby Drvenik Islands, where you can snorkel and swim in the magnificent Blue Lagoon. Then, visit Šolta Island to admire the local village's charming architecture and idyllic stone cottages, before stopping off on the south of Ciovo Island for a BBQ lunch and more swimming in the crystal-clear sea. You can also take the interisland ferry from Trogir to the Drvenik Islands and step back in time. The islands are untouched by the modern world-no traffic, very few tourists, just peace, calm and the traditional Dalmatian way of life. The smaller island, Drevnik Mali, only has around 50 inhabitants. Walk from one side of the island to the other across the interior and admire the olive groves, stone walls and glimpses of the sparkling blue Adriatic at every turn. To be continued.... Part 2 on my next blog!

Trogir, Croatia- part 2

24 September 2018

Continued from Part 1... From Trogir, it’s easy to take a day trip into the nearby city of Split, half an hour away. Split is home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, and the ruins are nestled within the pedestrianised old town. The Riva here is equally beautiful and away from the old town, Croatia’s second-largest city has an urban feel. Klis fortress is nearby and rewards visitors that climb up the steep hill with views that stretch for miles, giving you a bird’s eye view all the way to the coast. If you love nature and the great outdoors, then don’t miss a visit to Krka National Park, which is only an hour away. Here you can marvel at waterfalls and visit the Krka Monastery, built above ancient Roman catacombs, and hike amongst unspoilt nature trails and pathways. Plitvice National Park is a little further but well worth the effort- superlatives couldn’t possibly do it justice as it’s easily amongst the most beautiful places on earth, it’s simply not to be missed in my opinion. This area of pristine forest has a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls that extend into a deep limestone canyon. The water is an ethereal blue and so clear that you can see fish swimming in the depths. There are excellent, well signed walking trails, many of which criss-cross over the azure water on wooden walkways. The town of Zadar is also only 1.5 hrs away, and music lovers will adore the ‘sea organ’ – an organ that’s been built into the walls of the quayside, so the waves play a tune as they ebb and flow through the organ, it’s magical. The town is divine and there are some great places to eat here or sit out in the cathedral square and soak up the atmosphere. With so many things to see and do nearby Trogir, it’s a great place to base yourself to visit all the attractions in the local area. Peak visitor numbers here are from late June to early September, although this season is getting longer each year as Croatia’s popularity rises. I love springtime here and the end of May and early June is perfect when the temperatures start to creep up and the days are long and sunny, flowers are in bloom and the marketplaces sell the most delicious cherries you’ll ever taste. It’s also much quieter, and the region feels like it’s waking from the winter months and preparing for the summer season to begin. So where to stay when visiting Trogir? In the centre of the old town, I love the rustic charm and unbeatable location of friendly Hotel Tragos which is family run and offers smart rooms and a great restaurant. For a slice of boutique luxury, the newly opened effortlessly chic Brown Beach House has views of the old town from the pool and occupies a former twentieth century tobacco warehouse. For families the island of Ciovo offers a great beach, easy access to Trogir and a wide array of apartments or villa to suit any budget. You can fly to Split airport from most regional airports. The airport itself is expanding massively to allow even more visitors and infrastructure work is going on to allow even more visitor numbers, so don’t delay-book to visit soon! Call me to find out more- 02920 0035030.

Festivals of Light

19 September 2018

When the winter gloom in the Northern Hemisphere gets too bleak and a long-haul holiday isn't an option, there are some amazing European Festivals of Light to bring some sparkle back into those winter months! Prague This riverside city rivals Paris for its architectural beauty, art museums and public spaces. The maze of jumbled streets and hidden courtyards are a wanderer’s dream. Czech microbreweries offer a wide range of ales, and the city boasts funky cafés and eateries tucked away in narrow streets. Prague is also a great match for the budget-conscious, offering superb value for money. The stunningly beautiful Signal Light Festival in October uses high-tech projectors on the facades of Prague’s most iconic old buildings and is a celebration of light, art and technology combined. Where to stay? Luxury: The Grand Mark, Prague offers unrivalled elegance, glamour and luxury in a Baroque 17th-century residential palace with a spot-on location bang in the city centre. Mid-Range: The central Three Storks Hotel offers a cosy 5-star experience. It dates back to the 14th century and was once home to a monastic brewery. On a budget: Sir Toby’s is a quirky hostel furnished with antiques. It has a sociable atmosphere and great bar, plus it’s only a short tram ride from the city centre. Seville, Spain A city of blue skies and pavement cafés, Seville offers orange trees bursting with fruit and the sweet smell of jasmine. It serves up the most amazing tapas, and the soundtrack of delicate flamenco guitar. It’s a perfect city break for the autumn months, as the weather here stays warm and sunny well into November. There’s a weekly flea market on a Thursday morning on Calle Feria where the street comes alive with an assortment of vintage gems. For sightseeing, don’t miss the jaw dropping Real Alcázar, which Game of Thrones fans will recognise as the backdrop for the fictional land of Dorne. Seville’s Easter Fair is a huge event which kicks off each year with the ceremonious turning on of the lights – starting with the 22,000 bulbs that cover the entrance gateway, followed by a wave of lights sections by section. Where to stay? Luxury: The EME Catedral Hotel boasts cathedral views from its chic panoramic rooftop pool and bar area and offers clean modern rooms with a superb location. Mid-range: Hotel Las Casas De La Judería Sevilla is located in the La Juderia quarter, one of the most traditional areas in Seville. This building housed wealthy Spanish families during past centuries and offers a rooftop pool and spa. On a budget: Casa de Mestro boutique hotel is tucked away on a quiet side street and is the converted mansion residence of the master flamenco guitarist Niño Ricardo. Berlin, Germany Big on culture, rich in history and forever leading the way in culture and fashion, Berlin is a trendsetting modern city that never sleeps. Visit in winter for festive Christmas markets and steaming cups of Glühwein (mulled wine). The annual Festival of Lights in October illuminates well known landmarks around the city, from The Brandenburg Gate to the Cathedral and Concert Hall. The Berliners know how to throw a party, and the festival is no exception. You can view the lights easily on foot, although it is possible to hire a Segway to get around or take a tour by bus or boat. Where to stay? Luxury: The Hotel de Rome was once the headquarters of the Dresdner bank. It’s now one of Berlin’s most prestigious Bebelplatz addresses, with a great roof terrace spa and pool located in the former jewel vault. Mid-range: Sir Savigny Berlin is a smart, stylish hotel in the vibrant Art Nouveau district. Shoppers will love the proximity of this hotel to Kurfurstendamm, Berlin’s shopping oasis. On a budget: The Adina Apartments at Checkpoint Charlie offers spacious studio rooms with balconies in a residential district a few minutes’ walk from Checkpoint Charlie. Reykjavík, Iceland For a city of less than half a million people, Reykjavík is extraordinarily cosmopolitan with a vibrant arts and music scene and is home to some of the coolest cafés, bars and restaurants in Europe. No visit to Reykjavík would be complete without a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pools. They’re right by the airport, so pop in for a dip here on your way to or from your flight. The Winter Lights Festival every February celebrates the nights getting shorter at last, after the long dark winter in the northernmost capital in the world. The whole city is illuminated with displays, and you can even hope that nature’s greatest light show, the Aurora Borealis, will also make an impromptu appearance. For your best chances of seeing The Northern Lights, visit between late September and April and take a cruise or bus tour away from the city. Where to stay? Luxury: Reykjavík Centrum Hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant and has its own Viking exhibition centre. Mid-range: Skuggi Hotel offers minimal chic rooms and incredible breakfasts. It is located close to the numerous cafés and trendy boutiques on Laugavegur street. On a budget: Hotel Fron is a typical Icelandic town house in the heart of the city.

Top 10 Caribbean Islands

28 June 2018

Going to the Caribbean was always my dream when I was younger- it had the allure of clear azure seas, tropical paradise, swaying palms and underwater technicolour. To have been able to visit this part of the world with my job has literally been a dream come true, and I would love to take my family there on holiday as a special treat. If you haven’t been, then all the superlatives are true- and photos don’t do it justice. If you’ve been before, then you’ll know what I mean- but there are so many places to visit-how do you know which one to choose? Here’s a snapshot of 10 of my favourite islands-the hardest choice is which one to pick! 1. Jamaica: Colourful, carefree and lively. Choose from family friendly resorts like Beaches, or chic boutique hideaways. The bobsled ride at Dunn’s River is always a huge hit, and who can resist the coolest bar in the world-Pelican’s, which is around 1 mile from land! 2. St Lucia: The Twin Peaks of the Pitons dominated St Lucia’s stunning natural beauty, and I have to say snorkelling here is some of the best I’ve seen. You’re spoiled for choice with adult only hotels here and my favourite hotel, Sugar Beach, sits nestled between the Pitons-the ultimate luxury hotel with one of the finest locations on the planet. #holidaygoals! 3. Antigua: This pretty island has 365 beaches - all equally stunning with white, powdery sand. Visit Stingray cove to have a hands-on experience with these amazing creatures and fly through the jungle zip lining. 4. Barbados: Great for those who don’t want all-inclusive, you can visit the buzzing bars of St Lawrence Gap in the south of the island and the Friday night fish fry at Oistins is a veritable Barbados institution. A great island to visit if it’s your first time in the Caribbean. 5. Dominican Republic: Often a very affordable way to see the Caribbean, with a great range of hotels for the whole family. With 1000 miles of coastline and great scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. 6. Bahamas: With 700 islands, this is the place for tropical adventure and home to the legendary Blackbeard! Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Exumas with the wild pigs that reside there, where these friendly animals will piggy-paddle alongside you for a unique photo opportunity- a once in a lifetime experience. 7. St Kitts and Nevis: Firmly off the tourist trail, these islands are sleepy and unspoilt. Ideal for peace, tranquillity and utter relaxation. For more active pursuits, you can Climb Nevis Peak, take a rainforest hike or even join a monkey tour! 8. British Virgin Islands: a stunning cluster of 60 breathtakingly beautiful islands and cays, the Virgin Islands offer an idyllic escape for those seeking barefoot luxury, and the region’s protected coral reefs also make for some superb diving. 9. Grenada: Less developed than many of the other Caribbean islands, Grenada enchants with low rise boutique hotels, laid-back way of life and a lush rainforest that opens out onto beautiful beaches and indigo waters of the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Here you will find hot springs, vividly scented markets, spice plantations, volcanic crater lakes and the striking Seven Sisters Falls. 10. St Barths: The jet set crowd has long had a love affair with the understated Caribbean beauty and chic French flavour of this island. Opulent, high end and stylish, at just eight square miles the island packs a punch, with white sands, designer boutiques, fine dining and ultra-luxe hotels. One for a special treat. Call me to chat about where you’ll visit in the Caribbean!

Top 30 Travel Experiences

27 June 2018

Travelling isn’t about ticking countries off a list, it’s all about experiences. Here are 30 of my favourite travel experiences whether it is food, people, sounds, sights or smells. These are the things that we remember from our travels, and they’re what make us go back for more. 1. Spain: The smell of sweet jasmine and the sound of delicate flamenco guitar in Seville. 2. Iceland: Floating in the steamy, warm waters of the Blue Lagoon as snow falls. 3. China: Wandering ‘The Bund’ (waterfront in Shanghai) at night, when the city is lit up and everyone promenades with their families. 4. Costa Rica: Zip lining through the misty forest canopy in the Monte Verde Cloud Forest. 5. Cuba: Stopping for Piña coladas at a roadside shack on the way to see Che Guevara's tomb. 6. Italy: The amazing acoustics at the Baptistry at Pisa. 7. Malaysia: Grilled lobster on lush tropical getaway Gaya Island in Borneo. 8. India: Sunny mornings drifting on a rice boat in the backwater of Kerala as school children wave cheerily, kingfishers catching their breakfast and colourful sarees hang to dry in the breeze. 9. Croatia: Cocktails on the medieval roof turret at Bar Massimo in Korcula, for the jaw dropping Adriatic sunset. 10. Thailand: Overnight just one jump away from the lake at the floating Rainforest Camp in the jungle at Khao Sok’s unique Elephant Hills, then feeding, washing and interacting with Asia’s largest land animal. 11. Canada: The best ever seafood chowder at Hastings House on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. 12. Morocco: Hawkers, musicians, entertainers and sizzling street food combine after dark at the electric, buzzing Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh. 13. Sweden: Stay in what must be the coolest tree houses in the world at the Scandinavian-chic TreeHotel. 14. France: You can’t beat chocolate mousse at Chez Janou in Paris. 15. Montenegro : Coffee and people watching on the Bay of Kotor in trendy Porto Montenegro, as superyachts come and go. 16. Tanzania: The ultimate in safari innovation, a ‘Tent with a View’ is a working 4X4 that converts into luxury tented safari accommodation with an elevated bedroom and balcony looking out to the African wilderness. 17. South Africa: Seafood on the stylish waterfront in Cape Town. 18. UAE: Burj al Arab afternoon tea in Dubai after skydiving over The Palm. 19. USA: An evening visit to Alcatraz to watch the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge. 20. Norway: Husky sledding under the Northern Lights before settling into a cosy glass igloo for the night. 21. Antigua: A beach lover’s paradise, there are 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. 22. Egypt: Stargazing in the vast silent desert with traditional Bedouin tea and shisha pipe. 23. Colombia: Night time swimming in sparkling bioluminescence in the warm inky waters of the Caribbean. 24. Indonesia: Paradise palm fringed beaches and the feel of powdery white sand between your toes on the traffic-free Gili Islands. 25. Scotland: Swimming with seals and then warming up in a wood fired hot tub and drinking gin that’s been made on the premises at Torrisdale Castle Estate. 26. Bolivia: Other-worldly landscapes that will blow your mind at the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. 27. Guatemala: Dawn, and the sound of the jungle waking up around the ancient Mayan citadel in the rainforests of northern Tikal. 28. St Lucia: The psychedelic underwater world of fish and coral that awaits when snorkelling or scuba diving with the backdrop of the Piton mountains above water. 29. Mauritius: A sunset cruise with dolphins playing in the wake of the catamaran. 30. Kenya: Share your breakfast at the aptly named Giraffe Manor, where the windows are flung open to welcome the gentle giants as they poke in their long necks to see what's on the menu.

Croatia- My Top Tips

27 June 2018

Here are some of my top travel hacks when visiting Croatia - enjoy! • Croatia has a host of culinary delights in store for visitors. There are gelato shops on every corner, stone baked Italian style pizzerias, fresh seafood and lots of local specialities. Try tangy cheese from Pag Island, truffles from Istria, fresh strudel from the local bakers, and don’t miss the signature dish of Croatia’s Dalmatia Region, a ‘peka’, which is a mix of meat and vegetables drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell-like dome. • In Dubrovnik, follow signs for ‘cold drinks’ to locate the well-hidden ‘Buža’ bars and find yourself on the outside of the steep walls just above the sea for sunset ‘wow’ moments. • Check the cruise schedules when you’re visiting as, many ports like Dubrovnik, Pula, and Hvar are a popular stop on the larger cruise ship’s itineraries. Ideally, plan your city sightseeing on a day when no ships are in. • Game of Thrones fans will recognise many of the sights and vistas in Croatia from the hit series. You can even take a guided GOT tour in Dubrovnik of the sites they used for filming. The guides will regale you with behind the scenes gossip from the cast and crew, and you can even sit in a replica of the legendary Iron Throne. • Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik is a must but try and do this either early in the morning or late evening as there’s not much shade once you’re up on top of the walls. During peak times the walls open from 8.00am until 6.30 or 7.30pm, and I love it here at sunset as the light change's minute by minute over the terracotta rooftops. • The wine produced in Croatia is one of the country’s best kept secrets. Most vineyards offer wine tasting, and islands like Vis and Korcula are famous for their delicious produce. • You can easily visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik, either as a day trip or longer. A twin centre break works really well to these two destinations. • For the best sunset in Korcula town head up the ladder inside the medieval turret at Massimo cocktail bar - but get there early for a good spot and prepare to stay all evening as after a couple of drinks the ladder back down can be a daunting prospect! Drinks are served courtesy of a basket pulley system on the outside of the ancient walls. • With so many islands it’s easy to find your own secluded paradise in Croatia if you want to escape the tourists in peak season, and they’re all connected by local ferries. The Veliki Islands are truly off the beaten track. Expect to share the ferry there with a handful of locals and their weekly shopping bags. You can swim in pristine shallow coves, catch sprats and eat delicious fresh seafood - a perfect day out. Lošinj and Cres Islands are equally remote and home to a resident population of dolphins. Here you’ll find the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve, the first of its kind in the Med. Nature lovers will enjoy the hiking and cycling opportunities on these islands that time forgot, they are a world away from the glitz of Croatia’s notorious island hot spots like Hvar. • Try and include a visit to the ‘Blue Caves’ near Vis Island, where you enter the cave (that was apparently a much-loved haunt of Tito) by boat through an entrance in the rock face that is so narrow and low everyone has to crouch down on the floor of the boat. Once inside, you can sit up and admire the view - crystal clear water infused with natural sunlight reflected from the seabed, giving the whole cave an ethereal blue glow. • Stiniva beach on Vis Island is a gem of a hidden cove – hidden from passers-by due to the rocks which open like an amphitheatre once inside and is a magnet to those looking for a cold beer (there’s a bar) on a picture-perfect beach. • Svetni Jakov beach near Dubrovnik offers far-reaching views of the old town and is popular with locals - well worth the 20-minute costal walk - find it tucked behind the church and descend several flights of steps for a perfect beach hideaway complete with bar and restaurant. • In Split, don’t forget to rub the statue of Gregorious of Nin’s big toe and make a wish! • Klis fortress is 5 miles from Spilt and thanks to its high vantage point you can walk to the top for spectacular far-reaching views all the way to the coast.

Croatia- my favourite country

27 June 2018

Ask me where my favourite place in the world is, and I’ll answer you in a heartbeat: Croatia. I’m smitten with the crystal-clear sapphire sea, the endless beautiful islands and the delicious seafood, wine and gelato. I dream of the summery background hum of cicada tree crickets and the smell of hot crunchy pine needles and sea salt carried on a warm breeze. Furthermore, I admire the humour and warmth of the infinitely welcoming Croatian people. The 1,100-mile stretch of coast and more than 1000 islands means there are a surprising variety of places to choose from when planning a visit. Despite the country growing increasingly popular with tourists in the past few years, this hasn’t faded its charm and appeal. To start with, you can’t overlook Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, famous for its imposing medieval stone walls that encircle the old city surrounded by dazzlingly clear blue water. Walk on top of the entire, 1940 m wall diameter for the dizzy drops and heights and take a sea kayak out at sunset for the ultimate view of this majestic, proud city. The city of Split is home to waterfront Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and has a great selection of bars, cafés and boutique shops, all set within the ancient, crumbling palace walls and surrounding streets. From Split, you can jump on a ferry to many of the Dalmatian islands, but don’t pass through too quickly, as you’ll be disappointed you didn’t stay longer. Towns don’t come much prettier than picture perfect Trogir, a small town with a labyrinthine network of narrow cobbled streets worn smooth by centuries of pedestrians. Venetian stone buildings hide shaded courtyards blossoming with flowers; it is a town with soul. At sunset the warm stone paved quay is lined with bobbing wooden boats, artisans, performers and people simply strolling along with an ice cream in their hand, watching the world go by, a typical Croatian scene. If you fall in love with Croatia’s natural beauty, you’re in good company. According to legend, Odysseus was enchanted after being shipwrecked here and stayed for 7 years. See where he lived on peaceful Mljet Island, where the National Park has a network of spellbinding pine scented forest trails you can explore by foot or bike. There are also two vividly blue saltwater lakes perfect for swimming or kayaking. My favourite National Park is at Plitvice Lakes, where hundreds of waterfalls cascade into 16 sparkling azure interconnecting lakes. There’s nowhere else on earth like this; it should be on everyone’s bucket list. The island town of Hvar is Croatia’s most notorious hotspot, with a marina that rivals St Tropez’s glitz and glamour. Holidaymakers rub shoulders with celebrities, while yachters mingle with in-the-know backpackers. Don’t be put off by this if you’re after some serious culture and history, as the town is steeped in both. Cafés and restaurants spill out onto the largest piazza in Croatia, and you can instantly see the town’s appeal in its jumble of pretty, narrow streets, fortress and dazzling architecture. Nearby sleepy Korcula has less international notoriety but ample picturesque charm and is known as ‘mini-Dubrovnik’. With so many islands, it’s easy to find your own secluded paradise in Croatia if you want to escape the tourists in peak season, and they’re all connected by local ferries. The Veliki Islands are truly off the beaten track. Expect to share the ferry there with a handful of locals and their weekly shopping bags. You can swim in pristine shallow coves, catch sprats and eat delicious fresh seafood- a perfect day out. Lošinj and Cres Islands are equally remote and home to a resident population of dolphins. Here you’ll find the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve, the first of its kind in the Med. Croatia has a host of culinary delights in store for visitors. There are gelato shops on every corner, stone baked Italian style pizzerias, fresh seafood and lots of local specialities. Try tangy cheese from Pag Island, truffles from Istria, fresh strudel from the local bakers, and don’t miss the signature dish of the Dalmatia region, a ‘peka’, which is a mix of meat and vegetables drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell-like dome. Suggested Itineraries: Short Break… For a weekend away that combines a cultural city break with sun and swimming, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose between Split and Dubrovnik. Both offer top-notch eateries, a wealth of sightseeing and pretty beaches for relaxation. For a special break, treat yourself at romantic hotel, Villa Dubrovnik, perfect for honeymooners and anniversaries. For a winter break, don’t overlook the capital, Zagreb, which has amazing Christmas markets. A week in the sun… For families, the Istrian peninsula has some great hotels. The town of Rovinj, only 70 miles across the water from Venice, is a classic Mediterranean fishing port surrounded by wooded hills and the town’s piazzas and steep streets make it a perfect place to while away a week in the sun. The local produce here is legendary and the daily marketplace houses truffle traders who sell oil, honey and various other pungent products. There are two island hotels a boat ride from the old town which offer the perfect mix of island seclusion, great beaches and easy access to the bustling market town. Neilson’s Alana Beachclub also has a perfect spot between the Adriatic and peaks of the Paklenica National Park and is perfect for active families looking for great kid’s clubs and a very family friendly atmosphere. Two weeks to explore… A fortnight in Croatia? Lucky you! Jump on board a cruise on a traditional wooden ‘old-timer’ boat or a sleek luxury yacht for a week sailing around the Dalmatian Islands. Drop anchor at hidden coves to swim ashore and find secret beaches and hop from one pretty town to the next. All with the benefit of not having to unpack - and the views of each island as you arrive by boat are stunning. For the second week you can head inland to see Plitvice National Park, hire a car and head into Montenegro, or just relax on your choice of beach resorts along the coast. When to go? The weather is typically Mediterranean, with peak visitor numbers between March and September. I like June the best for the spring flowers, endless sunshine and the best cherries you’ll ever taste. Croatia is less than a 3-hour flight away, so it’s perfect for short breaks or longer. Call me to plan your next Croatia holiday!

The Only Way To See Iceland

14 June 2018

Written by Steve Rickett, 29th May 2018 In May, we boarded the Cruise and Maritime vessel Marco Polo for an 11-day Icelandic adventure. After a prompt departure we made stately progress through the lock and entered the Bristol Channel, choosing to miss dinner to witness the familiar landmarks of Penarth, seen from the top deck rather than from dry land. The Marco Polo is a classic ship built by the Russians as an ice breaker in 1965, and it looks like what you’d expect a ship to look like, rather than a floating multi-storey hotel. Being small and perfectly formed, it does not have the unadulterated luxury and decadence of its flashy cousins, but it does have tremendous double-hulled strength and great stability on the open sea. It also has wonderful, friendly staff who can’t do enough for you, good food, pleasant communal areas, serviceable cabins and the best live entertainment that we have experienced to date. After a night and two days at sea, we made landfall at the isolated Faroe Islands early on Saturday morning and were straight into shore excursions, visiting a local wood carver at 8:30! Our excellent guide gave us an insight into life in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and we learned that seventeen of the nineteen islands are inhabited, but one has only two residents. After a visit to the fishing port of Kvivik, it was back to the boat for a lunchtime departure and overnight crossing to Seydisfjordur for our first taste of Iceland. Marco Polo was severely tested by rough seas but proved equal to the task, ironing out the rolling swell. Seydisfjordur, at the end of a long V-shaped fjord on the south-east coast, was picture-perfect, with cloudless sunny skies, ice capped mountains and pretty dwellings in pastel colours, the only sting in the tail being a really strong wind which almost blew you over. It was Sunday and very quiet, and we were happy to forego the excursions and wander around this delightful settlement, which enjoys the reputation of being the loveliest village in eastern Iceland. A further overnight of rock and roll brought us to Husavik on the north-eastern coast, another coastal town doing a balancing act between commerce and tourism. After another early start, our all day excursion took in the magnificent Godafoss waterfall (where it snowed briefly!) which could give Niagara a run for its money; volcanic pseudo craters at Lake Myvatn where we enjoyed an outstanding lunch of local produce, including Icelandic lamb and trout; weird and wonderful lava rock sculptures at Dimmuborgir and at the Namafjall Geothermal Area we experienced steaming fumeroles and amazing boiling mud pots coloured blue from the basalt with red and yellow sulphur steaks, set in hostile baked earth, which is completely sterile and supports no forms of life. This was Iceland at its best. As we re-joined the ship to continue our westbound circumnavigation of Iceland, we received the unwelcome news that the continuing bad weather meant that the captain had reluctantly abandoned our next port of call at Isafjordur. We later learned that Iceland had been experiencing its worst May weather for many a year, with temperatures rarely struggling beyond six degrees centigrade, strong winds and big rough seas which rendered mooring up on the north-western coast out of the question. Instead, we had an unexpected additional sea day as we headed west and south to the capital Reykyavik, where we arrived in the early evening of Tuesday to be greeted by mist and rain. We forsook the offer of a free shuttle service to explore the downtown area and thoroughly enjoyed an excellent performance by the Show Team instead. The next day dawned bright and clear and was ideal for an excursion around the Golden Circle, taking in the town of Hveragerdi, which straddles the American and Eurasian tectonic plates and experienced severe damage when hot springs caused a major earthquake in 2008. Next, we went to the geothermal area at Haukadular which boasts the thermal geysers Geysir, which has given up spouting and Strokkur, which can be depended upon to produce a spout of water up to six metres in the air every five minutes or so. After seeing this spectacle several times in the cool easterly breeze, we retired to the nearby restaurant for another Icelandic meal. After lunch, it was the splendid Gulfoss waterfall, followed by a walk through the Thingvellir National Park, where the footpath leads you down a steep sided ravine created by the clashing of the two tectonic plates. It was like something out of Game of Thrones and made you feel very humble. On the outward and return journeys, we had a flavour of Reykjavík, which is essentially a modern city with some interesting buildings and a pleasant downtown area. For us, the essence of Iceland is in the rugged and fascinating interior and the coastal settlements which cling on to their sea-based existence. Then it was goodbye to Iceland and looking back, although we were regularly regaled with tales of the disastrous May weather, all our shore excursions were mostly dry with the two really important full day trips having a great deal of sunshine, so we were lucky on land but had to batten down the hatches when at sea. Luckily, the sea conditions were much kinder for our two sea days before arriving at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour, where we received a warm and friendly Irish greeting and visited the glorious Blarney Castle after a quick coach tour of Cork. Rejecting the half hour queue to kiss the Blarney Stone, we wandered through the beautiful gardens where we found ourselves overdressed in a positively balmy seventeen degrees centigrade, having been used to chilly Iceland during the previous week. Our adventure was rounded off in Christie’s Bar for a complimentary Irish coffee before a lunchtime departure to reach sleepy Cardiff at six o’clock on Sunday morning. After a short journey back to Penarth, we found ourselves back home, somewhat lost after a packed eleven days away and having to make our own lunch! In conclusion, we had a splendid trip on a ship full of character and people who genuinely want you to have a good time, and we visited some unique places that have made an indelible impression and given us lifelong memories. Best of all, it only took us ten minutes to get to the ship.

Top 20 Tips for Travelling With Kids

16 July 2018

Travelling with children can be a daunting prospect, no matter if it’s your first or fifth child! When you book a family holiday with me, I take care of all the little details, from pre-booked seating on the flights to arranging for a cot or kid's bed in your room or car seats on the transfers/car hire to top family hotel and destination recommendations. Just call me to find out more. Here are my top 20 travel tips based on personal experience. 1. Bring a change of clothes for your little one – and for you! Take warm clothes for everyone, as the air con on the plane can be very chilly, especially after a week in the sun. If potty training, it’s extra important to take spare clothes for the journey - the excitement and distraction of the flight can mean kids often forget they need the toilet before it’s too late. 2. Technology can be a great distraction to keep kids entertained on a flight, just make sure it’s fully charged and to take a charger with you (with appropriate plug adaptor). To avoid travel sickness, don’t let kids look at iPads/gadgets for too long at a time. Encourage them to look up and around and if they start to feel queasy, put the tablet away! 3. If still in nappies: create a nappy pack. Put one nappy and two or three baby wipes into a nappy bag. Loosely tie up the bag. Create as many as you think you’ll need for the journey. When you need to change a nappy on the plane, you just pull out one of your nappy packs without having to rummage around, which makes you feel more organized and relaxed. 4. Gift wrap an activity pack; little ones love this! Fill a small bag with gift wrapped activity and reading books, pens and small toys so that every half hour or hour they can open one and play with it - great for preventing boredom setting in. 5. Always make sure that you take a favourite toy, if it is small enough to travel with you. Nothing can beat that sense of security of having that favourite thing with them when at the airport, on the plane and when you arrive at the hotel and their new bed. 6. Ask kids of any age to help you pack. Get your children involved and let them pack a small backpack with their things. Let them pack their changes of clothes and their swimsuits in case your luggage goes missing, as that way they can still get into the pool when you get there. 7. Prepare for popped ears! If you’re travelling with kids, try to make sure you have a drink and some sweets available for take-off and landing (or a soother/dummy if they use it) to help their ears to pop. Remind them to swallow lots and ask them to open their jaw as wide as possible during ascents and descents to assist with equalizing the pressure. 8. Make sure you pack any medication for you and your child in hand luggage. If you use Calpol, then take some with you in case you need it at any point in your journey. I also always pack a mini first aid kit for bumps and scrapes - just a few plasters and some antiseptic wipes, just in case. 9. Try and keep as much as possible to your normal routine, so get children to brush their teeth, go to the toilet and put their pyjamas on before you get them to try and sleep. Their regular routine is just as important on the plane or at the hotel as it is at home. 10. Bring a sheet, blanket or pillow case from home. Bringing your child’s bedlinen from home will help them to sleep and to make them feel more secure when they go to bed. Often hotels don’t provide cot bedding, so this is extra important for babies - and if they’re used to a sleeping bag it’s a good idea to take a light summer weight one as the thicker bags will be too warm for a beach holiday. 11. Carry an ‘anything’ towel for spillages/accidents! Pack one or two medium-sized hand towels. You can use them for anything! As a changing mat, a vomit towel, to dry your hands, mop up spilt drinks - an ‘anything’ towel! 12. Don’t forget to take kid’s swimming things - armbands/floats/goggles etc. You can always buy these out there, but they tend to be quite expensive. Pool toys and floats are also a great idea to keep kids entertained in the water. 13. Footwear is an important consideration for kids on holiday. Flip-flops look great but can easily cause trips and falls, so closed toe sandals or crocs are best. Make sure they’ve been worn in before you go away, as you don’t want blisters! 14. Take adequate sun protection. This obviously includes sunscreen- I find 'Ultrasun' and 'p20' are the very best. Despite being pricey, they can be applied once, are non-greasy and last all day even when they’ve been swimming, saving the trauma of hourly applications on unwilling kids! Also, don’t forget a UV protective top and hat (with neck cover) which they can wear into the water, so their shoulders, head and neck are covered. 15. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks! Kid’s favourite sweets are always a good distraction when they are getting tired and cannot see reason! You can never have too many snacks packed! I tend to pack fruit, nuts, cereal bars, dried fruit, crisps and raisins. Also remember that when you arrive, you still have to transfer your final destination as well. 16. Be aware that you can only take liquids in your hand luggage through security in 100ml containers, and these must be in a plastic bag. You can buy water for everyone once you are through security. It’s really important for everyone to stay hydrated on the flight. 17. Many parents choose to take a buggy or pram, even if their child is now walking, which can be handy as they can double up as places to rest from the heat or if up a little later than usual to lie down and rest in a restaurant, for example. 18. Take it slow. Be at the airport in plenty of time to allow for unscheduled delays like loo breaks, snack stops and the occasional tantrum! It saves a lot of stress if you’re not worried about the time. Consider booking fast track through security to save time spent queuing at the airport. 19. If you’re worried about your child getting lost, simply write your mobile number on their arm so when they are found, you can be contacted easily. 20. If all else fails, don’t forget to keep smiling and stay calm! Packing your sense of humour when travelling with kids is vital. The best way to ensure a smooth journey and memorable holiday is to get me to book it for you and let me take care of all the details.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

21 September 2017

As anyone who’s ever talked to me about travel knows, Croatia is my favourite place on earth, and I never grow tired of going back there on holiday. This time I revisited Dubrovnik, where I worked as a tour leader 10 years ago for Explore Worldwide. I was excited to go back and see how things had changed and visit some of my favourite hotels in the area. We went for a week, staying in a two-bedroom apartment Villa Curic located in Lapad, about 10 minutes bus ride from the old town overlooking Gruz Port. The apartments were excellent - clean, spacious and with a huge terrace with sweeping views overlooking Lapad and the port, so we could watch the cruise ships come and go. There was a small rooftop pool and, even better, a winery where they make their own wine in huge vats! Dubrovnik sits at the southernmost point of Croatia’s Adriatic coast-a stretch of seafront that’s famous for its crystal-clear waters. Jaw dropping stone walls encircle the old city of Dubrovnik, and the imposing medieval walls have never been breached. You can walk the entire, 1940 m diameter on top of the walls, and see for yourself the dizzy drops and heights where the walls meet the sea. One of the highlights of our trip was sea kayaking at sunset, which was extremely tiring but lots of fun. Our effort was rewarded with a stunning sunset, which we watched whilst bobbing in our kayaks not too far from the old town. The trip lasted around three hours, and we ended up kayaking all the way around uninhabited Lokrum Island. We stopped to explore caves and have a swim. The whole experience was excellent and ended with yet more lovely Croatia wine, but only once we’d got out of the kayaks! The three-island boat trip by galleon was a brilliant day out from Dubrovnik and took us to the small and totally unspoilt islands of Kolocep, Šipan and Lopud. The wooden galleon-style boat moored on each island, giving us long enough to swim off the sandy beaches and sample local cafés and restaurants before sailing onwards to the next destination. A great way to get around and see a sample of these beautiful Elaphite islands. We also took a daytrip on a minibus to see Korcula town, which involves driving along the Pelješac peninsula to Orebic village and then a short ferry ride across from the mainland to the island of Korcula. Korcula town is nicknamed ‘mini-Dubrovnik’ and is picture-perfect in every way. From the clear blue waters that surround the town to the stunning medieval walls and narrow cobbled streets, it’s easily possible to while away an afternoon wandering around taking in the views and exploring the numerous small jewellery shops and cool bars. Although this was my own holiday, I’m never off duty for long, so I visited three of my top-selling hotels in the area, so I could see them all for myself. Hotel Croatia is in sleepy Cavtat town, around 30 to 45 minutes from Dubrovnik, and close to the airport. The hotel is 5-star and has a very modern, clean feel to it with minimalist, non-fussy design. The sea view rooms are most certainly worth the extra cost-the views are jaw dropping. Top Tip: If you want to be on the same level as the swimming pool, you need a room on floor level five. The hotel is on top of a very steep hill, so it’s not ideal if you have walking difficulties. However, a golf buggy shuttle service runs regularly down into Cavtat town and to the beach bar and waterfront area which is lined with restaurants and cafés where you can watch the boats come and go. The hotel is on the flight path, but the incoming flights were infrequent, and I didn’t find this obtrusive. The old town of Dubrovnik can be reached by water taxi, which is the perfect way to view the city walls from the water. Villa Dubrovnik is another 5-star hotel, this time overlooking the old town of Dubrovnik and around 5 minutes from Dubrovnik’s port by the hotel’s own vaporesso speedboat. If you prefer, it’s a 20-minute pleasant stroll along the coast to walk into the old town. I love the fact that you arrive at the hotel to a simple wooden door that then whisks you in an elevator down into the main buildings. It almost feels like a Bond film, giving you an instant feeling that this is going to be a very exclusive place. This is a very grown-up property that oozes luxury and style and is unashamedly understated and chic. Rooms look out over the sparkling sea, and many have views of the old town too. Communal areas are beautifully decorated, and the staff can’t do any more to help, it’s a true haven of peace, calm and indulgence. There’s a pool as well as a restaurant terrace overlooking the sea and the cherry on the cake-a rooftop bar which serves sunset drinks with panoramic views. I honestly didn’t want to leave. You need to be prepared for the cost of this hotel, but I’d say it’s worth every penny for the experience-ideal for honeymoons, an anniversary or just a romantic holiday for two. Hotel Kompas has just had a major renovation and has changed almost beyond recognition since I used to eat in its restaurant 10 years and more ago. The only thing that’s not changed is its superb location right on Lapad beach, with easy access to the beautiful pedestrianised promenade lined with restaurants, bars and cafés in Lapad. The hotel is officially a 4-star but so many elements warrant 5-stars, from the funky fresh décor to the views from the reception over the beach area, I was impressed. The hotel has an area of the beach reserved just for guests with towels and loungers, so it’s easy to hop onto the beach for a bit. I loved the location here for families - lots of places to eat out, beach on your doorstep and a great atmosphere. Croatia offers the potential for so many different types of holidays, it’s a shame to only visit there once. Believe me, once you’ve taken your first trip there, you’ll be wanting to go back for more! You could stay for a short city break and explore Dubrovnik or Split; have a winter shopping trip to the markets in Zagreb in the run-up to Christmas; spend time on pristine beaches; chill at laid back cafés and chic bars; sail between islands or spend a week living aboard a wooden boat; have an adventure kayaking and climbing at Omiš or visit National Parks at Plitvice, Mljet and Krka. Croatia’s got all my perfect ingredients for a great holiday-great fresh seafood, good local wine, crystal clear sea, reliable warm weather, stunning local architecture steeped in history and friendly welcoming people.

Marrakesh, Morocoo

17 November 2018

Club Med were our delightful hosts in Marrakesh, staying at the Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie Hotel, only ten minutes from the city centre. This was my first visit to a Club Med property, and I was delighted to be greeted in the impressive high-ceilinged reception area with a cold towel and a drink and most importantly lots of smiling welcomes! The hotel is set within Morocco's oldest palm grove and is built in traditional Moroccan style which includes lots of shaded walkways leading to impressive, mature gardens with calming, cooling water features. My room was warmly decorated, and I loved the lanterns, vibrant colours and intricately designed wood and mosaic work, perfectly in keeping with the local style. The large, sunny balcony overlooked fields to the Atlas Mountains beyond - we really were right on the edge of the city’s limits. Meals can be taken in the buffet restaurant, which offers a staggering selection of meals to try, many of which are freshly prepared while you wait. I particularly loved the salad bar where the chef chops up your salad, seasons and adds dressing before presenting it on your plate - deliciously fresh and just the way I wanted it. Soft drinks and beer are on tap, and wine flows freely on every table. There are two main pool areas - and I plumped for the adult’s only pool for its peaceful, tranquil vibe with private areas for sunbathing. Waiters come round at regular intervals with lovely cool drinks - and being on all-inclusive meant that I could frequent the bar to keep my cocktail topped up as necessary! Once I’d had my fill of sunbathing and swimming, there are so many activities on offer, I almost didn’t know where to start! On-site you can go horse riding, play tennis, hire bikes, play golf, do archery, hit the well-equipped gym and (believe it or not) you can even try your hand at the Flying Trapeze School with circus activities! Of course, if all you want to go is chill, there’s also a spa on site with a range of treatments. Parents will love the kids club which caters for all ages from 2 to 17 years and the kids club is welcoming and well-equipped with its own pool area, so little ones are kept busy and entertained whilst making new friends. All Club Med resorts offer childcare, and this is one of the many reasons families love Club Med. For a bit of extra luxury, you can book to stay in the private five star Riad area of the hotel, complete with its own pool. This was a true haven of peace and offers lush suites with private terrace or garden as well as privileged services such as room service for breakfast and champagne in the evenings as well as extended concierge service. A real highlight of my stay was the ‘white evening’ where everyone dresses in white for the outdoor BBQ buffet, which was stunning. Fairy lights are strung between trees, and the desserts are plated up hanging from tree branches - it was very ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and I loved eating outdoors surrounded by sparkling lights and the beautiful serene gardens. The tables are dressed white to match the theme and everyone gets involved - it was the perfect way to end our trip. Of course, no to visit Marrakesh would be complete without taking in the exotic sights and sounds of Jemaa el-Fnaa - the large public square in the city centre filled with small merchants, hawkers, and entertainers which are popular with tourists and locals alike. The hotel runs a regular shuttle bus into the city centre, making it easy to pop in for some shopping and sightseeing. Once here you can nip into the narrow alleyways of the shopping souks to pick up amazing souvenirs ranging from handbags and shoes to pottery, lanterns, and artwork. I was in my element! It’s always good to have a haggle over prices, and it’s a great way to get to chat with local people. I bought a wooden chess set and ‘magic’ wooden box from a seller who uses his feet and hands to lathe the wood into shape, and we watched him work for ages, entranced by his amazing skill. Entering each shop is like going into a world of treasure and mystery, and you are always met with smiles and welcome – it’s one of the real highlights of being in Marrakesh. At night Jemaa el-Fnaa is a different world, busy, bustling and frenetic - full of street artists, snake charmers, and many small pop-up eateries cooking fresh food over open fires - the atmosphere is electric! Locals gather round games being played and hawkers call out to sell their wares. I am totally won over by Club Med’s friendly, warm atmosphere and amazed by the diversity of locations you can visit with them - from Brazil to China! And it is also well worth considering Club Med for a skiing trip, as their all-inclusive packages mean they work out a superb value for money. Call me to find out more!

Colombia

14 April 2018

Although I’ve travelled a lot in Central America, this was my first time in South America, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am lucky to have friends living in Medellín, the country’s second-largest city nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate weather, so this was my first port of call. The city is nestled in a steep sided valley and has worked hard to shake off its history as one of the most dangerous cities on the planet. The cable car across Medellín is a relatively new construction and is one of the many physical signs that this city is forging a new future. Another is the sleek escalators, clean platforms and efficient service of the overland metro. The two together give Medellín a transport system that European cities would be envious of, the goal being to connect the city’s poorest residents with the city below them. As we caught the cable car out into the countryside to Parque Arvi, rising steeply out of the valley, we had a bird’s eye view of local Medellín life. Medellín’s changes extend past public transport improvements to many new libraries and public spaces. My favourite park space was the Botanical Gardens which not only showcase a vibrant array of plants but also houses a butterfly house and a fascinating science museum. Sculptures by Fernando Botero decorate downtown Medellín's Botero Plaza, while the Museo de Antioquia displays more of the Colombian artist’s work-both are well worth a visit. Families stroll here in the plaza enjoying days out, hawkers sell their wares from market stalls, and street food stands sizzle and tempt with delicious smells. We caught a short internal flight from Medellín over to the seaside town of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. This historic 16th-century port city is nestled alongside the Caribbean Sea and is one of Colombia’s prettiest towns. The old town is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow cobbled streets and brightly coloured colonial architecture. We stayed in the hip Getsemani area of town, around a 15-minute walk from the walls of the old town. Our accommodation, Casa Relax, had a lovely outdoor pool and clean spacious rooms. The Getsemani area had a great feel to it with lots of lovely cafés and restaurants, tourists mingling, and locals chatting in doorways and crowded round guitars and board games on the street. At night, it was quite lively - the bars spill onto the street and there’s music everywhere. I could have spent several days wandering round the old town and going into boutique shops and funky cafés. We also visited the castle that's on top of San Lázaro hill, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era to defend the town's great wealth from pirates - and the British. There are tunnels here to explore and amazing views - I recommend visiting at sunset to escape the heat and for the best photos facing out to sea. One of the highlights of Colombia was the high standard of food we ate everywhere. Every meal - from cheap street eats to expensive sit-down dinners, was beyond delicious, and I’d go back again just for the food! The best street food was arepas which are corn discs that come in all different shapes and varieties from thick and cheesy to soft and sweet. The sheer variety of delicious ripe succulent fruits on offer was also mind-boggling. For breakfast, we ate the exotic Cherimoya which had an odd white gooey texture but tasted divine - like a mix of every tropical fruit rolled into one! After a couple of nights in Cartagena, we travelled west for a beach sojourn to nearby Baru Island by road. Playa Blanca beach is crowded during the day - we arrived by shared taxi in the afternoon and had to weave our way through families on sun loungers spending a day at the beach, and numerous food and drink sellers. There are a few small hostels dotted along the beach - all of them simple, rustic bamboo buildings with basic rooms. Our room had a fan and no running water - we washed from a large bucket suspended above the floor with a tap - properly back to basics! The on-site bar made up for what the room lacked - Piña coladas are served in fresh pineapples, and a freshly tapped coconut can be prepared in an instant. The freshly cooked fish served with fried plantain was delicious. By late afternoon the beach is almost empty except for those staying on the beach and by sunset the beach is warm, quiet and still. If water sports are your thing, there’s plenty to keep you busy at Playa Blanca. There’s scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skis and much more. The clear turquoise blue sea and white sand is the perfect backdrop to rest and relaxation, and I could have whiled away an extra week here just taking it easy. The highlight of my trip was a nighttime boat trip at Playa Blanca to see the magical, swirling bioluminescence in the water. After sunset, we set off to a nearby lagoon just behind the beach and after a quick briefing we jumped in to see the magic happen. The water temperature was the same as the air temperature - around 31 degrees - so it was like swimming in an inky warm bath. As you move through the water, the thousands of tiny star-like bioluminescent phytoplankton shine and light up like a starry sky. The bioluminescence results from a light-producing chemical reaction and can’t be caught on a normal camera. We played in the water for ages, letting the ‘light’ drip and run down our arms and creating huge swirling tornadoes of light with our legs and arms under the water. A once in a lifetime, magical experience. I can’t recommend Colombia enough - it has been a real highlight of my travels in the past few years. There are lots of ways to see Colombia - from a twin centre like I did, or a cruise stopping off along the coast, or a more in-depth tour that takes in several different locations. It caters for everyone from a budget conscious backpacker to all out 5-star luxury. Of course, you can twin Colombia with another country nearby such as Costa Rica, Peru or the Galápagos Islands. Whatever you do and wherever you go, you’ll be met with warm smiles and find yourself immersed in a stunning natural environment with elegant architecture and towns and delicious cuisine. Call me to find out more!

The Deep South USA Road Trip

27 June 2018

America’s Deep South is an area drenched in history, musical legends and famed for its Southern hospitality. We set off to attend a friend’s wedding in Tennessee - but not before we’d road tripped from New Orleans to Memphis and Nashville first - 1,600 miles on the road! New Orleans was everything I had expected and so much more. We stayed in the Hyatt in the French Quarter next to Bourbon Street, an area with busy bars and crowds of tourists. We managed to visit much of the city on foot - enjoying the riverside and aquarium, as well as the narrow streets of the French Quarter. Furthermore, we were even lucky enough to run into a marching band procession! The street cars in New Orleans are a great way to get around and when our legs had had enough of walking, we took the streetcar to admire the large private houses on leafy Charles Street before grabbing a slice of excellent pizza and slowly wandering back to the centre. We visited the Boho Frenchman Art Market at night, which is lit up by fairy lights and offers a great chance to browse the open markets stalls displaying art, jewellery and textiles. The whole Frenchman area was incredible - music spills out of the bars, and it has a great, friendly vibe. A real highlight was the trip out into the Louisiana swamps to go in search of alligators on an air boat tour. Skimming across the surface of the swamp, our guide took us deep into the lush, overgrown backwaters where alligators swam round the boat and cranes and cormorants stood like statues by the water’s edge. It felt like stepping back in time. In our hire car, we set out from New Orleans and headed north across the undulating landscape of Louisiana into rural, agricultural Mississippi. We hadn’t booked any accommodation for our night on the road, but we were heading for Highway 61 and Clarksdale - location of the famous Crossroads - where the legend says blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil, marked with three large guitars. We stayed at a low-key motel for the classic road trip experience, driving right up to the door for convenience. Onwards to Memphis where we visited the Civil Rights Museum, which was thought-provoking, moving and inspiring. Memphis was in the grips of their hottest time of year, and it was over 40 degrees! Despite this, we loved wandering around admiring the graffiti and street art and occasionally riding the bus trolley up and down the main street. Did we visit Graceland, once home to Elvis? No, sadly the queues were too long, and we didn’t have the time in our schedule - a good reminder of why it’s a good idea to pre-book tickets in advance before you go! Downtown Nashville was noisy and brash, with numerous cowboy boot stores and cocktail bars - a lively, vibrant city that is proud of its musical legends. We stayed outside the city in a rural area surrounded by green fields and a real highlight here were the fireflies zipping around at night creating an incredible spectacle. No visit to Nashville would be complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and we marvelled at the various clothing, instruments and even cars that were associated with musical legends. The last stop on our tour was Crossville, Tennessee, where we stayed at lakeside cabins reminiscent of a 1950s holiday camp - think ‘Gellerman’s’ for anyone that’s watched Dirty Dancing! It felt like a classic all-American experience. The cabins overlooked the lake and there were plenty of activities to take part in including pedalos, kayaks and boat rides. A night out in Crossville included line dancing and plenty of locally produced Jack Daniel's bourbon - made in the distillery only a few hundred miles away. We were lucky to see inside the world's largest tree house (according to the Guinness World Records) and meet the man who built it, Horace. It was a staggering labour of love and now sadly closed to visitors, as it was one of the highlights of our trip. A huge part of the draw of the South is its food, and we tasted amazing classic such as; po boys, fried chicken, crawfish, pancakes and BBQ - which were all tasty and very, very plentiful! I loved the mix of places we stayed on this trip - from the luxury and convenience of the Hyatt in New Orleans to the classic motel whilst on the road, to the rural idyllic apartment near Nashville and the lakeside cabins at Crossville. There are lots of ways to experience the Deep South for yourself, from guided coach tours to self-drive adventures, and it’s an area which truly has something for everyone.

Neilson Family Fun in Turkey

19 December 2016

I’ve had many happy clients go on Neilson holidays, so I decided that this summer we’d pack our bags and head to a Neilson resort in Turkey and see what the fuss is all about! With two 8-year-old boys in tow, we were hoping they’d be kept busy whilst we had time to relax, and we were not disappointed. ‘Relax as hard as you want’ is Neilson’s motto, and I thought I'd put this to the test! Whilst I experienced the ultimate sunbed and pool relaxation, both boys loved the kids’ clubs and experienced paddleboarding, sailing, pizza making, kayaking and much more. And they still managed to fit in around 8 hours a day in the pool! I also decided to sign up for a level 1 sailing course, which was so much fun with a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. We literally didn’t stop laughing, whether on shore or at sea, where I became quite a master of the capsize! When not devouring a good book by the pool I also did cycle rides, a Turkish hammam massage, shopping in local markets and a 2 km swim back from a nearby island to the mainland. It was the perfect mix of downtime and activities. It was also great to spend quality time with the kids and take them out on the water where we paddle boarded, water-skied, sailed and kayaked together. The standard of food at the hotel far exceeded our expectations. Even though it was a buffet it was all very fresh and locally sourced, there was never a queue, and the service at our table was excellent. I did find the prices of drinks a little more than anticipated, however my bill at the end of the week wasn’t dreadful despite several evenings with the cocktail list! It was great being on ‘club’ board, as twice in the week we ate out at local restaurants instead of at the hotel, which is always a real highlight. Local restaurants line the seafront and are lit by twinkling lanterns - they all serve fresh seafood, and our meals out were excellent. I met many people at the hotel who have holidays as a family every year with Neilson, and it’s easy to see why they have such a loyal following. The whole family can find activities that suit - even teens have their own ‘club’ so they can choose to eat together and generally avoid their (embarrassing) parents, so families with children of all ages are well catered for. There’s a lovely atmosphere at the hotel - everyone is very friendly, and by the end of the holiday we knew lots of people and had made great friends. "Relax as hard as you like" isn’t just a tagline with Neilson, it’s their philosophy. It doesn't matter whether you relax doing 360s in the Med, surfing the powder of the Dolomites, cruising the blues of the Alps as a total newbie, or by taking a breather on a sunbed, with just headphones for company. Neilson offers both summer and winter holidays to keep the whole family content. Neilson have two new locations for 2017 in Croatia and Sardinia, which is exciting as Croatia is still my number one destination in Europe. As a parent, it’s rare to find a beach holiday where both kids and parents are kept completely happy - well done Neilson for finding that perfect balance. We’ll be back soon! If you’d like to find out more about Neilson, or any aspect of family holidays, please get in touch and I can help find a holiday to keep the whole family happy and make memories to last a lifetime.

Saint Lucia

05 June 2018

Whilst in Saint Lucia, I had the opportunity to visit three hotels on the island, all of which had unique personalities and offer very different experiences. I must admit, I didn’t want to check out and leave any of them! Rendezvous is a couple’s only, all-inclusive hotel situated on a two-mile stretch of Malabar beach. The atmosphere here is laid back and friendly, and the rooms are luxurious and spacious. It’s worth paying to upgrade to a newly renovated Verandah Suite - the comfy daybeds on the terrace and wow factor interior complete with standalone bath and rain shower is very special. My favourite part of this hotel was the ‘lazy river’ which is a hidden gem. Set amongst dense foliage, you’d be forgiven for not even noticing it’s there! It winds its way around the hotel site and has private seating areas and day beds that are offer privacy and seclusion, along with the opportunity to take a dip in the river when it gets too hot. Waiters will bring drinks to your spot on the river and the service is so attentive that they’ll keep bringing your favourite tipple, ice-cold, until you ask them to stop! The beach front pool features a swim up bar with great cocktail options (try the Rendezvous Paradise - it’s the best!) and a further spa pool gives you plenty of options for poolside relaxation. The food options here are excellent. There’s a fresh delicious buffet option or if you prefer to dine à la carte this is included, as many times as you like. The Malabar Beach restaurant, a new addition to the hotel, offers barefoot, feet-in-the-sand dining and focuses on locally sourced, fresh Caribbean style meals. Nearby there’s a jungle adventure centre where you can zip line through the canopy and take a sky tram up into the jungle to a great lookout point. Weddings at the hotel are free with stays of seven nights or more, and it’s truly ideal for celebrating wedding anniversaries and honeymoons. The Body Holiday Hotel has a unique concept - “Give us your body for a week, and we’ll give you back your mind”. This is an all-inclusive wellness holiday with a difference. I was a little concerned I’d be marched off to exercise at every opportunity, but the reality is very different. Yes, there are an abundance of activities you can take part in from tennis, yoga, spinning, walking, water sports, water polo, biathlons, tai chi… the list goes on, but they are all entirely optional, and you can do as little or as much as you want. Every guest at the hotel gets a daily spa treatment included, choosing from a list of 12 options. I went for the lime and ginger body scrub and a hand and foot massage - both were divine. I also enjoyed a yoga class in the air-conditioned studio, kayaking in the bay, ‘tubing’ and scuba diving - all of which were included at no extra cost. There are healthy food options to choose from, and some not so healthy - again, the choice is yours. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, this is very well catered for. Buffet and à la carte options are included, so there’s a good choice of places to eat, and the standard is very high. Guests here must be 16 years plus, except for in July and August, when the minimum age is lowered to 12. This makes it a popular choice for families with teenage children who want a wealth of activities to keep the whole family happy. The Body Holiday is also very popular amongst solo travellers - there is even a week in September dedicated to solos. My recently renovated Grand Luxury Ocean Front Room was on the ground floor overlooking the sea and had a large decking area - I left my doors open and drifted to sleep listening to the waves, which was heavenly. The highlight of my visit to Saint Lucia was the Viceroy Sugar Beach. The hotel has rightfully been given numerous awards and accolades, is notoriously popular amongst celebrities, and is undoubtedly one of the very best hotels in the Caribbean. Words and photos really don’t do the property justice, and it has to be seen to be believed. The hotel is nestled amongst pristine rainforest between the two iconic, dramatic Piton mountains and the various rooms, cottages and residences are dotted over the large 300-acre estate, leading down to a white sand beach and pure turquoise waters. The Pitons are a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and the snorkelling is incredible as the waters off Sugar Beach are part of the National Marine Reserve. My room, the Beachfront cottage, was located directly on the beach with a private garden and outdoor Jacuzzi and shower area. The room décor is chic and smart with a large four-poster bed, freestanding bath and walk in wardrobe area complete with Nespresso machine and fridge. A seating area and hammock overlook the pristine white sand beach. All rooms here come complete with butler service 24/7, and you’re provided with phones to call the butler when you need assistance. This hotel takes Caribbean luxury to an entirely new level. The hotel’s ambience, divine smell (lavender and lemongrass I’m told), discreet and friendly service, food and drink, accommodation options and backdrop of natural beauty all combine to make this an unrivalled luxury experience. The resort also offers one and two-bedroom villas, and two, three, four and even five-bedroom residences which are perfect for larger families and groups. Children are welcome at the hotel and there are kid’s clubs to suit. The dining is as you'd expect from a hotel of this standard and I enjoyed the Asian-inspired menu in the funky Cane Bar as much as the five-course taster menu, wood fired pizza from the Beachside Bay Bar or freshly cooked breakfast on the terrace. The location of Sugar Beach and the constant backdrop of the Piton Mountains is stunning, and the hotel is a real five-star delight. I really must debunk the myth that the Caribbean is too rainy to visit in our summer months (May-September). This is the second time I've been in the Caribbean during the 'low' season, and on both occasions the weather has been great. There is the occasional rain shower, but it quickly passes and is followed by glorious sunshine. It also rained heavily overnight, but I loved being inside with the balcony doors flung open, listening to the sound of the rain and tree frogs - part of the music of the Caribbean! Saint Lucia can be visited 365 days of the year and if you are looking for an affordable Caribbean break then the summer months offer fantastic value for money.

The Northern Lights- when and where?

09 July 2016

One of the most frequent questions I get asked about the Northern Lights is one that’s unfortunately quite difficult to answer: when and where is the best time to travel abroad to see the Northern Lights? It is the $64,000 question, as everyone wants to give themselves the best chance of glimpsing the famous Aurora Borealis. The best places to go depend on what you want to do when you get there. For a city break with a twist, Reykjavík in Iceland is hard to beat, although Tromso in Norway is equally popular. For a more remote break it’s best to head north into the Arctic Circle-the northerly parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden are known collectively as 'Lapland' and all offer great winter escapes where you be as active as you want with snowmobiling, husky sledding, skiing and ice fishing on offer. There are some very individual and different places to stay in Lapland besides a classic cosy wooden log cabin. Quirky Ice hotels, igloos made of snow or even glass and unbelievable tree houses make a unique and once in a lifetime holiday. Santa is in situ in the lead up to Christmas, so a trip to see him could also mean a sighting of the lights as well! In terms of which month to pick, the lights are generally viewed from September to March, when the nights are long, and the sky is dark. The aurora is at its most active around the equinoxes in March and September, however if you want to travel in September remember there won’t be any snow around yet! Most tours start in November, when snow has fallen, and the landscape is transformed into stunning wintery glory. It is a myth that the lights come out the colder it gets. However, there are less likely to be clouds obscuring the view when the temperatures drop. Another myth to debunk is that the waxing and waning of the moon makes a difference to the northern lights. Whilst a full moon does lighten the sky, and therefore possibly reduce the visual intensity of a display, the northern lights can be seen at all stages of the moon’s cycle. There are two things which obscure a good view of the lights-cloud and light pollution. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, you really need to be in a location with very little light pollution, so away from built-up areas. If you’re on a city break to Reykjavík in Iceland or Tromso in Norway, there are tours you can take that leave the city and take you into the countryside by bus or car. Better yet, a short nighttime cruise is a great way to get away from artificial light and maximise your chances. There are a range of longer cruises up the west coast of Norway and you spend the entire voyage within the Arctic Circle, giving you the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights. In terms of timings, the lights are commonly most seen between 17:00 and 02:00 but can be seen any time when the sky is clear, which is most of the time in winter when you're in the far north. They don’t usually exhibit for long – they may only show for a few minutes, then glide away before returning. A good display may last for no longer than half an hour, though, if you’re lucky, it could extend to a couple of hours or longer with the lights appearing to ‘dance’ across the sky. Most hotels will wake you up (at your request) if the lights make an appearance after bedtime. Depending on your location, you can even view the lights from your bedroom window. The lights are a very special natural phenomenon. Despite the advice I’ve given above, I saw the lights in Finnish Lapland in early April when at dusk and the sky was partly cloudy, which just goes to show there is an element of luck involved too! If you’d like to know more about where to go to see the Northern Lights, I’m always happy to discuss options and ideas with you, so please feel free to get in touch.

Mauritius - Beachcomber Experience

17 November 2018

Mauritius is best known as a honeymoon destination, and its reputation for classic white palm-fringed sandy beaches and turquoise waters is not misplaced. It is however becoming an increasingly popular destination for families who want a great alternative to Europe for school holidays in summer, or as a contender to the Caribbean in winter. Mauritius also caters for any activity you can name whether it’s scuba diving, horse riding, kite surfing, walking alongside giant tortoises, boat and snorkelling trips, shopping, hiking and mountain biking - to name a few! This is not just a beach destination - there is so much more to it than that, which is why it’s so popular with honeymooners and families who want the best of both worlds. Weddings in Mauritius are also very popular and if you’re looking for a beach wedding, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more stunning location. Beachcomber have eight hotels on the island, all on the West Coast, and they all offer unique personalities and features. There are, however, several threads of continuity that run from hotel to hotel: The hotels all feel very luxurious, well maintained and spacious. The grounds of the hotel are always impeccably maintained and wandering around the hotel space is a joy. The rooms are larger than average, and they offer a brilliant variety of room options, including interconnecting rooms for families and the ever-popular family rooms with two separate bedrooms. There are even villas with their own private pool-ideal for larger families or groups. Land and water sports are included in the price, which means endless opportunities for being active. The smallest people in your family will be well catered for, welcomed and made to feel special. All the Beachcomber hotels offer an excellent kids club, so parents can relax and know their kids are being entertained, educated and cared for, whatever the time of day. The food is incredible - both à la carte and buffet style. I’ve never eaten so well. And the cocktails are fantastic too! Here’s the low down on the eight hotels Beachcomber offer: Shandrani - There are a choice of beaches here, from the sheltered gently sloping beaches of the lagoon to the ‘wild’ beach with crashing waves and opportunities for long barefoot walks. Don’t let the proximity of this hotel to the airport put you off. It means the transfer time is nice and short, and the flights are infrequent and not at all disruptive. Le Mauricia - This hotel has distinct Mediterranean influences with great all-inclusive facilities, making it perfect for families. The resort is within walking distance of the lively village of Grand Baie. The rooms here are ideal for families, with cool ‘loft’ rooms and apartments with two bedrooms. There’s even a villa where you can have the privacy of your own pool with the benefits of the hotel’s amenities. Le Victoria - One of the most popular hotels for families in Mauritius, this hotel will also soon feature an adults-only area for some quiet time away from the kids. Rooms here are massive, and the all-inclusive option makes this a very serious contender against holidays in Europe in the summer. There’s a kids club as well as a club for teens, so the whole family will be entertained. Trou Aux Biches - There’s only one thing you’ll be able to do when you arrive at Trou Aux Biches and that’s relax! The whole hotel has a feeling of complete calm and tranquillity, it’s wonderful. The rooms are arranged in crescents, each one with its own pool, so whilst it’s a big complex it never feels impersonal. The villas at the hotel are ideal for families or groups and are the ultimate in villa luxury yet felt homely and comfortable. If you want to be more active, there are loads of water sports to try. Le Cannonier - The highlight of Le Cannonier for me was the spa-built into an ancient banyan tree, it’s a unique treehouse spa experience and the ultimate in relaxation. The kids club here is also very unique, built into an old fort, and old cannons dot the beautifully maintained grounds. The hotel is built on a peninsula, so views are stunning in all directions, and there is a very laid-back vibe to the hotel with low thatched roofs. Royal Palm - This hotel is the jewel in Beachcomber’s crown, and rightly so. I’d be hard-pressed to name a hotel I’ve liked more than Royal Palm; it is an absolute joy to behold. From the sumptuous rooms with their Moroccan inspired fretwork to the most divine beach, this hotel is as close to perfection as you could imagine. Treat yourself with a helicopter transfer from the airport - we were taken by helicopter from Royal Palm, and the sweeping views of Mauritius from the air only made me love it even more. Paradise Hotel & Golf Club - I was so impressed with the location of this hotel, situated at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Brabant Mountain. The golf course is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course within walking distance from all of the rooms. Staying here, you also have access to all the facilities of the Dinarobin, the adjacent hotel. A real plus are the beachfront villas. Dinarobin Hotel & Golf Club - The Dinarobin is also on the Le Morne peninsula with the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne mountain, so its location is breathtaking. Expansive sandy beaches fringe one of the most beautiful lagoons of the island. Guests have access to all the facilities of the Paradise next door. The ‘Club at Dinarobin’ is a private, adults-only club. You can view a video online about my trip to Mauritius, which also showcases the eight different hotels here - see if you can spot me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS9PIkfgcYA

Antigua

05 June 2018

I have always wanted to visit the Caribbean islands, it’s somewhere that’s been my dream destination since I was small. When I had the opportunity to visit on an educational trip with Virgin holidays I was over the moon, although I was concerned that my extremely high expectations may mean I was disappointed. I am happy to report that I wasn’t- in fact Antigua exceeded my expectations in every way and is literally heaven on earth. This is really my idea of a perfect destination- sunshine, stunning coastline, friendly people, amazing food and loads to see and do. Virgin showed us several properties on the island, from affordable to downright luxurious so I got to experience a real range of places to stay. We also swam with stingrays at Stingray City, lounged on a catamaran day trip around the island and inspected so many hotels that I’m now keen to go back and see them all again! Here are the hotels we visited with a little bit about each one: Blue Waters This is a very well- kept luxury resort with lots of room and villa options. Perfect for groups and luxury travellers. I was wowed by Rock Cottage, which can be privately rented offering groups or large families the best of both worlds - a well-equipped private villa with the benefit of hotel facilities. The beaches here are small but perfectly formed. Cove Suites at Blue Waters Very luxurious and extremely spacious suites, with ocean views and beautiful pools. I loved how the bathroom doors can be opened so you can bathe with view of the ocean. Perfect for honeymooners. Verandah Great for families, with two lovely beaches and loads to do for kids. Rooms were fairly basic, but two bed suites are available which is ideal for families who don’t all want to be in one room together. There are lots of places to eat and the fab kids club gives parents the chance for some relaxation whilst the kids are entertained. St James Club & The Beach Club Good facilities for families with practical self-catering villas as well as dining options on site. The adults only suites have great views. The wide sweeping beach here is calm and relaxing with a fantastic backdrop. At the Beach Club, exclusive to Virgin, the rooms are spacious, overlooking the beach and out to sea. Carlisle Bay Wow! This is true top end luxury, with very stylish rooms and a superb beach. Despite being very chic and understatedly stylish the hotel caters very well for families with an on-site cinema and pizza oven. The food was out of this world, and the service impeccable. Stay here and you will not be disappointed! Cocobay My favourite hotel on Antigua. Adults only, with brilliant little wooden pastel coloured cottages dotted around the site reflecting the local architecture and divine views from every direction. There are three great beaches if you can drag yourself away from the breath-taking infinity pool. I loved the rooms with slipper baths on the veranda. Honeymooners paradise, I can think of no better place to stay. Sugar Ridge Seat back away from the coast this is a very luxurious, modern styled property with a large gym and excellent spa facilities. Far reaching views are a real winner, and there is a regular shuttle to beach. Ideal for style conscious couples. Galley Bay A superb adults-only resort with great facilities and dining options, plus a wonderful long stretch of beach. The best cocktails on the island! There are various room options here, many of which lead directly onto the sandy beach. The whole atmosphere of the resort is warm and welcoming, and this would be an ideal honeymoon retreat. The food and service were truly excellent. Sandals Grande Antigua A large resort with two distinct halves, the Italian side which is high rise and quite imposing and the Mediterranean side which is low rise. The resort has a host of facilities - and everything is of a very high standard. Loud music round the pool and resort area may put people off who are looking for tranquillity, but there are quieter areas to explore and the all-inclusive meals, drinks and activities really do mean you won’t be reaching for your wallet once you’re in resort. I can't thank Virgin Holidays enough for the chance to see this destination, and the wide selection of hotels that they offer guests. If you are considering a holiday to anywhere in the Caribbean please do not hesitate to get in touch so we can discuss your options, there are so many islands to choose from and the beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees, amazing food and drink and welcoming people will never fail to impress.

Celebrity Cruise onboard Eclipse

01 June 2015

I must admit I wasn’t sure what to expect when I set foot onboard Celebrity’s most popular cruise ship for the UK, Eclipse. I was lucky enough to experience this two night cruise from Southampton to Le Havre, a ‘taster’ of what life at sea has to offer with Celebrity. The ship was at maximum capacity- 2,850 passengers- and has just completed a refurbishment which has left it looking fresh and modern. Celebrity Cruises challenge all previously held conceptions about cruising with their ‘Modern Luxury’ approach and are enticing people who had never considered cruising to give it a try. And it’s easy to see why it’s working. Gone are the stereotypes we all hold about cruising. The interiors are light, bright and full of quirky designs. The top deck features a real grass expanse, a real tree grows up through the sleek foyer where elevators glide seamlessly, there’s a two story wine tower, nightclub, huge theatre and a frozen bar where the martinis are always on ice! It was difficult not to tuck in and over indulge on the wide selection of food available. We ate on the first night at one of the speciality restaurants, the Tuscan Grille, which served excellent Italian food. The main restaurant, with its wine tower centrepiece, was an excellent way to start the following evening before going to see a lively performance of classic show tunes in the theatre. It would have been churlish of me to not try the selection of drinking establishments on board, including the martini bar complete with frozen bar top, authentic looking wine cellar which serves up a cheese selection alongside your wine and brand new slush bar serving frozen drinks by the pool. I can safely report back that they were all excellent! We were kept entertained throughout the cruise in the form of a wine tasting session from Oz Clarke and an entertaining adventure talk from Ben Fogle. The list of events on the ship are varied and of the highest standard. We watched a West-end style performance of famous show tunes in the massive theatre backed by a huge orchestra. It was almost impossible to imagine that all of this was on a ship! If you are new to cruising I think Celebrity offer a wonderful introduction to life at sea. Call me to discuss the endless possibilities that cruising has to offer!

Seville City Break

05 January 2015

Firstly, the weather in Seville at the end of September is perfect - warm, sunny, but not too hot and perfect for sitting out on a pavement café in the evening watching the world go by. I was in heaven! The smell of sweet jasmine, the taste of amazing bread, cheese and tapas, the sound of delicate flamenco guitar, the sight of colourful ceramics, brightly painted buildings and palm trees waving - these are all of the things I loved about Seville, plus so much more! There’s so much to see in this amazing city that we ended up hiring bikes to get around which was very safe and easy although did require stopping every 100 metres or so to check the map as the city’s narrow twisting streets can easily get you lost - although this is part of the fun. We took our time to visit the city’s main attractions. The Cathedral with its ominous paintings and hoards of gold and great views over the city from the belfry. The Real Alacazaar’s amazing tiled walls and ornate ceilings were only surpassed by its tranquil high-walled gardens complete with maze, palm trees and novelty water- powered organ! You could easily spend a whole day here! One room leads to another which leads to a courtyard, which leads to another room. The complex is huge and completely awe-inspiring. We enjoyed lying down in the sunshine in a quiet part of the gardens and relaxing in the tranquil surroundings. The flamenco show we saw as Casa de Flamenco in the old town area of Santa Cruz was mesmerising. The dancers and musicians were so talented that the whole room gave a standing ovation. It was spell binding and I have to admit I wasn’t expecting to be so blown away by the whole experience but it had me enthralled throughout. Another highlight was the local flea market, where the pavements are crammed with locals selling their wares. Much like a car boot sale without the cars! We picked up some amazing prints to frame when we got home and enjoyed looking at the variety of clothes, furniture, ornament, pictures, old cameras and trinkets on sale, soaking up the fantastic atmosphere before diving into another lovely café for a refreshing drink. We stayed at the centrally located Casa de Mestro boutique hotel for 3 nights, and with direct flights from Stansted plus private transfers the whole trip cost around £225 per person which is great value for an amazing city break like this and beats Barcelona’s prices and tourist hordes any day! I spent most to this trip either eating the best ever tapas or being wowed and amazed at the beautiful architecture, culture and street life. If you want a city break in Europe with great weather, top notch food and loads to see and do then call me for a personal quote.

Egyptian Winter Sunshine

06 January 2015

I’m a massive fan of the sunshine so when I had the chance to visit Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt in December I jumped at it! This is a fantastic destination for winter sun. We took boat trips to coral fringed islands, rode camels in the desert whilst the sun set, star gazed, watched fire jugglers and snorkelled for hours on end! I wasn’t expecting the scenery at Sharm to be so breath-taking. The jagged mountains rise steeply from the coast giving the whole place a gorgeous backdrop - the mountain’s colours change every minute and a trip out into the desert at sunset is a must-do. If you’re a fan of swimming and snorkelling then the reefs in Sharm are compelling. Out hotel, Hilton Sharks Bay, had a jetty extending right over the house reef. We simply jumped into the water and it was like entering an aquarium - a kaleidoscope of colour and life. The water is clear, calm and stunning turquoise blue, very inviting for all levels of swimmer, and perfectly safe for kids. A day trip to barren Tiran Island, with shallow warm turquoise waters and endless coral reefs was a great way to spend the day, stopping off at great snorkel spots and a chance for first timers to try scuba diving and those with scuba experience to go off and explore underwater. The temperatures during the day stayed in the mid to high twenties which was perfect and hot enough to sunbathe. One of the large freeform pools at the hotel, complete with artificial beach, was heated and had a water slide for the kids (and grown-ups!) which kept us busy with more swimming. Just a short stroll away in Sharks Bay is Soho Square which has numerous boutique shops and cafes, plus many more restaurants if the hotel food gets repetitive. For an authentic Egyptian experience try the Old Market area after dark - bustling with shops and traders with some beautiful local handiworks to buy. Butchers and greengrocers sit alongside shops selling handbags and fake sunglasses, it has a nice atmosphere. Cafes are full of men playing backgammon, mulling the days events and smoking sheesha pipes. It is an occasional glimpse, albeit a brief one, of what lies beyond the tourist façade in Sharm. I’d definitely recommend Egypt for a winter break, and it suits all type of holiday makers - from families to couples and independent travellers. If you’d like to know more then please call me.

March in Mallorca

15 May 2014

March is quite early to visit the Balearic Islands and we had mixed weather but it was perfect for sightseeing and we certainly saw a lot in 4 days. The island is popular for biking at this time of year- the empty, winding roads and mild but sunny weather makes perfect conditions for cyclists. There is blossom everywhere in March so the countryside is beautiful. We hired a car and spent the first day driving from our base near Palma to the south coast and the pretty bay of Canyamel, where I spent my holidays as a child. En route we stopped at Canyamel Castle, built in by the Moors in 1250 which was worth a short visit- the restaurant next door also houses some amazing artefacts from days gone by and serves great food. The south of Mallorca’s coast is riddled with caves to visit but my favourite and undoubtedly Mallorca’s most impressive caves are the Caves of Drach-, or ‘Dragon’s Caves’. The stalactites are growing at a rate of around 1 cm per 100 years, and some of them are as tall and thick as large tree trunks- staggering how old they are, dating back to the Miocene era up to 20 million years ago! The route through the caves ends with a crystal clear lake, where you take a seat and watch as small boats, lit with fairy lights and filled with musicians perform a classical recital which is breathtakingly beautiful and sounds amazing. You then have a short boat ride on the underground lake before emerging from the 80% humidity up hundreds of steps to fresh air! The wooden train that rumbles slowly through the mountain between Palma and Soller was our next adventure. It’s a very slow journey and the temptation to pick a ripe orange or lemon straight from the tree as we meandered past lush groves dripping with fruit was strong! The views of the mountains on this journey are incredible and the train goes over viaducts and through tunnels on its route to Soller town. At Soller we headed straight to the ice cream shop and manufacturers ‘Sa Fàbrica de Gelats’ which supplies much of Mallorca with its great ice cream in a bewildering variety of different flavours. A tram runs from Soller to the coastal town of Port Soller, so we jumped on and enjoyed watching the sea get closer. The beach was empty (except for the ducks!) despite the sunshine so we built sandcastles and dipped our feet. There is a great view of the coast if you wander uphill to the museum at the east end of the town, and we were greeted by friendly ‘Hola’s’ everywhere we went. The seafood here is deliciously fresh and no visit would be complete without a plate of fresh fish enjoyed overlooking the marina. It was easy to jump on a bus to take us back to Palma, where we marvelled at the giant cathedral and wandered past fountains and statues. Mallorca is known for its beach life but there is so much more to do besides, it’s the perfect break for the whole family whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or both! Call me plan your perfect Mallorca break.

Dalmatian Island Cruise

03 September 2013

Quite simply, my favourite country in the world is Croatia. What I love about it is the crystal clear sapphire sea, the endless beautiful islands, the delicious seafood, wine, ice-cream, the hum of cicadas (tree crickets), the smell of warm pine needles and sea salt carried on a warm breeze, the humour and warmth of the Croatian people and the fact that the country remains unspoilt by tourism. I have previously worked for several seasons in Croatia on Explore Worldwide’s Dalmatian Island Cruise, an 8 day tour of island highlights. I truly believe that one of the best ways to see Croatia is by boat, after all, there are over 1200 islands which are home to so many hidden gems- pristine coves and beaches, pine forests, terracotta roofs and pretty medieval towns with rich histories. The boat used for the island hopping cruise was a Croatian oldtimer, which is a traditional Croatian cargo boat converted into comfortable cabins with a sundeck and a dining/bar area. There are a huge variety of boats which sail the Dalmatian islands and you can choose a more budget option with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Alternatively you could opt for all-out luxury and a boat that has large cabins and ensuite facilities. Our route took in the very best islands in the Adriatic- Vis, Brac, Korcula, Mljet and Hvar. Stopping at a different port every night we island hopped from medieval towns to deserted beaches, Venetian buildings and pine scented forest trails. The week-long tour started in Trogir, a medieval walled town steeped in over 2300 years of history. Culturally it was created under the influence of the ancient Greeks, and then the Romans, and then the Venetians. This is spectacularly reflected in its architecture - every view of the town is worthy of a photograph! We headed next to Vis town on the island of the same name, which has an interesting history as a military base. The island has been closed to visitors until very recently. You can still see many of the bunkers previously used by the Yugoslavs, some of which were to hide their ships from the air raids during the Second World War. We stopped here for wine tasting in a section of a tunnel that has been converted into a family run wine cellar. At nearby Bisevo Island is the blue caves a grotto that displays the most wondrous turquoise waters, lit by sunlight filtering in beneath the waterline. Next it was on to the pretty town of Korcula, nicknamed a ‘mini Dubrovnik’ due to its layout and similarly awe inspiring medieval walls. This wonderfully compact town’s history, like most of Croatia, spans the centuries. Korcula is another photographers dream, with its red terracotta roofs, stone cathedrals and winding roads. The next highlight is the island of Mljet, a National Park which has a network of pine scented forest trails you can explore by foot or bike. There are also two interconnected vivid blue saltwater lakes perfect for swimming or kayaking. On then to bustling Hvar town, renowned for its party scene and a magnet to those wanting a combination of great nightlife, stylish beaches and cafes. Don’t be put off by this if you’re after some serious culture and history- the town is steeped in both. Visit the Spanjola fortress, the 16th century arsenal building and the oldest theatre in Europe. Foodies will love the selection of restaurants and fine wines and there are so many wonderful places to explore, nestled away in courtyards and spilling out onto narrow cobbled streets. Our final stop was at Split, once home to the Roman emperor Dioceltian and now just home to the remains of his impressive palace, complete with real Egyptian sphinx! Rub the statue of Gregorious of Nin’s big toe and make a wish- it’s a tradition that even the locals indulge in! After a week aboard a Dalmatian cruse on a small boat such as this it’s hard to say goodbye to your fellow passengers and the charming, friendly captain and crew. If you’d like more information on how to book a Dalmatian island cruise then please don’t hesitate to contact me, I’d be delighted to talk about one of the most beautiful places on earth with you!

Northern Lights and Arctic Adventures!

09 July 2016

To bear witness to one of nature’s most spectacular light shows, the Northern Lights, has always been on my ‘bucket list’. For this trip to Lapland we were based in Karesuando village, deep within the Arctic Circle on the border of Sweden and Finland. Our accommodation was in a quaint little timber cabin nestled amidst several feet of snow. Almost as soon as the sun set there was a knock on my door and a cry of ‘The Lights are out!’ I quickly bundled my son in a duvet and we rushed out into the icy landscape so we could stare at the night sky in anticipation. I have to be honest and tell you that the sight of the swirling, misty green lights in the sky made my eyes fill for it has to be one of the most beautiful, crazy and surreal things I’ve ever seen. I’d read so much about the science behind the Aurora Borealis- the KP index, solar flares, magnetic resonance and the suchlike that I could scarcely believe something so mathematical and factual could produce a display of such magnitude and raw beauty. The activities that were offered were amazing and really hit the spot with the kids and adults alike. The husky sleigh ride was exhilarating and had me whooping like a child as our team of dogs effortlessly pulled us at high speed through a glittering icy landscape with not a soul in sight - it felt like we were racing to the end of the world and I did not want the adventure to end. Afterwards we fed the huskies and helped their trainers put them into their individual kennels, getting to know each animal’s personality and getting a fascinating insight into the lives led by the dogs and their attentive carers. The snowmobile expedition was a real highlight- the controls are incredibly easy to use and the kids all travel in a wooden sleigh pulled by an experienced guide so they can enjoy the exhilarating ride as well. Having never ridden a skidoo before I was a little cautious at first but after five minutes or so I was zooming along like a pro, admiring the frozen rivers and marvelling at the beauty of the frozen landscape around me. We were taken to a lookout point, high up above the treeline with 360 degree views all around. It felt like we were literally on top of the world- no photos could have done the view justice - nor captured the spirit of adventure that you feel stood atop a hill with nothing but the frozen arctic surrounding you. Meeting the reindeers was a surprise as they were much smaller than I’d imagined, and also very tame! We sat around the fire in a kota, a traditional Lappish tent, and enjoyed reindeer sausages roasted on an open fire washed down with loganberry juice - both local specialties. I must admit to being a bit of a sun seeker when it comes to holidays in the past but this trip to Lapland has changed my perception completely. This was a true adventure to the ends of the earth and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list too then give me a call or email me and we can chat about the various ways you can do this as there are lots of options (cruising, Lapland, Iceland, with/without kids etc) and I’d be more than happy to discuss these with you. Lapland isn't just about Santa and his elves - it's a great playground for big kids too!

Croatian family holiday

17 November 2018

Our latest trip to Croatia was first to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trogir, a medieval walled town situated on an island a mere ten-minute bus ride from Split airport. This pretty town has a labyrinth-style network of narrow cobbled streets, Venetian stone buildings and shaded courtyards blossoming with flowers. Trogir is a town with soul, and despite the tourist crowds in August, it has a lived-in feel with locals sipping coffee on the Riva (waterfront) alongside visitors from every corner of the globe, adding to the town’s already cosmopolitan air. Large yachts and rugged wooden oldtimer boats line up on the Riva. At sunset the warm stone paved quay is lined with artisans, performers and people simply strolling along with an ice cream in their hand, watching the world go by - a typical Croatian scene. We drove to nearby Krka National Park and navigated our way whilst admiring the sweeping coastal views. This was my first visit to Krka and despite having visited the waterfall’s notorious big brother, Plitvice, I was not in the slightest bit disappointed. We scrambled over slippery boulders to reach the deeper water for a swim, reflecting on how useful a pair of waterproof shoes would have been for this! From Trogir, we travelled by bus to nearby Split, the second largest city in Croatia. This seaside city is home to Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. It’s rumoured that this location is to be used for the filming of the forthcoming new series of ‘Game of Thrones’ and this otherworldly backdrop will not disappoint fans of the series. From Split we took a ferry to the island of Hvar which has become one of Croatia’s most notorious hotspots, described by Conde Nast as one of the top ten islands in the world and billed as the ‘new St. Tropez’. Celebrities come here to party the night away, alongside yachters and in-the-know backpackers or holidaymakers. Bars like Carpe Diem have given this small town international notoriety yet this has not spoiled the town’s picturesque charm. Cafes and restaurants spill out onto the largest piazza in Croatia and you can instantly see the town’s appeal in its jumble of pretty narrow streets and dazzling architecture. Whilst on Hvar we chartered a speedboat and skipper to take us to neighbouring Vis and Bisevo Islands. We stopped first at the Blue Caves, where you enter by boat through a narrow, low entrance so everyone has to crouch down on the bottom of the boat. This delighted the children onboard, who felt part of a real adventure. Once inside you can sit up and admire the view - crystal clear water infused with natural sunlight reflected from the seabed - this is surely Mother Nature just showing off how beautiful the world can be?! We headed next to Stiniva beach on Vis, a real gem of a hidden cove which opens up like an amphitheatre once inside and is a magnet to those looking for a cold beer (there’s a bar!) on a picture perfect beach. Next stop was the green caves, which the boat motored right into, and dropped anchor so we could swim. The cave was cool and shady, with only one intense patch of sunlight slanting through a hole in the cave roof. Our final stops were at the Pakleni islands just off Hvar, including Milni beach and the sandy Palmizana beach. Finally, it was back to the mainland and a day trip to Drevnik Veliki Island. This is an island that’s truly off the beaten track, with one small shop, two restaurants and a small cluster of pretty stone houses. We swam in shallow coves, caught sprats in our fishing net and ate delicious fresh seafood before it was time to get the ferry back to Trogir - a truly perfect day. There are so many options in Croatia; it has something to suit everyone whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a family break, an island hopping cruise on a small boat or more adventurous pursuits such as rafting and cycling. If you’d like some great suggestions for a Croatia trip to suit your style and budget, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Terrific Turkey

17 September 2013

Our second visit to Turkey’s Lycian coast was a twin centre holiday. Flying into Dalaman airport, the first half was spent in the seaside town of Fethiye, and the second half at the famous ‘blue lagoon’ in Olu Deniz. Fethiye harbour is a picturesque bay with rows of large and small boats lined up and cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront. It’s a wonderful place to watch the world go by and soak up the atmosphere. Unlike other towns in this area, it does not feel touristy but you will find numerous British people who have moved here to live, or who have holiday homes here- very lucky! Beyond the harbour the cliffs rise up steeply providing a stunning backdrop, which is made even more spectacular by the Lycian rock tombs sculpted into the limestone cliff face which date back as far as the 4th century BC. It is well worth the steep walk up to visit these as you will be rewarded by far reaching views over Fethiye and beyond. We enjoyed speculating about how these ancient civilisations achieved such feats of engineering without modern equipment- the temple porticos are impressively large and complex. Our favourite activity in Fethiye is to hire a boat complete with enigmatic captain for the day to take us to quiet coves and beaches nearby. It's a great day trip and not as expensive as you'd think to charter your own private boat. The captain prepares the most delicious fish picnic lunch with delicious bread and salad. We also met up with a scuba dive boat in the afternoon so I could go for a dive. We hired a car and drove to the Saklikent Gorge, the second-largest (20 km-long) gorge in Europe, about a 40 minutes' drive from Fethiye. It is a spectacular place, with sculpted walls soaring high above. You can walk a fair way into the gorge along boardwalks and then, if it’s dry season, beside the river itself. From Saklikent we then drove to Patara beach, a 12km long stretch of sandy beach. You can easily see why it is frequently voted one of the top beaches in the world. Part of a national park, it is a key biodiversity area rich in birdlife and the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle. Luckily the beach has been declared off-limits for development because of the turtles which means it is completely unspoilt. Once inside the national park area we were surprised to discover the ancient Lycian ruins of Patara. This was the major naval and trading port of Lycia, and what remains are a vast and impressive collection of ruins, including a huge amphitheatre that has only been rescued from the sand in the past couple of years. In fact, excavation is still underway all around the site. The kids enjoyed watching the archaeologists digging for ruins and playing at being gladiators in the massive amphitheatre. We spent the second week in Olu Deniz and loved our hotel which had a massive swimming pool, was only a few minutes to the beach and had loads of kid’s activities. Whilst the children were entertained we enjoyed a Turkish hammam- lots of bubbles and the most amazing massage! The blue lagoon at Olu Deniz is a nature reserve a 15 minute walk from the town and well worth a visit. This naturally formed lagoon is perfectly still, and the turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and a trip on a pedalo! Olu Deniz is famous for its paragliding opportunities and you can sit on the beach and watch the brave (or foolhardy!) float down to the safety of solid ground. It certainly keeps the kids busy, watching the skies for the next glider! Turkey has something for everyone from a classic family holiday such as mine to all out luxury. What I love so much is the mix of old and new. Wherever you go you're never far away from a reminder of Turkey's fascinating history. It’s still a very affordable country to visit as it won’t break the bank to eat out and the food is amazing! If you want to visit Turkey or would like to know more about holidays there please do not hesitate to get in touch.

God's Own Country- Kerala- India

19 November 2013

I was fortunate as a tour leader to be assigned to a 13 day tour of Kerala, India. I was there for several months from September to April- the best time for visiting although it can get very hot and humid. This small slip of land by the coast in India is known as ‘Gods Own Country’ and it's easy to see why. The coast is lush verdant green with palm trees as far as the eye can see leading down to warm waters and sandy beaches. Kerala is most renowned for the hundreds of miles of rivers, canals, streams and estuaries known collectively as the ‘backwaters’. Here you can board a Keralan houseboat - a converted wooden barge which would traditionally have been used to transport rice and other goods around this network of waterways. This is a great chance to explore deep into the Indian countryside and be amazed at the sights and sounds of the Backwaters. Men in small boats punt past, herding huge flocks of ducks. Children wave and smile as they play by the water’s edge. Bubbles appear beneath the surface quickly followed by several men carrying mud up from the depths to load onto barges. Women line the river banks washing colourful saris or pots and pans. The Snake Temple, deep in the backwaters with its 30,000 plus images of serpents it is said to bring fertility to those who worship here. Upon the birth of the child, the family bring the baby back to the temple and a huge set of scales are used so that the family can give the temple back the baby’s weight in gold, or for more modest families, bananas or coconuts. One of the real highlights of this tour was the chance to stay with an Indian family in their home. The homestay was a chance to really get to know the gracious Paritickel family who welcomed us with open arms and were the most gracious hosts. They became my family whilst I lived and worked there and were an endless source of information and friendship for me. Heading away for the coast the land rises steeply up and palm trees give way to fields of pineapples and rubber trees. As the roads get steeper and windier, the smell of spices are everywhere and at last we arrived at Periyar. This National Park is home to tigers, elephants, deer and otters, which can be viewed in their natural environment undisturbed from a boat trip on the lake. Heading further inland and gaining altitude, the land opens up to miles of carefully manicured tea terraces. The rich dark green is speckled with the vibrant colours of ladies picking the tea leaves in their vivid saris. Munnar is a town with a distinctly colonial feel as it was the favoured summer resort of erstwhile British rulers. It’s here that I enjoyed the very best curry in India at Saravana Bhavan café- a traditional thali served on a coconut leaf for only 20 rupees. Back on the coast the city of Kochi is a typical bustling Indian city with the usual traffic, horns honking and crazy rickshaws! The old part of the city at fort Kochi is an oasis of calm in comparison. You will certainly recognise the Chinese fishing nets, much photographed with a backdrop of the setting sun. Each 10 m high structure is a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and operated by a team of up to six fishermen. You can choose your fresh catch of the day and have it cooked over and open fire whilst you wait- delicious! There are several companies who operate group tours to Kerala to suit all tastes from cycling and walking tours to more leisurely paced affairs, cooking tours or yoga retreats. There is also the option to tailor-make your Keralan tour, or perhaps combine it with a stop in Sri Lanka or a trip to the north of India. Kerala is ideal for your first trip to India, and provides and gentle and laid back introduction to one of the most fascinating and diverse countries on earth. Please get in touch with me to find out more.

My customer stories

Sent by R Williams

This is the 5th holiday that my travel counsellor Jo Baldwin has arranged for me. I can genuinely say she is the best! She always manages to find me exactly what I am after. Her global knowledge of all the holiday destinations is clearly second to none, as every hotel accommodation I have stayed at has been fantastic. I have already recommended her services to my friends and family and I will continue to do so for anyone else that needs holiday advice or arrangement. Keep up the great work Jo, you are a star!

Sent by Shaun Nicholson

Jo seems to possess the ability to know what I want, more than I do. Its like she visualises my experience in advance and takes everything into consideration. She is the best of the best.

Sent by L Martin

Nothing is too much trouble and she has oodles of knowledge about pretty much everywhere! Really helps us cut through the options and book with confidence. Plus she's always great to chat to!

Sent by Jane King

Jo always provides a fantastic service and I’ve been more than happy to recommend her to my family and friends. We’ve just come back from a lovely week in Turkey and had a superb time. What I like most is that I don’t have a lot of time to look for holidays and Jo always has some great options. The private transfers make all the difference when you are travelling with children. The process is always so seamless, they check you in and put all the documents into the App which makes it so easy. Thank you Jo, we will definitely be in touch about our next holiday.

Sent by S Richardson

First time using a travel consultant, and it really takes the sting out of trying to organise your own bespoke holiday. Jo was really reactive, friendly, and a pleasure to do business with - I will be using Jo again for sure!

Sent by R Williams

Jo has provided excellent and professional support for our trip (4 of us to Argentina & Chile). Our questions were answered fully and promptly and her advice /suggestions has been most welcome. It is reassuring that she can access all the support services and systems of Travel Counsellors. We have no hesitation in recommending Jo as your Travel Counsellor.

Sent by E Wardrop

Jo has always been so helpful and efficient at planning our, often very last-minute trips and takes the hassle and stress of finding the best flights and accommodation.

Sent by S Beach

Jo was incredibly personable and enthusiastic about what she could do for us. She came back to us with an itinerary and prices very quickly and made the whole process so easy. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.

Sent by S Rickett

Jo provides a top quality personal service, which is not always the experience with some of the mainstream travel agents. It is great to deal with a real person, rather than struggle with the internet. In particular Jo came up with good alternatives when our first choice was unavailable and will advise us when our first option becomes avialable during 2024.

Sent by Juliet McKenzie

We had a wonderful 5 days in Seville thanks to Jo's excellent service in finding us flights and a hotel. She booked us transfers to and from Seville airport which worked extremely well. The hotel had everything and more than we could have expected. The beds were very comfortable with firm mattresses. The room had a kettle, a minibar and a free safe and a huge TV. The bathroom had a full bath as well as a shower and a bidet. Everything was spotlessly clean and all the staff were very friendly and courteous. The breakfast had a vast choice from fresh fruits through cereals, many kinds of cake, croissants, different fresh breads, ham, cheese, bacon, beans, mushrooms, a choice of coffees, hot chocolate, tea, and 4 juices to choose from. It was centrally located so that we could walk to almost all the sights. Jo was so helpful throughout our decision making and was very efficient in communicating with us, right down to a Welcome Home postcard waiting on our return. I can recommend Jo and Travel Counsellors very highly and will certainly use her again.

Sent by J England

Thanks Jo very helpful, giving wise advice as always.

Sent by S Connery

Jo has been amazing, we have had several changes & she has been able to help, nothing is to much trouble. A huge thank you for sorting our holiday out.

Sent by Polly Allen

I've used Travel Counsellors many times and have previously written a review for Jo, but after her help on a recent holiday, I felt compelled to write another! Jo helped me arrange a trip to the USA; after doing a bit of research myself I didn't think I'd be able to make it work within my budget, but Jo was still able to put something together for me. After the trip was booked, Jo found out that one of the flights had been cancelled, and she immediately contacted me with some alternatives and moved quickly in getting it sorted. Her communication and speed were second to none. On my departure day, one of my flights was delayed, resulting in me missing my connection. Within minutes of the plane landing, Jo was calling me to check I was OK and advise on what would happen next. I felt so looked after, and it made me feel much better in a stressful situation. After the trip, Jo helped me obtain flight details in order to claim compensation from the airline for the missed connection. From beginning to end, Jo was an absolute superstar; such personal and friendly service, truly above and beyond.

Sent by C Grant

Very responsive to initial enquiry and listened carefully to our requirements and created a bespoke personalised honeymoon for us. It felt like nothing was too much trouble and Jo was really helpful, and reassuring when we wanted to tweak plans. A 5 star service and we are now really looking forward to going on our honeymoon that Jo has organised for us.

Sent by Rob Thomas

We've just returned from the most fabulous holiday ever in Cape Town. It was perfect in every way. Thank you Jo - you're the best there is!

Sent by H Tilley

Fantastic advice. So excited for our holiday. I felt overwhelmed with options and Jo really helped - suggesting somewhere I would never have looked by myself but which ticks all the boxes. So pleased I was put in touch with Jo!

Sent by Stephanie Bendall

Jo was amazing, advising us on the destination appropriate for the time of year and the weather we would get, to putting together a holiday to Bali/Lombok that suited the whole family (including 2 teenagers!). Using Jo gave us a selection of hotels that she recommended at each destination, we then selected and she put the complete package together. The hotels were brilliant in their own way and each now holds very special memories for us. We had checklists of what we had to do before we flew, all transfers were seamless and on time. She took all the stress out of arranging a holiday and made it so easy. The Como in Ubud, private villa with our own private pool, amazing service, food, central location and overlooking the jungle! Tugu in Lombok (or the antique hotel!), was small, service and staff were amazing a real cultural immersion with dinners on the beach, snorkelling and the most pristine white beach and crystal clear waters I have ever seen. Finally the Melia in Nusa Dua, where she unlocked VIP all inclusive access that made the holiday very special. From being greeted with marigold necklaces and carved coconuts to access to exclusive pool and beach areas. This hotel was for the teens and it didn't disappoint. Overall I cannot recommend Jo highly enough, her expertise brings new options to us as a family that we would never find on our own and I can't wait for our next adventure to be organised with her.

Sent by Kate Roberts

Another amazing holiday booked by Jo, which was absolutely perfect for our family of four (including a 6yo and 8yo). The recommendations that we get are always exactly what we want and brilliant value, but I would happily pay extra for the personal service alone! Nothing is ever too much trouble (Jo immediately resolved a minor problem with the transfer) and it is so reassuring to know that you have someone available if you need any help. I always recommend Jo to friends and family as the service is always faultless. Thank you Jo! xxx

Sent by THOMAS HORSWILL

Dear Jo, Thank you again for organising such an amazing trip to Bali. We couldn’t fault your service and recommendations when booking the trip. All along the process you were extremely knowledgeable and provided a good range of options and ideas. The updates leading up to our departure were extremely helpful and gave us lots of peace of mind. We will be using you again for the next trip and have already recommended you to friends and family. Tom & Paulina

Sent by Cheryl Kelly

Jo has been absolutely amazing from beginning to end. Always sorted out any of my queries and it’s because of Jo I ended up having the best holiday ever! Nothing was too much trouble……..Thank you Jo for all your hard work and friendly approach, taking away all the stress of booking a holiday. Will not hesitate to recommend to friends and family.

Sent by S Cregan

Jo has always delivered 110% when it comes to helping me arrange my travel plans, from sorting my flights and arranging accommodation right up until the day of departure, and beyond. She is always attentive and caring and has a can-do and enthusiastic attitude. I fully recommend Jo and Travel Counsellors to anyone looking for that extra peace of mind when planning their trip.

Sent by Emma Birch

What a 5* service Jo provided to me and my family on a recent trip to Portugal. I could not have asked for a better service from start to finish. Jo went way above any other "travel agent" I have used in the past. Jo is so much more than a travel agent. Her knowledge of resorts and accommodation is brilliant. From a list of simple things we wanted out of our holiday, Jo could not have delivered better for our budget. We are so pleased with Jo's service, we will be organising next year's holiday with her, very soon. Thank you Jo and Travel Counsellors.

Sent by Liz Chamberlain

Excellent service, as ever from Jo. Easy to book and always rest assured that if there are any problems Jo will deal with them. No problems, no issues with flights, easy transfers and nothing ever too much trouble. Thank you, Jo.

Sent by Glenn Beachell

Always cordial, efficient and excellent. A full notch above any travel company! Take a bow!

Sent by Emma Taylor

We have been completely over the moon with the fantastic service Jo has provided. We approached Jo when looking to book not only our first holiday post-covid, but also our first family holiday. Booking a holiday for the first time now that we have two very small children felt quite overwhelming (and totally different to any kind of holiday we'd booked before) and we weren't sure the best place to start looking. Jo took all of the stress out of the process for us! She listened carefully to our requirements and sent over a list of holiday possibilities. We were able to find an option that looked ideal and it turned out to be the most incredible holiday! We could not have wished for a better first family holiday. We are so grateful to Jo for all of her help and support and for always being available to answer any questions we had. We won't hesitate to contact her in the future to help us book our holidays and would highly recommend her to anyone.

Sent by D Smith Haines

I feel very confident using Jo at TC. We’re not regular travellers and to me it’s very important to have 100% faith in whoever's hands you place your holiday arrangements in.

Sent by Roberta Epps

Jo did a wonderful job organising our family fly-drive holiday in western Canada. From the moment we flew into Vancouver to when we left from Calgary, everything went very smoothly. The hotels were perfectly located and just what we wanted and the car was exactly suited for us. Jo was so accommodating - we had booked some local places ourselves (because a bit of holiday planning is really fun) and she offered to put all the details on the app for us so we'd have them all together. We have had help from Jo on multiple holidays and would recommend her to anybody. Not just for the holiday itself, but for the amazing effort and patience during the planning and preparation.

Sent by Will Fuller

Great personal care and service. Patient and knowledgeable and a real help with our recent holiday. Fantastic to know Joni’s there to help, clarify and ensure everything gets done so you can just enjoy your holiday.

Sent by Scott Sier

As always, Jo magic’d up a phenomenal trip! Her attentiveness and attention to detail made the trip an absolute dream! I’d have been lost without her coaching and guidance around the Covid restrictions changing whilst I was away!

Sent by Anne Morris

We booked through Jo to take the children and grandchildren to Lapland, this was postponed from 2020 to 2021 and despite all the additional points with COVID the 3 day/2 night break was absolutely brilliant. We had no issues with flights, check in at airport, greet at Ivalo airport by Santasland staff, transfer to accommodation. The day at Santasland, was so fantastically organised and we had so much fun and memory building. The accommodation at Tunturi hotel was better than we expected and it was lovely for the little ones to have so much freedom in the apartment. We loved the opportunity to have sledge sessions and just play in the snow, the resort was relatively quiet for traffic, so the children were able to just run around and have lots of fun. Thank you Jo for yet another seamless holiday and a big thank you for all your patience with so many of my questions, what a professional We'll be booking with you again, once COVID restrictions lighten up and we feel more at ease to travel further afield or maybe even in the UK.

Sent by L Martin

Fun and detailed guidance followed by an idiot proof guide to going on holiday. Love it.

Sent by K Freeman

Jo was incredible as always can’t recommend her enough - I have never booked a holiday so quickly - Jo’s expertise and understanding is incredible and makes a sometime daunting experience so easy.

Sent by Graeme Hilditch

An absolutely faultless service from beginning to end. Jo was exceptional at every stage of planning our trip to Croatia and made the whole process stress free. With the complexity and confusion of Covid testing, Jo's communication was excellent, so we knew what we had to do and when. This gave us further peace of mind that we were doing everything we had to do. The accommodation Jo booked for us exceeded expectations and we were envied by fellow travellers. Booking another trip without Jo's help and support will be almost impossible to do - so I'm not sure we'll ever go away again without her services. Could not rate her highly enough. Thank you.

Sent by Cheryl Insley

Jo's service is always excellent and we have used her for various holidays over the years. She always takes the time to understand what we are looking for and we are thankful for the lovely holidays we have had because of her experience and service! She makes it easy. We have found her service to be even more valuable this year, with the varying country restrictions and she brakes down requirements/ provides links to information in a way that is digestible and clear. In a time where everything is constantly changing, this is a massive help and provides the confidence to travel!

Sent by Justyna Hilditch

Love booking holidays with Jo, no query is a problem, good selection of options and all sorted very quickly. Plus love the personal touches. Thank you Jo!

Sent by Geoffrey Kearn

Great to deal with, so experienced, I highly would, and have, recommended her many times.

Sent by Linda Cataldo

Jo has been absolutely amazing during this very difficult time. She has moved holidays without drama. Money has been refunded very quickly on the holidays that have had to be cancelled. It has been a pleasure to chat with her. She has been professional at all times while inside this has been so devastating for her industry. Looking forward to planning more holidays with Jo safe in the knowledge that if anything goes wrong I can totally rely on her to sort it out for us.

Sent by Joanna Buckerfield

Jo is an absolute star and so supportive - I would never attempt to arrange our holidays. She takes care of everything.

Sent by Liz Chamberlain

Jo is always available, always happy to help, she has been remarkable during the last 18 months. Nothing has phased her, the stress she must be under in managing people's expectations must be enormous, but this is never surfaced. She treats each client as though they are her only client - her customer service is exceptional. She is the John Lewis of the travel business.

Sent by Simon Bateman

If Carlsberg did holidays…… they would use Jo as the benchmark!

Sent by V Black

We were so impressed with Jo's suggestions for a last minute summer get away, that we immediately asked her to book our summer holiday for 2022 - a dreamy villa in the south of France, we can't wait!

Sent by D Walters

Jo works harder than any travel agent I know to find you great value holidays, that are focused on what you want, and that are more special than what you can find online on your own. Also Jo is at the end of the phone in case anything goes wrong, with her amazing service and positive attitude. Why would we travel with anyone else? Travelling is so complicated at the moment. Jo is 100% on top of all the guidelines and travel requirements. She was amazing before covid, and she is now indispensable.

Sent by Bethan Galluzzo

My large extended family and I book through Jo every year - there are 22 of us - and we were devastated when we had to make the decision to roll our much-looked forward-to, Portugal holiday, over again. Throughout the process Jo has taken every step to reassure and advise, giving honest, accurate, up to date advice. We feel much happier now she's helped us book a staycation for summer 2021 - you are in safe hands with Jo and she'll make you laugh too!

Sent by Peter Newton

Having been solely tasked with organising our honeymoon, I was looking for someone who would be able to help me create a trip for the ages, but was sceptical as to how a travel agent would be able to help. Indeed, my scepticism was somewhat proved when I went to 2 other travel agents who gave me some general advice and a handful of brochures to sift through. At the recommendation of a colleague, I spoke to Jo and I am so glad I did. After outlining some of my thoughts, she was quickly able to recommend a few different places, and in no time at all had drafted up an itinerary for me. Her fantastic knowledge of different countries was more than apparent and really shined in our initial discussions. With nothing set in stone, I was able to have a good look at the hotels and excursions she had planned so I could ensure I was happy with it before paying anything. Once the deposit was paid, the itinerary was uploaded onto the TC app, which felt easy to use. I was able to to see how much was left to pay, flight details and other itinerary information. With everything all set, it is unfortunate that COVID-19 happened. Jo was again great, recommending different options in terms of rescheduling before moving our honeymoon to a later date. Despite all best efforts, the trip was unfortunately cancelled entirely, but I would still highly recommend Jo; she kept me in the loop, was always open about my options and always just on the end of the phone if I ever needed her. I’m looking forward to getting back in touch with Jo once things are back to some sort of normal and I am more than confident that she will help me and my (hopefully then wife!) to arrange an absolutely fantastic trip!

Sent by Sarah Smith

Jo has been so enormously helpful to us during the COVID crisis. She is always so cheerful. In 2020 we had planned a massive trip and made several changes to our booking pre COVID and she was brilliant. During these uncertain times she has worked hard to unpick our holiday but also reassure us at every opportunity. I simply don't know what we would have done without her !! All of our holidays going forward will be booked with her. Brilliant service, lovely person. Thank you

Sent by Jess Wood

Jo was amazing at helping us not only organise our holiday, but also at helping us deal with changes because of Covid. She talked through all the options at every stage and made sure we were aware of all choices/consequences - her industry knowledge made such a difference as we weighed up what was best with the ever changing landscape and her commitment to making sure that she supported us with all issues (even when she didn’t have to!) was truly appreciated. In short, Jo provides amazing service, knowledge and support and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for expertise and an individual approach.

Sent by Kate Roberts

Jo originally booked our family of four on a holiday to Majorca in July 2020. The recommendations that she found for us were again perfect and great value for money, she had thought about every detail and tailored it to what we wanted. When everything started with coronavirus this year Jo offered to move our booking to next year, which she did with zero hassle. She has since booked us a fantastic half term break in Scotland. I am positive that Jo saves weeks of searching on the internet, comes up with much better recommendations than you ever could on your own, and saves you money as well. Actually that is not the best bit, which is actually having a real person that you can contact about any aspect of your holiday to make it perfect. Jo will find you exactly the holiday that you are looking for and nothing is too much trouble, she is always available to deal with things good or bad, I cannot recommend her highly enough and I would never book a holiday any other way!

Sent by R Walker

My team of coaches and I were supposed to be in New Orleans in July 2020. Jo had booked everything for us. Flights, transfers, beautiful accommodation, a tour itinerary... Then... Covid put the kibosh on all that. Now... as a group booking- had we not used Jo's experience and expertise and services... as team leader... I would have had to have dealt with the cancellations the appeal for refunds not vouchers, upset team members still waiting for monies to be returned for Flights... yadda yadda yadda... you get it. I'm actually getting a headache thinking about it...! But... I didn't deal with any of it. I called Jo. Explained that our event was cancelled...and that we needed refunds not vouchers etc.. as the event in 2021 wasn't planned for the same location! Left it with her. Calm. Collected. And very reassured... I knew that Jo would be able to sort this to the very best that she could. Also aware that she will have had many many more clients that will have been told NO refund etc... and that she would managing some serious fires... I can only imagine some of the stress and upset that the travel industry has faced and still is facing. Would I have had the same care and service from a big travel company ? Would they have dealt with all the stress on mine and my team's behalf? Er...nope. As the World tries to return to some sort of new normal- I cannot recommend Jo's services enough. Imagine being stuck in a country that goes into immediate lockdown again? Imagine flights grounded. Accommodation closed... What if there was someone on the other end of the phone to help, use their years of experience and take some of that upset away? What if you had a holiday of a lifetime in your head planned...and someone could bring that to life? Call Jo. I know that I will never book a holiday anywhere again without using her services.

Sent by Alison Kinder

Jo was recommended to us by a friend. My husband and I booked both flights & accommodation for a trip to Canada and America through her. She proved accessible & responsive, helpful & friendly & took trouble to provide a good level of information on a range of options. We were very happy with the agreed itinerary & would undoubtedly have greatly enjoyed the planned trip. However, this had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Jo was very supportive of our wishes to obtain a refund & made considerable efforts on our behalf to recover our money. As soon as she was able she reimbursed us out accommodation costs. We were initially only offered vouchers by the airline with whom our transatlantic flights had been booked, but over a period of time she then set about getting a refund. We are very grateful for her persistence & have since had this money reimbursed. We would have no hesitation in recommending Jo & will undoubtedly use her services in the future.

Sent by Colin Stroud

Jo is very helpful ,hardworking,friendly and helped us get a refund for our recent holiday . We would highly recommend her services She is very knowledgeable and gives a warm personal service to arrange the best deal for our holiday plans although on this occasion it was cancelled because of covid . We would still like to use her again for our future holiday plans as we have found her to be very informative ,amenable and to be proactive with our holiday plans to keep us up to date and deal with any issues .I Feels like a friend who is organising our holiday.

Sent by Jelena Cooper

Jo delivers tailor made adventures. What doe that mean exactly? Everything you want is provided within budget. Suggestions to improve your experience given. Counsel provided where needed. Communications are always clear and promptly received. Care to ensure a positive experience throughout the holiday takes place because the fine details have been accounted for.. Even when the unexpected hits (Covid19) care and attention to repatriation is given priority. Jo Baldwin is indeed a ‘counsellor’ of travel with the interest and enjoyment of individuals always her biggest concern.

Sent by Bryan Arnold

Why use Jo when you can sort deals yourself ? Well, if everything goes OK that's fine. But ...what if it does not. Jo has a long history of working in the travel industry. She knows who to ask, how to ask and, occasionally, who to tell ! She will know far more about the places you are going, what to do, what to see and what NOT to do. It does not cost anything to have Jo on your side and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Sent by Linda Cataldo

It has been a difficult time for travel this year thats for sure. All of our holidays have had to be cancelled. Jo has been amazing during this time. She has chatted with us and moved holidays to next year. All the time she has been so calm when helping us with our decisions on what to do. We definitely wouldn't book our holidays with anyone else as we know that whatever issues there may be Jo will go the extra mile to help up sort them out. We recommend her to all of our friends and colleagues. Looking forward to being able to book holidays again

Sent by Liz Chamberlain

No drama, no fuss, just quiet, efficient and professional service. Whilst so disappointed we can't travel until next year, Jo rearranged everything with no additional cost - incredible when you hear what other travel companies are doing. Jo always puts the customer first. Thank you.

Sent by Jacqui Giles

We had a wonderful holiday thanks to Jo. We just gave Jo a budget and a high level brief for our trip to New Zealand and Australia and she came back with a wonderful holiday itinerary . The hotels chosen by Jo were wonderful and great value for money (we could never have organised the holiday ourselves for the money we paid). When one of our flights changed, Jo communicated to us immediately and organised new flights so we did not have to wait in an airport for hours. Jo also arranged all our visas and sorted one important issue whilst we were away (down to us) with efficiency and speed. We also loved the travel counsellors app that lets you pay your holiday in instalments with updates on how much is still owed, itinerary, any changes and days to go. When we go on holiday again, Jo will be our travel agent of choice. We would highly recommend Jo, sit back and let Jo do it all for you and just enjoy a superb holiday. Jacqui and Chris Giles

Sent by Christine Teideman

Thank you Jo for organising a holiday of a lifetime for us . We all had a brilliant time and the organisation of everything was brilliant. Just what we needed.

Sent by Catriona Wright

Jo has so far booked two holidays for us and we will definitely be using her again. She always gives great advice, is always on hand no matter how many times you need to tweak your booking or even when you are away and need some help. She always goes the extra mile, surprising us with a handy map or activities for the children. She has taken all the stress out of holidays - it is great knowing we can get away with the peace of mind that everything is sorted. We would recommend her to everyone!

Sent by A Stobbie

No hesitation in recommending Jo (and have done so to many people) as she is so helpful and works very hard getting the right package and combination for a holiday.

Sent by Moazil Miah

They say 1st impressions count. From the very outset it is hard not to place your trust in Jo as she approaches the task in hand with absolute sincerity and an abundance of enthusiasm. The choices of destinations to visit were sound and relevant to our requirements. Without question, Jo’s experience shines through and therefore we will continue to lean on her to prepare our adventures in 2020.

Sent by Zoë Day

I can’t thank Jo enough for organising this holiday of a lifetime for me and my 18year old son. Every detail was carefully thought through and so on arriving in the bewildering city of Osaka, we were looked after at every stage. It was an incredible experience that lived up to all expectations. I wholeheartedly believe that it wouldn’t have been half as enjoyable had this not been planned so beautifully by Jo. She really listened and understood what we wanted to get from our holiday and went above and beyond to ensure that was achieved.

Sent by Elizabeth Chamberlain

Jo is great - nothing too much trouble, no change too annoying, no suggestion rebuffed.

Sent by Linda Cataldo

I am always confident that Jo understands my requirements. I have used her numerous times and all holidays have been exactly what we wanted. I continually recommend Jo to all my friends and acquaintances safe in the knowledge that they will get exactly what they are looking for.

Sent by K Obradovic

Jo has been fab in finding us our dream honeymoon! She was patient tweaking things for us to suit what we wanted. Jo has been easily contactable and goes above and beyond to be available to her clients.

Sent by Jessica Fairless Clarkson

Jo is simply wonderful. So friendly and efficient, she really made me feel special and looked after.

Sent by Andrew Ogden

Jo we just want to say a great big thank you for all your help with the planning process and then booking our cruise. As you will recall we had a long list of questions and considerations to bombard you with as we hadn't cruised before. You genuinely gave us the confidence to go ahead and book and then so very kindly helped us to find the right position for our stateroom - which was excellent in both it's position on the ship and it's decor and layout.

Sent by Gail Allen

Jo our Travel Counsellor has been an absolute star. Nothing has been too much trouble for her. She even managed to get a pair of binoculars I left in a car in New Zealand retuned to me!! I have recommended Jo to a number of people and will continue to do so- as well as using her expertise for our own trips.

Sent by Denise Cadd

The best service ever - friendly, helpful and so efficient - would highly recommend Jo!

Sent by Ida Fauziana Binti

Jo is absolutely amazing! Very professional yet very friendly and helpful making sure our trip is all well taken care of from the start. All we have to do is just sit back, relax and just count the days to our holiday! The app is great too! Everything is in your ‘pocket’. I’ve started recommending her service to my friends as I had no doubt she is the best Travel Counsellor out there!

Sent by Rhiannon Griffiths

Jo comes across as warm & friendly, as well as extremely knowledgeable. Answered all of our questions quickly either by phone or via email. We are very pleased with our experience so far.

Sent by Geoffrey Kearn

Jo is a lovely person to deal with, goes the extra mile and delivers a first class service every time.

Sent by Jane King

I am always happy to recommend Jo as she has booked us many family holidays and the service she provides is excellent. She always takes time to listen to our requirements and is happy to provide options which fit with our requests. She is an absolute super star and I would not know where to start with organising such wonderful holidays!

Sent by J Coleman

Jo was great! She listened to what I needed and gave great advice. She knew what she was talking about, and really made the experience very easy and special.

Sent by Sarah West

Jo Baldwin organised our recent trip to the north and west coast of Australia. We cannot praise her enough. Right from the start she listened to our requests, made suggestions that we had not considered and put the whole things together in a fantastic holiday. She took all the normal hassle out of our hands - checking in on line, confirming bookings etc. Can’t recommend her highly enough.

Sent by L Fuller

I'd recommend TC to anyone all day long. Jo is absolutely fab and makes the whole process of finding your dream holiday easy!

Sent by J Grenfell

I just found Jo sensitive to work with. Jo did her absolute best to deliver a trip for me that met my needs. I really appreciated all her hard work, her knowledge and her lovely warm manner.

Sent by J Giles

Jo has been super helpful, I would not hesitate to recommend her to all my friends and family

Sent by M Spillane

Jo has provided us with an exceptional service throughout our contact with her, from our initial query to finally booking our holiday. We will not hesitate to use Jo's services again and have recommended her to our friends also for this trip and future bookings.

Sent by S Procter

I would recommend Jo to all my friends. She is quick to respond to a request, helpful, understanding and goes the extra mile to get my trip plans exactly right.

Sent by Zoe Day

Jo has found the perfect holiday for me and my son. She couldn’t have been more helpful.

Sent by Zoe Breakwell

Jo is superb, nothing is too much trouble and she is always our first port of call when booking holidays - thanks again Jo!

Sent by A Cork

Jo is so knowledgeable on travel and I always trust her to find the perfect trip for me and my teenage son. She is helpful, professional, organised and goes above and beyond to ensure you are 100% happy. She always has time for you and the whole experience is a joy and a massive weight off my shoulders as I know I’m going to get the most fantastic holiday.

Sent by J Buckerfield

Once again, amazing attention to detail and care with the holiday we were looking for as a family. Thank you!

Sent by J Grenfell

Jo has just been excellent in organising my trip. She has been warm friendly and so helpful with suggestions for the trip, listening to what I wanted and has given me a trip that has been a lifetime interest and I am so delighted with what I have.

Sent by T Cambridge

Jo is a terrific Travel Counsellor and I do recommend her to all of my friends. It's just the friendly service you are looking for when you are trying to navigate making complex travel arrangements, and it's great to have her there if things need amending, or you need support while you're abroad.

Sent by Giulia Maury

Jo was very friendly and helpful and listened to what I told her I was looking for. She responded promptly to my questions despite being very busy, gave me various options to choose from and made adjustments when I asked. It made a time consuming and confusing process quick and easy, I already have someone in mind to recommend her services to.

Sent by Dawn White

This is the second time we have asked Jo for help with our holiday. She is always very knowledgable, prompt and understanding of our requirements. I have recommended her and the services of travel counsellors to many and will definitely be asking Jo for help again.

Sent by Tim Looseley

Jo has been fantastic throughout our booking. Taking a sports team of 18 from all over the UK to Las Vegas for a week is no easy task, but with her superb help, we nailed it. We had several changes to our booking but Jo was flexible and accommodating throughout. We wouldn’t hesitate in using Jo again for future bookings and in fact, we would probably ask her to organise the entire event for us!

Sent by Sandra Procter

This is my second rather complicated trip which Jo has organised quickly, efficiently and great friendliness. Thank you!

Sent by Hannah Freeman

Very fast, friendly and experienced service! Created our dream honeymoon, can’t wait for it!

Sent by Amy Adams

Incredibly professional, friendly, quick to respond; Jo has been so helpful and would certainly be our first port of call for future holidays.....thanks Jo!

Sent by Andrew Ogden

Jo has been really helpful - we were booking our first cruise and she had lots of useful information that gave us more confidence in going through this process.

Sent by Joanna Buckerfield

Amazing and friendly service. Very patient with making suggestions for our big family catering for 3 families with different criteria. Thank you for all your help Jo,Ii am already recommending you to friends and will undoubtedly be booking with you for our family holiday next year. Thank you

Sent by Anthony Jones

It was a last minute decision to go on holiday to Montenegro, a place that we had never visited before, so we needed expert help from someone with knowledge of the area and able to respond quickly. Jo Baldwin who is very personable immediately understood our requirements, and within a few days had put together an attractively packaged itinerary to fit our budget. Everything on our holiday went to plan - planes, transfers and hotel - which was due in part to Jo's contribution. We had a wonderful time and will soon be returning to either Montenegro or Croatia with Jo's help.

Sent by Cheryl Insley

Jo was fantastic from start to finish, a perfect mix of professional, knowledgable and friendly. As this time away was for our honeymoon, we had been struggling more than usual to identify the best location for us at a particular time of year. Jo guided us through several options, providing the perfect amount of contact to allow us to reflect on information she provided but to also help steer us along! We ended up with exactly what we wanted and she helped make the experience even more special. We will definitely look to use her again!

Sent by Alice Baynham

We had a fantastic family holiday thanks to Jo's recommendations - she totally got what we wanted, took away all of the time and stress that goes along with booking a holiday, and was on hand throughout to answer questions and to give advice and reassurance. I would recommend Jo without hesitation and we'll definitely use her services again in the future. Thank you Jo!

Sent by R Burgess

We've just come back from our third holiday Jo booked and organised for us - and once again it was amazin! We can't wait to book our fourth holiday with Jo soon!

Sent by Bryan Arnold

Saga Douro River cruise June 2018. Only one couple joined the cruise from Bristol; us! Jo sorted the flight whilst others on the trip had to fly from Gatwick. OK it was rather early, but we had an extra day in Oporto and the Gatwick flight was delayed. I am afraid we did gloat. The flight home was equally good and Saga looked after us very well. If things go wrong or things get complicated Jo knows exactly who to ask(or tell). We are going to Malta in September and Jo already has our trip sorted. Thank you Jo

Sent by J Barrons

I always recommend Jo to everyone. She has planned so many holidays for us and we are always thrilled to bits with her choice and perfect planning!

Sent by Maxine Mcmahon-Brown

We have used Jo to book family holidays and also special weekends away. Each time she has been efficient and found us a selection of holidays to choose from, which fulfil our requirements. Jo is very helpful and answers queries quickly. She understands holiday requirements for different groups and thinks about the things you forget, which makes booking a holiday through Jo very easy. I would definitely recommend Jo.

Sent by Steven Rickett

Jo was very helpful with all aspects of our cruise to Iceland and offered nice little touches which enhanced the experience, such as a bon voyage note before we left and a welcome home message upon our return. A good benefit was the opportunity to select the position of our cabin on the ship, which is not generally available for you book direct with the cruise line, as they will only offer an "ocean guarantee" for an outside cabin. Payment for the holiday couldn't have been simpler using the Travel Counsellors payment portal, with a reasonable deposit payable on booking and the final payment due eight weeks before departure. Jo thenposted the finalised travel documents through our door personally. We would have no hesitation in using Jo's services again in the future.

Sent by L Cataldo

I have no hesitation in recommending Jo Baldwin to my friends and family. She has so much patience and really understands your requirements. You don't need to worry if you change your mind about the destination she will happily look at other options for you.

Sent by A Clark

Jo has been really helpful and has taken a lot of care and attention to help us plan a special break. Many thanks. Will definitely recommend.

Sent by Roy Hann

We have just returned from a memorable tour of USA with a 55 strong group visiting Washington, New York also Lancaster and Harrisburg Pa. Jo organised the flights and transportation whilst in the USA for this period and everything went according to plan. Some of the party extended their holiday and all of this was taken care of by Jo in a very efficient and professional manner. She was always available to deal with any query for any member of the party prior to the tour and on hand to deal with any queries whilst on tour. We would thoroughly recommend her to anyone thinking of booking a group tour anywhere in the world.

Sent by Jean Davies

Jo has organised a holiday for myself and a friend and it was perfect. She understands exactly what we wanted and produced the perfect holiday. All through this she is quick and very professional and adjusted the holiday to our every whim I will always use Jo to quote for my future holidays.

Sent by Dawn Cadd

Yet another amazing holiday all arranged by Jo - our travel genie! Despite my repeated changing of the itinerary Jo was always happy to help and got us amazing hotels and flights - already looking forward to planning the next one with her!

Sent by Rhian Andrews

Lovely friendly and helpful service. I always have a lot of questions and it’s good to know Jo is just a phone call away. She booked some of our hotel for the trip , the hotel were in great locations and close to the main attractions. Jo arranged all are additional transport internally and saved us the worry of trying to figure it out ourselves. She sent all the paper documents too. The Rome pass that we brought through Jo allowed us to see and do everything we wanted to. It was an amazing trip. Thank you for arranging it - where too next?

Sent by Mark Fenning

Hi Jo, another great holiday arranged by yourself thank you for all your advice, Your knowledge of our needs was perfect, everything went great and was great from the flights to the car hire and the Hotel! Myself and Danny are planning Tuscanny next year so we shall be in touch once we are ready. Kindest Regards Mark

Sent by Billy Walker

We asked Jo to help us find a honeymoon in a place with good weather in August. With our marriage plans taking up most of our time, we wanted to try a travel counsellor to allow us to focus on the wedding, and we weren’t disappointed. Jo quickly ran us through several potential destinations and we chose Mauritius. She then gave us 3 recommendations of places she knows well and where other couples have given excellent feedback, so we looked through and chose one we were both happy with from the Information we had been sent. Having booked family holidays in the past I know how time consuming it can be to sit in front of the Computer and sift through all the potential places, but we found Jo was able to do all that work for us and save us all that time, whilst getting pretty similar prices as if we were doing it ourselves. It’s basically a cheat to go straight to the best places, whilst saving you hours of time. We had a great experience using Jo - she was quick, professional and knowledgable and we would definitely recommend using her to source your holidays. Billy & Annie

Sent by Karen Carter

Jo is always enthusiastic in helping myself and my partner book our ideal holidays. She is always efficient and comes up with options so you can make the right choice.

Sent by Rhiannon Sarson

I would only ever use Jo to book my holidays with. You explain what you are looking for and she gives you so many options. She sorts all the transfers, accommodation, flights and trips and even does your luggage labels! She takes all the stress out of holiday booking so you can just lie back and relax. Thanks jo!

Sent by Bethan Galluzzo

Our booking was tricky, with 22 different family members of all ages - and dispositions - to handle, but Jo was a complete superstar - she whizzed through requests for at least 20 different flights options with aplomb, and was friendly, helpful and full of clever suggestions throughout the process. We couldn't recommend her enough - there is literally nothing she wouldn't do for a customer to help expedite the booking process, and ensure it is as painless as possible for her customer. I even think she'd pack my suitcase if I asked!

Sent by James Stanley

Jo's professionalism and attention to detail is second to none. A trip to stay in the centre of Reykjavik to take in the city and excursions was arranged with perfection. Great recommendations and bookings made in advance for excellent restaurants and day trips. A fantastic holiday. Thanks Jo.

Sent by Abby Cork

Jo is an extremely professional and knowledgeable travel consultant. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending her to my family and friends. She has a bubbly personality and really knows how to turn a holiday into an adventure.

Sent by Anne Morris

Jo has just organised a fabulous holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia. No more than 2 nights in each city, with lots of tours arranged to fascinating places. The tour guides were exceptional. Visited Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap. We saw ancient ruins, temples, Pagodas, Mausoleum, working areas, river trips, silk factory but to name a few. We travelled via road and internal flights with a direct flight from Heathrow to Hanoi. Fantastic hotels, first class service throughout. An exceptional service provided by Jo, who is so understanding of her clients wishes and needs. We would certainly recommend this itinerary and service with Jo at the Travel Counsellors.

Sent by Rachel Burgess

Jo! THANK YOU SO MUCH for booking our incredible holiday to Hong Kong & Australia over Christmas and New Year! Everything was amazing, from the hotels, to transfers to car hires! Everything was perfect and it really was the holiday of a lifetime thanks to you! We can't wait to book our next holiday with you soon! Huge thanks once again - you're absolutely amazing!!!!

Sent by Polly Louise

It’s not often I’d make a recommendation like this, but honestly, Jo is an absolute game changer. For me, planning a holiday is usually pretty fun. I love sitting down and going over everything - this is mostly the case when I’m going away with Tim, and we can enjoy planning it together. But I like going on all sorts of trips, and sometimes it can be really difficult to co-ordinate travel plans with people you don’t live with. Everything from picking accommodation to sorting payment can be a bit of a hassle. It usually falls to one person to sort it all out, or you descend into group message hell. There have also been times where I’m taking a trip alone or with a smaller group, and I just don’t have the time to go over all the details. Planning everything out can be really time consuming, and quite often they’re hours I just don’t have to spare. These scenarios are where Jo has been my absolute saviour. Group holiday? No problem. She co-ordinates everything and you can pay her separately. She’ll send out all your travel documents and itineraries individually. Flight times, hotels, transfers, all sorted. Same goes for smaller trips where I haven’t had the time to go over everything. I just sent her my destination, dates and budget, she put everything together for me, and I booked it through her. She sorts out Cannes every year for us, which gives us peace of mind (booking accommodation in Cannes during the festival can be so difficult). When I started planning my Disney trip, I was having a hard time trying to work out how to get the best value for money, so I emailed Jo and that was it. Nothing is too much trouble for Jo, she’s incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to deal with. If you need help with any travel arrangements, or simply want someone to take care of everything for you, get in touch with her!

Sent by John Baldwin

We simply can’t recommend Jo highly enough. As a family we hadn’t used a travel consultant before - always managing to create the holiday we wanted ourselves, but from the very first trip to Azerbaijan some years ago we realised the value of a personal, bespoke service. The ease of travel now with Jo covering every little (and big) thing that comes along is a service everyone should avail themselves to! Jo has organised little ( flights to unknown lands) to big (56 strong barbershop chorus to USA), exotic (Hawaii) to incredible (safari in South Africa), has unpicked confusion at airport car parks and advised us regarding Californian road trips, which is the best way to see the most and get the greatest experience. We saw all there was to see with her advice in Iceland with sage words (don't go there only for the northern lights in case they don’t play ball) and got the best seats on the aeroplanes with her knowledge of airlines. Jo has such a wealth of experience and travel knowledge, you know you are in safe hands with her. Phone her now to discuss your impossible dream and make it possible.

Sent by S Bateman

I have been using Jo at Travel Counsellors for many years to arrange my family summer holidays, she has found us some fantastic holiday locations. Her professionalism, endless patience and attention to detail has ensured that our holidays are absolutely fantastic. It was during a discussion about out Summer 2018 holiday to Crete that I mentioned I was organising a long weekend skiing holiday for 18 friends and explained it was a challenge to find the accommodation. So, when Jo said she was happy to help, I leapt at the opportunity! Within a matter of days Jo had found a number of options and once we had chosen the hotel, she then set about booking the flights and transfers, this was done in her usual efficient style. The icing on the cake was when Jo offered to collect the deposits from my friends - brilliant! The final payments are due shortly and Jo will collect these to save me the hassle. I cannot recommend Jo enough. If you need a family holiday, a weekend away or a group holiday nothing is too big or too small and everything is done with one thing in her mind - her customer’s holiday happiness!! Keep it up Jo!

Sent by Richard Blackshaw

We have used Jo twice now for major holidays with great success. On each occasion we have given an idea of where we would like to go and Jo has worked out an itinerary and subsequently adjusted it to meet our particular needs. She has provided a personalised service which is rare nowadays and there is great comfort in knowing that there is someone behind the scenes supporting you if something goes wrong. For example we recently had a minor problem with a driver and we emailed Jo to notify her so things could be rectified for the the future. Despite her being out of office at the time, immediate action was taken to ensure that future drivers were up to the mark. It was very reassuring to have Jo working behind the scenes to ensure our holiday was perfect and we would strongly recommend that others utilise her services. Thanks Jo

Sent by Lisa Jones

Jo recently organised a football tour for us to watch our children play in Germany in Austria (19 in total). She was a pleasure to deal with from day 1! Friendly, professional and determined to build the trip around our needs (and we were a needy bunch!) We’ve just returned and the tour was a great success, everything went to plan, just as Jo promised it would! ( but itwas reassuring to know that if we did have any problems Jo was waiting in the wings to come to our rescue). We are already planning our next tour and would recommend Jo without hesitation. She took all the stress out of the entire experience - she’ll be booking all our group tours in the future that’s for sure!

Sent by Iain Brown

I booked a surprise birthday trip to Paris for my wife on the Orient Express through Jo late this year. She made an excellent hotel recommendation and as usual took all the stress and hassle out of the logistics of the holiday. The hotel was perfect and everything went as smoothly as possible thanks to Jo's expertise and excellent communication throughout the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants some professional travel advice and support in booking a trip, whether a family holiday or a special event.

Sent by Nicole Wright

What an amazing holiday, thank you so much for making our honeymoon the best it could possibly be. The hotel was amazing and so central to everything. Literally within walking distance. Thank you so much. I have been telling everyone how amazing you were. Thank you from the both of us. Xx

Sent by Tracy Cambridge

I can't thank Jo enough for her time and help booking a surprise weekend in Seville for my partner's birthday. It was truly special and every aspect was perfect! The city is beautiful, and the weather was 30+ sunny :-) Jo's input into which hotel I should book was invaluable (drawing on her experience), it meant that I booked the absolute BEST hotel for our trip. I couldn't have done it without Jo and I will continue to tell everyone I know to consult with her when they are thinking of travelling! Thanks again!!

Sent by Sallie Connery

Thank you Jo once again for organising our fantastic holiday touring China, it was amazing, everything went to plan and we had some great guides with us. Once again thank you for making it a holiday of a life time.

Sent by Rhiannon Slee

You're the best!!!! I cant thank you enough for all the hard work and constant support you give!!!

Sent by S Thompson

Jo offers a hassle free holiday finding service and excellent customer service. We booked our family holiday to Lapland with Jo and she was there for us every step of the way with advice and guidance, we are so excited about our holiday which she made even better today with a room upgrade to include a private sauna. I have recommended Jo to several friends already and will continue to do so as she always delivers high quality and has a great personal approach, she really cares about our holiday experience which means a great deal. Thanks Jo!

Sent by L Cataldo

I am without a doubt a travel agents worst nightmare. I decide where I want to go then I inundate the agent with questions, options, dates etc. before finally deciding my holiday. I have used Jo several times to book holidays and throughout the process she has remained polite, friendly and helpful and has always come up with exactly what I want. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Jo to everyone and I frequently do especially on our local Facebook page.

Sent by John Bennett

We have just returned from a fabulous trip to the US arranged by Jo that covered flights, hotels, train and car hire. Everything was as it should be and ran very smoothly, we had all of the relevant paperwork in good time before leaving the UK so had lots of time to get excited about the forthcoming adventure but also to check that everything was in order. There was a huge amount of checking and double checking from Jo to ensure that we had everything required to travel and lots of extra information to aid our planning of our time whilst away. Using the expertise of a Travel Counsellor, made the normally tedious amount of small decisions about what, where, why and when much easier as you had the knowledge and experience of a professional to draw upon and suggest the most economic solution in terms of time, effort and of course money. I would not hesitate to use Jo and Travel Counsellors again and would without reservation recommend her services to anyone to facilitate a smooth and thoroughly well planned journey and visit.

Sent by Julie Thomas

Jo arranged our family holiday to Diani Sea Resort in Kenya in August 2017 which was a truly memorable holiday. Jo took care of every detail of our trip and responded promptly to our questions. We found the service both professional and outstanding. We highly recommend Travel Counsellors and look forward to future bookings with Jo, many thanks.

Sent by Claire Lythgoe

We booked our first family holiday to Skiathos with Jo this year and, having never used a Travel Counsellor before, I was a little unsure of how it would work or help us. Jo patiently explained everything that she could do for us and was always on hand for any questions we had and responded very quickly. Booking through Jo gave me a real sense of security that booking online on your own just doesn't give you, having that extra level of insurance and expertise made the whole experience much more enjoyable, at no extra cost to us! Saving me the headache of finding the time to sort everything out myself. We have been so impressed with Jo's level of professionalism and that personal touch you just don't get anywhere else, even down to luggage tags written out for us, plane setas reserved and a surprise birthday cake ordered for us waiting at the hotel on my sons birthday was brilliant. I definitely won't book a holiday any other way now! Fantastic service, can highly recommend Jo to book your next holiday adventure!

Sent by Catherine Garner

Jo Baldwin is so professional, caring and helpful as a Travel Counsellor. Fortunately I met Jo 12 years ago when she was working for another company. We reconnected 2 years ago and I have booked holidays with her since she has been with Travel counsellors. I throughly recommend her services.

Sent by James Arben

Jo is amazing. She really made our holiday and tailored everything to just how we wanted. I couldn't recommend her more highly.

Sent by Claire Rees

We have just come back from an amazing holiday to Rhodes booked by Jo. The experience of using a Travel Counsellor was amazing...we had our luggage labels written for us, we were checked in for our flights and our apartment within the hotel complex was in a perfect position (Jo had requested this without us realising!!) It was so reassuring to know that should anything go wrong whist travelling or away, Jo would be there to help us but thankfully this was not needed. Jo's knowledge of travel is extensive and we will use Jo again and again and can HIGHLY recommend her service. Thank you Jo, we had the best holiday :)

Sent by S Rickett

Jo provided a friendly and helpful service, patiently exploring all options for us on several occasions whilst we were trying to decide what to do for the best. She offers a very personal service.

Sent by M Shaw

Jo has been amazing in booking my holiday, this is my first holiday I've had to sort and I had no idea where to start, I didn't even know where I wanted to go and within two days I had a holiday booked and sorted for a month's time. I have already recommended Jo to a number of my colleagues, one of whom already knew of Jo's great reputation.

Sent by N Dorward

When you run your own business it can be hard to find time to book a holiday... Jo Baldwin has been amazing and sorted everything out for us - Very excited, and we totally recommend her services! 5*****

Sent by Grace Duke

Jo made planning a vacation stress free; my partner and I told Jo when and where we wanted to go and our budget, and she sorted out all the details (airfare, transportation, etc) we didn't have time for as full-time postgraduate students. Her selection of ground transportation were reliable and friendly, and her choice of hotel was great (clean air-conditioned room, nice staff, good bar/outdoor area). Jo answered all questions quickly and dealt with any issues efficiently. She was responsible for the smoothness of our trip, resulting in a relaxing and fun experience in Fiji.

Sent by Shane Cregan

A friend of mine first recommended Jo two years ago when I went to visit family in the USA for the New Year, and I have not even considered booking with anyone else ever since. I went back to the USA last year with Jo's help and am currently sorting out my next trip! She does all the hard work for you as well as arranging extra leg room seats on the plane, any dietry requirements for in-flight meals, and lets you know of any special rates going for hotels, car hire and cheaper travel dates. And then when you arrive safely home there's a personalised "welcome home" message from Jo herself! I highly recommend Jo and Travelcouncellors for any trips you're thinking of taking!

Sent by K Griffin

I recently went on a holiday to Canada that was organised by Jo and it was amazing. Jo was there for us from start to finish, even helping us out when we lost our paperwork whilst in Canada. She has been so informative, helpful and just generally lovely. I would definitely contact her again to book a holiday!

Sent by K Buckley

Amazing to have someone take the hard work out of holiday sourcing and help make the decision making all the more enjoyable! Taking away all the uncertainty and ensuring that all our requirements are met. Thanks so much, Jo, you're ace as always!

Sent by C Battersby

Jo was efficient right from the start, providing a good, affordable option that took into account my specified requirements. I normally book holidays myself separately (flights & accommodation), but this has taken away the stress. I would highly recommend Jo.

Sent by Liz Hibbott

We have just come back from our honeymoon in Las Vegas and Mexico and I have to say there are not enough superlatives to describe Jo's service. The entire process was so personal and for such a big holiday was organised and booked very easily. I explained what we wanted out of our holiday and to say Jo hit the nail on the head is an underestimation. Of all the hotels we went to in Vegas we easily loved our the most and of all the places Jo could have suggested for us in Mexico I can't imagine we'd have been as happy anywhere else. It had the right level of activities to keep us interested and we had stressed that we wanted somewhere that would have somewhere open late to dance and sure enough we ended up at the disco a few times which was brilliant! Her ears must have been burning the entire time we were away as we were constantly singing her praises, it was clear she had really listened to what we wanted out of our honeymoon and tailored it to our likes and dislikes. On the practical side of things I didn't think it was possible for anyone to be more OCD organised than me but clearly it is! All the paperwork arrived with everything we would need all neatly arranged, the flights Jo had booked us were perfectly timed and every transfer was there waiting for us, on such a long journey you can imagine how invaluable this was. Every last detail really made this feel like a special holiday and also incredibly stress free which is how a honeymoon (or any holiday really!) should be. I cannot stress enough how impressed I am with Jo's service and could not recommend her highly enough and just to put the icing on the cake she is absolutely lovely! We have Jo to thank for the most amazing honeymoon that we will never forget, thank you!

Sent by R Verey

Jo is friendly and professional and always offers advice based on thorough knowledge and experience.

Sent by E Dando

Jo was exceptional in every way. I was comparing quotations with other companies but having established a relationship, with many phone calls (including at night) I would not have gone with anyone else, whatever the price difference. However Jo also managed to get a great deal, within budget! Nothing was too much trouble; Jo was professional but also warm and friendly. I kept changing my mind and had a very specific set of requirements and a difficult personal situation but she was patient and kind throughout. Will recommend her to everyone.

Sent by Sallie Connery

Always great knowledge on anywhere we ask for, always friendly & willing to help.

Sent by M Murai

We can't thank Jo enough for organising our perfect holiday in Costa Rica. She liaised with a local agent and they worked with us to create our bespoke fortnight in the mountains and on the beach. Jo couldn't do enough for us, checking us into our flights and speaking directly to our accommodations. The organised transfers ran like clockwork and all of the drivers were excellent. The excursions and itinerary was spot on what we were after from our trip - wildlife, sun shine, hiking, body boarding, cocktails on the beach....ahhhh when can we go again? Wherever and whenever that is we will call Jo for sure!

Sent by K Harri

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jo - we are delighted with the service received and can't wait to travel now! Jo was extremely knowledgeable, efficient and made the entire process easy. Such a refreshing contrast to the previous local travel agent visited. Thank you.

Sent by B Martin

For the second year running Jo has found the perfect holiday for us. So fast and efficient, nothing is too much trouble and has taken all the stress out of booking a holiday. Will ask her assistance again and have recommended to all my friends and family.

Sent by S Sier

We struggled for a long while trying to determine what exactly we wanted from our honeymoon - we couldn't decide on where we wanted to go, what we wanted to do or how long was just long enough! After months of indecision we decided to get in touch with Jo, and in less than a week Jo had put a honeymoon in front of us that we hadn't even considered and was exactly we wanted! We would highly recommend Jo to anybody who wants to plan their dream holiday, quickly and stress free!

Sent by S Brooks

Jo has been an incredibly knowledgeable, efficient and supportive travel consultant. She has gone above and beyond to get the perfect itinerary for our honeymoon, and has paired that with genuine interest, and care. She really listened to what we are after and provided exactly what we wanting, but, added her own twist, making the trip more than we could of asked for! She has on budget, and with great advice created us a trip of a lifetime. She is extremely efficient, and professional, and I could not more strongly recommend Jo's services. We cannot wait for our trip, and booking through Jo has been fun, as well as, easy!

Sent by Liz Collinson

I came to Jo to book our honeymoon and whilst we had an idea of location we weren't sure of accommodation or flights. Jo took all of this work off our hands and found us amazing looking hotels and great flight times with minimal effort from ourselves. The whole process has been so easy and we feel so secure knowing it is ATOL protected and booked through someone reputable. I couldn't recommend Jo highly enough, she is efficient, friendly and professional. We have a wonderful honeymoon to look forward to and it's all thanks to Jo's hard work!

Sent by S Williamson

Dealing with Jo is a delight; nothing is ever too much trouble for her and her passion for travel is infectious! Whenever I'm dealing with her, I have absolute faith in her knowledge and ability to find me the best deal possible that caters to my wants and needs. I can't imagine booking a holiday with anyone else now and I really cannot recommend her highly enough!

Sent by David Hawkins

Jo was fantastic in organising an amazing holiday for us this summer. We had no idea where we wanted to go and Jo provided various options for us to choose from based on her vast experience and first-hand knowledge of great holiday destinations. We ended up staying in an incredible hotel in Dubrovnik, sunbathing, eating, drinking and exploring the lovely old town. A brilliant trip and all thanks to Jo's inspiration and organisation.

Sent by Romi Cottle

Jo has been fantastic for the two holidays that I have booked with her this year. After going on my first holiday, I contacted her within two weeks of returning to arrange another holiday which we've booked and are anxiously waiting to go on in September. Jo is easily contactable from the UK and abroad, answers ALL questions (no matter how silly they seem), is honest and will go above and beyond to make sure your holiday is perfect. I have already recommended her numerous times on social media and will continue to do so where possible.

Sent by Katie Baldwin

Jo was so helpful and sorted everything out for a surprise trip for our parents. She also went the extra mile and made sure everything was sorted out regarding wheelchair arrangements on the airlines and in the accommodation which can be somewhat problematic! Super stuff we couldn't have done it without you!

Sent by S Pidgeon

Jo is very warm and friendly and deals with queries immediately. She doesn't forget about you once the booking is made but keeps in touch up to after the holiday to make sure that everything is fine. We booked a holiday through Jo last year and were so impressed that we had to book this year's through her as well!

Sent by G Kearn

Jo is the most helpful, efficient, and professional travel adviser that we have ever dealt with in over 30 years. Jo always does her research into the location and hotel and quite often can even recommend particular rooms. We would not hesitate to recommend her and Travel Counsellors to anybody. Thoroughly satisfied clients.

Sent by Zoe Breakwell

Jo has been exceptional in every way. We have now used Jo for the past three years’ breaks and will never look back. We just entrusted her with our honeymoon and every last detail was sorted to perfection. Can’t recommend Jo highly enough, she provides a 1st class service.

Sent by Barney Cooper

Well that was easy! Didn't know where to start as I hadn't booked a holiday for years and wasn't quite sure of options but was recommended Travel Counsellors by a friend. After a friendly, extremely informative (she really knows her stuff) and reassuring chat with Jo, she narrowed down what I wanted and then immediately came up with a raft of options that were on the money, destination and budget-wise. Within 48 hours it was all done and dusted. Hassle-free, no-nonsense and a fantastic service. Highly recommended.

Sent by Hannah Jobbins

I have always asked Jo to book my holidays for me, I will never book one alone again! She is so attentive to all of our requirements, and always offers fab deals in the most beautiful places! Her attention to detail is spot on giving us a seamless and easy travelling experience!

Sent by Sallie Connery

Many thanks Jo for all your help & advice on our reacent trip to Iceland, thank you for sorting out all our trips & a fab hotel. Everything went so smoothly & was very well organised. Looking forward to chatting about our next adventure very soon. Sallie Liz & Clare x

Sent by T Watts

A friend recommended Jo Baldwin to me as I was struggling to arrange a trip for myself and my mother to visit family in Australia. There were so many travel sites to search and so many different route options that on top of a busy work schedule, I could not make a decision. Thank goodness for Jo who took all the worry off my shoulders and made perfect choices for us, taking into consideration our date and budget restrictions. There were items which I forgot to consider (eg, visas) which Jo reminded me of and arranged. A couple of days before departure, I had a call from Jo to ensure everything was in order and that she had already checked us in for our flight (the same happened for our return journey). It was as though Jo had a copy of my long 'To Do' list and was kindly taking some of the stress and pressure away from me - I was so grateful. I have told lots of people about Jo and cannot recommend her highly enough - I will definitely be using Jo's Travel Counsellor skills again in the future. Thanks for everything, Jo.

Sent by Sandi Procter

I was given Jo's contact by a friend and I'm so glad I followed it up. Jo was so friendly and patient coping with my complicated trip itinerary and so efficient. Before I left I had all my paperwork in good time, she gave me tips for coping with the long flights and airport transfers, and she did my confirmations for me while I was away. She took all my worries off me and I just had a great time (Doha, Perth, Melbourne, NZ and Borneo. Wow! ). I will always ask Jo for my future trips and I recommend Jo to anyone for any travelling needs.

Sent by H Williams

Extremely helpful. Jo offered us a comprehensive service covering all we'd asked for and went on to look into the details so that we could book exactly what we wanted. We would certainly recommend Jo to friends and will come back in the future. Thanks for answering all our queries so quickly and fully. Much appreciated!

Sent by Leanne Entwistle

Where do I begin? I messaged Jo in 2014 as a bride to be, wanting to get married but not knowing where to begin! Jo was amazing in helping us find the perfect location and putting my mind at ease for everything. It was the most stress-free day of my life, thanks to Jo and Lewis the co-ordinator in resort. Jo was able to organise the exact room that we wanted, upgrade our flights for us at times to suit us and also book guests for the wedding too! I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Jo for not only your holiday needs but also if you are looking to marry abroad! I cannot thank her enough .

Sent by Paul Clements

Jo organised our visit to Seville. To sum up the whole experience is easy... faultless and enjoyable. Without hesitation, we would recommend Jo to anyone wanting a stress free holiday!

Sent by Andrew Stobbie

Jo is very helpful and knowledgeable and got us a better deal than dealing directly with the holiday company!

Sent by Geoffrey Kearn

Joe your service is simply fantastic, your attention to detail is excellent, and nothing ever seems too much trouble. I've never known anybody go as far as to even filling in my case ID labels before, brilliant.

Sent by T Humphrey

Jo was great and very helpful with suggestions of matching locations and potential alternatives. Using Jo took all the hassle of organising our holiday away from us and made the whole process much easier. I would recommend using Jo and TC again.

Sent by Patricia Cox

We cannot praise Jo highly enough - her absolute dedication to providing exactly what we required was second to none. The whole process from pre-booking through to arriving back in the UK was so easy and problem free for us. We won't hesitate to recommend her to all our family and friends. Thank you so, so much for making our trip such a lovely experience.

Sent by James Ellis

Once we decided to book our Honeymoon through 'Travel Counsellors', Jo Baldwin took a few simple details of the type of trip we were looking for, and then completely did the rest. From start to finish the communication was first class, as were the various options presented to us, and we decided on 2 weeks in Mauritius with a further 3 days in Dubai upon our return. The hotels were incredible, Jo was always on hand for anything we needed, and the whole experience couldn't have been better. We will be booking out next trip away via Jo and will be recommending to anyone else looking to do the same. Thanks again for a truly wonderful honeymoon x

Sent by Sarah Myers

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me with our holiday. I was spending hours looking for something that was going to be a bit short notice, and Jo found the perfect holiday for us. All the worry and hassle was taken away including flights, payment and even parking. I knew I didn't even have to worry while I was away as I knew Jo was just a message away when I needed her. Her friendly voice and easy going manor made the whole booking experience easy and exciting and we are already chatting about next year. She knows so much with her own travels and makes sure that you not only get the holiday that that want, but one that you will enjoy. Thanks Jo. Looking forward to next year already.

Sent by Simon Bateman

From the moment we asked Jo to find a holiday for us, the experience was 1st class. The selection of apartments and villas she found enabled us to chose exactly what we were looking for. She took the headache out of hours and hours searching the web trying to find the right holiday destinations. Finding the destination was only the beginning of service that Jo offered. The booking process was so easy, the deposit and payment reminders on time, the pre departure information received far enough in advance so we had time to ask questions, she even filled in the luggage labels for us and then when we got home a postcard was waiting for us from Jo welcoming back. Everything was absolutely outstanding and her attention to detail was exceptional! I will definitely use Jo to organise all my summer holidays from now on and have already recommend her to friends, family and people I work with. Thanks Jo

Sent by Shay Harper

Thank goodness for Jo! Tasked with organising the honeymoon and keeping it a surprise from the bride I needed a lot of assistance. Jo gave that in abundance and was so friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about creating our luxury break. We had a fab time and Jo was always at the end of a phone or email whenever I needed her. You can trust her to get the right holiday for you and I will no doubt keep her in my contact list for the future. Cheers Jo!

Sent by Daniela Leiper

Jo has been fantastic! Her service was personal yet very professional and she went our of her way to find a suitable solution for us. Her response times are incredible. Feel really well looked after and completely trust her recommendations, knowing that she will find the best holiday and price for us. We will definitely use her services again. Thank you!!

Sent by Wendy Maxwell

We received excellent service from beginning to end. Jo's attention to detail was fantastic. Little touches make all the difference, from the Rome travel guide sent with our tickets, to the welcome note in our hotel room on arrival. I would highly recommend Jo's services. 5*

Sent by Rebecca Iley

Jo helped us to book a 40th birthday celebration to Iceland with 8 of our friends. Start to finish Jo was amazing and so helpful, she booked our flights, hotels, trips, restaurants and even tracked down a lost jacket. A really nice touch was the phone call when we got home to make sure we had all enjoyed our holiday. We would definitely recommend Jo and look forward to booking our next holiday with her.

Sent by Joanna Barrons

We have organised two holidays this year through Jo; a cruise and a trip to South America and both have been so easy to sort out with Jo's help. Jo takes the hard work out of all the planning and gets you the best deal possible. Nothing is too much trouble for her. One point that I find really useful is that her ideas and itineraries are always packed with 'links' so everything can be looked into further. Thanks Jo - looking forward to sorting out more holidays with you soon!

Sent by Sharon Tinsley

We have just returned from our second holiday booked with Jo and it couldn't have been more perfect. Jo added all the personal touches that made it hassle free and looking forward to booking my next holiday with Jo.

Sent by Sarah Williamson

I put my absolute faith in Jo to find us exactly what we need at the very best price for our trip to Cannes every year. She is an absolute pleasure to deal with and takes all the hard work out of it for us making everything totally hassle free. I wouldn't book with anyone else!

Sent by Robert Nevitt

Jo always delivers exceptional service, with a tailored and dedicated approach that guarantees a smooth and enjoyable experience no matter whether it's a business trip or a holiday for pleasure. Her knowledge and expertise make her my go-to agent for travel arrangements, and I would recommend her services to anyone planning a trip.

Sent by E Chamberlain

Professional approach with an over-and-above approach to customer service. I wouldn't book with anyone else.

Sent by Marillyn Stewart

Jo recently booked flights to Madeira for me and hotel accommodation at Gatwick. As usual, Jo was a pleasure to talk to, enthusiastic and efficient and all the arrangements worked perfectly. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She is my first port of call when I'm planning any sort of travel.

Sent by Gail Smith

Jo booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for us (2 adults & 2 children). The trip itself was amazing but also the service provided. From an initial very vague enquiry, Jo put together a 5 day trip to meet our every need. Flights, hotel accommodation, airport transfers and meal vouchers (the latter I would not have even thought about) was all arranged. Even the boarding passes were printed off for us. Hassle free from beginning to end. Fantastic service!

Sent by Sarah Ballinger

We had a marvellous time in Iceland. Lucky enough to see the northern lights. The hotel was in an excellent location and of good quality - in particular the variety of food at breakfast. The tours were well worth the money and the guides were so enthusiastic about their country. All the arrangements ran very smoothly from the moment we were met at the car park at Gatwick airport until they returned the car to us when we landed.

Sent by Viv Baldwin

The whole trip to Iceland went really well. There was a minor hiccup with the transfer from the airport to the hotel but that was nothing to do with Jo - but despite that she quickly sorted it all out anyway. It was lovely to find a note from Jo in our hotel room wishing us a good holiday and a postcard when we got home. Great service with a smile and really good value. Thank you Jo.

Sent by Polly Allen

Jo helped me out planning a long weekend in Bruges, which was ideal for me as I just didn't have the time to do it all myself! I was so happy with the service I received from Jo - she was available to help every step of the way, she took care of everything and made it all so easy. I would definitely recommend Jo, she is so helpful and efficient, and a pleasure to deal with.

Sent by Simon Eatwell

Jo Baldwin of Travel Counsellors made our 25th Anniversary treat so special - the hotel, travel arrangements and general help and advice made it an amazing and memorable experience for us. I recommend anyone who wants the perfect break to ask Jo to help.

Sent by Amanda Shield

Jo, you have been like a comfort blanket throughout the planning of our holiday and the holiday itself. Thank you so much for looking after us. I look forward to sharing our next adventure with you.

Sent by Cymon Snow

Jo made some excellent recommendations and promptly came up with suitable alternatives when requested. Bookings made quickly and cheaper than quoted! Everything went smoothly and to plan and effortlessly on my part, I'm guessing Jo was working hard behind the scenes, which was appreciated. Jo will be my first stop when I next travel.

Sent by Matthew Wright

Great service! Made everything really easy. Will recommend and use again!

Sent by Nerys Joseph

Jo was amazing. She found me some great flights, she was excellent at getting back to me quickly and took care of all my special requests. I normally find booking flights quite stressful but she took all the stress away. As a teacher with dietary requirements I end up usually spending hours of my precious time booking holidays with exact dates/flight times in mind, but just a few emails with Jo and it was done. She really looked after me. I have already recommended her to my colleagues.

Sent by Steven Heathcote

Hi Jo, we had a wonderful honeymoon. Thank you so much for arranging the itinerary! We enjoyed all the personal touches along the way - being serenaded by the local musician in Folldal was a particular highlight. We also really appreciated having you on the phone when we forgot our paperwork for the hire car - it really helped us to stay calm in what was a stressful situation to us! Thank you once again, Steven.

Sent by Finlegh Gordon

I was very happy with the arrangements, particularly the choice of hotel. The welcome home late at night was a particularly nice touch and typified the personal service provided by Jo. It was as she said, arranged with a very personal touch which made me feel I was going to be looked after. It was nice to know that any query would be handled for me without fuss and further concern- a good feeling. I certainly intend to use this service again.

Sent by Graeme Hilditch

The service we received from Jo for our short holiday to Canada was no less than exceptional. Professional, efficient and incredibly helpful, Jo was always on hand to give us peace of mind that everything was being taken care of. I wouldn't hesitate to use Jo again to organise our next holiday and I doubt very much if we ever holiday again without the help of her expertise. Thank you.

Sent by Karina Hudson

Jo Baldwin was suggested to us by a mutual friend when we mentioned that we badly needed a holiday after a rather tumultuous year. We thought we'd try something new. Jo kindly visited us, discussed our likes, dislikes and expectations and she instinctively, or through pure good sense suggested some destinations that she thought would tick our boxes. Some months later we found ourselves in what proved to be the best possible holiday we could have had. Indeed, the best holiday we have ever experienced. It's good to know that from now on, we now have not only a contact, but a delightful and professional contact who understands our personal needs, always on hand to deal with any query quickly and efficiently. We have and will continue to recommend Jo to friends and neighbours wherever possible. In our case, Jo and Travel Counsellors cannot be bettered. Thanks Jo.

Sent by Catherine Edwards

Thank you Jo! Thank you for your patience and help in providing so many options for us so we could make an informed decision on our holiday, your help in getting a suitable holiday (tailor made with all the personalisation and changes we wanted) at the right price, your personal and comprehensive service, including the actual booking, payment, then the lead up to the holiday (what plugs should I take etc etc), checking us in for each flight and ensuring our boarding passes for the return journey were delivered to our hotel room and for always being there with a smile at the end of the phone and nothing ever being too much trouble. You have been great!

Sent by Bryan Arnold

We were planning a safari holiday last year. There were lots to choose from and it was not an easy choice. Jo sent us some very useful data sheets on when to go, where to go and what we should see there at our chosen time. Having made our choice Jo sorted out all the details including insurance which was very useful since my wife picked up a nasty stomach bug. I was amazed that the doctors simply just treated her and sent the bills to the insurers. (My wife recovered and we had the trip of a lifetime). When we arrived home we had a rather nice suprise from Jo - a bottle of rather nice wine and a 'Welcome Home' basket of food! (she may not do this for everyone!) Ty Jo!

Sent by Jennie Ellard

So not only does this fantastic agent find me a bargain hotel, in the correct area, with every item I specified - then when I have an issue (which was my fault), she answers the phone and does everything she can at 10pm on a Friday night to help me. Above and beyond! Thank you so much Jo.

Sent by Sarah Ballinger

Jo offered us a friendly, efficient and personal service. She enabled us to find what we were looking for by offering us different options to choose from until we found one suitable for us.

Sent by Clement Schweizer

Jo was extremely helpful and friendly and she even convinced me to take a trip to Amsterdam on top of the trip to Central America that I was already booking with her. If I had talked to her any longer I am sure that she would have been able to convince me to quit my job and go travel around the world for two years! Thanks a lot Jo for all of your help!

Sent by Robin Williams

Jo listened to our proposed flight requirements for a 6 week trip to Oz, NZ and Indonesia, researched the options from which we were able to finalise our itinerary. On top of this, Jo was able to offer what would appear to be very competitive flight prices. Guess what?...we booked the flights through Jo!

Sent by Penelope Nightingale

Jo was amazing, listening to what I wanted, then researching the best holiday for my family. I would thoroughly recommend using her.

Sent by Chrissie Stockting

Thank you for all your help with our holiday to Thailand, your detailed research, patience and support were second to none and you were on the end of the phone and email when we had to make emergency changes to flights and accommodation during our holiday. We had welcome/hello notes from you at nearly every hotel we stayed in and you even organised cake and decorations for Tracys birthday! You were amazing and it wouldn't have been the same without you! Thank you.

Sent by Karen Carter

Jo was very efficient and came back to us with some great options and we have now booked a great 2 week holiday to Morocco. I would certainly recommend Jo Baldwin to friends, family and colleagues.

Sent by Christopher Scott MacKirdy

We as a group have been very impressed with the way Jo has helped us to book our ski holiday. There were a number of issues which she sorted out with a smile. She is so even tempered in adversity and is so calm, diligent, polite and fun to deal with and extremely efficient in execution. From now on I will always book my holiday through her.

Sent by Zoe Chittenden

Great holiday was booked for us at an amazing reduced price!

Sent by Sarah Williamson

I would highly recommend Jo; booking my holiday with her was made really stress-free and she really went the extra mile to ensure my requirements were met. I found her to be very knowledgeable and I will definitely book any future trips with her! Thank you Jo!

Sent by Polly Allen

I would definitely recommend Jo. She was a pleasure to deal with when sorting out our trip to Cannes; everything was simple, easy, and she was very efficient. Thanks Jo!

Sent by Tina Doran

The attention I have received from Jo has been amazing. From my first email to her requesting information to receiving a welcome home postcard. The service was first class and I would highly recommend her to anyone planing any trip. Big thanks Jo!

Sent by Hector Wells

Jo managed to sort out a surprise weekend trip to Prague, with loads of activities. Having the stress of booking and searching for concerts was all taken away and there was a good focus on budget too. Thank you.

Sent by Zoe Davies

Jo found me the best price and organised everything so quickly! I will be booking all of my future trips and flights through her and have recommended her too many friends!

Sent by Sam Dines

Jo was brilliant and very efficient. The research was done for me and the flights were booked up within minutes. I will certainly recommend Jo to all friends and family. Thank you.

Sent by Chrissie Stockting

Jo is a great Travel Counsellor, with a friendly and approachable personality. She found me some amazing flight and accommodation deals for my trip to Malaysia last year and for Thailand next year. She committed fully to ensure my partner and I had a great holiday and nothing was too much trouble. I would definitely not hesitate to contact her next time I want to plan a holiday abroad.

Sent by Tatiana Vocouber-Keep

We had a two-week family holiday booked in Croatia but didn't know where to start. Jo provided us a personal service with excellent options and advice on creating a perfectly tailored holiday. She was very friendly, prompt and all the places she recommended were perfect for our needs. Her knowledge of Croatia also meant we were able to explore little hidden gems not mentioned in any travel books we've read. We would definitely use Jo for her expertise again.

Sent by Jennifer Keep

I have used Jo to book my holidays for the past 3 years, from skiing in Austria to beach holidays in Croatia and Turkey. She has been extremely good at recommending places, trips and tours to go on during my holidays, all at great prices. She has saved me hours of trawling the net. I would definitely use her again and recommend her to everyone.

Sent by Rhiannon HIggins

I have just returned from a truly wonderful holiday in Croatia with my 4 year old son. If you haven't been, put Croatia on your "must visit" list as it is a hidden gem. Having organised precisely nothing for myself I can only thank Jo Baldwin for her skills in this department. No one day was the same, visiting the blue and green caves one day, the stunning waterfalls in the National Park on another to completing a bouncy assault course in the sea on another. She matched our requirements perfectly through her knowledge of the country. She was professional and friendly and our visits consisted of those not listed in most travel guides and well as beaches off the beaten track. Thank you Jo, I will certainly be using your services again and can only encourage others to follow suit.

Sent by Kate Wheatley

We have used Jo’s expert travel advice for years and highly recommend her services. She is polite, friendly, helpful and organised. Jo will make sure she matches you with the right holiday to suit your taste and budget and gives you great insider tips.