Jo Harris - Travel Counsellors

12/12/2024

Yesterday was less about holidays and more about celebrating!

I spent my morning chatting with new Travel Counsellors during their induction, sharing my insight to how it really is running your own business. I loved being able to answer their burning questions ☺️ a quick hop on the train and it was Christmas meal time for the Kent TCs. We are all individual business owners but many of us work together in teams - offering our expertise to clients when our skills are better suited to a particular holiday enquiry or destination. You may have even spoken to some of them already as we cover each others holidays too!

We really do support and help each other, and there are many lifelong friendships amongst us now. I cannot imagine working in travel in any other way now ☺️

Don’t forget I’m still very much working at the moment (what’s a day off again?!) so please let me know if you need help with your travel plans.

💻 [email protected]
📞 01233 380064

11/12/2024

NEW for 2025!

Kefalonia is one of my favourite Greek islands to visit. Kefalonia Escape is a sleek new 3-bedroom villa with blissful views across forested slopes down to the sparkling blue sea.

Why I love it:

🔷 Stylish contemporary villa
🔷 Set in Trapezaki
🔷 Beautiful sea views
🔷 Family friendly
🔷 Short drive to sandy beaches
🔷 Walking distance to tavernas
🔷 Set in beautiful estate

Packages are available from £635 per person(May) up to £1424 per person (July)

Per person price is based on villa max occupancy (6 people), 7 nights accommodation, UK flights and car hire. Flights subject to possible supplements.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

09/12/2024

Keep dancing 💃🏻

On Saturday I was thrilled to dance alongside the other ladies from my class at our Christmas dance 🪩 The performance looked to be in jeopardy after my accident this week, but we did it ☺️ We felt like Strictly stars twirling around to Moon River ☺️

If you’re a massive Strictly like me and you’ll soon need another dancing fix after the show finishes next weekend, fear not! Several of my cruise line partners have sailings featuring some of the Strictly professionals - here are just a few:

🔷 28th February 2025
Croatia and the Treasures of the Adriatic
Saga - Spirit of Adventure for 22 nights
🎉 Featuring Vito Coppola, Luba Mushtuk, Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova

🔷 26th March 2025
Western Mediterranean and Italian Riviera
Saga - Spirit of Discovery
🎉 Featuring Luba Mushtuk, Vito Coppola, Lauren Oakley and Neil Jones

🔷 22nd April 2026
Canary Islands
P&O - Ventura
🎉 Featuring Joanne Clifton, Kevin Clifton, Karen Hauer, Giovanni Pernice and Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood

🔷 16th May 2026 and 5th June 2026
Canary Islands
P&O - Britannia
🎉 Featuring Janette Manrara, Aljaz Skorjanec, Karen Hauer, Kevin Clifton and Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood

🔷 22nd July 2026
Mediterranean
P&O - Azura
🎉 Featuring Ian Waite, Natalie Lowe, Pasha Kovalev, Anya Garnis and Strictly judge Anton du Beke

To find out more and to book, please get in touch.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

08/12/2024

If you love the beaches of the Maldives, and the vast dining opportunities offered up as you drive round Barbados, you will love the Turks and Caicos.

Made up of 40 islands and cays, the Turks and Caicos are easily accessible with direct British Airways flights from London, and also twin beautifully with many of the USA's best loved destinations. With white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and the world's third largest reef, it's not to be missed. Grand Turk feels quintessentially British with an abundance of history, guesthouses and opportunities to walk amongst wild donkeys. North and Mid Caicos have a similar vibe to the east coast of Barbados; and nature lovers will adore the flamingoes, wild donkeys and marine biology of the South Caicos. Dining here is incredible with many hotels offering fine dining restaurants, alongside gourmet street food and of course, some all inclusives.

The Palms is an alluring upscale resort nestled on the renowned Grace Bay beach, often considered one of the best Caribbean beaches. With 72 exquisite studios and suites and drawing inspiration from Barbados' Sandy Lane, The Palms has undergone
a delightful refurbishment to the highest of standards. The award winning spa boasts 17 treatment rooms to ensure the ultimate in relaxation, and for a more active stay, there are complimentary bikes available (for adults and kids) as well as a plethora of non-motorised watersports to enjoy. The Palms really is perfect for adults, children and multigenerational family trips.

Contact me today to start planning your trip to the Turks and Caicos.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

07/12/2024

Can you help me on Small Business Saturday?

When you book with me you’re supporting a real person, not a massive corporation. I don’t earn a salary and you don’t pay me any service fees either. The suppliers I use only pay me a commission when you actually travel - so please don’t ask me for a quote and to do all your research for you, and then book elsewhere! If you have had a price from somewhere else already please let me look at it.

Here’s a reminder of why you should book with me (or pass my details to someone who needs me!):

🔷 Over 16 years experience of booking leisure and corporate trips
🔷 Travel Counsellors have a 5* rating across the board on Trustpilot - have a look at what our clients have had to say!
🔷 Complete financial protection with our independent financial trust and ATOL bond
🔷 10/10 client feedback score of my own ☺️
🔷 Truly personal service - no call centres or waiting in queues, it’s only ever me you’ll speak to!
🔷 High ratings from Money Saving Expert and Money Supermarket
🔷 Huge variety of suppliers at my fingertips - all the big ones you know like EasyJet, Jet2, Kuoni and Disneyland Paris but plenty more besides

Huge thanks go to all my loyal clients for sticking with me and enabling me to pursue the career I absolutely love ❤️

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

07/12/2024

Thank you Toria!

I'm always delighted to hear that my clients are happy with my service and enjoyed booking with me. I take time to get to know you personally and the reason behind your trip in order that I can book everything exactly to your requirements. Having worked in the travel industry for 16 years, I treat you as an individual each and every time and love to share my expertise with you.

Don't forget I don't just do big trips! Here are some examples of what I can organise for you:

🔷 Hotel only - both UK and internationally
🔷 Cruises - both ocean and river
🔷 Theatre breaks
🔷 Touring
🔷 Special interest holidays - music, sport, art, fitness retreats and more; again in the UK and internationally
🔷 Beach holidays
🔷 Villas and cottages - some can have chefs or are fully staffed
🔷 Multi centre holidays
🔷 Fly drive
🔷 Adventure travel
🔷 Solo holidays
🔷 Football tickets
🔷 International concert tickets with flights and accommodation
🔷 Rail holidays
🔷 Attraction tickets
🔷 Weddings and honeymoons

I work with lots of specialist tour operators and suppliers, as well as many well known names in the world of travel. So if you're planning any kind of trip, whether for business or pleasure, UK or abroad, please get in touch and let me look after you.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

06/12/2024

Hate flying but still want to travel across Europe? Panic not! I have a solution!

My colleagues over at Riviera have a range of river cruises and touring holidays which are accessible by train instead - take a look at some of these examples. If you really want to push the boat out (see what I did there? 😐😂) why not consider upgrading to first class on your regional train journey? Eurostar also offer a choice of upgrades too for your comfort.

Get in touch any time to discuss your next trip without an airport in sight.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

05/12/2024

How picture perfect is this?!

The charming Bella Mare Hotel really has bagged the most idyllic spot on Corfu's north east coast. Just 5 minutes' drive from sought after Kassiopi, this delightful beachfront property has sublime views and exceptional service - the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday.

Boasting just 31 stylish rooms and suites, Bella Mare's luscious gardens offer countless places for guests to soak up the sun. Whether you're enjoying a treatment from one of the visiting beauty therapists, taking to the water on a kayak or SUP, or even hiring a boat to explore the bewitching coastline, there is so much to love. There are two excellent tavernas just outside the hotel for evening dining, or a 35 minute stroll into Kassiopi leads to a choice of waterfront restaurants and low key nightlife. Guests travelling with their families can also enjoy complimentary supervised children's activities on selected school holiday dates too. The carefully tailored programme is built around water games, fun challenges, tournaments, craft sessions and social activities so that everyone can find something to enjoy! This one is definitely going on my list 😁

Contact me any time to book your trip to the exclusive Bella Mare Hotel, and start to look forward to discovering why northern Corfu is an excellent choice for everyone.

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📞 01233 380064

03/12/2024

Where are you going on holiday, Jo?

That’s a question I’m often asked. It’s true to say my days are largely spent crafting gorgeous holidays for my clients - but I’m super excited about this one I’ve booked for my own family next year. Let me present the Valamar Tirena…

Located on the luscious Babin K*k peninsula just 6km from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Valamar Tirena is an ideal choice for families looking to spend quality time together in peaceful surroundings. Maro World is the entertainment centre for the Valamar hotels in this area, with everything from trampolines, soft play and a game lounge to evening entertainment and a kids club. Family rooms are two connecting rooms each with their own bathrooms to ensure plenty of space and comfort.

The main restaurant satisfies the most particular of pallets with show cooking and theme nights in abundance, alongside the popular Oliva Grill by the poolside. We’ve opted for half board for our break!For gym bunnies like me, the Stay Fit programme has at least 5 daily activities on offer in high season - expect to see mini golf, aqua aerobics, Nordic walking, basketball and much more besides. Guests can also hire bikes from the hotel; and there’s also a wealth of water sports, tennis, kayaking and even diving close by. If relaxation for you is at a slower pace, the Balance Mediterranean Spa at the sister hotel next door is the perfect tonic with an indoor pool, spa treatments and saunas.

Contact me today to find out more about this stunning property in Croatia.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

02/12/2024

Thought Lapland was just for the kids to see Santa? Think again!

❄️ Romantic Arctic Experience in Nangu ❄️
4 nights | premium experience

Step into a world of Arctic enchantment, an exclusive adults-only retreat on the serene shores of Lake Inari in Finnish Lapland. This thoughtfully designed package blends adventure, cultural immersion, and deep relaxation, making it the perfect romantic escape or unforgettable getaway for those seeking quiet luxury in nature’s most untouched landscapes.

Offer includes:

🔷 4 nights stay in Wilderness Room (upgrade options available)
🔷 Transfers to and from Ivalo airport
🔷 Full board meals at the onsite restaurant (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
🔷 Guide for all organised activities
🔷 Snowsuits, gloves and boots for the duration of your stay
🔷 Snowmobile Adventure
🔷 Husky & Reindeer Day
🔷 Gentle Snowshoeing
🔷 Aurora Snowmobiling

Gatwick departures (direct with BA on 3rd January 2025) and Heathrow departures (indirect via Helsinki with Finnair on 12th February 2025) available from £2450 per person. Price based on 2 adults, subject to availability.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

02/12/2024

Do you want to be on holiday over Christmas?! 🎅

This December, experience the perfect blend of festive city lights and tranquil beachside relaxation with a Christmas holiday that takes you from the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-kissed shores of Barbados.

With 3 nights in the Big Apple, then a week relaxing in the Caribbean, you can't afford to miss this one! More details can be found here:

https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/Offers/Christmas-in-New-York-and-Barbados

To find out more and to book, please get in touch any time.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

This December, experience the perfect blend of festive city lights and tranquil beachside relaxation with a Christmas holiday that takes you from the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-kissed shores of Barbados.

01/12/2024

Despite having been in the travel industry for over 15 years, I still love learning!

On Friday I enjoyed a fab training session from Simpson Travel and Paradise Promotions in the festive and cosy Tunbridge Wells Hotel. Simpson Travel offer a selection of stylish and exclusive villas across Europe as well as their very own boutique and unique hotels; whilst Paradise Promotions represent some of the Caribbean’s finest hidden gems with the highest standards of accommodation and service. Thank you so much to Hannah and Victoria for hosting us over an amazing lunch (I’d highly recommend a visit!) and helping our group of travel experts to plan where we could next recommend to all of our clients.

Keep your eyes peeled for posts from me next week on some of my favourites! If in the meantime you’re looking for a small, stylish boutique property in Europe or the Caribbean to enjoy on your next holiday, please get in touch today.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

30/11/2024

Today’s the day!

My hubby is off to Belize 🇧🇿 today to visit his dad - not at all jealous of the sunshine he’s going to get ☀️

It’s still business as usual here for me, but please bear with me whilst I’m flying solo for the next week - all enquiries will be responded to though my service time may be a little slower than usual. Thank you all for your understanding.

Have a great weekend everyone ☺️

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

29/11/2024

Already thinking about the memories you'll make in 2025? 🌍✈️☀️🛳🏝🏔

I'm here to help you plan those unforgettable adventures, tailored just for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, let's make it a trip to remember. Don't wait for the January rush - with our easy payment plans you can start that holiday countdown now! Contact me today and we'll get you travelling before you know it.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064



28/11/2024

📷 Real client photos 📷

Sophie and I worked together at the London 2012 Olympic Games and have been firm friends since. I was only too happy to oblige when she was looking for a few days of winter sun in the Canaries recently. How much fun do those buggies look?! Here's what Sophie had to say about booking with me...

"Having previously worked in the travel industry I tend to book my holidays myself, but after a particularly busy and exhausting year I decided to hand the reins over to someone else. I've known Jo a long time and knew she would look after us, so we booked our trip to Fuerteventura for some winter sun with her. She found a package that fitted our needs perfectly, and myTC was really easy to use - I particularly liked that we could access and download our documents at any time from there.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a free room upgrade and a note in our room from Jo wishing us a great trip. The hotel (H10 Ocean Dunas) were excellent with my dietary needs, even preparing me my own meals instead of risking the buffet. We had a fantastic time chilling around the hotel or on the beach, driving dune buggies through the dunes and volcanic landscape and sampling some of the local bars and live music. Coming home, the UK was hit by Storm Bert, and Jo kept us regularly updated on the situation at home and on our flight, right up until boarding. I felt completely at ease knowing she had everything in hand and will definitely be booking future trips with her!"

No trip is too big or too small when you come to me for help - all my clients receive the same level of personalised care and assistance from me regardless of where they're visiting. Where would you like to visit next?

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

27/11/2024

🤩 Wow - just booked 🤩

Suzie and her husband came to me in search of a once in a lifetime adventure, encompassing the very best of San Francisco and Hawaii - I was only too happy to oblige!

We've got a stay at the popular Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, ideally positioned for sightseeing. After enjoying a hop on / hop off bus ticket and a tour of infamous Alcatraz, Hawaii's Big Island is up next with a stay at the oceanfront OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa, a scenic base for exploring with our included car hire. I've wrapped up their incredible itinerary with a week's stay at the renowned Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. This gorgeous pink palatial property is in the heart of the action in Waikiki Beach with the highest of standards throughout. Car hire on Oahu ensures nothing is missed, and we've also got a guided tour of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona memorial. I'm only a little bit envious, honest! 😆

I read American Studies at university and even some 20 years later, my passion for the USA remains as strong as ever.

Contact me any time and we'll get you travelling to America before you know it.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

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26/11/2024

✈️🗽𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞 ✈️🗽

NYC - without doubt, one of my favourite cities in the world. I've got several clients travelling to the Big Apple in the next 3 weeks. I wish I was going again! Perhaps this half term offer might tempt you and your family?!

Experience the city like a true New Yorker at this modern hotel in Chelsea featuring spacious rooms and suites with spectacular views. Broadway and Times Square are just a short walk away, With all of Manhattan accessible from the front door,
discover the very essence of New York and explore every nook of the Big Apple.

Offer includes:
🔷 Departing 17th February 2025
🔷 4 nights room only at 4* Innside New York Nomad
🔷 Based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing an Innside Room Two Double Beds
🔷 Includes SUMMIT Experience tickets at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
🔷 Direct flights from London Heathrow with Jetblue

Price is from £799 per person based on 2 adults 2 children sharing. Other durations, dates and hotels available - please ask for more details. I can arrange all of your NYC attraction tickets and sightseeing too!

Contact me today to enjoy the city that never sleeps.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064

25/11/2024

What a weekend!

Whilst Storm Bert caused havoc this weekend up and down the country, it’s been a busy one for my family. Saturday saw the usual homework and chores for all of us. Yesterday though, my husband and enjoyed some child free time cheering on England’s rugby team playing Japan at Twickenham 🏉 👌 We love going to see live sport together and rugby was a new one for me! Having a fully hosted experience was just the icing on the cake 🤩 Trains were carnage though 😴

Don’t forget I don’t just sell holidays - I can arrange trips around the world for you to see sporting fixtures of all kinds from football to Formula One and everything in between. Get in touch today to find out more.

💻 [email protected] / DM me
📞 01233 380064