Lesley Woodall - Travel Counsellors

Lesley Woodall - Travel Counsellors I’m an independent travel consultant with Travel Counsellors. I offer bespoke, tailor-made holidays - get in touch to find out what I can do for you!
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Up bright and early for business networking… believe it or not I love my early Thursday mornings. While you are all asle...
01/08/2024

Up bright and early for business networking… believe it or not I love my early Thursday mornings. While you are all asleep we are busy passing business to each other. This morning I have the joy of sitting next to my favourite roofing and plastering expert, the lovely David Tait. What this man doesn’t know about cornicing… well it’s more than me - I don’t even know if I can spell cornicing! Anyway this guy is a total pro, and despite the labouring, I can confirm at this time in the morning anyway, he smells of soap 🤩 Give him a shout at Tait and Mapp Roofing and Plastering 👍

My week on the Danube really has gone too quickly! A lovely final day was spent over the border into Germany at Weltenbu...
25/07/2024

My week on the Danube really has gone too quickly! A lovely final day was spent over the border into Germany at Weltenburg - my choice from the various included excursion options available today was the beautiful Weltenburg Abbey. We had a look around first, then a sit down under the shady walnut trees for beers and pretzels in the biergarten - a chance to sample the dark ale brewed in Europe’s oldest monastic brewery underneath the abbey itself. Again all included in the cruise fare with Scenic, and the most wonderful finale was the spectacular ferry ride through the gorge and back to the Danube where we joined up with the ship for our last evening. So easy and seamless! 🛳️❤️

Day 4 was spent cruising through the vineyards of the Wachau Valley. After tours of Durnstein and Melk, we got back onb...
24/07/2024

Day 4 was spent cruising through the vineyards of the Wachau Valley. After tours of Durnstein and Melk, we got back onboard our Scenic Spaceship to a presentation from a local produce supplier.

22/07/2024

The kindness of strangers on a river cruise, pt.1…
So… when I got pulled out of the audience at our exclusive classical concert at the Palais Lichtenstein last night, the woman sitting in front of us at the concert, a lovely Chinese lady called Lulu, had been filming a lot of the performance on her phone, so I asked her whether she had a video of my embarrassing but awesome moment that she could send to me. It transpired she had only been keeping the odd clip on her phone and had already deleted the rest. Lulu was so sad for me because she couldn’t give me the footage that today, when Scenic had brought in two more mesmerising dancers to do a little show and then a cheeky wee waltz lesson for those of us with two left feet, Lulu made a special plea to yet another handsome Austrian dancer to dance with me, just so that she could record it! I had no idea about any of this… I thought I must just have some new found magnetism that was making all these handsome young men want to dance with me 😝 Anyway, the upshot is, I now have this actual video footage of me waltzing on the blue Danube! 💃🕺 and ok, inevitably I’m a bit clompy and heavy footed, but there was a time when I didn’t think I’d walk again let alone be prancing around like this 😂 and it has to be marginally better than last night’s version would have been - when I was clearly a rabbit in the headlights and spent the whole time laughing and covering my face! What a truly kind thoughtful soul though. Thank you Lulu! 💕

Part of the experience of a Scenic river cruise, is the shore excursions which are all included in the cost of the cruis...
22/07/2024

Part of the experience of a Scenic river cruise, is the shore excursions which are all included in the cost of the cruise. It’s not just a generic walking tour here and there, there are a whole host of cultural and historic experiences included, attraction entry fees, meals in local restaurants, e-bike tours, and each itinerary has something special which they refer to as the ‘Scenic Enrich’ programme. Our special event for this ‘Gems of the Danube’ itinerary was a classical music concert, exclusively and privately for us, in the opulent Palais Lichtenstein in Vienna. We were treated to a mesmerising and emotional orchestral performance of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss
with guest operatic performances and ballet dancers. I know I said they were letting me loose on a trip like this which is obviously nothing like anything I would usually do, well guess who the handsome Austrian ballet dancer picked out of the audience to dance to the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ with? 🫣 Honestly, I was utterly mortified, but also what a totally crazy and special experience it was - definitely something I will remember forever ❤️

22/07/2024

This river cruise ship I am on this week, the beautiful Scenic Amber, a sister to Scenic Jasper shown here, feels a bit too intimate and boutique for me to be walking around filming and photographing everything, so thought this video might help give some background to the kind of experience this is… I mean, it’s much more of a relaxed atmosphere than I think the video seems and I’ve been surprised that I’m NOT the youngest here at all and there are actually a few people in their 30s and 40s as well as the majority in their 50s and 60s I guess, plus a few older as well. What has surprised me though is how friendly and fun it is. The staff are AMAZING too. So far for me it has the vibes of a luxury catered ski chalet holiday. There’s so much to do in each destination and on the ship and there’s no time to get bored, but equally, the team on board make it all so easy, and being able to visit 5 countries within the space of 7 days without having to lift a finger, unpack a suitcase or take a flight… the whole thing is just sublime!
If anyone has any questions while I’m on board just feel free to ask! 🛳️

This means nothing to me ❤️ ohhh
21/07/2024

This means nothing to me ❤️ ohhh

20/07/2024

Budapest 🩵 Well what a beautiful city. I saw enough to know I have to come back here soon and do it properly. Too damn hot to write anything sensible about it right now though!

19/07/2024

So, much more information to come, but right now having been exploring beautiful Budapest this morning I’m now having a bit of down time in my gorgeous Balcony suite as we head towards Vienna - just checking up on my current bookings to see if anyone requires my help due to the power outage 😩. I’m always well aware in travel things aren’t always quite this smooth! 🛳️ 🩵 ☀️

I might be cruising down the Danube right now but if the recent news about airport outages has you worried about your ho...
19/07/2024

I might be cruising down the Danube right now but if the recent news about airport outages has you worried about your holiday, don't stress. I've got your travel plans covered every step of the way.
From re-booking flights to finding alternative routes, I’ll take care of it. If you need assistance, drop me a message or give me a call.

Here it is, my no.1 favourite swimming pool for ‘International Swimming Pool Week! 🏊‍♀️ The infinity pools at the beaut...
18/07/2024

Here it is, my no.1 favourite swimming pool for ‘International Swimming Pool Week! 🏊‍♀️ The infinity pools at the beautiful adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel on Mexico’s Riviera Maya ☀️
Firstly, I just love an infinity pool on the seafront, full stop. Being able to float in the refreshing water and hang onto the edge whilst staring out to sea, daydreaming the day away, watching and listening to the waves crash against the shore; It’s just the best of both worlds; the big blue sea and Mother Nature at it’s finest but without any of the effort of sand, stones and seaweed!
TRS Yucatan not only has the stunning terraced infinity pool, but also just along from it there’s a little-used saltwater infinity pool which truly does feel like being in the Caribbean Sea, except the walls of the pools act like a reef breaking those huge crashing waves so you aren’t in the permanent washing machine of the surf, which some of us just aren’t quite cut out for! 🌊
Again, I could pick out other beautiful infinity pools but these ones, and the whole of the Grand Palladium resort in the Riviera Maya has a particularly special place in my heart.
All of these photos were taken there during a short visit for a few days in early 2022. I was in an awful state at the time. 2 years into covid restrictions, my businesses both on their knees, and me still on crutches and nasty nerve medication a year after my lockdown walking accident, which had me bedridden for months and really struggling to hold on to any purpose in life. Two years that I can’t even think or talk about without my eyes leaking! Anyway, this amazing week on Mexico’s Caribbean coast was such a tonic that I don’t even have words to describe it. It was the first time in so long I managed to feel any kind of hope and I really think those days flopping around in all those pools drinking cocktails and laughing with the other travel agents on the trip… We were also doing tours around all the hotel rooms and fantastic facilities of both of the huge Palladium resorts (but clearly I only think in swimming pool options 😂) anyway, I really think it brought me back from the edge. I look through these photos now and can’t believe how calm and happy I look when I can also taste just how physically and mentally fragile I was. I could barely walk on land let alone get across a beach or in and out of the sea, and I was terrified to even try after being so close to losing my leg exactly a year before, am sure one of the reasons why those infinity pools are so special to me.
The trip ended up being a huge turning point in my life - with my negative thinking turned around and my hope restored, the rest of 2022 just got busier and busier work wise and ended up being a bigger year sales-wise than I could ever have predicted. All the borders reopened, people began to have faith in travel again, and since then life, my business, my mobility and my mental health have all just got better and better.
That Mexico trip nearly didn’t happen. It was one of the only countries open to tourism at the time, and maybe we all came back with covid, but I honestly don’t know where my life would be now if I hadn’t gone. 🏝️❤️
Lesley Woodall

I don’t mean to keep skipping days! This is turning into a long week! But here’s No.2 of my Top 5 for my ‘what I call’ I...
17/07/2024

I don’t mean to keep skipping days! This is turning into a long week! But here’s No.2 of my Top 5 for my ‘what I call’ International Swimming Pool Week 🏊‍♀️ 🩵
This is the wonderful ocean pool at Coogee beach in Sydney, Australia! I love any saltwater pool but throw in views of Coogee bay, the Australian climate, and the most sensational sunrises and sunsets and frankly this pool had me at hello!
It’s not the most famous of the many pools at Sydney’s beaches, but after living in Coogee for the best part of a year as a young adult, that beautiful barefooted, sunkissed, healthy lifestyle was a really special time in my life and nipping down to the pool before work in the morning and then grabbing a banana smoothie at the kiosk on the beach while waiting for my bus into central Sydney, well, it really is the life 🏝️
During my year in Australia I spent so much time on so many beaches, so I tried to find a picture of myself on the beach at Coogee to illustrate this post but alas… it turns out back then I didn’t ever take pictures with myself in them! Two enormous photo albums later and the only photo I could come up with from all those many beautiful beaches was me at Bells beach near Melbourne! Taken only because I was getting my ‘Point Break’ kicks at the time! Anyway, yes… Australian beaches, saltwater pools and sunrise dips! 🩵 It’s hard to think of anything better.
Lesley Woodall

14/07/2024

Back to Tunisia… a lot of people have been asking about the food. I can only really speak about the resort we stayed at as we were on a budget and did all our eating and drinking within the all inclusive. For anyone considering this resort though, what I will say is that it’s the best 4 star all inclusive I’ve ever experienced. We had the luxury of 3 table service restaurants which were Italian, Asian and Tunisian inspired, they were in a stunning setting on the beach and you can book dinner there as many times as you like during your stay with no supplements to pay. You get so looked after and especially with teenagers, sometimes it’s lovely to have that sociable time sitting together for a long lingering dinner instead of just grabbing buffet food. They also do lunch at the beach restaurant with a freshly cooked pizza bar and pasta show-cooking to order and lots of variety and great fresh food in the buffets. The snack truck at the pool did burgers, paninis, crepes all day too and the main international buffet restaurant had so much choice and good quality food. Eggs however you like them and cooked to order for breakfast, and much more besides. If you felt like eating Nutella crepes three times a day then this was fine too - thankfully we only stayed a week 😝😂

OK I’m feeling a little nostalgic today. With the giddiness of tonight’s sporting excitement, I’ve come over all cockney...
14/07/2024

OK I’m feeling a little nostalgic today. With the giddiness of tonight’s sporting excitement, I’ve come over all cockney all of a sudden, and have decided today’s swimming pool of the day, no4 in my Top 5, is going to be Tooting Bec Lido! In the depths of South London it’s the oldest and biggest outdoor pool in the UK, it opened in 1906 and is still bringing swimmy happiness to Londoners in their droves 118 years later. Growing up in the area, I remember the unadulterated joy of a hot sunny Saturday… that decision to hotfoot it down to Tooting on the 137 bus. If you didn’t get there early doors you had absolutely no chance of getting in - those little patches of concrete were like absolute gold dust in the 80s! Anyway, it seemed fitting on such a big day for England to share some of my earliest swimmy memories from the Costa Del Tooting. A swimming pool doesn’t necessarily have to be scenic to be special 🏊‍♀️☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Lesley Woodall
🦁🦁🦁

I’ve still not finished talking about Tunisia but I’m distracted by how it was National Swimming Pool Day yesterday! If ...
12/07/2024

I’ve still not finished talking about Tunisia but I’m distracted by how it was National Swimming Pool Day yesterday! If it wasn’t already obvious i’m a water baby, so i can’t let this go by with just one day and have decided to make it International Swimming Pool Week. I’m going to share some of my own personal faves from the swimming pools of the world starting with the most recent one that pops into my mind. Now I loves a rooftop pool, I do. But this isn’t just any rooftop pool, this one has views of the Acropolis in Athens, and a fabulous Sky Bar that serves the most delicious Mojitos I ever tasted too. What’s even better than that, is that Athens is one of the most gigantic, hot, sweaty cities I’ve ever been to and sightseeing in summer is seriously hard work. It’s a gazillion degrees. So I honestly believe this is the best way to spend a day ‘seeing the acropolis’ in Athens 😝 A very worthy No.5 in my Top 5 Swimming Pools 🏊‍♀️☀️
More tomorrow, folks! 💙
Lesley Woodall

10/07/2024

Well our week in Tunisia already feels like a lifetime ago after a couple of days back in the rainy office. Daughter no.1 Sophie has just sent me this wee video reel of the lovely 4 star resort we were invited to stay at - the gorgeous Les Orangers Beach Resort in Hammamet and I’ve just had a glimpse of what it feels like for everyone going about their normal day whenever I post about someone’s lovely holiday! 🥴 But folks, I’m back in the office now too, so if you don’t have a trip away booked for this summer, it’s not too late! Get in touch and I’ll help you get something perfect for you sorted last minute! 🏝️
Lesley Woodall

06/07/2024

Habibi! Come to Tunisia!
Next teen installment, this one courtesy of my favourite child… (Jude) 🤣
Lesley Woodall

Happiness is… a nutella crepe on a swing, barefoot on the beach in the afternoon sun 🏝️💕Lesley Woodall
06/07/2024

Happiness is… a nutella crepe on a swing, barefoot on the beach in the afternoon sun 🏝️💕
Lesley Woodall

05/07/2024

I’m aware my Tunisia vlogging has been sparse this week so far… I keep recording random bits of video and taking photos but it’s always so clunky and badly shot. I’ve just found out though that while I’ve been trying and failing, the teens have been posting all these eye catching videos on their TikToks! I’m thinking I might just lie on a sunlounger for a couple of days and let the instababes do all the holiday influencing 😝 Come to Tunisia folks - it’s lush! 🏝️💕
Lesley Woodall

03/07/2024

Barbados swim training doesn’t stop just because I’m on holiday! A chilled out blissed out 80 lengths before breakfast, surrounded by swaying fragrant orange and lime trees and birdies tweeting… Perfection!
🏝️🏊‍♀️🍊
Lesley Woodall

02/07/2024

Judith Chalmers alert, guys!… I have been lucky enough to have been invited to spend this week in Tunisia with my teenagers and our friends 🏝️ More goofy vlogs, piccies, ideas and observations to follow, when we’ve settled in, but it’s already surpassed every one of my expectations! 💕
Lesley Woodall

20/06/2024

Well now, THIS is why I love my job! ❤️
My lovely client and friend Helen Lobban got in touch by email one Sunday afternoon about 6 months ago, saying that herself and her husband Gordon would love to visit Andalusia and do something extra special to celebrate their milestone birthdays this year. They asked could I perhaps recommend some nice hotels and said they’d like to see the likes of Seville, Cordoba and Granada but would rather not hire a car… I got straight back in touch with Helen that same afternoon to ask;
‘do you know about the Tren Al Andalus’? ❤️🚂
It turned out to be just exactly what Helen and Gordon didn’t know they were looking for, and it was all booked and arranged within weeks, with nothing for them to do but get busy packing and look forward to their adventures!
After the trip, when they got in touch to tell me how perfect the train had been, their feedback and the gorgeous photos of the trip literally sent shivers down my spine! Not just the magic of such a spellbinding trip but also they said they had made so many new friends on board that they now had invitations to visit Sydney, Rhode Island and Florida as a result of the train tour as well as having a Cuban friend coming to stay in Scotland! Great feedback is music to my ears and I felt even more confident I’d suggested the right holiday for them!
Huge happy birthday greetings 🎂 - and thank you both so much for supporting my business ❤️

Scottish families… have you been considering doing a cruise but feel like you’ve missed the boat for this year? Well, no...
05/06/2024

Scottish families… have you been considering doing a cruise but feel like you’ve missed the boat for this year? Well, now is the time to think about next summer… This is an AMAZING price for the 2025 Scottish school summer holidays, and it won’t be available for long at these prices! Truly the perfect family holiday, spending hundreds instead of thousands per person… Unpack once and see so many amazing destinations, and this particular one you can do as a no-fly holiday as well. One less thing to stress about.

Call me asap if you’d like a bespoke quote for your own family. 💞
01899 890035 / 07986528947
[email protected]

☀️ 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 ☀️

🌎 7 night Spain & Portugal Cruise
📆 6th July 2025
🚢 Sailing from Southampton on Independence of the Seas

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS 👇🏼
☀️ Vigo, Spain
☀️ Lisbon, Portugal
☀️ Bilbao, Spain
☀️ La Coruna, Spain

✨ 2 adults - £1019pp 🤩
✨ Family of 3 - £2924 𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓! 🤩
✨ Family of 4 - £3360 𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓! 🤩

🤑 All includes $150 on board credit 🤑

Ship Highlights ⬇️

⭐️ The Perfect Storm Waterslides
⭐️ FlowRider SurfSimulator
⭐️ SplashAway Bay Kids Aqua Park
⭐️ Speciality Dining Restaurants
⭐️ Fish & Ships Seafood Spot
⭐️ Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
⭐️ SugarBeach Sweet Shop
⭐️ Solarium Bar
⭐️ Laser Tag
⭐️ Grease the MUSICAL
⭐️ Studio B Ice Skating Rink
⭐️ Casino
⭐️ Star Lounge
⭐️ Vintages Wine Bar
⭐️ Sorrento’s Pizzeria
⭐️ Spa & Fitness Centre
⭐️ Sky Lounge
⭐️ Adventure Ocean Kids Club
⭐️ Teen Club
⭐️ Sun Deck
⭐️ Rock Climbing Wall
⭐️ Sports Court
⭐️ Suite Lounge
⭐️ Escape Room
➕ SO SO MUCH MORE

Prices correct 5/6/2024. Prices and availability are subject to change. Child age up to 12 years.

Living the high life now! 🧑‍✈️🫅
24/05/2024

Living the high life now! 🧑‍✈️🫅

Queen Anne Bathroom selfie 👑😂
24/05/2024

Queen Anne Bathroom selfie 👑😂

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Videos

The kindness of strangers on a river cruise, pt.1… So… when I got pulled out of the audience at our exclusive classical concert at the Palais Lichtenstein last night, the woman sitting in front of us at the concert, a lovely Chinese lady called Lulu, had been filming a lot of the performance on her phone, so I asked her whether she had a video of my embarrassing but awesome moment that she could send to me. It transpired she had only been keeping the odd clip on her phone and had already deleted the rest. Lulu was so sad for me because she couldn’t give me the footage that today, when Scenic had brought in two more mesmerising dancers to do a little show and then a cheeky wee waltz lesson for those of us with two left feet, Lulu made a special plea to yet another handsome Austrian dancer to dance with me, just so that she could record it! I had no idea about any of this… I thought I must just have some new found magnetism that was making all these handsome young men want to dance with me 😝 Anyway, the upshot is, I now have this actual video footage of me waltzing on the blue Danube! 💃🕺 and ok, inevitably I’m a bit clompy and heavy footed, but there was a time when I didn’t think I’d walk again let alone be prancing around like this 😂 and it has to be marginally better than last night’s version would have been - when I was clearly a rabbit in the headlights and spent the whole time laughing and covering my face! What a truly kind thoughtful soul though. Thank you Lulu! 💕 #scenicamber

This river cruise ship I am on this week, the beautiful Scenic Amber, a sister to Scenic Jasper shown here, feels a bit too intimate and boutique for me to be walking around filming and photographing everything, so thought this video might help give some background to the kind of experience this is… I mean, it’s much more of a relaxed atmosphere than I think the video seems and I’ve been surprised that I’m NOT the youngest here at all and there are actually a few people in their 30s and 40s as well as the majority in their 50s and 60s I guess, plus a few older as well. What has surprised me though is how friendly and fun it is. The staff are AMAZING too. So far for me it has the vibes of a luxury catered ski chalet holiday. There’s so much to do in each destination and on the ship and there’s no time to get bored, but equally, the team on board make it all so easy, and being able to visit 5 countries within the space of 7 days without having to lift a finger, unpack a suitcase or take a flight… the whole thing is just sublime! If anyone has any questions while I’m on board just feel free to ask! 🛳️ #scenicamber

Budapest 🩵 Well what a beautiful city. I saw enough to know I have to come back here soon and do it properly. Too damn hot to write anything sensible about it right now though! #scenicamber

So, much more information to come, but right now having been exploring beautiful Budapest this morning I’m now having a bit of down time in my gorgeous Balcony suite as we head towards Vienna - just checking up on my current bookings to see if anyone requires my help due to the power outage 😩. I’m always well aware in travel things aren’t always quite this smooth! 🛳️ 🩵 ☀️ #scenicamber

Back to Tunisia… a lot of people have been asking about the food. I can only really speak about the resort we stayed at as we were on a budget and did all our eating and drinking within the all inclusive. For anyone considering this resort though, what I will say is that it’s the best 4 star all inclusive I’ve ever experienced. We had the luxury of 3 table service restaurants which were Italian, Asian and Tunisian inspired, they were in a stunning setting on the beach and you can book dinner there as many times as you like during your stay with no supplements to pay. You get so looked after and especially with teenagers, sometimes it’s lovely to have that sociable time sitting together for a long lingering dinner instead of just grabbing buffet food. They also do lunch at the beach restaurant with a freshly cooked pizza bar and pasta show-cooking to order and lots of variety and great fresh food in the buffets. The snack truck at the pool did burgers, paninis, crepes all day too and the main international buffet restaurant had so much choice and good quality food. Eggs however you like them and cooked to order for breakfast, and much more besides. If you felt like eating Nutella crepes three times a day then this was fine too - thankfully we only stayed a week 😝😂

Well our week in Tunisia already feels like a lifetime ago after a couple of days back in the rainy office. Daughter no.1 Sophie has just sent me this wee video reel of the lovely 4 star resort we were invited to stay at - the gorgeous Les Orangers Beach Resort in Hammamet and I’ve just had a glimpse of what it feels like for everyone going about their normal day whenever I post about someone’s lovely holiday! 🥴 But folks, I’m back in the office now too, so if you don’t have a trip away booked for this summer, it’s not too late! Get in touch and I’ll help you get something perfect for you sorted last minute! 🏝️ Lesley Woodall

Habibi! Come to Tunisia! Next teen installment, this one courtesy of my favourite child… (Jude) 🤣 Lesley Woodall

I’m aware my Tunisia vlogging has been sparse this week so far… I keep recording random bits of video and taking photos but it’s always so clunky and badly shot. I’ve just found out though that while I’ve been trying and failing, the teens have been posting all these eye catching videos on their TikToks! I’m thinking I might just lie on a sunlounger for a couple of days and let the instababes do all the holiday influencing 😝 Come to Tunisia folks - it’s lush! 🏝️💕 Lesley Woodall

Barbados swim training doesn’t stop just because I’m on holiday! A chilled out blissed out 80 lengths before breakfast, surrounded by swaying fragrant orange and lime trees and birdies tweeting… Perfection! 🏝️🏊‍♀️🍊 Lesley Woodall

Judith Chalmers alert, guys!… I have been lucky enough to have been invited to spend this week in Tunisia with my teenagers and our friends 🏝️ More goofy vlogs, piccies, ideas and observations to follow, when we’ve settled in, but it’s already surpassed every one of my expectations! 💕 Lesley Woodall

Well now, THIS is why I love my job! ❤️ My lovely client and friend Helen Lobban got in touch by email one Sunday afternoon about 6 months ago, saying that herself and her husband Gordon would love to visit Andalusia and do something extra special to celebrate their milestone birthdays this year. They asked could I perhaps recommend some nice hotels and said they’d like to see the likes of Seville, Cordoba and Granada but would rather not hire a car… I got straight back in touch with Helen that same afternoon to ask; ‘do you know about the Tren Al Andalus’? ❤️🚂 It turned out to be just exactly what Helen and Gordon didn’t know they were looking for, and it was all booked and arranged within weeks, with nothing for them to do but get busy packing and look forward to their adventures! After the trip, when they got in touch to tell me how perfect the train had been, their feedback and the gorgeous photos of the trip literally sent shivers down my spine! Not just the magic of such a spellbinding trip but also they said they had made so many new friends on board that they now had invitations to visit Sydney, Rhode Island and Florida as a result of the train tour as well as having a Cuban friend coming to stay in Scotland! Great feedback is music to my ears and I felt even more confident I’d suggested the right holiday for them! Huge happy birthday greetings 🎂 - and thank you both so much for supporting my business ❤️

I’m walking around the cobbled streets of Edinburgh in a brightly coloured floral summer dress listening to the birdies tweeting and reading about the hidden gem that is Costa Navarino… it’s actually pishing rainy and mist here and someone’s just stopped me in the street and congratulated me for my optimism 😎😂 Let’s all just pack up for the day and go to Costa Navarino shall we? This hidden gem is on the Greek mainland - a three hour drive from Athens. So it can even be twinned with a beautiful city break, somewhere with a rooftop pool and views of the Acropolis… or even twin a 7 night beach stay with a 7 night med cruise from Athens! Shall we go? ✈️ ☀️ Discover the magic of Costa Navarino with a travel experience tailored just for you. 🌅✨ From its serene beaches to its historic sites, this Greek paradise offers hidden gems waiting to be explored. When you book with me, you're not just getting a trip; you're getting an adventure crafted with care. With my expertise and insider knowledge, I'll guide you to the best-kept secrets of Costa Navarino, ensuring every moment is unforgettable. Ready to elevate your travel experience? Let's make Costa Navarino your next dream destination. 🌟✈️ #CostaNavarino #TravelCounsellors #HiddenGems #Greece

I’ve been on quite a lot of cruise ships over the last couple of years, all beautiful in their own different ways, but I don’t think it gets any more magical than Cunard! 💞 The first cruise ship I ever set foot on was Queen Mary 2 in Southampton 5 years ago and I was literally reduced to tears by the romance of the dancers in the ballroom. Cunard have just launched their first new ship in 12 years, Queen Anne… and she has arrived in Southampton! I’m lucky enough to be spending the day on board next week so watch this space for more info. I can’t wait! 🛳️👑

Anyone tuning in to 'Race Across the World' on the telly tonight? This area is one of my favourite places on Earth. Island hopping in Thailand isn't just a trip though; it's a mosaic of unforgettable moments stitched across the turquoise canvas of the sea. From the vibrant coral reefs to the soft, whispering sands of Koh Lipe, every stop is a new chapter in your own story. Get in touch with me if you’d like some help planning your travels! 🏝️ Adventure is out there, baby! 🌍❤️

Want something to look forward to later in the year? Come join me on my fully hosted small group trip to BARBADOS ❤️ *** only 5 places remaining! *** £1899 per person - includes direct flights from Manchester with Virgin Atlantic 4th-11th November 2024, with 7 nights 4* hotel accommodation. ✈️ Sign up now for a small £190 deposit and pay in installments through the year and make it happen! 🙌 A variety of watersports included as part of the hotel all-inclusive concept for the first 3 nights - on the gorgeous ‘platinum’ West Coast with optional sightseeing in historic Holetown, followed by a long weekend on the vibey South Coast with its famous beach boardwalk and many street food vendors and rum bars… 🏄‍♂️🏝️🍹 Optional guided sea swims on both coasts, and chance to participate in the Barbadosopenwaterfestival with sunset beach BBQs and more after the swims 🏝️🏊‍♀️🌅 This small group holiday is great for solo travellers or anyone who feels they would benefit from shared experiences with a like-minded group of friends you haven’t met yet, but it’s personal and adaptable - couples and friends (and solos!) can spend as much or as little time with the rest of the group as you like! Anything goes… that’s the beauty of holidays with a group. For more information get in touch with me: Tel 01899 890035 / 07986 527947 Email [email protected]

Who else wants to join me for a very exciting fitness challenge for 2024? 😊 I have chosen to take on the challenge of swimming 5K in November 2024 in the open waters of BARBADOS, I will be raising money for Neil's Hugs Foundation, a local charity to me who pledge to Help Understand and Give Support to those affected by suicide. I am looking for people to join my fully hosted small group trip to Barbados, where you can participate with me in the Barbados Open Water Festival 2024. (Full details here: https://www.barbadosopenwaterfestival.com ) I have 6 places still available for this amazing trip of a lifetime which takes place on 4th-11th Nov 2024… * £1899 per person * includes: Direct return flights with Virgin Atlantic, airport transfers and 7 nights in Barbados; first 3 nights at The Club, St James, an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat with free watersports, plus 4 night weekend on B&B at South Beach Hotel next to Carlisle Bay on the south coast. - Optional hosted sea swims, sunset beach BBQs and other events run by the festival as well as the opportunity to take on one of the distance swim challenges! 🏝️🏊🏊‍♀️ Get in touch with me asap for the full info! [email protected] 01899 890035 / 07986 527947 The Barbados Open Water Swimming Festival itself runs for five fabulous days - three days of practice swims and two days of "Races". You can choose to swim one day or all five! Experience three open water swimming locations in Barbados. The races are a wonderful mix of ages and abilities, serious swimmers and swimmers just there for enjoyment. Distances: 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K, 10K. ​Every year Barbados welcomes numerous first time sea-swimmers. Finisher Medals & Age Category Medals.

* UPDATE only 7 spaces still available! 🏝️🏊‍♀️❤️ Well folks, the Barbadosopenwaterfestival kicks off today and I have major FOMO! My hosted trip is ON for next year’s festival! 💥 Come join me on a trip to the island in the sun, beautiful BARBADOS baby!🏝️ *** only 10 spaces available *** Departing 4th November 2024 for 7 nights Direct flights from Manchester Monday to Thursday on the ‘platinum’ west coast; at The Club Barbados Resort & Spa, St James Beachfront 4 star hotel on all inclusive basis Complimentary watersports include paddle-boarding, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking 🛶 Long weekend on the lively south coast; at South Beach Hotel, Rockley Beach Boutique 4 star hotel on room and breakfast basis Steps away from the south coast beach boardwalk with its array of rum shacks and Caribbean street food, for the authentic West Indies experience ❤️ Optional participation in the Barbados Open Water Swimming Festival 2024 🌊 - Guided late afternoon sea swims at different scenic locations on the island, followed by sunset beach BBQ parties and the renowned Oistins Fish Fry 🐠 - Organised swims in the magnificent Carlisle Bay - competitive racing, sponsored challenge or just for fun with distances from 1.5km to 10km 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️ Many other *optional activities including rum tastings, e-bike tours, golf, or get off the beaten track with the locals on an island tour with a private driver guide. *** Price per person - *£1899 *** ☀️ Book now and choose to pay in 10 monthly instalments of only £190 per month! ☀️ Contact me now for full information and to be emailed a detailed itinerary, or to reserve your place! 😎 *based on twin share (Solo travellers welcome/encouraged to join the group and can be matched for rooming with another group member / Alternatively additional £60 per night supplement for solo occupancy if preferred, subject to availability at time of booking). lesley.woo

I haven’t mentioned the entertainment much… to be honest between the port days, sunning it at the pool, chilling on that amazing hammock on our balcony, and all the endless eating to be done there was even that much time for much else! However, the entertainment is very much what you would imagine from Virgin - alternative, creative and interesting. We saw a big bold acrobatic type show based on the Greek play Persephone, but don’t go expecting much Ancient Greece… it was much more trapeze, and muscly men in tight leather. At least that’s the bits I remember, maybe there was a tiny bit of sweary history in there too! Another night there was a brilliant performance from the hilarious comedian Tape Face - (particularly great for bridging the gap for any non English speaking guests on board), but my favourite performance was the regular busking style sessions from ‘Flute Loops’, a very cool and talented young Irish lad who managed to mash up everything from hip hop to country to pop to rock to riverdance - all with the help of his trusty flute and his loop pedal 🤩 Hopefully Facebook will let me post this little clip of him in action! ❤️

Last little walk around, just thought I’d show you Deck 7 on Resilient Lady. This is where a lot of the social spaces are and you can also walk around the whole of Deck 7 outside. I filmed this footage on our last afternoon while we were at sea, and the cruise is full so gives you an idea of just how spacious it all is. Sometimes the pools and shows have a buzzy vibe but nowhere ever feels crowded or claustrophobic. Just lots of fun and relaxing social spaces where it all goes on. There’s yet more food options down here with the pizza place which seemed to be open almost all the time, the ice cream shop, the sweeties counter with cake pops to die for, and the diner with hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn to snack on while participating in a pub quiz or karaoke sesh. Also a variety of champagne bars to choose from if you have a ‘bar tab’ to use up! 🍾

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Lesley Woodall - Travel Counsellors

My name is Lesley and I’m an independent travel consultant with Travel Counsellors. Being independent means I am able to offer completely impartial, obligation-free, travel advice.

As part of the Travel Counsellors family, I have access to their special relationships with airlines and preferential rates with thousands of suppliers all over the world. There’s no longer a reason to spend endless hours searching online or stand needlessly waiting in a travel agency, I am available to discuss your personal travel requirements, at your convenience, including evenings and weekends, and can offer everything you can find on the high street and more.

The other good news is, absolutely every part of your trip booked through me is 100% financially protected, through either ATOL or the Travel Counsellors Trust, which is the best in the business. It means that you have complete peace of mind that your money is safe.

Originally from London, I have also lived in Australia and currently reside in rural South Lanarkshire with my 3 children, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Before having children I travelled extensively, having visited more than 20 countries across 5 continents, so I’m no stranger to overseas adventures. After becoming a parent, my passion for travel didn’t change but my travel needs did - it’s amazing how something seemingly trivial can make or break a holiday with young children (I had 3 under 2 years old at one point!) so I truly appreciate that everyone’s needs are unique. You can rest assured I will research every tiny detail to make your trip perfect for you and ensure you are well looked after, not only before, but during and after your holiday too, and best of all - this comes at no extra cost to you.

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