Blanche Summers- Luxury Travel Counsellors

02/09/2024

Ever wondered what it’s like to ride the famous Glacier Express ?

Here are few of my own takes from our last week’s experience

🇨🇭GE travels from St Moritz to Zermatt and vice versa, taking apx 8 hrs with few stops. You can do the entire journey or just a part of it.
🇨🇭They have a choice of First or Second class seats. Main difference is the choice of 2 single seats you get in First, otherwise the carriages are identical. If you want a specific seat the bookings for these open exactly 3 months in advance.
🇨🇭Comfortable, layered clothing is best as it can get warm. Drinks are reasonably priced, by Swiss standards.
🇨🇭You can order lunch in advance and have it served at your table, or you can take your own picnic, including any drinks.
🇨🇭End of each carriage has a small windows open to allow for sun-glare free photos
🇨🇭Most parts of the journey are beautiful but Andermat to Brig was our favourite. Landwasser Viaduct is also pretty spectacular

If you are interested in more detailed information, get in touch.

23/06/2024

What a Sunday morning!
When you hate heights, edging over the cliff is not easy! You have to have a great reason to do it, right?
Helping raise some much needed funds for a magnificent charity is a good motivation!
10 of us have braved the Avon cliffs and did it, collecting over £1500 so far.
Thank@you to each and everyone one of you for donating, every £ goes to help families going through the toughest times of life.
Follow this link to help them keep providing this invaluable service.

https://tinyurl.com/Just-giving-Bristol-TC

16/06/2024

12/06/2024

What do you do when you have a fear of heights?
Well, you hurl yourself over the cliff edge tied with just a flimsy rope, obviously!

This is what I am doing with 9 other fellow Travel Counsellors on Sunday 23rd June.
We haven’t gone mad, yet…it’s all for a very good cause.
Many of us are doing something special (or scary ) to add to the incredible fundraising campaign to help Reuben’s Retreat.
I would be so grateful for your support and any donations are appreciated.

https://tinyurl.com/Just-giving-Bristol-TC

Please watch the video below which will show you what your donations would go towards, it’s such a wonderful charity that is close to all our hearts.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=griUtRE7MN8

12/06/2024

Impossibly glamorous with movie good looks, this incredible property is styled after the water palaces of Minoan Kings & Venetian Nobles that once ruled Crete.
Grecotel Amirandes Beach Resort has the wow factor from the moment you arrive.
Rooms are all very different, modern and stylish. Restaurants, bars, pool and beach areas are well thought out, allowing for relaxed or upbeat stay, whichever is your vibe.
If you want to know more, get in touch.
I had just comeback from visiting this amazing place and can give you some first hand information that will make your stay even more special.

23/05/2024

Day out in Bristol with my local colleagues, sharing our stories and selfies!
So good to see all the colleagues from our head office who work tirelessly in the background making sure we can run our business smoothly and successfully!
The sense of one family we get at these get togethers cannot be underestimated, we all work towards the same goal, to make our clients holidays dreams come true!

09/05/2024

Sri Lanka so far!
Beautiful hotel, great food and chaotic but a fun evening in Colombo!

16/04/2024

I just love it when I get lovely photos from my clients like this!
is great at capturing the beauty of this gorgeous hotel in Tenerife!

So pleased you had enjoyed your sunny break!

10/04/2024

Springtime in Amalfi coast

Take the leaf from my customers book and escape to Amafi coast in early Spring.
Their trip included Sorrento for 3 nights followed by Positano for another 3.
There are many benefits to travelling here in the early season.

Pompeii was not too hot to explore and Capri was beautiful, sunny and crowd free.

They could explore Positano in comfort as the temperatures were not scorching which always helps when climbing those steep streets.

All the good restaurants were open and it was easy to get a table at some of the most popular places, like the famed La Sirenuse terrace bar.

Where have you been in the early season that has been an unexpected joy?

🇮🇹

26/01/2024

Looking for a small, family friendly place that is beachside and close to some local restaurants?
Let me introduce you to Bella Mare Hotel. A delightful beachfront hotel overlooking stunning Avlaki Bay,Corfu.

Prime north east Corfu location

31 stylishly appointed rooms and suites

Short walk to the beach and local tavernas

Complimentary supervised children’s activities on selected school holiday dates

Family extras available

Kassiopi or Agios Stephanos 8min drive

Perfect for families this summer.

Get in touch to get your quote today!

23/01/2024

How quickly can you pack?
We have a space for a couple of adventurous travellers to join us on a special TC hosted trip of Kerala, India.

Departure – Sunday 25th February 2024
Highlights include: Kochi, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Mararikulam
Prices from £2499 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room
These prices include international flights with Emirates, 9-nights’ accommodation on a half board basis (breakfast and dinner each night), sightseeing as detailed in full itinerary below and transportation throughout.

Day 1: Fly from Gatwick, via Dubai with Emirates to Cochin
Day 2: Arrive into Cochin, transfer to the Fragrant Nature Hotel for a 2-night stay. Rest of the day at leisure
Day 3: Spend the day exploring the sights of Cochin, followed by an evening traditional Kathakali dance performance
Day 4: Drive to Thekkady, located at Periyar National Park, this afternoon visit a spice plantation. 2 nights will be spent at Cardamon County
Day 5: Enjoy a nature trek within Periyar National Park spotting wildlife and abundant birdlife
Day 6: Drive to Kumarakom for a 2-night stay at the Earth Coconut Lagoon – enjoy a sunset cruise or a bird watching experience
Day 7: Take a day cruise on a houseboat on the back waters of Kerala
Day 8: Transfer to Mararikulam for a chilled 3-night beach stay, staying at the beautiful Marari Beach Resort
Days 9-10: Time at leisure
Day 11: Fly back to Gatwick, via Dubai with Emirates (arriving the same day).

18/01/2024

Namibia, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage is a popular travel destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking a unique cultural experience.
Explore its vast deserts, towering sand dunes, rugged mountains, and breathtaking coastline on this 14 day self drive adventure!

Namibia Highlights:

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek, free time
Day 2: Drive to Otjiwarongo
Day 3: Visit AfriCat Foundation
Day 4: Drive to Etosha East and enjoy the wildlife in the national park
Day 5: Drive to Etosha South and enjoy the wildlife in the national park
Day 6: Guided game drive
Day 7: Drive to Damaraland
Day 8: Guided nature drive to see the landscape and hopefully desert-adapted elephants
Day 9: Drive to Swakopmund
Day 10: Free time to choose between numerous optional activities
Day 11: Drive to Sossusvlei
Day 12: Guided drive through Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Day 13: Drive to Windhoek
Day 14: Departure

Luxury Self Drive Inclusions

14 day vehicle hire (fuel not included)
13 nights accommodation
Windhoek on HB basis
Swakopmund on BB basis
9 nights FI basis
All Meals Drinks(except premiums)
Scheduled camp activities

From £3950 per person

Sep 1st, Heathrow BA flights, 2 adults sharing.
Subject to availability
Terms and conditions apply

08/01/2024

Still deciding on where to spend the summer? Why not try the beautiful Mayrhofen in Austria?

Known for its lively atmosphere, Mayrhofen town is alive with visitors and sportspeople come summer. The fresh mountain air and peaceful scenery make it perfect for some R&R, but if you’re looking for action, shops for bike rental or adventure activities line the streets in town, countless walking routes head out from the centre, and there are two lifts running from the town to boost you up 1,800 metres or so in altitude, effort-free.

• Stay at the Hotel Elisabeth 4.5*

• Half board

• 01/06/24

• 7 nights

• 2 sharing

• BHX from £1314pp ( saving £300pp)

• Other airports and dates available on request.
• Ts and Cs apply

08/01/2024

Fitness activities, massage therapies, nutrition, mindfulness, chakra balancing, and forest bathing in the gorgeous surroundings of Bel Ombre Nature Reserve… Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort is, as the name suggests, a place to put your wellbeing in expert hands amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the island of Mauritius, which are a tonic in themselves.

07/01/2024

Trulli inspired ( see what I did there 😉)!

Every last detail at this beautiful villa has been carefully thought out, from the bespoke fittings, to the luxury fabrics and carefully crafted ceramics. Beautifully designed inside and out, this villa is ideally designed for large groups of friends or families holidaying together. A fabulous kitchen is fully equipped for the villa’s cook to prepare breakfast, with the option for guests to either cook for themselves or venture out in the evening.

The living room is an elegant open space decorated in hushed neutral tones with statement plants bringing the room to life. Floor to ceiling windows not only flood the room with natural light but open to the impressive terrace. The main event of Dimora Dieci Coni’s outside areas is the beautiful pool and circular dining gazebo, which is wonderful any time of day but particularly special in the evening for dinner under the stars prepared in the built-in BBQ or pizza oven. A circular poolside seating area set adjacent to the pool also offers welcome shade and ample space for poolside relaxation. Each of the six bedrooms is equally impressive, decorated in the same sleek style as the rest of the villa.

Four are very spacious beneath their individual conical trullo rooftops and offer a private shower room en suite, and the fifth bedroom is set under the pool. Further facilities include a well-equipped fitness area, and padel court, providing fun for all the family.

Includes:
7 nights accommodation at Villa Dimora Dieci Coni in Puglia, Italy
Return flights with checked luggage
Welcome Pack
Maid Service
Concierge
Breakfast Service

Fly from London Gatwick on 27th July 2024 for 7 nights at Villa Dimora Dieci Coni in Puglia including return direct flights with EasyJet from only £2850pp based on twelve people travelling .

*Other airports and dates available on request

06/01/2024

Just booked this fab place for Christmas 2024!

It may sound way too early to be thinking of booking next Christmas just as we are getting over this one, but trust me, this is what you need to do to secure the best places and availability.

My clients are there right now and loved it so much, they asked me to book them again.
I’ll add their flights in a few weeks time but for now, we know we have secured this fantastic villa for their dates!

If you find a place you love and want to go during peak holiday season don't waste any time! Hotels sell out so quickly and that's why you need me on hand to make sure we secure your reservation.

Get in touch for your own quote now!

05/01/2024

May Half term Family of 4 Disney Offer

29th May 2024
Bristol Flights inc 1 x 23kg case
Return Magic Shuttle
3 Nights at Disney Santa Fe
4 Days Disney Tickets
Disney Photopass

Price Based on 2ads 2ch (aged under 10)

Price From £2800 Total

*Prices are subject to change and are based on availability.

Get in touch to book your trip, other dates, hotels and airports available.

27/12/2023

Time to be inspired for 2024.

This year many of my clients have traveled far and wide, opting for experience led trips and immersive destinations.

Here’s a recap on the most popular travel destinations of 2023 and inspire you to make 2024 travel plans a reality.

24/12/2023

Time to step into Christmas ….

Out of office is on, and it’s time to enjoy a well-deserved break with the family.

2023 has been very busy, and my business has grown from strength to strength thanks to you lovely people.

Your support of my small business is greatly appreciated.
I have loved helping you create amazing memories and hope to continue to do so in 2024 and beyond.

Much of my business is built on referrals, and all the kind words of recommendation you share with friends and family had made a huge difference this year. Please continue to do so, it’s the greatest compliment you can give me.

At this time of year, when the talk turns to future travel plans, please feel free to share my contact information with your nearest and dearest.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to booking more of your incredible adventures in the new year.
🎄

19/12/2023

It doesn’t get much more remote and nature-immersive than at this uber-luxe lodge in more than 300 hectares of pristine Arctic Circle forest in Finland. Few places are more ideal for unplugging your devices and switching off entirely.

To read more about Octola Private Wilderness

Click here https://tinyurl.com/5yawbctz

17/12/2023

That feeling of being replenished and inspired. Bali offers that authentic 'Eat, Pray, Love' experience you have most definitely been dreaming of.

27/11/2023

Sunday morning with Louis Theroux?
Yes please 😁!!

This is just one of the highlights of this weekends annual Travel Counsellors conference.

'One team' was this years theme, and rightly so when it felt like a family reunion of over 1800 like minded individuals.

18 years of this conference and I still don’t get tired of meeting new friends, hearing some world class guest speakers and dancing the night away with many of our wonderful suppliers who come here from all over the world to celebrate the last years successes and look ahead to 2024.

What an incredible weekend, filled with learning, making new friends and work connections that will last for many years and enrich not just my business but my personal life too!

29/10/2023

Finally, earlier this year China had opened to visitors and I was delighted to help this lovely couple travel far and wide.

From Beijing’s forbidden city and the Great Wall, via xian and the spectacular Terracotta Army, the cutest pandas in Chengdu and finally sailing on the famous Yangtze River, this beautiful country woved them with its sights and experiences!

If China has always been on your bucket list, now is the time to plan your travels.

Get in touch and I can help you make it a reality.

06/09/2023

You’ve heard of Tuscany as a popular villa destination, but did you know that Umbria is just as beautiful and more affordable?

With its quant villages, rolling hills and medieval towns galore, it should be on every Italophile’s list!

We have hired a villa near Preggio and had a most wonderful week. Even the two days of rain didn’t spoil the fun!!

Villa Casa Cottimi sleeps 12 and offers a perfect escape with all the facilities you’ll need.

Its pool has the best views you can wish for, and the outdoor dining is just magical at breakfast and sunset.

If you too wish to experience Umbria, get in touch for more details.

14/08/2023

Antigua’s charming getaway!

Keyonna Beach stands in stark contrast to the sprawling, impersonal nature of All Inclusive resorts. Family owned and managed this tranquil destination offers a mere 29 rooms and bungalows dotting the expanse of white sandy shoreline. Amidst this scenery, a multitude of Bali beds invite you to unwind on the beach.
Guests dine in the main restaurant, indulging in an exclusively à la carte experience, presenting a fusion of global cuisines alongside authentic Caribbean tastes.
Catering exclusively to adults, the resort boasts a rustic Caribbean aesthetic, coupled with personalized service, making Keyonna Beach a refreshingly different experience.

Return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick

7nts Sunset Beachfront Room

All Inclusive

Return private transfers

From £2,099 per person
Based on select dates in May 2023
SAVE UP TO 20%

02/08/2023

I’ve had a few new followers recently so allow me to re-introduce myself…

Hi, I’m Blanche and as an independent travel consultant who has worked in travel for over 25 years, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with my clients for all their travel needs. My longstanding relationships within the industry coupled with my own extensive travels allow me to expertly tailor your next holiday.

Who am I

Croatian born, travel has been in my veins from an early age.
I’ve lived in Dubrovnik, Austria and Germany before settling in UK in the mid 90-ies.
Three decades, one English husband and 2 grown up kids later, I’m still getting used to the weather.
Over the years as a family, we have been fortunate enough to explore all 4 corners of the world with some of our most memorable trips being Bali, Mauritius and Canada.

What I do:

Personal Travel – The benefits of my service shine when I plan bespoke personal travel tailored to each individual client. From extended family road trips around New Zealand, luxury cruise with Alaska and Rocky Mountaineer combined, multi stop Indian Ocean adventure, East Africa safari and beach to last minute multigenerational beach villa escapes, each holiday is unique and tailored to suit individual client’s needs.

Business Travel - I specialise in organising incentive conferences for anywhere between 10 to over 100 delegates. Coordinating the entire trip from flights, transfers, hotels, day trips and Gala nights allows my clients to enjoy the time away and leave the stress behind.
I also help with day to day business travel arrangements for small and large corporate clients freeing their valuable time to concentrate on what they do best.

Who are Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors are a large independent company which helps bring in the best deals and at the same time allows me to provide the care and attention of a personal contact on all levels.

Flexible booking is at the heart of our policy and our independent Trust Account offers the highest level of financial protection available on the market. Our 24/7 Duty Office in addition to my own contact gives everyone peace of mind.

26/07/2023

I am often asked, “What kind of holiday do you book?”

The answer is, pretty much any kind you can think of. And here is the truth, often the ones that are off the beaten track and made up of different locations are the most fun to create and where I can showcase my expertise and value!

This lovely couple shared many of the fabulous photos taken from their off the beaten track adventure in Canada and USA. The brief was to try and travel with minimum flights whilst taking in as many of the US national parks in the west after visiting family in Vancouver.

They took the overnight train from Vancouver to Seattle where they stayed 1 night. Then another overnight Amtrak train to Montana ( some of the seats can convert to almost flat beds), where they collected a car and drove to the local Ranch for a few days. Being from a farming background themselves, it was important they stayed at a working Ranch.

A few days in Yellowstone National Park (we booked one of the Park lodges which meant they didn’t have to travel too far every day to enter the Park), followed by a couple of days' drive via South and North Dakota, Badlands and Mount Rushmore before arriving to Wisconsin where they once again spent few days with friends.

The next leg was a train from their local Amtrak station via Chicago to New York. They stayed 2 nights in NYC before boarding the Queen Mary 2 for their homebound journey with Cunard across the Atlantic yesterday.

At each stage, I was in touch keeping them informed on any news and making sure they were looked after and enjoying a seamless journey. The joy of knowing you helped them have this fabulous experience is the best kind of job satisfaction

26/07/2023

I am often asked, “What kind of holiday do you book?”

The answer is, pretty much any kind you can think of. And here is the truth, often the ones that are off the beaten track and made up of different locations are the most fun to create and where I can showcase my expertise and value!

This lovely couple shared many of the fabulous photos taken from their off the beaten track adventure in Canada and USA. The brief was to try and travel with minimum flights whilst taking in as many of the US national parks in the west after visiting family in Vancouver.

They took the overnight train from Vancouver to Seattle where they stayed 1 night. Then another overnight Amtrak train to Montana ( some of the seats can convert to almost flat beds), where they collected a car and drove to the local Ranch for a few days. Being from a farming background themselves, it was important they stayed at a working Ranch.

A few days in Yellowstone National Park (we booked one of the Park lodges which meant they didn’t have to travel too far every day to enter the Park), followed by a couple of days' drive via South and North Dakota, Badlands and Mount Rushmore before arriving to Wisconsin where they once again spent few days with friends.

The next leg was a train from their local Amtrak station via Chicago to New York. They stayed 2 nights in NYC before boarding the Queen Mary 2 for their homebound journey with Cunard across the Atlantic yesterday.

At each stage, I was in touch keeping them informed on any news and making sure they were looked after and enjoying a seamless journey. The joy of knowing you helped them have this fabulous experience is the best kind of job satisfaction.

14/07/2023

Feeling very proud today…hence the slightly smug look photo..😬
Last night Travel Counsellors have won 3 major awards at the prestigious Travel Weekly Agents Achievement Awards event.
This is huge, as we are voted for by our own peers and a recognition we get from them means a lot!
I am really lucky to be a part of such a forward looking and innovative team that makes it easy for me to look after my clients in the best possible way!