David Bishop - Travel Counsellor

14/09/2024

Oceania Cruises are one of the best if not the best for cuisine on board their vessels.

Their epicurean experiences are unique and offer voyagers the best of the worlds food to delve into and explore while visiting some truly unique destinations.

I've included a few of their amazing sailings but they go everywhere so if the attached doesn't suit let me know and I'll be able to find a cruising that suits.

There are some great sales on till the end of the month so If you are struggling for motivation as to what to do and where to go for 2025, sit back and relax and let me send you on a cruise with a difference.

o Up to 55% off selected 2025 sailings with fares starting at £1,584pp (cruise only) for our Tahitian Legends sailing onboard Nautica, departing 5 Feb 2025!



TOP 5 EXOTIC SAILINGS:



1) Africa Navigator, 26 days onboard Nautica

Cape Town to Barcelona - 22 May 2025

Fares from £4,120pp



2) Springtime in Asia – 14 days onboard Regatta

Taipei to Kyoto – 24 April 2025

Fares from £2,388pp



3) Polynesian Seascapes 20 days onboard Insignia

Auckland to Papeete – 28 May 2025

Fares from £3,195pp



4) Australasian Adventure, 20 days onboard Insignia

Taipei to Perth – 14 April 2025

Fares from £3,234pp



5) Eternal Eastern Empires, 18 days onboard Riviera

Hong Kong to Tokyo – 27 January 2025

Fares from £3,888pp

Get in touch to find out more and let me taliormake your holiday to suit you, not just transact and give you something off the shelf.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

13/09/2024

Where shall I go on my jolly holidays I hear you cry?

There are too many options?

How can I choose?

Who will save me from the never ending misery of searching reviews and trying to work out If they are genuine or not?

Well fear not helpless traveller....I am here to assist!!

For many in many industries and God forbid linkedin is full of em....claiming to be the best and actually backing it up are often fairly disparate relevances.

I pride myself in having been to many many places....test me I bet I've been....and also in taking time out of my busy week to educate myself on properties/suppliers and operators to make sure I'm top of the pops for my clients.

As an example of this I've just finished the very lengthy and indepth Jumeirah beacon training program. Where I am an accredited expert in all things Jumeirah group.....but they are only in Dubai I hear you cry....oh no no no....one of the most luxurious properties in Majorca is a Jumeirah or you can even stay in one in London if you wish....or what about relaxing in Capri or Bali? also an option!

So my point simply is don't trust your luxury travel plans to the Internet or high street and someone bashing keys at you.
I take time to know where will suit, and WHY!! 5* hotels vary dramatically in what they offer and for one traveller one type will work for another could be the worst experience, so get in touch and let me send you away on luxury journeys of discovery and take the stress, strain and drudgery of Internet search engines.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

11/09/2024

Being at Travel Counsellors has honestly changed my life, and for the better in the most part.

It's stressful running your own business, but the wins and the joy when you succeed and its all on the back of your hard work and dedication is so rewarding.

The November conference is arriving swiftly and in 2016 I reacted to a post like this and got the train down to Manchester to see what the fuss was about.
After 3 minutes of listening to our CEO Steve Byrne I was trying to find a pen to sign up.

It was an awesome experience and I couldn't believe so many could be involved in such a caring, supportive and successful company, if I'm honest I did think it was a cult....but I soon got past that after we'd slaughtered the goat.....that's a joke!

But also since having almost 7 years of incredible experiences I am also a very proud mentor, and having supported over 14 individuals, I have two currently working through their first year, and so I wanted to include some words from them as new starts as to how they have found the experience. Don't take my word for it......

Jill Ritchie - Dunfermline - TC for 3 months
"Travel Counsellors truly does offer that sought after work life balance. Doing a job I love around family commitments"

Suzi Glossy Travel counsellors - Your Personal Travel Expert - Milton Keynes - TC for 6 months
" Travel Counsellors has been an incredibly warm, friendly and supportive since the very first phone call, TC is a community of passionate professional people who pride themselves on personal service"

Both of these wonderful Travel Counsellors started, and had that obvious fear and trepidation that anyone would feel about starting their businesses, both with support from me and their families/friends and networks have started superbly and are now on a path to success and a better work life balance with a better lifestyle to boot. Also they have cleared almost £400k in sales between them in that time......I guarantee neither would have thought that was possible when they started.

So if you have ever thought about working for yourself and want to hear more, feel free to get in touch and I'd be happy to have a frank and honest chat about it, as I've no incentive to get you to be a TC unless its right for you, its a big jump and isn't for everyone, but if you have that fire inside you that says I just might be able to do it, or what if todays the day I take control of my future, then let me know and I can get an invite for you to come down to the discovery day at conference. We have others on if the conference doesn't suit, but its immense for sure and highly recommended to get a feel for what we are about!

And if you really are a glutton for punishment I can always be your mentor too*....... * you can have someone else its not compulsory 😎

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

10/09/2024

Travel to Venice is always an exploration.

Winding through alleyways, traversing little bridges to walk into piazzas that don't seem to be where you thought they were.

Staying at one of the most celebrated hotels in Venice allows you to gain your composure and relax before embarking on another journey of discovery.

The Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel is every inch the iconic hideaway.
exquisite antiques and local artifacts whisk you back in time, while Michelin starred gastronomy, charming staff and the only Olympic inspired swimming pool in the city off modern sophistication.

The special air of romance is what sets the hotel apart from the rest.

The 81st Venice Film Festival has just finished and the hotel offered a welcome respite from the glare of the paparazzi, so who do you want to rub shoulders with while having a night cap at Bar Gabbiano for the 82nd offering?

So if you are thinking of a truly special holiday which will live forever in the memory, get in touch and I'll open your eyes to a world of luxurious opportunity.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

09/09/2024

This week I'm showcasing some of the truly exquisite and glorious properties that I have available for my clients.

Combining fabulous offers with the likes of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic I can create luxury journeys of discovery, fulfilment, indulgence and rejuvenation.

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel is a hotel unique in Mexico.

At Maroma, feel the energy of the jungle - a welcoming labyrinth of pristine wilderness - leading you to the heart of the Riviera Maya.

The hotel is a space of enchanting, natural refinement, where ancient mysteries meet modern revelations and joyful exhilaration balances with the deepest peace.

My clients know I have direct access to some of the most incredible properties the world over and with relationships worked on for over 20 years I know those who work in these hotels to maximise the experience my clients get.

Your relaxation should not be a transaction, I'm here to fully offer you an immersive and replenishing holiday that matches all that you need and in Maroma, A Belmond Hotel recently my clients found this out directly.

So if you are looking to take advantage of discounted business class seats to the far flung corners of the planet, get in touch and let me tailor your experience to you.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

06/09/2024

https://lnkd.in/eqs32EwZ

Exciting news released from Edinburgh Airport last night, that American Airlines are returning to Philadelphia.

Opening up yet more routes and more connectivity throughout the States.

Edinburgh airport is now one of the top airports in the UK for direct weekly transatlantic services and I for one will be doing my utmost to support these flights and get my clients over the pond for some amazing holidays and some profitable work trips.

This flight starts May 2025, and watch this space for more announcements. Having helped on various think tanks for the airport in the past I love how proactive they are with the trade, they really do listen to the demand we need, so if there is anywhere you'd like to fly direct to from Edinburgh, don't be shy, let me know!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

*and I've just found out it's National travel agent day. So two options: hug one (if they allow) or better still book a holiday with one and support local business. You know it makes sense. 😁

05/09/2024

Sometimes you miss what's on your doorstep when you are staring further afield?

Today I met up with Susan Reid who educated me on the beautiful properties she represents in her exclusive use property portfolio.

We travelled from the banks of the River tay to the rolling hills around Aberfeldy to the rugged beauty of the breadalbane and the trossachs before a jaunt to the bonnie banks of Loch lomond.

Scotland is where I choose to live and is simply because after having travelled the world it's still one of the most beautiful places I've been.

These properties are perfect for numerous get togethers and with hotel prices in Edinburgh and St Andrews rising greatly over recent weeks booking out somewhere with numerous bedrooms and ample space may actually work out far better value.

So if you are planning a family get together, a work retreat or away day or just simply want to get away from it all and enjoy a luxury property in a stunning setting then get in touch and I'll be happy to tailor a bespoke offering for you and yours...
and If you like Golf, check out HAWKSWOOD HOUSE LIMITED with its own driving range and chipping areas. Perfect for getting your eye in before you tee off at the old course in St Andrews. Also I know a Michelin starred restaurant around the corner too....well would be rude not too!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

03/09/2024

Yesterday I took time out of the business to educate and improve my knowledge on some wonderful properties in Greece.

The Mar-bella collection which consists of three very different hotels, 2 in Corfu and one just over the water on the mainland.

Luxury personified with adults only in some properties, full family focus in others and a more subtle blend in one if you want to take your kids away but don't want thousands of screaming kids at the pool each day.

It's these subtle differences which I choose to educate myself on each week so I'm prepped with the latest most upto date information. I also visited both of the corfu properties in April this year but with a refurbishment I need the latest information.

The ability to eat out at local tavernas on the all inclusive package is a nice touch too.

I also learnt about the Lindos Grand, a beautiful property in Rhodes which is renowned for its culinary offering and superb location just round the corner from Lindos old town, offering great value in a great location.

Yes you can Google these properties and book online but do you have the managers email address and the relationship with the hotels to know that when you book a lower room category at one specific hotel there is a good chance of an upgrade? nope? well I do!

So don't trust your well earned holiday time to a transaction let me tailor your trip to your specific needs, we all want different things from our holidays so let me find the perfect one for you.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

29/08/2024

29/08/2024

I know you can read.....but the British Airways sale is now on!!

Most of us know about the lunacy that is the January sales in all walks of life, but especially travel.

But what alot of people don't realise is that during September and October, there is also a secondary busy season with offers and deals galore.

Discounts are available in all cabins but not on all routes, so myself and my team are here to filter through the options and find the best value options for your holidays of discovery and work trips of plenty.

In numerous scenarios I've saved clients thousands on packages, or used the saving to upgrade the trip and enjoy some luxury on a longhair flight.

I'm not here to take an order I'm here to find the perfect journey for you and yours.

So if your planning a trip or indeed just thinking about it, get in touch and let me inspire you to somewhere amazing for less than it will be when the sale ends in October!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

29/08/2024

https://youtu.be/I6Ho3wftkbQ?si=WhQc1_xusGmEK6-d

Anyone of you know me personally know I flipping love a train.

And with Orient Express La Dolce Vita we all have the opportunity to travel in absolute refined style on rails.

It's been a consistent criticism of the old Orient Express product that it's the most expensively disappointing nights sleep you can have due to the authentic fixtures and fittings and lack of smoothness.

But from 2025 if you are looking for a reason to treat someone special then nothing has been left to chance and if you want unbridled luxury as you trundle across Umbria or Amalfi then this is the opportunity for you.

Trips are already selling out but obviously these kind of trips are once in a lifetime and I can keep an eye on things if you want to plan for a big birthday or anniversary for example in the future.

As an example 3 nights with flights from Edinburgh is coming in around £4700pp and I can tailor it specifically to suit you and yours.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

Railbookers has unveiled a selection of Italian itineraries that feature the debut of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, launching in 2025. Traveler...

28/08/2024

https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/leisure/tailor-made-touring-2024/dual-discoveries

Understanding a country and all it's nuances is one the crucial skills an expert travel agent can assist with.

More importantly matching that to the travellers wishes and expectations is absolutely paramount.

So with some of the amazing itineraries attached you'll find some wonderful journeys to get your inspiration from, be it traversing Malaysia to travelling around Brazil and Argentina.

And when you want to discuss the finer details trust your travel to an expert, someone whose been.
In this instance I've been to all the countries highlighted and some of them several times because I loved them so much.

So don't book with an agent or online and get your order taken. Book with someone whose been, someone who loves these places and can offer a passionate insight into the why, for your journey of discovery to the far corners of the earth.

If you have been inspired by any of the itineraries get in touch and let me show you a better way to book your travels.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITSDual DiscoveriesHaving a Travel Counsellor makes it easier than ever to mix it up by combining two destinations in one adventure, whether that’s with complementary or contrasting locations, within the same region or in different countries. Do the double with a trip to Brazil a...

26/08/2024

Ecuador!!

Can anyone else read that without wanting to shout and hold the orrrrrrr at the end a bit too long?

Only me? standard!

This weekend I have sent a new client away on a wonderful Christmas and New year's adventure to the fabulous country of Ecuador.

Exodus Adventures operate the tour and with price parity, the ability to take advantage of loyalty discounts and the option of better flight options when linked to the touring ground arrangements, there really is zero reason to book direct when you get my service for free.

I've been myself and know the route well having done it myself some years back on a 3 month sabbatical around South America.

So If you have ever wondered about South America and don't know where to start then get in touch and I'll be delighted to share my expert knowledge and love and passion for what is my favourite continent.

Every country offers a different diverse set of fascinating cities, wonderful landscapes, incredible food and enigmatic people.

So whether its Intrepid Travel , G Adventures Exodus Adventure Travels we can book them all and many other expedition adventure travel operators, so we really will have something to fit all preferences.

Get in touch for your next adventure

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

23/08/2024

How many times have you got the feeling the person trying to help you isn't really doing that?

Let me put you on hold?
Let me direct you to another department? .....they cut me off......

With my clients I'm here all the waking hours of the day and the duty office (our support team) are there for the rest.

While I was out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe around 11pm I helped a client who was in hospital and needed to return home urgently.

The same night (all be it earlier) I was supporting one of my mentees (we have a detailed mentoring program for new starts at Travel Counsellors ) who was struggling with an in resort issue.

We don't fob our clients off we deal with them when they need us. It's this wrap around concierge service which sets us apart from booking it yourself and also with many other agents who quite frankly won't be helping you at 11pm on a Saturday night.

So if you have ever had any issues on holiday or on a work trip and pulled your hair out with the frustrations of dealing with it yourself.....have a think and please give me a try and I guarantee you I'll show you a better way to book your travel and get away on wonderful holidays and work trips.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

21/08/2024

Travel to me isn't a tick box exercise.
It's not about following the crowd.
It's about living.
Exploring.
Educating yourself.
Immersing yourself in the local culture.

If you feel the same then I know I can hekk to inspire you to travel and enjoy some of the most wonderful places on earth.

Be it being challenged by the colour, noise and tastes of India, to gazing in wonder at the flora and fauna of kangaroo island, I've been so you know you have an expert whose not just punting you a generic what the brochure says itinerary.

I truly love travel. I truly love sending my clients away on incredible adventures if discovery, both in terms of the destination and in some cases themselves.

So what are you waiting for?
Life is precious and fragile and I know the benefits of travel to everyone involved, so let's get you away on an incredible adventure.

Whether its a luxurious desert camp to sleeping under the stars in a swag, to staying in palaces or quirky B&Bs, I've got all the options available and some I guarantee you'll have never even considered.

So let me show you a better way to travel.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

11/08/2024

I'm going to be sailing the Northern route from Bergen to Kirkenes in November and I can't wait.

I'm hoping for the first time ever to see the Northern Lights, some wonderful wildlife and some immense scenery!!

I love to travel to places that challenge me and while there is nothing wrong with a swim up bar, a whirlpool bath on deck while you watch glaciers calve, sounds a bit better to me!!!

If you have ever thought about travelling this beautiful and edge of the world type destination then get in touch and I'll share my top tips, what I have learnt from our expert suppliers in the region and also how to maximise the short time on board and on shore!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

23/07/2024

Happy Tuesday everyone.

Just a quick thank you to everyone who has supported me in anyway over the last year and before.

Having a successful business means the world to myself and my daughters and so I can't honestly thank you all enough for allowing me to continue to be Gold and one of the top performing Travel agents globally with Travel Counsellors

It's an honour and a privilege to work with some amazing colleagues, friends and clients who all spur me on day after day to be the best version of myself I can be.

Supporting small business allows me to pay for my daughters dance classes and my caffeine addiction....so your actually supporting numerous local business by supporting me and as everyone who books with me knows....my continued success allows me to continue to support Children's Hospices Across Scotland with a donation for every booking which now equates to thousands of pounds donated over the years.

So thank you once again for your support it really does mean the world to me, and though there have been challenges even more so the last 12 months, you don't get rainbows without rain!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

02/07/2024

Don't miss the boat on these offers!!

The superb Virgin Voyages are offering some amazing late and later in the year availability on some of their cruises.

Virgin are truly unique and offer something that is very disruptive in the cruise industry.

Every client I've sent with them has loved it and I mean....absolutely loved it, three couples have even booked again right away.

So if you've been curious about a cruise and want to experience something which challenges the norms or even if you are a regular cruiser and want something different then try this adults only experience.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

19/06/2024

So while I may be depressed today to be staring out the window at a gloomy Wednesday morning, I'm left fulfilled after a wonderful day yesterday.

We left our beautiful pool suite at Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel to do a site inspection of some of the Wonderful "rooms".
This hotel is superb for families and especially extended generational families who want to get away together and enjoy a luxurious space with the ones they love.

I saw grandparents, babies, older children, grown up children and ofcourse parents of all definitions enjoying the gorgeous location.

I'll be back and I want to work from the office in the top left picture please!!

A truly superb collection of hotels and luxury brands, mixed together seamlessly so those wanting a unique and tailored experience can be totally fulfilled.

Thank you to all the staff for their wonderful service and for Lazaros Millis for taking the time to drive us around the resort.

If you like the look of some Cretan paradise then get in touch as with unique offers and knowledge of what works best for you I'll placed firmly where you need me to help you secure a memorable luxury holiday away.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

10/06/2024

Today I'm being hosted by the wonderful Belmond group to educate me about all the wonderful properties and experiences my clients can get involved in around the globe.

From staying in a hotel so close to Iguassu, you can hear the roar from the Devils throat (that's a waterfall), to indulging in travel from a bygone age as you roll over the Andes by Luxury train, to relaxing after a hard day temple bashing in Angkor at La Residence Angkor in Cambodia, all options are available for the discerning traveller.

I've sent clients to all of these destinations and many more, from Luxury hotels in Sicily overlooking Volcanoes to beautiful vistas from breakfast down the Madeiran coast.

So why may you ask am I going to a training event when I'm already pretty on top of the product and offering, well you can never know everything and fundamentally its to keep my relationships strong with the belmond team, so when my clients do book I can make sure they get looked after to an even higher standard than they would just booking themselves.

That is one of the true benefits of booking with a Travel agent, I care about you and your holiday, its very important to me to make sure you have an amazing time, as to be blunt, if you don't have a good time you won't book again and my business crumbles, but luckilly that isn't happening and things are growing so please keep in touch and let me know where you'd like to experience with Belmond in the future.

I think I'd like to go back to South America! Where's next for you?

[email protected]

0131 516 3920

05/06/2024

This time next week I'll be on my way to the glorious Grecotel LUXME White Palace in Crete.

A superb 5* All inclusive experience where I'll be enjoying the company of 40 of my fellow Travel Counsellors who have achieved their Gold status in the last 12 months (top 10% globally).

So apologies in advance for the holiday spam, but getting the opportunity every year to go on a Gold trip is a privilege and very well earned.

So while I'm sunning myself in paradise I'll have cover in place so I can switch off but this is your week to go call as the late holiday booking market is in full swing and if you like me have still to book your summer holiday....well quite frankly hurry up!!

This week alone I've finalised late summer holidays for trips to Greece 🇬🇷 Italy 🇮🇹 and Australia 🇦🇺 so get in touch and let's get you away somewhere amazing.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

27/05/2024

Just back from a long weekend of fun and games at the CLIA conference at the Southampton Guildhall

A superb event focusing on cruise and specifically the "destination" and being able to visit numerous places with only unpacking once.

I was lucky enough to go onboard the brand new Cunard Queen Anne as well as onto MSC Cruises Virtuosa.

Both were amazing in different ways and really highlighted the crucial roll that a travel professional has in differentiating the type of client for the cruise. Because if I tried to send a MSC client on a Cunard cruise and vice versa well I'd assume I'd be getting a strongly worded letter on their return....but rest assured taking the time to learn and understand the subtle nuances of these beautiful vessels is why I do what I do, so you don't need to worry that you are getting on the right experience for you and yours.

So lots learnt and many great new connections both at Travel Counsellors and in the wider industry were made.

Special mention to Paul Beale, thanks for letting me race your Grand Prix car, Alex Farquharson for pouring so many drinks and to Katie Harber for the supreme cakes and coffee. Was very much needed and appreciated.

Looking forward to helping all my clients with their cruising holidays for 2024 and 2025 and even 2026 if you are that well organised.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920