David Bishop - Travel Counsellor

22/01/2025

Universal opens the gates to it’s newest park this Summer and you can be one of the very first to experience it!

“a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic.’’

Featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and much, much more, this is the most exciting Orlando opening of the decade.

2 Week Universal Florida Family Holiday

Family of 4 from £9355

Includes

Direct flights from Manchester with Aer Lingus (other routes are available)

Private airport transfers

14 nights at Universal’s brand new Stella Nova Resort

14 day 3 + 1 Park Universal Explorer tickets, giving unlimited access to the existing 3 parks and 1 day at Epic Universe

Based on 25th July 2025 departure. Other durations, airports and hotels available and of course I can tailormake this holiday for you with other theme parks, car hire, hotels and attractions.

Please do get in touch for your tailormade proposal.

[email protected]

0131 516 3920

17/01/2025

Busy busy busy here at the travel coal face.

Enquiries for Sicily, Canada, corporate trips to Bermuda, New York, London and Stockholm as well as taking care of schedule changes on clients booked trips, sending out documentation and making sure all hotels know that they are about to receive some VIPs into their accommodations soon....as all my clients get that treatment.

Do you get this when you book yourself?
I very much doubt it!

Do you get someone supporting you at every step of the way when you book it yourself?
I very much doubt it.

So why add stress to something that should be relaxing and fun, get in touch and myself and mu expert team will help to get you away to some incredible places

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

16/01/2025

I've been working on the below itinerary now for a few weeks to get it absolutely right for a client.

I love to tailor holidays and experiences exactly to my clients exacting needs, so if you are thinking of doing a safari, a beach holiday, an adventure in the Andes or even Antarctica then get in touch and I can add the extra special touches which make the holiday yours and yours alone.

I'm using Qatar airways on this one who fly from many regional airports including my local one in Edinburgh. I've flown with them many times all over the world and think they are superb, their business class often wins the best in the world and I've a soft spot for that massive bear in the airport....if you know you know!!

See below for a brief overview of what my clients have to look forward to.

Big Five & Beach Vibes
JOHANNESBURG |UMLANI BUSHCAMP, KRUGER | DOHA, QATAR

Days 1-3: 2 nights at Radisson RED Hotel, Johannesburg Rosebank
Set in the heart of one of the city's most dynamic neighbourhoods, Radisson RED Rosebank embodies the spirit of urban exploration and serves as the perfect launchpad for discovering Johannesburg's rich culture, art, and lively social scene.

Day 3-6: 3 Nights at Umlani Bushcamp, Greater Kruger
An authentic wilderness escape where simplicity meets soul-stirring adventure in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This eco-friendly, off-the-grid camp offers an intimate safari experience that connects you to nature. With no fences separating you from the wildlife, Umlani is a true immersion in the African bush, where lions roar under the stars and the spirit of the wild flows all around you. Includes 2 x daily game drives.

Day 6-7: 1 Night at The Fairway Hotel, Randburg
The Fairway provides an oasis of calm just minutes from the city’s vibrant pulse, set against the lush backdrop of the Randpark Golf Course.

Day 7-10: 3 Nights at Dusit Doha Hotel, Qatar
Round off your trip with 3 nights in the sun at Dusit Doha Hotel, a haven of Thai elegance and Middle Eastern hospitality. Located in the heart of West Bay, it is perfectly situated to explore the city and relax by the beach before heading home.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

13/01/2025

Save the date 26th January.

Take a look at my LinkedIn post for an exciting travel event going on in Dunfermline Athletic FC stadium at the end of the month.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

If you've got any questions.

Link in the link to register interest.

Dunfermline Athletic Football Club and Travel Counsellors (David Bishop, Elliott Rouse, Jill Ritchie and Julie Johnston) will be representing at the Stadium on…

11/01/2025

Happy Sunny/Snowy Saturday where ever you are.

I'm guessing your family may very well prefer to consider the fun of a floridian adventure at the brand new Universal Orlando Resort rather than freezing your proverbials off in blighty?

Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable Summer holiday with a exhilarating escape to Universal Orlando Resort, where you will stay at the brand-new Universal Stella Nova Resort.

Dive into the excitement of the theme parks, including the much anticipated Universal Epic Universe Park, set to open in May 2025.

Each park is filled with captivating attractions, thrilling rides and mesmerising shows that bring your favourite charachters and stories to life.

As night falls immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Universal Citywalk, with its diverse selection of restaurants and bars offering endless entertainment options.

What's included:

😁 7 Nights at the Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Resort, including the benefit of early admission** to select the attractions upto one hour before the parks open.

😁 Flights from various departure points.

😁 Car hire

😁 Enjoy 7 consecutive days of unlimited park to park access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay water theme park.
Plus 1 day access to Universal Epic Universe with the 3 Park Explorer Plus 1 day Universal Epic Universe ticket.

😁 Orlando VIP Shop Dine 4 Less card

Total: £6985

Get in touch to book your amazing Univers adventure and be one of the first to experience this amazing brand new Resort.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

10/01/2025

Another day another airport!!

So this weekend is a biggie in the Travel industry. It's when loads of you have been hit over the head all week by travel adverts finally succumb to part with your hard earned cash and book a jolly holiday.

If you normally do it yourself don't do what someone did yesterday and send me screenshots of online options which are and I qoute "so much cheaper than your options" ......and my response...."yes they are if you don't need a checked bag and are happy with 14 hours in dubai".....

Trust a travel expert we know what we're doing and we don't get paid If you don't book so I've zero interest in not being competitive not being supportive and not finding you the perfect trip....it'll just waste both our times!!

So get in touch and let myself know where in the world you'd love to travel to and myself and my experienced team will get you away somewhere fabulous..

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

10/01/2025

Testimonial Thursday.

"I want to say a massive thank you to David. Having just come back from a proper adventure to Ecuador (booked by David) and I'm glad I did!!
because of the political situation in the country the trip had to be changed which entailed flights back home having to be re-organised.
There's no way i could have worked out the best solutions left but in David's capable hands all was seamless and without drama.
Other fellow travellers on the trip however didn't book via David and after seeing how much stressless my journey was, they all have his details for future journeys"

Thanks Sylvia Kuzminski really appreciate your kind words.

This highlights that I'm not here to just book you, I'm here for the journey and to make sure you have a safe but ultimately fulfilling journey.

So if you've not experienced this level of service before get in touch and let me show you a better way to travel.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

09/01/2025

Room with a view?

Looking for something a little different?

And while I wouldn't go anywhere near this if you are looking to experience something a bit different then let a travel expert set you up for some incredible memory making opportunities....and if you've got vertigo maybe let me know early days?

But in all seriousness I know the finest hotels the world over and have been lucky to stay in a great many of them.

From the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Seychelles to the Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the Copacabana Palace , A Belmond Hotel and hundreds of other truly breathtaking properties.

I'm not here to offer something off a shelf I'm here to offer you the absolute best value holiday you can imagine with all the extras you could dream of to upgrades and offers that will add the cherry to the cake of the best holiday you don't even know exists yet!

So if you think you can do it yourself, no worries at all, but if you think almost 20 years experience, unlimited buying power and a focus on customer service which ranks us as one of the highest NPS scores globally would help......well why not get in touch and find a better way to travel.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

08/01/2025

When I travel I like to explore, indulge and be intoxicated by the richness of the culture around me.

I truly love to travel, and thus when I get enquiries for the far flung corners of the earth I revel in helping travellers understand the place or to find elements that they will truly be enlightened by.

This week alone I've created journeys of discovery to Vietnam where I know the perfect place for spring rolls in Hanoi, to Argentina where the football mad husband to be knows which stadium to watch an authentic game of "proper" football!! And a road trip across the U.S where I've picked some amazing national parks for them to enjoy the great outdoors in all its bountiful magnificence.

I don't just offer a cheapest price, one size fits all experience.

People want alot more, ALOT MORE, and they deserve alot more, so if you are getting weighed down by the options available, not knowing what are the best places to see, or more importantly the specific things you love and that will add to your journey, then get in touch, because I love to match those requirements to my clients.

I've sent clients in the last few months to Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Guatamala, India, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Nepal, Angola, Kenya, Tanzania and numerous other amazing places.

If I've not been (and its likely I have) then I'll know someone who has, and can use their knowledge to get the details needed to give you an expert service from booking to returning from your dream trip.

So get in touch while the time is good to get a deal and get the service and the price that will make you very happy in 2025.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

06/01/2025

You may be dragging yourself into work for the first time this year.

You may be shovelling snow off the car.

You may be trying to motivate the next generation to pull their finger out and go to school!

Well stop* and start dreaming about your next jolly holiday, sounds more fun doesn't it? (*I mean don't actually stop...these things are important).

Today is the day that annually people are most likely to be considering a holiday and beginning the process of looking into it.

So if that's the case for you then please get in touch, with almost 20 years experience and access to some of the best deals in the industry booking with me is a very easy process.

1: Get in touch
2: I learn about the important things you need and dream of in a holiday
3: We find a beautiful selection of trips
4: pick one and book
5: Relax on the sun lounger when the time comes

All very easy and hassle free, or you can stress your head off and book on the Internet where you are responsible for every detail, every possible issue and making sure you have covered everything....because I'm sure you have the time (see above to shovelling snow).

I'm here to make everyone's lives easier whether that's a work trip a holiday or just for you to know your in safe hands and I'm here to support.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

04/01/2025

Snowy Saturday....

OK to today is commonly known as sunshine Saturday due to everyone and their dog booking holidays over this weekend, but today I'm going for the frostbite approach over sunburn!

Last day in this wonderful city and taking time to explore the local market and art nouveau areas as well as popping back into some of my favourite cosy local bars and cafes to work.

Working remotely has been a bit of a revelation for me and while I'm not entirely used to solo travel it's something I'm embracing and seeing the real benefits of wobbling about on your own and making your own calls all day long, splendid!!

But I am now off to a cafe to work, I've a Vietnam itinerary to book, some flights to Australia and a Japan client whose flights have been delayed so I'm sorting the ground arrangements due to the delay, no rest for me for sure!!

Have a lovely weekend and if you are planning on booking your next adventure somewhere get in touch and myself and the team would love to help.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

03/01/2025

KGB and croissants.

Another sunny snowy day in beautiful wintery Riga.

Exploring is the name of the game today but not before I've continued to work on an exciting itinerary to South Africa, a work trip to London/Dubai/Washington and also a Family holiday to Mauritius.

But as we're 2 hours ahead I've got the jump on everyone waking up in the UK so I'm off to enjoy the delights of the Corner House, the head quarters of the KGB in Latvia for many years.

I'm a historian by academia and studied Russian history as my specialist subject in 4th year at university and having travelled across that wonderful country I've immersed myself over the years in its history both recent and further back, and visiting places like this in Prague and beyond has always fascinated me, so I'm excited to get my history geek on!

If you are thinking of going away now is the time to book and don't be fooled that I'm away I won't be working or that you don't want to bother me, I did a full day in the office yesterday, all be it the office was various hotels, cafes and bars.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

02/01/2025

Riga 2025.

Get away from the bleak winter of the UK and go to the even bleaker winter of Latvia...genius move!

But I love winter and especially snow, so when I awoke this morning and opened the curtains in my hotel to be greeted by a overnight dusting of the square outside my room I was delighted....though did question not bringing any gloves....oops!

Riga is a beautiful city and I've always wanted to explore the city and wider region.
I've already ambled around alot of the old town and will delve down deeper over coming days, but one of the main reasons was to try and mix business and pleasure and work abroad directly.

So as I write this I'm setting up my office just off Ratslaukums square next to the house of the black heads in the centre of the old town.

So any queries you have for travel for 2025 and even into 2026 then get in touch and give me a chance to warm up in a local coffee shop.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

13/12/2024

Check out my post on LinkedIn about the delights of a luxury holiday to Greece this summer.

With over 40 properties throughout Greece there are so many different options to choose from, why not let a travel expert find the perfect fit for you and yours.

Thanks to Grecotel for their support and education.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

Last night we were hosted by Grecotel Hotels & Resorts and our good friend and representative Liz Shaw. You may remember I was blessed in the summer to be…

09/12/2024

Hopefully you were able to keep out of the storm and disruption that followed Storm Darragh over the weekend.

But many were not as fortunate and had to deal with cancelled flights, delayed trains etc

I was rebooking clients and supporting them throughout the weekend even as my own plans for travel were affected by the storm, I was also able to make sure that everyone got away safely eventually.

Everything from a last minute business trip to Bermuda, to a long awaited project trip to Riyadh to clients making their way up and down the country for Christmas get togethers. All equally important in my eyes and all dealt with as a priority.

My clients know that by booking through me they have the support of myself and our 24 hour duty office, so they never need worry we'll be there to help should disruption befall them.

So as we tidy up the debris from a wild weekend my clients can look back on a weekend relatively unaffected because they had a support system in place, if you book your travel yourself you are your support network, so maybe give a professional a try next time and see how we do!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

05/12/2024

Brand new voyage for 2027!

I know 2027!!!! But still plenty of time to save up!!

Antarctica is absolutely my dream so I'm getting my name down for sure!!

🐧🐧Taste of Antarctica 🐧🐧
Behold the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. This unforgettable journey offers the perfect introduction to one of the most remote and beautiful regions on Earth, where every moment is filled with wonder and discovery.
🐧Observe extraordinary wildlife including penguins
🐋Search for orca and minke whales in the icy bays
🦭 Spot leopard seals resting on ice floes from our Zodiacs

❄️ Date: 11 Mar 2027 - 20 Mar 2027
❄️ Departing and returning to Ushuaia
❄️ Prices start from $11,676pp (£8,916.96pp based on 2/12/25 conversion rate)

Obviously expeditions are available for 2025 and 2026 as well and Aurora Expeditions are superb so would love to get you away exploring the extremes of the world with them.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

29/11/2024

Yes yes I know I know....you know it's black Friday and you don't need another person ramming it down your neck....well...apologies!

This is a seriously good time to book a trip and while I'm not going to say there are not more deals around the corner (because there are) it's still an opertune time to test the water.

As an example I got a wats app from a client in Guatamala who wants to book a cycling tour of Kerala in India for March and saves 20% by doing so before the 2nd.

I've another client booking a sunshine break for Easter in Dubai and saving 25% on the hotel rates and free upgrade to half board.

The point is the deals are there, do you know where to find them?

Do you have the time to trawl and possibly get the best deal?

Part of my key service is to make sure I'm getting the best deals for my clients and that doesn't always mean the lowest price, I'm offering the best holidays that match my clients not the ones with the biggest discounts, though sometimes these things correlate.

Anyway if you are in the market for a holiday, short break or work trip then get in touch and let me help you get away somewhere for less.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

25/11/2024

Well what can I say...conference 2024 was immense.

Quality entertainment, inspiring thought leadership, challenging topics and focus for the future of myself and my business.

From Loretta Lyons harrowing ordeal in the balkan conflict, to Mo Gawdat supremely intelligent observations of focus and positivity and perspective. To Nile Rodgers strutting his stuff on stage both at the gala dinner and as guest speaker on the Sunday.

But my all time favourite content was my good friend Karen Thornton - Gold Travel Counsellor making us laugh alot, cry a little and move us to be as positive as her!! Awesome stuff!!

Also really need to shout out Andy La Gette - Travel Counsellor another very close friend who won the TC Support award for the 2nd year running. As someone who has experienced first hand
his caring and selfless nature on a regular basis I couldn't be happier and prouder of him for getting the recognition he so richly deserves.

Looking forward to celebrating next year in Liverpool!!

And in near perfect timing to set me up for more success, I surpassed my highest ever year in sales for the third successive year today!! Go me!!

But being part of Travel Counsellors is a beautiful thing, we support, collaborate and celebrate our numerous successes, while also looking out for each other and protecting each other when times get tough.

Can't wait to see what 2025 has in store for me and my business!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920