David Bishop - Travel Counsellor

24/06/2025

Travel Disruption in the middle east.

Been up at various points last night and this morning sorting clients who are stuck, affected or simply worried about the future.

This is what I'm here to do, yes I can send you to some of the most amazingly places in the world and 99 times out of a 100 you get there have a lovely time and come back safe and sound, but in the odd occasion when the preverbial hits the fan, I am here with the superb support of our duty office to support you.

I've repatriated flights back from the Phillipines, Malaysia, Australia and Indonesia to name a few, this is what we do and if you book on your own you are just a very small number in a very long queue to get the assistance you need, you book with me your an immediate priority.

If you didn't book through me and need help let me know and I'll see what I can do and hopefully going forward you'll see the value in a travel expert.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

19/06/2025

Another day another superlative laden message.....

So I got GOLD again....I know you may think this is a bit of a repetitive message but I won't apologise.

To get GOLD at Travel Counsellors requires a certain mindset, a certain work ethic, a certain amount of luck and a dedication to my clients that is second to none.

I'm very very proud of my achievements and know the struggle I've got through to get to this level of consistency.

Success isn't easy or guaranteed and should never be taken for granted so I thank you all for your bookings, friendship and support of my business as I move towards scaling yet further for 2026 and new projects and opportunities which could change the face of travel in Edinburgh and hopefully the wider travel community. Watch this space!!

Being GOLD means I'm in the top 10% of TCs globally but also it allows me to get a Gold lanyard at conference.....I don't need anything else!!

If you have been unhappy with your current travel provider or simply want to see what it's like to use one of the best travel agents in the country (I know i should win some awards for humility) then get in touch.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

18/06/2025

Big milestone achieved today......

No not building the 2 man job bunk beds for my daughters....though that was a flipping achievement.

But making £6m in sales since I joined Travel Counsellors and backed myself.

One of the things they ask you to do when you start is to set out goals of what year 1 or 2 or 3 looks like and never in my wildest delusionally optimistic projections would I have considered achieving something like this.

I couldn't have achieved it without all your support though and given I had very few contacts to start with, which is insane when I consider my strategy in 2017 when I started was pushing my eldest daughter around the park connecting with random people in Edinburgh based on their occupation, bizarre!!

But since those trial and error days I've developed a pretty simple process and believe it works very well, and I'll let you in on my secret....

STOP SELLING TO PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY ON CONNECTION.

Not rocket science really?

Another big milestone likely achieved today or tomorrow so watch this space, but thank you so much for your continued support, Children's Hospices Across Scotland benefit as well with my continued support of their business through donations based on my bookings.

So If you have ever wondered what it's like to have support, knowledge and honest guidance with your travel then feel free to get in touch and I'll be happy to discuss.

n.b no more flat pack for me, I'm better at sending people on their dreams than making a comfy place for my children to dream for sure!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

09/06/2025

All Aboard: The Art of Slow, Luxurious Travel 🚂✨
In an age of private jets and fast-track everything, there’s something rather indulgent about slowing down.

Luxury rail journeys aren’t just travel—they’re an experience. Picture this: a crystal glass in hand, panoramic windows framing epic landscapes, and white-gloved service that makes you forget what a boarding pass even looks like.

For those of you who know me, you'll be well aware I'm a train geek, I'm not ashamed of it and will not hide away from it, but in all honesty my tastes have changed over the years from the rough and ready of the Trans Mongolian, being stuck in cramped cabins with Mongolian Traders to now enjoying the true delights of the Eastern and Oriental as it luxuriously winds it way through the jungles of Asia.

Train travel is a delight and one that more and more of my travellers love to enjoy and experience.

Such as the timeless glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the refined Highland charm of the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, to the wild drama of Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer—where glass-domed carriages glide past snow-draped peaks—and Australia’s legendary Ghan, carving through the ochre Outback in true style… this is storytelling on rails.

For the well-travelled, these journeys offer something rare: luxury without rush, comfort without compromise, and the chance to see the world in cinematic slow motion.

Planning your next escape—or looking to turn a milestone into something extraordinary? Let’s talk trains. You’d be surprised how addictive slow travel can be when it’s done properly.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

30/05/2025

Busy week at the coal face.

Booking many holidays for clients and working through some amazing new enquiries to Japan and China, after clients were inspired by Race around the world.

Then had some training by Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts where I learned all the subtle nuances of each of their luxury properties as well as the high level concierge service they offer to clients staying in their 3 bedroom villas and above, something I've helped many clients with over the years.

Then after some chats with Travel Counsellors about possible opportunities with new corporates through the The PA Show I made an absolute wally of myself and got dressed up as one part of the village people for the SPAA Summer party which was 70s theme. The video of a 6ft 6 first nation chief doing YMCA in front of the entire room will haunt me forever......

So if you want any information on Sani and IKOS or working with me on a corporate level then get in touch....dance lessons best try elsewhere if I were you!!

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

21/05/2025

The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire

I was very very lucky last week to spend a night at the superb Langley hotel in Berkshire a short hop, skip and a jump from Uxbridge and Heathrow just outside London.

With Elizabeth line trains only a short taxi ride away, getting into or as in my case, out of the city was a very smooth process.

Hosted by the wonderful Antonio Mammi, CRME we were shown around this incredible country retreat owned by the Duke of Marlborough and now run by the Luxury Collection of hotels.

Given his familial connections with the Duke I was also lucky enough to spend my time in the Winston Churchill suite, a palatial two level masterpiece of harmony in the east wing of the property, with views over to the old stables and manicured gardens.

The spa was something else as was the dining, and because of its proximity to pinewood studios, famous film star spotting is a regular truth, which in our case occurred as Florence Pugh was in attendance.

Refined, relaxed Luxury is the name of the game here and space and peace are paramount.

I know my clients will love this hotel either as a retreat from the city or perhaps as Luxury stop off between flights or to extend that holiday that you just don't want to end.

I'll be looking forward to returning again soon and sending many clients here as well.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

19/05/2025

Wonderful time had on The Greg Mortimer and excellent hosting by Aurora Expeditions

We learned about everything from glaciers to how to keep your hands dry while kayaking in the Antarctic.

Superb food and drink and the sun shined...what's not to love.

Really want to do one of these expedition cruises myself one day as is very high on my dream bucket list.

If you've ever considered it then get in touch and let's get a proper once in a lifetime journey booked for you.

13/05/2025

Tough week ahead at the coal face.

I've got a busy few days coming up, I'm being hosted by the amazing Hum Club to get educated on all things ultra luxury in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, on a champagne cruise down the Thames.

After the event I'll be enjoying the delights of the Wellesley in Knightsbridge and then followed the following night I'll be relaxing at the Langley hotel in Berkshire.

Time will then be needed to enjoy the spas, restaurants and facilities of both of these lovely hotels. Not all heroes wear capes .....

After the rigour of a couple of days of 5* I'll be heading to Glasgow to be entertained by Aurora Expeditions and then I'll be transported to one of their expedition vessels docked in Troon....I am very excited about this one as I love expedition cruise and can't wait to get onboard and learn more about the product and unique destinations they visit all over the world.

So this is a long winded way of saying...watch this space and get in touch if any of that sounds like a hotel, destination or cruise you'd like to get involved in!

I will have expert cover in place when I'm away so I can educate myself fully but also leave you in experienced hands.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

02/05/2025

Anyone that knows me, knows I'm a totally unashamed train geek....I absolutely love travel by train.

My first big 2 year trip started with the trans Mongolian, I've been on trains in every continent I've visited and I love the pace.

I think being brought up near Crewe, where in all honesty the only way to escape was by train i had no choice really.

And so it was my great delight last night to be hosted by the wonderful Swiss tourist board and their amazing suppliers.

The theme was the Swiss transport system, yawn right? but no...it was spectacular. If Britain had the Bernina Express or the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe I don't think we'd be whinging about leaves on the line.

The Swiss get angry when random delays of 2 minutes occur, so if your looking to get away somewhere spectacular this summer or winter then Switzerland has some of the most beautiful ways to get from a to b, where the journey is a fully immersive part of the experience.

Oh and they served Raclette too.....mmmmmm.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

30/04/2025

One of the key things you get with a travel professional is Knowledge.

Over the last few weeks I've been working on numerous enquiries for all over the world and often it's just a case of putting together what the travellers require and adding value with experiences etc.

Sometimes you come across a scenario where the dream isn't possible (for now),
this happened recently with a dream planned trip to NZ, one of my favourite places on earth. Fundamentally the budget didn't stretch to include all the elements they wanted at the standard they wanted to experience due to increased flight prices and exchange rate changes on hotel prices.

So what to do....go and cry in the corner, get a better job, rob a bank?

No of course not I was able to switch them to Iceland which I personally believe has numerous elements that are similar to the land of the long white cloud but obviously about 22 hours closer.

Now before you say "but Iceland ain't cheap", no it's not! But when you are already £3k up on flight savings then there is a chance and adding in Super jeep tours and glacier hikes you get some of the wild experiences you would get in NZ but a little closer to home.

If the client was looking at this themselves they would maybe have to suffer lower standards which might impact their memories or simply default for another year..... life is too short not to live each and every year to it's fullest, and I'm here to help get you away and enjoy the wonderful parts of this world whether they are on the other side, or round the corner.

Get in touch if you'd like an adventure to look forward too.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

29/04/2025

✨ If you’re looking for a holiday that combines thrilling adventures with mouth-watering meals then look no further! Book your 2026 Walt Disney World Resort stay with me by 5th November 2025 and enjoy these magical extras:

🎉Free Dining & Drinks*

🎉Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7

To make it even sweeter, book with me by 1st July and you’ll save £200 per booking! Don’t miss out on the magic! Contact me today to start planning your magic getaway. ✨

© 2025 Disney. All Rights Reserved. *T&Cs Apply. On selected arrivals and packages at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Excludes gratuities.

Get in touch and myself and my team of Disney enthusiasts will be able to get you away and save save save on a truly special holiday for you and your family.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

21/03/2025

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cly24zvvwxlt

Morning all, always fun to wake upto your countries largest airport being closed all day.

But fear not, when you book through a trusted travel agent like myself and all of the good folk at Travel Counsellors we are o it to support you.

I've been in touch with all clients affected already to monitor and update the minute I hear anything else. I'll let them know the minute we get airline policies and I can also advise on correct procedure from the airlines in terms of what they "have" to offer if journeys are delays, so my clients are well informed and know I've got their back.

Before 0630 I've already contacted clients in Vegas, Auckland, Edinburgh and Dubai who will all be effected.

If anyone hasn't booked through a trusted travel agent feel free to message me and I'll do my best to advise and help.

Good luck if your travelling today like me (all be it from Edinburgh).

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

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