Ali Parker - Travel Counsellors

19/08/2024

Client pictures from South Africa who are staying at the wonderful fully accessible lodge ximuwu.safari.lodge

Bob is staying here for the full duration of his stay, but it’s also possible to twin a stay in Cape Town too.

See my stories to see the view Bob is enjoying from the deck whilst enjoying a beer🍺🐘

If a safari is on your bucket list, please do get in touch and let’s make it happen!

I’m also visiting in September so if you would like me to document anything for you, please let me know.



📷 from Ximuwu

09/07/2024

Thank you for the amazing feedback Emma!

02/07/2024

Thank you for the amazing feedback Sophie!

30/06/2024

The summer holidays are almost here, but the weather isn't quite what we hoped for! Don't let the gloomy skies get you down! This is the perfect time to escape to sunnier shores. Book that dream holiday now and trade in the rain for some sunshine and relaxation. Contact me today to start crafting your perfect getaway.

29/06/2024

Family Fun on a Californian Road Trip

I’m working on an epic two week adventure from San Francisco to LA for a family. Here are some of the highlights:

Driving over the mighty Golden Gate Bridge , then a sunset catamaran cruise and visit to Alcatraz Island.

Take an action-packed nature tour of Yosemite National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife including mountain beavers and great grey owls

Visit Universal Studios and some of Los Angeles' most popular sites, including the Hollywood sign.

Join a ranger boat crew to get up close with the marine life of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including seals, seabirds, whales and otters.

Give me a call for further info!

28/06/2024

The Cherry Blossom Season you have never heard of...

Prices for Japan in Cherry Blossom Season have gone through the roof! So if you want a magical cherry blossom experience, without the huge crowds and inflated costs, then consider… South Korea.

South Korea has so much to offer - here are some of my top reasons to visit:

Food - such an amazing place for foodies and cafe connoisseurs

Outdoors - beautiful scenery and hiking (it is practically a national hobby)

Quirky - The Korean wave from KPop to skincare cannot be avoided even if you wanted to. Embrace the wave!

History - There is a rich and interesting history to delve into. Make sure to add Gyeongju to your itinerary.

Whichever destination you wish to see the Cherry Blossom in, now is the best time to book. Get in touch today.

27/06/2024

Have you been to any of these islands?

Save this list for when you are planning your next Greek island adventure

11/06/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Thank you so much for the kind words Lesley!

08/06/2024

Kangaroo Island - South Australia's paradise gem!

Rugged coastlines meet adorable wildlife here. Think playful sea lions, chill koalas, and friendly kangaroos practically hopping at your feet! Crystal-clear waters beg for snorkelling adventures, charming historic towns whisper secrets, and fresh local flavours burst from every farm gate and cellar door.

Relaxation on pristine beaches? Epic adventures exploring hidden wonders? KI (that's Kangaroo Island for the cool kids) has it all! Forget the guidebooks, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready for an unforgettable escape. Make sure you add Kangaroo Island into any Australia itinerary!

06/06/2024

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

In honour here are my top LGBTQ+ friendly places to visit around the world

Let me take care of your next adventure with the care and attention you deserve.

See the recommendations here 👉https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/inspiration/blog/perfect-places-for-lgbtq-travellers/

In honour of Pride Month, we’re delighted to introduce Matt Carter, a new Travel Counsellor who has journeyed across the globe with his partner. Matt’s experiences offer invaluable insights for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking friendly and welcoming destinations. Below, Matt shares some of the places w...

03/06/2024

Japan Cherry Blossom Season

The time of year when Sakura trees take over every park, temple, and street. It is an explosion of colour and cultural festivities and it has just finished for another year.

The Sakura trees are intrinsically woven into the history and philosophies of Japan and visiting during this time can give a wonderful insight into Japan as a country.

This breath-taking spectacle is why Japan is such a popular destination from March until May, so if this is on your bucket list - then now is the best time to book for 2025!

01/06/2024

Panda Paradise 🇨🇳

Did you know 80% of giant pandas live in Sichuan, China? If you are interested in seeing these fabulous animals then a visit to the Chengdu Panda Research Base, which is leading the charge in conservation, is a must!

Located just outside Chengdu, this amazing park is home to over 80 pandas living in a recreated mountain habitat. Plus some red pandas too!

31/05/2024

Here's my reasons why I love a swim up room ⬇️

Your sunbeds are reserved every single morning. No dramas with towels on every bed by the time you meander to breakfast - your favourite sunbeds are there waiting for you.

No need to pack a pool bag. Need some more suncream? It's 2 metres away on the dresser.

No concerns about someone guarding the bags whilst you swim. If you're a workaholic like me and take your laptop/phone everywhere, simply pop it in the room and you're not far away when you're ready to get out.

It's a lovely place to have a quiet drink on a night whilst listening to the water lapping.

There's hundreds of properties across the world offering swim up rooms to suit all budgets. If you're interested in having a swim up room this summer, drop me a message!

📷 Stella Island Resort, Crete

29/05/2024

Perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking adventure, this extraordinary journey taking in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui is a wonderful blend of luxurious relaxation and activities such as surfing, trekking through rainforest, and learning about the volcanic geology.

Here are the highlights

4 nights at Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu

4 nights at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Koloa

2 nights at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Kohala Coast, Waikoloa

2 nights at Volcano House in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii - The Big Island

4 nights at Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui in Wailea - Makena

Does this sound up your street? Then get in touch today

28/05/2024

Featured hotel: Zilwa Attitude, Mauritius

This 4 star hotel has one of the best all inclusive offerings in Mauritius, is perfect for families and two private islands.

➡️A great selection of family rooms (including interconnecting and two bedroom apartments)

➡️ The hotel overlooks Mauritius' 5 northern islands

➡️ 7 restaurants all included in the dine around programme

➡️ A focus on sustainability and local culture with lots of experiences activities that contribute to the local economy and showcase the Otenik culture.

➡️ An amazing private island experience all included for the ultimate rustic beach afternoon

➡️ An accessible resort with a small number of adapted rooms.

Get in touch for the ultimate Mauritian paradise escape.

27/05/2024

🌟 Universal Studios 🌟

▶️ Universal is made up of three parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the water park Volcano Bay. Most of my clients stay in Orlando between 7-14 days so I would normally recommended the 14 day ticket so you can come and go from all the parks.

▶️ Next year EPIC Universe is coming to Universal studios too. This will include Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe (themed to Universal Classic Monsters), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.

▶️ The rides are a real mix of rollercoasters and experience rides. Ride through the raptor enclosure at Jurassic Park on Velocicoaster, Universals newest ride and has to be one of the best experiences in Orlando.

Here are my top tips

1️⃣ Stay at Universal. Break your stay up in Orlando and have 3/4 nights at one of the great Universal hotels. Endless Summer is great for families, Sapphire Falls is a great 4 star option and Hard Rock, Portofino Bay and Loews Pacific are the high end options that also include early entry into the park.

2️⃣ Plan ahead and get the Universal app. Make the most of your ticket by using realtime information to beat the queues on your favourite rides.

3️⃣ Do the water rides first and have a spare change of clothes in your bag because you will get absolutely soaked to the bone!

4️⃣ Tie in your trip with some of the festivities - Universal have some of the best events going from Mardis Gras to Halloween. Timing your holiday with local celebrations will round off the perfect getaway.

Thinking of going to Orlando? Make sure to get in touch

26/05/2024

Singapore- My Top Recommendations

Singapore is more than just a stopover destination. There is so much to see and do here, it definitely needs to be explored over a few days or even a couple of weeks. Here are some of my favourite places:

Gardens by the Bay

Visit the lush and beautiful Gardens by the Bay, with its two conservatory domes displaying plants from around the world and features a Cloud Forest that contains one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world. It's hard to miss the magnificent Supertrees, which stand 50 metres high, and which have a nightly light and sound show, known as the Garden Rhapsody.

Vespa sidecar tour

Whizz around the city on a Vespa sidecar, exploring the local neighbourhoods while seeking out Instagram-worthy photo opportunities at local landmarks and cafes.

Hawker centres

Savour the many flavours of Singapore at a local hawker centre such as Lau Pa Sat , Tekka Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market to enjoy a variety of good food at affordable prices, including favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, char kway, teow, satay, and much more.

Pulau Ubin

Escape the hustle and bustle and head to the tranquil island of Pulau Ubin, a rustic getaway that is just a 10-minute boat ride away. Here, you can hire a bicycle and admire historic sites, untouched forests, old quarries, and Singapore's last-remaining kampong (traditional village).

Must-visit districts

Explore the colourful districts of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, and Katong-Joo Chiat and learn about the people and history of these fascinating cultures that make up Singapore.

24/05/2024

Easter 2025!

Easter is my favourite time of year to travel and flights are out now - so it is absolutely the best time to get a deal!

Here are some of the Easter holidays I have booked families to:

🇪🇸 The Canaries

🇲🇹 Malta

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

🇹🇭 Thailand

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇻🇳 Vietnam

🇦🇺 Australia

🇦🇪 Dubai and Abu Dhabi

🇺🇸 New York

If a washed out Easter in the UK doesn’t appeal, then get in touch and we can start planning your next adventure.

23/05/2024

Featured hotel: Secrets Moxche, Playa Del Carmen

I visited this hotel last year and it really wowed me. Here are a few reasons I love this property.

➡️A room I didn't want to leave

➡️ Amazing views

➡️ Incredible food, all included

➡️ The pools were just amazing including a rooftop infinity pool, a beachside infinity pool, a manmade beach and saltwater pool and some incredible cenote style lagoons for relaxing. I didn't have time to explore them all.

This is such a good all inclusive - I recommend it again and again to clients.

14/05/2024

Thank you for the amazing testimonial Liam!

11/05/2024

Featured hotel: Sailing Club Signature, Phu Quoc

Just a short hop from Ho Chi Minh, there are beautiful beaches, a bustling night market, a national park made for adventure seekers and this fabulous 5 star property for relaxing with the family.

My favourite things about this hotel:

⭐️Villa within a hotel concept, perfect for families and those looking to get away from everything whilst having all the amenities of a five star hotel

⭐️ The food! Sandals restaurant is absolutely fabulous, there is also the neighbouring Sailing Club beach club for great relaxed dining and in-villa dining including BBQ

⭐️ It’s so quiet! If you want a beach break without the hustle and bustle like you get in Phuket then this place is for you.

⭐️ The pools! Not only is there a beautiful main pool on site each villa has its own 12.5m pool, great for a swim. There is also a beautiful infinity pool available to use at the beach club and of course the beautiful beach.

If you are interested in something a little different as a beach resort then this is a great option. I will definitely be back ❤️

10/05/2024

5 European city breaks you can't miss! ✨

Bruges 🇧🇪 - Fairytale canals, charming markets & historic vibes.

Stavanger 🇳🇴 - Hike epic fjords & explore colorful streets.

Split 🇭🇷 - Wander historic alleys & relax by the Adriatic coast.

Copenhagen 🇩🇰 - Foodie heaven with stunning canals & design.

Reykjavik 🇮🇸 - See the Northern Lights & explore otherworldly landscapes.

Which adventure will you choose?

07/05/2024

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda - The ultimate bucket list safari

Kigali | Akagera National Park | Nyungwe National Park | Gisenyi | Volcanoes National Park

During this adventure, explore the city of Kigali, go on safari in Akagera National Park, trek with Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, spot Golden Monkeys and walk with guides to see Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

This is one of the most awe inspiring adventures- but is one of the most expensive safari’s you can do. Can you guess the price per person for a trip like this?

05/05/2024

Top Tips if you new to Cruise

I asked each of my customers what their top tip was for a cruise for first timers and here are their responses…

“Take the whole family! Cruising is perfect for everyone, so bring the grandparents, too. There are enough activities on board to keep everyone entertained.”

On choosing the right one: “Chat to your Travel Counsellor about your favourite holiday on land and that will help them recommend the right cruise holiday for you.”

“There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!”

“If you don't see something on the menu you like, don't sit in silence – tell the waiter and they will come up with an alternative.”

“It's not a boat, so don't call it one - especially in front of the captain!”

“Don’t get stressed out about what to pack. Yes, ships have posh nights, but remember you are on holiday, so pack your holiday clothes.”

[On boarding day] “Always pack a small bag to keep with you, including your swimwear and a change of clothes. Your luggage will be taken straight to your cabin when you embark, but this can take a few hours, so if you have things with you, you can start to enjoy the facilities straight away”

What are your top cruise tips?

04/05/2024

Featured hotel: Niko Seaside Resort, Crete

This is such a beautiful boutique adults only resort. This is a great hotel for culture lovers as everything is on your doorstep. Here are some of the reasons I love it:

➡️ Steps away from Agios Nikolaos, a pretty seaside town with so many bars and tavernas to explore from the htoel

➡️ There is a huge amount to see and do on the island itself, you could explore over two weeks and still not see everything.

➡️ The design is a combination traditional greek culture with contemporary high tech

➡️ A large proportion of the rooms have private pools

➡️ The hotel has 2 stunning infinity pools overlooking the bay

➡️ Morning yoga on the rooftop is a must

Fancy staying here? The weather is great all the way through October so make sure to get in touch to book

03/05/2024

Featuring: The Olivar Suites

This is one of my most popular hotels and with good reason. A new hotel (built in 2022) set in a late 18th-century olive oil mill with the beautiful scenery of the Corfiot southeast coast.

Rooms are great for families with many having multiple sleeping spaces

A large proportion of the rooms have their own private swimming pools

You are in one of my favourite parts of Corfu with lots of restaurants close by and a beautiful beach on your doorstep.

It is a hotel built on ramps and ground floor accommodation making it very accessible!

02/05/2024

Is it possible to travel sustainably?

We can definitely make better choices with sustainability in mind. If you are interested in prioritising responsibility whilst still enjoying an unforgettable experience then get a brew and have a flick through my latest Responsible Travel brochure ‘Journeys with Care’

https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/leisure/responsible-travel/?t=999lg

Journeys with careAt Travel Counsellors, we’re on a journey to help people travel more responsibly.Through education of both ourselves and our customers, and a better selection of the experiences we provide, we want to fulfil your dreams of travelling to the most beautiful destinations while helpi...

01/05/2024

Where to go when? In May!

Imagine wandering through the lush jungles of Borneo, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, or soaking up the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of South Africa 🦧⛰️ But when is the best time to visit these stunning destinations, you ask? I’ve got all the answers, tailoring your trip to perfection and ensuring you experience the beauty of each place at just the right moment.

30/04/2024

Thank you for the lovely words Anna

27/04/2024

I’m thrilled to announce that we have won two awards at the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies of 2024 Awards! 🏆✨

Our dedication to providing exceptional service and crafting bespoke luxury experiences and concierge-style service that has redefined care in corporate travel, has earned us the title of Top Luxury Agency and Top Business Travel Agency

This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering world-class care and leveraging our cutting-edge technology to create perfectly tailored itineraries 🙌

Thank you for your continued support to my small business x