Journeys by Jess & James

03/04/2025

Looking for a last-minute getaway this Spring but want to beat the crowds?

Whether you're parents looking to keep the kids entertained over Easter holidays and half term breaks, or a couple looking to grab some quality time together in new surroundings - Spring is one of the best times to get away!

The only problem is..... everyone knows this! Spring breaks are incredibly popular for good reason.

So, where can you go if you want to make the most of a last-minute deal while beating the crowds?

In our latest blog post, we show you where to go across Europe to get a more authentic, peaceful and culturally-immersive holiday without getting on a long haul flight.

Looking to get something secured ASAP? Drop us a DM and we'll take care of everything! All you need to do is get excited. 😎

BLOG LINK 🔗 www.jessandjames.notjusttravel.com/blog/inspiration/swap-crowds-for-calm-europes-hidden-holiday-corners

02/04/2025

Travel News 📰 Major passport fee increase coming 🛂

From 10 April 2025, passport application fees will rise by 7%. 📈 That means adults applying online will pay £94.50 (up from £88.50), and children’s passports will increase to £61.50 (from £57.50).

If you’re thinking about planning your next adventure and there's less than 6 months left on your passport, apply now to avoid paying more later. Check out the details and get ahead of the changes!

For more information, head to 👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-passport-application-fees

01/04/2025

We're out of stock! 🚨

Unfortunately, we have just sold our last available holiday. That's right, they're all gone. Every single room. Every single flight.

We'll be able to provide more holidays as soon as some more hotels are built - we strongly recommend joining our waitlist to make sure that you're the first to know when these are released!

Drop us a DM as soon as possible to make sure you're at the front of the queue when spaces open up.

Thank you SO MUCH for all of your continued support! 🙏

31/03/2025

Happy birthday to our wonderful co-founder & all-around holiday planning genius Jessi Lewis! 🎉🥳🎂 Jess absolutely never stops working to plan incredible journeys, so I’m forcing her to take a very well-deserved break!

While it’s perhaps not quite as warm or far away as we usually like, we’re celebrating by doing what we love most - travelling to another country! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

26/03/2025

☀️ Looking for something a bit different for the family this May half term? What better way to entertain the kids than to take them on an activity-filled adventure holiday?

🌍 Travel with other families so the kids can make new friends and get to see the world together

👨‍👧Family Atlas Mountain and Sahara Adventure! 🇲🇦

• Saturday 24th May 2025

• 8 Day tour only

• Save £100pp

• Now £775 Adult & £685 Child (age 7-16)

This doesn’t include flights but we can add them on for you, so just enquire for prices 🥰

Includes accommodation, expert tour guide, Breakfast x7 Lunch x4 & Dinner x2

From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, adventures await across Morocco's stunningly diverse landscapes. Take a stroll in the High Atlas, cycle the southern mountain slopes and head deep into the desert dunes on camelback to sleep under the stars at a Berber camp. Discover all that the country has to offer, from the bustle of Marrakech's souks to the kasbahs that line the dusty desert roads, on a family-friendly exploration of Morocco's highlights.

❤️ Why we love this trip ❤️

• Journey into the Atlas Mountains - Uncover the remote regions of the Atlas on bike and on foot and experience Berber hospitality.

• Camp on the sands of the Sahara - Delve deep into the dunes of the Sahara on camelback and camp under the stars.

• Explore majestic Marrakech - Get lost in the bustling medina and souks of the captivating Red City.

Don't Just Travel, Explore!! Drop us a message for more info 🤩

24/03/2025

Did you know we’re officially part of the BEST lifestyle franchise in the WORLD?! And the best of any franchise in Europe?! 🤯🤯🤯

Our parent company, Not Just Travel, have been receiving award after award recently and it’s just so wonderful to be a part of that!

What that means for you guys is absolute peace of mind that your holiday bookings are in safe hands! Some of the reasons we’ve won these awards are the outstanding training, operational support, customer service and trade agreements that we get, which all translates to exceptional holidays and unrivalled customer care for you when you book with us!!🥰

So, if you’re curious what makes us the best of the best, and what a difference a personal travel consultant can make to your dream holiday, just get in touch! 📞🥳🌍

Most people book holidays the hard way – we make it effortless.

We’re not just travel experts—we’re officially award-winning! Not Just Travel has been named Luxury Travel Homeworking Business of the Year (Large) at the Travel Trade Gazette Luxury Travel Awards 2025.

What does that mean for you? It means exceptional holidays, handpicked just for you, with expert advice, unbeatable value, and zero stress.

Whether you’re dreaming of five-star luxury, a family adventure, or the perfect romantic escape, we take care of everything—so all you have to do is pack.

Comment 'Award' below, and we’ll send you the link to find your local travel expert straight to your inbox.

21/03/2025

When everything goes wrong - there is a right way to do it!!

With today’s closure of Heathrow Airport, thousands of people have had their travel plans thrown into disarray. For many, this will be an incredibly uncertain and stressful day. For others, they’ll have a secret weapon fighting their corner every step of the way 👀

Behind the scenes, Travel Consultants like us work endlessly during crises like this; fixing problems, liaising with airlines, hotels & suppliers and keeping our customers informed with real-time updates. Rearranging, rebooking, reassuring. Making sure that our customers’ holiday experience is as protected as their wallets. 🤩

It’s so easy to think that it’ll never be you. 99% of those heading to Heathrow this morning wouldn’t have given it a second thought.
Those who have booked through a travel agent will be inconvenienced, perhaps even frustrated. But once that initial frustration has passed, they’ll grab a drink at the bar knowing everything is being handled for them. Their holiday, and their money, are safe.

For those that have chosen to DIY it’s a different picture. Incidents like this can unravel entire holidays - especially when missed transfers and check-in times jeopardise the entire trip. These guys have a lot of stress ahead of them - waiting on hold to airline call centres, attempting to rearrange transfers and make sure their room will still be there when they finally make it to their destination.

Whether it’s your honeymoon, wedding, anniversary, birthday or simply ‘it’s-been-too-long-since-we’ve-seen-the-sun’ trip - your holiday is important to you. By booking with us, you can always be assured that you’ll have someone there, day or night, to protect what you work so hard for through the rest of the year. ❤️

21/03/2025

🔥 Hot Right Now: Atacama Desert, Chile! 🇨🇱

Literally and metaphorically!

If you’re anything like us and love incredible landscapes, unique experiences and a bit of adventure, then you NEED to check out Chile’s Atacama Desert.

Known for its otherworldly landscapes, this place is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. You can soak in hot springs, float in salt pools and gaze at the most spectacular vistas during the day.

When the sun sets, the desert is the most wonderful spot for stargazing. 🌌

All of this, and you get to experience it from the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama.

If this sounds like your kind of trip, drop us a DM! We'd love to help you plan an experience that will stay with you forever 🙏

21/03/2025

🌴🍹🌺 Dreaming of a Maldives family holiday but worried about it breaking the bank?! It may not be as expensive as you think - check out this SUMMER 2025 FAMILY MALDIVES ALL INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY FROM £7,329 🤩🍍🏝️

This includes a 20% hotel discount and TWO free child places!!🤯🙌

Get ready for an unforgettable Maldives adventure where fun meets relaxation in the most spectacular way at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi! This vibrant resort isn’t just about stunning ocean views (though every room has one!)—it’s also home to a show-stopping underwater restaurant that will leave the whole family in awe.

Think chilled-out island vibes meets action-packed fun! DJs keep the energy high around the huge pool, while thrill-seekers can dive into an exciting world of watersports. Meanwhile, little explorers will love one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives, giving parents a chance to unwind (maybe at the self-pour wine dispensers in the buffet restaurant?

Stay in an Ocean View 2-Bedroom Family Room, just steps from the powder-soft sands. With two bathrooms and a bunk bedroom just for the kids, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and recharge.

Bonus Perks! Enjoy a 20% hotel discount, plus the best part? Kids stay for free!*

Pack your bags—it’s time for a splash-tastic family getaway!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• 7nts in an Ocean View 2 Bedroom Family Room

• All Inclusive Fushi Plan

• Speedboat Transfers

• Flights as detailed below

FROM £7,329 PER FAMILY
Based on selected departures in July & August 2025

Fly from Heathrow with Etihad from £7,329
Fly from Stansted with Emirates from £7,900
Fly from Birmingham with Emirates from £8,400
Fly from Manchester with Etihad from £8,139
Fly from Newcastle with Emirates from £8,669
Fly from Edinburgh with Emirates from £8,669
Fly from Glasgow with Emirates from £8,669
Fly from Dublin with Etihad from £7,915

Family price is based on 2 adults and 2 children aged from 2-11 years.

Family of 2 adults, 1 child aged 12 and over and one child aged 2-11 years price from £8,275.

These rooms cannot accommodate 2 adults & 2 older children.

For alternative dates, departure airports, airlines or durations or any other pricing queries just drop us a message 🥳

*2 children aged 2-11 years stay for free when sharing a room with 2 paying adults.

🌴🍹🌺 Just get in touch if you want to book your paradise island holiday! 🍍🌴🏝️

16/03/2025

There are plenty of misconceptions about touring holidays out there, but this is the biggest one of all...

Did you know?
They’re typically 30% CHEAPER than booking everything yourself!

Sounds crazy, right?

But it makes sense when you think about it:

Tour companies get better rates on hotels
They have exclusive access to experiences
Everything’s included – no hidden costs
Plus you get a local guide thrown in!

And the best bit – many tours are for small groups (8-12 people) now so you don’t need to be travelling with 50 other people to get those benefits.

And don’t forget to factor in all the time you save not having to plan everything yourself.

Intrigued to know more about touring holidays? Drop us a DM and let's plan your next great adventure! 🏔️

05/03/2025

⚠️ We’re playing travel bingo! Is your next trip on this list? ✈️

One of our top suppliers - Kuoni - have released stats on the top-selling destinations of 2025! Are you eyeing up any on this list? 👀

This list reflects a trend that we’ve noticed for increased demand across the industry for longer-haul adventures and multi-centre experiences as people seek more strongly for winter sunshine ☀️

The Maldives is out in front as number one on the best-sellers list, with Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bali, Antigua, Vietnam, Malaysia, the USA and South Africa respectively all in the top 10. Other trending destinations for the year ahead include India, Tanzania, Australia and the Seychelles, which are all seeing a rise in bookings since last year.

We’re also playing our own game of travel bingo with this list - we’ve booked travel to ALL of these destinations EXCEPT Antigua/Barbuda! So if you’re looking for a Caribbean escape - we’d love to hear from you! 🤩 Well, wherever you’re going we’d love to hear from you. But if you’re eyeing the Caribbean we’d just extra love to hear from you 😁

And if you do have your eyes on any of these locations - so do everyone else! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused, let us take the stress away and secure your perfect adventure before someone else nabs it! 🚀

04/03/2025

Are you someone that likes to see the world from the path less travelled? Do you want to really get under the skin of countries around the world; immersing yourself in different cultures and experiencing the world through the eyes of a local? If so - you’ll absolutely LOVE a touring holiday!

Touring holidays are the way to go if you want to see more, do more and experience more – why stick to one place when you can explore an entire region?

Picture this: hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, taking in those unreal views, then exploring the Sacred Valley. Or tackling part of the Annapurna Circuit before soaking up Nepal’s buzzing city life. Maybe food’s more your thing – how about eating your way through Italy? Or chasing cherry blossoms across Japan? Even a classic USA road trip down Route 66? The options really are endless!

Whether it’s a guided tour or a self-drive adventure, touring holidays take you beyond the usual. Expect hidden gems and local legends as par for the course - with an expert tour you’ll get under the skin of incredible places. And when you book with us, there’s no stress - just an epic trip filled with bucket-list experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Are you interested in trying a touring adventure but not sure where to start? You’re far from alone! Drop us a DM today and let’s find the perfect tour for you ✈️

01/03/2025

Why stand at the gate when you could be sipping champagne in the lounge?

Until Monday, I’m offering complimentary airport lounge access for up to 2 adults when you book any holiday with us!

Start your journey like a VIP with:

• Complimentary drinks and snacks
• Comfortable seating
• Free Wi-Fi
• Peaceful atmosphere
• Charging points
• Entertainment facilities

Make your holiday special from the second you step into the airport for no extra cost.

But hurry – this exclusive offer is only available for bookings made up to and including Monday! 🚨

💭 Drop us a DM to find out more about this exclusive offer and let’s start planning your perfect getaway

26/02/2025

No one wants that sinking feeling, when holiday excitement turns instantly to despair.

It's easy to think that it'll never happen to you, but holiday fraud happens, and more often than you would think.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

💸 It's really cheap! --> it's much cheaper than you'd expect to see without a clear or compelling reason.
📵 They won't speak to you on the phone --> They hide behind emails or messages and respond aggressively to reasonable questions
🔒 Use an ABTA-bonded travel agent! This is the easy one - you can guarantee you're fully protected and you don't have to do any extra research

And remember, if it looks too good to be true - it probably is!

We say that we make planning a holiday, feel like a holiday. That means relaxation and excitement - from beginning to end. We are (and always will be) ABTA-bonded. When you book your holiday with us, you can rest easy knowing that you, your money and your holiday are all fully protected 🔒

25/02/2025

Travelling should be fun, not exhausting! 😴

While you can't always overcome the effects of a 4am wake up to catch a flight, there are some easy health hacks that can keep you feeling your best while you’re away. From staying hydrated to sneaking in a quick stretch during your flight, anyone and everyone can do these to stay feeling great. 😃

Particularly if you might be eating and drinking a bit more 'loosely' than usual - these are some great things you can do around the edges to keep yourself from feeling lethargic as you travel.

Have you planned your travel for 2025 yet? Availability is now becoming extremely limited, especially for school holidays! There are still deals to be had if you know where to look - so if you're yet to get this year's travel locked in, drop us a DM now and let us make planning your holiday feel like a holiday!

24/02/2025

Hot Right Now: Cape Verde! 🔥

If you haven’t considered Cape Verde for your next holiday, you’re missing out on one of the most stunning, sun-soaked destinations out there!

This hidden gem off the west coast of Africa is rapidly becoming a super-popular destination for travellers looking for breathtaking beaches, rich history, and warm, welcoming locals - without the hefty price tag of more touristy spots!

🏖️ Why visit?
✔️ Endless golden beaches & crystal-clear waters
✔️ A mix of African, Portuguese & Brazilian influences—hello, amazing food & music!
✔️ Friendly locals who make you feel at home
✔️ Incredible value for money compared to more popular islands
✔️ Unique experiences, from hiking volcanoes to spotting sea turtles

Looking for a hidden gem? Head to São Nicolau—a paradise for nature lovers, with dramatic landscapes and off-the-beaten-path adventures! 🌿

Now really is the BEST time to plan a trip to Cape Verde - while it's rapidly gaining in popularity, it's still MUCH less tourist-heavy than places like Spain, Greece or the Canaries.

If this sounds right up your street, but you're not sure where to start, drop us a DM or a comment and we'll make planning your holiday feel like a holiday! ✈️

23/02/2025

🦒 JUST BOOKED - An incredible multi-centre adventure

We're so delighted to be sending one of our wonderful clients on a real bucket-list holiday - a perfect blend of awe-inspiring adventure and sun-drenched relaxation.

Beginning with a safari in sunny South Africa, they'll get up close and personal with ALL of the Big Five at the Welgevoden Private Game Reserve. This malaria-free reserve is a UNESCO-listed Waterbury Biosphere and plays host to super-rare wildlife species such as the brown hyena, pangolin, aardwolf and aardvark! 🐗

They'll enjoy a peaceful, secluded experience (the Reserve only allows a very limited number of guests at any one time!) set amongst the very best of South Africa's natural geography.

From there, they'll shift from African adventure to sun-soaked serenity on the dazzling northern coast of Mauritius at the Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa.

Resplendent with white sands, azure-blue waters and some of the best sunsets you'll see, sunbathers, swimmers and snorkelers will all find this a little corner of paradise.

Whether lounging the days away by the pool, snorkelling in the gentle sea or enjoying a luxurious spa day - this is a place to experience total tranquility and relaxation. 🏝️

Are you looking to book a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll remember forever, but are just overwhelmed with options, prices, countries and transport? We're on hand to make planning your perfect holiday, feel like a holiday!

Drop us a DM and let's explore how we can find you the adventure of your dreams ✈️

19/02/2025

🐣 Have you booked your Easter getaway yet?

If you haven't, NOW is the time to get on it!

Easter is one of THE BEST times to get away as a family - the weather is warming up very nicely across Europe, the prices are better than in the summer and the kids are off school for TWO WHOLE WEEKS.

More and more families are choosing to book a big getaway over Easter to make the most of the longer term break and help to make their money go further.

So, if you're still on the hunt for a cracker of an Easter getaway - look no further. We've written up EIGHT options for a fantastic family adventure to make the most of the Easter holidays.

Grab the link to the blog post in the comments below! 👇

And if you're overwhelmed by all the options available and are looking to make planning your Easter holiday feel as stress-free as the holiday itself, then drop us a DM. We'll take care of everything to secure your perfect Easter holiday while you dream of warm sunshine and happy kids! 📲