Paul Sharp - Travel Counsellors

Paul Sharp - Travel Counsellors All things travel. Highly rated, trusted expert. Personal service, 29 yrs industry experience

I’m a big fan of both visiting and advocating for less well known destinations and 20 years ago I visited Pakistan. Grea...
08/02/2025

I’m a big fan of both visiting and advocating for less well known destinations and 20 years ago I visited Pakistan. Great news is now you can too. We’ve now got trips in Pakistan with our partners ! 🇵🇰🎉

Get ready to explore a land of epic adventures and stunning landscapes - think snow-capped peaks, towering glaciers, and lush green meadows.

These two brand-new Active trips are all about challenging yourself in the best way possible, including hiking the ancient Thallay La Trail while supporting local communities along the way. 🏔️

Join a small group of like-minded adventurers, led by your expert local guide, and create memories and moments that can fill up a scrapbook (or two!). From breathtaking views to that sweet feeling of accomplishment, this is one journey you won’t forget.

Want in? Get in touch for tour details and a personalised quote

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Sunshine holidays are fab, but so too is wrapping up warm for a snowy winter city break. I have booked three this week a...
07/02/2025

Sunshine holidays are fab, but so too is wrapping up warm for a snowy winter city break. I have booked three this week already to Oslo, New York and Boston (incidentally cities I’ve been to myself so I can advise based on first hand experience)

For inspiration for what to do on a trip to Oslo, check out this website:
https://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/10-suggestions/winter-day/

New York is great at any time but, in winter, even if the temperatures are low in New York they celebrate “No pants on the subway” the day each January in which New Yorkers travel in their underwear on the metro! 😂😱
In January Martin Luther King is celebrated.
Also in January, the Boat Show opens at the Javits Center. Feeling peckish, The Restaurant Week - Winter Season is a great time to be in the city and take advantage of many discounts.
Valentines Day is big in the US. Thinking of popping the question? The Big Apple couldn’t be a better place to do it!
For Opera lovers the Met Opera with the new program generally begins in February, as does the iconic Fashion Week.
Chinese New Year in February is celebrated with the Chinatown Parade which is not to be missed!

Experience winter wonder in Boston with inviting igloos and outdoor skating rinks, a calendar full of wine festivals, sporting events, performing arts, culinary activations and more. Even the Make way for Duckings sculpture by Nancy Schön, which recreates the duck family in Robert McCloskey’s children’s classic Make Way for Ducklings, gets a makeover for winter months.

If you want to plan a winter city break, get in touch for a tailor made quote

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Have you wanted to try snorkelling or scuba diving but you don’t want the price tag of the Maldives or the travel time o...
05/02/2025

Have you wanted to try snorkelling or scuba diving but you don’t want the price tag of the Maldives or the travel time of the Great Barrier Reef (both of which are amazing if you do) I can guarantee I can make your budget go further.

The Fort Arabesque Resort & Spa is situated in Makadi Bay, about 25 minutes’ drive from the airport in Hurghada. The shopping and nightlife of Hurghada can be reached by the hotel shuttle bus or limousine service. The modern beach resort of Makadi Bay is situated in a beautiful natural bay that boasts long sandy beaches and a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

Makadi Bay is a great choice for those looking for a tranquil location with the superb convenience of some lovely house reef diving, plus a wider choice of the best of the Hurghada and Safaga dive sites.

Learning to Dive?

The gently shelving sandy beach directly in front of the dive centre offers the perfect place to practise diving skills for beginners.

A variety of sites suitable for novice divers can also be reached by boats from Makadi Bay. The Tobia reefs, or the Seven Pinnacles as they are often known, are particularly stunning and boast beautifully coloured corals and a huge variety of fish.

Qualified diver? This area of the Red Sea offers some exciting and less discovered dive sites ideal for more experienced divers.

With flights from numerous UK airports to Hurghada this is the perfect spot for budget friendly diving holidays

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

It’s true. I do. I have worked in travel since the mid-1990s and travelled extensively (at the last count I had travelle...
05/02/2025

It’s true. I do.

I have worked in travel since the mid-1990s and travelled extensively (at the last count I had travelled to 60+ countries globally). My experiences mean I am well placed to help plan your dream trips whatever they may be. I have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visited powder white beaches of Mauritius, The Maldives, the Caribbean and Zanzibar, safari in Kenya and South Africa, trekked in rainforests in Thailand, kayaked in Vietnam, had sundowners with the hippos on the Zambezi to iconic rail journeys in Canada, not to mention visits to many destinations in Europe, Africa and the USA. The list genuinely only scratches the surface in terms of where my travels have taken me.

As my client, you are truly at the centre of everything I do. I take time to understand your needs and find out what is most important to you. I am not incentivised to sell certain suppliers or products - my focus is on what is right for you. Being part of the Travel Counsellors family means I have access to countless options all of which can be booked safe in the knowledge that every penny you spend with me is 100% financially protected.

I will happily share my experience and knowledge to tailor-make your perfect trip. No scrolling through countless websites, and unlike booking through a traditional travel agency with limited options and set opening hours, I am available at times most convenient to you.

So if you are ready to plan a trip, send me an email, or call me from the comfort of your home to discuss your requirements, safe in the knowledge you will be receiving the very best, genuine and knowledgeable service.

I hope to hear from you soon!

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

I try and keep it classy on here, and not vent or call people out but enough is enough. If you listened to recently I j...
31/01/2025

I try and keep it classy on here, and not vent or call people out but enough is enough. If you listened to recently I just want to set you right on a few things (listen up Jeremy!)

Travel Agents on a recent phone in were repeatedly blamed for hiking travel prices in the school holidays. This is factually incorrect. We don’t and we can’t and also why would we want to put people off booking with us.

Pricing is set by hotels, airlines and tour operators, not by agents and it is based on supply and demand. What Mr Vine said was factually incorrect and it damages our reputation.

My advice is always to book early, have a realistic budget that you share (we are not mind readers) and work with independent agents like me, who are not tied to specific operators and suppliers and have a vested interest in finding you what you want and taking care of you
Maybe should speak with his researchers while I listen to Spotify or Smooth FM 🤣🤣

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Tblisi. The capital of Georgia should definitely be on your “book-it” list for 2025.A fascinating city that blends ultra...
30/01/2025

Tblisi. The capital of Georgia should definitely be on your “book-it” list for 2025.

A fascinating city that blends ultra modern with cobbled streets in the old town and the Caucasus Mountains just on the doorstep. Covering an area 7 times larger than Paris, take in views of the city from a cable car. It’s a spa city too. Visit the Abanotubani neighbourhood to bathe in natural hot springs or open air swim in one of the city’s three lakes.
The city is also a paradise for shoppers. The Dry Bridge Market is great for shopping and people watching.
If all of this works up a hunger, food is central to Georgian culture and excellent too, as is Georgian wine which has been made for millennia, orange wine a speciality. The ultra modern Bridge of Peace opened in 2010 as a sign of unity between Georgian people is fitted with thousands of LED lights that put on a show every hour!
After all that exploring, if you’re ready for a good nights sleep in stunning surroundings, my recommendation is the Bazzar Boutique Hotel, with its cool, modern interior, just 700 metres from Freedom Square

Want to experience Georgia in 2025? Get in touch to start planning

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

** 30th January 2025 **I’m having a day off (first one this year!)If you have a quote open at the moment and you want to...
29/01/2025

** 30th January 2025 **

I’m having a day off (first one this year!)
If you have a quote open at the moment and you want to confirm it, I will be working this evening, alternatively I will be at my desk on Friday morning.

As always I will be available tomorrow in case of emergencies but for any new enquiries, I will be working on those on Friday January 31st.

Thank you!

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

I know. I’m saying it again, but this is worth a readThe consumer body Which? analysed prices of over 8000 European pack...
27/01/2025

I know. I’m saying it again, but this is worth a read

The consumer body Which? analysed prices of over 8000 European package holidays comparing costs in January 2024 for August 2024 departures versus prices in January 2025 for August 2025 departures. Prices have risen on average 4.2% due to continued high demand, rising energy costs for hotels, aviation fuel prices and delays in new aircraft deliveries.

Which? Travel Editor, Rory Boland is quoted as saying “book early. Now is the best time to get the cheapest prices on summer holidays”

With school holiday dates being pretty static every year, if this is when you need to go, it’s the easiest one to plan ahead for, and book with a low deposit in many cases.

2026 is already on sale so book early and make your money go further.

Leave it late and you pay more. Last minute “deals” are no longer, so the early bird catches the….best price and choice!

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Most visitors to Indonesia flock to Bali, but if you’re looking for something less prevalent on the tourist map, you sho...
26/01/2025

Most visitors to Indonesia flock to Bali, but if you’re looking for something less prevalent on the tourist map, you should be considering Lombok.

Lombok with many isolated white sand beaches, friendly local people, tasty food and fantastic wildlife is easy to get to with flights from many cities in Indonesia to Lombok as well as from major gateways such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, make it perfect as a twin centre destination.

Where to stay? Lombok is a relatively large island with almost endless options for accommodations. We personally recommend staying in Senggigi and the surrounding area.

Want to turn a two centre into a three centre trip? Yes? The Gili islands needs to be on your radar. These three islands are only 20 minutes away from Lombok by boat: Gili Trawangan, the main island, Gili Meno and Gili Air, and are popular for scuba diving and snorkeling but also for relaxing.

Indonesia, like a lot of Asia, is a great value option too while it costs more to get there than Europe, when you’re there the cost of living is very reasonable

Interested? I’ve travelled extensively in Asia and I can help plan your perfect trip!

Get in touch to start planning

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Unlike the sofa and carpet industry where the January “sales” are still on in July, in travel they will end on the 31st ...
25/01/2025

Unlike the sofa and carpet industry where the January “sales” are still on in July, in travel they will end on the 31st in many cases, so next week is a good week to book!

I always pass on the best rates I can get when tailor making a package or using trusted suppliers, no matter what time of year it is, but any outstanding quotes I’ve recently prepared may include special rates that will not be around soon.

Next week I will be working on new enquiries on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Get in touch to start planning your next trip

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Essential Argentina and BrazilFrom Buenos Aires’ tango culture to Iguazu’s cascading waterfalls and the lively shores of...
25/01/2025

Essential Argentina and Brazil

From Buenos Aires’ tango culture to Iguazu’s cascading waterfalls and the lively shores of Rio, experience two of South America’s most iconic destinations in one unforgettable trip

* 9 nights from £2,995 per person

* Based on 2 adults sharing accommodation

* Includes flights and transfers

* Includes daily excursions, such as a guided tour of Buenos Aires’ historic landmarks, a tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel, full-day exploration of Iguazu Falls, and a visit to Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Contact me for a tailor made quote

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

It’s a bit windy out today isn’t it? (I’m sure you noticed 😂) but for any windsurfing or kite surfing fans that’s exactl...
24/01/2025

It’s a bit windy out today isn’t it? (I’m sure you noticed 😂) but for any windsurfing or kite surfing fans that’s exactly what you want when you travel.
Interested in doing some windsurfing or kite surfing on holiday?
Be it far flung places or a bit closer to home, here are my top recommendations:

🇪🇸 Fuerteventura, Spain
🇧🇶 🇨🇼 🇦🇼 Bonaire, Curacao & Aruba
🇺🇸 Maui, Hawaii
🇵🇭 Boracay, Philippines
🇨🇻 Cape Verde
🇲🇦 Essaouira & Taghazout, Morocco
🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
🇵🇪 Paracas, Peru

Adventure and touring and multi centre trips are my speciality so get in touch to plan and book

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Where might you consider for a holiday in December? Hers are three of my top picks🇨🇷 Costa Rica - beautiful scenery, ama...
24/01/2025

Where might you consider for a holiday in December? Hers are three of my top picks

🇨🇷 Costa Rica - beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife and beaches as well as lots of festivals and parades over the Christmas season

🇯🇵 Japan - particularly Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and ski areas. Rugged Daisetsuzan National Park is home to steaming, volcanic Mount Asahi. Shikotsu-Tōya National Park contains caldera lakes, geothermal springs and a Mount Fuji look-alike, Mount Yōtei. Popular ski resorts include Rusutsu, Furano and Niseko.

🇩🇪 Germany - nowhere for Christmas quite like it. No matter where you go in December you’ll be treated to some amazing Christmas markets, twinkling lights and the smell of spices and gluhwein

No matter where you want to travel to, or where you want to go, plan and book as far in advance as you can for the best value and choice

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Still time to save on spectacular tours with Book with me by 31 January 2025 and you can save up to £250 per person on...
23/01/2025

Still time to save on spectacular tours with

Book with me by 31 January 2025 and you can save up to £250 per person on all long-haul group tours worldwide, and £150 per person on all Europe group tours.*

Find out more about tours on offer at : https://www.coxandkings.co.uk/campaign/2025/curious

*Terms & Conditions apply

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

23/01/2025

If you haven’t booked with me yet, check out this lovely feedback received this morning from two of my clients who regularly do.

If you, or someone you know, are looking for your custom to be truly appreciated, if you don’t want to be treated as just another booking reference or transaction and you want to benefit from my 30 years experience in the travel industry, I would love to be able to help you

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Kenya is calling!Get ready for a wild adventure with this 7-day safari focused on big cats and the iconic Big Five. Expl...
22/01/2025

Kenya is calling!

Get ready for a wild adventure with this 7-day safari focused on big cats and the iconic Big Five. Explore two of the Great Rift Valley’s stunning lakes. Then, hop on a flight across the plains to a luxurious tented camp in the Maasai Mara!

Start your journey with a night in Nairobi before heading to Loldia House, a charming farmhouse on a private 6,500-acre farm, where you might spot a leopard out hunting or hear hippos munching on the lawn. Next, visit Lake Nakuru, famous for its pink flamingos and surrounded by a national park full of lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, and the elusive black rhino.

Then, it’s off to Governor’s Camp in the heart of the Maasai Mara Reserve. This is the place to be for wildlife spotting, with 2-3 game drives a day, led by expert local guides who know all the best spots. It’s no wonder the BBC chose this area for filming the Big Cat Diaries.

Your safari includes a hot air balloon ride over the Mara and fast-track arrival at Nairobi airport. A truly unforgettable experience awaits!

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• 1 night at Eka Hotel, Nairobi - Bed & Breakfast

• 2 nights at Loldia House - Full Board including Drinks

• 3 nights at Governors Camp - Full Board including Drinks

• Transfers and domestic flights as required

• Safari activities including game drives at Loldia House and Governors Camp

• All park fees, taxes and conservation fees

• Free Fast-Track arrival at Nairobi Airport

• Free Maasai Mara Hot Air Balloon ride

From £3,650 per person
Based on selected departures in May 2025

Fly from Heathrow with Qatar Airways from £3,650pp
Fly from Birmingham with Qatar Airways from £3,899pp
Fly from Manchester with Qatar Airways from £3,705pp
FLy from Newcastle with British Airways from £3,959pp
Fly from Edinburgh with Qatar Airways from £3,785pp

BOOK BY FEBRUARY 17TH

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Explore the wonders of Egypt and travel back in time to the land of pharaohs and pyramids. This tour with will take you...
22/01/2025

Explore the wonders of Egypt and travel back in time to the land of pharaohs and pyramids.

This tour with will take you from Cairo to Aswan takes you along the majestic Nile River, uncovering millennia of history and monumental architecture.

Highlights include the Great Pyramids of Giza, a Nile cruise and The Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor and Karnak temples and the Philae Temple in Aswan

This awe inspiring trip costs from just £2995 per person for 7 nights based on departure on 4 Dec 2026.

Get in touch for a tailor made quote

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

January and February; the busiest time for booking travel, and I want to say thank you for your enquiries!If you’re look...
22/01/2025

January and February; the busiest time for booking travel, and I want to say thank you for your enquiries!

If you’re looking at a holiday currently, the chances are someone else will be looking at the same thing. Availability and prices change rapidly, so if you’re enquiring with a view to booking in a few days (or weeks) the likelihood is the holiday cost will have changed by then or gone altogether, so if we find something you like, our advice is always to book it!

Unlike some of the online travel price comparison sites, I use live availability and supply and demand dictates the costs.

Also every enquiry is carefully researched and put together manually using care and my many years experience and expertise, so this can sometimes take time, particularly at peak booking periods.

I don’t charge a booking fee, I earn commission from suppliers that’s paid only when bookings are confirmed and physically travel, so all the research I do, is a complimentary service.

☎️0191-381-0025
📧[email protected]
📧[email protected]
🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp

Address

Kingswood Avenue, High West Jesmond
Newcastle
NE23NS

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

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+441913810025

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Videos

Apologies about the post gym scruffiness but here is a short video with useful information if you are travelling to Greece. Rest assured if you have plans to travel and your trip is impacted by the current situation I will be in contact with you to discuss your options.

Just about to shut up shop after a busy day. Thank you as always for your bookings and enquiries. When thoughts turn to travel, think of me. I would love the opportunity to provide a quote for your next trip. When you work with me you get the care of a small business, but the backing of a market leader through my relationship with the award winning @travelcounsellors Here is to another busy day tomorrow planning and booking your dream trips. ☎️0191-381-0025. 📧[email protected]🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp #independenttravelagent #newcastleupontyne #travelgram #instatravel #letsgettravelling #travelmadesimple #smallbusiness #newcastlebusiness #travelagent

I pride myself on being totally transparent with customers when it comes to booking a holiday. When it comes to getting the best deals I always encourage early booking. Why? Unlike lots of traditional travel agents who get paid a salary, I don’t have any sales targets to achieve each month. I get paid a % commission from suppliers that’s paid when your holiday is finished (so if you’re booking now for 2023 or 2024 I get no payment until then, it’s a totally free service) The closer to date of departure the more the price increases (so you would think I would be encouraging late booking wouldn’t you?) No. that’s not how I work. My focus is on you and getting you the best range of options at the best possible price that you can secure with a low deposit in most cases and pay off at your leisure with no additional cost. With a focus on the pennies these days, the earlier you can plan the better the rates will be. If you want to talk travel, I would love to help you and I make myself available at times that suit you best. Your independent, impartial travel agent 😀 ☎️0191-381-0025 📧[email protected] 🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp #supportlocal #newcastletravelagent #jesmond #personalservice #savemoney #letsgettravelling #travelmadesimple

I love the sunshine! I like having a suntan. Today I have had a lesion removed as a result of that 🙄 The dermatologist did not say stay out of the sun but she did remind me of the importance of using sunscreen. As we get back on our long overdue holidays, slap on plenty of the ol’ factor 50 and save a totally avoidable appointment with our already stretched NHS! ☎️0191-381-0025 📧[email protected] 🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp #travelbetter #travelsafe #sunsafe #sunscreen #thankyounhs #nivea #pizbuin #larocheposay #futuretravel #useatravelagent #travelagentsrock #newcastlebusiness #jesmond #highwestjesmond #gosforth #travelcounsellors #nclfirstclass #trustedtravel

*THANK YOU* I’m so grateful for all your queries over the weekend. I’m working through my list as quickly as I can and I will be back to you as soon as I can! Promise! 😊

I regularly tell you on here that I’m always available and that’s no exaggeration. Last night I quoted for a Bali honeymoon at 11pm and this morning I’ve flown to Southampton and I am making bookings while on a train! I am always acutely aware that you have a choice where you can book. I never profess to always be the cheapest (albeit Im competitive) but I am the best if you value service, expertise and care. As a self employed travel specialist, providing excellent service and trusted advice at times that suit you is the basis of my business. If I have WiFi I can work and I’m always just a call, email or WhatsApp away. No confusing websites, no queuing for faceless contact centres. You are never just a number to me. I care, and as we say at Travel Counsellors; “with us it’s personal” ☎️0191-381-0025 📧[email protected] 🌍www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.sharp #travelbetter #icare #futuretravel #useatravelagent #travelagentsrock #newcastlebusiness #jesmond #highwestjesmond #gosforth #travelcounsellors #nclfirstclass #honeymoon #trustedtravel #financialprotection #ATOLprotected

It’s an exciting day; customers are travelling! We are seeing lots of new queries and bookings which shows greater confidence in travel, but if you’re still a bit nervous, I can help and get you on your well deserved, and long overdue holidays

I’m feeling pretty relaxed now I must say, and very grateful to be on holiday (I admit I took it massively for granted in the past) As I’m listening to the waves and the cicadas it makes the various testing protocols and the few days isolating when back at home all worth it. Having been through the process myself now I am in a great position to guide you (booking online won’t give you that insight and confidence) so when I’m back if you want to discuss your plans, let’s chat. Until July 7th though, I will mostly be watching this… ☎️0191-381-0025 📧[email protected] #postcovidtravel #Corfu #travelisgoodforthesoul #relax #luxuryholidays #dosomethingdifferent #travelcounsellors #tcexperience #newcastle #jesmond #gosforth #highwestjesmond #nclfirstclass #mynortheasthome

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