Samm Avis Travel Counsellor

16/11/2024

Ready to explore more in 2025? 🚢✨

From luxury cruises in the Galapagos to the serenity of the newly reopened Cyprus' Thalassa Boutique Hotel, brand new adventure awaits at every corner.

Get in touch with me today learn more about these exciting experiences and let me plan your unforgettable 2025 adventure.



14/11/2024

It's happy client Thursday and today's feedback is from a repeat client who's also recommended me to her family.

"Using Samm's services for the first time this year was a game changer for me. She took the time to understand exactly what we wanted from our City break in Italy, from relaxation to adventure, and created a personalised itinerary. We didn't have to worry about a thing—the flights, trains, hotels and activities were perfectly coordinated. On our recommendation, she has also supported our daughters with holiday and travel plans too! We've already booked our 2025 holiday with Samm and would highly recommend her."

The trip I've booked for my client looks amazing, taking in Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Pompeii and then some chill time on the Island of Ischia.

Travel Counsellors

11/11/2024

10/11/2024

I'm excited as I'll be heading off to Iceland shortly! It's an action packed trip taking in the following:

• Hafnarfjordur - hoping to see Whales from the harbour and visit the Viking museum
• Reykjavik - embarking on a traditional Icelandic food lovers tour ... not sure I can stomach fermented shark!! And a tour of Reykjavik learning about their culture and history
• Thingvellir National Park and Selfoss - learning about the historical and geological importance
• Staying 2 nights in 'the middle of nowhere' to hopefully watch the Northern Lights
• Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss - exploring the South Shore and waterfalls including the volcano
• Golden Circle: Gullfoss waterfalls and Strokkur Geysir - seeing some of Iceland's most iconic sights
• Whale watching boat cruise

Have you been to Iceland? I've been before nearly 10 years ago and knew then I'd go back as there is so much more to explore!

Follow me on social media to see what I get up to ...

09/11/2024

In 2025, the world is your oyster! New flight routes are opening up amazing destinations and new and improved luxurious hotels are just waiting for you to discover them. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean to the stunning skyline of Dubai, our handpicked selections are perfect for all.

Whether you're a family on the hunt for your next adventure or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, there's something for everyone! Where will you explore next? 🌴🏖️❤️

07/11/2024

It's happy client Thursday and today's feedback is from a lovely honeymoon couple who are just back from Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

"Thank you so much for making our honeymoon dreams come to life. We had the best time ever and have made memories to last a lifetime."

So pleased they had an amazing time. Pictures look fantastic.

Thank you for my lovely 'thank you' flowers, they're lovely and very much appreciated.

Client photos used with their permission.

Travel Counsellors

05/11/2024

Lesser-Known Christmas Markets travel inspiration

Please contact me if you want to know more

02/11/2024

Already thinking about the memories you'll make in 2025? 🌍✈️

I'm here to help you plan those unforgettable adventures, tailored just for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, let's make it a trip to remember.

Don't wait for the January rush, with our easy payment plans you can start that holiday countdown now!



31/10/2024

Happy Halloween!

It's happy client Thursday and here's feedback from a family who are in Disneyland Paris for Halloween:

"You have made the process very easy and straight forward! Thank you Samm!"

Hope they have a spook-tacular time!

28/10/2024

Halloween - 31st October - Spooky places to visit 👻

Ready for your next spine-chilling adventure this Halloween? 🎃

From the vampire legends of Transylvania to the haunted halls of Edinburgh, see my spookiest destinations just for you! Explore eerie castles, join ghost tours, and experience vibrant celebrations like Mexico City's Day of the Dead.

I'm ready to plan your perfect escape, taking care of all the details so you can enjoy the excitement.

24/10/2024

It's happy client Thursday and today's feedback is from a lovely repeat client of mine:

"Excellent personalised service. No holiday too big or small! We've booked honeymoon, spa break and all inclusive get aways!"

Happy to help!

17/10/2024

It's happy client Thursday and today's feedback is from another networking friend who's book a holiday of a lifetime to Japan:

"I’m so excited - Samm Avis Travel Counsellor has booked us the trip of a lifetime next year. She’s brilliant. Thanks so so much Samm x"

This trip sounds amazing and defo on my bucket list!

10/10/2024

It's happy client Thursday and here's feedback from one of my networking friends who booked a trip to Iceland with me:

"Big shout out to Samm Avis Travel Counsellor - just come back from a little break away. Packed in so much stuff in those 5 days but still came back feeling like I had a holiday. Everything went really well and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. And found plenty left to do for next time 😜"

Sounds fab! I'm going to Iceland in November so can't wait!

Travel Counsellors

07/10/2024

Why the Philippines is a special place for me ...

I’ve just booked a couple a fabulous holiday to the Philippines. It’s not very often I get asked about booking Philippines holidays and if I suggest the Philippines as a holiday inspiration I usually get pushed back. I loved putting the itinerary together and reminiscing about the places I’d visited in my twenties.

When I left University in my early twenties (obviously not over 25 years ago!!) I didn’t know what to do so decided to head to the Philippines. My Dad had business contacts and he usually made a couple of trips to the Philippines on business each year and I had been once when I was about 12 years old and knew a lot about if from my Dad’s stories.

So I rocked up in Manila and was met by a lovely Chinese family who were going to let me stay and then I was going to get some work experience at a company called Herway/ Altenee which was similar to Avon cosmetics. I arrived off a long flight where I’d pretty much slept the entire flight and got an applause as I woke up from the people around me. I disembarked and waited ages for my luggage, but it didn’t arrive, so I reported it and then headed out to meet the family. They were quite surprised how light I had travelled … so that immediately broke the ice as we laughed together that I had no luggage. They offered to lend me stuff to get me started and the airline promised to deliver my luggage as soon as it arrived. So I made do for a few days as the family were all very petite but I didn’t have a choice. My luggage did arrive a few days later so that was great.

I enjoyed working in marketing at Herway/ Altenee and ended up travelling about with the president of the company promoting the new marketing incentives. I think I managed to visit about 15 different islands, there are about 7000 in total so not a great percentage. I also managed to head up north of Manila to Bagio and Banaue to see the rice fields. It was pretty cold up there. I also visited Tagaytay, an active volcano on a beautiful lake.

One of my favourite islands was when my Mum came to visit with my Dad. My Dad headed somewhere else on business, so my Mum and I decided to head to Bohol, known for the chocolate hills. That’s because they look like chocolate not because they grow chocolate. It was lovely, we got to see big eyed monkeys and took a boat trip down the river with a barbeque on board. One of my worse moments was attending a conference in Mindanao at the offices and not feeling very well. I didn’t want to be rude by not eating the amazing spread of food that had been put on for us but my tummy was really churning. I tried to be polite but eventually I had to run out to the street to be sick. It was a really busy street, and I was definitely one of the first white people that locals had ever seen so they just stared at me. Not my finest moment!

The trip I have booked for my client is flying to Manila on NYE for 2 nights then taking a flight to Boracay, stunning white sand beaches and great nightlife, for 5 nights then taking a short flight over to El Nido to stay on another beach for 6 nights, known for its white sandy beaches and amazing coral reefs, great place for diving. I’ve included a couple of island-hopping excursions with lunch at both Boracay and El Nido. Then they fly home via Manila. I am sure they’ll have an amazing time. It’s also a surprise for my client’s partner so I hope he’ll be over the moon.

Want to know more about the Philippines? Ask away … it’s a great alternative to the more touristy spots of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
[email protected]
01268 840105

Travel Counsellors

03/10/2024

It's happy client Thursday and today's feedback is from a new client who is currently in Corfu on their amazing holiday, hopefully relaxing.

"Patient, efficiency, very knowledgeable"

Great to know!

Want to book a holiday?
[email protected]
01268 840105

30/09/2024

I had a ship visit last week on Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience ship. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised at how lovely the ship was. Ambassadors key selling points are affordable quality and friendliest ship at sea, I totally agree. The food was amazing and there are some beautiful lounges and bars on the ship.

It took me 25 mins to drive from Rayleigh, Essex to Tilbury port then boarding was quick and easy.

There are lots of options for short or long cruises from Tilbury as follows:
• Festive Tilbury Taster – 2 nights
• Amsterdam or Amsterdam and Antwerp city break - 3 night
• A taste of Ireland – 4 nights
• German and Dutch festive sailing – 5 nights
• Denmark and Norway experience – 7 nights
• Summertime Fjords – 7 nights
• Iberian Multi-generational adventure – 12 nights
• Norway’s land of the Northern Lights – 14 nights
• Canaries, Cape Verde and Morocco – 23 nights
• Cuba and the treasures of the west indies – 45 nights

Prices start from £175pp (or £278pp with drinks and gratuities included) which includes port taxes, porterage of luggage, spa access, use of gym, fitness and wellness classes, amazing entertainment, comfortable accommodation and exceptional full board cuisine.

If you’re interested to know more please get in touch:
[email protected]
01268 840105

Travel Counsellors

26/09/2024

It's happy client Thursday and here's some feedback from a new client who I booked a flight and transfer in Turkey.

"Samm has been brilliant - answering all my questions and been really helpful advising us on our holiday. I am really looking forward to it."

Happy to help! No request too big or small!

23/09/2024

Singapore ... is it just a stopover or standalone holiday?

A vibrant, utterly intoxicating metropolis but one also blessed with lots of eco-friendly open spaces, Singapore is always one of the top destinations to visit for a variety of travellers.

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. To get you started, here are some ideas to help you promote the destination to customers.

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.