Katherine Hobbs - Travel Counsellors

31/07/2024

Beautiful sunny day in Cornwall! ☀️

Treating myself to a midweek day off after an incredibly busy July, booking lots of lovely holidays for my clients. ✈️

26/03/2024

Great news for my south coast customers! 🎉

✈ WE'VE LANDED IN BOURNEMOUTH ✈

Book our award-winning flights and holidays from Bournemouth Airport NOW for summer 2025!

You've got the choice of 16 superbly sunny destinations, including multiple weekly flights to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Turkey, Greece and MORE!

Psst: The first 1,000 bookings get FREE airport fast-track passes! 🎫🎫

Find out more here: http://spr.ly/6189ZugqJ

16/03/2024

Apparently, as a business owner, I’m meant to post regularly on social media to gather followers and grow my business. I’ve let that slip recently, not because I’ve packed it all in, but because my lovely clients have kept me so busy booking holidays for them! These are some of the trips that I’ve been busy arranging over the past few weeks:

⭐ An all-inclusive family holiday to Mexico
⭐ A once in a lifetime trip on the Orient Express
⭐ Various ski trips (including two for myself!)
⭐ An exciting two week tour of Colombia
⭐ European breaks to Mallorca, Croatia, Kefalonia, Lanzarote and Malta
⭐ A transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Texas (via the Caribbean)
⭐ Some spring sunshine in the Cape Verde Islands
⭐ Flights to Sri Lanka and New Zealand to visit family and friends
⭐ A 7 night Caribbean cruise on board the brand new Disney Treasure, with stops in the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas

Things are beginning to quieten down now, so if you’re looking for a May half term trip, thinking about booking your summer holiday, or planning further ahead, give me a call and you’ll have my undivided attention!

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

21/01/2024

January. A crazy busy month in the travel industry as everyone wants to book a holiday after Christmas. So I’ve probably been hunkered down, working hard and making hay while the sun’s not shining?

Hmm, not quite…

Back at my desk tomorrow so get in touch if you’re in need of a holiday of your own.

☎️ 01803 370072

💻 [email protected]

31/12/2023

As 2023 comes to an end, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported my new travel business this year.

Everyone who has booked a holiday (or multiple holidays in some cases), shared my Facebook posts, recommended me to friends, family and colleagues - I appreciate it all!

Thanks to your support, I have sold a quarter of a million £s worth of holidays in my first 10 months, and have sent clients on amazing holidays all round the world.

I couldn’t be happier with how things are going so far, but to make this a viable long term business I’m going to need to step up a gear next year. My target for 2024 is to double my sales, so please keep the support going. I can’t do it without you!! ❤️

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and may 2024 bring you lots of travel and adventures (preferably booked through me! 😄) 🎉🎉

25/12/2023

18/12/2023

Had a great night at Claridges on Friday celebrating Caribtours’ 2024 brochure launch and gala awards dinner.

I was too busy socialising to take loads of photos … main course was half eaten before I remembered the obligatory photo, but I can confirm it was delicious!

I loved catching up with my former colleagues and friends - thank you Caribtours for not forgetting about me! ❤️

06/12/2023

A Big 5 safari and a visit to Victoria Falls, please!

That was the very short brief from a customer recently! Luckily this family has travelled with me before so I know their likes and dislikes, and together with Travel Counsellors' brilliant team in Africa, I've put a trip together for them that I know they are going to absolutely love.

Their itinerary includes:
- 4 nights at the Rhino Post Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park, South Africa
- 3 nights at Chobe Elephant Camp in Botswana
- 3 nights at the Bayete Guest Lodge in Victoria Falls

All international flights, domestic flights and transfers are included, as well as two game drives per day in South Africa and game viewing by jeep, boat and canoe in Botswana.

Optional activities in Victoria Falls include helicopter flights over the falls, boat trips on the Zambezi River, white water rafting and bunging jumping if they dare!

I love putting these big trips together for people, so if you're considering a bucket list holiday for 2024 (safari or otherwise), get in touch and let me help you start turning those vague ideas into reality!

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

26/11/2023

What an incredible star-studded weekend at the annual Travel Counsellors conference! Celebrated colleagues' achievements, met some of our fantastic suppliers, and got inspired by amazing speakers like Sara Davies from Dragons Den, Louis Theroux, Ellie Simmonds, and Fearne Cotton—all hosted by the brilliant Vernon Kay. 🌟

11/11/2023

My colleague Karen is hosting a 3 night trip to Lapland in February. It’ll be a fun few days so give me a call if you’re interested in joining. ❄️

31/10/2023

So... the clocks have gone back, the days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer. It's official, winter is coming.

But it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom; just pop some Vitamin D, embrace the changing of the seasons and book yourself a winter holiday!

⭐ Get into the festive spirit with a Christmas market city break.
Copenhagen is my favourite as the Tivoli Gardens has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, as well as an amusement park and a magical light display. But there are plenty of other options all round Europe. Prague, Berlin, Vienna, Krakow, Tallin...the festive list goes on.

⭐ Go northern light hunting.
One of my favourite holidays was a February trip to a remote part of Finland. With so little light pollution the night skies here are spectacular, so you have the best chance of seeing the Aurora. There's also the opportunity to have a go at dog sledding, snow mobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing and loads more.

⭐ Book a ski trip.
Getting up into the mountains is good for the soul and if you're a skiier the approach of winter is an exciting time. I've already got holidays to the French Alps and the Canadian Rockies booked for 2024 so there definitely won't be any winter blues in this house!

⭐ Head south.
If I really can't persuade you that winter can be fun, just remember that it's summer in the southern hemisphere, and it's always summer in the tropics. This is a great time to head to New Zealand, Australia, South America and the Caribbean.

Whether you're looking to escape the winter or to embrace it, give me a call for help and advice with your holiday plans.

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

26/10/2023

Five years ago today I was coming to the end of an amazing 10 week island hopping trip around the South Pacific. Taking in Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Bora Bora and a couple of the outer French Polynesian islands, it was an unforgettable few weeks.

If the South Pacific Islands are on your bucket list (and they absolutely should be!) get in touch to start planning your trip of a lifetime.

☎️ 01803 370073

💻 [email protected]

30/09/2023

Well that’s September done, and what a busy month it has been! I have...

⭐Enjoyed a brilliant long weekend in Mallorca catching up with friends
⭐Attended my twin goddaughter’s 7th birthday party
⭐Watched the start of the Ocean Globe Yacht Race on the Isle of Wight
⭐Finally found out whodunnit in The Mousetrap
⭐Successfully completed my RYA Level 2 Powerboat and VHF Radio courses
⭐Attended two excellent supplier training events in Exeter
⭐Received a surprise invitation to the Caribtours Gala Awards Dinner at Claridges
⭐AND had my best Travel Counsellors sales month so far, with bookings including an amazing road trip through the Canadian Rockies, two New York Christmas shopping trips and an epic 4-week family adventure to Australia for next summer

Phew… now bring on October!! If the colder days and longer nights are turning your thoughts to holiday planning, get in touch for a quote or just to chat through ideas and get some inspiration!

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

24/09/2023

When I first decided to start my own business and become self employed, part of the appeal was the opportunity to be the captain of my own metaphorical ship. This weekend I took the first steps towards becoming the captain of my own much more literal ship! Level 2 Powerboat course completed, I’m certified and ready to take to the water! 😃

19/09/2023

Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, is scheduled to enter service in January 2024. Carrying up to 7,600 passengers and boasting the biggest water park at sea, as well as over 40 bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, Icon is a next-level beast of a ship!

If you want to be one of the first to experience this incredible new cruise ship, I will, through gritted teeth, book it for you. Because I am a travel professional who understands that we’re all different, and that one person’s hell on earth can be somebody else’s dream holiday! 😄

16/09/2023

Contrary to popular belief, I don't just sell long haul beach holidays and exotic bucket list trips. I work with many different suppliers and have access to a range of unique experiences and special interest holidays that are much closer to home.

For example, I can arrange...

⭐ A 3 night Arctic Treehouse Adventure
You'll stay in a beautiful Arctic Treehouse with panoramic views of the surrounding winter wonderland; explore the wilderness by both husky safari and reindeer sleigh; and (hopefully!) witness the magic of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your treehouse

⭐ A 3 night Tuscan Cooking Experience
You'll stay in an authentic 17th-century Italian palace with a swimming pool; learn to cook traditional Italian and Tuscan dishes; really get to know Italian cuisine, from the ingredients to the skills and techniques used in cooking

⭐ A 3 night Painting and Wine-Tasting Break in the South of France
You'll stay in French farmhouse accommodation with swimming pool, gardens & terraces; enjoy delicious home-cooked meals; visit a local vineyard for painting, vineyard tour and wine tasting

These short breaks make perfect Christmas presents so get in touch if you're looking for inspiration!

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

10/09/2023

Sailing in the UK versus sailing in the Caribbean. I know where I’d rather be!!

If any sailors out there are looking for fair winds, warm weather and calm blue seas, give me a call. I can arrange fully crewed or bare boat sailing holidays all around the world, in beautiful locations where you won’t have to dodge giant cargo ships! 😄

04/09/2023

More great client pics, this time from South Africa where the Wickhams have just enjoyed a twin centre holiday combining Port Elizabeth with an Eastern Cape safari.

Port Elizabeth offers whale, dolphin and penguin watching opportunities while the Eastern Cape game reserves are packed with big game.

23/08/2023

The joy of being self employed is a quick dip on a sunny Wednesday afternoon! 😎

19/08/2023

Attention skiers!

I know you might not want to think about winter when we barely seem to have had a summer yet, but if you want to get yourself a good deal for the 2023/24 season, you need to get your skates on!

At the moment there are some great early booking offers out there with discounts on accommodation, lift passes and ski packs. But September is the big booking month for ski, and as we move into autumn these offers will begin to disappear and prices will go up.

If you want to be one of those early birds with a big juicy worm, give me a call and let me help you find the perfect ski holiday for you.

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

08/08/2023

Facebook can throw up some random memories sometimes, but this one is pretty cool. I do love a bit of beach time!!

06/08/2023

So pleased to have received this message from some clients who have just got back from an amazing trip to Borneo and Malaysia. The personal service and overseas support that you get from Travel Counsellors is just one of the many reasons to book with us!

28/07/2023

If any of my south coast friends are looking for a last minute summer holiday bargain, check this out...

7 nights All Inclusive at the 4* Ocean Coral and Turquesa Hotel by H10 on the Riviera Maya in Mexico for £1,299 per person!!

Departs on 10 August, direct flights from Bristol to Cancun, staying in a Junior Suite with Balcony or Terrace. Price includes return airport transfers, 20 kgs of luggage and seat selection on the flight.

This won't hang around for long so give me a call if you're interested.

☎ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

15/07/2023

I love getting happy holiday photos from clients while they’re away. 😊

These are just in from New York where my clients are definitely making the most of their stay. So far they’ve done Times Square, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park by bike, sunset at Top of the Rock, Hudson Yards, the 9/11 memorial and museum, 5th Avenue and Grand Central Station. They’ve also managed to fit in a baseball game at Citi Field (home of the New York Mets) as well as a helicopter flight over Manhattan!

Today they’re moving on to Boston for the second half of their holiday. They’re going by train which is a brilliant way to combine these two cities. It’s a scenic 4-hour journey, straight from central Manhattan into South Boston… and with train fares costing around £30 per person, it’s cheaper, more convenient and more environmentally friendly than flying.

30/06/2023

Do you fancy doing something a bit different this summer? Does the concept of a cruise appeal to you, but a floating city with thousands of people really not your thing?

Well, how about a week cruising the Med on this little beauty? Royal Clipper is the largest fully-rigged sailing ship in the world and carries 227 passenger in luxurious style. You’ll enjoy spacious modern cabins, fabulous dining, three swimming pools, a spa and a variety of watersports from the convenient marina platform that lowers from the back of the ship. Climb the rigging to the crow’s nest, help sail the ship, or just relax on deck with a cocktail.

Being so much smaller than other ships, Royal Clipper (and her sister ships, Star Clipper and Star Flyer) can access ports and locations that others can’t, so you’ll experience unique itineraries and escape the crowds.

And it’s not as expensive as you might think. With 7 night Mediterranean cruises this summer starting from £1,975 per person (including all meals) it’s a great alternative to a traditional beach holiday, and you’ll experience so much more.

If you’d like to know more about the ships or the itineraries on offer, just get in touch.

☎️ 01803 370072
💻 [email protected]

22/06/2023

If you haven’t got a holiday booked yet for the summer, don’t worry! There’s still availability out there, whether you’re looking for a long haul adventure or a European escape.

Whichever you’re after, I’m a big fan of twin centre holidays as they’re a great way to explore contrasting regions within one destination. Here’s a couple of my favourites that I’ve quoted this week….

Bali Twin Centre – Ubud & Nusa Dua
Explore the rainforest, rice paddies and temples of Ubud, followed by the glorious white sands of Nusa Dua beach.

Price includes:
- Return scheduled flights from Gatwick with Emirates
- 4 nights at the 5* Ayung Resort, Ubud on B&B
- 6 nights at the 5* Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua on B&B
- Private transfers throughout

£2,875 per person
(based on 30 July departure)

Greek Island Twin Centre – Crete & Santorini
Enjoy the rich history, charming towns and stunning beaches of Greece’s largest island, followed by the picture-postcard setting of beautiful Santorini

Price includes:
- Return flights from Bristol (other airports are available)
- 6 nights at the 4* boutique Seascape Luxury Residences, Agia Pelagia on Room Only
- 4 nights at the 5* Hotel Costa Grand Resort, Kamari on B&B
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- Ferry from Crete to Santorini

£1,995 per person
(based on 30 July departure)

For more details of these, or to discuss other twin centre suggestions, just drop me an email or give me a call.

☎️ 01803 370072
📧 [email protected]

16/06/2023

Our final stop in Thailand was a couple of nights at the fabulous JW Marriott Resort Suites in Khao Lak. I didn’t take many photos here as we were too busy playing in the water park! Little kids and big kids all thoroughly enjoyed it! 😄

Now back home to create some amazing adventures for my clients. Enquiries for Bali, Greece and Canada on my desk so no time for jet lag!

14/06/2023

What an amazing couple of days at Elephant Hills in Khao Sok! 🐘 🇹🇭

We stayed in luxury safari tents in the jungle, kayaked down the Sok river, visited a floating rainforest camp, hiked through the jungle and got to feed and interact with rescued elephants.

The elephants that are cared for here used to work in the logging industry but became redundant when the practice was banned in 1989. The oldest elephant is 79 years old and blind in both eyes so you have to give her truck a little tap so she can find her food. ☺️

09/06/2023

The end of a great week in Koh Samui. Over the past few days I have…

⭐️ Visited the Big Buddha and a couple of temples to take in a little bit of local culture

⭐️ Hired a car and explored the island (discovered that waterfalls aren’t worth visiting at the end of the dry season!)

⭐️ Checked out all the resort areas (they’re all very different with some great for families, some with a buzzing nightlife and others very low key and relaxed)

⭐️ Visited the amazing Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui to see how the other half live!

⭐️ Had an intense 60 minute deep tissue massage for £10 (the masseuse described it as an ‘Ow ow ow massage’ which was pretty accurate!)

⭐️ Enjoyed delicious Thai food from local restaurants and street markets

⭐️ Took a fun speedboat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park for a bit of snorkelling and hiking

⭐️ Ended the week with cocktails and a fire show on the beach 🔥