AI seems to be taking over the world… 🌎
BUT it will never replace genuine human interaction 🫱🏽🫲🏻
…because when your flight gets cancelled or there’s a problem with your hotel, who wants to speak to a robot with no compassion?
In the words of two inspirational role models:
“As more and more of us will talk to machines going forward through artificial intelligence, being human is gonna be incredible.” — Mo Gawdat
“Experiences and human connection remain intangible, so it is vital to keep the human in the loop.” — Sir Richard Branson
Interpersonal skills (such as caring, knowledge and compassion) are needed and valued MORE THAN EVER.
So if you’re looking for a travel experience with a difference, follow Karen Thornton - Gold Travel Counsellor and DM me to get started 🌟
He's on his way!
He's on his way!
What do you leave out for Santa in your house...?
Always a carrot for Rudolph and a cookie and a sherry at Thornton Towers!
#santatreats #rudolph #hesonhisway #christmaseve
🎉 30 Years of Going Beyond 🎉
For three incredible decades, Travel Counsellors has been redefining what personal means in travel - offering personal service that goes beyond expectations. 🌍✈️
10,957 days (give or take) of creating experiences that are beyond customers' wildest dreams. More than 262,000 hours of building relationships that go beyond just being a travel partner. Countless miles covered to take customers beyond borders.
From reuniting a lost wedding ring across continents to helping a little girl see an active volcano before losing her sight—our stories are as unique as the holidays we create.
Here’s to 30 years of making dreams come true and striving to always go beyond.
#TravelBeyond #30YearsOfTravel #TravelCounsellors #WeGoBeyond #TailoredTravelAdvice #myTC
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree has arrived! ✨
Dreaming of ice skating under the twinkling lights of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree? ⛸️✨
I will plan your magical holiday to New York for you and your loved ones. From the best skating rinks to hidden gem cafes, I'll ensure your trip is as seamless and memorable as possible. Ready to glide into the holiday spirit?
Contact me today and let them plan your ultimate NYC adventure this Christmas ⛸🎄🗽
#TravelCounsellors #NYCChristmas #RockefellerCentre #ExploreWithUs #HolidayMagic #NYC
Yesterday the culmination of an idea that was formed back at Easter came to fruition.
Blood, sweat and tears went in to planning this event, the first I’ve ever planned, and it was great. Over 30 clients in a room learning all about Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Very proud of what we achieved, everyone enjoyed it and it was a great success!
Big thanks to everyone that joined us, the team at Boringdon Hall Hotel, Georgia Lewis (who was amazing!) from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and My partner in crime Tess Stuber - Travel Counsellor
We did it! Let us know in the comments who you’d like us to bring to Plymouth next - we are open to ideas.
#independenttravelagent #regentsevenseas #boringdonhall #cruiselife #travelinspo #luxurytravel #UltraLuxuryCruise #6starcruising #eventplanning #plymouthtravelexpert #travelcounsellors
Every now and then, I get messages from new clients who love what I do but wonder if they should book their travel themselves to save money. They’re often unsure of the best choice, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on the subject.
Of course, it’s always your decision. You can book however you prefer—no judgment here. But here’s my take.
I’ve been in this industry for 34 years. This isn’t a side hustle; it’s my full-time career. As a self-employed travel expert, I get to travel a LOT, giving me firsthand knowledge and insight that can help you plan unforgettable trips, with all the insider tips that only come from actually experiencing a destination.
At TC, we have strong relationships with incredible suppliers, and we are highly respected in the industry. A booking made through me is given far more attention and care than one made on an anonymous online platform. That’s just the reality.
I genuinely care about your trip. I want each journey to be exceptional. By working closely with my clients, I’m able to offer a personalised touch and elevate your travel experience, sharing those hidden gems and extra details you might not find on your own. It’s all about building a relationship and getting to know you. That kind of personal service just doesn’t come from booking online.
The majority of my business now comes from referrals, from clients who have experienced the difference I make and appreciate the value I add. In fact, my business has grown by 33% this year thanks to these referrals, which speaks volumes.
From the moment you contact me until you return home, I’m here to take the stress out of travel. And if anything goes wrong, I’m just a message away to step in and fix it. No dealing with a faceless call center. Just a quick WhatsApp or call and I’m ready to help—even when you’re far from home.
So, before you decide to book online because it might save a few £££’s, consider everything I bring to the table. I know my
I’ve just come back from our Doha Gold TC conference to some amazing news!
I’m so proud to be part of the Travel Counsellors family and beyond excited to share that we’ve just reached an incredible milestone—£1 billion in sales! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without amazing clients like you. Thank you for trusting me, and my fellow Travel Counsellors, with your holiday plans. I’m truly grateful for the relationship we’ve built and take great pride in ensuring your travel needs are always in the best hands. Thanks a billion!
#TravelCounsellors #ThanksABillion #Grateful
OUT OF OFFICE WARNING!
The big yellow suitcase is in the garage ready to be brought out again for trip no. 8 and it’s a biggie!
On Wednesday I’m off to Heathrow to fly out to Doha for our annual Gold TC Conference celebrating all things gold, catching up with each other and generally being hosted amazingly by Discover Qatar and Fairmont Doha for a few days.
Another new country to me, I’m excited to see what this Middle Eastern state offers and as always will be sharing on my socials so keep following if you want to see what we get up to.
And if you have an enquiry in with me please get in touch over the weekend so I can get you booked before I go. I’ll be back at my desk on Tuesday 24/9 and as always my lovely colleagues Emma and Dean will be covering for me.
#goldtrip #travelcounsellors #discoverqatar #fairmontdoha #bethebest #goldtravelcounsellor #independenttravelagent #awardwinningtravelexpert #lovemyjob #bigyellowsuitcase
This is your sign to book your Christmas shopping trip to New York!
We went as a family a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. So festive, amazing shopping and just a great Christmas atmosphere.
And with the airline sales in full swing, now is a great time to book for the best prices!
Also, if you book with me I’ll provide a sample itinerary with suggested activities included in the package so you don’t need to lift a finger!
Tag who you’re taking with you on this most magical trip. Get in touch to book now!
#newyork #newyorkatchristmas #christmasshopping #independenttravelagent #travelinspo #luxurytravel #exploretheworld #plymouthtravelexpert
And that’s a wrap!
What a trip this was. Considered to be one of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, I was so lucky to be invited to experience regentcruises Splendor in person to enable me to share with you all.
This ship was very special and I was seriously impressed. If you’d like to know more about this amazing experience then drop me a note and let’s chat. You won’t regret it I promise!
#regentcruises #regentsevenseas #regentsevenseascruises #regentsplendor #cruiselife #luxurytravel #travelinspo #awardwinningtravelexpert #exploretheworld #plymouthtravelexpert #travelexpert #traveladdict
The night before I came away on this trip Mr T snored. A lot. This is how excited I am to be sleeping in a @regentcruises Elite Slumber Bed on board on my own. We’ve been married a long time. 😉😂
Woken up after my first nights sleep, I can confirm the beds are unreal.
#nosnoring #regentcruises #regentsplendor #bestbedever #luxurycruise @lifeattc
