Dave Dimmer - Travel Counsellors

31/08/2023

The eagle eyed amongst you may have already seen but here at Travel Counsellors we've just been through a big rebrand (hopefully now looking a little more 21st century!).

You can see a little more for yourselves too... and a reminder that I'm still here when you want to start looking at that next exciting adventure!

We’re a community of people from all walks of life who put ourselves in your shoes, curating your perfect trip, making it personal for you 🏝️

17/05/2023

P&O have a brand new ship, Arvia… and here on day 3 at the CLIA Conference I‘ve just spent a brilliant day onboard!!

Launched just a few months ago, Arvia is a monster! Upto 5200 guests can share its staggering 18 decks!

Why you’ll like it..

💎 It’s shiny and new and arguably a polished masterpiece. It wows in a very British way, feeling sleek but never over the top.

🍝 There’s a fantastic choice of restaurants onboard with no less than 7 included as part of your standard cruise fare and over 30 bars and restaurants in total. You’re genuinely spoilt for choice… and the food is good too!!

🏌️‍♀️ There’s plenty to do onboard and something for everyone from kids to grandparents. Whether you fancy a round of crazy golf (yes.. really!!), trying your hand at escaping “Mission Control”, catching a flick in the cinema or a fab show in Headliners Theatre (including the Take That musical, Greatest Days, right now) they’ve got you covered!

Why it might not be your thing…

🛳 If you like your cruises to have a little intimacy then you might want to look elsewhere. This is big ship cruising and you’re going to be sharing that space with plenty of other cruisers!

🏄‍♂️ The facilities and entrainment are great but they’re a little understated. You won’t find water slides, bumper cars or surf simulators onboard so if it’s blockbuster entrainment you want onboard it might fall short of your expectations.

Arvia is a really smart ship and has something for everyone. It feels like they’ve done an absolutely fantastic job with this ship and she delivers a superb experience from top to bottom.

16/05/2023

Day 2 at the CLIA Cruise conference was a cracker..

I spent the day onboard Celebrity’s ship, Silhouette. A totally different experience to Fred Olson’s Balmoral yesterday.

Why you’ll like it…

🛳 It’s sleek, contemporary design is sophisticated but unpretentious. The ship had its inaugural sailing in 2011 but a full refurb in 2020 meaning it retains a fresh edge.

🛋 There’s plenty of little nooks to grab a restful moment away from the more active parts of the ship - Great if you just want some time to yourself!

🌴 The outdoor spaces are done nicely, with the Lawn Club offering a unique space with a real grass lawn for you to relax on. The big screen means this is a great spot to catch a movie too!

🥘 The food is of a high standard including in the free dining areas. There’s some lovely speciality restaurants too.

Why it might not be your thing

🫤 For all the lovely features the ship has it somehow lacks a wow factor. If you want activities that makes you think “wow this is something special” then this might not be for you.

👫 The ship does have a kids club (Camp at Sea) but overall this doesn’t feel like a great option for families. There’s not loads for kids to do outside of the club and whilst some families will be quite happy, for others it lacks child friendly activities. There are better family friendly options out there in my book.

💎 There are a number of areas of the ship only open to certain guests, whether that’s for suite guests or aqua class guests. This is a great selling point if you can stretch the budget to those categories. For others it does cut the areas of the ship, including restaurants that are open to you. If you like a vast choice of dining options you might find Silhouette a little limiting.

With a capacity of around 2700 Celebrity Silhouette is neither small ship experience or large ship extravaganza. It’s contemporary and sleek and perfect for those looking for a relaxing mid size ship experience with some quality food.

Still to come… Day 3 onboard P&O’s brand new ship, Arvia!

15/05/2023

What a fantastic few days!!!

I’ve been fortunate enough to spend the whole weekend exploring 3 wonderful cruise ships at the 2023 CLIA Cruise Conference.

First up on Friday I spent the day onboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral. Here’s my take…

Why you’d like it…

🗺Itineraries - Arguably the main reason to head onboard are the port stops. These have been carefully thought out and the planning of when as well as where has been meticulously considered to create some rather exciting and somewhat different cruise itineraries.

⛴Small ship - If you like a bit more intimacy on your cruise holiday or the idea of sharing your ship with 5000 other guests doesn’t appeal then Balmoral might just be what you’re looking for. Bring a smaller ship, Balmoral can also head into waterways the larger ships can’t.

👨‍✈️The staff - Incredibly warm and welcoming. Guests who’ve sailed onboard before often build a strong bond with the crew and staff.

What might hold you back from booking..

📠It’s dated - By their own admission, most don’t cruise with Fred Olsen on Balmoral for the ship design. Contemporary this isn’t.

🎤Onboard facilities - They aren’t plentiful and the entertainment isn’t of a particularly high calibre.

If you want sleek and modern, facility packed ship you might want to look elsewhere. If you want a more intimate, itinerary led cruise at a great price point then you may want to explore this option a little further.

Have you been onboard Balmoral or a Fred Olsen ship before? Would you agree with my (brief) assessment?

Day 2 onboard Celebrity Silhouette to follow!

21/02/2023

I'm on a mission to be 100% paperless so wanted to share a fantastic tool you can use when booking your holiday with me!

Not only will you be helping with a responsible travel approach but you'll also have some great functionality in the palm of your hand!

So let me introduce the MyTC App... Go and take a read of what this can do for you..

myTC isn’t just another travel companion app. From the moment you create your account, myTC provides a seamless, personalised booking and travel experience across our mobile app and secure website – mytc.com.

17/01/2023

We all have things we want to do, places we want to see and experiences we crave on our wish lists…

For me, one of those is to walk the Camino de Santiago. This stunning walk takes you through the Pyrenees finishing in the town of Santiago de Compostela.

Otherwise known as The Way of St James, the full walk on the most popular route, the Camino Frances can take a month or more but many choose to walk a shorter section. There’s no right or wrong way to do this! For many it’s a journey of self discovery - You start where you want.

Most of us probably don’t have a month to dedicate to walking the Camino de Santiago so there’s some great options out there if you’re one of those but still love the idea of undertaking this incredible experience.

What’s more, with sales now on there’s some great deals to be had. I’ve put together one with the wonderful Explore Worldwide - This is small group, comfortable hotels throughout from a company routed in sustainable and responsible travel.

The from price here is just £1308 per person for 12 days! A saving of over £300 per person. Whether you go solo or join friends or family the price is the same too - You can choose to pay a supplement for a single room if you wish. International flights aren’t included in the cost but can be easily added on.

Fancy extending your stay? Why not add a few extra nights in Madrid - It’s the perfect place to prepare yourself for the days ahead!

If you’re interested please get in touch with me asap - This offer is valid until 18th Jan only!!

💻 [email protected]

📱01329 890083

16/01/2023

Today is Blue Monday - Said to be the most depressing day of the year but importantly highlights mental health and well-being. Issues close to my heart in so many ways.

1 in 4 of us will experience issues with our mental health each year. In truth I suspect the percentage is even higher but having the will power to talk about it isn’t easy for many.

So I’ll keep it simple… if any of my connections need someone to speak to, or want to reach out.. come say hi - Your mental health is more important than anything.

Today isn’t about holidays.. it’s about helping one another and being there for people when they really need us.

I’ve also included a link to Mind where you’ll find plenty of resources to help if you need it.

When seeking help for your mental health, it can be hard to know how to start or where to go. We give an introduction on where you can turn for help.

11/01/2023

Here’s a little secret….

Where in the world can you go and get…
Incredible cultural experiences
Immerse yourself in history
Take in stunning scenery
Have a world class wildlife safari adventure
Lounge on beautiful beaches

All without taking a single internal flight!

And… visit year round?!

The answer… Awesome Sri Lanka!!

There’s so much to love about the country and it’s great value as well. I’ve included one example of a touring option here but I have a whole host of intineraries, group tours and private tour options so I can find the perfect Sri Lanka trip just for you!

What’s more…

It’s perfect to combine with a stay in the Maldives if you just can’t get enough beach time (and what an experience that is too!!).

So if that’s given you a taste for a trip to Sri Lanka then please do get in touch.

💻 [email protected]

📱01329 890083

04/01/2023

2023 is upon us so I just wanted to take a moment to wish you a happy and healthy (and holiday filled!!) new year!

January is a busy month here in the travel industry.. and with good reason… A host of airlines currently have sales on (as they normally do at this time of year) and those helpful reductions in cost mean it’s a great time to book a holiday!

Asia is bouncing back (which is fantastic to see) with India and Japan now back in full swing. Sri Lanka is opening its arms embracing tourism once again too! Thailand remains a fabulous option virtually year round and new train services in Laos have drastically cut travel times on some key routes in the country, making it more accessible than ever (go sooner rather than later would be my advice!).

The US is proving as popular as ever (just be prepared that costs here have increased quite a bit) and there’s so many fantastic holidays you can have - Something to suit almost everyone I’d say.

East and Southern Africa are proving again to be great options for those wanting a true wildlife adventure (some lovely beach extensions too).

Australia and New Zealand are both welcoming visitors again with open arms (If you’ve never been and you fancy it I can talk you through some inspiring itineraries).

Cruise is set for a bumper 2023 too! Some incredible new ships will be out in force this year as well!!

Flight and hotel availability for Easter and summer holidays are filling up fast so if you haven’t already got yourself sorted, I’d suggest looking at this as soon possible.

I hope 2023 is a great one for you and whether you’re already thinking about that next trip away or when those thoughts come onto the horizon please do get in touch… I’d love nothing more than to help you get the most amazing holiday you can this year!

💻 [email protected]

📱01329 890083

24/12/2022

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!!

15/12/2022

It’s been a while coming but….

India has finally relaxed its rules for UK nationals who want to visit India. The evisa programme has been reinstated so it’s now much simpler to get your visa for India sorted.

This removes what was a substantial barrier to travelling from the UK to India so if you’ve always fancied going then now is a brilliant time to get in touch!

💻 [email protected]

📱01329 890083

06/12/2022

When's the best time to book my holiday?

This comes as one of the my most asked questions and it's certainly a topic for hot debate.

Whilst there isn't a definitive answer to this, here's my take on the the topic...

02/12/2022

Putting my money where my mouth is…

When we talk about responsible and sustainable travel so often the emphasis is put on those booking the trip - They might be offered the opportunity to pay an extra charge to offset their travels or to help fund a local community or conservation project.

When I set up my business earlier this year I felt it was right that some responsibility fell on my head. That selling travel in itself has responsibility. There’s a multitude of things I do to help my business be more sustainable from an aim to 100% paperless, working with suppliers with good sustainability initiatives and making suggestions to those that enquire and travel with me to make conscious and responsible decisions about their travel plans.

I also set up an account with Ecologi and a mission to plant trees for each and every booking made with me. The responsibility for selling travel sits with me and i wanted to take on that personally. I don’t ask those booking with me to fund it, but choose to do so myself with the intention of giving something, however small, back. This isn’t carbon offsetting but a choice to try and do something good for the environment we should rightly cherish.

Today I hit a very minor milestone. In the scheme of things it’s a drop in the ocean but as the saying goes… mighty oaks from little acorns grow.

Today I passed 100 trees now planted and hopefully just the first small steps towards a much bigger goal.

25/11/2022

More Black Friday deals!!!

Both BA and Virgin have announced a Black Friday sale so if you’re thinking of booking a holiday, now it’s a great time to take advantage of these offers!

Both airlines have their sales valid until 29th November!

Enquire now..

💻 [email protected]

📱01329 890083

24/11/2022

Some offers are just too good not to share and this Black Friday sale is right up there…..

Have you ever dreamed of walking the Inca Trail in Peru? How about island hopping around the Galápagos Islands? Maybe a safari adventure in Kenya? Or how about trekking in Nepal?

Partnering with the fabulous Intrepid Travel, all of these exciting adventures and more just got a whole lot cheaper!

You can save up to 25% on adventure tours departing from 1st Dec 2022 until 31st August 2023.

Not only is this a brilliant discount but these small group adventures by Intrepid are designed with responsible and sustainable travel at the forefront of everything they do.

This offer is only available until 2nd Dec 2022 so if you’re interested in discussing a tour please get in touch with me asap!

💻 [email protected]

📱 01329 890083

22/11/2022

Ever wondered what it’s actually like to take a cruise holiday?

Having recently returned from a fabulous cruise holiday with Royal Caribbean I really wanted to take you on that journey with me.

So… Let me take you on a 12 day cruise around the Eastern Med, onboard Odyssey of The Seas.

If you’ve never cruised before but you’re intrigued.. go on.. take a look and see what the experience was like for me.

…and if you’re thinking of booking your next cruise.. well I know someone who can help with that 😉

Pop me an email: [email protected]

Give me a call: 01329 890083

I’m happy to take the time to discuss all the ins and outs (and there’s plenty of those!) of booking your next (or first!) cruise holiday.

16/11/2022

What a fab (and action packed!) few days in Liverpool at the Travel Counsellors Conference 2022.

The TC team put on an incredible show from start to finish - A chance to meet many of our lovely suppliers and fellow business owners, with ideas flowing, smiles glowing and hugs, we’ll let’s just say there were plenty of hugs.

We were treated to talks from Sir Lenny Henry, Olympic gold medal winning swimmer, Rebecca Adlington and hypnotist Paul McKenna (amongst others) whilst the likes of Boyzlife entertained us (and made my wife very jealous!) on a Saturday night to remember!

We danced, we sang, and we laughed as this amazing Travel Counsellor community came together for the first time in 3 years.

There was even time for a little sightseeing around the gorgeous city of Liverpool too!

09/11/2022

WTM is over for another year having spent a fab day at the show yesterday.

World Travel Market (for those of you not in the industry) is one of the biggest travel trade events in the world and a superb opportunity to meet suppliers from around the globe and further those relationships (normally with a lot of smiles and plenty of laughs along the way).

I know there were a few of you that I was lucky enough to spend time with yesterday (and some familiar faces I caught but didn’t get around to chatting with - hopefully we’ll connect again soon!).

It’s been a rough ride for travel over the last couple of years and it’s been so nice to see the world of travel reconnecting!

So here’s to a fabulous WTM 2022 and all of you amazing people that make this industry so magical!

04/11/2022

Sometimes feedback from clients makes you feel like the hard work is all worthwhile!

31/10/2022

You may have noticed it’s been a little quiet here recently… Well us travel agents get to holiday too (all so we can help you have the best holidays too of course!).

It’s been an adventurous few weeks that started with a couple of nights in fabulous Rome!

We loved so much about the city from the Vatican and Colosseum to wandering the streets, watching the world go by with a coffee and trying to find some good spots for gelato and pizza (Piccolo Buco you have a pizza with my name on it next time!!).

Have you been to Rome? I’d love to know some of your highlights too!

30/09/2022

We're award winners again!

Last night Travel Counsellors won the award for Best Place to Work in Travel at the 2022 Travel Industry Awards and I can only say how spot on that is.

I have the freedom to run my business whilst knowing that Travel Counsellors are truly behind me, supporting me and helping my business thrive.

We work individually but collectively as one community too. A whole army of travel professionals who genuinely want to look after you and give you the most amazing travel experiences possible. A company that cares about its people is one that I'm so happy to be involved with, helping me in my bid to provide those magical travel moments whilst promoting a more sustainable travel path both now and for the future.

If you want to get the ball rolling on that next holiday with someone who has time for you and a company that truly cares then please do get in touch.

Email: [email protected]
Call: 01329 890083

28/09/2022

A cruise can be anything you want it to be, a relaxing beach break with an ever-changing backdrop, a selection of city breaks for those who can’t choose just one, a fine dining experience for the insatiable foodies, or an exploration into the unknown for the daring adventurer.

With an ever-expanding variety of ships, and options sailing from the UK and abroad, cruise holidays can now meet the needs of more travellers than ever before. With the recent removal of vaccine requirements from some of our favourite suppliers, it’s now even easier to set sail.

Whether you're a regular cruiser or thinking about dipping your toes in the water then find out more...

A cruise can be anything you want it to be, a relaxing beach break with an ever-changing backdrop, a selection of city breaks for those who can’t choose just one, a fine dining experience for the insatiable foodies, or an exploration into the unknown for the daring adventurer.With an ever-expandin...

09/09/2022

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary service to the nation over so many years and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family.

As a mark of respect I will be pausing posts during the period of mourning.

03/09/2022

Who loves train travel?


Heading to Brussels on the Eurostar. Loving the service and space in Standard Premier too. Sometimes the upgrade isn’t an awful lot more, it can definitely be a nice treat for just a little extra at times.

Onwards to Belgium.. The Belgian Beer Weekend awaits!

26/08/2022

One of the things I love the most about my job is being able to use my 15 years of experience and a wealth of travel knowledge along with my own first hand experiences to find the perfect holiday for every one of my clients.

The beauty of that? Everyone has a unique idea of what the perfect holiday is for them. That can even differ from trip to trip. You might want 2 weeks in the sun to flop on a beach on one holiday and then head off climbing Mt Kilimanjaro the next.

I talk a lot about private tours, trips you can tailor to suit you. Perfect for people who are generally happy with their own company but that’s not everyone.

I work with a whole host of brilliant suppliers and tour companies who have some amazing trips and adventures for those that might prefer the idea of travelling with others. Some of these companies are brilliant at small group adventures (around 12-15 people on a tour) and some cater for those looking for a larger group (30-50 people). One might be your idea of heaven whilst you’ll find others running about as far away as they can get from the same trip.

The bottom line is that we all like different things. We all have our own idea of travel heaven and part of my job is to find yours for each and every trip you want to take.

So if you like to travel a little more independently, if you like the idea of dictating your own pace and tailoring a trip just for you well that’s exactly where I come in… and if group touring is your thing…I’ve got you covered too!

24/08/2022

Asia is a passion - It's hard to put it any other way but it's a simple declaration of love.

There's one country I've been back to more than any other, the Land of Smiles, beautiful Thailand.

If you've been lucky enough to visit for yourself then I'm sure your senses will be tingling just at the thought... the culture, the history, the beaches, the people......the food!!

One thing I get asked about time and time again when it comes to Thailand, and something that seems to cause plenty of confusion, is the weather! Where should I go and when should I go there? Is Thailand actually ok in the summer?

I've put together a little article to help answer that very question. I've kept it simple. Just the basics. But if you want my take on when it's best to visit Thailand please take a look for yourself.

Oh and one more thing.... You can, absolutely, never guarantee the weather!

Without doubt one of my favourite countries on the planet, Thailand has it all from inspiring temples, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, incredible food and some of the friendliest people you’d wish to meet. There’s one question that crops up time and time again about Thailand though… When ...

23/08/2022

Here’s your Tuesday Teaser for this week..

If you think you know where this is pop your answer (or have a guess) in the comments…

Good luck!

19/08/2022

As we become ever more aware of the impact our travels have on this planet and the communities with visit it's time to have a think of some of the ways we can travel more responsibly to help keep travel sustainable.

Here at Travel Counsellors we've put together a few tips on things that you can do to help ensure we give back more than we take out and help support local communities that we visit.

Sustainable and responsible travel may sound like buzz words but are something I strongly advocate for - They're essential for the future of this planets - so please do take a look and feel free to share these tips with friends and family and help us all travel in more responsible and sustainable way.

Here are some ways you can ensure that the host communities that you visit benefit from your trip and share a stake in ensuring the longevity of the destination...

16/08/2022

It’s Tuesday…..

Which can only mean one thing…

Your Tuesday Teaser is raring to go. Where in the world am I today?

Have a guess in the comments - you know you want to!

I’ll reveal the answer around 7pm this evening.

Good luck!!!

15/08/2022

When I landed as a fresh faced backpacker in Thailand back in 2006 the first thing I remember as I walked out of the airport was the heat. Hot, tropical, warm air, completely enveloping me.

Colourful taxis lined up ready to take me for a ride (many more than literally!)….and then the buzz. A city of contrasts, of the charming Wats and the smell of insatiable street food to the modern high rises, the western chains and world class shopping malls. Intriguing, inviting, overwhelming at times but absolutely pulsating.

My love affair with Thailand had begun and over the course of the following 16 years I’ve been back and forth to this incredible country countless times, exploring from the far reaches and cultural hotspots in the north to the spectacular beaches of the south.

I wanted to take all that knowledge and experience and put together an unforgettable tour that takes you on a journey through my Thailand. The experiences, the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this incredible country. Something that, if you’ve never been before, will give you a real flavour of what makes this place so special to me.

So here it is, Dave’s Classic Thailand. A beautiful trip taking you through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok National Park and Phuket. You’ll experience buzzing cities, majestic temples, fabulous food and some gorgeous white sand. What’s more, you’ll do it my way…a mix of creature comforts and all things local!

A quick note - Prices are based on 2 people sharing for travel Jan - Mar 2023, specially chosen 4* hotels and excludes the cost of international flights. Subject to availability.

This tour can be tailored to your needs too!

If you’re interested in booking this tour or want to chat about creating your own tailor made tour in Thailand please do get in touch, I’d love to talk Thailand with you and get you your perfect Thai adventure!

📞 01329 890083

💻 [email protected]

02/08/2022

It’s Tuesdsy.. which can only mean one thing…..

Todays Tuesday Teaser….

Where in the world am I today?

Have a guess in the comments and I’ll let you know if you’re right a little later on.

Good luck!!!

02/08/2022

The thought of flying right now make you 🥶?

Have the headlines around flight cancellations got you thinking twice about taking that holiday this year?

Most flights are actually running without a problem so if you want to jet away on holiday soon you can relax a bit. The media however have certainly grabbed the story of airport chaos (and there certainly is some at least) so for those of a nervous disposition (or that just don’t want to jump on a plane at the moment)…. Here’s a fab option 😁

There’s cruises galore sailing from Southampton (and back again) so no flights necessary. Hop on, drop your bags and be whisked off to a multitude of destinations where you can be as active or as chilled as you like…

So maybe it’s time to ditch the flights and choose a cruise? 🛳

To book your next cruise holiday give me a call on 01329 890083 or email…
[email protected]

01/08/2022

Ever fancied the Caribbean?

How about a lovely all inclusive in the Caribbean?

This collection of 7 fab, all inclusive, mostly beachfront hotels are spread throughout the Caribbean so if this is your idea of bliss, it's a great place to start!

This collection of seven all-inclusive, mainly beachfront resorts in the Caribbean immerse you in the peerless beauty and charm of this enchanting region thanks to its one-of-a-kind adventures everywhere from the shimmering offshore reefs of the Grenadines to the party island of Barbados...

28/07/2022

Whether it’s a short city break, a family holiday in the sun or an adventure of a lifetime, making sure your money is financially protected can be a worry.

Here at Travel Counsellors we know how important this is and offer unique financial protection to give you peace of mind when you part with your hard earned money.

Money that’s paid in is ringfenced in Travel Counsellors Trust Account until we are required to pay a supplier - With each supplier having to go through a financial health check and agree to our terms of payment and service before we agree to work with them. It’s a rigorous process they go through so we can make sure your money is in safe hands.

So don’t stress about financial protection when it comes to holidays…I’ve already got you covered.

26/07/2022

Treat yourself to the journey of a lifetime taking you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer before embarking on a truly special 7 night luxury cruise through stunning Alaska.

Through this incredible offer with Regent Seven Seas you can experience this magical journey in true comfort. You’ll get 7 nights onboard the beautiful Seven Seas Explorer in a Superior Suite along with a 5 night adventure through the Canadian Rockies including 2 days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling in their Gold Leaf service.

If you’ve never cruised with Regent or with an ultra luxury cruise line before this could be a great first experience. There’s no extra for your excursions, these are all included (excluding a few ultra exclusive options), no extra cost for drinks, these are all included (including fine wine and spirits), no extra for Wi-Fi, for gratuities or for speciality restaurants. All of this is included in the price.

Not only do you get all that but your return flights to the UK are included too as well as your arrival and departure transfers.

All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the experience in true comfort!

If you’re interested in this offer or want to discuss any other options for a holiday in Canada or Alaska please do get in touch.

Tel 01329 890083
Email [email protected]