Travel Counsellors are a wholly independent Travel Agent with an exceptional level of client service.
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I will take the stress and hassle out of arranging your travel, providing inspiration, ideas, planning and support every step of the way.
13/10/2023
I've just returned from an incredible trip to Nepal, with the quite brilliant GAdventures who work in unison with the Planeterra foundation, supporting a wide range of community based projects worldwide.
From a Nepalese dumpling cooking class, to staying in a Barauli Homestay with an indigenous community on the edge of Chitwan National Park, to 3 days trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas, the hustle & bustle and craziness of Kathmandu and Pokhara, to the most beautiful and welcoming people you could meet anywhere.
If an immersive, active, small group adventure appeals, drop me a line anytime at [email protected] https://lnkd.in/gyGsFP5y https://lnkd.in/ewaK6y6k
22/06/2023
Great news for all Disney lovers!
The long awaited Disney Dining plans have finally returned!!
A Dining Plan can add the convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind of prepaid meals and snacks to your Walt Disney World Resort holiday in Florida.
For the most magical time yet, you can combine one with the 2024 Early Booker Package, where you can get up to $2,100 Dining & Merchandise credit and a Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7 days.
For more info email me at [email protected] or call me at 0790 383 2929
17/03/2023
If you like planning ahead and want to make the most of availability for Christmas 2024, one of our best tour operators for Santa's Lapland have just released availability for next year.
Canterbury holidays are packed full of Christmas adventure and sell out fast!
From meetings with Santa, to Snowmobiling to see the northern lights, show-shoeing, skiing, reindeer rides and husky sledding, it's a jam packed magical experience.
For more info drop me a line or call me on 0790 383 2929
A festive thank you to all my clients, for all your fantastic support in 2022 and for entrusting your precious travel arrangements with me.
Have a very Merry Christmas & hopefully a well-earned break with your loved ones.
Look forward to catching up with you again in 2023.
Very best wishes
Jonny
05/12/2022
Like planning ahead and not sure what Christmas presents to buy for your loved ones?
Why not consider the ultimate Christmas Lapland adventure gift for Christmas 2023.
Lapland Short breaks offer days filled with excitement and snow fun.
2, 3 and 4 nights breaks allow you plenty of time to immerse yourself and your family in the magic of Lapland - husky and reindeer rides, snowmobiles. elves, toboggans, igloos, Northern lights spectacular and much much more!
If you have limited time, you can even visit for a day for an unforgettable experience.
What's more you can book with low deposits and make payments towards the holiday at any time during 2023.
I've arranged several tours this year to Peru, Costa Rica and the Azores and each client has had the most amazing experience.
There are a wide range of tours to suit all travel styles, including Active adventures, Family tours, 18-30 something tours and Wellness tours to name a few.
Each tour has an expert local guide to ensure you have a memorable and insightful holiday and you also contribute to sustainable tourism, helping to support local communities through Planeterra.
As for me, I'm planning a tour to Nepal next year to celebrate my 50th. Can't think of a better way to take stock of my life to date than hiking through the Himalayas.
If this sounds of interest, drop me a line for more details.
14/10/2022
British Airways have just launched a luxury sale for their Club World cabin, on sale now until midnight 25th Oct 2022.
Select travel dates covering now until the end of 2022 and into 2023 to lots of destinations, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, India and South America.
So if you want to travel in style and super comfort, there are some great deals to be had.
With the UK economy taking a battering over the last couple of weeks, you might be wondering where you can visit and still get plenty of bang for your buck!
The good news is there are still plenty of destinations to choose from, including beautiful Thailand, where you get a beer for around £2.50 and a meal for 2 with wine for around £50.
Thailand has the perfect mix of city, jungle, wildlife, beach, amazing food and adventure and is an amazing year round destination, so if you just want to fly and flop or get stuck into a multi centre trip, there really is something for everyone.
For more details, message me or drop me a line at [email protected] / 0790 383 2929
21/09/2022
I've just returned from a fantastic few days in Vilnius, Lithuania, courtesy of Go Vilnius Tourism board.
If like me, you enjoy visiting new destinations, I can highly
recommend and only a short hop from the UK.
A relatively small, but perfectly formed compact city with lots of
history and sites worth visiting including Trakai, the historic capital of Lithuania, with an ancient castle, the Dukes Palace and Lukiskes Prison – the latter was grim but all v interesting.
A very safe, beautiful city with modern and excellent value hotels and a fantastic array of restaurants, bars and shops all within easy walking distance.
We also did this rather scary activity on top of the TV tower. Not
sure I’ve got the head for heights these days, but it offered amazing views of the city. https://lnkd.in/egdnCcPJ
If you want to grab a great deal along with fantastic personal service, check out the below - but you need to be quick as the sale ends in 8 days..
The big orange sale is now on! Use code: HOLIDAYSALE to save up to £200 on your next holiday! Travel up to 31/10/23, minimum spend £700. T&Cs apply.
Save on your next perfect package holiday, and travel up to October 2023! The holidays on this page are our top picks and are all eligible for the HOLIDAYSALE promo code.
For a wider choice of holidays and destinations, why not explore our winter holidays, city breaks and summer 2023 holidays. Plus, for families we have tens of thousands of free child places available for summer 2023!
Drop me a line for more details or call me on 0790 383 2929
Thanks
Jonny
30/03/2022
After 3 1/2 years since joining Travel Counsellors, I'm chuffed to bits to have achieved the level of a Gold Travel Counsellor, which is a recognition of performance at the highest level of the business.
I'm not generally one to shout out from the roof tops, but after the turmoil of the last 2 years, it's an incredibly proud moment and made the stresses and strains worthwhile.
I couldn't have achieved this without the support of the Travel Counsellors head office team, the clear focus from my Directors, all my travel buddies and most importantly all my fantastic clients.
As an industry, we are emerging from the most devastating crisis ever to face the industry, yet it has made us stronger and more committed than ever to make travel as enjoyable and stress free as it should be.
If you need help and advice planning your next holiday or business trip, message me or call me on 0790 383 2929
12/02/2022
2022 is the year for the travel industry boom!!
Since the turn of the year, it's been like watching the departures board at the airport, as all the Red cancellation signs finally start to turn Green.
Country by country, continent by continent, restrictions are easing and the often ambiguous and nonsensical rules are finally becoming clearer. I've been v quiet on social media as a result, which is a great sign as I've been swamped with enquiries and bookings as customer confidence returns.
Whilst there are still challenges ahead, it finally feels like life is returning to normality. It's been an immense period of effort and learning about how to operate a business through intensely challenging circumstances. I've learnt a huge amount about myself and my business - resilience, patience and adaptability being key.
I can't envisage a more difficult scenario for the travel industry, so to come out the other side with a smile on my face and my sanity still intact is a good feeling and a great sign for the future.
If like me, you are again ready to explore this amazing world, be it a beach break in Europe, an overdue business trip, reconnecting with family & friends or a far flung adventure on land or sea, why not drop me a line or email me at [email protected]
24/12/2021
2021 is almost over!
I can't quite believe another year has passed by.
It's fair to say, it's been a huge mix of highs and lows and learning to live & adapt to a new world.
Travel, like many sectors has been battered & bruised relentlessly & aside from a few months over late summer and the autumn, it's been challenging to put it mildly.
I'm well connected through Travel Counsellors 1500 strong community worldwide.
The strength of our business is multifaceted, pulling together in times of hardship. We have benefitted enormously from strong leadership, pragmatism, balance and patience.
It's easy to get lost in the melee & lose your sense of the world we live, so the importance of community, albeit remotely is a great leveller.
What will 2022 bring?!
I've given up trying to predict where things are heading, other than like many people, the realisation that we have to learn to live with the virus and cannot continue the see-saw nature of restrictions.
From a travel perspective, looking for positives, the byproduct of Covid, has reinforced the many benefits of using a trusted travel advisor. I've helped many clients navigate the confusing & evolving travel rules, offering sound advice, flexibility & support.
Whilst at times it's felt like I've been doing voluntary work for the Foreign office, it's been an opportunity to demonstrate how much I care for my clients. I believe this time invested now, will stand me in good stead for the future.
Merry Christmas & a healthy 2022
Jonny
13/10/2021
The past couple of months have reminded me why I love the travel industry so much, despite the craziness of the last 18 months.
Travel restrictions are finally starting to lift, clients are actually boarding planes and ships and exploring the world again, and I've had some fantastic messages of thanks, support and encouragement to keep doing what I love.
To top it all off, I managed to visit the beautiful island of Corfu and stayed at the newly opened and quite fabulous Olivar Suites - https://www.olivarsuites.gr/ with my family - Can highly recommend if you are lover of modern design, fabulous food and a warm welcome.
The world has changed in the last 18 months but the joy of travel is undiminished.
If you need help or guidance planning your next adventure or business trip, drop me a line for more information or why not call me on 01625 423 856
04/08/2021
Travel Counsellors has been rated ‘Green’ for Covid flexibility on the new Which? Holiday Checker!
After taking part in several surveys with the leading UK consumer champion Which? this year, today the company launched a consumer-focused online tool that rates companies green, amber or red based on their refund and amendment policies in relation to Covid-19 travel disruption.
It's designed to make it easy for people to check which travel companies have provided the best service to their customers, offering flexible booking options and refunds, and which ones could leave them out of pocket if circumstances change.
This accolade further highlights how we have looked after our customers throughout the pandemic, building on our consistent 5-star Trustpilot rating and three-times been voted ‘number one’ in MoneySavingExpert’s consumer poll, which ranks how well travel companies are looking after their customers during COVID-19.
For expert advice and peace of mind when arranging your next holiday or business trip, message me or email me at [email protected]
26/07/2021
Amidst the minefield of travel regulations and restrictions you have to navigate through currently, the importance of booking a Package protected holiday through a trusted travel provider has never been more important. (A Package is created when flights & hotel or tour are booked with one travel provider)
Here's a great example why:-
One of my clients was due to fly to the Azores last week for a 7 day hiking tour with an adventure company, routing via Lisbon.
The airline changed the schedule at 2:15am on Sunday morning on his day of departure, delaying his flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada by 5 days, meaning his holiday had to be cancelled.
This had to be dealt with at 6am on Sunday morning and although the client had already arrived at the airport, I supported the client with the obvious stress and disappointment in an efficient manner, with the reassurance that he had booked a Package holiday and therefore would be refunded in full.
Had he booked the flight and tour independently of each other, the flight would have eventually been refunded by the airline, but the tour would have been non refundable.
I'm 100% certain he wouldn't have received a reassuring phone call at 6am from any other travel provider and certainly not an online faceless agency. Not forgetting the multitude of phone calls to the airline, tour company and travel insurance.
The good news is the client enjoyed last week's fabulous weather in the UK and has since booked a new tour to Iceland - one of the few 'Green list' destinations.
So next time you look to travel, always consider how you are booking and if you want 24/7 support and a stress free experience as possible, use a trusted advisor such as myself.
A very useful tip for anyone travelling in the foreseeable future.
If a destination or travel operator requires you to be fully vaccinated in order to travel, it is essential that your passport name is identical to your NHS records.
So if you're recently married or have / haven't changed your name for other reasons, make sure you make the necessary changes, otherwise you could be in danger of being refused travel.
There are lots of other things to think about before travelling these days, so if you want expert, up to date and friendly advice, drop me a line for more info - [email protected] / 0790 383 2929
26/05/2021
If you are dreaming of visiting Japan and would like an expert insight, take a peek at Inside Japan, one of our expert suppliers.
This video features Tokyo's oldest entertainment districts, Asakusa – an area that's best known for the Sensoji temple and the impressive 'Thunder Gate'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAsxk3GAovg
For more info on planning your trip to Japan, drop me a line at [email protected] / 0790 383 2929
Join InsideJapan Insiders Brett, Chantel and Rob on a live guided walk through one of Tokyo's oldest entertainment districts, Asakusa – an area that's best k...
21/05/2021
If you are looking for UK glamping break in the stunning Ribble Valley, check out my friend's new retreat.
Opening this month and it looks fab.
🙂
18/05/2021
The mere thought of going on holiday at the moment can be pretty exhausting.
The constant news cycle about whether you can travel / you can't travel, should you travel, shouldn't you etc...
I get both sides of the debate - on the one hand it may seem pretty selfish to those that think we should close our borders to protect us.
Yet on the other hand, the economic damage and long term health issues of not opening our borders are looming large.
Ultimately for me, I'm guided by my clients own barometer as to what is right for them. Everyone has a different perspective and in what is an increasingly complex world, you have to make your own judgement.
What is clear is the desire of people to still travel, be that this week, next month or next year.
And when you are ready and you want to ensure you don't need another holiday after the holiday, let me help take care of the stress and much of your to do list.
For more information message me or drop me a line at [email protected] / 0790 383 2929 / 01625 423 856
14/05/2021
After a topsy turvy week, Portugal finally has the green light to welcome tourists from midnight on 17th May.
With 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850kms of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
With an exceptional range of different landscapes, you’ll find leisure activities, a unique cultural heritage, superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people.
There's plenty to think about before, during & after your trip.
If you want expert advice and a stress busting holiday, drop me a line for more info or call me on 0790 383 2929
11/05/2021
If like me, you've spent the last few days poring over the new 'traffic light system', you might be forgiven for thinking your car had backfired or stalled as it tried to set off.
Red is simple - Stop.
Green means go - or Does it?!?
The reality is from a list of 12 countries on the current list, there are 3 that you can visit from 17th May with relative ease.
For those countries on 'Amber' never has this colour meant so much for travellers and the travel industry, as we all battle to understand what this means in practical terms - pre & post departure tests, health forms, travel insurance, foreign office updates, self isolation, added cost... all amount to a flurry of information overload & confusion.
The skill of a travel agent now is to not just inspire and create magical holidays, it is to help remove the hassle & stress, help clients manage their hugely increased 'to do list' before, during and after your trip.
I can't pack your smalls or your passport but I can help make your holiday preparations a little easier to manage.
For more info drop me a line at [email protected] or call me on 0790 383 2929
13/04/2021
Here in the UK - only this summer! Introducing Disney Magic at Sea, new 2-, 3- and limited 4-night staycation sailings into pure Disney storytelling.
Booking begins in April for sailings in summer 2021! To pre-register your interest, please contact me today as these unique experiences will be extremely popular
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Where in the world?
Hello and a big thank you for taking the time to visit my webpage, I love to travel and by visiting this webpage hopefully you do too!
I trust you will find the below introduction helpful and that I can inspire you to pick up the phone or drop me a line for a chat about where in the world next awaits you.
My passion for travel really took off when I booked a round the world flight ticket in 1997.
I largely lived, worked and travelled in Australia, also taking in Fiji and Hawaii on the way home. I have always loved adventure and this opened a whole new world of excitement, experiences and many lifelong friends.
Ever since, I have been fortunate to travel to many worldwide destinations and experience some magical places.
From mountaineering and jungle trekking in Borneo, cruising the Egyptian Nile and riding donkeys to the Valley of the Kings, snowboarding and husky sledding in Canada, scuba diving with sharks in Fiji, hang gliding in Brazil, safaris in Kenya, honeymooning in Zanzibar, crayfish parties in Sweden, to road trips across the USA taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.
One of my favourite memories is proposing to my wife whilst scuba diving in Tobago, using an underwater slate and a makeshift ring. Thankfully she ticked the ‘Yes’ box and we returned to the surface to cheers from our fellow dive buddies.
As of 2018 there are 195 countries in the world and I find it amazing that whilst I feel well travelled, I know I have only really scratched the surface (and occasionally gone underneath when diving!)
To fuel my passion for travel, I worked for 7 years for 2 bespoke travel companies, immersing myself further into new destinations, sharing my knowledge and experience and what it can do for the human spirit.
I am highly experienced helping business and leisure travellers, offering an exceptional level of care and service, whatever your travel requirements and aspirations, big or small.
I am available 24/7, before, during and after your trip, to help and assist with recommendations & solving those unforeseen hiccups.
In a world of computers, robots and technology, there is still nothing like a personal touch.
Let me help take you on your next journey and make it an even more memorable experience.
