Luxe Voyage Concierge

30/08/2024

Putting their differences aside, Noel and Liam Gallagher have confirmed dates for Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin - with tickets going on sale this weekend.

If you're an eager fan hoping to secure seats, it's important to watch out for dodgy deals and scammers before placing any orders.

We have been inundated with requests for tickets. We are likely to have options in Dublin, London, Manchester and Cardiff but availability is expected to sell quickly so it will be first come first served. We are unlikely to have availability in Edinburgh.

If you are after tickets please let me know your date and location requirements, preferred ticket/package (we offer hospitality packages), quantity of tickets required along with your name and email address (via a private message).

29/08/2024

Best place to receive my travel posts is my Instagram page ⏬ Follow for travel news, destination tips and insider advice...

29/08/2024

About £100 for your five-star hotel, 50 quid for the flight and a memorable meal for a tenner in a medieval square so vast and pretty it will take your breath away, Wroclaw might be Europe's most underrated city break destination. Poland's third biggest city has been hiding in plain sight, little visited because, well it's in Poland. But that's part of the attraction too. Travel to Spain, Italy or France, our favourite holiday destinations, and there's a weight of expectation from everything you've seen online, on tv, in magazines and on your friends' feed. Wroclaw is pretty undiscovered. The city, then, has the ability to do something rare in our hyper connected world - surprise you.

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28/08/2024

Travellers say they were forced to pay for new accommodation, or ended up sleeping in their car, after paying for lets on Booking.com that ‘don’t exist’.

In some cases it appears that, rather than deliberate scams, they were caught out by listings that should have been deactivated but were still available to book.

However, other listings seem much more suspicious with numerous angry reviews saying that the holiday let doesn’t exist, while one or two reviewers give them glowing 10-out-of-10 ratings.

Using an advanced Google search, we found 52 listings on Booking.com where multiple recent reviews said that the property didn’t exist, with hundreds of reviewers warning of what they describe as ‘scams’. Of the 52 listings, 35 were still set as available to book when we checked, while the others had been active in the last year but now said they were ‘not currently available’.

Some guests said they still hadn’t received a refund, weeks after their stay was supposed to have taken place.

Always do your research when booking travel or take the stress out of it and book via a travel agent for peace of mind.

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27/08/2024

The latest in a wave of smart new boutique hotels to arrive in Las Palmas, the Cordial could not have a better position. Overlooking the surprisingly sleepy main square, and Santa Ana Cathedral, it’s right in the heart of Vegueta - the cobbled aristocratic quarter where you’ll find the city’s main historic sights and a crop of buzzy new restaurants.

Inside you’re met by friendly staff and extensive renovations that have retained many features of the former family mansion, like patterned tile floors and the grand wooden staircase that now leads to a swanky rooftop bar.

Book early because there are just 20 rooms across the hotel’s three floors. All feature high ceilings, huge windows and a stylish silver wallpaper aesthetic, rounded off by arty black-and-white photos of Vegueta.

The multi-level Belvedere rooftop bar, with its cathedral views, and colourful hillside backdrop is one of the best places in the city for a sundowner. Breakfast is a fairly standard hot and cold self-service affair, but for the excellent open sandwiches that appear intermittently with tasty toppings like the local delicacy, chorizo de Teror.

With the perfect old town location, brand new facilities and rooms that often hover around the £100 a night mark, the Cordial is a bargain

26/08/2024

The European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (Etias) was due to be introduced in November 2023, but has been postponed. When it launches, UK passport-holders will need a visa-waiver to visit any countries in Europe’s passport-free zone, the Schengen Area.

Holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €7 (around £6) before travelling. The authorisation is expected to be valid for three years, or until your passport expires.

Similar to America’s Esta system, Etias will allow citizens from 63 visa-exempt countries to visit the Schengen Zone with an electronic authorisation rather than a full visa. This includes the UK, which is considered a third country since Brexit.

The scheme was originally due to start in 2021, but the European authorities have so far postponed the scheme’s launch date five times - most recently to 2025.

Brussels is also introducing photo and fingerprint checks. Its new borders initiative - the entry-exit system (EES) - will require non-EU citizens, including British travellers, to provide biometric data whenever they enter or leave the Schengen Zone. Children under 12 will be exempt.

The entry-exit system will replace passport-stamping and is expected to cause delays at busy airports and ports such as Dover, where French officials conduct checks on British soil.

The exact launch dates of both the entry-exit system and Etias have yet to be confirmed. It’s expected that the EES will also be introduced and implemented first.

20/08/2024

All Food

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin-star chefs are yours to enjoy.

Essential Drinks

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, juices, soft drinks, teas and even drip coffee.

WIFI

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

Tips Included

We’ve taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for all your onboard experiences.

Group Fitness Classes

Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

Shows & Entertainment

You have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows developed by the world’s most-talked- about producers and artists.

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Complimentary $100 (when onboard the ship the currency will always be USD) to spend on board for all bookings made with me or via the link in my bio.

This can be used on your bar tab, a spa treatment, a trip to one of the salons onboard, shore excursions or anything else you might fancy.

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Just my personal thank you for your custom 💗

With 70% off 2nd sailor on all voyages and free balcony upgrades on most 2024 sailings, now is a great time to bag yourself a deal.

Virgin Voyages Best Price Guarantee ensures that you will enjoy the lowest advertised rate on your voyage fare and preferred promotional offer, subject to your booking meeting certain requirements.

18/08/2024

ROCKSTAR QUARTERS

SUITE DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS

RockStar Quarters are where luxury yachting meets rock and roll royalty. Accents of brass and slabs of marble guide you to spacious stargazing terraces, where every detail of our RockStar Quarters celebrates the romance of the open ocean. Our suites were conceptualized by world-renowned designer Tom Dixon, and come complete with incredible amenities, RockStar Agents, and exclusive access both on and off the ship.

Brilliant Suite 482 sq ft

Cheeky Corner Suite 618-857 sq ft

Seriously Suite 352 sq ft

Sweet Aft Suite 416-616 sq ft

MEGA ROCKSTAR QUARTERS

IT DOESN’ T GET SUITE-ER THAN THIS

Our Mega RockStar Quarters offer the most exclusive, top-tier luxury living on board — granting you daily perks like a Bar Tab, bottomless in-room bar, full use of the Thermal Suite in Redemption Spa, 24/7 agent attention, complimentary parking at PortMiami’s Terminal V, and much more. Our Tom Dixon-designed suites boast large marbled bathrooms with Peek-a-Boo showers, hand- woven terrace hammocks, and outdoor Peek-a-View showers for when rinsing off requires a little help from the moonlight.

Massive Suite 2,147 sq ft

Fab Suite 950 sq ft

Posh Suite 833 sq ft

Gorgeous Suite 570 sq ft

Book the Massive Suite, the most legendary experience at sea. Besides a massive living space, music room, and 1.5 baths, you’ll enjoy the largest terrace with a runway table, extra hammocks and sun beds, plus a stargazing lounge for those cosmic nights at sea.

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Complimentary $100 (when onboard the ship the currency will always be USD) to spend on board for all bookings made with me or via the link in my bio.

This can be used on your bar tab, a spa treatment, a trip to one of the salons onboard, shore excursions or anything else you might fancy.

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Just my personal thank you for your custom 💗

16/08/2024

Whether you’re getting ready inside at the glam area, rinsing off in your Roomy Rainshower, or relaxing outside on your hand-woven terrace hammock, our spaces are designed to give you sweeping views of the horizon. Thoughtful touches like mood lighting (adjustable from anywhere in your room via tablet) won us Best Cabins in the 2023 Cruise Critic Awards.

Modern, yacht-inspired aesthetic and clever cabin technology make your lodging more than just a space to sleep.

Roomy Rainshower

Gorgeous space to rinse off and unwind from the day’s (and night’s) activities.

Terrace Hammock

Hand-woven by mothers in Thailand, they’re as comfy as they are good for the world.

Mood Lighting

Transforming cabin technology that allows the lighting to fit your ever- changing mood.

Red Flower

Shower products and amenities with natural ingredients that promote health and environmental consciousness.

Large Flat-Screen HDTV

For mornings meant for recovery and catching up on all of your favourite shows.

Glam Area

Because there’s nothing more important than having space to get gorgeous.

XL Sea Terrace

265 sq ft

Sea Terrace

225 sq ft

Sea View

130-190 sq ft

Insider

105-177 sq ft

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Complimentary $100 (when onboard the ship the currency will always be USD) to spend on board for all bookings made with me or via the link in my bio.

This can be used on your bar tab, a spa treatment, a trip to one of the salons onboard, shore excursions or anything else you might fancy.

💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

Just my personal thank you for your custom 💗

With 70% off 2nd sailor on all voyages and free balcony upgrades on most 2024 sailings, now is a great time to bag yourself a deal.

Virgin Voyages Best Price Guarantee ensures that you will enjoy the lowest advertised rate on your voyage fare and preferred promotional offer, subject to your booking meeting certain requirements.
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14/08/2024

11/08/2024

Inspired by the modern luxury of yachting and the romance of the open ocean, Virgin Voyages have created a boutique hotel at sea — with no kids, no ordinary experiences and no reason to stay home.

Taking cues from the best international cities, with the perfect balance of uptown meets downtown — where paths diverge and choice is an artistic part of the journey.
Combining the warmth and luxury of a yacht with the endless options of a larger ship, expect an elevated and intimate environment that inspires personal and experiential connection.

Fare includes accommodation, unlimited food from Michelin starred chef curated menus at no less than 20 restaurants, with essential drinks included and alcohol bevs at exceptional value, tips, unlimited WiFi, group fitness classes, immersive entertainment all included on every sailing, every time! No hidden fees. No surprises.

Pre-purchase your bar tab and score bonus on board credit.

💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

Complimentary $100 (when onboard the ship the currency will always be USD) to spend on board for all bookings made with me or via the link in my bio.

This can be used on your bar tab, a spa treatment, a trip to one of the salons onboard, shore excursions or anything else you might fancy.

💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

Just my personal thank you for your custom 💗

With 70% off 2nd sailor on all voyages and free balcony upgrades on most 2024 sailings, now is a great time to bag yourself a deal and experience the luxury of the winner of the Best Premium Cruise Company 2024.

Virgin Voyages Best Price Guarantee

VV Best Price Guarantee ensures that you will enjoy the lowest advertised rate on your voyage fare and preferred promotional offer. If a lower fare or different promotional offer advertised to the general public is found and your booking meets certain requirements, you may request to have that savings or promotion applied to your existing booking.

10/08/2024

Let's be fully transparent here because it's certainly not nothing. It equates to £662 in your first year and £552 every year after that. What really do you get for that investment? So so so much. Apart from the generous commissions and all the fabulous learning, it will open up so many doors (at luxury 5 star resorts) that perhaps were previously not accessible for you and your family.

Think if it as you putting £552 into your holiday fund savings account and that fund growing really really fast (actually immediately) at the most generous interest rate you can possibly imagine, and you might come close.

09/08/2024

Jet2 Holidays have recently come on board last month in a direct partnership with InteleTravel. This is very exciting. Everyone knows Jet2 are a trustworthy brand and receive awards continuously, including Which? Recommended Provider, always my personal go to when making a big purchase. With flights, luggage, transfers and accommodation rolled into an ATOL Protected package holiday, you really can't go wrong. And hard to resist all those free child places. Get in touch today to enquire about your next Jet2 holiday, my absolute favourite is the Indulgent Escapes collection.

07/08/2024

It's a whole lot more than you think, trust me.

When I joined this business in April it was because I love travel, that's all. I love love love spending my days researching and booking holidays. If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. I'm so happy I finally pushed myself out of my comfort zone and will never look back.
What I did not expect was to want to share what I now have and have access to. I'm not into marketing, have no experience in marketing or any desire to get into marketing. However I absolutely believe that more people should know about travels best kept secret and have an in if they want one. That's all. Lots of info in bio links if you're interested or just drop a DM.

06/08/2024

Visit attractions at off-peak times

Save money and beat the crowds by visiting attractions off-peak. You can bag discounts or even free admission by opting for less popular times or days of the week. For example, some museums in Paris, including the Louvre, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month - saving €15 euros on the price of a ticket. Similarly, entry to the Vatican museum - usually €16 euros - is free to enter on the last Sunday of the month. The Prado museum in Madrid (€15 euros) is free every evening from 6pm-8pm (Sundays 5pm-7pm). Many UK national galleries and museums are also free to enter.

Last-minute doesn't always mean cheaper

Whilst there are always amazing late deals to bag, flexibility is crucial. Booking late in the day doesn’t always guarantee a bargain if you know exactly what and where you want. Wait too late and you could be left with limited choice, higher rates and less flexible cancellation policies. It’s worth holding your nerve for a late deal if you are open-minded about the location or hotel.

Sign up to loyalty schemes

Savings and promos can add up if you’re savvy enough to join loyalty schemes. Always let your travel agent know at the time of booking if you have a promo code to use. Sometimes these can be added on after the booking but it’s always better at the time if possible.

05/08/2024

Visit a lesser-known location & be flexible with dates if possible

Choosing the right destination can have a big impact on holiday budgets. Additionally when researching your holiday, your agent can see how prices compare across the month for the same package. Having flexibility with your dates can make a big difference.

Book car hire in advance & don’t purchase excess insurance at the desk

It usually pays off to book car hire at least two months in advance. Increased demand will see brokers up their prices - and the later you book, the more you’ll pay. So, if you’re planning to travel during a peak time, it’s especially important that you book your car hire in advance. In addition you should always buy your excess insurance policy in advance from a third party supplier and never as an add on from the car rental company at the desk.

Pay in local currency & and use the right card

Always pay in the local currency when buying goods or services abroad to avoid being hit with sky high exchange rates. Make sure to also check whether your bank charges a fee for using your card abroad. For example, Santander charges a 2.95% foreign currency conversion fee for debit card payments and cash withdrawals (excluding ATMs in Spain) - plus a 2.75% transaction fee and a £1.25 purchase fee on every item bought overseas. In contrast, Starling Bank, Barclays Rewards and Monzo are all fee-free for overseas purchases and ATM withdrawals. Halifax Clarity and Barclaycard Rewards credit cards offer the same perks, plus legal protection if something goes wrong. Always check current charges before your trip.

04/08/2024

Know when to fly

Fridays and Sundays are typically the most expensive; Tuesdays are typically the cheapest.

Consider a different destination airport

Budget airlines are notorious for flying to airports that are nowhere near your destination (Girona and Reus in Spain are both used for flights to Barcelona – despite being around 60 miles north and south respectively).

However, if choosing a secondary airport results in a big saving, you might decide it's worth it. On the Costa Blanca, you can choose between Alicante and Murcia airports – about an hour's drive between them. In countries with fast, relatively inexpensive trains, you could consider spending a night in one town before heading to another. Italy is well connected by train; for example, you can travel between Verona and Venice in just over an hour.

Avoid being surprised by airline extras

Sometimes the airlines that appear cheapest on a flight comparison site are much more expensive than the initial price suggests. Ryanair, Wizz and now easyJet will charge you for any luggage that won't fit under your seat. If you want to take a standard case into the cabin, that could add as much as £70. If you want to check luggage into the hold, you'll pay even more e.g. £218 for 20kg to Balearics with Wizz Air compared to £66 for the same weight with TUI. Fly to Turkey with Wizz Air and pay £219 per 20kg bag, probably almost doubling the actual cost of your flight. Fly with Sun Express by comparison and 20kg of hold luggage is included in the fare. When you’re a family of 5 those extras add up pretty quickly!

Airlines such as Jet2 and British Airways, which still don't charge for cabin luggage, may appear more expensive initially, but the price you see on the first page is likely to be what you'll actually pay.

Don’t assume you need to pay to sit together on the plane

Passengers who pay extra to sit together on the plane are often wasting their money. Most airlines will sit families together when possible. Low cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air are the exceptions to this. Check in early for the best chance of getting free seats together, or better yet have your travel agent check in for you.

03/08/2024

February is high season in the Caribbean. Most islands are about 8 hours flying time from the UK and you can expect temperatures of about 28°C with 9 hours of daily sun.

Some of our favourite Caribbean islands include romantic St Lucia, which has some superb luxury hotels. If you like glamour and sophistication with your sunshine, head to Barbados.

For culture, cool bars and salsa music, head to Cuba which is slowly changing as American influences arrive. Get there before McDonald’s does! Stay for a few days in the lively capital of Havana, followed by time on a spectacular white sand beach.

If you want to see several islands in comfort, enquire about one of our many cruise options around the Caribbean.

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02/08/2024

Personally I would avoid the Mediterranean in February – it’s simply too cold and wet. You might get lucky with a sunny week, but the odds aren’t on your side. Wait until April before you visit the Med. I’ve booked the stunning Lara Barut Collection in Antalya for our April escape to the sunshine.

If you fly for just four hours, you can get to the Canary Islands where you’ll find temperatures of 21°C and an average 7 hours of daily sunshine. There’s no shortage of direct flights from across the UK.

Despite a reputation for mass tourism, the Canaries are beautiful. And if you crave somewhere really remote, head to La Gomera – a short ferry crossing from Tenerife – or tiny La Graciosa
just north of Lanzarote.

It’s a wonderful time to explore the ancient mysteries of Egypt, a five-hour flight from the UK. Visit the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings or relax on a luxury Nile Cruise. In Cairo you can expect eight hours of sunshine and temperatures of 22°C or visit the spectacular North Coast beaches.

It’s six hours flying time to the warm beaches of The Gambia on the west coast of Africa. This is an ideal destination for cheap holidays in February with temperatures of 34°C and 9 hours of sunshine. The hotels are a good standard, the people are friendly and there are lots of fascinating excursions.

It’s a seven-hour flight to the Arabian Gulf, where you can expect 25°C temperatures and 8 hours of sunshine. Dubai has a stunning range of attractions and iconic hotels, while Abu Dhabi has some of the region’s most glamorous hotels along with beaches, culture and plenty of activities. Oman has souks and sand dunes, castles and pristine beaches where giant turtles hatch their eggs.

Stay tuned tomorrow for some longer haul options for February sun...

01/08/2024

Has turned a little grey out there this morning ☁️

Let's kick off the month with some last minute availability at these outstanding resorts ✨✨✨

Each of these has a 5 Star Rating and a 5/5 TripAdvisor Rating
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Prices are based on an all inclusive stay and include return flights, accommodation, luggage and transfers ✨

Head on over to check out any of these top resorts on TripAdvisor, DM for further information or pop it in the comments if you'd like to see a dedicated post featuring one of these resorts 💗

31/07/2024

Newly renovated for Summer 2024, Meliá Lloret de Mar is the hottest hotel in town

Located in the ever-popular Lloret de Mar resort, this stunning hotel really does have that WOW factor!

Offering great spa facitlies, as well as modern decor

Want to make your trip extra special?

Upgrade to The Level room so that you can look forward to VIP service, luxury extras and exclusive entry to The Level Lounge!

30/07/2024

Featured Hotel: Elysium

On the outskirts of Paphos, Elysium blends Byzantine architecture and decorative mosaics. Spend days unwinding by the pool, while exquisite dining and excellent service await inside. Relaxation is at its finest in the spa, and a children’s club and idyllic beachfront location add to the appeal.

29/07/2024

Hotels with stand-out pools...

Let us know which one you'd pick in the comments:

• Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Hersonissos, Crete (Heraklion Area)
• Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa, Kiotari, Rhodes
• Xanadu Island, Turgutreis, Bodrum Area
• Hotel Fariones, Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote
• Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Orasac, Dubrovnik Coast

Here today, pool tomorrow.

28/07/2024

The cruise sector is booming again, with updated ships and some imaginative  new itineraries. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to tour the Caribbean in style, or join a boutique sailing on a quiet canal in France.

If you’re taking the kids, we have great selection of family cruises. If you’re travelling alone, we have cruise holidays for singles.

And if you are just dipping your toes in the water for the first time, or you only want to be away for a few nights, we have a selection of mini cruises, including the Scottish Isles, the Channel Islands and European cities such as Bruges and Amsterdam.

Virgin Voyages has made a big splash with its entry into the adults-only cruise market. It has new-build ships in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and has rewritten some of the rules of ocean cruising with innovative cabins, buzzing entertainment, a ban on buffets and overnight port calls, so you can enjoy the local nightlife as well as daytime sightseeing.

In Europe, a river cruise is a fabulous way to see beautiful cities and countryside. Riviera Travel has its own fleet of intimate small boats with daily excursions and all meals included in the price. The top destinations include Danube, the Rhine and the Douro in Portugal.

How about cruising Turkey’s spectacular southeastern coastline on a traditional gulet. Meander gently along the coast, mooring in crystal-clear bays, swimming in the sea, gazing at the stars and stopping ashore to visit historical sites.

10/07/2024

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

06/07/2024

Mitsis Royal Mare, Anissaras, Crete

A luxurious 5 star resort and winners of the World Luxury Hotel and Restaurant Awards 2023 with a stellar showcase of excellence.

You can expect a stunning beachfront location, 7 restaurants, 4 bars, a multi award winning Thalasso Centre, 29 secluded pools and excellent service.

Price is for a double bungalow sleeping 4 on an all inclusive basis and includes direct flights from Gatwick, luggage and transfers.