World's Your Oyster Travel

18/01/2025

If you haven't booked a ski holiday yet, consider Easter holidays - a much better value option than February half term and as long as you pick the right resort you can enjoy the best of sunshine and still have great snow conditions.

Arc 1800, France, is great option, it's high, and due to the glacier is about as snow sure as you can get.

Here's the deal:
Saturday 5th April - Saturday 12th April

✈Return flights with Easyjet from Bristol to Geneva
💺Reserved plane seats
🧳23 kg hold baggage per person
🚕 Return private transfers from the airport to resort
🛌 Quadruple apartment with double room, bunk beds and kitchen
⛷SKI IN SKI OUT!

Cost per person: £1109 based on a family of 4.

Get that ski fix in - contact me for more details [email protected]

11/01/2025

You really need to consider this for your next holiday....

Montenegro! Nestled between Croatia and Albania and opposite the back leg of Italy's boot, this is my top tip for a summer holiday (I'm planning a trip for my family this year).

Travel direct from Bristol Airport to Tivat with easyJet and get to two of most beautiful places in mere minutes - Kotor and Budva.

Visiting Budva and Kotor in Montenegro offers a chance to experience some of the most stunning and culturally rich locations on the Adriatic coast. Here’s why you should consider visiting these two charming towns:

Budva:
Beautiful Beaches: Budva is known for its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re into lively beach clubs or quieter, more relaxed spots, there’s something for everyone.

Vibrant Nightlife: The town has a bustling nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. If you enjoy vibrant evenings with great music and dancing, Budva is a hotspot.

Historic Old Town: Budva’s Old Town (Stari Grad) is a maze of narrow streets, ancient stone buildings, and Venetian-style architecture. You can explore medieval churches, fortifications, and historical landmarks.

Budva Riviera: The area around Budva offers stunning views, from dramatic cliffs to secluded coves. There’s also a variety of hiking routes and picturesque spots.

Kotor:
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kotor’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. It’s one of the best-preserved historical centres in the region.

Kotor Bay: The bay itself is incredibly beautiful, surrounded by steep mountains and dotted with charming towns and villages. The view is stunning, especially from the top of the fortress or from the water.

Charming Atmosphere: Kotor feels like a time capsule, with its narrow streets, piazzas, and ancient churches. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander through its well-preserved quarters.

Cultural Heritage: Kotor has a deep history influenced by various cultures, including Venetian, Roman, and Slavic. There are many museums, churches, and old town walls to explore, offering insight into its rich past.

Combination of Both:
Proximity: Budva and Kotor are just 30 km apart, making it easy to explore both in one trip. They offer a fantastic blend of lively beach culture (Budva) and historical exploration (Kotor).

Scenic Drive: The drive between the two is one of the most scenic routes, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, mountains, and small villages.

Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, ancient history, or natural beauty, both Budva and Kotor have something special to offer.

Fancy a multi-destination trip? You can get the ferry to Dubrovnik in Croatia and visit not only an incredible medieval walled city - but also see some of the key locations used for filming Game of Thrones.

Extremely good value for money when you are there - let me research a trip to suit you and get you to one of the trending European summer hotspots.

[email protected]

09/01/2025

Group ski holidays - the MOST fun but the WORST to organise!

We all know it can be a bit like herding cats...

I've always been the organiser of my friend's ski holidays - from epic ski weeks in my 20s when the emphasis was as more on the apres than the actual skiing, to multi-family ski trips navigating reluctant kids with way to many skis and poles to carry!

Now I do it professionally.

If you want all the hassle taken out of a group ski trip then please get in touch. I have great contacts and can put together something bespoke for your group.

Gather your gang and lets get you all to the slopes!

Email [email protected]

08/01/2025

Doha, Qatar

A great option for a winter or spring getaway while Europe is still warming up. Whilst it’s known for its modern and luxurious metropolis, Doha offers some wonderful cultural experiences and has some pretty awesome hotels for families.

It’s a 6.5 hour flight from London, so considerably closer than long haul winter destinations like Thailand or India. Boasting average temperatures of 20 º in February, or 28º in April, it makes a great option for February half-term or Easter break for those with children.

Why not take a break from the pool to visit Souq Waqif a vibrant traditional market where you can shop for spices, textiles, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs. The souq is also home to restaurants and cafes offering authentic Qatari cuisine. Top tip - visit the falcon shops where you can see the birds and learn about this ancient Qatari tradition.

If you like to shop – you won’t be disappointed, they have malls that are more like theme parks!

Consider the staying at the Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North – five-acres of fun filled attractions including a sensational waterpark, private beach, retail area and numerous fine dining and casual restaurants – all inclusive.

February half-term deal:
✈Return non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Doha with Qatar Airways
🛌7 nights all inclusive in a family room – all inclusive with access to water park
🚕Return private transfers form the airport to the hotel

£1569 per person based on a family of 4 (children under 12).

I work with a live booking system, prices can change at any time.

Contact me for more information [email protected]

07/01/2025

Sierra Nevada just got a good dump of snow, with more forecast! Fancy a cheeky ski break flying from Cornwall Airport Newquay? Get in touch and I’ll sort out a trip to suit your budget and timings.

[email protected]

07/01/2025

At the end of June Easy Jet are starting twice weekly flights from Bristol to Palermo, Sicily.

Sicily is such a beautiful island jam-packed with history, culture and amazing food.

Consider a holiday in Cefalu, a beautiful town just an hour's train ride away from the capital, Palermo. Beautiful beaches, fascinating Sicilian narrow streets where kids play and locals hang their washing on criss-cross lines above. Phenomenal food in local restaurants, you'll certainly come back a pound or two heavier after a daily dose of the best gelato you've ever tasted!

Add to this a lovely open cathedral square lined with a couple of cafe/bars, where old and young sit out to watch the world go by of an evening. Maybe with a glass of the local Limencello?

Palermo is well worth a visit too, with its vibrant markets and Moorish architecture, not to mention some pretty fascinating catacombs if you can handle the ghoulish-ness 😱

Flights go on a Thursday and Sunday - so contact me for details of a package to suit your budget.





[email protected]

04/01/2025

As an Independent Travel Agent I can book through any of the major players, I can also price match and, sometimes beat their prices.

You will still be ATOL protected and have all the financial security you get when booking direct - but will the personal service of an individual (me!) who you can call should you have any queries or, should anything go wrong. I will be the one on hold for hours trying to sort everything out on your behalf - that’s what booking with an Independent Travel Agent gets you, real personal service.

So if you have been trawling travel websites and have some holiday ideas, drop me a message and see if I can beat the price you have.

[email protected]

03/01/2025

Skiing with the family? Here are my top tips for how to make it a success!

Many people will book a family ski trip following a love of skiing prior to children, but it can be a very different experience from the care-free days of group holidays with friends where the apres-ski was as important as the skiing itself.

There’s no getting round the fact that skiing is not a cheap holiday option. It never really was but it’s getting increasingly expensive, particularly now there are more of you to consider. So, here are some ideas that will help to make the holiday a success for everyone and your wallet!

1. Forget the big resorts. For the first few ski holidays with kids in tow you really don’t need miles and miles of ski area. The kids will be in lessons, probably for the morning, which gives you some freedom to explore, but you’ll always need to be back for a lunch -time pick up, so it severely limits your options for heading across several valleys. It’s also unlikely you’ll be able to take advantage of the larger resort’s apres ski options (sadly). Smaller, lesser-known resorts will be cheaper, and there is little point spending money on facilities you just won’t get the chance to use.

2. Consider spending the money to stay VERY close to the slopes, carrying skis and poles, with tired children in ski boots is not fun. 100m is about as far as I would want to walk - max. So, if you can, opt for accommodation very close to the ski school meeting point. Alternatively, if that is cost prohibitive, look for ski lockers right by the lifts, so you’ll leave all your equipment (including boots) as you come off the slopes and enjoy a lighter walk back to the hotel/apartment.

3. Depending on how keen your children are, resist the temptation to push them too hard. See the first holiday as an investment, get them to love it, then in future years you’ll be able to save money with apartments and options further from the slopes. This is true for reluctant partners too – you may love skiing but if your partner isn’t convinced the holiday needs to be fun for everyone. Trying to pack too much in, self-catering and long days don’t always work for first family ski holidays.

4. A swimming pool – if you have one in your accommodation it can help massively with kids who have had enough of skiing for the day. Something to do once the lessons are over and before dinner. You really won’t have any issues getting them to sleep when you’re in the mountains – they will be exhausted!

I say all of this with a semi-successful family ski trip under my belt. I’m the ski lover in our household – the last trip resulted in conversion of two out of my three children. The husband and middle son are yet to be convinced – so this year I am following my own advice!

I hope the above is useful to you, if you haven’t booked your trip for this year please drop me an email and I can create a package that is perfect for you and your family. I've skied since I was 6, so have good resort knowledge across Europe.

[email protected]

02/01/2025

Destination Guide for Albania.

My top pick for summer 2025 is Albania! It's been gaining a lot of attention on social media for it's beautiful beaches and offers a great value holiday option with average costs for dinner and drinks much lower than its Greek or Turkish rivals (Turkey in particular got a lot of bad press for last year for spiralling costs).

Ryanair run twice weekly flights from Bristol to Albania's capital, Tirana, so it's become an accesible option form the south-west.

Here are some compelling reasons to consider Albania for your next holiday:

1. Stunning Beaches
Albania is home to some of Europe's most beautiful and unspoiled beaches. The Albanian Riviera stretches along the Ionian Sea, featuring crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and sandy beaches. Popular spots include Dhermi, Jale, and Ksamil, which rival more famous Mediterranean destinations.

2. Rich History and Culture
Albania has a fascinating history, with influences from Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and communist times. You can explore Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is an ancient city with ruins dating back to the 7th century BC. Other historic spots include the Llogara Pass, Gjirokastër, and the Castle of Berat.

3. Affordable Travel Destination
Albania offers a budget-friendly experience compared to other European destinations. You can enjoy delicious food, charming accommodations, and vibrant nightlife without spending a fortune.

4. Stunning Nature and Hiking
If you love outdoor adventures, Albania won't disappoint. The Accursed Mountains (Prokletije), Lura Lakes, and Valbona Valley are perfect for hiking and trekking. The country offers a variety of landscapes—from rugged mountains to lush forests and pristine lakes.

5. Delicious Cuisine
Albanian cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean flavors and offers a wide range of fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. Don’t miss traditional dishes like byrek, tavë kosi (a lamb and yogurt casserole), and fresh grilled fish. You can also enjoy locally produced wines and raki (a traditional fruit brandy).

6. Warm and Welcoming People
Albanians are known for their hospitality. As a visitor, you’ll likely experience a warm welcome and be treated like family. It's not uncommon for locals to invite you to share a meal or drink with them.

7. Unique Architecture
Albania boasts a mix of architectural styles, from Ottoman mosques and old towns like Gjirokastër to the 20th-century communist-era buildings. Tirana, the capital city, has seen a modern transformation with colorful buildings, street art, and trendy cafes.

8. Untouched Villages
Albania is home to several picturesque villages that have maintained their authenticity over centuries. Villages like Theth, Vuno, and Mursi are off-the-beaten-path gems, perfect for those looking to experience rural life and traditional customs.

9. Accessibility and Proximity
Albania is easy to reach from many European countries. Flights to Tirana International Airport are affordable, and the country is well connected by road and ferry to neighboring countries like Greece, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

10. Vibrant Nightlife
If you're looking for lively nightlife, Tirana is the place to be. It’s full of bars, clubs, and entertainment options, offering something for every taste. Coastal towns like Vlora and Saranda also have a vibrant social scene during the summer months.

In short, Albania offers an exciting mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking something unique, less crowded, and affordable. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or beach lover, you'll find plenty to enjoy!

If you like the look of Albania for your next holiday, please drop me a message and I can research and package up a holiday to suit your personal requirements and budget.

[email protected]

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!

Where will 2025 take you?

Any ideas? Follow my page for lots of destination inspiration coming up in the next few weeks.

Now is the time to secure your holiday plans. The big players are offering great discounts (Easyjet, Jet2 and Tui) and there is still good availability for accommodation options.

Let me take the hassle out of holidays and do the research and booking for you.

Get in touch for a quote today!

29/12/2024

Now that Christmas is over there’s only one thing to do…

Book a holiday 🤣

27/12/2024

Working with Cornwall Airport Newquay with ski trips departing locally to Sierra Nevada in Spain. Not booked for 2025 yet? Message me now!

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas to all my lovely followers! Being a travel agent has genuinely made me so happy, I absolutely love researching and planning your holidays.

There are some great deals coming up with lots of suppliers offering good incentives to book after Christmas and in January.

I’ll be ready to look at all your trips from 27th December. Hit me up with your wish list!

[email protected]

Your Oyster Travel

17/12/2024

Take your next ski holiday from Cornwall Newquay Airport. So easy!

Discover the Ultimate Winter Getaway: Fly Direct from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Málaga for Sun and Ski Adventures

14/12/2024

Latest survey on the best value ski resorts is revealed!

Post Office Money, along with The Times based the survey on the cost of a six-day ski pass and ski/boot hire for one person plus ski school (five-six half days), a range of drinks and lunch on the slopes.

Bardonecchia comes top for the second year running, with Italy dominating the value resorts along with Bulgaria.

And the most expensive? Take a guess!

If you haven’t booked your ski holiday yet, get in touch. I’ve booked countless ski holidays, from multi-family group trips to just a few friends for a weekend getaway. If you’ve never skied then I can talk you through everything you need to know to make your first trip a success.

[email protected]

11/12/2024

Struggling for gift ideas for the loved one in your life?

How about a weekend away in London to see Abba Voyage?

📅 Friday 31st January - Sunday 2nd February
🎫 2 x tickets for 7.45 pm performace of Abba Voyage on Saturday 1st February
🛌 Two night's accommodation in Millenium and Copthorne Chelsea Football Club

Total per person: £268.40 (based on two sharing)

I can also arrange train tickets or flights to London. Loads of other theatre tickets available, just message me for details.

[email protected]