Claire Tavender -Horne - Travel Counsellors

27/02/2025

If Japan isn’t already on your radar for skiing, it should be. Dramatic landscapes, impeccable runs, and après-ski like no other await. 🏔️ Planning for your 2026 ski season? I'm here to sort every detail for you, so you can focus on perfecting those turns. ⛷️

26/02/2025

This exciting itinerary takes you on a journey through the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Thailand from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai and the picturesque mountains of Chiang Mai. This itinerary has been designed to maximise use of public transport to help reduce your environmental impact whilst in destination. We’ve partnered with the Travel Foundation who’ve supported us in developing this itinerary as a step towards ensuring that tourism has more of a positive impact on destinations.

25/02/2025

JOHANNESBURG | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK | STEENBERG CAPE TOWN

1 night at Sandton Sun, Johannesburg

On arrival, meet your English speaking representative from Sense of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel, Sandton Sun, a landmark on the Sandton skyline. Sandton Sun & Towers is the ultimate destination complex seamlessly integrated into the Sandton City Shopping Centre Diamond Walk and the Sandton Convention Centre, and within walking distance to Nelson Mandela Square and the Sandton Gautrain Station.

3 nights at Kapama River Lodge, Kruger National Park

The next morning, you'll take an internal flight up to Hoedspruit, where you'll be met by a representative from Kapama Game Reserve for your road transfer to the lodge. Nestled in the heart of the African wilderness, the River Lodge invites you to experience the magic of South Africa's pristine landscapes. Here, the rhythm of nature harmonizes with luxury; expect daily game drives to spot the Big 5, delectable cuisine and of course sundowners at sunset.

3 nights at Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Cape Town

You'll then take an internal flight to Cape Town, where on arrival you'll collect your rental car and drive to your final hotel, Steenberg Hotel & Spa. Nestled in the picturesque Constantia Valley, explore & sip your way around the magnificent wine estate. On your second day here, take off on a helicopter flight from the V&A Waterfront, passing over Green Point Stadium with views of Robben Island, Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.

24/02/2025

Journey to the Heart of Peru!

Ready for an adventure that blends breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and wildlife wonders? This 12-day tour takes you from the ancient trails of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to the lush depths of the Amazon Jungle.

🏛 Explore historic Cusco
🥾 Hike the iconic Inca Trail
🌄 Watch the sun rise at Machu Picchu
🐒 Spot wildlife from our exclusive G Lodge Amazon
🌿 Support local communities along the way

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a journey through history, nature, and culture. Are you ready to experience Peru’s magic?

22/02/2025

☀️😍 SUMMER NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD! Set sail on a 12 night Spain & Portugal cruise from the 26th July on board the award winning celebrity apex! 😍☀️

🗓️ 26th July 2025
🚢 12 nights on board Celebrity Apex
⚓️ Sailing from Southampton
🍽️ Full Board

✨ Interior stateroom from £1️⃣5️⃣9️⃣9️⃣pp❗️

✨ Balcony stateroom from £1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣5️⃣pp❗️

💙 Southampton, UK
💙 Relax at sea
💙 Porto (Leixoes), Portugal
💙 Lisbon, Portugal
💙 Seville (Cadiz), Spain
💙 Relax at sea
💙 Barcelona, Spain
💙 Cartagena, Spain
💙 Gibraltar
💙 Relax at sea
💙 La Coruna, Spain
💙 Relax at sea
💙 Southampton, UK.

😍 Unwind in transformational accommodations that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living

🤩 Soar above the sea on the Magic Carpet

🍽️ Explore 29 distinct restaurants, bars and lounges that will awaken all your senses

🫶🏻 The Resort Deck is unlike any other outdoor space at sea - or anywhere. Here you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the sea, including the Rooftop Garden, the adults-only solarium and main pool

💚 Eden - this breathtaking Venue is the epitome of Celebrity Apex’s outward facing concept and will awaken every one of your senses in an atmosphere that transforms from chilled mornings, to playful afternoons and wonderful evenings

🌟 AND SO MUCH MORE!

🤩 With experiences you won’t find anywhere else at sea, Nothing Comes Close to a Celebrity Cruise 🤩

21/02/2025

Have you booked your Thailland family holiday yet?

20/02/2025

- Explore Hanoi the bustling capital city of Vietnam
- Discover the historical city of Ho Chi Minh with its vibrant streets and colourful food markets
- Get lost in historic citadels and idyllic landscapes of the imperial city of Hue
- Finish the trip in graceful and historic Hoi An, Vietnam's most atmospheric coastal town

19/02/2025

🚢Set sail for laughs with Virgin Voyages' Comedy Fest Cruise!

Picture this: You, cruising in style, soaking up the sun, and laughing ‘til your sides hurt as top-tier comedians bring the house down at sea. This unforgettable voyage takes you to La Coruña, Bilbao, and Bordeaux, blending world-class comedy with stunning destinations. 🍷

Sip fine wine in Bordeaux, explore the vibrant streets of Bilbao, and soak up the coastal charm of La Coruña—all while enjoying epic stand-up shows onboard. 🎭✨

Ready to laugh your way across the ocean? Book your spot now—this is one cruise you don’t want to miss! 🎟️⚓

18/02/2025

The stunning Palais Le Brun Hotel offers an unbeatable combination of historic elegance and modern luxury. This boutique gem is set within a 17th-century Baroque palace, providing an enchanting base for your Maltese escape. Beyond the hotel, Valletta’s vibrant streets are brimming with history, charm, and sun-kissed views.

The stunning Palais Le Brun Hotel offers an unbeatable combination of historic elegance and modern luxury. This boutique gem is set within a 17th-century Baroque palace, providing an enchanting base for your Maltese escape. Beyond the hotel, Valletta’s vibrant streets are brimming with history, ch...

17/02/2025

Tired of the never-ending British weather? Pack your bags and escape to sunnier skies ! I'm here to take away all the stress and to make sure your holiday goes to plan. From beachside bliss to mountain retreats, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Don't let the weather get you down, seize the moment and treat yourself to a sunny adventure!

14/02/2025

Journey to the Heart of Peru!

Ready for an adventure that blends breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and wildlife wonders? This 12-day tour takes you from the ancient trails of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to the lush depths of the Amazon Jungle.

🏛 Explore historic Cusco
🥾 Hike the iconic Inca Trail
🌄 Watch the sun rise at Machu Picchu
🐒 Spot wildlife from our exclusive G Lodge Amazon
🌿 Support local communities along the way

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a journey through history, nature, and culture. Are you ready to experience Peru’s magic?

14/02/2025

Elevate your romantic getaway with the magic of a Travel Counsellors touch. 💖✈️
From handpicked accommodations to exclusive activities, every element is chosen with precision to create unforgettable memories. Trust in the expertise that goes beyond planning – it's about curating moments that resonate with your unique love story. Your romantic adventure awaits, contact me today to start planning.

07/02/2025

Where are the best places to visit during February?

06/02/2025

Costa Rica may be small, but it has a lot to pack into a 13-night private adventure. You can go deep into the rainforest, waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and embarking on wild hikes and zip-line adventures. Try whitewater rafting along Pacuare River, one of the world’s best rafting rivers; or swim, surf, or snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, edging Puerto Viejo’s beautiful beaches. We’ve partnered with the Travel Foundation who’ve supported us in developing this itinerary as a step towards ensuring that tourism has more of a positive impact on destinations.

Costa Rica may be small, but it has a lot to pack into a 13-night private adventure. You can go deep into the rainforest, waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and embarking on wild hikes and zip-line adventures. Try whitewater rafting along Pacuare River, one of the world’s best rafting rivers...

05/02/2025

I hope you’ve enjoyed the travel experiences I’ve had the privilege of planning for you. If my service has helped you create unforgettable memories or plan your perfect getaway, I’d be so grateful if you could spread the word.

Your referrals mean the world to me and help me keep doing what I love—making your travel dreams come true!

As many of you know, my business is built on referrals so please feel free to share my contact information with friends, family, or anyone looking for a stress-free and personalised travel experience.

Thank you for trusting me with your adventures. 🌟 Let’s keep exploring the world together!

05/02/2025

🌎 BUCKET LIST TRIP OF A LIFETIME 🌎

THIS IS HOW WE GALAPAGOS 💙

16th May 2026
10 nights Galapagos fly cruise package staying in a Sky Suite, All Included from £1️⃣0️⃣,3️⃣1️⃣0️⃣pp

10 nights Galapagos fly cruise package staying in Sky Suite, All Included + Machu Pichu extension tour from £1️⃣6️⃣,4️⃣4️⃣2️⃣pp

Incudes…
🔹All flights and transfers
🔹Full board for per / post stays
🔹All Included on board Celebrity Flora
🔹Complimentary snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, binoculars
🔹Gratuities while on board for crew, lecturers and naturalists
🔹Galapagos National Park admission fees

Peru & Machu Picho Extension includes
🔹All flights and transfers
🔹Luxury hotel accommodation throughout
🔹Celebrity concierge service / tour es**rt
🔹Fully es**rted exclusive tours in every location
🔹Gratuities & park enterance fees
🔹All meals included with beverages

Embark With our new 2026 Galapagos Islands packages, you can have it all on the all-inclusive journey of a lifetime. Discover a volcanic island chain that rose from the depths of the ocean to become a living museum of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. This extraordinary destination deserves an equally extraordinary way to experience it, and that’s where we come in.
Our one-of-a-kind Celebrity Flora® is the first all-suites mega yacht designed exclusively for sailing the Galapagos Islands, and it’s the first ship here to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating. We’ll take care of every detail—every step of the way you can focus all your attention on this unique and unfiltered glimpse into the natural world.
Why pick just one bucket-list wonder to explore when you can discover new ones.

04/02/2025

😮 INCREDIBLE VALUE BUCKET LIST ASIA CRUISE 😮

😍 12 Night Vietnam & Thailand Cruise 😍

✈️ Fly on the 8th December 2025
🏨 Stay 1 night at a 4* Hotel in Hong Kong
⛴ Sail 10th December for 12 nights
✈️ Fly home on the 22nd December 2025
⛴️ Celebrity Solstice

🇻🇳Prices below based on Balcony Stateroom 🇻🇳

Dublin from only £2️⃣2️⃣9️⃣9️⃣pp

Dublin from only €2️⃣7️⃣6️⃣5️⃣pp

Manchester from only £2️⃣3️⃣9️⃣9️⃣pp

Birmingham from only £2️⃣4️⃣5️⃣9️⃣pp

London Heathrow from only £2️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣pp

Glasgow from only £2️⃣3️⃣6️⃣0️⃣pp

Edinburgh from only £2️⃣5️⃣5️⃣0️⃣pp

Newcastle from only £2️⃣5️⃣8️⃣3️⃣pp

💵 Includes $3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ onboard credit per stateroom for a limited time!

Cruise itinerary -

🌟 Hong Kong, China
🌟 Relax at sea
🌟 Hanoi (Halong Bay), Vietnam (overnight)
🌟 Hanoi (Halong Bay), Vietnam
🌟 Hue / Danang (Chan May), Vietnam
🌟 Relax at sea
🌟 Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Vietnam
🌟 Relax at sea
🌟 Bangkok, Thailand (overnight)
🌟 Bangkok, Thailand
🌟 Ko Samui, Thailand
🌟 Relax at sea
🌟 Singapore

⭐️ Nothing Comes Close to experiencing this bucket list itinerary with Celebrity Cruises ⭐️

04/02/2025

Sri Lanka for Christmas

5 bedrooms | waterfront | 3x daily full chef service included | daily maid service | private jetty

🎄Christmas in paradise! 🎁 Prices from £2723pp departing in December 2025, inclusive of flights & checked luggage!

Villa Frangipani is a luxurious lakefront retreat with a 20m infinity pool and a private chef, close to some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches on the south coast.

Perfectly poised at the water's edge looking out to breathtaking views over Lake Koggala, Villa Frangipani is in a magical and tranquil setting, perfect for a relaxing getaway near the south coast of Sri Lanka. This contemporary teak-cladded house features elegant interiors, with a consistent neutral colour palette throughout. An open plan ground floor room is home to a bright and airy sitting room and dining area with stunning lake views, which open to the terrace that is furnished for al fresco dining. The kitchen completes the ground floor where the villa’s excellent chef prepares a mixture of traditional Sri Lankan and international dishes . Outside, the inviting infinity pool has three levels so you can sit, swim or paddle, as you please, with sunbeds and parasols for poolside lounging. The vast tropical garden features lush lawns, swaying palms, pink Bougainvillea and Frangipani trees. The lakeside hammock is the perfect place to read or just relax and watch the world go by; in the early hours see fisherman returning to the nearby jetty with their latest catch.

Upstairs in the main house there are four beautiful, spacious and near identical en suite bedrooms, all of which are air-conditioned with a four-poster bed and lookout to the lake. The two central rooms are interconnecting, making it ideal for families with children. Each en suite boasts a covered outdoor shower, indoor tub, two sinks and a little private garden, while a shared open viewing terrace runs along the length of the bedrooms, adorned with wicker seating. A separate air-conditioned Garden Suite provides great space and privacy, and houses a four-poster bed, en suite bathroom, walk-in-wardrobe, sitting room with Satellite TV and a pool table. There is also a covered outdoor sofa seat set, which allows for an impressive unspoiled view of the pool and lake.

The famous beaches of the Southern coast – Habaraduwa, Ahangama, Weligama, and Unawatuna – are all nearby and the house has bicycles for guests use, with Koggala beach an easy 10-minute drive away. The house also has a private boat, so lake tours and fishing trips can be arranged upon request. For wonderful restaurants and charming boutique shopping, UNESCO world heritage site Galle Fort is less than a 30 minutes' drive from the villa.

✈️ Fly from London Heathrow on 22nd December 2025 for 7 nights at Frangipani, Sri Lanka - including direct flights and luggage with Sri Lankan Airlines from £2723pp based on 10 people travelling.

*10 or 14 night duration also available