Lisa Ratcliffe Personal Travel Counsellor

22/01/2025

New Hotel Opening in April 2025!

Who knows or has heard of the Es Trenc / Colonia Sant Jordi area of Mallorca? Don’t worry if not, the locals have done a great job keeping it a real ‘hidden gem’….& it’s not difficult to see why! 😍
It’s a stunning unspoilt area, with the whitest sand beaches which go on for miles and this new hotel is opening there in April.

Welcome to Iberostar Selection Es Trenc

This is going to be such a special, unique hotel - not just because it’s stunning & will have wonderful services & facilities - but also because of its location…in a ‘hidden gem’ area of the island where you don’t have many hotels, it’s great for exploring, you’re surrounded by nature and it has one of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches (Es Trenc) very close by….

✅ Opening 11th April 2025
🏝️ Seafront hotel in Colonia Sant Jordi
🩵 Premium, Selection, boutique hotel
🌊 All rooms have sea view!
🍹 Rooftop bar & pool
💎 Star Prestige Rooms (adult only)
🥘 2 restaurants and 3 bars

Bookable now!
Give me a call to be one of the first to experience this beautiful hotel and area.

01295 298380
[email protected]

17/01/2025

People often say to me that they haven't contacted me before because they didn't know how I work and what's expected when they call me, so I thought I would write a little post explaining a bit about the process involved when using my service to arrange your holiday plans.

Myth - I must charge extortionate fees for my service as I'm self employed
Fact - I earn a commission on your booking just like any other travel agent/internet based agent that you might deal with.
In very few cases, where an airline chooses not to pay me commission, for example; then I will charge a nominal service fee for my time and my servicing of your booking.

Myth - I am just a travel advisory service. Yes - my title of 'Counsellor' does imply that I am simply here to provide free advice and information, but this is not the case.
Fact - This is my job - a career that has spanned nearly 37 years - it is not a hobby or a 'side-hustle' which is, sadly, often the case these days. It is how I pay my bills!
I offer a comprehensive booking service and dedicated support from your initial contact through to your return home.

Myth - I can't compete with internet prices
Fact - It's not that I can't, I WON'T compete with internet prices. I am, in the main, competitive and offer the best prices available to me. However, I offer a totally different service to that which you will receive from an online search engine. Think of it as comparing Argos to John Lewis! I CARE about your holiday and what it means to you and will be at the other end of a phone line/email/Whatsapp from the time you book until the time you are home.

Myth - I only offer beach holidays
Fact - I offer almost every travel scenario possible from UK to Worldwide, Beach to Adventure, Eurostar to Planes, Cruises to Special Interest, Bespoke to Bucket and Spade! So if you want to travel then I should need to be your only port of call.

Myth - I only offer the same operators as the High Street
Fact - When I became a Travel Counsellor I had been in travel for around 20 years so thought I knew all of the suppliers available. I discovered just how limited the High Street is as I now have access to 2000+ suppliers with access to product that really isn't readily available on the High Street or through online agents, and with direct contracts and contacts in many corners of the world.

Myth - I am only available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
Fact - Being self employed and working from home means that I am available at a time that suits you, whether that's at 8am whilst travelling to work on the train, when the kids are in bed at 9.30pm ,or on a Saturday morning whilst your other half is at football so you can arrange that secret surprise... it's all about convenience for you.

So I hope these few little facts about what I do and how I operate will give you the confidence to get in touch about your next trip.
Please feel free to share with your friends and family as I'd love to help them too.

15/01/2025

Thai Beaches & Elephants 🐘

11 nights from £1639 per person
Save up to £285 per person
📅 Valid for travel 03 Sep 25 (other dates are available, prices may vary)
✈️ Return flights from Heathrow with Qatar Airways
🚗 Private return transfers
🐘 Full board and ACTIVITIES included at Elephant Hills

5nts 4* Centara Villas Phuket
Deluxe Villa Garden View
Breakfast

1nts 4* Elephant Hills Jungle Safari
Luxury Tent
Full Board

5nts 4* Centara Villas Samui
Superior Garden View
Breakfast

Book by 28 Jan 25
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and are subject to availability

Email [email protected] for a personalised quote or call me 01295 298380/

10/01/2025

All Inclusive Maldives🏝️
8 nights from £1849 per person
Save up to £631
📅Valid for travel 08 Sep 25 (other dates are available, cost varies)
✈️ Return flights from Heathrow with Etihad Airways
🚤 FREE return speedboat
8nts 4* OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi
Ocean View Room
All Inclusive Fushi Plan -
🌟All Day Dining for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included at Element X
🌟UNLIMITED orders of regular spirits and beers and house pour wines
🌟MINI BAR - Replenished DAILY with Beers, soft drinks, and Mineral Water
🌟COMPLIMENTARY use of non-motorized water sports equipment - Kayak, SUP and Paddle board – maximum 15 minutes per person per day per each item
Additional supplement to fly from Manchester.

Book by 31 Jan 25
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and are subject to availability
Email [email protected] for a personalised quote or call me 01295 298380

08/01/2025

Book your perfect holiday the easy way...

Give me a call or drop me an email!

06/01/2025

03/01/2025

Back to the office, that 'first day back at school' feeling!
(Yes, I have got a new note-book!)

I am so looking forward to helping arrange and book your exciting holidays over the coming year...always interesting where my clients choose to go - and what is added to MY Bucket List as a result!

Please do get in touch...

01295 298380
07929552736
[email protected]

01/01/2025

Wishing all my clients, followers, friends and relatives a Happy and Healthy 2025!!

I look forward to helping you with all your travel requirements in the year to come.

20/12/2024

Wishing all my followers and clients an absolutely wonderful Christmas!

I will be finishing work at lunchtime on Monday 23rd and will be back in the office on Monday 30th December.

If your Christmas-Table talk turns to holidays and travel, then please do think of me and pass on my details to any family or friends...thank you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🎅🏻🎁⛄🎄❄️

16/12/2024

Cape, Wine, Coast and Bush 🍷🦏

11 nights from £1999 per person
Saving up to £420 per person

📅Departures valid 05 Jun 24 (other dates are available, cost vary)
✈️ Return flights from Heathrow
🚗 Transfers & 6 days GPS car hire included

3nts 4* Old Bank Hotel, Cape Town
Deluxe Room
Breakfast

2nts 4* Protea Hotel By Marriott Stellenbosch
Deluxe Room
Breakfast

3nts 4*Boutique Parkes Manor, Knysna
Standard Suite
Breakfast

3nts 4* Sibuya Game Reserve - Forest Camp, Eastern Cape
Tent
Full-board with selected beverages, game drives & activities🦁

Additional regional departures are available at a supplement.

Book by 31 Dec 24
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and are subject to availability
Email [email protected] for a personalised quote or call me on 01295 298380

13/12/2024

After meeting us in Mexico, Sophie and Robbie moved on to stay in Belize for a couple of weeks.
Belize is a great destination for diving, bird-watching, and wildlife; along with rare archaeological finds for those interested in history.
They have had the most incredible time staying in Caye Caulker and San Ignacio, and exploring the Belize Barrier reef - the 2nd largest reef in the world!
One of their best 'pinch-me' moments was swimming with manatees! 😯

If Belize is somewhere that piques you interest, then, yes, I am able to arrange tours and trips to suit your interests.

Soph and Robbie are currently in Guatemala. I am sure that I will be sharing some of their photos again soon.

Photo credits Sophie Ratcliffe

09/12/2024

Dreaming of where to go this December? 🎄
Whether it's exploring Germany's enchanting Christmas markets, hitting the powdery ski slopes of Hokkaido, or soaking up some much-needed winter sun on Costa Rica's beaches, we've got you covered. ✨
Speak to me today to make that festive getaway or winter sun escape a reality. 🌎✈️

06/12/2024

We took a (very expensive) taxi into Tulum for a little mooch around the back streets, stopping en route to sample the local corn tamales and the traditional Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) - both of which were delicious!
We also took an excursion which included the Tulum Mayan Ruins, visiting/swimming in a Cenote (no cameras allowed. sadly, as it was beautiful), snorkelling with the turtles (the less said about that, the better for 3 of us 4 parents!! 😆) and a late lunch at a Beach Club.
Other trips had been considered but were thwarted by the location of Tropical Storm Sara - although not directly affected. we did see 3 days of heavy wind and tropical rainfall/showers!

04/12/2024

You look forward to something SO much and then *puff* it is gone in a flash!
We had the most wonderful time reuniting with Sophie and Robbie in Mexico, but it was all over too quickly.
The hotel was fantastic and we all loved the excellent Unlimited All Inclusive that it offered.
It is not our usual kind of holiday, but it was ideal for a great place to meet up again after 14 months, before Sophie and Robbie then moved on to Belize and are now in Guatemala!
I would highly recommend the hotel if you are interested excellent food options and high quality entertainment, superb service, a wonderful beach and delightful grounds and surroundings.
We took a couple of days out of the complex to do some exploring and I will share those photos on my next post.

29/11/2024

Pisa is often known as the poor relative of Florence. People arrive into the airport, hurry off to the Piazza dei Miracoli to photograph the Leaning Tower and then jump on the first train out to Florence.
When we visited, we decided to overnight in the city and were so glad we did.
As well as its stunning architecture and lovely uncrowded streets, the ambience in the evening is wonderful. We found a bar right on the Arno River (Argini e Margini ) where we spent a relaxing couple of hours watching the sun go down - casting its amazing golden light - and listening to a cool jazz band!
I would definitely recommend giving Pisa a chance to charm you!

27/11/2024

Want all your holiday information at your fingertips?
With our 'myTC' app you’ll be able to access all your travel documents in one place, make secure quick payments, and contact contact me, wherever you are travelling in the world 🌍
Simplify your travel experience today! Contact me today to find out more about myTC.

25/11/2024

Privately Escorted Tour of Vietnam with Ha Long Bay 🌟

Excellent Offer!!

14nts from £2539 per person

🗓️Valid for travel 06 May 25
✈️Return flights from Heathrow
🚘Private transfers included
3nts 4* Silk Path, Hanoi
Premium deluxe room
Breakfast
1nt 4* Ambassador Signature Cruise, Ha Long Bay
Junior suite
Full board
2nts 4* Silk Path Grand Hue
Premier classic
Breakfast
5nts 4* Boutique Hoi An
Superior room
Breakfast
3nts 4* La Siesta Premium Centre Saigon
Deluxe room
Breakfast

Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and are subject to availability
Email [email protected] for a personalised quote or call 01295 298380