Tina Hopkins - Travel Counsellor

21/06/2024

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

In honour here are my top LGBTQ+ friendly places to visit around the world

Let me take care of your next adventure with the care and attention you deserve.

See my recommendations here 👉 https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/inspiration/blog/perfect-places-for-lgbtq-travellers/

In honour of Pride Month, we’re delighted to introduce Matt Carter, a new Travel Counsellor who has journeyed across the globe with his partner. Matt’s experiences offer invaluable insights for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking friendly and welcoming destinations. Below, Matt shares some of the places w...

20/06/2024

‼️Hidden Gem alert ‼️ Kangaroo Island - South Australia

Rugged coastlines meet cuddly koalas, playful sea lions, and kangaroos practically hopping at your feet! Crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, while charming historic towns whisper secrets. Local flavors burst at farm gates and cellar doors.

Make sure you add Kangaroo Island into any Australia itinerary!

19/06/2024

Family Fun on a Californian Road Trip

I’m working on an epic two week adventure from San Francisco to LA for a family. Here are some of the highlights:

Driving over the mighty Golden Gate Bridge , then a sunset catamaran cruise and visit to Alcatraz Island.

Take an action-packed nature tour of Yosemite National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife including mountain beavers and great grey owls

Visit Universal Studios and some of Los Angeles' most popular sites, including the Hollywood sign.

Join a ranger boat crew to get up close with the marine life of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including seals, seabirds, whales and otters.

Give me a call for further info!

01/06/2024

Cherry Blossom season!

This is the time of year when Sakura trees take over every park, temple, and street. It is an explosion of colour and cultural festivities.

The Sakura trees are intrinsically woven into the history and philosophies of Japan and visiting during this time can give a wonderful insight into Japan as a country.

This breath-taking spectacle is why Japan is such a popular destination from March until May, so if this is on your bucket list - then now is the best time to book for 2025!

31/05/2024

Pandas! 🇨🇳

Did you know 80% of giant pandas live in Sichuan, China? If you are interested in seeing these fabulous bears then a visit to the Chengdu Panda Research Base, which is leading the charge in conservation, is a must!

Located just outside Chengdu, this amazing park is home to over 80 pandas living in a recreated mountain habitat. It's not just about seeing these adorable bears though - the base is all about breeding and protecting pandas from extinction.

Plus --- you can spot red pandas too!

30/05/2024

Swim Up Rooms - Here are my reasons why I love a swim up room:

➡ Your sunbeds are reserved every single morning. No dramas with towels on every bed by the time you meander to breakfast - your favourite sunbeds are there waiting for you.

➡ No need to pack a pool bag. Need some more suncream? It's 2 metres away on the dresser.

➡ No concerns about someone guarding the bags whilst you swim. If you're a workaholic like me and take your laptop/phone everywhere, simply pop it in the room and you're not far away when you're ready to get out.

➡ It's a lovely place to have a quiet drink on a night whilst listening to the water lapping.

➡ It's a great Insta backdrop!

There's hundreds of properties across the world offering swim up rooms to suit all budgets. If you're interested in having a swim up room to look forward to, drop me a message!

…Yes this picture looks like the Maldives, but it is actually Crete!

📷 Stella Island Resort, Crete

26/05/2024

A Hawaiian four-island discovery

This extraordinary journey takes in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui is a wonderful blend of luxurious relaxation and activities such as surfing, trekking through rainforest, and learning about the volcanic geology.

Here are the highlights

➡ Enjoy a stay at the unique Volcano House, which is all about the National Park and comes with views of an active volcano.

➡At the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the site of an ancient fishing village, visit the sacred fish ponds, enjoy walking trails dotted with historic markers and age-old petroglyphs, and ask about guided tours and cultural walks.

➡At the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Koloa, learn about throw net fishing with long-time fisherman Sappy - you’ll walk away with a new skill and greater appreciation of our ocean's resources.

Does this sound up your street? Then get in touch today

25/05/2024

Featured hotel: Zilwa Attitude, Mauritius

This 4 star hotel has one of the best all inclusive offerings in Mauritius, is perfect for families and two private islands.

➡️A great selection of family rooms (including interconnecting and two bedroom apartments)

➡️ The hotel overlooks Mauritius' 5 northern islands

➡️ 7 restaurants all included in the dine around programme

➡️ A focus on sustainability and local culture with lots of experiences activities that contribute to the local economy and showcase the Otenik culture.

➡️ An amazing private island experience all included for the ultimate rustic beach afternoon

Get in touch for the ultimate Mauritian paradise escape.

24/05/2024

Universal Studios

▶️ Universal is made up of three parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the water park Volcano Bay. Most of my clients stay in Orlando between 7-14 days so I would normally recommended the 14 day ticket so you can come and go from all the parks.

▶️ 2025 will see EPIC Universe is coming to Universal studios too. This will include Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe (themed to Universal Classic Monsters), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.

Here are my top tips

1️⃣ Stay at Universal. Break your stay up in Orlando and have 3/4 nights at one of the great Universal hotels. Endless Summer is great for families, Sapphire Falls is a great 4 star option and Hard Rock, Portofino Bay and Loews Pacific are the high end options that also include early entry into the park.

2️⃣ Plan ahead and get the Universal app. Make the most of your ticket by using realtime information to beat the queues on your favourite rides.

3️⃣ Do the water rides first and have a spare change of clothes in your bag because you will get absolutely soaked to the bone!

4️⃣ Tie in your trip with some of the festivities - Universal have some of the best events going from Mardis Gras to Halloween. Timing your holiday with local celebrations will round off the perfect getaway.

Thinking of going to Orlando? Make sure to get in touch

20/05/2024

Featured hotel: Secrets Moxche

Opened just a couple of years ago, this is a favourite Secrets properties in Mexico - here are a few reasons why:

➡️A room you want to leave

➡️ Amazing views

➡️ Incredible food, all included

➡️ The pools were just amazing including a rooftop infinity pool, a beachside infinity pool, a manmade beach and saltwater pool and some incredible cenote style lagoons for relaxing.

This is such a good all inclusive - I recommend it again and again to clients.

19/05/2024

Singapore- My Top Recommendations

Singapore is more than just a stopover destination. There is so much to see and do here, it definitely needs to be explored over a few days or even a couple of weeks. Here are some of my favourite places:

Gardens by the Bay

Visit the lush and beautiful Gardens by the Bay, with its two conservatory domes displaying plants from around the world and features a Cloud Forest that contains one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world. It's hard to miss the magnificent Supertrees, which stand 50 metres high, and which have a nightly light and sound show, known as the Garden Rhapsody.

Vespa sidecar tour

Whizz around the city on a Vespa sidecar, exploring the local neighbourhoods while seeking out Instagram-worthy photo opportunities at local landmarks and cafes.

Hawker centres

Savour the many flavours of Singapore at a local hawker centre such as Lau Pa Sat , Tekka Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market to enjoy a variety of good food at affordable prices, including favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, char kway, teow, satay, and much more.

Pulau Ubin

Escape the hustle and bustle and head to the tranquil island of Pulau Ubin, a rustic getaway that is just a 10-minute boat ride away. Here, you can hire a bicycle and admire historic sites, untouched forests, old quarries, and Singapore's last-remaining kampong (traditional village).

Must-visit districts

Explore the colourful districts of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, and Katong-Joo Chiat and learn about the people and history of these fascinating cultures that make up Singapore.

18/05/2024

Easter 2025!

Easter is a popular time of year to travel and flights are out now - so it is absolutely the best time to get a deal!

Here are some of the Easter holidays, families love:

🇹🇭 Thailand

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇪🇸 The Canaries

🇲🇹 Malta

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

🇻🇳 Vietnam

🇦🇺 Australia

🇦🇪 Dubai and Abu Dhabi

🇺🇸 New York

So if a washed out Easter in the UK doesn’t appeal, then get in touch and we can start planning your next adventure.

17/05/2024

Featured hotel: Sailing Club Signature, Phu Quoc

Just a short hop from Ho Chi Minh, there is beautiful beaches, a bustling night market, a national park made for adventure seekers and this fabulous 5 star property for relaxing with the family.

My favourite things about this hotel:

⭐️Villa within a hotel concept, perfect for families and those looking to get away from everything whilst having all the amenities of a five star hotel

⭐️ The food! Sandals restaurant is absolutely fabulous, there is also the neighbouring Sailing Club beach club for great relaxed dining and in-villa dining including BBQ

⭐️ It’s so quiet! If you want a beach break without the hustle and bustle like you get in Phuket then this place is for you.

⭐️ The pools! Not only is there a beautiful main pool on site each villa has its own 12.5m pool, great for a swim. There is also a beautiful infinity pool available to use at the beach club and of course the beautiful beach.

If you are interested in something a little different as a beach resort then this is a great option. I will definitely be back ❤️

15/05/2024

My favourite European Cities

Bruges, Belgium: Glide through fairytale canals and sip local brews. 🇧🇪

Stavanger, Norway: Hike epic fjords after exploring colorful streets. 🇳🇴

Split, Croatia: Wander historic alleys and relax by the Adriatic coast. 🇭🇷

Copenhagen, Denmark: Indulge in foodie heaven with stunning canals. 🇩🇰

Reykjavik, Iceland: Chase the Northern Lights and explore otherworldly landscapes. 🇮🇸

Which adventure calls to you?

13/05/2024

Featured hotel: Niko Seaside Resort, Crete

This is such a beautiful boutique adults only resort. This is a great hotel for culture lovers as everything is on your doorstep. Here are some of the reasons I love it:

➡️ Steps away from Agios Nikolaos, a pretty seaside town with so many bars and tavernas to explore from the htoel

➡️ There is a huge amount to see and do on the island itself, you could explore over two weeks and still not see everything.

➡️ The design is a combination traditional greek culture with contemporary high tech

➡️ A large proportion of the rooms have private pools

➡️ The hotel has 2 stunning infinity pools overlooking the bay

➡️ Morning yoga on the rooftop is a must

Fancy staying here? The weather is great all the way through October so make sure to get in touch to book

10/05/2024

I asked each of my customers what their top tip was for a cruise for first timers and this is their responses…

“There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!”

“Take the whole family! Cruising is perfect for everyone, so bring the grandparents, too. There are enough activities on board to keep everyone entertained.”

On choosing the right one: “Chat to your Travel Counsellor about your favourite holiday on land and that will help them recommend the right cruise holiday for you.”

“If you don't see something on the menu you like, don't sit in silence – tell the waiter and they will come up with an alternative.”

“It's not a boat, so don't call it one - especially in front of the captain!”

“Don’t get stressed out about what to pack. Yes, ships have posh nights, but remember you are on holiday, so pack your holiday clothes.”

[On boarding day] “Always pack a small bag to keep with you, including your swimwear and a change of clothes. Your luggage will be taken straight to your cabin when you embark, but this can take a few hours, so if you have things with you, you can start to enjoy the facilities straight away”

What are your top cruise tips?

09/05/2024

Ultimate bucket list - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Kigali | Akagera National Park | Nyungwe National Park | Gisenyi | Volcanoes National Park

During this adventure, explore the city of Kigali, go on safari in Akagera National Park, trek with Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, spot Golden Monkeys and walk with guides to see Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

This is one of the most awe inspiring adventures- but is one of the most expensive safari’s you can do. Can you guess the price per person for a trip like this?

01/05/2024

Is it possible to travel sustainably?

We can definitely make better choices with sustainability in mind. If you are interested in prioritising responsibility whilst still enjoying an unforgettable experience then make yourself a cup of tea and have a flick through my latest Responsible Travel brochure ‘Journeys with Care’

https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/leisure/responsible-travel/?t=99ckl

Journeys with careAt Travel Counsellors, we’re on a journey to help people travel more responsibly.Through education of both ourselves and our customers, and a better selection of the experiences we provide, we want to fulfil your dreams of travelling to the most beautiful destinations while helpi...

30/04/2024

THE OLIVAR SUITES, CORFU

This is a very popular hotels and with good reason. A new hotel (built in 2022) but set in a late 18th-century olive oil mill with the beautiful scenery of the Corfiot southeast coast.

▶Rooms are great for families with many having multiple sleeping spaces

▶A large proportion of the rooms have their own private swimming pools

▶You are in one of my favourite parts of Corfu with lots of restaurants close by and a beautiful beach on your doorstep.

19/04/2024

Hotel of the Week: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome

I wanted to feature this stand out hotel in Rome for a few reasons:

▶It is centrally located- really close to all your iconic landmarks of this fab city

▶Built on top of the Diocletian Thermal Baths, which can be seen through a glass floor in the lower level

▶Unique roof top pool and luxury spa

Interested in a city break to Rome? I have some fabulous recommendations for this brilliant city

17/04/2024

Recently @‌theturquoiseflamingo experienced the safari trip of a lifetime to South Africa with her daughter Jemima ❤️

The itinerary is fabulous, if you interested in the trip yourself then get in touch and we can tailor make this to you

Sanctuary Mandela, Johannesburg
1 night, Deluxe King Room, Bed & Breakfast

Thornybush Game Lodge
2 nights, Suite, Fully Inclusive

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
2 nights, Luxury Suite, Fully Inclusive

The Elephant Camp
3 nights, Tented Suite, Fully Inclusive

The Saxon Hotel
1 night, Luxury Suite, Bed & Breakfast

15/04/2024

Why should Grenada be on your list for the Caribbean

As well as having direct flights from Heathrow and Gatwick here are some fabulous reasons why Grenada should be on your list to visit in 2024:

✔️ It is three islands in one, with Carriacou and Petite Martinque in easy reach and well worth a visit

✔️ It has amazing dive sites - Carriacou is the isle of reefs and snorkelling and diving is spectacular and it is also the wreck capital of the caribbean

✔️ It is the home of chocolate and yes there is a chocolate festival there every year!

✔️ It is more than Sun, sea as there are over 50 waterfalls, sulphur and hot springs and a huge network of nature trails for keen hikers

14/04/2024

My guilty secret is… as a small business owner I do a happy dance each time I make a booking.

When you book with me you are supporting a dream. You are booking with someone that cares. No call centres, no waiting on hold, you speak to me and me alone.

My business is built on referrals to help me grow and all of your comments, likes, shares and messages help support me so a big THANK YOU. I am so excited to see where 2024 goes from here.

Please consider getting in touch regardless of how little (or large) your planned holiday is. As the chances are, I will be able to help.

13/04/2024

There's nowhere like Africa for wildlife, surreal landscapes, and rich traditions that endure.

Read my latest destination guide for top tips on

🦁 Guides for South Africa, Rwanda and East Africa

🦁 When to visit

🦁 Interesting facts

🦁 Top places to visit

🦁 What to eat

🦁 Where to Stay

🦁 Itinerary Inspiration

We connect you with experienced travel advisors who will craft your holiday with care and be on hand every step of the way

07/04/2024

Want to follow in the footsteps of the teams from 'Race Across the World'? 🌏✈️

Chart your own course to the vibrant coasts and bustling streets of Japan! What do you think of this Japan Discovery Itinerary? Taking in the beautiful Hakone, Osaka and Kyoto as part of a crafted itinerary showing the best of the country for first timers.

06/04/2024

I’m so excited for the new series of Race Across the World THIS week!

Eastern Asia is this year’s route, and the five intrepid duos will battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometres race across several countries. From northern Japan, they will cross six seas and eight borders, skirting the path of the volcanic ring of fire - the most geologically unstable region on the planet to reach the finish line in Lombok, an idyllic Indonesian island paradise.

There are loads of ways that the contestants could go. Is Japan or Bali on your bucket list already?

05/04/2024

My Favourite facts about Australia 🇦🇺

➡️ The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps.

➡️ 90% of Australians live on the coast.

➡️ Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.

➡️ The Great Barrier Reef is the largest ecosystem in the world. It is made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and can be seen from space.

➡️ Australia has over 60 separate wine regions.

➡️ Australia is the only continent in the world without an active volcano.

➡️ The Australian dollar is considered to be the most advanced currency in the world – its waterproof, made of polymer and notoriously hard to counterfeit.

➡️ Australia is the only continent covered by a single country.

➡️ Fraser Island in QLD is the largest sand island in the world.

➡️ The Indian Pacific train (from Perth to Sydney) has the longest straight section of train track in the world.

➡️ 80% of Australian animals are unique to Australia.

➡️ It would take around 29 years to visit one new Aussie beach every day – there are 10,685 of them!

➡️ 91% of the country is covered by native vegetation.

Do you have an interesting Australia fact to add to my list?

03/04/2024

🌟 Luxury Moroccan Getaways 🌟

Less than 4 hours by plane and no jet lag, here are some of my favourite luxury resorts in Morocco.

Four Seasons Resort, Marrakech: Imagine yourself in a 40-acre paradise, surrounded by olive and palm trees. You've got suites with your very own plunge pool! Even the kids have their own fun-filled club. Plus, there's poolside yoga and workshops to soak in that local culture. Marrakech at its absolute finest!

Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, Marrakech: Right smack in the middle of the bustling Medina, but wait for it... it's an oasis! Picture a spa with not one but four hammams and an indoor pool. And when hunger strikes, they've got a Moroccan restaurant with live music and a Skybar serving tapas. It's the perfect blend of city buzz and Moroccan charm!

Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort, Agadir: Calling all surf enthusiasts! This place is pure heaven between Agadir and Taghazout. Surf lessons, paddleboarding, and yoga with views that'll take your breath away. And here's the kicker – spa treatments in the ocean breeze. It's where surf meets serenity!

Hyatt Regency, Taghazout: Nestled against the Atlas Mountains, it's the definition of modern luxury. Golf lovers, they've got a 27-hole course designed by a legend! There's also water sports, a relaxing spa, and a beachfront spot for yoga and Pilates. And if you've got kiddos, the Camp Hyatt has you covered with activities galore. Don't miss out on the mouthwatering Moroccan brunches at Citron Brûlé!

Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, Casablanca: Want to live it up in Morocco's tallest skyscraper? You've got your own panoramic rooftop bar! There's also a lavish two-story spa, mouthwatering Moroccan-Lebanese eats at L'Atelier Oriental, and a French brasserie to indulge in. And did we mention you get your own butler? Talk about being pampered!

Which Moroccan escape is whispering your name? 🌴🌞

30/03/2024

This incredible train journey is a not to miss for me. The route goes along rugged coastline between Christchurch and Picton via Kaikora. My clients even saw dolphins, seals and seabirds from the train carriage on there journey. Not to mention the fabulous and locally sourced food and drink that the new Scenic Plus ticket includes.

📷 from some clients who were on this great train last month.