Karen Thornton - Gold Travel Counsellor

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Karen Thornton - Gold Travel Counsellor With over 30 years experience as a luxury travel planner, I am your go-to expert for bespoke, high-end travel plans. Contact me for your consultation.

I specialise in crafting bucket list adventures, unforgettable experiences, and intricate itineraries.

Double whammy for me today. I’m celebrating my 5th anniversary as a TC but also celebrating retaining my Gold status for...
28/02/2025

Double whammy for me today.

I’m celebrating my 5th anniversary as a TC but also celebrating retaining my Gold status for the 3rd year in a row. Blimey!

Starting my business in March 2020 full of hopes and dreams, only to be dashed 3 weeks later when Covid hit wasn’t the plan. BUT less than 2 years later with determination, hard work and lots of blood, sweat and tears I hit Gold status as a TC which puts me in the top 10% of all TCs.

I’m also celebrating retaining my Gold status 2 months before the deadline. Being a Gold TC is heard earned and the target rolls over every 6 months and increases, so it’s not an easy task to keep and I’m on my 3rd year now.

I’m proud of my achievements but more than anything I wanted to thank you all for your support as I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you liking, booking, sharing and following me. You are all brilliant, please keep doing it!

Now off to Iceland for the weekend with 15 lovely clients and will be celebrating for sure!

Is working with a travel expert right for you?The truth is, working with a travel expert isn’t for everyone—it all depen...
28/02/2025

Is working with a travel expert right for you?

The truth is, working with a travel expert isn’t for everyone—it all depends on how you like to travel. So, how can you tell if we’d be a good fit?

✅ You prefer talking to a real person about your travel plans instead of relying on a random search engine.

✅ You want someone who truly understands your preferences, interests, and even the things you’d rather avoid.

✅ You’re tired of endless online searches and just want a clear, well-planned itinerary tailored to your needs.

If that sounds like you, you’ll love the personalised and stress-free approach I take to planning unforgettable trips.

Curious? Feel free to get in touch with your travel plans—I’d love to see if I can help!

🇮🇳🕌🐅✨ India From Only £1,799 pp ✨🐅🕌🇮🇳India is a mesmerizing blend of sights, sounds, colors, and cultural contrasts. Exp...
27/02/2025

🇮🇳🕌🐅✨ India From Only £1,799 pp ✨🐅🕌🇮🇳

India is a mesmerizing blend of sights, sounds, colors, and cultural contrasts. Experience the magic and diversity of this incredible country!

At a glance:
- 🗓️ 11-day escorted tour
- ⭐ Three to five-star accommodation
- ✈️ Return flights from Heathrow & transfers
- 💛 Programme of daily tours & visits
- 🍽️ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners
- 👨‍✈️ Expert Tour Manager throughout

Tour Highlights:
- 🇮🇳 Tour northern India's ‘Golden Triangle’
- 🌟 See the Taj Mahal at sunrise, marveling at its white marble and intricate inlays
- 🇮🇳 Enjoy city tours of Old and New Delhi, visiting all major sights
- 🌟 Take a guided tour of the 400-year-old deserted Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri
- 🇮🇳 Go on a driving safari in Ranthambore National Park, the best place to spot tigers in India
- 🌟 Explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur with a guided tour
- 🇮🇳 Marvel at the stunning Amber Fort, home to one of India’s most powerful maharajas

📅 2025 Dates & Prices 📅
- 10 March 2025: from £2,149pp
- 09 October 2025: from £1,999pp
- 03 November 2025: from £2,149pp

📅 2026 Dates & Prices 📅
- 16 January 2026: £1,999pp
- 12 March 2026: From £1,999pp
- 16 April 2026: From £1,799pp
- 07 December 2026: From £2,179pp

Subject to availability. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Contact me to book!

☎️ 01752 590075
📧 [email protected]

My day started with a very special meeting today, talking to the latest travelcounsellors new academy recruits and shari...
26/02/2025

My day started with a very special meeting today, talking to the latest travelcounsellors new academy recruits and sharing my hints and tips to help them on their way.

Being asked to share my journey with these brave new recruits is always a huge pleasure and I really do enjoy chatting to them and answering their questions. I get just as much from it as they do and it’s always an honour to be asked.

They are about to embark on a life changing adventure and I’m so excited for what’s ahead. I can speak first hand about the ride I’m currently on and it’s epic!

Good luck to them all, it feels great to give something back.

Out of office warning!The adventures of the NEW   are back with a bang. Me and AndreaJames-Travel Counsellors are off to...
26/02/2025

Out of office warning!

The adventures of the NEW are back with a bang. Me and AndreaJames-Travel Counsellors are off to Iceland with our group of 15 clients on Friday and we can’t wait!

We will be snow mobiling on the glacier, snorkelling between tectonic plates, whale watching and relaxing in the Sky Lagoon for starters and are really hoping the Northern Lights will make an appearance.

If Iceland is on your list follow us to see what we get up to as it’s my 3rd time to this epic country and I can’t wait to show it to more lucky travellers!

We are off on Friday and I’ll be back at my desk on Wednesday. For any clients travelling the lovely Emma Whiteman - Travel Counsellors will be covering. Thanks Emma.

Summer Escape to Tunisia! ☀️🏝️Just booked a 7-night stay at the stunning Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows in Ham...
26/02/2025

Summer Escape to Tunisia! ☀️🏝️

Just booked a 7-night stay at the stunning Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows in Hammamet, Tunisia for 2 lucky customers so wanted to share with you too 🇹🇳✨

✅ Premium Double Room with Balcony/Terrace
✅ All-Inclusive Luxury 🍹🍽️
✅ Private Taxi Transfers Included 🚖
✅ Flights from Bristol to Enfidha-Hammamet

All this for just £1199pp! Incredible value for a summer getaway.

Would you like to visit Tunisia? Let me know in the comments! 👇

travelcounsellors Gold celebration weekend 2025. Where we collectively come together to celebrate our achievements and m...
24/02/2025

travelcounsellors Gold celebration weekend 2025.

Where we collectively come together to celebrate our achievements and mark what being a Gold TC is all about. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved in the 5 years I’ve been running my own business and being amongst my fellow Golds is always a huge pleasure and great fun. Being gold puts me in the top 10% of the business and mixing with some of the UK’s best travel professionals is an absolute blast.

Combine this with an epic venue at The Imperial War Museum where we had dinner beneath Concorde has made for a truly amazing weekend.

We work hard but certainly know how to play hard too. 🤩

🎄🎄 LAST WEEK TO BOOK THIS! 🎄🎄Don’t forget our hosted Christmas markets river cruise in December.   Grab some friends and...
21/02/2025

🎄🎄 LAST WEEK TO BOOK THIS! 🎄🎄

Don’t forget our hosted Christmas markets river cruise in December. Grab some friends and book something lovely to look forward to for later in the year - you won’t regret it!

🎄05.12.25 for 4 nights
🎄 return flights from London Heathrow and transfers included
🎄full board and drinks package included
🎄includes guided tours
🎄all port charges & airport taxes

We will be visiting Christmas markets in:CologneRudesheimKoblenzBonn5* river cruiser the MV Oscar Wilde will be our home for this trip and we have a limited number of cabins available.

Based on 2 sharing prices are:

Ruby standard cabin - £1,449 per person
Ruby superior cabin - £1,849 per person (just 2 of these so be quick!)
Single supplement on request
Contact me as soon as possible to reserve your space as we only have these cabins on EXCLUSIVE SALE for just one more week and this departure is otherwise full!

☎️ 01752 590075
📧 [email protected]

These clients are having the most amazing time on their tailor made tour of India I put together for them. Seeing their ...
20/02/2025

These clients are having the most amazing time on their tailor made tour of India I put together for them. Seeing their photos and updates really is cheering me up on this horrible wet Thursday.

Is India on your list? It’s certainly on mine..!

Testimonial Tuesday! How lovely is today’s feedback? ‘Karen really listens to your aspirations and tailors the trip to m...
18/02/2025

Testimonial Tuesday! How lovely is today’s feedback?

‘Karen really listens to your aspirations and tailors the trip to meet your requirements and budget , which takes all the hassle away. Would thoroughly recommend Karen to anyone. Her knowledge of the industry is brilliant.’

If I can help you plan the perfect trip then get in touch. 😉

☎️ 01752 590075
📧 [email protected]

A lucky family have just arrived in Dubai for their first long haul trip this Feb half term. The children LOVED their fl...
16/02/2025

A lucky family have just arrived in Dubai for their first long haul trip this Feb half term. The children LOVED their flight with Emirates and couldn’t believe they had food AND movies on board. EasyJet just won’t cut it from now on! 😂

This family are staying in some fab apartments I found for them with great views over the marina. Part of my service is checking in with them to make sure all is well. 4 check ins today as Feb half term is busy. So far all positive, just how I like it!

Getting photos from happy clients on the holidays I’ve booked for them always makes my day!

Did you say yes..?  💍Then you’ll need my help to plan the perfect honeymoon!  With over 30 years experience in honeymoon...
15/02/2025

Did you say yes..? 💍

Then you’ll need my help to plan the perfect honeymoon! With over 30 years experience in honeymoon planning I’m your girl. 😉 I’ve booked 6 tailor made honeymoons already this year and have more appointments in the diary.

From husky sledding in Norway to limoncello tasting in Italy, sun soaked beaches in the Maldives to island hopping in Thailand, I’ve booked them all and more.

I wish I’d kept a track as to how many I’ve booked throughout my career, I’ve become quite the go to Honeymoon expert with so many referrals from happy couples. I love it!

If I can help you plan the perfect trip then get in touch!

☎️ 01752 590075
📧 [email protected]

💍

Love is in the air, hopefully on a plane flying to somewhere special, right..?  The way to my heart is always through tr...
14/02/2025

Love is in the air, hopefully on a plane flying to somewhere special, right..?

The way to my heart is always through travel so if you’re the same, get in touch and let me help you plan the perfect trip with all the romantic touches you could wish for.

I’ve planned proposals, romantic weekend breaks, more honeymoons than you can shake a stick at (6 already this year..!) and anniversary trips all my life. If you want some brownie points then don’t book online. Book with the Queen of Romance and elevate your special trip to another level. 😉🩷

My socials have been a bit off lately as I’ve just been so busy, there aren’t enough hours in the day! But I reckon it’s...
12/02/2025

My socials have been a bit off lately as I’ve just been so busy, there aren’t enough hours in the day!

But I reckon it’s ok as I know my clients would prefer me to be amazing at travel planning and looking after them rather than being awesome online. Some accounts look fabulous and are really impressive but I do wonder who’s behind them sometimes. Surely it’s all about the expert booking the epic trips rather than the glitzy posts..?

This is what I’ve been busy planning behind the scenes since the start of this year so you know that behind my account is a real expert with almost 35 years experience in travel planning. 😉

🌍 India tour
🧳 4 honeymoons all tailor made worldwide
🚝 3 tailor made rail holidays in Italy
🌴 2 trips to Sri Lanka and Maldives
🇬🇷 numerous trips to Greece inc island hopping
❄️ tailor made trips to Iceland
🚢 5 cruises including 1 to Antarctica
🏏 trips to Oz for the test cricket
🍁 3 tailor made trips to Canada
🐘 various safaris

I could go on but hopefully this gives you a flavour of the sort of trips I can help with. The epic ones where you need some help. Just how I like it! 😉

If you’d like to join my merry band of clients and you need some help then drop me a message and we can chat!

☎️ 01752 590075
📧 [email protected]

Valentines Day is round the corner. Check out the top 3 most romantic cities in Europe. 1️⃣ Paris, France 🇫🇷 – The ultim...
11/02/2025

Valentines Day is round the corner. Check out the top 3 most romantic cities in Europe.

1️⃣ Paris, France 🇫🇷 – The ultimate city of love! Stroll along the Seine, enjoy a café date, or share a kiss under the Eiffel Tower. ✨💋

2️⃣ Venice, Italy 🇮🇹 – Gondola rides, hidden alleys, and breathtaking sunsets over the canals—romance is everywhere in this magical city. 🚣‍♂️❤️

3️⃣ Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿 – Fairytale castles, charming cobblestone streets, and stunning river views make this city perfect for lovers. 🏰💑

Which city would you visit with your special someone?

My lovely friend and colleague Tess is taking this fab trip to Lapland later in the year and I can highly recommend it. ...
10/02/2025

My lovely friend and colleague Tess is taking this fab trip to Lapland later in the year and I can highly recommend it. I’ve taken groups twice before and honestly it’s one of the best trips ever, so much fun! If you fancy joining Tess then drop me a message for more details.

Who wants to join me? 😍

Come with me on an unforgettable winter adventure to Lapland later this year!

It's my FIRST tour, and I am thrilled to invite a small group to join me to experience the magic of Northern Finland.

Experience the beauty of Lapland with:
✈️ Return flights & airport transfer in Finland from Bristol
🌟 3 nights at the Davvi Arctic Star
🥘 Full board including breakfast, lunch & dinner
❄️ 2-hour Northern Lights snowmobile safari
🦌 2-hour Reindeer Camp excursion
🛷 1-hour Husky sledding adventure
🥾 Loan of Arctic thermal suits & boots
💷 All taxes & government air passenger duty

There are limited spaces available,, some have already been reserved, so secure your spot with me today and be part of this winter wonderland journey. It's going to be amazing!

Contact me for more details. Can't wait to hear from you and experience this adventure of a lifetime with you 🥰

A lovely client gift today from Devon Rum Co which I’m very excited to try. As a lover of all things Caribbean and a vet...
06/02/2025

A lovely client gift today from Devon Rum Co which I’m very excited to try. As a lover of all things Caribbean and a veteran of many rum tastings I can’t wait to try this.

Mine is a dark and stormy. How do you drink yours..?

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Karen Thornton - Travel Counsellors

Hello there, my name is Karen and I want to thank you for visiting my page. I’m proud to be an independent Travel Counsellor who is ready and waiting to help with your travel plans. With almost 30 years experience in the travel industry I can’t imagine doing anything else, it really is my vocation in life!

I have been lucky enough to travel extensively throughout my career and honestly believe that travel really does broaden the mind. Some fond memories I have From my career include flying over the Grand Canyon for my 21st birthday, walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, hearing lions on safari from my tent in Kenya, kayaking the mangroves in Antigua, snorkelling in the Maldives and many more amazing experiences - all as part of my job!

I pride myself on taking the time to get to know my clients and to really understand their needs. Your holiday is the most important time of the year and I want to make sure any arrangements I make on your behalf exceed your expectations. All this with the backing of a great company with full financial protection so what are you waiting for - get in touch to see where you will end up!

And remember, don’t quit your day dream!