Vicky Babbs - Travel Counsellors

15/11/2024

Leaving the stunning Florence behind we headed to Verona. What I wouldn’t give for the Italian rail system, an absolute joy to use in all respects.

NH collection Palazzo Verona was our destination where we were treated to huge junior suites with a separate lounge area.
Even the premium rooms are exceptionally large with the odd one offering Juliet balconies.
This hotel was an old palace and the presidential suite, which is a very large suite of rooms taking an entire floor ( and Pavarottis favourite rooms as he liked to stay here) is full of sections of old mosaics and painted beamed ceilings. Roman ruins are under the building and some have been excavated and can be seen through circular glass flooring in the dining room. Ask guest relations for a closer look and you will see the mosaics they uncovered.
Superbly located in the heart of Verona you are literally a 5 min walk from most of the sights in the city.

Consider taking my trip but for a longer duration;
Direct flights with BA from city airport to Florence with hand luggage.
Private transfer to the Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi
3 nights on B&B in a premium room.
Direct train from Florence to Verona
2 nights at the NH Collection Palazzo Verona in a premium room on B&B
Private transfer to Florence airport
Ryanair flight to stansted with priority boarding, seats and hand luggage only.

£2,110 based on 2 adults sharing.
Departing 09 Dec 24.

Alternative dates, airports and durations available.
Please get in touch;
02085051610
[email protected]

15/11/2024

Amazing 3 days as a guest of Minor hotels taking in Florence and Verona staying at the Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi and then the NH Collection Palazzo Verona.

The Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi saw me staying in a Premium xl room with a lovely small terrace with beautiful views.
Being an old palace so much of the hotel has the most amazing frescos and pieces of fine art which can be seen throughout the hotel.
The cosy entrance with roaring fire and very comfy seating leads to a gorgeous secret garden.
In season ( closes 01 nov) the roof terrace offers some of the best views imaginable.
Experiencing the fine dining restaurant was an absolute treat with the most delicious food.

Extremely central you honestly could not beat this hotel for quality, facilities, service, comfort and food.

Images below are of the views from my terrace, the hotel including frescos and art along with the presidential suite terrace which adjoins the main roof terrace so shares the same views.

15/11/2024

Be lovely to see our local friends supporting Els & the boys if you’re free. Kids/teens will be allowed into the pub at this time too. Hope to see you there, some exciting new songs and new band member !!!

12/11/2024

I’m thrilled to share that Travel Counsellors has been named the ‘Best Homeworking Network’ at the Wave Awards 2024! This award is a testament to our commitment to excellence in the cruise sector and beyond.

I’m proud to be part of this dedicated community that works tirelessly to help create exceptional experiences for our customers. This achievement celebrates the strong relationships we’ve built with our luxury cruise partners and our customers. I believe in crafting personalised experiences that give my customers the freedom to explore the world with confidence.

WaveAwards

04/11/2024

Where else would I be on a Monday morning!

31/10/2024

November is calling! From the snow-capped peaks of Nepal to the sandy expanses of Oman, and the vibrant streets of New York City, there’s never been a better time to travel.
Imagine trekking through Nepal's stunning landscapes, exploring Oman's cultural treasures, or soaking up NY's iconic skyline – all before the festive rush sets in.
Need some guidance on booking these last-minute adventures then please get in touch;

[email protected]
02085051610
Appointments at Hobo Club Loughton

24/10/2024

I’m proud to announce that Travel Counsellors has been listed in the E2E Dynamic 100 track for the second year running! This prestigious platform celebrates UK-based, privately owned companies with a turnover of more than £25 million over the past two years.

The E2E Dynamic 100 is run by the E2E Exchange in association with The Independent.

As an independent business owner, I’m proud to be backed by an organisation that champions entrepreneurship and empowers me to deliver the very best service for my customers.

If you’re looking for someone to take the stress out of your next holiday or business trip, I’m here to help – so don’t hesitate to get in touch!

03/10/2024

Another perfect morning working at the Hobo Club Loughton, today it’s all about luxury cruising for one of my lovely couples.

27/09/2024

This is such a shame but to be clear they did NOT book with a travel agent. They booked with someone who signed up to selling travel for their own benefit and recruiting people to join - an MLM!

Travel agents like myself have gone through vigorous training for years when we first started. We still train now and never stop learning (I’ve been in travel over 30 years and I still keep training)!

I don’t have my business to get free stuff or cheap holidays. I love what I do and have built an amazing business with hard work and dedication to do the right thing for my customers.

These people booked with someone doing travel as a side hustle and had the audacity to say they were a travel agent with no training.

Trust someone who has been doing this job for years with your hard earned money, someone like me and my amazing team of colleagues who support me.

People in Wi******er form a Facebook group after bad experiences with a InteleTravel representative.

24/09/2024

Beachcomber Resorts sale expires 30 September.
This represents a huge 30% saving including the meal plans.
For more information please get in touch.
02085051610
[email protected]

19/09/2024

AS SEEN ON TV - ISTANBUL CITY STAY PLUS ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA - 6 NIGHTS FROM £1,635

INCLUDES A STAY AT ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA - AS FEATURED ON BBC'S 'LIFE BEYOND THE LOBBY'

In Turkey’s largest city, it’s very much the case of two’s company; it sits across two continents, links two seas and was once at the epicentre of two vast empires, Ottoman and Byzantine. It was the gateway to the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that branched out across Asia, and it very much wears its history on its sleeve. The city is packed with heritage sites, including mosques, bazaars, palaces, churches and city walls.

Combine the hustle and bustle of Istanbul with the eerie beauty of Cappadocia and a 3-night stay at the iconic argos in Cappadocia.

Once an ancient cave dwelling, argos In Cappadocia is now an evocative boutique hotel with those famous hot air balloon views.

The fascinating Argos in Cappadocia is set on a high plateau famous for its remarkable geology of volcanic tuffs. The views of colourful hot air balloons drifting over Pigeon Valley and the windswept fairy chimneys alone give this one-of-a-kind place a must-visit status. But this hotel has also brought an ancient village and monastery back to life and has a palpable connection to its 2,000 years of cultural heritage. Spend your days exploring the intriguing underground tunnel complexes and one of Turkey's most extensive natural underground cellars, or wander through organic gardens to try the locally grown grapes and fruits.

ISTANBUL & CAPPADOCIA

• 3nts at Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul Sirkeci in a Standard Room

• 3nts at argos in Cappadocia in a Standard Room

• Private Transfers

• Daily Breakfast

FROM £1,635 PER PERSON
Based on November 1st 2024 departure

Fly from London Gatwick or London Heathrow with Turkish Airlines from £1,635pp

[email protected]
02085051610

11/09/2024

Beachcomber Mauricia more pics and info;

The serene entrance with the calming spa to one side doesn’t prepare you for the energetic vibe you find once in the main area by the pool looking over the beach and sea.
I personally really liked this hotel as you get the best of both worlds.
Beautiful beach and sea in a stunning hotel with some of the prettiest facades to the rooms I’ve seen, yet walkable to the main town of Grand Baie.

This property caters well for families and couples with kids club, night club yet rooms spaced out around the resort, some with private little gardens.
The 2 bedroomed apartments have en suites in both bedrooms.

20 July for 10 nights in a 2 bedroomed apartment for 2 adults and 2 children on AI is £7,518 or Half Board is £6,790.

Get in touch for more details;
[email protected]
02085051610

11/09/2024

Beachcomber Canonnier more pics and info.

This is the darling of Beachcomber I think, all staff talk fondly of this property.
It is set over 3 beaches not all suitable for young children as a couple are rocky, great for donning the beach shoes and grabbing nets for rock pooling though !
The resort is very spread out over the peninsula which keeps it very peaceful.
Return visitors, 5 years or more, get their own named dodo added to the resort totem.

The most unique feature are the old canons on the headland and the protected old lighthouse, now housing a cool teen club.

Rooms here cater equally for a couple to a family of 5 in either a duplex family room or the 2 bedroomed apartment which has 2 en-suites.

Again on offer for bookings made this month but covers departures till end of next summer.

£6978 10 nights AI in family duplex with private transfers and direct flights from Heathrow departing 20 July 2025. Based on 2 adults and 2 children.

Please get in touch for more information;
[email protected]
02085051610

11/09/2024

One of my favourite hotel groups, Beachcomber, have a huge sale on for bookings made this month for departures now until late summer 2025.
Before you ask, yes I’m taking advantage of this too for my own family holiday next summer!

Starting with the Victoria Mauritius;
I loved the location of this hotel as it’s along a huge perfect sandy beach with a gentle sloping sea. Perfect for children.
This hotel offers some of the biggest hotel rooms and suites within the group and has some of the best prices currently.
Rooms for families range from spacious deluxe to 2 bedroomed apartments where both master and twin or triple second room have en-suites.
Their kids club has a beautiful beach location.

As well as the family side of the hotel they have Victoria for 2 which is the adult only section.
Passing from the decked area by the main pool through the gardens you find yourself in a gorgeous restaurant opposite comfy seating around a huge fire pit.
Two stories, either ocean view or swim out, this is an oasis of calm for adults. Maybe an extended family where the grandparents can enjoy their ‘down’ time!

Note: if you stay here, the Canonnier or Mauricia you can spend the day, and dine, across any of these hotels. ( subject to availability re evening dining)

10 nights on AI for 2 adults and 2 children £6,526
Based on 20 July 2025 departure with air Mauritius from Heathrow.
Private transfers and All inclusive board basis in a Deluxe room.

Victoria for 2 for 2 adults on same dates in the Ocean view room on AI basis is £5,499
Swim up ocean view room is £470 more in total.

For more details please get in touch;
[email protected]
02085051610

03/09/2024

We have been made aware that all passengers and aircraft personnel travelling from abroad are now required to fill in a Health Pass prior to entry into Indonesia. Please complete the form before boarding your flight to Indonesia. After filling in the form completely, a QR Code and personal data information will appear.
Effective immediately, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has mandated the use of the SATUSEHAT application as part of efforts to control the spread of Mpox.

All international travellers must complete an electronic self-declaration form called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. This measure helps international airport operators manage and prevent Mpox transmission.
The form can be completed online at https://sshp.kemkes.go.id and should be done at the departure airport.
Every traveller is required to fill in the SATUSEHAT Health Pass including children. For children, parents or guardians can help fill it in and can save the QR Code of the child's SATUSEHAT Health Pass.

If you have any queries please get in touch.
02085051610
[email protected]

18/08/2024

Not work related but so proud of my very talented gorgeous daughter ; NB playing for charity, all funds to great ormond st this year

17/08/2024

Week 2 - Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches

The second week saw us return to the resort that stole our hearts!

This year we had an oceanfront room complete with plunge pool and wonderful ocean views.
The obligatory outdoor shower is in this room, now an expectation as we all love it!

The food, as before, was delicious and such a choice of restaurants that over the week we didn’t eat in the same restaurant twice! Think the favourites are the Indian and Asian though I do love the Plage as nothing quite matches a restaurant on the beach on holiday for me.
The quality of drinks on AI is superb with little restriction on inclusions.
It was nice to have staff recognise us from last year.

As part of AI you have vouchers for experiences and can upgrade them. I hit the spa and upgraded to a blissful 90 min massage, Els has her nails done and this time hubbie hit the golf course with his. Other options include diving, wine tasting and cooking.

There are plenty of activities including tennis, yoga, Pilates and excellent gym. Glass bottom boat and snorkelling are also included and snorkelling in this area is excellent. The ‘fish’ in the family went snorkelling at least once most days.

I celebrated a birthday whilst here and our amazing resort host, Ankush, put on my genre music and decorated the bed with balloons and a tiered cake made from towels! I was treated to a birthday cake in both the Indian and Asian restaurants.

Having stayed before Beachcomber did not disappoint with fabulous staff, excellent service, food and activities. The icing on the cake was hubbie spying a whale behind the reef showing off for us!

Love this resort and dare I say next year we may return this time with golf clubs and professional snorkel gear!

If you’d like more information please get in touch :
[email protected]
02085051610
By appointment in person at Hobo Club Loughton