Lewis Jones - Not Just Travel

10/01/2025

Brrr! ❄️ Winter is here, but so are my top picks for cosy getaways just a few hours away. Whether it’s a log fire or sunny skies you’re dreaming of, I’ve got you covered.
💌 Drop a ‘Chilly’ in the comments, and we’ll send the blog link right to you!

07/01/2025

Why why why❓

Hey everyone, I’m Lewis - here to answer 3️⃣ important questions this January…

1️⃣ Why use a Personal Travel Consultant?

On average, I save you 8 hours of stressful research & review-scrolling

I learn your preferences to find you the perfect holiday

When things go wrong, I’m on hand to help resolve the issue 📱

2️⃣ Why book your holiday in January?

Some of my top suppliers sell 60% of their annual capacity in Jan & Feb alone!

It’s especially important to book ahead if you need specific dates (school holidays), room types (accessible rooms), particular hotels or the extra legroom flight seats 💺

Get something in the diary to look forward to!

3️⃣ Why not give me a try?

My happy clients and 5-star reviews speak for themselves! Why not try a new way to book your holiday this year and see how easy it is?

Simply give me a call, answer some questions and then sit back and let me take care of the rest 🧘‍♂️

I make planning a holiday, feel like a holiday!

Send me a WhatsApp now ⬇️

17/12/2024

Top 3 National Parks in Western USA 🇺🇸

🏜️ Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is known as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. One of the best ways to explore is via a hiking trail like the Blue Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail (South Rim) and the North Kaibab trail (North Rim).

You can also get a variety of guided tours including Helicopter, Hiking, Rafting and Jeep tours.

🦬 Yellowstone (pictured)

Yellowstone is most famous for its Geysers (such as Old Faithful) and hot springs, but it also boasts a diverse range of wildlife that thrive in this unique ecosystem. This includes Bison which have become synonymous with Yellowstone (with the largest free-roaming herd in the U.S. found there).

Elk can also be found here with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 elk being in this National Park found in 6 to 7 herds. The last main animal found within Yellowstone are 2 species of bear, the Grizzly bear and Black bear. Black bears are the more populous out of the 2 with their exact population being hard to estimate, and there are between 700 to 800 Grizzly bears wandering around Yellowstone.

🏔️ Glacier NP

With Glacier National Park being part of the Rocky mountains, it is one of the most stunning locations found anywhere in USA. It spans over 1 million acres of pristine wilderness which includes rugged mountains, alpine meadows and forests.

One of the best sites to see is the Going-to-the-Sun Road which is a 50 mile scenic drive across the park offering breathtaking views and access to trailheads.

Which would be your pick?

10/12/2024

Just thought I’d share this news - seems like only yesterday that I graduated but apparently it was over 7 weeks ago 😂

I’m now officially a Travel Trade Gazette Sustainable Travel Ambassador 😃

Over the course of this year I’ve learnt so much but also developed my thirst for knowledge and ways to improve - whilst I refine my business processes and come up with new ways to offer sustainable travel options to you as my clients, I’ll continue to give you the personalised service that you know and love!

I’ll never stop learning in this field and I hope you’ll enjoy carrying on this journey with me!

🥁 Drumroll please… It’s time to present our Class of 2024 TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors! 🥁

🎓 Well done to the following travel agents who over the past six months have completed a series of educational workshops focusing on sustainable travel, taken practical steps within their businesses to sell more responsible travel and attended at least one fam trip to experience positive-impact travel in action 🎓

Please join us in congratulating our Class of 2024! 👏
⭐ Adam Burgess, Travel Counsellors
⭐ Alicia Sharpe, Luxeco Holidays
⭐ Andrew Taylor, Dawson & Sanderson
⭐ Dot Mechan, Murray Travel
⭐ Emma Andrews, The Holiday Village
⭐ Emma Butterworth, Adventures By Emma
⭐ Emma Summers, Tribe Family Adventures - Emma Summers
⭐ Erin Neville, Trailfinders
⭐ Gareth Harding, Travelosophers by Gareth Harding
⭐ Jayne Lomax, Travel Counsellors
⭐ Jessica Morton, Fusion Holidays & Cruises
⭐ Laura Winnery, Olive Lounge Travel Crosshills
⭐ Lewis Jones, Lewis Jones - Not Just Travel
⭐ Lourdes Huelgas, Not Just Travel
⭐ Marietta Maidman, Travel Better with Marietta
⭐ Marina Schumacher, Travel Counsellors
⭐ Simon Collinge, Designer Travel by Simon Collinge

We can’t wait to see where your journey to selling more sustainable travel takes you next, and we’re so excited to see you thrive 🌍

🙏 Huge thanks to our 2024 partners AE Expeditions Agents UK & Europe, part of Aurora Expeditions (expedition partner), Visit Greece (destination partner), Iberostar Star Agents UK & Ireland (accommodation partner), Intrepid Travel (small group adventure partner) and TTC Tour Brands UK Agents (touring partner) for making this training programme possible 🙏

✨ Look out for an opportunity to join next year’s programme, coming soon in early 2025! ✨

05/12/2024

Top things to do while in Croatia 🇭🇷

☑️ Blue Cave

Visiting Blue Cave is a must do on your trip in Croatia. This natural sea cave - located on the small island of Biševo - is known for its magical blue lighting. The phenomenon happens when the sun reflects of the sandy seabed causing the enereal blue glow. It is a must-see for nature enuthasiasts and photograghers!

☑️ Krka Waterfalls

One of the best ways to get emerged within the culture is to go on a Krka waterfalls, food & wine tasting tour. Lasting around 5 hours, you first go to the beautiful Krka National Park, which is known for its large number of waterfalls (possible to get a boat ride down the river Krka). Then you will go to the beauful town of Skardin, where you can use your free time to take a walk, climb the fortress and just take in the panoramic veiws. Lastly you will visit a family run winery in the village of Plastovo, here you will get to try different kinds of wine, homemade olive oil and local cheese.

☑️ Plitvice National Park

Plitvice lake National Park is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Croatia and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. It is renowned for its cascading lakes, lush forests and rich biodiverity. It has 16 interconnecting lakes which are famous for there striking colour, which ranges from azure to green and blue. It also has numerous waterfalls connecting to the lakes including Veliki slap, which is the largest in the country with a straggering height of 78 meters or 256 feet.

☑️ Dubrovnik Old Town

The city walls of Dubrovnik, are among the most iconic and well-preserved fortifications in the world. These medieval walls encircle the Old Town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and have stood as a symbol of the city's historical resilience and architectural grandeur. The wall streches approximately 1.2 mile, reaching a height of 25 meters and a thickness of 4-6 meters. The first walls were built in the 9th century, with significant upgrades beginning in the 13th century as Dubrovnik grew in wealth and importance (plus further enhancements in the 15th and 16th century). Finally it was finished in the 17th century - 800 years from when it was first started!

☑️ Split to Dubrovnik cruise

A small ship (10-50 people) yacht cruise down the Dalmatian coast is an incredible way to enjoy the best of Croatia’s food, weather, scenery and nature. I did this in 2022 and can highly recommend it!

03/12/2024

Did you know? 🇭🇷
-Croatia is home to the worlds smallest town called Hum, with a population of less then 30!!

-It is also home to the oldest unhabited city in Europe called Vinkovcl, which has had people living there fro over 8000 years.

-The National dish is Pašicada/Black Risotto.

-There are 10 UNESCO hertiage sites and 15 sites listed on UNESCO's tentative list.

-About 10% of Croatias landmass is covered with National Parks.

30/11/2024

Adventure in Tanzania (Mount Kilimanjaro)🏔

(Quite possibly the most challenging thing you’ll ever do!)

At a staggering height of 5,895m, Kilimanjaro holds the accolade for being both the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world!

It is also commonly known as the ''Roof of Africa'' because of its towering presence - offering extensive views across the surrounding landscape.

Due to this, Kili is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Ascending to the Roof of Africa is no mean feat - climbing up takes approximately 4-5 days, plus a further couple of days walking to get back down!

There are multiple routes to choose from to suit all abilities, interests and budgets - this is something that be discussed in greater detail with myself as your Personal Travel Consultant 👍🏼

My Take

Despite being the single most challenging thing I’ve EVER done, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was also one of the most rewarding - in more ways than one…

In the moment, the incredible views never ceased to amaze. I relished the physical nature of the challenge, whilst also enjoying the social and emotional side of the climb - making new friends and supporting each other in this joint goal.

Looking back now, the whole experience continues to be rewarding due to the enormous sense of achievement! I also look back on it with fond memories, reliving those moments when flicking through photos (like the ones below) 🥲

Did you know ⁉️

Mount Kilimanjaro is over 2 million years old, having formed due to volcanic activity in the East African Rift. It is currently a dormant volcano and hasn't erupted in over 10,000 years.

29/11/2024

Beaches in Tanzania 🇹🇿

Where else to go than the island of Zanzibar! 🏝️

Just off the coast of Tanzania, it’s known for idyllic beaches & cultural riches. Here are my top 3 things to do in Zanzibar:

✔️ Visit Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant culture. As the historic heart of Zanzibar City, it serves as a living museum of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences that shaped the island over centuries.

✔️ Take a spice tour, which is one of the most popular activities on the island - giving visitors a chance to experience its rich history and fragrant spice production. Zanzibar, often referred to as the "Spice Island," has been a major centre for spice production for centuries, with spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom being cultivated on the island.

✔️ Snorkel till the sun goes down - Zanzibar is renowned for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, making it a fantastic destination for both diving and snorkelling. Some of the best snorkelling spots include Mnemba island, Chumbe Island, Bwejuu beach and Nungwi beach.

All photos are from my own experience of Zanzibar 😃

27/11/2024

Safari in Tanzania 🇹🇿

(Excuse my vibrant dress sense in photo 4! 😂)

Tanzania is an awesome place to spot wildlife, including the so-called Big Five animals which have become synonymous with the word Safari.

Here are the top 3 places to spot wildlife in Tanzania:

Serengeti 🦁

• When to go? Wet season is November to May, whilst dry season is June to October
• Great times to visit could be Wildebeest calving season (late January to February) or when waterholes dry up (July to October)
• Animals to see include Lions, Leopards, Wildebeest, African Elephants, Gazelle, Rhinos & more

Ngorongoro Crater 🦏

• Ngorongoro is the largest intact, unflooded caldera in the world!
• Measuring 20km wide and 600m deep, it forms a huge natural bowl which protects the wildlife inside
• Possible to spot the endangered Black Rhino!

Mt Kilimanjaro (National Park) 🐒

• Whilst climbing this majestic mountain, it’s possible to spot a variety of animals including Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, monkeys, antelope and over 150 species of birds like Turacos and Hornbills

Are you a seasoned safari-goer? Consider Nyerere National Park for a boat safari!

25/11/2024

This week’s focus country is Tanzania 🇹🇿

Tanzania has a very special place in my heart - back in 2012 it was the trip that truly ignited my passion for travel!

So, this week I’m going to share my knowledge and experience of this vibrant country - from its breathtaking landscapes to diverse wildlife and idyllic beaches 🏝️🏔️

Keep an eye out for posts on and

Questions? Ask me!

22/11/2024

Top 3 things to do in Norway! 🇳🇴

🐋 Whale Watching

Humpbacks, s***m whales, fin whales, orca and more all roam the seas along the Norwegian coast.

Make sure you choose the right time of year, and only go with a respected local operator 👌🏼

🚂 The Flåm Railway

One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world!

Spectacular scenery throughout - choose between autumnal colours or a wintery wonderland!

🛷 Husky Sledding

Sled dogs (including huskies) used to be a vital mode of transport in the Arctic, connecting isolated communities.

Today, you can experience this part of Arctic culture by trying your hand at mushing your own pack of huskies!

17/11/2024

Scandinavia's innovative accommodations include heated glass igloos, glass-walled treehouses, and sea cabins, offering immersive experiences of the Arctic wilderness and Northern Lights.

Highlights include Finland’s Levin Iglut, Iso-Syöte, and Arctic Snowhotel, blending luxury with adventure activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Unique options include Norway's Manshausen Seacabins and Sweden's Treehotel, featuring eco-friendly designs and scenic views.

These destinations emphasize sustainability and local culture, with fine dining and relaxing spa facilities.

Curated by our specialists, Scandinavia's best glass igloos are perfectly designed to showcase the wonders of its wilderness.

16/11/2024

🇳🇴 Norway’s Coastal Kitchen 🦀

Here’s why this was the BEST food experience I’ve had on ANY cruise…

Hurtigruten support 50 Norwegian farms, bakeries and producers, bringing locally sourced ingredients such as King Crab, Brunost (brown cheese) and Cloudberries to their ships.

The result?

✔️ Fresh food that tastes great, AND is great for the planet and people 😃

✔️ Fish, meat and vegetarian options at all meals

✔️ Local twists such as reindeer burgers or cloudberry salad

Honestly…having done a Norwegian coastal sailing with Hurtigruten earlier this year, I can say that the food was outstanding!

I would describe it as refined, innovative, and above all delicious! 😋

🪟 Another bonus of the restaurants onboard Hurtigruten’s Norway cruises is the floor to ceiling windows - on most cruise ships, dining venues tend to have porthole windows with partially obstructed views of endless ocean (still quite fantastic)! Yet the larger windows on Hurtigruten allow guests to fully appreciate and marvel at the stunning scenery as they sail on “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage” 🇳🇴

📸 In the pictures: Me talking to executive chef Eirik Larsen about Hurtigruten’s food concept



🤓 FYI Hurtigruten have been sailing the Norwegian coast for more than 130 years - and on a daily basis since 1936 - so are perfectly placed to build on their concept of sustainability sourced and seasonal food. You can experience it for yourself by sailing on their Norwegian Coastal Express (some of which have a “Northern Lights Promise”) - ask me for more details! 🛳️

24/10/2024

Fancy a Christmas Market break but not sure where or when to go? 🎄

I’ve done all the research for you! Simply pick a city, comment below and I’ll tell you when the markets are on 🙌🏼

🇦🇹 Vienna
🇧🇪 Brussels
🇭🇷 Dubrovnik
🇨🇿 Prague (Old Town Square pictured)
🇩🇰 Copenhagen
🇩🇪 Berlin
🇬🇷 Athens
🇭🇺 Budapest
🇩🇪 Munich
🇨🇭 Geneva
🇮🇹 Rome
🇵🇹 Lisbon
🇮🇪 Dublin
🇲🇪 Kotor
🇳🇱 Amsterdam
🇸🇪 Stockholm
🇪🇸 Barcelona
🇵🇱 Krakow

Message me 07404 716823 📲

18/09/2024

12 years ago this week, I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro 🏔️ (and still got the T-shirt to prove it 😂)

It was both the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life!

Cold stints of climbing in low oxygen conditions gave way to the most incredible views and an enormous sense of achievement 🤩

I wouldn’t change it in a heartbeat and would definitely recommended Kili to anyone longing for a physical challenge 💪🏼

Be it , or Base Camp, or maybe a cycling adventure through , I can organise your next travelling adventure 🗺️