Annabel Travel Counsellors

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Annabel Travel Counsellors

I am a Travel Counsellor based near Canterbury, Kent. I love all things travel and offer personalised travel planning and advice to my clients

I have been in the travel industry for for 19 years, 10 of which I have been working as an independent Travel Counsellor. Providing impartial advice and personal knowledge on all things travel!

25/10/2024

Fall back into bed this weekend and enjoy that extra hour 🕰️💤

As the clocks go back and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to escape the winter chill and chase some sunshine! Swap the early sunsets and frosty mornings for warm beaches and blue skies. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or simply recharging in the sun, a winter getaway is just what you need to beat the darker days. Why not treat yourself to a sunny escape and make the most of the season?

23/10/2024

⭐️ I’m delighted to announce that Travel Counsellors has been named Agency of the Year – Homeworking at the 2024 ATAS (Association of Tourism and Adventure Suppliers) Recognition Awards! 💫

The awards celebrate and recognise travel professionals who have showcased touring and adventure holidays in the most innovative or successful ways.

Travel Counsellors gives me the tools, technology, and support I need to create exhilarating trips for my customers, and I’d love to book your next dream trip. Get in touch and let’s start planning your next adventure.

09/10/2024

Is Magical Lapland on your wishlist? It's not too late!

This week, I've been busy confirming Lapland holidays for travel this winter and the good news is, there are still some amazing resorts with availability!

Please get in touch if I can help!
(It's also on sale for 2025 if you wish to plan ahead)

24/09/2024

Planning your 2025 adventures already? 🌍✈️
Let me show you how to magically stretch 26 days of annual leave into an incredible 56 days of travel! 📅✨ As your Travel Counsellor, I'm here to handle the details, from destination tips to travel hacks, so you can focus on soaking up the sun and experiences with absolute confidence. 😉
Ready to explore like never before? Contact me today to see how I can make your travel dreams a reality!

29/08/2024

🇯🇵 Postcards from ... Japan!

I love receiving photos from happy clients! These beautiful pictures were taken during a family trip this summer.

🤩 There’s a lot of interest around Japan and for good reason with so much to see and do all year round. If Japan is on your bucket list, please get in touch!

26/08/2024

🇶🇦 Doha, Qatar - the final stop on our summer travels.

It’s an interesting city contrasting the old and the new, displaying great pride in hosting the World Cup in 2022 and comes alive after dark when the temperature drops ever so slightly.

We visited as a stopover but it’s a great destination in its own right. There are plenty of amazing hotel options across the city and as it’s v hot in summer (too intense for a beach or pool holiday) there’s lots to see and do whilst keeping cool - we filled our time visiting amazing museums, wonderful shopping malls and enjoyed a football match in the air conditioned Khalifa International Stadium. Despite the heat, the Souq Waqif after dark is a must!!

Our hotel was well located across the road from the souk so it was super convenient to pop out in the evenings. And a quick dip in the roof top pool was a great way to cool off.

20/08/2024

🇲🇻 Velassaru- Maldives

The next stop on our summer travels and little over an hour from Colombo, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit this little piece of paradise.

My first visit to the Maldives and this resort ticks all the boxes for me…

⭐️ Picture perfect white sand beaches and turquoise waters
⭐️ 2 bars and a fantastic buffet restaurant with so much choice, plus 3 a la carte restaurants
⭐️ Spa, yoga, tennis, watersports, excursions
⭐️ Short speedboat transfer from Male
⭐️ Small enough to walk around the island and large enough to have plenty of facilities

With the beautiful villas and welcoming staff, this island has been the perfect choice for our visit

Interested in the Maldives? Contact me for more info 😊

16/08/2024

🇱🇰 Colombo - the busy, capital port city of Sri Lanka- it’s not a tourist hotspot like the Asian cities of Singapore, Bangkok & Hong Kong yet we find ourselves gravitating back for a 3rd time during our month long stay in Sri Lanka.

Our top tips for what to see & do in Colombo

👞 walk along coastal Galle Face Drive to see the National Flag Pole
🪷 Lotus Tower - viewing platform over the city
👙 hotel & pool lounging
🛍️ Shopping- so many options!

⭐️ Barefoot (lifestyle store and a lovely garden cafe- the live Sunday Jazz here is fab!)
⭐️ Paradise Road store
⭐️ The Dutch Hospital (redeveloped dining & shopping outlets)
⭐️ Pettah Market - bargaining for local and branded goods
⭐️ One Galle Face Mall

🍹 Enjoy a drink in Ahasa, located in the Sky Bridge, level 29 of the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel

🏏 Cricket - of course! We’ve watched 2 matches; LPL Jaffna Kings v Kandy Falcons &
ODI Sri Lanka v India at the Premadasa Stadium

We stayed at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, it’s in a great location on Galle Face Drive and feels like an oasis from the hustle and bustle outside.

Why?
-comfortable beds
-wide range of dining options- love Nuga Gama for traditional Sri Lankan village style buffet
-great pool area with DJ after dark
-wonderful staff- kind, attentive and efficient
-great value

13/08/2024

🛏️ There is an amazing range of accommodation to suit all budgets in Sri Lanka, from international hotels in Colombo and resort hotels along the coast to boutique properties housed in historical Galle Fort and simple beachfront stays.

📷 We’ve been very lucky to visit many properties- sometimes to stay or to get a pool pass, stop for a drink and other times just to peek inside!

🏨 Colombo’s newest hotel 5* ITC Ratnadipa is opposite Galle Face beach. It opened in April and offers all guests well appointed rooms and sites, each one with a balcony.
🍹 We loved ‘Silvertips’ lounge bar for an afternoon iced tea and ‘Ahasa’ bar with live music on the 29th floor sky bridge after dark.

The Jetwing Lighthouse and Le Grand, Galle are both well located for a beachfront stay but within easy distance of the city of Galle.

But it is the historic boutique hotels in Galle Fort itself which I adored …. ❤️

Galle Fort Hotel
The Fort Printers
Fort Bazaar
Arches Fort
The Merchant and so many more….!

👣 Ideal for exploring the fort, walking the ramparts, visiting the museums, shopping in the boutiques, watching the beautiful sunsets and enjoying the many cafes all around

11/08/2024

🇱🇰 Hikkaduwa - we travelled by bus to get here, approx 25p each for 40 mins ride.

Staying at Neevana Boutique Hotel positioned right on the beautiful beach with waves rolling in (it’s actually really noisy!)

Come to Hikkaduwa for

🌊 wonderful waves
🐢 turtles swimming close to shore
🖐🏾 massage on your lounger
👙 pool swim
🌅 wonderful sunsets
🛍️ bustling Sunday market
🥘 lovely fresh food

Also known for surfing and its weekend beach parties, but we were too tired 😂

If you’d like to know more about Hikkaduwa or are interested in your own Sri Lankan itinerary, pop a message below or email me (I’m still working & checking emails whilst I’m here!) 🙏

07/08/2024

We spent a lovely weekend at the beach staying at Thaproban Beach House in Unawatuna.

This small hotel is in a perfect position on a stretch of golden sand and one of the highlights was eating at its own beach restaurant.

The rooms are spacious, spotlessly clean and importantly, had air con!!

We were able to use the pool at the sister property which is only a golf buggy ride away. And we strolled back looking in the local shops along the way.

06/08/2024

🇱🇰 Taking customer service to the next level 😂

It was great to meet up with my clients yesterday who are also in Sri Lanka right now!

03/08/2024

🇱🇰 The amazing food in Sri Lanka is fresh, flavoursome and varied. Although it’s traditionally known for its spicy curries, (I’ve had tuna curry and milk rice for breakfast!) there are many other dining options these days, much to the relief of my travelling companion!!

🍈 We’ve sampled parippu (dhal fritters) and ulundu vadai (oil doughnuts with chilli paste) from local street vendors, mangosteen and rambutan fruit from roadside stalls and delicious food in the restaurants we’ve visited- great value too.

🍕 With plenty of choice, it’s easy for travellers following a diet such as vegetarian/vegan or pescatarian and also gluten free. (We’ve found tasty pizzas, pasta, poke bowls and fried chicken suitable for anyone wanting something more familiar!)

Don’t forget the ice cream 🍨 it’s delicious!!

🍹 And to keep hydrated, the local ‘Lion’ beer is refreshing and the iced teas, smoothies and fresh fruit juices are plentiful!

Sri Lanka- a great place for foodies!! 🍽️

03/08/2024

My ‘office view’ today in Colombo!
Just going through a few emails and checking my clients are OK on their own travels!

26/07/2024

🇱🇰 We’ve spent our first week in Sri Lanka and loved the sights, sounds and experiences so far!

After a weekend in Colombo to recover from the journey, we headed south to Galle where we are based for most of our time.

Galle is a coastal city in the south west of the island with beautiful palm fringed beaches stretching to the north and south, which are dotted with boutique and resort style hotels.

But the real gem is Galle Fort - just wow! 🤩
With Portuguese and Dutch heritage, this fortification is now filled with artisan and souvenir shops, a huge range of cafes, boutique hotels and historical museums, many in renovated, colonial-era buildings. With its iconic lighthouse, far reaching views out to sea and the most beautiful sunsets, this is a very special place to be ❤️

20/07/2024

☀️ Summer holidays are here and my younger son and I have set off on our travels✈️
We’re spending the next few weeks on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 We’ll keep you posted on our life here and our onward travels.
💻 Being a TC means I can work anywhere so of course my laptop has travelled too and I can still be in touch with my clients before and during their trips away. 📞 And thanks to my colleagues in the UK, Claire and Donna who are also keeping an eye on things for me.

11/07/2024

We've been nominated for the Best National Travel Retailer in the British Travel Awards 2024 🙌��You can vote for us by clicking on the link below. This will mean the world to us at Travel Counsellors to be recognised for our hard work and dedication.

👉 https://britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=156

Thank you for your vote!

03/07/2024

I’ve been a little quiet on social media recently- mainly because I have been busy at my desk creating, quoting and booking some fabulous holidays as well as keeping up with a busy family cricket schedule!

I just wanted to stop for a moment and say Hi!
I am still here and at the moment, I am busy preparing travel documents for my clients who are excited to be off on their travels soon….

Corsica 🇫🇷
Rhodes 🇬🇷
Valencia 🇪🇸
Santorini 🇬🇷
Japan 🇯🇵
Thailand 🇹🇭
& Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

🌎 Are you looking forward to a holiday soon?
Get in touch if you’d like to make plans 👋

03/06/2024

Are your summer travel plans sorted? This month my clients are off to Greece, Italy, France, USA & New Zealand to name just a few of the exciting trips I have been working on. Planes, trains & automobiles - I can arrange it all to ensure my clients have the best time exploring the world their way!
Contact me if you'd like to plan your next trip

29/05/2024

Postcards from … Lake Louise 🇨🇦

Lovely to receive these pictures this morning from clients on their Canadian self drive tour.
Yesterday they enjoyed Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Lake Louise, just one of the wonderful experiences lined up and pre-arranged for them as they travel through Alberta & BC over the next 3 weeks. I’m hoping to receive more amazing pics to share🤞

Is Canada on your wishlist? If so, please get in touch, I’d love to help!

27/05/2024

🌍Series 4 of Race Across The World has now ended with mother and daughter duo, Eugenie & Isabel completing the challenge ahead of the others. Crossing seas, country borders and experiencing each destination has certainly been an adventure- are you ready to embark on your own unforgettable journey? Contact me today to start planning your next experience!

21/05/2024

🇵🇹☀️ Are you ready to discover the hidden gems of Domes Lake Algarve? 🌟 Here are my top 5 tips for an unforgettable visit:

1. Haute Living Lounge: Indulge in the ultimate luxury and relaxation.

2. Lakeside Dining at Makris: Savour exquisite flavours with breathtaking lake views.

3. Watersports on the Lake: Dive into adventure with thrilling watersports.

4. Rare Bird Watching in the Gardens: Connect with nature and spot rare bird species.

5. Sundowners at the Sandy Bottom Pool: Unwind with a perfect sunset and refreshing drink.

All this and more, curated just for you. When you book with me, you get tailored experiences and meticulous planning because I care more than anybody else. ✈️❤️

16/05/2024

Postcards from … Italy 🇮🇹

Lovely pictures received from my clients who were visiting Bologna & Parma last week

They enjoyed sightseeing, amazing food and meeting up with family - it’s fantastic when you can fit lots into a short break and especially when the sun is shining! ☀️

📞 Get in touch if you’d like to start planning your next trip!

15/05/2024

🇬🇩 🌊✨ Did you catch the new series 'The Fortune Hotel’ yet? It showcases this unforgettable paradise escape where every guest feels like a winner. With the longest pool in the Caribbean, why settle for ordinary when you can experience the extraordinary? Book your blissful getaway with me today and step into a world where every detail is tailored just for you.

13/05/2024

Did you catch the spectacular Northern Lights at the weekend? If not, don’t worry!
I also know the best places to go on your own adventure to hunt for them…

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I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Travel Counsellors community, and I’m thrilled to share that as a company, we’ve just hit record sales figures of £1 billion! This fantastic achievement wouldn’t be possible without the support of valued customers like you. I truly appreciate you trusting me, and my wider Travel Counsellors support colleagues, to take care of your holiday requirements. It’s something that I take great pride in, and I value the relationship we’ve built. Thanks a billion!#TravelCounsellors #ThanksABillion #ThankYou

Planning your 2025 adventures already? 🌍✈️ Let me show you how to magically stretch 26 days of annual leave into an incredible 56 days of travel! 📅✨ As your Travel Counsellor, I'm here to handle the details, from destination tips to travel hacks, so you can focus on soaking up the sun and experiences with absolute confidence. 😉 Ready to explore like never before? Contact me today to see how I can make your travel dreams a reality! #TravelSmart #2025Adventures #HolidayHacks #TravelCounsellors

We've been nominated for the Best National Travel Retailer in the British Travel Awards 2024 🙌��You can vote for us by clicking on the link below. This will mean the world to us at Travel Counsellors to be recognised for our hard work and dedication. #BritishTravelAwards #BTA24 #TravelCounsellors 👉 https://britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=156 Thank you for your vote!

🎤✈️ I'm tuning into the spirit of Eurovision this weekend and spotlighting my must-visit cities in Europe that hit all the right notes! 🌍💫 Which city gets your douze points? Read more here…. https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/inspiration/blog/our-must-visit-european-cities/ Do you have another favourite or somewhere on your wishlist? Cast your vote in the comments and let me start planning your own Eurovision-inspired travel adventure now. 🎉🛫 #Eurovision #EuropeAdventures #TravelCounsellors #CityBreaks

The beautiful Bay Gardens Beach Resort is set on the vibrant Reduit Beach and only a few steps from Rodney Bay. Perfect location for peaceful, morning beach walks, enjoying the water park & water sports by day (and a rest on the lounger!) and enjoying a sundowner in the evening. We tried the local specialties served in the restaurant and loved the beach waiter service too. Our room was cool and spacious with decor to echo the colours of the Caribbean Sea right outside. Kids club and animation programme available too! If this sounds like a piece of paradise you’d like to visit, please get in touch and I can let you know more! #baygardensresorts #stluciatravel #stluciaisparadise #annabeltc

#wheretogoinmay #wheretogowhen #mayholidays #lastminuteholidays #lastminute #bucketlist #luxurytravel #travelcounsellors #AnnabelTC

Bay Gardens Beach Resort

Feeling a bit grey and cold outside so thinking back to our recent visit to Bay Gardens Beach Resort in St Lucia ☀️ It’s in a great position located on Reduit Beach and close to the vibrant centre of Rodney Bay. 🌺 More details to follow shortly…

What a treat! The Bay Gardens Beach Resort is 4* property on Reduit Beach. We’re staying in a Deluxe Beachfront Double Room which is well suited to our family of 3 for the next few days #baygardensresorts #stluciaisparadise #annabel_travelcounsellors

JANUARY - wow 🤩 This month has flown by as I’ve been busy creating wonderful itineraries for my clients for the year ahead, finalising travel documents for worldwide trips and catching up with clients who’ve returned from their travels and had a fabulous time away…!! Here are some great reasons why clients book with me! Please get in touch if you’d like to arrange your next trip away.

🇯🇵I wanted to share this clip with you from Sara Davies, best known from her role on Dragon's Den. She recently travelled with her family to Japan and booked with my colleague at Travel Counsellors. 🚅They all had a fabulous holiday and I know it is a destination that many people have on their bucket list! 📞If Japan is a destination you'd love to discover in 2024, please do contact me to discuss your personalised itinerary!

Are you feeling festive yet? There's plenty of Christmas markets across Europe to get you in the mood and snow is already falling in some destinations! Contact me for ideas and enjoy a festive, last minute getaway this month!

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