Not Just Travel - Emma Summerill (2025)

28/12/2024

🎅🏼 Santa’s Lapland 2026 is now on sale! 🎅🏼

Last week I was lucky enough to experience one of these trips, and it was magical! (You can see my trip report a few posts down).

There are a limited number of half price child places on selected dates. There are also a some free upgrades to one bedroom apartments with saunas.

Rooms for larger families are also available but sell quickly.

If you wish to discuss this with me please book a call in my diary here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

Here are some guide prices for 2 adults and 2 children (under 10) but other family sizes can be costed when you book a call.

2 night option from Birmingham starting from £4117.
This is £150pp deposit and £160 a month with Direct Debit.

2 night option from Bristol starting from £4587.
This is £150pp deposit and £182 a month with Direct Debit.

3 night option from Cardiff starting from £6606.
This is £150pp deposit and £273 per month with Direct Debit

These prices include:
- Flights
- Transfers
- Snow suits and boots
- Half board accommodation
- Private visit with Santa via magical sleigh ride
- Husky ride
- Reindeer ride
- Plus loads of other fun activities in the snow!

Subject to change based on children’s ages and availability.

If you are interested in finding out more please book a call and I’d be happy to talk you through the options.

27/12/2024

Stop! Don’t book that Holiday yet

If you’ve seen a trip online that you think is perfect for you, just pause a moment before taking the final plunge.

I can book holidays with most well known suppliers. This includes Jet2, Tui, Kuoni, Inghams and all Lapland and cruise companies. Plus many smaller independent companies, as we work with many of those too.

If you’ve seen in a holiday advertised elsewhere, there’s a very high chance I can also book that same trip at the exact same price.

You might be wondering why bother when you could just book it in a couple of clicks?

Firstly, I can assess the choice you’ve made and make sure it’s right for you. I have a lot of industry knowledge which might stop you making a mistake. I might even be able to offer you a better alternative.

Secondly, booking a holiday is the easy bit. Dealing with issues that make arise later can be trickier. If you book with me, I can help you take care of any future problems. You can also ask me questions and advice at any point and I’m definitely easier to get hold of than most travel companies.

If you would like me to take a look at a holiday you’ve seen elsewhere please email me at [email protected].

(As always, if you don’t have a specific holiday in mind, but would like to discuss your options, then book a call in my diary here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min)

26/12/2024

I’m still enjoying some time with family today, but I will be offering calls from tomorrow for customers who are keen to get their 2025 holidays sorted.

You can book a no-obligation call or zoom in my diary here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

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25/12/2024

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope you’re having a wonderful day, whether you are home or abroad.

21/12/2024

Do you need a break in the New Year?

Christmas can be overwhelming for many people and the first few months of the year can seem quite quite bleak.

Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking a holiday now?

It might help you serenely sail through the festive period, to know you have a wonderful trip to look forward to.

There are still plenty of options for winter sun breaks in the first few months of the year. Or maybe you want to have your summer holiday all organised, so you can dream about cocktails on the beach.

There are plenty of appointments in my diary, book a call here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

20/12/2024

🎄 Christmas Operating Hours 🎄

I will be available throughout the festive period for customers who are travelling imminently and any existing customers with urgent issues.

I will taking some time off from day to day work from the 24th, 25th and 26th Dec and on the 31st Dec and 1st Jan.

If you are looking to get something booked before Christmas, you can book a call here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

The end of the year and January are a really busy time, so dates are also available into the New Year. So you can book your Call ahead of time.

20/12/2024

Ho ho ho! I’ve just come back from a magical 2 night trip with Santa’s Lapland in Saariselka, Finland.

Myself and a colleague booked this trip so that we can help better advise our customers on what to expect on these breaks.

This is my third trip to Lapland but my first to this resort (I’m almost an elf at this point!). I fall in love with this region more and more each time I come. It’s fabulous at any age!

Santa’s Lapland offers an immersive trip from the moment you check in at the airport.

The crew on board the plane are all set to help get your journey off to the best start. There are Christmas songs and games on board and Santa and his reindeer even landed on top off the plane when we got closer to his home.

We flew into Ivalo. A tiny airport in the far north of Finland. Cheeky elves met us at baggage claim and Santa’s Lapland staff led everyone in some Christmas songs.

The Santa’s Lapland staff ensure everyone was promptly boarded on transfers and it’s less than 30 mins to any of the hotels they use.
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We stayed at the Hotel Riekolinna (also known as Hotel Snowflake). It’s a typical Lapland hotel, basic but clean and warm. The hotel and Santa’s Lapland staff were all great and super helpful. Half board is included in most options and the food was warm, filling and plentiful.

One great thing about this hotel is they have a Northern Lights viewing room. Unfortunately it was cloudy for our whole trip but it would have been a great location for spotting them if they were out.

The main focus was the Search for Santa day, on the middle day of our trip. We were taken by coach to the Artic Centre where we could enjoy all the winter activities on offer.

The husky ride was a really favourite and we we able to both drive and ride in the sled. I think I used some muscles I didn’t know existed.

We loved the reindeer ride. A slow peaceful procession through some beautiful countryside.

There were also some magical shows and experiences that fully helped us get into the Christmas spirit.

But the main event was the Magical Sleigh ride. I won’t say too much except that if you are on the good list, you might get to stop at a cabin in woods for a special meet and greet.

There are also loads of other small activities like Tobogganing, snow hockey, mini skidoos and tandem sledding.

The day included lunch, unlimited hot drinks and pancakes in warming huts, located across the centre. There were lots of opportunities to stop, have a rest and warm up. There were staff everywhere to help direct you make sure everyone had a wonderful time.

We definitely saw a few fun and mischievous elves too.

It was fabulous to see families and groups having an amazing time, from little children to grand parents. And even a few other adult-only groups enjoying the excitement for themselves.

As well as this we also enjoy walking around the village of Saariselka. I made sure to make a visit to all the different hotels in the resort to help me better advise customers.

There are shops, bars and restaurants dotted around as well as many opportunities for sledging. Saariselka is also located next to a national park and those who are a bit more adventurous can explore this stunning wilderness.

Santa’s Lapland also offer a number of optional excursions including snow mobilies, snow shoeing and extended husky and reindeer experiences.

We didn’t see the northern lights but you can often see them here if the skies are clear.

Overall the trip was wonderful and full of the Christmas magic you would expect. It was short but very sweet and the families who were on the trip with us seem to have a magical time.

Having experienced two different Santa trips I feel even more confident in supporting families to choose the right trip for them.

If you would like to experience something like this or any 2025 Lapland experience (with or without Santa) you can book a call in my diary here -
https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

If you are interested in being added to my 2026 Lapland waitlist then sent me a private message with your contact details.

16/12/2024

My suitcase is out and packed, that only means one thing.

I’m off on another adventure!

Now that looks like a very full case, so I must be away for a while. It’s actually only for two nights 🙈

But lots of clothes are needed because I’m going to Lapland!

Now I know what you’re thinking “Emma, haven’t you already been to Lapland twice?”

Well, yes I have, but there are quite a few different Lapland experiences throughout the region. While I have sampled some, there are plenty that I haven’t.

Lapland is one of my top selling holidays and, although not essential, it’s very helpful if I can explain in detail the experiences to customers.

The best way to do that is to experience it myself.

I’m not taking my family on this trip, I’m going with another travel agent. We have invested in booking this trip ourselves so that we can give our customers first hand knowledge.

I know, we are so selfless, and you are very welcome 🤣

So be prepared this page will be filled with snowy pictures and Christmas scenes for the next few days.

14/12/2024

🎅🏼 Lapland 2026 - On sale soon! 🎅🏼

We are expecting details of the 2026 winter Lapland season imminently.

I recommend booking early for several reasons:

- You get the best choice of room type, which is especially important if you have a larger family or unusual family set up

- Suppliers usually offer early booking incentive such as free or halfprice child places

- You can spread the cost using direct debit over a longer period of time.

If you would like to be notified when Lapland 2026 goes on sale send me a private message with your contact details.

10/12/2024

Will your future self thank you?

I’ve been working on a lot of quotes recently for future holidays for 2025, 2026 and some into 2026.

Customers are excited about what is on offer and tell me they are definitely going to book. And then weeks and months pass and they never get around to it.

This is not unusual. Sometimes people get overexcited, and then realise they have something else in the diary or they have to rethink their priorities

But what happens more often is it slips off the priority list. If the trip is many months or even years away, they feel there’s no urgency. Something they’ll get to later.

And then they to come back to me later on and say “I’m ready to book that trip now“. When I go and reprice it, either it’s sold out or price has risen way beyond their budget. The customer is left disappointed.

I understand it’s hard to feel the urgency of something that’s so far away, but people are booking holidays earlier and earlier so things sell out more quickly than they did in the past.

I never want to pressure anyone into buying something, but if you are in the market for a holiday, don’t let it slip down the priority list.

And remember you can spread the cost of the trip with monthly Direct Debit so you’ll barely notice the payments and have no big bill at the end.

Will your future self thank you or will you be kicking yourself that you missed out on something amazing!

Book a call with me here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

08/12/2024

Today is the final Formula One Grand Prix for 2024 in Abu Dhabi

It will be the culmination of all the storylines that have been building throughout the year.

- Will McLaren or Ferrari take the constructor championship?
- Can Carlos Sainz finish his time at Ferrari with a bang?
- Will Lewis Hamilton leave Mercedes with a flourish or a whimper?
- Will Nico Hulkenberg score his first podium?
- Can Valtteri Bottas finally score points on his (possible) last ever race?

Being at the last race of the season is sure to be an exciting prospect. So why not book your place for 2025 now to make sure you are right there amongst all the action?

🇦🇪 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2025 🇦🇪
⚠️ THIS IS A EARLY BIRD OFFER ⚠️
🚨 £1,799 PER PERSON 🚨

🗓️ 03 December 2025
✈️ Direct Flights with Emirates
🧳 30KG Luggage Included
👫 2 Adults sharing

🏨 4* Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham, Abu Dhabi
🛌 Deluxe Room, City View
🍳 Room Only
💫 5 Nights (In Resort)
🚘 Private Airport Transfers Included
🌟 Other Hotel options available!

🏁 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
🎫 Abu Dhabi Hill General Admission - 4 Day
✔️ Friday, Saturday and Sunday Access
✔️ Official E Tickets
✔️ Giant Screen Views
✔️ Oases Area Access
✔️ Pitlane Walk Thursday
✔️ Admission to Evening Concerts
⚠️ NON REFUNDABLE

🎟️ General Admission 3 day ticket including one day admission to a theme park, access to all the Oasis areas, F1 merchandise and all day entertainment throughout the weekend, access to F1 fan zone, the Pit Lane Walk to watch the teams preparing their cars in the garages and after race concerts.

🤩 Upgrade Event Tickets
👉 Marina Grandstand @ Extra £200pp
👉 North Grandstand @ Extra £275pp
👉 South Grandstand @ Extra £350pp
👉 West Grandstand @ Extra £425pp
👉 Main Grandstand @ Extra £550pp
👉 Paddock Club @ ON REQUEST!

⚠️THIS WILL SELL OUT - GUARANTEED!⚠️

✈️ Flight times from London Heathrow
03DEC LHRDXB 2020 #0720
09DEC DXBLHR 1210 1610
🎟️ REF: Z45684 @ £1,799pp
💰 Deposit : £550 per person

✈️ Flight times from Manchester
03DEC MANDXB 2040 #0750
09DEC DXBMAN 1430 1840
🎟️ REF: Z45685 @ £1,999pp
💰 Deposit : £550 per person

✈️ Flight times from Edinburgh
03DEC EDIDXB 2040 #0805
09DEC DXBEDI 1450 1905
🎟️ REF: Z45686 @ £1,999pp
💰 Deposit : £550 per person

✈️ Flight times from Birmingham
03DEC BHXDXB 2050 #0750
09DEC DXBBHX 1450 1845
🎟️ REF: Z45687 @ £1,999pp
💰 Deposit : £550 per person l

✈️ Flight times from Dublin
03DEC DUBDXB 2050 #0815
09DEC DXBDUB 1435 1855
🎟️ REF: Z45688 @ £1,999pp
💰 Deposit : £850 per person

Prices and availability can change any time. Subject to supplier terms and conditions.

Email me at [email protected] for more information

05/12/2024

Today is my daughter’s 11th birthday.

She is a keen traveller and we have been lucky to be able to take her on many different holidays but some of her favourites have been cruises.

We have cruised with her most years since she was almost 18 months old and we have a further 2 cruises booked next year.

I speak to a lot of customers who have an interest in cruising but don’t consider it as a viable family holiday option. Some have even said they’ll wait to cruise until they can leave the kids at home.

While I’m not knocking a child-free holiday, cruising can be a way to have a great family holiday but also get some adult time too.

All family cruise lines have excellent kids clubs. They aren’t just a holding room they are staffed by experienced and qualified staff who provide a fun and exciting programme of entertainment. Harriet has enjoyed what they have offered at every age and on every cruise line who have sailed on.

If you children enjoy the kids club then it can give you some well deserved adult time to enjoy the rest of the ship.

If kids clubs are not for your family, most cruise lines offer family activities and experiences that you can all enjoy together. Everything from water slides and rock climbing to animation classes and magic shows.

And like for like, Cruises are often better value than similar standard European fly holidays.

The best time to book family cruises is as far in advance as possible - for may cruise lines that 18 months to 2 years but there are some options available for next summer. This gives you the best prices, the best choice of cabin and the opportunity to spread payments over the longest period of time.

If you want to explore if a cruise is the right holiday for your family, you can book a call with me here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

03/12/2024

Why would I need a travel agent?

It’s a question many people ask themselves, especially if they are used to booking trips for themselves.

There are lots of things that travel agents do before and during holidays to ensure customers a have a great trip. Often they are invaluable in helping prevent a disaster.

Here are just a few things that I have dealt with in the last few weeks.

- Helped a customer rebook their holiday when their flights were cancelled
- Arranged special assistance for two different customer travelling with a family member with additional needs
- Cancelled a holiday and managed paperwork when a customer sadly suffered a bereavement.
- Advised a customer who’s flight was delayed and was in danger of missing their connecting flight

Would you be happy to deal with these issue alone or would you be grateful that someone else could advise or sort on your behalf?

I don’t just book your holiday, I’m there with you from the time you book until the time you come home.

If you want to deal with a real person to book your holiday, you can schedule a call in my diary here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

02/12/2024

3 years ago we met the real Santa in Lapland.

It was a magical and memorable family holiday!

Meeting Santa was just one of the incredible experiences we had.

We also loved:

- dashing through the woods with huskies
- being pulled in a sleigh by reindeers
- racing across a frozen lake on a snowmobile
- sledding down icy slopes
- staying up late hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights

It was a wonderful experience that was worth every penny. I can help you have an amazing experience too.

If you would like to chat about taking your family on this trip of a lifetime, you can book a call with me here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

26/11/2024

🎄Struggling for ideas Christmas presents? 🎄

Rather than lots of toys or clutter that you don’t have space for, why not buy your loved ones a fabulous gift of a holiday for 2025.

Imagine their faces on Christmas morning finding out they are going on an amazing trip.

I can help you with ideas for a reveal to make it even more special.

If the trip is more than four months away, you can also spread the cost using our direct debit scheme.

Book in a no-obligation chat with me to find out what might be possible https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

25/11/2024

⭐️ Santas Lapland Free Child Places for 2025 ⭐️

For a very limited time there are free child places on certain Santas Lapland short breaks.

2 adults and 1 child start from £2998

2 adults and 2 children start from £4045

This includes:
- Flights
- Transfers
- Snow suits and boots
- Half board accommodation
- Private visit with Santa
- Husky ride
- Reindeer ride
- Snow and ice activities

Deposits are £150pp

If you are interested in a personal quote then email me as soon as possible at [email protected] for more information

Or book a call with me tomorrow here https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

22/11/2024

Do you have Harry Potter fans in your family?

Universal Studios Florida already has two fabulous immersive lands of Diagon Alley and Hogsmead.

From the 22nd May 2025, they will be opening their 3rd theme park, Epic Universe, which features another incredibly themed Harry Potter area. This will be based on the Ministry of Magic.

Get your first look inside the thrilling new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™️ attraction that will be the centrepiece of this land.

These photos show the amazing details from the ride and its spectacular queue.

A visit to Universal Studios Florida can be a perfect trip on its own or can be combined with a visit to the Disney parks or even a cruise.

I have personal experience of Universal and I can help you plan the perfect trip to Orlando!

Book a call here - https://calendly.com/emma-summerill/30min

18/11/2024

🛍️ Black Friday Offers! 🛍️

It seems every year Black Friday offers start earlier and earlier. This is true for the travel industry too.

Some offers have already started, but we have been given the heads up that there will be many more coming over the next week.

Most of the offers will be shared on my VIP page which you can access here https://www.facebook.com/groups/268091711094625/?ref=share_group_link

If there are some very special offers, I will try and post them here too.

There could be some really good discounts or extra inclusions, but they will be extremely time sensitive.

Traditionally, suppliers take one or two of their best sellers and give them a decent discount for a short period of time, or until they are sold out. But they also send those offers to thousands of other travel agents.

So if you see something that you are interested in, please be prepared to act quickly and I mean within minutes rather than within days.

The best way to do this is to follow the instructions on the offer on how best to contact me (the worst way to contact me is to comment on the post, I almost never see those comments for hours or days).

Hopefully lots of you will be able to take advantage and get some lovely trips booked.

Not Just Travel - Emma Summerill

28/12/2024

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