18 August 2025

When it comes to planning a holiday, my job isn’t to find the cheapest deal - it’s to make sure you get the best possible value and holiday for your budget. That means avoiding false economies that might look like savings on paper but end up costing you in wasted time, missed experiences or sheer exhaustion. When I book a holiday for clients, I treat it as if it were my own. My priority is to understand what’s most important to them - and that’s rarely price alone. Everyone has different priorities: time, comfort, convenience, experiences or making the most of precious annual leave. It’s the little things that can make or break a trip. If you or your family have specific dietary requirements, the wrong destination or hotel could turn what should be a wonderful escape into a daily struggle. The same goes for mobility needs, family room set-ups or making sure the kids’ club is suitable for your child’s age. This is the kind of attention to detail you simply don’t get from an online agent. It’s all part of my service - and at no extra charge. Here’s a little insight into how a travel professional thinks when planning your trip: Flights The cheapest flights? Very often a no from me! For short haul (anything up to 5–6 hours with a minimal time difference), the timings are critical. Many of the cheapest options involve unsociable flight times. We’ve all seen tour operator holidays with a 4am departure back to the UK which means you miss a full night’s sleep, you’re out of your hotel at 11am but not leaving for the airport until midnight, you (and the kids, if travelling as a family) arrive home utterly exhausted. For a short break, timings are even more important. Why waste a precious first day arriving late in the evening or cut the last day short by flying out at dawn? The goal is to maximise your time away. Long-haul flights bring a whole new set of considerations: • Route & connections – The key is to look at all the options so you can make an informed decision, weighing up cost against convenience and deciding what matters most for your trip. A 14-hour direct flight can look costly next to a 35-hour route with multiple stopovers but if time is limited, or the quickest and smoothest route is most important for your family, then the direct flight is often worth every penny. • Connection times – Too tight and you risk missing your flight. Too long and you’re spending unnecessary hours (and money!) in an airport. Immigration and luggage rules need to be checked when considering connection times. In the US, Australia, India and elsewhere, you must clear immigration and collect luggage at your first point of entry, which takes time. If you miss a connection, are there alternative flights that day? If not it’s usually wiser to build in a more generous layover. A word of caution: fare inclusions need to be reviewed carefully. Luggage, meals, seat selection and even a proper cabin bag can all be added costs. By the time you’ve added those on, the “cheaper” option can easily end up costing more. Hotels This is where understanding my clients really matters. Picking a hotel isn’t just about comparing star ratings and prices - it’s about the right fit. A hotel in the wrong location could mean wasted time (and money) spent on taxis. For a city break, being central to the main attractions is usually worth every penny. For a beach holiday, it’s about the right resort vibe - whether that’s peaceful, family-friendly or a lively atmosphere with plenty of nightlife. For my foodie clients, being near great local restaurants is a must - they don’t want to be confined to eating in the hotel every night. When I recommend a hotel, these are just some of the details I’ll be checking for you. • Are there any extra bed costs for children? • Is there a daily resort fee (particularly important for US bookings)? • How well does the hotel cater for important dietary needs? • Are any local taxes payable? Another word of caution: a deal on-line that looks too good to be true often is. Hidden extras can change the price fast so always make sure that you’re comparing like-for-like. Parking This is one of those details that people often leave until the last minute. I always discuss parking requirements at the quote stage because prices only go up closer to departure. Securing short-term or valet parking in advance can make life so much easier when you land back tired, jet-lagged and desperate to get home quickly. Ready to start planning your next holiday? A well-planned holiday is about balance: the right flights, the right hotel, the right extras, all tailored to you. That’s where a travel professional adds value. Get in touch and I’ll make sure your trip is seamless, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to you - with concierge-level detail included as standard. That’s why many of my clients return to me time and again to plan their holidays.

05 August 2025

Small-group travel is something I love to arrange for my clients - it’s such a fantastic way to see the world. But I realised it had been far too long since I’d experienced it for myself. So, a few weeks ago, my family - myself, my husband, and our 11-year-old daughter Edie - set off on a family adventure with a difference: a small-group family tour with Intrepid Travel in Borneo. I decided to “bookend” the trip with a little luxury. We eased into the adventure with four days at the beachfront Shangri-La Rasa Ria, much appreciated after a long journey. At the other end, we treated ourselves to two nights at the Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore, enjoying the skyline views, the rooftop pool and bar, cocktails in Raffles and the Singapore chilli crab. But in between? That’s what this holiday was all about. Why a Small-Group Tour? I’ve travelled in all sorts of ways - independently, as a couple, with friends, with family - but there’s something unique about small-group travel. Travelling this way is such great value and completely stress-free, with all the logistics handled by people who organise these adventures week in, week out. Our group brought together 4 like-minded families from across the world. For Edie, it was brilliant. She quickly made friends with the other children on the trip and suddenly she wasn’t just “on holiday with Mum and Dad” - she was sharing jungle boat rides and campfire marshmallows with a little gang of new mates. Our Local Guide – The Heart of the Trip! We were lucky to have Sheila as our local guide - warm, knowledgeable, and endlessly patient. She led us to places we’d never have found on our own and along the way shared her knowledge of Borneo’s culture and of the incredible wildlife we were lucky enough to encounter. Sheila took us to local restaurants we might have been hesitant to try independently - not because we’re fussy, but because it’s reassuring to know they’ve been checked for safety and quality. It meant we could tuck into authentic dishes, confident that our taste buds (and stomachs) would thank us. More Than Just Sightseeing One of the things I most enjoyed about our trip was that Intrepid delivered as promised: • Supporting local businesses • Going off the beaten path • Focusing on sustainable travel that gives back to the communities • Creating meaningful connections with people and places In our case, we had the chance to take part in a community project, planting grass for the endangered Bornean pygmy elephants. The idea is simple but powerful - by planting grass away from local villages, the elephants have a food source that keeps them from wandering into farmland. It felt good to contribute, even in a small way. The Honest Bits – Compromises and Considerations Small-group travel isn’t for everyone, and there are some compromises to bear in mind: • You don’t hand-pick the accommodation - standards vary but every place is carefully chosen for its location, character or unique experience. • There can be long travel days. Our longest journey was five hours, with plenty of stops along the way. • You need a certain level of sociability given that you’re sharing your holiday with other travellers. However, it’s not claustrophobic and you’ll still have opportunities for time to yourself. For us, these were small trade-offs for the experiences we gained, the places we reached, the people we met and the stress-free logistics. Who It’s For There are small-group adventures for every style of travel, at different comfort levels and price points and in destinations all over the world. This style of travel is perfect for families but it’s also ideal for those who once roamed the world with a backpack and a guidebook and now want an adventure that’s still exciting but with a little more comfort and structure. For solo travellers, there are trips designed especially for you but in truth you’re welcome on any small-group tour. You get the independence of travelling on your own but with the reassurance of a ready-made group to explore with. The same applies to backpackers – there are fantastic, excellent value tours you can weave into your travels. Whatever the style, you still get to explore the wild places and meet the locals but with the reassurance of a safe, hosted environment. Would We Do It Again? Absolutely. We all loved it and we’re already planning our next small-group trip. Get In Touch I work with fantastic suppliers who offer experiences just like our own Intrepid adventure. I can help you choose the perfect itinerary and arrange the whole package – flights, stopovers and extra nights at the destination. Wherever you want to go next, I can help you find the perfect adventure.

05 June 2025

Travel trends come and go but some destinations are always popular. One of these destinations is Bali – and for good reason. I first visited Bali years ago when I was backpacking through Indonesia. This was when the huts on Gili Trawengan didn’t have electricity! Since then, I’ve been back many times, most recently on a luxury family holiday. There’s no doubt that Bali has changed since my first visit. However, the wonderful landscapes, the vibrant culture and the warmth of the Balinese people remain the same. I still LOVE IT. Let’s get one thing out of the way, Bali isn’t just for digital nomads and Instagrammers! I love the fabulous Instagram posts of the rice terraces, the ‘Bali Swing’, the smoothie bowls and the floating breakfasts and who wouldn’t post their Bali footage on Instagram! However, there’s so much more to the Island of the Gods than this. Even if, like me, you’ve been before, there’s always more to discover and, if you really want to get off the beaten path, you can. Bali has something for everyone and for every budget: - Wellness retreats and yoga sanctuaries tucked away in the jungle - Surfing along the southern coast, from beginner waves to pro breaks - Scuba diving and snorkelling off Nusa Lembongan or Amed - A world-class food scene with everything from beach warungs to Michelin-worthy dining - Sunrise treks up Mt Batur for panoramic views - Beach clubs and boutiques in Seminyak and Canggu - Temples, dance and cultural ceremonies that remain central to Balinese life Bali is also a fantastic multi-centre destination. Just a short boat ride from Bali, the Gili Islands are a favourite, If you’re feeling more adventurous, a quick domestic flight takes you to Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park and Pink Beach. I’ve been lucky enough to visit them all and I can assure you that they’re all worth the journey. Contact me to start planning your Bali escape - and why not explore a little more of Indonesia while you’re at it? clare.charles@travelcounsellors.com WhatsApp 01256 220014 #travelinspiration #giliislands#bali #komododragon #floresindonesia #travelprofessional #travelmorein2025 #luxurybali #VisitBali #IslandOfTheGods

29 May 2025

When most people think of cruising, they imagine sun-loungers, poolside cocktails and bustling ports. But what if your cruise could take you far beyond the usual, to places where glaciers calve into icy seas, blue-footed boobies nest on lava rocks, and polar bears roam the tundra? Welcome to the world of expedition cruising. Expedition cruises are for the curious, the nature lovers, the adventurers. What to expect: A Small, Purpose-Built Ship You’ll be travelling aboard a specially designed expedition vessel, often carrying fewer than 200 guests. These ships are built to safely navigate icy waters and reach remote bays that larger cruise ships simply can’t access. Some ships offer luxury suites and spas, while others are more rugged and science-focused - I’ll help you choose the right one for your style. Daily Zodiac Excursions Weather permitting, you’ll head out every day on zodiacs to explore the icy landscapes up close. You might step ashore on a penguin-covered beach, cruise past towering icebergs or glide silently alongside a pod of whales. Expert-Led Education & Enrichment Every expedition includes a team of onboard experts: marine biologists, glaciologists, ornithologists, photographers and polar historians. They lead engaging lectures, briefings and Q&A sessions, so you’ll return home not only inspired but truly informed. Photography Heaven From glowing blue icebergs to surreal pink sunsets and curious wildlife, the photographic opportunities are unmatched. Most ships offer photography support and some even have onboard pros to help you get that perfect shot. Life Onboard After a day of exploration, return to the warmth of the ship for: • Cozy lounges with panoramic views • Hearty meals or fine dining (depending on your ship!) • Hot tubs, spas, and wellness areas on select vessels • Evening recaps with your expedition team Here are three bucket list expedition destinations that offer once in a lifetime experiences: Antarctic - The White Continent Step foot on the last true wilderness on Earth. To reach the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll first sail across the Drake Passage, a legendary stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica. Known for its unpredictable waters, this two-day crossing is part of the adventure. Some travellers even say it’s a rite of passage! You’ll experience unforgettable wildlife encounters. Expect to see: • Gentoo, chinstrap, or Adelie penguins • Humpback and minke whales, often breaching right next to your boat • Leopard and Weddell seals lounging on ice floes • Countless seabirds including petrels, skuas, and albatrosses And unlike most places on Earth, the wildlife here is fearless. They may even waddle right up to you! Did you know that a group of penguins on land is called a waddle and at sea, a raft! Optional Overnight Camping For the truly adventurous, some expedition cruises offer the unforgettable chance to camp overnight on the Antarctic continent. Picture yourself bundled up under the stars, surrounded by silence, snow, and the surreal beauty of one of the most remote places on Earth. You’ll have expert supervision and memories to last a lifetime. Best time to go: November to March (Antarctic summer) The Arctic: Land of the Midnight Sun If your dream is to see polar bears in the wild, navigate ice-strewn fjords, and witness the midnight sun, then an Arctic expedition cruise belongs firmly on your bucket list. The Arctic is one of the few places where you can: • Watch polar bears roaming the sea ice • See walrus haul-outs and Arctic foxes darting across the tundra • Spot whales - belugas, narwhals, and bowheads • Marvel at cliffside colonies of puffins, guillemots, and kittiwake Wildlife sightings are entirely wild and unpredictable and that’s part of the thrill. Depending on your itinerary and ice conditions, you’ll take daily zodiac outings to land on uninhabited shores, hike across flower-strewn tundra, or cruise silently past sculpted icebergs and glacier fronts. Expert guides and naturalists accompany every excursion, helping you understand and appreciate the delicate Arctic ecosystem. The Midnight Sun From May to July, there's 24 hours of daylight. Imagine watching a polar bear hunt under a pink-streaked sky at 2am. It’s otherworldly. Cultural Encounters Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is home to people and some cruises offer the rare opportunity to visit Inuit communities in Greenland or Canada. These are powerful, respectful cultural experiences that provide a real sense of place and history. Best time to go: May to September. The Galápagos Islands: Evolution’s Playground This volcanic archipelago off Ecuador's coast is a wildlife wonderland. Every island offers unique encounters: snorkel with sea lions, watch giant tortoises lumber past or see marine iguanas sunning themselves on lava rocks. Expect to see: • Blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dance • Giant tortoises lumbering through the highlands • Marine iguanas sunning on volcanic rocks • Sea lions lounging on the beach or playing as you snorkel • Frigatebirds, penguins, lava lizards, and even Galápagos sharks Every landing feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary. World-Class Snorkelling Even if you’ve never snorkelled before, this is the place to try. The waters are rich with life, and visibility is often excellent. You might find yourself surrounded by sea lions, rays, or colourful reef fish and occasionally even penguins darting through the water! Best time to go: Year-round and each season offers something special. Let’s Plan Your Adventure These aren’t holidays you can “wing”. They require expert planning, the right timing, and the right ship. That’s where I come in. I’ll help you choose the itinerary that suits your interests, travel style, and budget, with all the logistics taken care of. I work with some of the best names in expedition travel - from ultra-luxury cruise lines offering exquisite onboard experiences, to specialist operators who exclusively sail in the polar regions and know every iceberg and inlet by heart. These trusted suppliers are experts in delivering safe, sustainable, and unforgettable adventures in the most remote parts of the world. Message me to start planning your expedition cruise of a lifetime. #AntarcticaCruise #ExpeditionCruise #BucketListTravel #ArcticCruise #MidnightSun #NorthwestPassage #GalapagosCruise #DrakePassage #travelinspiration

25 April 2025

When you think of family holidays, what often comes to mind? Perhaps it's lounging by a pool, all-inclusive resorts, or relaxed beach days. While these are wonderful ways to unwind, there’s another type of getaway that every family should consider: an adventure holiday. An adventure holiday is the perfect way for families to discover new places, enjoy shared experiences that will last a lifetime and create stories your children will tell for years to come. As an added bonus, you won’t find it difficult to pry your children – and the adults – away from their screens! My own family has just returned from a fantastic trip to Guatemala and Belize. We spotted crocodiles, held a (baby!) tarantula, snorkelled on the Belize Barrier Reef, flew over The Blue Hole, swam with sharks and climbed a volcano. However, a well-crafted family adventure trip should include just the right mix of activities and downtime, and this is why we also enjoyed a week relaxing on a beach with a few cocktails. One of the greatest misconceptions about adventure holidays is that they’re only for families with teenagers, experienced adventurers, thrill-seekers or the uber-outdoorsy. In reality, there’s an adventure holiday for every age and ability and these holidays are perfect for a multi-generational escape. Whether it’s hiking to a waterfall, ziplining through the rainforest, camping under the stars or discovering hidden gems in off-the-beaten-path destinations, adventure holidays offer something for everyone. You don’t need to scale a mountain or sleep in a tent (unless you want to!). I work closely with families to design tailor-made adventure holidays that suit their unique needs, preferences, abilities and comfort levels. I ensure every detail is taken care of, from choosing the right destination to booking activities that everyone will love. I can also recommend and book small group adventure tours that offer ready-made itineraries, expert guides and the chance to connect with other families on the same wavelength. Adventure holidays don’t have to be daunting, they just need to be thoughtfully planned, and I’m here to help you every step of the way. There’s an adventure out there with your family’s name on it and I’d love to help you find it.

26 November 2024

Travel is one of the greatest joys in life, exploring new cultures, landscapes, and experiences is something many of us cherish. But, as any seasoned traveller knows, even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of booking a dream trip online, what happens when the unexpected happens? Having a Travel Counsellor can make all the difference, especially when things take a sudden, stressful turn. Take my own experience as an example. I was in Bali with my husband and three children when the airspace closed due to volcanic dust in nearby Java. Flights were grounded, and we were stuck. We were notified by text, while in a taxi to the airport, that our flight was cancelled and told to call a helpline to rebook. We'd booked the trip through various online platforms and the flights direct with the airline. It quickly became clear that we were on our own, navigating a chaotic situation. Fortunately, we were able to return to the hotel we had just checked out of (there were no tourists arriving!). There were worse places to be stuck but it didn’t feel like a holiday anymore. The airline gave a very vague indication that they would try to rebook us within 7 days. Needless to say, it was a stressful situation. There was the additional cost associated with the unplanned stay and, being a corporate lawyer, I needed to get back to my clients. My mission was to book flights out, any flights, as soon as possible and hope that the insurance would pay out. Obviously, we eventually arrived home safe and sound but, the upshot was, we didn’t DIY a holiday again! Why You Need a Travel Counsellor When the Unexpected Happens - 24/7 support and expertise. One of the major benefits of working with a Travel Counsellor is the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone has your back. Should something go wrong, like flight cancellations, natural disasters, or even medical emergencies, you’re not left to figure it all out on your own. Not only am I personally available, you will also have access to a 24/7 duty office that can step in and assist immediately. You'll be able to speak to a person in the UK, you won’t be stuck in a call centre queue. This means you're supported around the clock, wherever you are in the world. - Quick, efficient solutions. In my case, I was scrambling between airlines, trying to rebook flights, but getting nowhere. A Travel Counsellor would have taken over and been the one point of contact, handling everything from finding alternative travel routes to ensuring accommodation was secured during the delay. No waiting on hold for hours with airlines or dealing with faceless online agents, just quick, efficient solutions tailored to your needs. - Personalised service. As a Travel Counsellor, I know my clients well and I understand their preferences, special requirements, and what matters most to them. No one likes to think about what could go wrong on their holiday, but it's always wise to be prepared. As a Travel Counsellor, my goal is to provide you with a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish, even when the unexpected happens. If you're looking for a holiday with the assurance that someone will always be there to support you, no matter the situation, work with a Travel Counsellor. As you can see from the photos, we loved our family holiday in Bali! We divided our stay between Seminyak and Ubud and the children still talk about it now. If you're considering a multi-centre holiday in Bali or a multi-island adventure in Indonesia, I would be delighted to explore the options with you and create your personalised itinerary.

05 November 2024

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, offering opportunities to explore unfamiliar places, meet new people and experience different cultures. When it comes to travel, the best experiences often require a little forward thinking. Much like financial planning, a well-thought-out travel plan ensures you maximise your time, budget, and, of course, your enjoyment. It all starts with a conversation. Where have you always wanted to go? Whether it's a couple’s city break, a family holiday in Europe or a grand tour of bucket list destinations, creating a two-year holiday plan is the best way to turn your travel dreams into reality. Have you been thinking about a trip to Japan, a safari adventure, or a road trip Down Under but can't seem to find the time to plan and schedule them? Do you book the same or similar trips because it’s easier? We all lead busy lives, and one of the biggest barriers to booking that dream trip is finding the time to research, plan, and organise every little detail. That’s where I come in. I will save you valuable time and give you a personalised, hassle-free experience. The Benefits of Creating a Two-Year Travel Plan 1. Timeline: Having a clear timeline helps you to select the best time of year to visit your destinations. Is there an ideal season to visit? Do you want to go in peak season or during the off-peak months when you can avoid the crowds and higher prices? Are there particular festivals you would like to schedule a visit around? 2. Better Budgeting: With a clear timeline, you can allocate funds more strategically and set aside a manageable amount each month. You will also be better placed to take advantage of early-bird deals and offers, allowing you to stretch your travel budget. 3. Securing Prime Availability: Popular destinations, accommodation and tours can book out far in advance. Planning ahead gives us access to the best options at the best rates. 4. Tailored Experiences: Having a plan in place, enables me to get to know your preferences and interests and create the perfect itineraries. 5. Building the Perfect Balance: Do you want to mix things up with a beach holiday one season and a mountain adventure the next? A two-year plan allows us to create a travel calendar with a variety of experiences. 6. Anticipation: Don’t underestimate the excitement of looking forward to your holidays, even those still in the planning stage! I encourage clients to share their ultimate travel destinations with me. Where would you go if time and money were not an issue? Until the research is done, you don't know what's possible. Together, we’ll organise a plan that aligns with your lifestyle and travel aspirations. I’ll take care of the logistics while you enjoy the journey. As regards my family's 2-year plan, we will definitely be exploring new destinations next year. As you can see from the photos, our daughter loves the planning stage and putting the plan into action.