Based In Northumberland

John Picken

Available for new enquiries

It's Nice To Meet You

Hi, my name is John and I am a Travel Counsellor based in Blyth on the Northumberland coast.

Are you looking forward to a holiday but don’t want the stress of finding the time to research locations, hotels and flights yourself? Worried about whether those hotel reviews are accurate and you haven’t missed anything in your itinerary?
Do you dream of a holiday that is tailored to you, putting your needs first which just let's you concentrate on having a wonderful time?

If so, then I am so happy you have come to Travel Counsellors, as my mission is to provide a completely personal service that means from your first enquiry with me to when you return home all you have to do is pack your suitcases and have the time of your life. I will take care of the rest, from researching and planning, handling the booking, thinking of the small details that make a difference and being there when you need me.

I have had a wide variety of holiday and travel experiences, from childhood holidays in the UK to multi-destination adventures in South East Asia and beyond and I truly believe that every holiday whether big or small, hot or cold, adventure or relaxation should be a special experience. By taking the time to talk to you, at a day and time that suits you, I will be able to put together a holiday that really connects with what is important to you and which will give you fabulous memories to look back on.

Alongside my travel experiences and passion for customer care, I also have access to a whole community of Travel Counsellors and local experts based worldwide so that wherever you want to go, I can present to you a handcrafted quote full of those hidden gems we all love to find on holiday. You also have the reassurance of 24/7 contact with me and our 24 hour Duty Office and your holiday is 100% financially protected both by ATOL and the unique Travel Counsellors Trust Fund.

So, whether you know where you want to go or are looking for inspiration, the first step to your most memorable holiday is just a phone call away.


A Travel Counsellors holiday is like a Saville Row suit, it fits you perfectly.


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Contact Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

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My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Travelling as a vegan ( or the culinary curious )

16 May 2025

I’m sure everyone has noticed that there are many more food options in the UK for those that want a plant based diet. However, eating this way when on holiday can be full of challenges, with hotels catering for the majority, language barriers and differing food cultures, to name but a few. However there are ways of making it less of an issue so that you can concentrate on enjoying your holiday, while giving your taste buds a new experience. . Visit countries that use lots of plant based ingredients as part of their food culture. India has a long vegetarian culture, just make sure there is no dairy in the dish. Vietnam has great vegan and vegetarian street food and their ‘chay’ restaurants are vegan friendly. Thailand uses lots of tofu and coconut milk, just watch out for egg and fish sauce which is used in many dishes Germany, particularly Berlin has a great vegan ‘scene’ with lots of meat alternatives. . Give All-Inclusive a miss and eat locally, you will get to see more of the destination, try more dishes and you will be ‘giving back’ to the local community. . Use Google translate to help confirm your food requirements. . If you do eat in the hotel then speak to the restaurant manager and discuss the vegan options. Every time I have done this I have had meals made specifically for me and the waiters are always happy to look after you. Just be ready for the envious looks from other guests as you are served food they can’t see at the buffet or on the menu. . Be adventurous and this applies to whatever your food choices are. Some of the best food I have had on holiday has been while sharing a table in a local café, as the only tourist there, enjoying fresh food cooked with simple ingredients. So be brave and don’t let dietary requirements put you off travelling the world, your taste buds will thank you.

My customer stories

Sent by Mrs McFadzean

It is the first time we have used an independent travel counsellor and have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have been given. We have booked our holiday for August 26 so can only respond with regards to the booking process, but if the rest of the trip goes the same we will be very happy.