Hello! Thank you for looking at my page, let me introduce myself!
My name is Laura Sharples, I am an enthusiastic and passionate independent travel agent with over 15 years experience of booking package holidays, luxury trips, honeymoons and cruises for a variety of very happy customers.
I chose to join Travel Counsellors because it allows me to give each booking more time and personal attention in order to focus on the individual needs of my customers. Whether it’s expert advice, finding the best deals or more bespoke travel arrangements, I research and plan all your requirements to help you start enjoying your holiday as soon as its booked!
I go the extra mile to tailor make all types of holidays, build components together or sell them separately if you are looking for flights, attraction tickets, hotels, car hire or insurance. I can search through hundreds of combinations and can put the right package together for you. I can even book your favourite tour operators packages. I have many testimonials from my happy clients, whom I have got to know and listened to their wishes before putting together their fabulous travel plans!
Having a large family of my own, we love our holidays and can’t wait to go on our next adventure and create memories. We have visited all over Europe on various city breaks, holidays and cruises. We love Disney and have been to Florida where we enjoyed Miami as a relaxing add-on for a couple of nights. Also, a family favourite of ours is Disneyland Paris we have been many times with various group sizes. Menorca is my favourite Balearic Island I have been holidaying here since I was 9 and have grown up with annual holidays here as a child and taking my own family- Its like our second home! Florida is another of my favourite destinations. I love putting multi centre trips together and tailor making Disney plans for each family's specific needs. I am now a Travel Counsellor Disney Ambassador too as recognition for all my work with Disney.
I have also been lucky enough to travel further afield to Africa and Caribbean and experience luxury cruises round the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, I’ve cruised part of the Nile and been inside the Pyramids of Giza. I have climbed Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica and visited Stingray City in Grand Cayman. I'm happily in a position to recommend destinations, cruises, excursions and hotels and book your perfect holiday. I have huge passion for Cruise I love experiencing all the ships so I can see which ones would suit my clients!
You can contact me any time day or night by phone or email even teams or could meet you if you are local. I will always respond quickly.
I look forward to doing the hard word and removing any hassles you may have had when booking previous holidays.
I promise to get to know your likes and dislikes in order to help me create your perfect break!
My customer stories
Sent by Paul Exton
Manchester 31/10/2024
I cannot thank Laura enough for her help in sorting out our holiday for us so perfectly! She not only arranged my assistance through the airports (as I have a broken leg) but went the extra mile to make things as good as possible in regards to room location and support for the local reps. We had big issues with our room and the hotel when we arrived, but she was there for us 24/7 and got things sorted for us, from the UK really quickly. This meant that we ended up having a brilliant holiday and I thank her for her professionalism. Her colleague Vicky was brilliant too, especially when Laura was away, they are a dream team
Sent by Claire Haywood
Bury 31/10/2024
Laura has provided an amazing first class travel service to our family, booking a long haul trip for us. From our first consultant with her, to getting our holiday planning started, to final prep & advice whenever we needed it, she has been real expert & super friendly too. We would totally recommend Laura if you are planning your next special family holiday, thanks Laura x
Sent by Victoria Robson
Keighley 31/10/2024
Laura was extremely helpful and efficient, providing numerous options with some multiple travellers staying for varying lengths of time. She was knowledgeable, helpful, responsive and I felt like she really cared. pulling options together within a short time period. Thank you so much for all your help!
Sent by Moira Cook
UK 31/10/2024
Laura had been recommended by family, we have used her services before and found them so helpful. So planning a journey top of the list after destination is message Laura.
Sent by Pip Reed
Macclesfield 18/06/2024
Fabulous service as always :)
Sent by Nicola Lever
Ramsbottom 18/06/2024
Laura is a fantastic Travel Counsellor! She listened to what we wanted and made some great suggestions to make our holiday special. She couldn’t have done anymore for us! Highly recommend using her for every type of holiday!
Sent by Natalie Heys
Bury 18/06/2024
Laura is amazing!! She is so knowledgeable. I normally find booking a holiday stressful but this has been enjoyable. She takes off the pressure.
Sent by Louise Stephenson
LYTHAM ST. ANNES 09/11/2023
Laura is an outstanding consultant and has become an extension of my family. Laura has got to know my family so well that when ever I get a quote I have all of usual requests: standards of bedroom, private transfers etc Laura always goes above and beyond for us and is always available if there is any queries - nothing is ever too much trouble! I also love the extra special treats that comes through the post and we have everything from fruit pastels to inflatables! Would never book another holiday myself again and with someone like Laura why would you!?
Sent by Joanne Kinloch
Bury 09/11/2023
She's amazing!
Sent by Nick Price
Greenmount 09/11/2023
Always efficient, friendly yet professional
Sent by Bren Spencer-Hall
Weir 09/11/2023
Always super friendly and helpful and never lets us down. Fantastic
Sent by Catherine Bennett
Edenfield 09/11/2023
Superb service - Laura is brilliant
Sent by Julie Haslam
Tottington 09/11/2023
Laura has lots of patience and care for the search for the perfect holiday itinerary. Customer service is the starting block for a good experience and Laura has this in abundance . Shall be using again
Sent by Andrew Wilson
Ramsbottom 10/07/2023
We had always intended to do that “Round The World” (RTW) Trip that many people talk about but never do. The loss of our rescue dog Wizard made us very sad but opened up the possibility of being actually being able to go. The timescale was tight and there was lots to do but my wife’s hairdresser said she knew someone who could help. I had never heard of Travel Counsellors before but they get excellent reviews so that’s how we met Laura Sharples our Counsellor.
Together we planned our trip via text, email, calls and meetings. We went RTW in 99 days via Columbia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Zimbabwe before heading home. Laura was in constant communication with us and helped us recover a lost bag on our travels. If we hadn’t communicated with her for a few days she checked to see all was ok. I have to say we couldn’t have done it without you Laura and having you as our very effective Travel Butler was very reassuring, especially in some of the Asian countries. We would definitely say you went above and beyond. Couldn’t recommend more highly.
Best Regards and thanks again,
Andy & Meryl
Sent by Julie Haslam
Bury 09/05/2023
Laura was great organising our trip . Covered all options available and suggested a few combinations until we came up with the best itinerary for us . Really looking forward to the trip . Will be asking Laura to help us again for sure - Highly recommend working with Laura implanting your trip she is friendly professional and above all cares you get the right trip for you .
Sent by Louise Stephenson
Lancashire 17/01/2023
Laura is exceptional! Laura gets to understand what we like as a family and only sends examples that fit our likes. Laura is always available and supports not only the booking of the holiday but stays with you all the way through, even sending lovely packs before we go and messaging whilst we are away.
I am extremely busy and feel that Laura is an extension of my Family!!
Sent by Anna Joyce
BURY 14/12/2022
Laura really took into account the needs of my family and our budget when creating our perfect family holiday. She is always responsive and takes care to provide extra little things to make our experience even more special.
Sent by Anila Hashim
NORTHWOOD 13/10/2022
Laura is an amazing cruise agent.
Always there to help and willing to answer questions at any time. The turnaround time for her response is at lightning speed This was my first time using a cruise agent and I am glad I chose Laura.
Thank you Laura for your continued help and support with my upcoming cruise
Sent by Louise Stephenson
LYTHAM ST. ANNES 01/07/2022
Laura is exceptional! nothing is ever too big for her. Laura is always available and provides choices which suit our family needs. Laura recently had to drop everything to help us as our holiday was cancelled and we couldn't be happier with the service. What I love above all about Laura, apart from that she is lovely! is that she gets to know us as a family and only send resorts that suits us. That's why we will now use Laura every time!
Sent by Michael Brown
Bolton 29/05/2022
Laura was very helpful as usual and worked into the evening to get our booking sorted. Can't ask for more!
Sent by Jill Caunce
Ramsbottom 22/04/2022
Laura made the whole process very simple and stress free. She provided us with all the information we needed to be able to travel safely and we were given a range of options to suit all our requirements.
Will definitely be using Travel Counsellors again for our next trip.
Sent by Caroline Donnelly
ROSSENDALE 22/04/2022
Extremely helpful and friendly. Understood our requirements and very knowledgeable
Sent by PAULA MCCONNELL
PRESTON 22/04/2022
Laura has been very helpful, getting to understand what I'm looking for and then chatting me through my options that would best suit me.
Sent by Brendan Spencer-Hall
BACUP 22/04/2022
I recommend Laura all the time to my family and friends.
Sent by Lynne Peters
ACCRINGTON 22/04/2022
Laura was brilliant and really patient dealing with 6 of us keep moving the goalposts. We ended up going with one of her recommendations which ticked all our boxes- really looking forward to the holiday.
Would use Laura again and have recommended to friends!
Sent by Lynne Peters
ACCRINGTON 22/04/2022
Laura was brilliant and really patient dealing with 6 of us keep moving the goalposts. We ended up going with one of her recommendations which ticked all our boxes- really looking forward to the holiday.
Would use Laura again and have recommended to friends!
Sent by Lucy Bennett
Greenmount 22/04/2022
Laura always goes above and beyond for her customers. Amazing service.
Sent by Ben Gray
Walshaw 22/04/2022
Laura was so helpful she considered all the options we were looking for . She is the best and we will certainly use her services again
Sent by Deepa Parameswaran
Esher 05/02/2022
Outstanding service from Laura and we will be looking to book trips through her in the future!
Sent by Jillian Caunce
Ramsbottom 05/02/2022
Laura made the whole process very simple and stress free. She provided us with all the information we needed to be able to travel safely and we were given a range of options to suit all our requirements. Will definitely be using Travel Counsellors again for our next trip.
Sent by Andrea Horrocks
Summerseat 05/02/2022
Laura was really helpful, she listened to what we wanted from our holiday and came up with various fantastic ideas and at no time did I feel under any pressure. Laura was really quick to respond to my queries. I complete trust Laura and know that she genuinely wants to make sure her clients have a fabulous holiday.
Sent by Geraldine Edmondson
Rossendale 13/12/2021
Additional Comments :
Laura had a lot of 'wishes' for our family of 5 and kept looking until she found what we were all looking for. We are all really looking forward to our holiday next year!
Sent by Margaret Morgan
Greenmount 13/12/2021
Laura responded quickly with alternatives and additions I hadn't considered, she is professional and personable . Laura will be our first contact for future holidays. Thanks Laura
Sent by Brendan Spencer-Hall
Rossendale 25/08/2021
Super friendly fantastically helpful and a great depth of knowledge. Nothing is to much trouble for Laura who always goes above and beyond to give a great holiday experience before, during and after the trip
Sent by Kirsty Robinson
Bury 25/08/2021
We would absolutely recommend Laura! Nothing is too much trouble. Laura will listen to our ‘must haves’ and is also great at recommending things we may not have thought about. It is a really easy, friendly experience booking with her.
Sent by Nicola Bailey
Ramsbottom 07/04/2020
Nothing was too much trouble for Laura .From start to finish Laura made it so exciting to read and hear what was offer I would definitely recommend Laura and Travel Counsellors to all my friends and family
Sent by Sharon O'Connor
Haslingden 14/11/2019
I’d been searching for my honeymoon for weeks and found myself totally swamped with possibilities. I contacted Laura and gave her a list of my wishes and we had our honeymoon booked in 24 hours x
Sent by Kirsty Robinson
Hawkshaw 14/11/2019
Laura is so committed to finding you the perfect holiday that fits your family. Nothing is too much trouble and she goes above and beyond in ensuring everything is perfect. I would, have and will continue to recommended Laura to others.
Sent by Vicky Coxen
Hawkshaw 12/10/2019
Laura always offers a very friendly and caring service. She has been extremely helpful not only with my bookings but with the after care required as well. 5 stars from me!
Sent by Margaret Morgan
Bury 12/10/2019
Laura provide a quick service with various option to fulfil our requirements. This saved my time & took the stress out of organising a family holiday with age ranges from 7 to 70. Nothing was too much trouble for her Thank you Laura
Sent by Shaun Bailey
Ramsbottom 28/08/2019
Excellent service and Laura was second to none at listening to our requirements and sorting it all for us . We will be definitely be using Laura again and letting all our friends know! regards Shaun
Sent by Sally Slater
Bolton 31/07/2019
Laura Sharples is a superb Travel Counsellor. She has been amazing and found us the perfect holiday.
Sent by Melanie Filidoro
Bury 31/07/2019
Laura was truly amazing. She researched my options thoroughly and managed to offer me the perfect choice of holiday. She was friendly and professional and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to friends and family. Laura is a real credit to the company.
Sent by Natalie Heys
Bury 31/07/2019
Absolutely fantastic service from Laura. I felt she went above and beyond to make our holiday perfect!
Sent by Liz Hazelwood
Ramsbottom 10/12/2018
Laura was really helpful in providing us with suggestions within our brief and then booking our holiday for us. A really easy and personable transaction and we can’t wait for holiday next year. We’ll definitely be booking with Laura again!
Sent by Julie Archibald
Manchester 25/11/2018
Recently booked a cruise with Laura, nothing was too much trouble for her, she definitely went that extra mile to make sure we were happy with everything before we booked, can’t wait for the holiday now!
Sent by Jackie Barry
Bury 09/10/2018
Laura helped us to book a trip with stopovers to Australia. We changed our mind about the dates and stops several times. Laura exceeded our expectations and I would definitely recommend her to anyone planning a trip.
Sent by Mike Brown
Bolton 02/10/2018
Laura was very friendly and professional throughout the booking process. Having experience of Orlando she was able to provide excellent advice. She got prices to us very quickly and was happy to work at all hours!
Sent by Charlotte Hanley
Bury 27/09/2018
Laura has been fantastic and helped me with everything. Thank you Laura
Sent by Victoria Gardner
Rossendale 18/01/2018
I had a tricky itinerary to organise but Laura was extremely helpful and attentive to every detail. I would recommend Laura to anyone looking to book a holiday and will certainly be coming to her for holiday planning in the future!
Sent by Marie Rayner
Rossendale 05/11/2017
An absolutely fantastic service. We were booking a first time Disneyland Paris trip including a disabled guest, and Laura not only explained the packages in detail and helped us to pick the right one, she also answered all of the questions we asked in relation to disabilities and provided us with insight we would not have been able to get by just booking through the website. We didn’t know where to start with this holiday and Laura put it together for us in a way that we could never have done on our own. Super friendly and professional too!
Sent by Paul Oliver
Bury 30/10/2017
Laura found us a great deal and listened to all our needs and wants. Would highly recommend her. A true Disney expert.
Sent by Sara Pepperday
Bury 05/10/2017
Laura was extremely helpful and got us the best possible deal. She listened to what we wanted and gave us a few options to choose from. As the holiday is a surprise for our daughter she has kept it secret and worked around when is best for us to speak. We will definitely use Laura again!
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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.
August 2023 brought our family of five—myself, my partner, and our three children aged 19, 15, and 13—to Disney World for a thrilling 10-night stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort. From the moment we arrived, the vibrant atmosphere and tropical vibes set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. We kicked off our trip at Magic Kingdom, where we tackled classic rides, captured photos in front of Cind
It was a very very HOT bank holiday weekend in London!
We have children aged 15,11 &9 who like lots of different things so we wanted to do something that they would all like. We stayed in Bloomsbury as its very central and easy to get around from here.
On our first day we went to the Portobello Market and up the Shard- I know, a glass building in that heat! At the top of the Shard the children
After spending a week learning about Hurtigruten Cruises, I wanted to share some surprising facts.
THE FLEET
Hurtigruten have two new hybrid ships. In 2019, Hurtigruten will add a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. This state-of-the-art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsio
Three weeks before Easter, before we knew what the weather would be like, we decided to book Cornwall for 4 nights! Yes, it’s a long way to drive for four nights but we travelled late afternoon to avoid traffic and managed it in seven hours including two stops!
Places we visited....
Carbis Bay - stunning and very family friendly, a gorgeous hotel overlooks the bay but there are plenty of smaller
Wonderful New Ship!
Lucky me got to go and be one of the first to sample the wonderful new MSC Bellissima ship. We pulled up into the car park and the size of the ship astonished me! Its huge!
Embarkation was very easy - printed ticket, passport and that’s all I needed. They took my photo and gave me my room card and tracker bracelet. I had downloaded the app (MSC for me) so just needed to
FFor Bank Holiday weekend we decided to choose to go to London on the train and spend a few days seeing the sights!
We stayed at the Radisson Blu Bloomsbury which was a great location, only 10 minutes’ walk from Euston Station and only 10 minutes’ walk to Oxford Street, the hotel was clean, and the children loved the free sweet stand in reception. We had both of our rooms upgraded too - the roo
My family of 5 with children (14,10 and 8) visited Disneyland Paris in February 2018 for the 12th time! We stayed for 4 nights on the 2 nights free offer and flew from Liverpool with private transfers to get us to our hotel. This was our first time staying at the Newport Bay and had upgraded to the Compass Club.
The hotel has been refurbished fairly recently and it was immaculate. Very nautical
Menorca is my happy place. It is a perfect, scenic relaxing island, ideal for families of all ages and sizes. You will find lots of two bed accommodation here, some three bedroomed and lots of villas.
I have been going here for over 25 years and as a child I experienced so many happy holidays. I made friends who I met year after year again and again and played all day in the sun, on the beautif
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:
