25 January 2018

On the 10th December 2016 we travelled to Saariselka in Finland “aka Lapland” for a two-night, three-day break. I had always wanted to take my children to see ''the real Father Christmas'' since they were little, but money and timing was never right for us. In January 2016, I found a fab offer that was too good to miss so we took the plunge to go even though my children would be 12 and 9 at the time. We kept it secret for all this time and woke the children early in the morning that we travelling to tell them they were finally going to Lapland! After a wonderful flight with small planet from Liverpool to Ivalo, we were greeted by staff in Santa hats singing Christmas carols, mischievous elves and a guy in traditional dress with two gorgeous reindeer in tow, and to top it all off lots of snow. Luca and Mischa were beaming with happiness. After a short journey we arrived at our hotel, the 4* Tunturi hotel in Saariselka, one of the best hotels in the resort in my opinion too. A lovely property with rooms that have saunas built into the bathrooms. It’s at this point I have to stay the service from Santa’s Lapland, who we travelled with, was impeccable. From the flight to airport transfers, collection of thermal suits/boots and the welcome meeting, we couldn't’ fault anything. I have booked around 10 sets of families now on the trip over the last two years and the feedback from all has been excellent. After a lovely evening meal (included in the cost of our trip) and an early night (after lots of snow and tobogganing fun) we fell fast asleep! Day two was the Arctic Circle day. Our activities were included in the cost of the trip. We had an amazing husky sled ride, a reindeer sleigh ride (twice), we played snow angels, made a snowman, did some ice fishing, went in the ice bar, had a show with the elves in the “magic igloo”, the kids tried skidoos, lassoing and we had a private visit with Santa. Even at 9 and 12 it was still so magical to see their faces. We had a great lunch included at the Arctic Circle centre. There were also teepees with free hot berry juice and pancakes and free tea and coffee in the restaurant area all day too. That evening we had a wonderful gala buffet dinner and entertainment for the kids too. The following day after breakfast (also included) we had a morning on the toboggan slope in the resort with our toboggans (€2 per toboggan to rent) and did a little shopping for some gifts in the resort centre. We then left for our flight home. I wish that we could return every year – the kids loved it so much, as did the adults. A really great way to start getting into the Christmassy spirit, a truly magical experience not to be missed if you have children!

31 May 2015

In March this year I was one of the lucky agents to be invited by P&O to spend a day and evening on board their new ship Britannia in Southampton. I was so excited to get on board and have a look round this brand new ship as it was the first P&O cruise ship I had been on. I wasn’t disappointed. I would like to thank P&O for their fabulous hospitality. Britannia's interior was designed by world winning hotel designers to create a wow! The centre piece of the Atrium is a stunning Starburst chandelier with chards of mirror and glass bursting downwards from the ceiling, this creates a beautiful focal point. Whilst on board I had the chance to wander around the ship at leisure. There really is something for everybody on this ship! Food was a hugely important feature of the Britannia experience. Britannia offers three signature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily. There's also plenty of other eateries to tempt you though from “Grab & Go” outlets and relaxed buffet dining around the clock to speciality restaurants with our famous food heroes. Brittania have lined up a host of celebrity chefs who will be on a number of Britannia’s sailings throughout the year running cookery masterclasses in The Cookery Club, followed by an opportunity for you to chat with the chefs as you enjoy the results of your hard work. This is most definitely a wow experience for cooking enthusiasts. I'm just going to tell you about some of the entertainment on board in the evening. Headliners theatre introduces a new era of on board entertainment. With its stunning LED backdrop, her theatre offers dynamic shows and the slickest of production values. The Crystal Room hosts glittering evening balls and a range of entertainment from live bands and singers in the evening to dance lessons from experts during the day. And The Limelight Club a first for P&O Cruises, is an adults only venue that combines great food with dazzling entertainment – a feast for all the senses! The Oasis spa on board really put the aah in spa. Think of the most opulent and luxurious spas you’ve ever seen – the ones with sumptuous dark wood and the aroma of scented oils – and you’re imagining Britannia’s Oasis Spa. The Spa boasts some brand new industry leading features such as Oasis Villa – a treatment room for couples or groups, a salt therapy caldarium and a hydrotherapy suite with heated lounges and pool with reflexology, massaging jets and air recliners. All Britannia's boutique style cabins are more stylish and comfortable than ever. With soothing colour's, bespoke artworks from British artists and a large flatscreen TVs for films on demand. All outside rooms feature balconies – a first for a P&O Cruises ship. I was really impressed with the children’s facilities I saw on board. The free on board programme for 2–17 year olds is called The Reef its split into four age groups, there are a whole host of exciting activities organised daily by our enthusiastic and well qualified Reef Rangers, to keep children of all ages entertained safely throughout the day and evening.They really wouldn’t be bored and you would struggle to get them out! I’m sure my 11 and 8 year olds would have a ball and make lots of friends. I haven’t covered half of what is on board, I hope to go back on Britannia again with my family at some point to share this experience with them. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to holiday on Britannia, I’m sure I can help.

14 October 2014

The happiest day of your life deserves to be followed by a dream holiday that’s remembered forever. That’s why my promise is for you to have a honeymoon for you to treasure. It’s important to remember that when you are planning your special trip, timing is everything. My guide will help you discover the best honeymoon destinations for each month of the year, so you can choose the perfect place to start your married life together. I’ve put together suggestions for a romantic city break, a beautiful beach getaway and an action packed adventure of a lifetime. Of course some of these destinations can be visited year round, depending on what you are planning on doing. Feel free to ask my advice. January - Sydney, Sri Lanka, Thailand February - Cape Town, Maldives, New Zealand March - Las Vegas, Antigua, India April - Venice, Seychelles, Iceland May - San Francisco, St Lucia, Greek Islands June - Paris, Fiji, Marrakech July - Los Angeles, Hawaii, Kenya August - Singapore, Bali, Malaysia September - Rome, Mauritius, Alaska October - Dubai, Jamaica, Egypt November - New York, Barbados, Canada December - Vienna, Dominican Republic, Lapland At Travel Counsellors we have a Honeymoon Registry which is the perfect way for your family and friends to participate in the excitement of one of the most important holidays of your lives! For just £25 we’ll open your account – which you’ll be able to use to accept monetary contributions to a dream honeymoon. You’ll also receive a superbly presented keepsake pack, which comes with guest cards and thank you cards. You’ll find a keepsake book and website to commemorate your marriage and honeymoon. Your Honeymoon Registry webpage doubles as a fantastic way to inform your guests that you’d prefer a Honeymoon Gift Registry contribution to another set of bed linen! For more information, go to the Weddings and Honeymoon Section of my website.