Hello everyone, and welcome to my website as a Travel Counsellor!

My name is Penny Cartledge and I am 24 years old with a lifetime of passion for travel and tourism. I have extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to a variety of destinations and the overall whole journey that takes place.

I grew up and still currently live in the domestic tourist hotspot that is Blackpool, in the north-west of England. Not only that, but since I have been born, my family lived in holiday apartments, and still live there to this day. So, from a young age I learnt the basics of hospitality and hotel etiquette from working in cleaning and reception work whilst I studied in high school and college.

Upon completion of college in 2019, I decided on going straight into work rather than continuing to university. I applied for a few airlines, but was successful with Jet2 as Cabin Crew, and worked with them for one year until I made the decision to switch to TUI for long-haul work in 2020. However, due to COVID, I was soon made redundant after my training due to the travel and flight restrictions in place.

I didn't want to have the time in quarantine being spent waiting for my job back as it was uncertain how long this would take, so I made the decision to further my academic knowledge in the field by progressing to an undergraduates degree in International Tourism Management in the School of Business at UCLan University in Preston. Here, I learnt some valuable skills in many areas of management that I can apply to my new role. Additionally, in 2021 I was offered to come back to TUI, and managed my time to work there over the summer period for a further 3 years with a seasonal contract, and spending my winters focusing on my studies.

I recently graduated this July of 2024 with a First Class Honours, and was additionally taken on with Travel Counsellors under the scholarship scheme they have introduced to their academy. I was so grateful and honoured to be offered the position, and having finished my training in July, I am excited to start building quotes and itineraries for my own clients!

So, why should you book with me?
I take pride in the niches that I have chosen to specialise in, those being cruises and festivals, primarily cultural. I am well-versed in Hispanic and South American destinations, attractions and festivals.
I am knowledgeable on the full journey one takes when embarking on their travels, especially having worked in both the hotel and airline sector.
I'm relatively well-travelled for my age. I have explored many countries such as America, Egypt, Mexico, the Caribbean islands, the Canaries, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus and Jamaica. But I have plans to explore so much more!
I will make it my goal to ensure no matter what your needs are - from a simple package to a complex, bespoke itinerary - that you will be satisfied and excited for your next upcoming trip with me!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my page! Feel free to drop me a message, even if it's just a little chat to get to know me as an individual. I really look forward to hearing from you in the near future, and potentially booking something lovely for you! :)