Marco Williams - Travel Counsellor

Marco Williams - Travel Counsellor I provide seamless travel arrangements for the sophisticated professional, using my 30+ years of hospitality and travel management experience. Love Thailand!

I do this for both business and leisure travellers. Originally from London - lived in Clapham Common in the '60s. Moved to Rayleigh in Essex, then to Sandy, followed by Gamlingay. Went to Nottingham Trent University (when it was better known as Trent Poly). Worked in the photography business and eventually fell into the travel business. Now live in Oakley, Bedfordshire. I've had the good fortune t

o visit much of Europe (working for a tour operator), and some of the Caribbean islands - taking photos for a Tour Operator. Also Florida, California, Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Egypt, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Bangkok, Phuket, Taiwan, Bali, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur. Lived in Hong Kong from 1997 to 1998. But would really like to explore Cambodia and Vietnam. In my 20's, spent 4 months backpacking around India. And also in my 20's, spent about 4 months in a Kibbutz in Israel. Both of which I really enjoyed. Married with two grown-up children. One's at Portsmouth University, reading Criminology and Criminal Justice, the other at home for now - she read Archeological Science at Reading. Hobbies - really enjoy scuba diving. Haven't really picked up a camera much - perhaps I should. I love to travel. And for me, exploring any new destination is what really excites me - and especially introducing others to that destination. Travel in my view, not only expands horizons and opens your mind to new ways of thinking and the appreciation of different cultures, but also brings home how beautiful and precious this world is. As someone wiser than me said: "To NOT travel, is like opening a book and just reading the first page.

24/08/2026

Yet to book your 2026 escape, or thinking about 2027? These shoulder season tips are worth checking out!

Venice, from April to early June and again from September to October, is magical. The light is soft, the canals are calmer, and you can wander the little calli and piazzas without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Gondolas glide past instead of bumping into each other, and you can actually linger over a spritz in St Mark’s Square rather than fight for a table.

Malta’s shoulder months, from March to May and late September to November, bring warm sunshine without the fierce summer heat. The sea begins and ends the year beautifully swimmable, the medieval streets of Mdina are quieter, and the island’s little coves and terraces feel relaxed and local. It is a wonderful time to explore the history, swim in clear bays and dine outdoors without the peak-season bustle.

In Iceland, May to early June and September are sweet spots. Roads and hiking trails begin to open up, waterfalls are in full flow, and there is a real sense of wildness without caravan after caravan of visitors. You can enjoy dramatic landscapes, whale watching, and hot springs with more space and a deeper sense of stillness, and in autumn you even have a chance to see the Northern Lights without the midwinter cold.

The Alps in June and September are a world away from both peak ski weeks and the busiest summer holidays. Alpine meadows are lush, cable cars and mountain railways are running, but villages are quieter and hotel availability is far better. It is the ideal time for scenic walks, spa time in beautiful mountain hotels and long, leisurely lunches with panoramic views.

Across much of Africa, May to June and late September to November offer incredible safari conditions without the heaviest demand. Temperatures are more comfortable, vegetation begins to thin for easier wildlife viewing and lodges often have more availability. Game drives feel more exclusive, sundowners are quieter and you still enjoy that golden African light without the peak-season price tag in many areas.

Thailand’s shoulder periods, typically May to early June and late September to early November (varying slightly by coast), blend warmth with fewer crowds. Beaches are less busy, temples and markets feel less hectic and luxury hotels often have excellent value offers. You still enjoy those turquoise waters and fragrant street food, but with a gentler pace and more attentive service.

In the USA and Canada, May to early June and September to October are beautiful times to travel. Cities are lively but not swamped, national parks are easier to enjoy, and in autumn you have those famous fall colours without summer queues. Road trips feel more relaxed, and you can take your time in vineyards, coastal towns and mountain resorts that are simply packed in July and August.

Australia’s shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to early November, bring comfortable temperatures and a lovely, laid-back feel in many regions. Beaches are less crowded, cities like Sydney and Melbourne are buzzing but not overrun, and you can experience wine regions, coastal drives and the Great Barrier Reef with more space and often better value in top properties.

Travelling in shoulder season often means gentler weather, fewer queues, a more authentic atmosphere and the chance to enjoy premium hotels and experiences at more attractive prices. If you would like to plan a trip that feels exclusive without always paying peak-season rates, I would love to help you choose the perfect shoulder-season window and tailor every detail around you.

Contact me to start planning your next shoulder-season escape.

18/08/2026

Golden hour magic in Prague!
Watch as the golden light dances on the Vltava River, highlighting the city's enchanting architecture – from historic spires to majestic bridges.

Dreaming of your own city break? Contact me today and let's make it happen. Prague is waiting for you!

Tel: 01234 581066
Email: [email protected]

17/08/2026

Still to book that summer break? There's still time!

So why not escape to Greece in September and enjoy the very best of the Mediterranean with none of the rush: warm golden days, velvet-blue seas still perfect for swimming, and sunsets that seem made for two.

Better still, with the peak crowds gone, you can wander ancient ruins in comfort, linger over long, lazy dinners in waterfront tavernas and still feel the islands buzzing with life, not packed with tourists.

It is the ideal time for a romantic escape or relaxed break: softer heat, better value on beautiful hotels and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere that lets you experience Greece at its most authentic and enchanting.

Want to organise your Greek romantic escape without the crowds? Give me a call or drop me an e-mail:

Tel: 01234 581066
Email: [email protected]

❤️

12/08/2026

Today is World Elephant Day: a time to celebrate these gentle giants and to reflect on how we can protect them for generations to come.

From the savannahs of Africa to the jungles of Asia, elephants are intelligent, emotional and deeply social animals. Sadly, they still face threats from habitat loss, poaching and unethical tourism.

When you book your holidays with me, I only recommend experiences that put elephant welfare first: observing them in the wild or in genuine rescue and conservation settings, with no riding, bathing, tricks or forced interactions. Just quiet moments watching them roam, forage and socialise naturally in their own space.

If seeing elephants is on your travel wish list, I can help you do it in a way that truly helps protect them.

Ready to start planning a more meaningful wildlife adventure? Get in touch and let’s talk about your next trip.

11/08/2026

There's more than one way to Safari...!

Swap dusty tracks for gently rippling water. A stay on the Chobe River Boat offers a completely different safari perspective from a traditional game drive, without losing any of the excitement.

Instead of bumping along in a 4x4, your “lodge” glides along the Chobe River itself. Wildlife comes to you: elephants wade across the shallows at eye level, hippos snort just metres away, and vast herds gather on the banks as you watch from the comfort of the deck with a drink in hand.

There are no crowds, no road restrictions and no rushing to the next sighting, just slow, immersive game viewing from sunrise to sunset.

While classic game drives are all about following tracks and covering ground, life on the river boat is about unhurried, all-day connection with the landscape. Tender boats take you quietly into channels for close-up sightings, then you return to elegant cabins, gourmet dining and star-filled skies reflected in the water around you.

Perfect for those who love the idea of a safari but want something more serene, exclusive and deeply relaxing than the usual 4x4 experience.

Sounds like you? Give me a call or drop me an email:

Tel: 01234 581066
Email: [email protected]

10/08/2026

It's easy to think of a safari holiday as just a holiday to a wildlife theme park. But the reality is that a game reserve is far more than just a place to see beautiful animals.

In a world where humankind has had a dramatic and unfavourable impact on wildlife, a safari holiday does a lot to change that impact for the better.

It is a chance to genuinely help protect Africa’s wildlife, wild spaces and local communities. By choosing this kind of trip, you are directly supporting the protection of the animals you have come to see.

Part of what you pay goes towards anti‑poaching patrols, rhino protection, habitat restoration and ongoing wildlife research. The reserve limits vehicles and safeguards large areas of land so that wildlife has the space and peace it needs to thrive.

Your stay also has a real impact on people. Safaris create skilled jobs for rangers, guides, trackers and lodge staff, so local families can earn a living from keeping wildlife safe rather than from hunting it or clearing the land.

Many of the lodges I recommend also fund schools, clinics and community projects in neighbouring villages. When communities benefit from tourism, wildlife becomes something worth protecting for the long term.

With beautiful lodges, extraordinary wildlife encounters and the knowledge that your trip is doing real good. You are not simply ticking off sightings; you are helping to protect one of the last great wildlife areas on the planet.

This may be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience for you, but it also leaves a positive legacy on the ground, helping to ensure that lions still roar at night, elephants still roam free, and local communities can build a future that depends on protecting nature rather than losing it.

If you're looking to do more on your next holiday than stay in a hotel that could be anywhere, and lie on a beach or by the pool, then give me a call or drop me an e-mail:

Tel: 01234 581066
E-mail: [email protected]

New London-Paris rail service set for 2029 launch!For Italy lovers (especially those who prefer not to fly), there's a n...
10/08/2026

New London-Paris rail service set for 2029 launch!

For Italy lovers (especially those who prefer not to fly), there's a new route coming!

A new Paris–London rail service has been confirmed and is set to launch in 2029.
FS Italiane Group, Italy’s state-owned rail company, has ordered 19 high-speed trains as part of a €2 billion investment to support expansion in France as well as the new cross-Channel route.

The trains will be used by Trenitalia France to run more services on routes such as Paris–Lyon, Paris–Milan and Paris–Marseille, and will also be used for the Paris-London route, competing with Eurostar’s existing service.

The trains will feature next-generation onboard wifi, upgraded catering and redesigned interiors across all classes, with a focus on comfort and sustainability, according to the FS Italiane group.

Now here's an Easter School Holiday break in 2027 which the kids will remember!JUST BOOKED!A delightful family of 4 (mum...
03/08/2026

Now here's an Easter School Holiday break in 2027 which the kids will remember!

JUST BOOKED!

A delightful family of 4 (mum and dad and two children) have booked with me an epic adventure to Egypt and Hurghada.

Flying first, directly to Cairo, they'll be picked up at the airport and whisked off to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir. The next morning, they'll embark on an amazing private sightseeing tour of Saqqara and the Giza Plateau, the Egyptian Museum, and Old Cairo, and a Dinner with a Nile Cruise. Then, after 4 nights in Cairo, they have a private transfer to the airport for their flight to Hurghada for 8 nights at the Swiss Inn Resort, on ALL-INCLUSIVE.

And that's not all - they also have a Quad Bike Safari into the desert with a day of snorkelling at one of the island reefs, where the children will see hundreds of coral fish and may even find themselves swimming with Dolphins!

And of course a private transfer at the end for their flight home.

Now, THAT'S AN EASTER HOLIDAY!

If this is the sort of break you want your kids to enjoy, then give me a call or drop me an e-mail:

Tel: 01234 581066
E-mail: [email protected]

22/07/2026

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve is the Africa you have always imagined: endless skies, ancient bushveld, lions calling in the distance and lantern-lit dinners under a canopy of stars.

Nestled in the renowned Sabi Sand, this private reserve offers an exclusive safari experience where luxury lodges, expert rangers and trackers, and twice-daily game drives bring you face to face with nature at its most raw and authentic.

An African safari is so much more than a holiday. It is the stillness of dawn as the sun rises over the savannah and the first call of a fish eagle echoes across the landscape. It is the heartbeat-quickening moment when you lock eyes with a wild elephant or watch a leopard melt silently into the long grass.

It is the stories shared around a crackling fire, with the Milky Way blazing overhead and the sounds of the bush as your evening soundtrack.

In places like Sabi Sabi, time slows down. You switch off from everyday life and tune in to the rhythm of the wild: tracks in the dust, the scent of the earth after rain, the low rumble of distant thunder. It is a profound reminder of how small we are and how deeply connected we are to the natural world.

If your idea of travel is more than ticking boxes and you are searching for something that will stay with you long after you return home, an African safari might just be the life-changing journey you are ready for. Ready to turn the dream into reality? Get in touch, and I will personally design a tailor-made safari, including Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, that is perfectly matched to you.

Call or message me:
Tel: 01234 581066
Email: [email protected]

Whilst New York, Las Vegas, Florida and Miami get all the attention when it comes to U.S. holidays, there's a world beyo...
15/07/2026

Whilst New York, Las Vegas, Florida and Miami get all the attention when it comes to U.S. holidays, there's a world beyond these classic U.S. destinations...

And just one of these is Lake Tahoe.

Lose yourself in the magic of the lake, where California and Nevada meet crystal-clear waters and towering pine forests. In winter, carve through world-class ski slopes with panoramic mountain views. In summer, swap skis for kayaks and hiking boots as you explore hidden coves, alpine trails and golden beaches.

Whether you are drawn by boutique lakeside lodges, cosy mountain cabins or the buzz of the casino resorts, Lake Tahoe is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, all wrapped in breathtaking scenery.

Want to know more? Go to: https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/destinations/north-america/lake-tahoe/

And if you're ready to experience Lake Tahoe for yourself?
Contact me to start planning your tailor-made escape.

Tel: 01234 581066
Email: [email protected]

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