Cheryl Hopkins - Not Just Travel

Cheryl Hopkins - Not Just Travel Home based Travel Consultant, 300+ suppliers, here to help you with your next travel adventure

16/06/2026

Great time in New York…🗽

Virgin vs BA in Economy: LHR ✈️ JFK (and the plot twist I didn’t plan…)I recently flew London Heathrow to New York JFK i...
16/06/2026

Virgin vs BA in Economy: LHR ✈️ JFK (and the plot twist I didn’t plan…)

I recently flew London Heathrow to New York JFK in Virgin Atlantic Economy, then had my return flight cancelled and got moved onto a British Airways flight home. Not the kind of “upgrade” you can schedule… but it did turn into the fairest comparison possible. Same route, same cabin, real-life test. 🧳✨ (Quick note: planes and layouts can vary by aircraft, so this is based on the flights I was on.)

Seat space & comfort
Virgin felt modern and fresh. The seat was comfy and the cabin had that fun, upbeat vibe. BA surprised me though. I felt like I could settle in quicker, and the seat area felt that bit more “easy to live with” for a long-haul flight. Nothing dramatic, but you know when you stop fidgeting and can properly switch off? That. 😴

Moveable headrests
Both had moveable headrests (the absolute MVP for dozing off without waking up folded in half). Virgin’s felt decent and supportive, but BA’s worked better for me personally — it held my head in place more comfortably, which made a bigger difference than I expected on a night flight. 💤

Food (the part everyone secretly cares about 🍽️)
Virgin was fine, but BA genuinely won this round for me. Better flavour, felt more satisfying, and overall just a nicer meal experience. I wasn’t expecting to say that, but there it is. If I’m trapped in the sky for hours, I want my dinner to feel like a small win. BA delivered. 🙌

Entertainment 🎬
This was the big one. Virgin’s entertainment was good, but BA had much more choice on my flight — more films I actually wanted to watch, plus enough options that I didn’t end up scrolling for ages. (Because nothing says “long-haul” like spending 40 minutes choosing a movie and then falling asleep 10 minutes in.) 😅

My personal verdict
Virgin had the cooler vibe. But BA gave me the better overall flight — better food and a stronger entertainment line-up, which is what I remember most after landing.

If you’re planning New York (or anywhere long-haul) and want help picking flights that suit you — timing, comfort, baggage, connections, seats, the lot — message me “NYC” and I’ll guide you through your best options. Your holiday arranged just for you. ✨

This is exactly what I did for a client today.....A friends son was due to go to a Festival in the UK this weekend, but ...
03/06/2026

This is exactly what I did for a client today.....

A friends son was due to go to a Festival in the UK this weekend, but as the weather is not due to be the best he decided to sell his tickets and book a holiday in the sun ☀

So he is off to Zante with his friend tomorrow afternoon for 4 nights, this was all for the same price as his Festival Tickets😎

Last minute holidays are back this year and there are some great prices around.

Just let me know where and when and I can take a look for you.

If you’re landing at JFK and staying in Midtown, getting into New York via Grand Central is simpler than it looks.We fle...
28/05/2026

If you’re landing at JFK and staying in Midtown, getting into New York via Grand Central is simpler than it looks.

We flew Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow into Terminal 4. Then:

1) AirTrain to Jamaica
2) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) straight into Grand Central

From wheels down to hotel was 3 hours all-in.
Customs took about 1 hour, so the actual travel part was quick.

Yes, it’s a bit longer than a cab. But you get a proper feel for the outer suburbs as you head in, and it cost us £42 for the four of us.

Want me to map this out for your exact hotel (and the easiest ticket option on the day)?
I’m your Not Just Travel Personal Travel Consultant — Your holiday arranged just for you.

Off to New York with my family soon — and this one feels extra special.It’s my first time heading west across the Atlant...
22/05/2026

Off to New York with my family soon — and this one feels extra special.

It’s my first time heading west across the Atlantic in quite a few years, and we’re travelling with older teenagers, so I’m expecting a brilliant mix of big sights, great food, and a lot of “Mum/Dad, you have to try this”.

It’s also my first time flying with Virgin Atlantic, which I’m genuinely excited about. I love the build-up to a trip, but I love it even more when there are new experiences baked in from the start.

If you’ve been to New York, tell me this: what’s the one thing we shouldn’t miss?
I’m after ideas that work well with teens too — iconic spots, lesser-known views, cool neighbourhoods, and anywhere with food that’s worth the queue.

I’ll share a few favourites when I’m back (and a couple of honest “worth it / not worth it” notes as well).

Your holiday arranged just for you — Cheryl, Personal Travel Consultant at Not Just Travel.



Summer is on! ……In the words of Jet2 ✈️If you book holidays now for the summer Jet2 and the other big well known names i...
21/05/2026

Summer is on! ……

In the words of Jet2 ✈️

If you book holidays now for the summer Jet2 and the other big well known names in travel have confirmed even if fuel prices rise, your holiday price won’t.

So let’s getting booking, it’s going to be beaut here in the UK next week, get your taste of summer now! We all know it won’t last, let me help you top up that tan ⛱️

Client photos!! ❤✨ Discover the ultimate hot spring escape in Japan! Hidden 700 metres high on the peaceful plateau of H...
15/05/2026

Client photos!! ❤

✨ Discover the ultimate hot spring escape in Japan!

Hidden 700 metres high on the peaceful plateau of Hakone, Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara blends luxury, art, and nature into one unforgettable experience. 🌿✨

🎨 Atelier Meets Ryokan: Every corner of this boutique property celebrates creativity, featuring original artwork and a dedicated travel library for guests.

⛰️ Private Oasis: Every single guest room comes with its own private, open-air hot spring bath on the balcony, looking right out over the lush, forested mountains.

♨️ Healing Waters: Unwind in therapeutic, mineral-rich waters sourced directly from the nearby Ōwakudani valley.

From private balcony soaking sessions to world-class Kaiseki dining, this is where modern comfort meets traditional Japanese hospitality.

📍 Hakone, Japan

Last-minute Mediterranean cruise with loads included — sails 7 June 2026.If you want a sunshine break that feels easy fr...
12/05/2026

Last-minute Mediterranean cruise with loads included — sails 7 June 2026.

If you want a sunshine break that feels easy from the start, I’ve got a fab option on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic.

Route (Rome to Barcelona):
Rome (Civitavecchia) • Salerno • Catania (Sicily) • Livorno (Florence/Pisa) • Villefranche (Nice/Monaco) • Marseille (Provence) • Barcelona

What’s included:

Flights
Inside cabin
Drinks package
Speciality dining
Wi‑Fi
Gratuities
This is a last-minute price, so it can go quickly.

Want me to check availability and hold it for you? Message me “EPIC 7 JUNE”.
Your holiday arranged just for you — with full financial protection and no call centres.

Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

If you want a holiday that feels effortless, Spring cruises in the Mediterranean are hard to beat.Think:🍧Palma for a sun...
05/05/2026

If you want a holiday that feels effortless, Spring cruises in the Mediterranean are hard to beat.

Think:
🍧Palma for a sunny mooch and gelato.
🇪🇸Barcelona for tapas and people-watching.
🍝Italy for coastal views and proper pasta.
🇬🇷Greek islands for those blue-and-white postcard moments.
And sometimes a showstopper like Dubrovnik or Valletta.

With Marella Cruises, it’s also refreshingly simple because it’s All Inclusive:
Drinks. Food (including some speciality restaurants). Gratuities. Entertainment.
Plus the cruise and return flights from local UK airports.

So you spend less time planning, and more time daydreaming.

If you fancy it, comment or message SPRING MED with your nearest airport, who’s travelling (couple or family), and your preferred month. I’ll do the searching and send a few tailored options.
Your holiday arranged just for you
Cheryl | Not Just Travel Personal Travel Consultant

Itineraries, ports, flights and inclusions vary. T&Cs apply.

Just love arranging and hearing all about Honeymoons, it’s a holiday of a lifetime and much needed relaxation after the ...
03/05/2026

Just love arranging and hearing all about Honeymoons, it’s a holiday of a lifetime and much needed relaxation after the wedding.

Received these beautiful pictures from Tom and Jo from Barbados, beautiful ❤️

Congratulations to you both 🥂

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