Travels With Thea - Travel Counsellors

26/03/2025

Out Of Office Forewarning... This Friday, I will be available for very limited hours (apart from emergencies) as I head to the Radisson Red at Heathrow for the .

I have a LOT of quotes out there with clients. Please don't leave it till Friday to get yourselves sorted and booked in. I will have only an hour or 2 maximum at my desk on Friday and unavailable during the weekend except for emergencies. Monday I return to the office at lunchtime.

I will be doing a lot of follow-ups today to try to avoid disappointment on Friday when my out of office goes on.

And to answer some dance questions...
✨️What is West Coast Swing (WCS)? If you've seen 'random partner/ random song' on social media, then that is WCS. Check out for some amazing footage
✨️How long have you done it? I have danced for many years but switched from modern jive to WCS about 1.5yrs ago
✨️Are you going to win? Absolutely not 😂. I'm very much a newbie (well, technically, im in the novice category rather than newcomer) and still learning the ropes. It's a huge change from my previous dance style. But I still love going to champs as they are a way for me to learn (numerous workshops throughout the weekend), be inspired by the top dancers from around the world and spend some quality time with some fantastic friends in a little dance bootcamp bubble for a weekend.

Ok, back to travel now, but in all seriousness, please review any quotes ASAP... all remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed

21/03/2025

Happy Friday ... or maybe not 🙈

All clients travelling today have already been contacted regarding the below ongoing event.

For those travelling over the coming days, please note there is likely to be disruption over the weekend as planes and crew are in the wrong locations for their upcoming flights. Until we know the extent of the cancellations today and the reopening time of the airport, we cannot make plans nor know the knock on effect.

I will be working all weekend to assist and help my clients. Rest assured, i
I am with you every step of the way.

Please see below the ongoing news story.

https://news.sky.com/story/heathrow-airport-closed-flights-cancelled-london-fire-travel-latest-13332924?fbclid=IwY2xjawJJ6oBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcRSaX6_yAwcPx6BMsthJeQiCMMSpy_HFftRF2f6Khfx6qA-7WbGvSX07g_aem_GXMIaxuBaYde072zGqoxTw

Heathrow Airport has said it will shut all day after suffering a "significant power outage" due to a nearby fire. Passengers have been told not to travel "under any circumstances".

20/03/2025

All aboard for the Grand Tour Of Italy in 9 nights...

First stop: Venice! Spend three magical nights in a hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. Glide through the waterways on a classic gondola, visit the colourful islands of Murano and Burano, or unleash your inner artist by crafting your own Venetian mask!

Next up: Florence! Stay just steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. With art, history, and culture around every corner, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Renaissance painting! And don’t forget to indulge in a little designer shopping and feast on mouth-watering Florentine cuisine.

Last but certainly not least: Rome! Your final three nights will be spent at Leon’s Place, a stylish hotel tucked inside an 18th-century palazzo. Rise early to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain before the crowds roll in—gelato in hand, of course! With your hotel in the heart of the action, you’ll have easy access to all the must-see sights, incredible restaurants, and lively piazzas.

This journey is all about you! The itinerary is completely flexible, so we can tailor it to fit your travel dreams. Between cities, you’ll zip through the countryside by train, with private transfers waiting for you in Florence and Rome. And in Venice? Your adventure starts on land before you switch to a boat to arrive at your hotel in true Venetian style.

Get in contact for more information: https://bit.ly/sendenquirytothea

18/03/2025

Visit Mauritius this September and twin these two STUNNING boutique hotels. I inspected them both personally in 2019!

For most, Mauritius is all about chasing the sun, but let’s be real—this little slice of paradise is bursting with experiences beyond the beach. This itinerary brings you the best of both worlds, with two stunning boutique resorts: one nestled deep in the lush Black River Gorges National Park and the other perched along the island’s dreamy north coast, just a stone’s throw from lively Grand Baie.

First Stop: A Mountain Hideaway at Lakaz Chamarel
Kick things off with three magical nights at Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge, where you get the charm of a guesthouse but the full pampering of a five-star hotel. Imagine waking up in a luxurious, one-of-a-kind lodge with a private pool hidden among tropical greenery, with jaw-dropping ocean and mountain views stretching before you. It’s the kind of place that makes you instantly relax.

Bonus Perks: Your Full Board Plus plan means you’ll enjoy daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus soft drinks, beer, and even laundry service. And as a little treat, each guest gets a coconut scrub and a 45-minute back massage at the spa. Bliss!

Next Up: Coastal Elegance at 20 Degrés Sud
After your mountain escape, it’s time for seven nights by the sea at 20 Degrés Sud, the island’s only Relais & Châteaux property. This place is all about understated luxury, with colonial-style charm, swaying coconut trees, and a postcard-perfect oceanfront setting that feels like your own private hideaway.

This is the ultimate spot to slow down, soak up the tranquil vibes, and truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the water, exploring Grand Baie, or just enjoying the cool ocean breeze, this is island living at its finest.

So, are you ready to swap your routine for a magical mix of mountains, beaches, and pure relaxation? Mauritius is calling! Get in contact today: https://bit.ly/sendenquirytothea

17/03/2025

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥 - 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐋𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 & 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞...

17th December - 11 Nights - From £8,709 Per Person
- BUSINESS CLASS International Flights
- 11 night cruise onboard Seven Seas Splendor
- Rio de Janeiro 📍 Ilha Grande 📍 Ilhabela 📍 Santos 📍 Porto Belo 📍 Rio Grande 📍 Punta del Este 📍 Montevideo 📍 Buenos Aires (Overnight)
- Veranda Suite
- 23 Included Excursions
- Transfers included
- Private Executive Chauffeur
- Customisable In-Suite Mini Bar Replenished Daily with Your Preferences & 24-Hour In-Suite Dining
- Unlimited shore excursions - a choice of up to 70!
- Unlimited Beverages, Fine Wines, Craft Cocktails, Speciality Coffees and more.
- Exquisite Dining, Including All Speciality Restaurants
- Unlimited Access to Spa Facilities
- Pre-Paid Gratuities
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Valet Laundry Service

Step aboard the extraordinary and enjoy The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience®. We offer thousands of Unlimited Shore Excursions to explore however you please when sailing to over 550 ports of call across the globe. Travel with the security and comfort of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®, enjoying the freedom that comes with our Unrivalled Space at Sea®.

Get in contact for more information: https://bit.ly/sendenquirytothea

15/03/2025

🌴 Trees4Travel 🌴

Whenever I make a new booking, on the confirmation email, you'll see my note about offsetting your carbon emissions thanks to our partnership with .

Well, I've committed to do just that for every international trip I take!

The process is very simple, and for anyone completing it for the first time, just let me know, and I'll send you all your calculations, so you just need to purchase.

- I used the Trees4Travel CO2 calculator to work out how many trees I need to plant
- I purchased these trees for £3 per tree
- Even better... Travel Counsellors will plant an extra tree for every tree you plant when you use our link. Therefore, in this case, I could have bought 3 trees, and TC would add 3 totalling to the 6 required to offset. Or, as I did, I could buy the 6 trees in full and then the TC 6 simply doubles the offset over and above what was needed for this trip (call it guilt since I should have started doing this a long time ago).
- I now have 12 saplings (6 bought by me and 6 matched by Travel Counsellors) due to be planted in the current project in Mozambique
- I can track the trees' progress and the various projects around the world.

The trees purchased and planted on your behalf help create new future forests, but in addition, Trees4Travel also combines the tree purchase with certified carbon credits investing into renewable energy projects.

Next time you hook, consider offsetting your journey and let me know if you would like the link to calculate your CO2 emissions.

14/03/2025

📍Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay, Tunisia

For the past 4 nights, I've been enjoying my stay at my 4th Iberostar hotel. Iberostar has 8 hotels in Tunisia spread in different tourist areas. I picked the Port Kantaoui area because of its known lovely beach, easy access from the airport, and accessibility to some fantastic UNESCO WH Sites.

My best seller is actually the sister property down the road, but they were very busy for my dates of travel, so I decided to stay here and don't regret it one bit! Food and staff have been fantastic, and the beds are extremely comfortable, and overall, if you haven't been able to tell from the smiling pictures, I've had an amazing time!

Intrigued about coming here yourself? There is an offer on my stories 😍. It is important to note that whilst I've priced up Bristol, London Gatwick often does work out cheaper for those London based

13/03/2025

This is NOT Italy... this is TUNISIA 🇹🇳

Step back in time at El Jem, Tunisia’s breathtaking Roman amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved in the world.

Built in the 3rd century, this colossal structure could hold up to 35,000 spectators, rivalling the Colosseum in Rome in both size and grandeur. While the Colosseum is more famous, El Jem offers a quieter, more intimate experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in its history. Once the stage for gladiatorial contests and grand public events, El Jem’s remarkable preservation earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status. And with fewer tourists compared to the crowds in Rome, now’s the perfect time to explore this hidden gem!

12/03/2025

This is NOT Egypt... this is TUNISIA 🇹🇳

You'd be forgiven for thinking so with white sandy beaches and numerous palms but no, still in Tunisia.

It was a rest day for me at the hotel today. I started with a little beach walk and sat before heading to the spa for a massage. Fantastic price at under £40 for an hour massage and an hour use of the indoor pool (although they aren't strict and you can stay longer). I didn't realise I had so many knots in my back, but they certainly worked out!

The afternoon was spent catching up on emails (it's not all cocktails and lounging!) and catching up on outstanding quotations.

One more full day tomorrow, then it's back to the office on Friday!

I should probably add as well, the sun loungers do normally have padding, but they only put out when you pick your bed. Don't be thinking you have to sit on plastic all day! The team here wants you to be comfortable.

11/03/2025

This is NOT Greece... this is TUNISIA 🇹🇳

DAY 1 - Sidi Bou Said, Archaeological sites of Carthage & Tunis Medina

I couldn't have asked for better weather to explore! The locals are all friendly but don't hassle you. The sites are quiet and not crowded. The prices are reasonable, and the views are stunning. A superb day exploring 2 UNESCO WH sites.

The only effect of travelling during Ramadan so far is the lack of cafes open, but some tourist ones are still available to get a drink. You just don't see as many in Tunis medina. Everyone finished work at 2 pm, so we caught a bit of traffic on the way back south to the beach hotels, but nothing disastrous.

Time to head to dinner soon and relax for the evening

10/03/2025

📸 Postcards from Levi, Lapland 📸

Lapland isn't just for Santa trips... it is a super popular ski resort and ideal for beginners-intermediate levels. Family M are repeat visitors now, and this is what they had to say about it when I caught up with them on their return...

"This is our second trip to Yllas staying at Saaga Hotels in an apartment - the hotel is lovely and friendly - with a bar area to relax in as well as an entrance with seating and a fireplace which is continually topped up. The one bed apartment suited 4 of us and was clean and tidy with cooking facilities if needed. We used the half board option at the hotel - where the food was buffet style and superb.

Yllas is beautiful to ski, with a good selection of runs that are not overly busy. The town area is small but friendly with a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars.

I've really enjoyed skiing here - it's a relaxed atmosphere, with really friendly and helpful staff."

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures 💙⛷️❄️☃️

Have you considered Lapland for ski before?

09/03/2025

📸 Postcards from Cozumel 📸

Clients definitely 'met the locals' when staying at the Iberostar on the island of Cozumel. Coati's, parrots, flamingos, and reptiles all roam at this beautiful resort. It's perfect for both families and couples to rest and relax away from Cancun, the high-rise buildings and the crowds. Added bonus... the snorkelling and diving here is amazing!

Huge thank you to E&R for sharing their pictures and booking once again with myself

07/03/2025

𝐋𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐠𝐲𝐩𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬...

May 2025 - 7 nights - From £999 Per Person
- International flights from Bristol
- 7 nights at the 5* Makadi Spa Hotel
- Transfers included
- ALL INCLUSIVE
- Adults Only (18+)
- FREE LATE CHECK OUT
- Based on 2 adults sharing

This luxury, adult only hotel provides an oasis of peace, relaxation and tranquillity. Unrivalled for its standards of accommodation, dining and service, the emphasis is on unwinding and letting yourself be pampered. Spacious rooms with large balconies and contemporary bathrooms, an infinity pool with views over the Red Sea, and the boutiques and dining of the Makadi Mall on your doorstep combine to make this your ideal escape.

Intrigued? Take a look at a 360 walkthrough here: https://en.360tourist.net/view-tour/3871/en/360wa510ba2122ad97

Get in contact for more information - https://bit.ly/sendenquirytothea

06/03/2025

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫?

September 2025 - 16 nights - From £1,949 Per Person
- International flights from London
- 15 Nights’ Accommodation + 1 night pre-tour
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Small group (max 16 travellers) of like minded individuals and a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Airport transfers and all local transportation during tour
- Based on either solo traveller sharing room with same s*x traveller or 2 adults sharing
- All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

If you’re looking for a taste of Costa Rica’s world-class highlights but want to keep things spicy with a sampling of hidden treasures, this action-packed adventure tops the menu. In spite of its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world with volcanoes, wildlife, rainforests, and beaches to explore. This adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time. Optional activities abound — choose to get your adrenaline pumping or take it easy with a stroll through a butterfly garden.

Get in contact for more information - https://bit.ly/sendenquirytothea

04/03/2025

📍

Clients are currently enjoying their honeymoon out in the Maldives. Ailafushi is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort in North Male Atoll, a short speedboat away from the airport. There are overwater villas available or beach villas if you prefer more privacy. For families, the 2 bedroom family rooms are super popular but do sell out.

Inbetween Aliafushi and its sister island (adults only) is the underwater restaurant Only BLU. See my previous post for pictures from that amazing experience. It is a supplement cost but well worth it for a special occasion.

Enjoy your trip, C&K, and thanks for sending the pictures in 🤗

03/03/2025

✨️FEBRUARY WRAP UP✨️

Another record-breaking month! February 2025 was my best ever February 🤩. The ‘flop and drop’ beach holidays were back on the cards, and plenty of you are now booked in for your relaxing beach breaks all throughout the year. In addition, cruise bookings picked back up with some fantastic early booking rates and perks available.

In addition, though, February reminded me why it is so important to book with an agent. Numerous large flight changes occurred with many over 24 hours, but thanks to my knowledge and experience, I’ve helped advise, guide, and adjust itineraries to make the best out of the situation where needed or find a solution where possible. Countless hours on the phone to airlines so you don't have to!

As event season winds down I’m looking forward to a short break of my own in March, but until then, it’s full steam ahead booking in and quoting all your amazing holidays

Throwback picture from March 2015! 10 years ago, I went on my first trip to India with Intrepid Travel. And I loved it so much I went again a few years later

01/03/2025

📸 Client Postcards from 📸

Honeymooners C&K are currently out in the Maldives. Whilst the weather hasn't been the best (soon to improve in the next couple of days), they have been making the most of it and dined in the stunning underwater restaurant Only Blu 😍💙🐟🐠.

Imagine sitting having dinner and a shark swims by!

Have the most amazing time and do the sun dance, hoping the storm passes soon!! ✨️ 🍯🌙

28/02/2025

The final meeting of the week was in person with the lovely Katie from AE Expeditions, where we talked all things expedition cruising. This is a HUGELY popular cruise sector right now, but with the higher price point, it is crucial you make the right choice and pick the right ship for you. That is where my knowledge comes into play to match you to your perfect expedition adventure.

AE Expeditions are my go-to for small ship, immersive experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. With state of the art vessels cutting through those rougher seas, you can get to landing sites that the bigger ships can not get to. Excellent food, extensive inclusions, and a fantastic team onboard. If you want to do expedition properly, this is the way to do it.

They have voyages on sale up until 2027 at the moment, giving you plenty of time to pay off this incredible experience in instalments.

Take a look at this option for the Arctic... this is a popular 'entry cruise' into expeditions with less flying yet still reaching vast wilderness. Puffins, whales, seals, and the odd polar bear await as you explore the Jewels of the Arctic on this adventure... https://inspires.to/experiences/arctic-with-ae-expeditions-jewels-of-the-arctic-4xqll

Get in contact to discuss your trip today!