Heather Harris at Travel Counsellors

11/09/2026

Tea country, spice markets, incredible food and so much more… 🌿

A few more highlights from my time exploring Kerala and the beautiful highlands around Munnar.

From the lush tea plantations and learning more about how tea is produced, to meeting the people behind a wonderful community project supported by Tata, which was a real highlight of the trip so far.

We’ve explored local markets, enjoyed some incredible food, discovered the wildlife and scenery around the plantations, and experienced a little of everyday life in Munnar.

One of my favourite things about travelling through Kerala is how much the landscape and experiences change as you move through the state. From the heat and bustle of Fort Kochi to the cooler, greener highlands, it feels like a completely different world.

And it’s these experiences that make a trip so special.

As a Personal Travel Expert, I love being able to experience destinations first-hand so I can help my clients decide what’s right for them and create holidays that feel personal, rather than simply following the usual tourist trail.


Kerala, you’ve been incredible so far 🤍

09/09/2026

India so far…

A few days into my Kerala FAM trip and I’m already completely immersed in this fascinating part of India.

From the historic streets and waterfront of Fort Kochi, watching the Chinese fishing nets in action and wandering through the local markets, to the incredible landscapes of Munnar and its rolling tea plantations.

But it’s the little moments that have probably stayed with me most.

An early morning walk listening to the birds.

A traditional egg dosa for breakfast.

Meeting local people and seeing the beautiful crafts they produce.

Learning how tea goes from a freshly picked leaf to the cup in front of you.

Watching a Kathakali performance in all its colour and drama.

And discovering beautiful, characterful hotels where you can slow down and really connect with your surroundings.

One of the things I’m loving most is the contrast. Kerala can be busy, colourful and full of energy, but then just a short journey away you can find incredible tranquillity, nature and some wonderfully special places to stay.

Trips like this are so valuable when I’m working with clients. Being able to experience the hotels, meet the people, try the food and discover the experiences for myself means I can recommend them based on my own experience, rather than just what I’ve read in a brochure.

And I’m only halfway through…

I can’t wait to see what the rest of Kerala has in store.

India & More by Trail Blazer Tours

07/09/2026

I’m in Kerala!

I’m currently travelling through Kerala on a familiarisation trip, spending the next few days experiencing the hotels, guides, experiences and different parts of the state first-hand.

And whilst it’s obviously a pretty wonderful way to work, there’s a real reason I do these trips.

For me, designing a holiday isn’t about simply finding a beautiful hotel and putting it into an itinerary.

It’s about knowing what a place actually feels like, who it’s right for, how long you should stay, what experiences are worth doing and how everything works together.

So I’ll be sharing lots from my time here — the beautiful bits, the food, the hotels, the experiences and also my honest thoughts on what I think would work particularly well for my clients.

I have a feeling Kerala is going to be very easy to fall in love with.

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

A beautiful resort that feels authentically Greek, sits on one of the most gorgeous Blue Flag beaches and is within walking distance of stunning Parga.

We recently spent 12 nights as a family, and these were some of our highlights:

• The setting – Valtos Beach is absolutely beautiful, framed by incredible scenery and just a short (but hilly!) walk into Parga.

• The pools – There are 7 pools dotted around the resort, so it’s easy to find your own favourite spot. There are two larger pools and five smaller ones. Our room backed onto one of the smaller pools, which was perfect for those late afternoons when we could relax on the sunbeds while the boys played in the water.

• The staff – The staff were fantastic throughout our stay. Friendly, welcoming and genuinely accommodating, which really made a difference.

• The food – There are three restaurants on site, all offering something quite different. We stayed for 12 nights and never felt bored with the choice, which is always a big plus for us.

• Parga – This has to be one of the highlights. The walk into town takes around 15–20 minutes and is hilly, but it’s worth it. Alternatively, there’s a water taxi from Valtos Beach which runs every 30 minutes. Parga itself is beautiful, full of character and has a fantastic selection of restaurants.

• For families – It’s a really family-friendly resort and works well for children and teenagers. There aren’t huge waterslides or a busy entertainment programme, but there is a welcoming kids’ club and a relaxed atmosphere. You can also enjoy a range of watersports from the beach (at an additional cost).

• Flexible board options – You can choose from All Inclusive, Half Board or Bed & Breakfast, so the right option really depends on how you like to holiday and how much time you want to spend exploring the local restaurants.

For us, it was the combination of the beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic staff and being able to walk into Parga that really made this one stand out.

If you’d like to chat through it in more detail, then get in touch via DM.

04/08/2026

Sink into Maldivian daydreams at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Think a 210-metre beachfront pool melting into turquoise ocean and chic Beach Pavilions just steps from the sand. This is all about slow, sun-drenched days, barefoot walks and that “I could stay here forever” feeling.

Save for inspiration for your next holiday…

28/07/2026

Dreaming of a change of scene but not keen on airports right now? I can also arrange gorgeous UK stays, with access to a wide range of trusted partners and properties across the country.

My lovely colleague has just returned from a week at Little Haven on the Gower, staying with Luxury Cottages, which I can book for you too. This charming holiday home comes with an outdoor heated swimming pool, sea views towards Three Cliffs Bay and a sociable, open-plan living space that is perfect for relaxed getaways with family and friends.

Backdropped by Oxwich Bay, Little Haven has a beautiful enclosed garden with a large lawn, hot tub, heated outdoor pool and alfresco dining area beside an open fireplace. It is dog-friendly, has coastal and countryside views, and is within walking distance of Oxwich Bay Beach, the Wales Coastal Path and even a fantastic Michelin-starred restaurant. During this heatwave it made the perfect summer escape.

Prices start from around £3,600 for 7 nights, and I work with several UK suppliers to find the right style of property for you, whether that is coastal, countryside or something in between.

If you would like to plan your own UK break, with everything taken care of, I would love to help. DM me for more information on this property or to start planning your next escape.

27/07/2026

From the bustle of Naples to the storybook streets of Matera and the olive groves of Puglia: my lovely clients have just returned from a last-minute Italian adventure with their two grown-up children.

They started with 3 nights in Naples, waking up to gorgeous sea views from their suite and spending their days exploring the city’s vibrant streets and incredible food scene. Next came 1 night in beautiful Matera, then 6 nights unwinding at a villa in Puglia, sharing long lunches, discovering local trattorias and simply enjoying time together. Their feedback: “we had a fantastic time” – which is exactly what I love to hear, especially as this was our third trip together.

If you would like a tailor-made Italian escape for your family, with the thinking and planning done for you, I am here to help.

21/07/2026

Step into a world where ancient temples meet neon lights and bullet trains whisk you between sushi bars, bamboo forests and steaming onsens in a single day. Japan is a journey of flavours, traditions and unforgettable moments, whether it is your first visit or a long‑awaited return. Ready to start planning your adventure?