Heather Harris at Travel Counsellors

Heather Harris at Travel Counsellors UK based Travel Agent offering a personal service. All packages are financially covered.

I understand that your time is precious and I offer a service that focuses on the details of your holiday to get it right for you and your travel companions - whether that be family or friends. With my years of experience in the industry and extensive travel history to places nearby and far-flung, I will add value to your holiday with personal recommendations you can't find by searching the internet.

One of the best parts of my job is hearing from clients when they get home, and this feedback really made me smile.This ...
07/06/2026

One of the best parts of my job is hearing from clients when they get home, and this feedback really made me smile.

This family were among my first clients to visit Disneyland Paris since the opening of the new Frozen-themed area, and it sounds like they had a fantastic trip.

Their biggest highlight was the Royal Banquet character dining experience, which was a huge hit with the children, but I was especially pleased to hear how much they loved Newport Bay Club. They spent time exploring the other Disney hotels during their stay and felt Newport Bay was absolutely the right choice for their family.

From planning and booking through to arriving in resort, everything went smoothly, which is always exactly what I hope for my clients.

Thank you for trusting me to help plan your Disneyland Paris holiday and for sharing these lovely photos from your trip.

If you’re thinking about Disneyland Paris and wondering which hotel or dining experiences are worth it, I’d be happy to help.

Vietnam, but make it personal This trip had been in the making for over a year, with one simple request from my clients:...
05/06/2026

Vietnam, but make it personal

This trip had been in the making for over a year, with one simple request from my clients:

"Show us the real Vietnam, away from the crowds."

From cycling through the rice paddies of Ninh Binh and cruising between the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay, to exploring the incredible caves of Phong Nha and discovering the history of Hue and the old DMZ, every part of this itinerary was carefully designed to showcase a different side of Vietnam.

The standout moments?

Experiencing Hanoi from the back of a motorcycle, weaving through the bustling streets and hidden alleyways with a local guide.

Staying with a family in Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, sharing home-cooked meals, hearing their stories and getting a genuine insight into life on the river.

After immersing themselves in Vietnam's culture, history and stunning landscapes, they finished their journey with a few relaxing days on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc – the perfect way to unwind before heading home.

This is exactly why I love creating tailor-made holidays. No two trips are the same. Every itinerary is built around what matters most to you, whether that's culture, adventure, food, wildlife, relaxation or a little bit of everything.

If Vietnam – or another off-the-beaten-track destination – is on your travel wish list, I'd love to help bring it to life.

Send me a message and let's start planning your next adventure.

21/05/2026

Borneo in 2027? It’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations — and it’s easy to see why.

Picture early mornings in misty rainforest, the sound of gibbons echoing through the trees and hornbills flying overhead. It’s one of those places that feels completely different from anywhere else — wild, immersive and unforgettable.

Sepilok & Sandakan
Visit the orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries in Sepilok, then spend some time exploring Sandakan’s waterfront and old streets for a glimpse into Borneo’s history and character.

Kinabatangan River
One of my favourite wildlife experiences. Early morning and sunset river cruises give you the chance to spot wild orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys right along the riverbanks.

Danum Valley or Deramakot Forest
Stay deep in the rainforest surrounded by incredible wildlife, guided jungle walks and the sounds of the forest after dark. It genuinely feels like stepping into a nature documentary.

Gaya Island & Borneo’s beaches
After the adventure, slow things down on a tropical island with snorkelling, kayaking through mangroves and white-sand beaches backed by lush jungle.

Having travelled to Borneo myself, I can help put together a trip that flows beautifully and is tailored around the way you like to travel — whether that’s wildlife-focused, more luxurious, adventure-led or a mix of everything.

If Borneo’s been on your list, 2027 could be the perfect time to do it.

Travel feels like it’s become so much more about experiences now — those once-in-a-lifetime moments you never forget. An...
13/05/2026

Travel feels like it’s become so much more about experiences now — those once-in-a-lifetime moments you never forget. And honestly, is there anything more incredible than seeing polar bears in the wild?

Svalbard is one of the best places on Earth to experience Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat, with the chance to spot polar bears, walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes, fur seals and huge seabird colonies, all surrounded by some of the most breathtaking icy landscapes imaginable.

Zodiac cruises beneath dramatic glaciers
Amazing photography opportunities with expert guidance
Kayaking through pristine Arctic waters
Hiking across tundra filled with wildflowers and historic trapper’s huts

Svalbard: In Search of Iconic Arctic Wildlife
10 days aboard National Geographic Endurance
30th April 2027
Fly-cruise packages from £13,549pp

Included:
International flights from London
Zodiac, kayak & paddleboard excursions and expedition gear
All meals onboard
Drinks included onboard
Expert-led expedition team throughout

If these dates don’t suit, there are other departures available. Get in touch and I’d be happy to talk through the different options and find the right trip for you.

This really is the kind of trip that stays with you forever.

From idea to the trip of a lifetime 🌏Experiential travel is something more and more families are asking for — holidays t...
02/05/2026

From idea to the trip of a lifetime 🌏

Experiential travel is something more and more families are asking for — holidays that go beyond the sunlounger — and Carly’s trip is a perfect example of that shift.

She came to me with a dream of exploring Borneo with her husband and three children, but wasn’t quite sure how to pull it all together. Having travelled there myself, I used my first-hand experience to build an itinerary full of meaningful moments, with time at the end to properly switch off and relax.

Then, just a month before departure, the Middle East situation threw a bit of a curveball. Behind the scenes, I moved them from Emirates to a new route flying into Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines — keeping everything smooth and stress-free.

Their adventure included:
• Visiting orangutans in Sepilok and learning about conservation work
• Exploring the Kinabatangan River by boat, spotting proboscis monkeys in the wild
• Taking in the sights, food and culture of Kuala Lumpur
• Finishing with some well-earned downtime on beautiful Langkawi

More families are leaning towards this kind of travel now — immersive, experience-led, and full of shared moments — rather than just a “tick box” holiday.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, I’d love to help you create something completely tailored for your family.

As we head into a new month, I wanted to touch on something that’s been popping up a lot lately and understandably raisi...
01/05/2026

As we head into a new month, I wanted to touch on something that’s been popping up a lot lately and understandably raising a few questions.

There’s been plenty of noise around jet fuel shortages and travel disruption — great headline material, but not quite matching reality. The FCDO isn’t advising anyone to delay or cancel holidays due to fuel issues, and UK airlines aren’t reporting shortages.

From what I’m seeing day to day:

✅ No mass cancellations
✅ No widespread schedule changes
✅ Airlines largely operating as planned, with the usual small tweaks here and there

Travel is always evolving — which is exactly why having someone in your corner who keeps a close eye on things makes all the difference. I’m constantly monitoring what’s happening behind the scenes, so you don’t have to. And if anything does change, I’ll talk you through your options and handle everything for you.

If you want straightforward, up-to-date advice and a bit of help planning your next trip, just drop me a message — I’ve got you covered. ✈️

Late escape special offer at The Fortress Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka!I visited The Fortress Resort & Spa myself last year...
30/04/2026

Late escape special offer at The Fortress Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka!

I visited The Fortress Resort & Spa myself last year during my own trip to Sri Lanka and it honestly took my breath away. The setting right on the beach, the peaceful courtyard with its leafy gardens and the gentle, unhurried atmosphere made it one of those places where you feel yourself exhale the moment you arrive.

You are just down the coast from Galle, so it is really easy to mix lazy beach days with a wander into the old town for cafés, shopping and a bit of sightseeing. The spa is lovely too, with Ayurvedic treatments that really add to that sense of switching off properly.

Right now there is a great little offer that gives you extra time to enjoy it: pay for 5 nights and stay for 7, with a saving of up to 45% on the hotel.

Top line details:
• 7 nights at The Fortress Resort & Spa in a Courtyard Room
• Daily breakfast
• Shared transfers
• Includes all mandatory taxes and fees
• Based on 8 June 2026 departure

From:
• London Gatwick via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines from £1,175pp
• London Heathrow direct with SriLankan Airlines from £1,269pp
• Birmingham via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines from £1,325pp

If you like the sound of a calm, stylish Sri Lankan beach escape that I have personally stayed at and loved, just get in touch and I can talk you through whether it feels like the right fit for you.

✨ Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it? Here’s our honest take… ✨ For our first week at Disney, we decided to pay for the...
28/04/2026

✨ Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it? Here’s our honest take… ✨

For our first week at Disney, we decided to pay for the Dining Plan (we weren’t travelling during a promo period), and honestly—it was one of the best decisions we made.

We wanted a stress-free trip where we didn’t have to constantly think about food costs… and the Dining Plan gave us exactly that.

Because we were staying at a Deluxe Resort, our plan included per person, per day:
🍦 1 Snack Credit
🍔 1 Quick Service Credit
🍽️ 1 Table Service Credit
🥤 PLUS a refillable mug to use at the resort (so handy for coffees and soft drinks!)

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it all works 👇

🍦 Snack Credits
You get 1 snack credit per person, per day. These can be used across the parks on anything labelled as a snack—from ice creams and loaded fries to those iconic Disney treats 🍩
💡 Top tip: aim for snacks over $7 to get the best value!

🍔 Quick Service Credits
Perfect for grab-and-go meals across the parks.
Adults get a main + drink (yes, alcoholic drinks are included 🍹—we tried some amazing themed cocktails!)
Kids meals come with a main, sides, and a drink—mac & cheese was a firm favourite in our house!

🍽️ Table Service Credits
This is where things feel extra special ✨
These credits are for sit-down meals at many Disney restaurants (including character dining 👀).
Typically includes a main, dessert, and a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
Most restaurants use 1 credit, but some premium ones require 2.

💭 Our verdict?
We absolutely loved it. It felt like great value for money and meant we could properly relax without worrying about every receipt.

⚠️ One thing to note: gratuity isn’t included (usually around 20%), so factor that into your budget.

I’ve shared some of our favourite meals and restaurants from the trip—because Disney food really is part of the magic ✨

💾 Save this for your next Disney trip

I’ve been a little quiet on here this past week—just soaking up all the family time and honestly, it’s flown by already!...
07/04/2026

I’ve been a little quiet on here this past week—just soaking up all the family time and honestly, it’s flown by already! ✨

We’re halfway through our trip and it’s been AMAZING. Our first 7 nights at Disney’s BoardWalk were just perfect—such a great location for getting around the parks!

We’ve been doing over 20,000 steps a day (my feet are feeling it 😅), but using Lightning Lane passes + early entry has meant we’ve managed to do pretty much everything on our list without huge waits 🙌

My highlight has to be Guardians of the Galaxy—hands down my favourite ride! 🚀
The boys absolutely loved all the Star Wars areas in Hollywood Studios… it’s on another level for immersion!

Now we’re slowing things down at the Conrad Orlando, recharging, and maybe sneaking in a couple more Disney days before heading home 💛

More tips and planning posts coming soon!

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