Not Just Travel with Linda

13/09/2026

🌴 Catalina Island — a different kind of port day!

Yesterday we arrived into Catalina Island with Princess Cruises, and I liked how easy it was to make the day your own.

There were loads of excursions available for anyone wanting to get out and explore — scuba diving, kayaking, catamaran trips and plenty more such as hiring golf carts to explore the island on your own. Some of our group headed off to do exactly that, and had a brilliant time.

But the group I was with decided to keep things much more relaxed.

We simply wandered around the town, strolling along the waterfront, taking in the views and having a look at the shops and restaurants. We walked along to the beach club, stopped for a couple of drinks, treated ourselves to ice creams and generally just enjoyed being somewhere beautiful with nowhere we particularly needed to be!

And that’s one of the things I love about cruising. You don’t have to book an excursion at every port. Sometimes it’s nice to get off the ship, have a wander, find a lovely spot for a drink and just soak up the atmosphere.

Catalina Island is small enough to explore on foot, but there are plenty of activities if you want to make the most of your time here too.

A really lovely, relaxed day — and another new place ticked off the list. ❤️

11/09/2026

🚢 Embarkation day on Ruby Princess!

Yesterday was the proper start of the Educational as I boarded Ruby Princess in San Francisco, along with a group of around 50 travel agents.

Embarkation was a little chaotic but we were told this was because we weren't at the pier the ship normally uses and, apparently, they hadn't been told they wouldn't be there either.

But thankfully, we were on board by around 12.30pm, and one of the first things we did was head for lunch. Because obviously, the holiday starts with food!

We then had a welcome meeting with the Princess team, followed by some free time to get settled into our cabins, unpack and have a wander around the ship before heading up on deck for the sailaway party.

And what a day we had for it… glorious sunshine, blue skies and the promise of sailing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. 🌉

Except… this is San Francisco we're talking about!

As we got closer to the bridge, the fog started rolling in. And it got foggier… and windier… and definitely colder! 😂

So, whilst the views of the Golden Gate Bridge weren't quite what we'd hoped for, we still had a brilliant time at the sailaway party, complete with a live band and plenty of dancing.

Then it was time for our first group dinner in one of the main dining rooms, which was delicious and a lovely way to finish our first day on board.

And then… early to bed for me. My body clock is still firmly convinced that I'm in the UK and apparently 4am is a perfectly reasonable time to start the day. 🙈

Day 1 done. Now let's see what Day 2 brings! 🚢

11/09/2026

Make sure you are following along on stories this week as I’m posting lots there, but it disappears after 24 hours! Head over now to see what sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge in thick fog is like!

Very impressed with Ruby Princess so far, I wasn’t sure if I’d love this ship but so far so good!

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

✈️ Flying to the USA from Dublin – I wanted to try it for myself! 🇺🇸

When I’m looking at trips to the US for my customers I often get asked about flying via Dublin due to the immigration pre-clearance procedure there. Lots of customers are keen to take this route to avoid potentially long queues on landing.

So, rather than just telling you what I’ve been told… I decided to try it myself!

When I was invited on this trip I was given the option to fly from Heathrow or Dublin, and as someone who likes to avoid Heathrow wherever possible (I know there’s a few of you!), I took the Dublin option.

In Dublin you clear US Customs and Border Protection before you board your flight and it was super easy. I will say that you still get the same grilling as you would at the other end though! I should have taken note of my hotel address and not just the name of it…. 🙄

This means that when you arrive in the USA, you arrive in the domestic terminal at SFO as you’ve already cleared US immigration. Straight to baggage claim and on your way much faster than if you still had immigration queues to get through!

Because as a travel agent, I don’t just want to recommend options to my customers — I want to experience them too.

If you’ve ever wondered whether flying from Dublin could make your US trip easier, get in touch!

And check out my photos for some epic views over the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco as we landed yesterday!

08/09/2026

If you’ve ever said “I’d love to take the kids on safari one day”… this one is worth a look.

South Africa | Mabula Private Game Reserve | All Inclusive

Now on sale for 2029! 🦁

This is one of Newmarket Holidays’ best-selling safaris and it sells out year after year — and all 47 departures for 2029 are now live and ready to book.

And this is a brilliant option for families. You’re staying at Mabula Game Lodge, in the beautiful Waterberg Mountains, with the chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.

Included in the experience:
🦁 Six safari drives in search of the Big Five
🌿 Guided bush walk & wildlife talk
🐦 Visit to the award-winning Hornbill Project
⭐ Stargazing under the South African night sky
🌅 A bush sundowner
🍽️ Traditional bush lunch
🥂 All-inclusive meals, drinks and daily high tea

And it’s not just suitable for families — it’s been designed with them in mind.

Family rooms sleep 2 adults + 2 children under 11, with a children's programme, games room, Wild Play Zone and even a specially designed Bumble Safari for little ones under 6.

And with monthly Direct Debit payments, you can spread the cost right through to your holiday. For a family of four travelling in 2029, that could mean less than £300 a month towards an incredible family adventure! Instead of another family holiday that comes and goes…

Imagine your kids seeing their first elephant in the wild.

Watching lions from an open safari vehicle.

Spotting giraffes at sunset.

Looking up at the stars in the South African bush.

These are the memories that stay with you.

✨ Prices from
Adults £3,399pp
Children 5 and under £1,509pp
Children 6 to 11 £2,464pp
Flights from Heathrow included when booking, with domestic connections being available to add around a year before departure.

And there are 2029 dates available throughout the year, including all half term breaks and the summer holidays.

Message me to work out the best option for your family!

Prices correct as of 8 September 2026 and subject to availability.

08/09/2026

ABU DHABI & SEYCHELLES

Fancy combining a little city glamour with some serious island paradise?

This 13-night escape gives you the best of both worlds — a few nights exploring Abu Dhabi before heading on to the beautiful Seychelles for some proper relaxation.

DEPARTING 6 MAY 2027

🇦🇪 5 nights in Abu Dhabi
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche
Half Board

I’ve spent time in Abu Dhabi myself and can genuinely vouch for what a fantastic place it is to spend a few days. There is SO much to see and do — from incredible architecture and cultural experiences to fantastic restaurants and shopping — but equally, if you just want to slow down, there are some gorgeous beaches where you can simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Then it’s time to head to paradise…

🇸🇨 8 nights in the Seychelles
DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort
Half Board

PACKAGE PRICE
From £2,899pp from London Heathrow
From £2,999pp from Manchester
Based on 2 adults sharing, all transfers included
Deposit just £75pp

The best thing about this combination is that you get a bit of everything — a few days of exploring and experiencing somewhere completely different, followed by beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of time to switch off in the Seychelles.

Two very different destinations, one fantastic holiday. Fancy this one? Get in touch and I can check the latest availability, prices and other airport options for you.

Linda
📞 07811600294
📩 [email protected]

Prices are subject to availability and may change. ATOL protected.
Please note: local resort/destination fees are payable in resort and are additional to the holiday cost. Approx. £10 total in Abu Dhabi and £100 total in the Seychelles.

06/09/2026

“Cruising isn’t for me.”

I hear this ALL the time.

“I’d be bored.”
“It’s full of old people.”
“I don’t want to be stuck on a ship.”
“I’d hate the food.”
“I don’t want to dress up.”
“I’d get seasick.”
“There’d be far too many people.”
“The cabins are tiny.”
“I prefer exploring places properly.”
“And surely cruises cost a fortune?”

And you know what? Those concerns are understandable.

But so many people who tell me they’d never cruise come back from their first one saying:

“Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Because cruising has changed massively.

You can choose a huge ship packed with entertainment, restaurants, bars, pools and shows — or something much smaller and more intimate.

You can dress up if you want to, or keep it casual.

You can fill your sea days with activities, relax by the pool, enjoy the spa… or do absolutely nothing!

And the food? It’s about so much more than a buffet. Depending on the ship, you could have everything from steak and sushi to Italian restaurants and speciality dining.

Worried about feeling trapped on a ship? You wake up somewhere different, day after day — without packing your suitcase once. One morning you could be exploring a historic city, the next you’re swimming off a beautiful beach, and the next you're discovering a completely different island.

And one of my favourite things about cruising? You get to experience multiple destinations in one holiday.

You might even discover somewhere you love and decide to return for a longer stay.

Of course, cruising genuinely isn’t for everyone.

But I think the biggest mistake is deciding “cruising isn’t for me” before finding the right cruise for you.

The ship, cruise line, itinerary, cabin and length of trip can completely change the experience.

That’s where I come in.

I can help you find the cruise that suits YOU — rather than simply booking you onto a ship because it has a good price.

So tell me…

What’s the ONE thing that makes you think cruising isn’t for you?

I’d love to see if I can change your mind!

Linda
📞 07811600294
📩 [email protected]

04/09/2026

JUST BOOKED: A VERY SPECIAL CANADIAN ADVENTURE 🇨🇦

Another fantastic adventure through Western Canada is officially booked — and this one includes something I’m particularly excited about…

✨ TWO DAYS ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER IN GOLDLEAF ✨

There are few journeys that showcase Canada quite like the Rocky Mountaineer. Travelling through the incredible landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, with huge mountain scenery, rushing rivers and views that you simply can’t get from the road.

And GoldLeaf takes the experience up another level, with panoramic glass-dome coaches, a dedicated outdoor viewing area, gourmet meals and incredible service along the way.

This trip is going to be packed with those quintessential Canadian experiences — and I already know it’s going to be one of those holidays that creates memories for years to come.

Canada is a destination I absolutely LOVE planning, particularly Western Canada and the Rockies. There are so many ways to combine the Rocky Mountaineer with incredible hotels, national parks, wildlife experiences and time in places like Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

So if Canada has been sitting on your travel wish list… maybe it’s time we started planning your adventure?

📩 Get in touch and let’s see what we can create.