Amanda Holidays

07/09/2026

💐 A little apology for being so quiet over the last week or so! 💐

I’ve had a planned operation, so I’ve been taking some much-needed time out to rest and recover.

Thankfully, I’m now on the mend and feeling better every day, although I’m probably only firing on about 80% rather than my usual 100% at the moment! 😂 So please bear with me if it takes me a little longer than usual to get back to messages ❤️

My house has also turned into a florist 🌸💐 and I’ve been very spoilt with flowers, biscuits, cookies and brownies! 🍪🍫 It’s certainly helped with the recovery!

I’m hoping that by the end of this week I’ll be getting back to normal - whatever that is! 😂✈🌎

Keep an eye on your inbox as my latest newsletter should be with you in the next week or so 📩

Ax

23/08/2026

There's something truly magical about the Greek islands - and when Julie came to me wanting somewhere special to celebrate her and John's 40th wedding anniversary, I knew we had to get it just right. 💙🇬🇷

Two weeks, two islands - Skiathos and Skopelos. A private boat trip, a jeep adventure through breathtaking scenery, the famous Mamma Mia beach, stunning restaurants and two gorgeous hotels.

The perfect anniversary escape.

Read their full story on my website -

When Julie got in touch in June 2025, she had a very special trip in mind - two weeks in Greece to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary, split across two different islands. After looking at the options together, Skiathos and Skopelos felt exactly right. It turned out they were the perfect choices......

14/08/2026

The latest Designer Travel magazine is here!

Christmas markets already on the radar (yes, really), Rhine river cruising, and a gorgeous feature on Puglia, whitewashed towns, incredible food and a coastline that has to be seen to be believed.

Have a read:

The August edition of Behind The Scenes from Designer Travel is out, and there's lots of fab things to get stuck into. There's a lovely focus on short breaks, with some early inspiration for Christmas markets (yes, already!), a feature on Rhine river cruising and a real gem of a piece on Puglia, Ita...

02/08/2026

There's nothing I love more than helping clients celebrate life's big moments. 🥂

Jo wanted somewhere truly special for a double celebration - her daughter's 27th birthday and her husband's 60th. We found it at the beautiful Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, and I made sure the hotel knew just how special this trip was.

A bottle of w**e, a birthday cake and interconnecting rooms waiting on arrival - the little touches that make a holiday unforgettable.🍾🎂😊

Read Jo's story on my website - https://bit.ly/4fw0smz 💙

25/07/2026

"One of my favourite things is when a client finally takes the plunge and gets in touch - and Laura's family are a perfect example of why I love what I do. 💙 I've been looking after her parents' holidays for over 15 years.

When Laura came to me for her young family's first holiday together, I was determined to get it absolutely right. The TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess in Halkidiki delivered everything they needed - flight times, kids' club, separate sleeping areas and outstanding value.

They've already booked Orlando 2027 with me and I'm keeping an eye out for 2028!

Read Laura's full story on my website - link below. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✈️"

For the last four years, we have booked our package holidays directly with tour operators, assuming that booking direct would give us the best prices and customer service. We couldn't have been more wrong!Amanda has been looking after my parents' holidays for well over 15 years - so when we were pla...

15/07/2026

One of the things I love most about working in travel is that you never stop learning. 🌍✈️ There are always new hotels to discover, new flight routes to explore, destination updates to keep up with, and amazing supplier partners to get to know better. Every bit of knowledge helps me match my clients with the perfect holiday and create trips that are truly unforgettable.

Last night was another fantastic opportunity to do just that. Hosted at the Banyan Bar in Newcastle, the evening brought together six incredible suppliers who shared inspiring presentations about their destinations and experiences. We travelled the world without leaving the room – from Africa, Australia, Japan, South America and Sri Lanka, to the incredible world of expedition small-ship cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Events like these are so valuable. Not only do they keep me up to date with the latest travel news and products, but they also give me the chance to connect with wonderful colleagues and trusted supplier partners. And, of course, enjoying a glass of bubbles while talking all things travel is never a bad thing! 🥂

Thanks to: Anzcro, Africia & Beyond, Inside Japan, ae expeditions, Distinctive Americas and Travel Gallery

Ax

10/07/2026

What brilliant news to wake up to this morning – Designer Travel has been named Medium Homeworking Agency of the Year at the Agent Achievement Awards! 🏆✨

I’m so proud my business is part of this genuinely caring and supportive team. A huge thanks to our amazing MDs, Amanda and Karen, whose kindness, encouragement and leadership make Designer Travel such a special place 💚💜

Thank you as well to my amazing clients for your loyalty, trust and continued support. It means so much to me and I love being part of your travel plans and special memories 🌏✈🥰

Now all we need is for England to beat Norway and it really will be the perfect weekend of celebrations! ⚽🙌

Ax

28/06/2026

"The Behind the Scenes magazine from Designer Travel is out - and this time it's all about families! Right up my street 😊

There's a brilliant Florida feature in there - and if you know me, you know Florida is somewhere I know very well indeed! From theme parks to family villas, multi-generational adventures to hidden gems - I've done it all and love helping clients do the same.

There's also a great Turkey spotlight, family cruising inspiration and some really practical sustainability tips.

Perfect reading for a summer evening with a glass of something cold 🍷

Read it here: https://bit.ly/3ScSNjW

If a Florida family adventure is on your radar - or anything else in this issue catches your eye - you know where I am!"

24/06/2026

Yesterday I spent the day in Harrogate at a fantastic travel training event.

It was great to catch up with some of the suppliers I work closely with: Anzcro, Latin Routes, Africa and Beyond, TransIndus and Typically. These trusted partners help me create amazing tailor-made holidays for my clients, so it’s always valuable to hear their latest updates and discover new experiences and destinations.

I also enjoyed spending time with my fellow Designer Travel colleagues, sharing ideas and plenty of travel inspiration. And, of course, the delicious afternoon tea at Hotel du Vin was a welcome bonus!

It may have been a baking hot day, but it was full of learning, cake and inspiration – exactly why I love what I do. 🌍✈️

Ax

Latin Routes Agents Anzcro UK - Travel Agents TransIndus Africa & Beyond - Agent Site Typically Holidays Hotel Du Vin

18/06/2026

🌍 Good News for Travellers heading to or via the UAE!

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates and has removed its advice against all but essential travel.

This is a positive update for anyone planning a trip to or via popular destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ✈️☀️

As always, I recommend checking the latest travel advice before you travel and ensuring you have suitable travel insurance in place.

Ax