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11/11/2026

Out of office from Thursday this week…but for a really good reason.

I’m heading up to Manchester for the Travel Counsellors annual conference.

That’s me outside last year’s in Liverpool, my first one, when most of the suppliers I book with were still just names on an email.

This time I’m going back to people I’ve already met. Picking up conversations where we left off, and getting to know them a bit better.

That matters more than it sounds.

When you know the person behind a hotel brand, adventure company or cruise line, it’s easier to ask the slightly awkward question, get a straight answer, or sort something quickly if plans change.

It’s not the most glamorous side of holiday planning…but it’s where a lot of the good stuff starts.

I’ll still be on my phone and email if anything’s urgent while I’m away, and I’ll be sharing bits on Stories over the weekend if you’d like to follow along.

And this is your big chance…if you could ask any of my suppliers one question, what would it be?

Ask away in the comments, or drop me a message, and I’ll take as many as I can with me.

Travel Counsellors Life at Travel Counsellors

09/11/2026

The Algarve usually gets sold as beach, golf, repeat…and to be fair, it does those really well.

Domes Lake Algarve is a slightly different take on it.

It’s built around its own seawater lake in Vilamoura, with wetlands and a nature trail right on the doorstep, and Praia da Falésia close by.

I haven’t stayed here myself (yet), but it crossed my desk recently, and one detail stood out…

…while most of the Domes resorts close for winter, this one stays open.

Which is handy if you’re after some winter sun without a long-haul flight. Faro’s around 3 hours from most UK airports, and the resort’s about 30 minutes from there.

It probably won’t be beach weather in January, but I'm fairly certain it’ll be milder and a lot brighter than here.

It works for a few different kinds of trip too…a kids’ garden and daily activities for families, a spa and an adults-only dining area for couples, and residences with their own kitchens if you’re staying a bit longer.

Worth having on the radar if you’re planning a winter break.

Has anyone been to this side of Vilamoura?

04/11/2026

Booking something for next year?

Before you get too far into it, believe me, it’s worth digging out your passport…

For Europe, there are actually two dates to check, not one.

The issue date. Your passport needs to be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive.

The expiry date. It needs to be at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.

And it’s the first one that often catches people out.

If you renewed before October 2018, you may have had a few extra months added on, so your passport can look fine on the expiry date and still fall short of the 10-year rule.

Further afield, each country sets its own rules.

Thailand, for example, wants at least 6 months left from the day you arrive.

GOV.UK’s travel advice is worth a look, as it lists them country by country.

Much easier to sort now than at check-in…and if you’re not sure when to renew your passport, I’m always happy to take a look.

02/11/2026

Dear Corfu Imperial,

It didn’t take long, did it?

Your spot at the tip of the Kommeno Peninsula, with the bay all around you. Interiors where every piece is clearly hand-picked. That pool, just wow, and the stunning gardens surrounding it.

Breakfasts I’d happily wake up early for, and seafood I’m still thinking about.

And let’s not forget your villas, with their own private pools…another level for anyone after a quieter escape.

All of it wrapped up by your wonderful team, who made me feel like I’d been coming back for years.

Thank you for having me. I’ll be sending a few people your way...

Ben x

P.S. So lucky to have been hosted at Grecotel Corfu Imperial, and incredibly grateful for every minute. The suite tour from a couple of weeks back is on my grid if you missed it.

30/10/2026

A few months ago, when this family first booked with me, they told me I’d become known as “Travel Ben” in their house…I’ll take that.

The brief was clear, but not a simple one.

Parents and their 20-year-old son…two rooms together, B&B, Rethymno. And for him, having his own space really mattered.

Family trips are one of my favourite challenges.

Getting the room and bed setup right is trickier than it sounds…so finding the Plaza Beach House, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies, genuinely felt like a win before anyone had even packed.

This was their first trip with me, and they’re already talking about coming back. That really means a lot, and I’m grateful.

What’s the one thing your family can’t compromise on when you go away?

26/10/2026

The chair has a point right?

This was Khao Lak last year, on a fairly big birthday...and where the wai really clicked for me.

Palms pressed together, a slight bow.

It’s how Thailand says hello, thank you, sorry and goodbye, all in one gesture. The higher the hands and the deeper the bow, the more respect it shows.

And during our trip, every greeting really meant something…none more so than on arrival.

And do you know what, I even catch myself doing it back home now…in the right setting of course.

If you’re heading that way soon, don’t worry about getting it spot on. A smile and a small wai back goes a long way.

Ever picked up a holiday habit that came home with you?

23/10/2026

Ok, dinner here is the dream...but our plan was actually lunch.

Sadly the weather had other ideas day we planned, and rather than risk it, the team served the Yali Seafood Restaurant menu to our group inside instead.

Still absolutely delicious…full of all the flavours of the sea.

But this spot. Wow.

A table on the deck, right over the water, looking out across the bay.

We came back on our last night for a drink, and the water was so still...one of those evenings that’ll stay with me for a long time.

Very lucky, and I know it.

Worth knowing if Corfu Imperial is on your list for next summer: Yali opens June to September, and you’ll certainly need to book this popular spot ahead.

Lunch with that view, or hold out for sunset?

21/10/2026

“I thought you only booked premium holidays?”

I get asked this more than you’d think...and after a run of my Corfu hotel posts, I can see why!

Don’t get me wrong, I’d happily book you into any of them tomorrow. But it’s one of the biggest myths about booking with someone like me.

If you’d rather a few nights in the UK countryside, a small group adventure in Asia, or a cosy villa in Europe...I can do those too.

Whatever the budget, you get the same from me...someone who listens, does all the legwork, and has your back from booking right through to getting home.

And the best part…I don’t charge a fee for any of it.

Be honest...did you assume the same?

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