Fiona Whitehead Travel Counsellor

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Fiona Whitehead Travel Counsellor

I've had the pleasure of working in the Travel Industry for almost 38 years. I remain passionate about what I do and take pride in finding the perfect trip.

Drop me a message if you would like my assistance. Bespoke, secure and best of all personal.

02/11/2026

We’re delighted to share that Travel Counsellors has been named ‘Star Homeworking Group - Large’ at the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2026! 🏆

Voted for exclusively by our valued supplier partners, this award recognises the trusted relationships we’ve built across the travel industry and the passion and professionalism of our community.

With comprehensive training, personal support, AI-powered technology and access to exclusive products, our Travel Counsellors can create exceptional travel experiences and deliver outstanding service. This is the third year in a row we’ve taken home a Star Awards trophy, and we’re celebrating with everyone who helped make it happen.

Most of all, thank you to our customers for choosing Travel Counsellors and trusting us with your travel plans. Our award-winning community of travel experts is here to help you plan a trip that’s personal to you, with thoughtful advice and support every step of the way.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!

29/10/2026

✈️ TIME TO GO HOME! 🇳🇿🇸🇬🇬🇧

27 days. So many emotions. A lifetime of memories. ❤️

After saying goodbye to Christchurch, my journey home included an 8-hour stopover in Singapore. My city tour was missed by just 10 minutes, but Plan B was a rooftop pool at 31°C, followed by a little luxury in the Singapore Airlines Kris Lounge! 😎🏊‍♀️🍜

Then, on my final flight to Manchester, the tears came. Happy tears? Sad tears? Probably a little of everything!

My biggest highlight? I DID IT! 🥰

I visited my birthplace, returned to the seas I sailed as a five-year-old on my journey to the UK, and ticked off more countries from my must-visit list. 🌏

Planes, trains, trams, bikes, scooters, boats and cars… I’ve sailed, climbed, explored, laughed and made memories I’ll treasure forever. ❤️

After 40 years in the travel industry, this adventure has reminded me why I love what I do. Travel isn’t just my job, it’s my passion!

Thank you to everyone who followed my journey and shared in the highs, the emotions and the unforgettable moments.

I’m home, feeling grateful, inspired and already dreaming of the next adventure! ✈️❤️

Now, let me help make YOUR travel dreams come true! 🥰

Fiona x

29/10/2026

✈️ TIME TO GO HOME! 🇳🇿🇸🇬🇬🇧

After walking with Jacob to his office in central Christchurch, it was time to head to the airport and begin my journey home, with Singapore my first stop.

I’d planned ahead for my 8-hour layover, booking the complimentary 3-hour Singapore City Tour (ask me for details!). Unfortunately, landing just 10 minutes late meant I missed the pick-up. But every good traveller needs a Plan B! 😉 Mine was Changi Airport’s rooftop swimming pool. At 31°C at 6pm, it was perfect for a swim, a little relaxation and a freshen-up before my final flight.

And what an airport! Changi is a village in itself, with gardens, fountains and shopping galore. I even enjoyed the Singapore Airlines Kris Lounge, sampling a little bit of everything, from dim sum and mussels to noodles. 😋

As my final flight to Manchester took off, the tears came. I’m not sure if they were happy or sad tears, or simply the emotions of an incredible 27 days finally catching up with me. ❤️

So, what was the biggest highlight?

That I DID IT! 🥰

I finally visited my birthplace, returned to the seas I sailed as a five-year-old when my family moved to the UK, and ticked off more countries from my ever-growing must-visit list.

I’ve travelled by plane (economy, business class and even a propeller plane!), train, tram, bike, scooter, boat and car. I’ve sailed, climbed, explored, laughed and made memories I’ll treasure forever.

But this journey has reminded me of something even more important: travel isn’t just my job — it’s my passion. ❤️

Travel has been part of my working life for 40 years, and I still love nothing more than helping others turn their own travel dreams into reality.

Thank you to everyone who has followed this adventure, shared in my excitement and supported me along the way. And thank you to those who have followed my journey through its many ups and downs, both on the road and in life.

Today, I’m home feeling incredibly grateful, with a heart full of memories and a head full of new ideas for adventures to come.

I’m looking forward to catching up with you all, hearing about your own travel plans and, of course, making your travel dreams come true.

Because after 40 years, I still absolutely LOVE what I do! ✈️❤️

Fiona x

27/10/2026

☀️ MY FINAL DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH! 🇳🇿

What a way to spend Labour Day! With a glorious 27°C, I returned to the beautiful Botanic Gardens to enjoy the Big Band and watch everyone relaxing in the sunshine. 🎶🌿

A visit to Quake City was a powerful reminder of the earthquakes that shaped Christchurch and Canterbury.

A little souvenir shopping, a lovely final meal with Jacob and Ruth, and then it was time to pack for my 33-hour journey home! ❤️✈️

What an incredible adventure, filled with unforgettable memories, family time and so many special moments. 🥰🇲🇾🇦🇺🇳🇿

27/10/2026

🇳🇿 MY FINAL DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH… WHAT A WAY TO END THIS INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE! ❤️

Labour Day, a public holiday in New Zealand, and what a perfect way to spend my last day in Christchurch! ☀️ With a delightful 27 degrees, I headed back to the beautiful Botanic Gardens, where I enjoyed listening to a Big Band playing live music. 🎶

It was wonderful to see so many people relaxing, soaking up the sunshine and simply enjoying the moment. A lovely reminder of how special these little moments can be.

My next stop was Quake City, a fascinating and moving exhibition that brings to life the devastating earthquakes that shook Christchurch and Canterbury more than a decade ago. Hearing the stories of those who experienced the earthquakes and those who came to help really brings home the resilience and strength of this community. An absolute must-visit for anyone coming to Christchurch.

A little souvenir shopping followed, then one last meal with Jacob and Ruth ❤️. It’s been so special spending this time with them, discovering why they chose Christchurch as home and sharing some wonderful memories together.

And now, it’s time to pack my bags and begin the journey home. ✈️

Tomorrow brings a 33-hour journey, giving me plenty of time to reflect on what has been an extraordinary adventure — from Malaysia to Australia, reconnecting with my birthplace and family history, and then exploring the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand with Jacob and Ruth.

So many incredible sights, unforgettable experiences, precious family moments and memories I will treasure forever. 🌏❤️

I have a feeling I’ll need that whole journey home to find the words to sum it all up!

What a trip. What a privilege. What a lifetime of memories. ❤️✈️🇲🇾🇦🇺🇳🇿

25/10/2026

🇳🇿✨ Wanaka to Queenstown 🏔️☀️

Another sunshine-filled day with stunning views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, cycling through Coronet Ridge, Arthur’s Point and Hugo’s Tunnel 🚴‍♀️ (Grandad Cyril Sands Cycle T-shirt proudly worn again! ❤️).

A lakeside cabin, a trip aboard the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamship, live music, drinks and a visit to Walter Peak made for another unforgettable highlight! 🚢🎶

A morning stroll through Queenstown’s beautiful gardens and I’m honestly struggling to choose a favourite place! 💚

New Zealand, you really are something special! 🇳🇿😍

Earnslaw

25/10/2026

🏔️ NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP – WANAKA TO QUEENSTOWN! 🇳🇿

Another day, another stunning drive in the sunshine! ☀️ Leaving Wanaka, we headed to Queenstown, with incredible views of the Remarkables mountain range overlooking Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake.

🚴‍♀️ Bikes at the ready, we explored the Coronet Ridge, Arthur’s Point and rode through Hugo’s Tunnel. Simply stunning scenery at every turn! And of course, I proudly wore my Grandad Cyril Sands Cycle T-shirt again. ❤️

Our lakeside cabin, overlooking the mountains, was the perfect base before heading down to the shore to board the iconic TSS Earnslaw, the historic 1912 steamship, for a trip across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Watching the coalmen stoke the fire, enjoying a drink and listening to live music made this another absolute highlight of our adventure! 🚢🎶

A lakeside Vietnamese dinner rounded off the evening beautifully, followed by a morning stroll through Queenstown’s gardens.

💚 I’m now genuinely struggling to decide which place I’ve loved the most! Every stop brings something different, and New Zealand continues to take my breath away.

24/10/2026

🚐 NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP! 🇳🇿🏔️

From the magical star-filled skies of Lake Tekapo ✨ and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd ⛪️ to what has to be one of the most spectacular drives ever towards Mount Cook!

🥾 The 10km Ho**er Valley Track delivered breathtaking mountain and glacier views, before we continued to beautiful Wanaka.

🐟 Fresh salmon from a local farm, cooked by Jacob, followed by waking up beside Lake Wanaka in 25°C sunshine! ☀️ A picnic by the shore, quirky shops and a stroll to the famous Wanaka Tree 🌳❤️

I think Wanaka might just be my No. 1 spot on New Zealand’s South Island! 🇳🇿

Sometimes the journey really is as special as the destination! ✨

24/10/2026

🚐 NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP BEGINS! 🇳🇿🏔️

Our South Island adventure is well and truly underway! ❤️

Leaving Christchurch at 5pm, we arrived at our log cabin at Lake Tekapo by 8pm. After dinner featuring local produce, we headed out to enjoy the incredible star-filled skies. ✨ The next morning, we took a wander around the lake to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully perched right on the water’s edge. ⛪️

Then it was time to hit the road in our campervan, heading towards Mount Cook. The scenery along this route was honestly some of the BEST I have ever experienced on a road trip! 🏔️ We parked up and tackled the 10km Ho**er Valley Track, rewarded with spectacular mountain views and a picnic stop surrounded by the incredible landscapes of the Ho**er Valley and its glacier. What a place! 🥾🥪

Next stop, Wanaka, another two hours on the road. We picked up fresh salmon from a local salmon farm along the way, which Jacob cooked for dinner that evening. Delicious! 🐟

Waking up beside Lake Wanaka was simply awesome. With a stunning mountain backdrop and temperatures reaching 25°C, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to relax, explore the quirky shops and eateries, and enjoy a picnic by the beautiful shoreline. ☀️

My only real exercise that day? A stroll out to the famous That Wanaka Tree! 🌳😂

After all the incredible scenery, walks and adventures, Wanaka has a very special place in my heart. ❤️ It might just be my No. 1 spot on New Zealand’s South Island!

Sometimes the best travel memories come from slowing down, taking in the views and enjoying the journey as much as the destination. 🇳🇿✨

23/10/2026

First solo day in Christchurch while Andrew heads back to the UK and Jacob & Ruth are at work.

A little admin, a lot of sunshine, an iced latte in the Botanical Gardens and a surprise 10-minute catch-up with Jacob across the road from his office. For a moment, it felt like being back home… until a tram rolled past at arm’s length! 🚋😂

A huge shout-out to my colleague Andy Flynn, Travel Counsellor, for looking after my calls, emails and clients while I’m away. ❤️ Knowing my clients are in safe hands means everything. Thank you, Andy! 🙌✈️

Now, time to soak up more of this incredible city before the THREE of us hit the road tomorrow! 🚗🏔️

Feeling very grateful for this adventure and excited for what’s next! ❤️🇳🇿

FamilyTime TravelDreams

Address

Halifax

Website

https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/fiona.whitehead

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