Claire MacInnes at Travel Counsellors

08/06/2026

I had the best time at Pride in Sydney with friends – the costumes and clothes were incredible, we ended up talking to so many different people and even got invited to a few after‑parties. The atmosphere was fun, welcoming and full of those moments you remember long after you’re home again.

If you would love to build your next holiday around a Pride celebration, I can help you choose the right destination, sort the travel and find a great place to stay close to the action. Message me and let’s start planning your Pride adventure.

[email protected]

02/06/2026

If you are dreaming of New Zealand but dreading the flight, Air New Zealand have just changed the game…

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to actually lie flat in Economy on an ultra long haul flight, their world‑first Economy Skynest™ is now available to book for customers travelling from the UK & Europe to New Zealand via New York, offering a completely new way to rest on those epic journeys.

Designed for Economy and Premium Economy customers, Skynest features six dedicated lie‑flat sleep pods, each giving you your own cosy space and a proper four‑hour rest session, complete with bedding and amenities so you can arrive feeling more human and ready to explore.

• Available on flights between New York City and Auckland from 24 December 2026
• One four‑hour lie‑flat sleep session per customer
• Available to book if you are travelling in Economy or Premium Economy
• Priced from £215 per session
• On sale now

If you’d like to know more about building this into your New Zealand adventure, I can help you plan the full route from the UK or Europe, choose the best timings and secure your Skynest session as part of your holiday, so all you need to do is settle in and sleep.

[email protected]

26/05/2026

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22/05/2026

Happy Bermuda Day! 🎉🌴

Summer has officially arrived in Bermuda… and with this sunshine in London today, it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate it here too.

Bermuda Day is more than just a public holiday: it is the island’s signal that summer has begun. The ocean is declared warm enough for that first swim, and it is the first day Bermuda shorts are worn as business attire. Imagine commuting in tailored shorts instead of a suit on the Tube… I know which I prefer!

On the island, the celebrations are huge:
• The Half Marathon Derby kicks off early as locals line the streets to cheer the runners
• Hamilton comes alive with a vibrant parade of dancers, bands, majorettes, floats and the iconic Gombeys
• Families and friends head to the beaches and bays to swim, relax and soak up the start of the season

It is a wonderful snapshot of island life, community spirit and Bermudian pride.

Although Bermuda Day marks the “start of summer” locally, Bermuda is very much a year‑round destination: from warm spring escapes and long sunny summers to pleasantly mild autumn and winter breaks, it is perfect whether you want beach time, golf, watersports or simply a relaxed island getaway.

With direct flights from London to Bermuda, you can swap your trousers for Bermuda shorts in just a few hours and experience this beautiful island for yourself. If Bermuda Day has you dreaming of pink‑sand beaches, clear turquoise water and that laid‑back island atmosphere, I would love to help you plan a tailor‑made Bermuda holiday, whether you travel for the festival or at any time of year.

You can contact me directly at [email protected] to start planning.

20/05/2026

Cycle Provence: Vineyards, Hilltop Villages & Iconic French Scenery

If you love the idea of slow, scenic travel with plenty of good food and wine along the way, this small-group cycling journey through Provence could be perfect for you.

Over 7 nights you will:

Cycle quiet country roads lined with vineyards, olive groves and lavender
Stay in charming Provençal towns such as St Rémy de Provence and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Explore atmospheric Avignon, once home to the popes, with its medieval streets and stunning river views
Stop for markets, coffee in shaded village squares and long lazy lunches, rather than simply riding straight through
This is an active holiday, but the focus is very much on scenery, local character, and those little details you only notice when you travel at a slower pace.

🌿 What’s included:

7 nights in Provence, staying in various twin accommodation
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
Transfers from Marseille airport
Hire of an 18-gear Giant Escape City 2 hybrid bike
Small-group cycling with plenty of time to explore each place properly
Departing from Marseille on 06 June 2026
7 nights from £1,535 per person, based on 2 adults sharing.

I can also help you find the best regional flights to connect with this trip and advise on travel insurance at the time of booking.

If you’d love to cycle between vineyards, markets and historic towns in beautiful Provence next summer, get in touch and I’ll talk you through the details and availability.

[email protected]

Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability. No local charges payable. T&Cs apply. Prices correct at time of posting and subject to change. Price based on 2 adults sharing.

17/05/2026

08/05/2026

Happy Birthday to the incredible Sir David Attenborough – a true legend, storyteller and explorer of our planet. 🌍

He has travelled to 83 different countries during his television career, inspiring generations to see the world with more curiosity, care and respect. I definitely have a long way to go to catch him up, as I have “only” visited 54 so far… but what an amazing goal to keep exploring, learning and discovering new corners of our beautiful world.

Here’s to many more adventures, both on screen and in real life. Where’s next on your travel wish list?

08/05/2026

If you love watching Race Across the World and find yourself thinking “I’d love to do that…”, this one is for you.

Experience the wild, untouched beauty of Central Asia on an incredible journey through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: think dramatic canyons, crystal-clear alpine lakes, soaring mountains and a rich nomadic culture that you simply will not find anywhere else.

You’ll start in vibrant Bishkek, then wind your way through peaceful valleys and local villages, staying in traditional yurts and guesthouses, sharing home-cooked meals and learning about ancient nomadic traditions first hand. Explore the magical Issyk Kul Lake, the surreal red rock formations of Fairy Tale Canyon and Charyn Canyon, and the famous sunken forest of Kaindy Lake with its striking turquoise waters. You will even trek across the incredible Singing Dunes and wake up each day to another spectacular mountain view.

This small-group style adventure includes: • Return flights from London Gatwick with 23 kg baggage
• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners
• Stays in cosy local hotels, guesthouses and traditional yurts across Bishkek, Chon Kemin, Tonya, Karakol and Almaty
• Private return airport transfers

From £2,129 per person.

If you’re ready to swap the usual beach for something truly off the beaten track (without sacrificing comfort and support along the way), get in touch and I can talk you through the full itinerary and dates, and tailor the trip around you.

[email protected]

07/05/2026

If you dream of slow, scenic travel and love the idea of simply sitting back while spectacular landscapes roll by your window, then this rail experience in Otago is a wonderful one to add to your New Zealand plans.

From Dunedin, you can explore Otago in the most relaxing way: by scenic train. The historic Taieri Gorge journey takes you deep into rugged Central Otago, crossing hand‑carved tunnels and towering viaducts, following the wild beauty of the Taieri River to places you can only reach by rail.

Earlier this year the BBC completed filming of Dunedin Railways’ Seasider journey for its travel‑by‑rail series with the working title “Great Railway Journeys in New Zealand”, which is expected to be broadcast in 2027. The Seasider departs from Dunedin Railway Station, travelling north and hugging the rugged coastline through Port Chalmers, Deborah Bay, Blueskin Bay, Pūrākaunui Beach, Karitane and Seacliff. It is one of the most spectacular half‑day coastal train trips in New Zealand, perfect for cruise visitors, families or anyone looking for an easy but unforgettable afternoon out.

If you are planning a New Zealand adventure, and would like to weave one of these scenic rail journeys into a wider tailor‑made holiday, I can help you design the perfect route around it, with handpicked stays and experiences to match.

If this sounds like your kind of escape, send me a message and I would be delighted to chat through the options and create a New Zealand itinerary that is just right for you.

[email protected]

06/05/2026

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