Paul Marsden - Travel Counsellors

Paul Marsden - Travel Counsellors Our thinking is simple, we want to create wonderful and bespoke travel experiences for you, feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

03/09/2026

Sicily, you beauty! 🇮🇹

Amazing views, glorious sunshine and that unmistakable Sicilian charm!

My clients are currently soaking up the sunshine and making the most incredible memories in beautiful Sicily — and these photos say it all!

Who else has Sicily on their travel wish list?

02/09/2026

🇨🇦 HAPPY CUSTOMERS IN CANADA 🇨🇦

I've been a little quiet on here recently as I've been offline, enjoying the summer holidays with the kids — and what an amazing summer it has been! ☀️

That said, behind the scenes, I've still been busy managing many of the families I've booked on their European adventures throughout the summer.
As we head into September and beyond, things tend to pick up with those who don't have children and have a little more flexibility when it comes to travelling outside the school holidays.

I've currently got customers enjoying holidays in Sicily, Southeast Asia and, in particular, Canada, which has been incredibly busy for me recently! 🇨🇦

Alan is currently on an amazing trip through British Columbia and Alberta. I've just received these fantastic photos from his journey, which has included the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer. He's now relaxing in beautiful, bright weather at Lake Louise before continuing his adventure onwards to Montreal.

Whether you're looking for a simple flop-and-drop holiday in Mallorca — which I'm very good at! 😄 — or an incredible long-haul adventure to somewhere like Canada, I'd love to help.

You've got nothing to lose by getting in touch and having a chat about your next holiday!

📧 [email protected]
📞 0161 297 0008

Where are you dreaming of going next? 🌍✈️

03/08/2026

Is this the best beach in Europe? 🤔🏖️

Pronunciation alert! 🇵🇹 My Portuguese pronunciation of places like Praia do Castelejo might be a little off, so apologies in advance!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers head to the Algarve, but many never venture to the wild west coast to discover some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe.

Praia do Castelejo, just north of Sagres, is a world away from the busy resorts. Dramatic cliffs, a vast stretch of golden sand, powerful Atlantic waves and incredible scenery make it one of my favourite places in Portugal.

Hiring a car is definitely the best way to explore this coastline, and I'd recommend arriving early, as the car park is relatively small and fills up quickly during the summer.

Is this one of the best beaches in Europe? Let me know what you think!

If you're thinking about a trip to Portugal and would like a quote or some honest advice on where to stay and what to see, please get in touch—I'd be delighted to help.

Algarve BeachLovers HiddenGem ExplorePortugal TravelInspiration TravelEurope AtlanticCoast RoadTripPortugal BeautifulDestinations TravelCounsellor

10/07/2026

What an incredible achievement! 🏆
I'm so proud to be part of Travel Counsellors, which has been named Best Large Homeworking Agency at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards 2026. 🎉

Awards like this don't just recognise a fantastic company – they recognise the people, technology and support behind every holiday we create. It's one of the reasons I love what I do. Having such an amazing team and business behind me means I can focus on what matters most: looking after my customers and creating unforgettable, tailor-made holidays with support every step of the way.

If you've never booked with a Travel Counsellor before and would like to see what makes us so different, I'd love to help.

📧 [email protected]

Let's start planning your next adventure! 🌍✈️

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What a lovely way to start a Wednesday! 😊I received some amazing feedback last night from a family whose bespoke Japan t...
08/07/2026

What a lovely way to start a Wednesday! 😊

I received some amazing feedback last night from a family whose bespoke Japan trip I've been putting together for the 2027 cherry blossom season.

Trips like this are the reason I love what I do. They take hours of planning, researching and checking every little detail. It's not just about finding flights and hotels – it's making sure the trains work, the hotels are in the right places, the itinerary flows naturally, and that my customers know exactly what to expect before they even leave home.

Japan is an incredible destination, but it can feel daunting to plan. Instead of sending my clients on a standard escorted tour, we've created a tailor-made adventure that gives them the freedom to explore at their own pace, with the reassurance that every detail has been carefully thought through.

When someone takes the time to tell you they appreciate all of that effort, it genuinely means a lot.

Thank you for trusting me with such a special trip. I can't wait to see your Japan adventure become a reality! 🇯🇵🌸

Happy Wednesday everyone!

26/06/2026

The Ultimate Italy Twin-Centre for Families!

Looking for something a little different than the usual beach holiday?

I recently put together a fantastic twin-centre itinerary for a family of five, combining the history and culture of Florence with the magic of Venice.

Their holiday included return flights, two-bedroom apartments in both cities, two checked bags, all mandatory charges, private transfers and rail travel between the two destinations, so everything was taken care of.

They'll spend four nights discovering Florence's incredible architecture, world-famous art and fantastic food before travelling by train to Venice to explore its canals, gondolas and hidden squares.

The total price for this particular itinerary, based on a family of five travelling on the dates quoted, was £3,152 for 4 nights.

It's a brilliant way to experience two of Italy's most iconic cities in one holiday, creating unforgettable family memories and showing that Italy has so much more to offer than just a beach holiday.

If you'd like me to build a bespoke Italian itinerary for your family, just send me a message. I'd love to help you plan something just as special.

Price shown is based on one specific quotation for a family of five. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Venice ItalyTravel EuropeanTravel TravelInspiration FamilyAdventure BespokeTravel TravelCounsellors ManchesterTravelAgent LuxuryFamilyTravel PaulMTravels

🌿 Costa Rica is one of those destinations that seems to stay with people long after they've come home.Whether it's spott...
25/06/2026

🌿 Costa Rica is one of those destinations that seems to stay with people long after they've come home.

Whether it's spotting sloths and monkeys in the rainforest, ziplining through the cloud forest, relaxing in natural hot springs or simply watching the sunset on a deserted beach, it's a country that's packed with unforgettable experiences.

It's also perfect if you're looking for something a little different from the usual fly-and-flop holiday.

If Costa Rica has been on your bucket list (or you've only just started thinking about it!), I'd be delighted to help you plan the perfect itinerary. From luxury lodges and boutique hotels to wildlife adventures and beach escapes, I can tailor every trip to suit you.

📩 Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to chat through some ideas—there's absolutely no obligation, and I always enjoy talking travel!

Pura Vida! 🇨🇷✈️

24/06/2026

You may not be aware, but every Wednesday morning I listen into Travel Counsellors own little TV show (TCTV), which updates help me keep me informed about what's happening across the world of travel.

It's one of the ways I stay on top of breaking developments, destination trends, airline updates and opportunities that could benefit my clients.

This week's discussion focused heavily on the Middle East and what its reopening means for travellers.

A few key takeaways:

The reopening of the Middle East is hugely significant. Around a third of long-haul journeys rely on routes through hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, so the return to normal operations is welcome news for both travellers and the travel industry.

There has been an increase in enquiries for the UAE itself, but perhaps more interestingly for destinations beyond it, including Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Japan. Alternative routings had pushed prices up significantly, but we're now starting to see much better value returning on many itineraries.

If you're considering the UAE, pay close attention to your hotel choice. Some properties have used quieter periods to carry out refurbishment programmes and improvements. That's great for the long term, but it's worth checking that any ongoing work won't affect your holiday experience.

While UAE prices haven't dropped dramatically, there are some standout offers available at selected hotels, particularly where properties are keen to attract guests back.

For anyone considering the Indian Ocean, the Maldives currently represents excellent value. It may be the off-season, with the possibility of some rain, but prices can be significantly lower than peak periods such as November and December, making it a fantastic opportunity for those looking for luxury at a more accessible price point.

It's a reminder that the headlines don't always tell the full story. Behind the scenes, travel is constantly evolving, and understanding these shifts helps me find the best options and value for my clients.

If you're planning a trip to the UAE, Southeast Asia, Japan, Sri Lanka or the Maldives, I'd be happy to discuss the latest opportunities.

22/06/2026

🌿 Six Eco-Lodges Making a Difference 🌿

Looking for a holiday that not only lets you switch off but also gives something back to the planet?
From the wild coastlines of Costa Rica and the marine-rich waters of Indonesia to the mountains of Bhutan and the deserts of Oman, these six incredible eco-lodges prove that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

✨ Featured Eco-Lodges:

📍 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa Best time to visit: June – November for whale watching and wildflowers.

📍 Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Best time to visit: October – April for warm sunshine and outdoor adventures.

📍 Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan Best time to visit: October – December for clear mountain views and black-necked crane season.

📍 Topas Ecolodge, Vietnam Best time to visit: March – May or September – November for pleasant trekking weather.

📍 Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica Best time to visit: December – April for wildlife spotting and sunshine.

📍 Misool Eco Resort, Indonesia Best time to visit: October – April for world-class diving and crystal-clear seas.

Whether you're dreaming of rainforest adventures, secluded beaches, mountain escapes or unforgettable wildlife encounters, these remarkable lodges offer a chance to travel more consciously while enjoying some of the world's most spectacular locations.

If one of these destinations has caught your eye, I'd be delighted to help you plan your perfect eco-friendly escape.

🌍💚
ResponsibleTravel TravelCounsellors

18/06/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS FOR TRAVELLING TO OR THROUGH THE UAE! 🇦🇪✈️

The UK Foreign Office has now lifted its advice against all but essential travel to the UAE, which is fantastic news for anyone considering a getaway to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or using the UAE as a gateway to the rest of the world.

For the last three months, I've been seeing some of the most competitive flight prices I've seen in years – not just to the UAE, but also onwards to destinations such as Japan 🇯🇵, Australia 🇦🇺, Thailand 🇹🇭, Bali 🇮🇩 and beyond.

With confidence returning and demand likely to increase, I don't expect these fares to stay around forever. If you've been thinking about:

✅ A Dubai break
✅ A luxury UAE escape
✅ A trip to Japan
✅ An Australian adventure
✅ A multi-centre holiday in Asia

Now could be the perfect time to start looking.

📞 Move quickly and let's see what's available while the best fares are still around.

☎️ 0161 297 0008
📧 [email protected]

Whether you're looking for a bargain city break, winter sunshine, or a long-haul adventure, I'd be delighted to help.

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Address

Manchester
M33

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441612970008

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