The Travel Genius - Michelle Stammers

05/11/2026

🏔️ EVEREST BASE CAMP – DAY 5
The altitude is starting to bite… but we’re still smiling! 🥾❤️

Another 6.30am wake-up call in the Himalayas, and today we’re visiting the Sherpa Monastery.

By now, the altitude is starting to affect some of our group. Thankfully, I’m still doing OK, apart from a sore throat and feeling absolutely exhausted. John is feeling a little better too. ❤️

But today comes a reminder of just how serious this adventure is becoming…

Our trek leader, Su, demonstrates a portable acclimatisation chamber – emergency equipment we’ll be carrying as we climb higher. We’re also taking oxygen with us.

Suddenly, this isn’t just a long walk in beautiful mountains. We’re heading into an environment where our bodies are really being tested.

🍲 Lunch is Sherpa stew, and we’re all absolutely starving again! Apparently, you burn far more calories at altitude, which explains why we can’t stop eating!

And there’s no putting our feet up after lunch…

🥾 We’re heading to Phurte for a 2½-hour acclimatisation walk to help our bodies adjust to the thinner air.

Looking back at my handwritten diary from nine years ago, I can almost feel that exhaustion again. But I also remember the determination to keep going.

Every step was taking us closer to Everest Base Camp, and every day was becoming a bigger challenge.

❤️ All of this was for a cause incredibly close to my heart – raising money for lung cancer after losing my dad the year before. That was my motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Day 6 coming next… and we’re heading even higher! 🏔️

04/11/2026

🏔️ EVEREST BASE CAMP – DAY 4
9 hours of uphill walking… and altitude sickness is starting to take its toll! 😳

Continuing to share my handwritten diary from my Everest Base Camp trek 9 years ago, raising money for lung cancer in memory of my dad. ❤️

Today was TOUGH!

⏰ Up at 5.30am, knowing we had a long day ahead of us. A breakfast of porridge and pancakes before setting off towards Namche Bazaar at 3,440 metres.

🥾 What we thought would be 6–7 hours of walking turned into 9 hours of steep uphill climbing! My legs were certainly feeling it!

But the biggest challenge wasn’t just the walking…

🏔️ Altitude sickness was beginning to hit our group.

Three people were suffering, including my roommate Jo, who was really poorly with terrible nausea and an awful headache. She ended up in bed, and I was genuinely worried about whether she would be able to continue.

We also saw two people being brought back down the mountain on mules, both suffering from altitude sickness.

That was quite a sobering sight. A reminder that no matter how determined or fit you are, the mountains can have other ideas.

And as for sharing a room with someone I’d only just met… well, let’s just say we were still getting used to each other! 😂

Reading my diary back now, I can remember just how physically demanding this day was, but also the uncertainty of not knowing whether everyone would make it to Base Camp.

Would Jo recover? Would we all be able to carry on?

You’ll have to wait for Day 5! ❤️

📖 These are my real diary entries, written each evening during the trek, sharing the highs, lows and everything in between.

03/11/2026

🏔️ EVEREST BASE CAMP – DAY 3 🏔️

4am. Wide awake. Exhausted. And things were starting to get very real… 😳

Welcome back to Day 3 of my Everest Base Camp adventure, nine years ago, when I took on this incredible challenge to raise money for lung cancer in memory of my dad. ❤️

Reading my handwritten diary now brings back so many memories!

Today started with a rather terrifying prospect — a flight to Lukla, landing on a tiny airstrip perched on the side of a mountain. Just 500 metres long! ✈️😱

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, we then began our trek.

🌧️ And the rain came down… and down… and down!

Three and a half hours of walking in torrential rain, but there was one small victory — my waterproofs worked brilliantly! I was completely dry underneath. It’s funny the things that make you happy when you’re trekking in the Himalayas!

We eventually arrived at our tea house for the night, absolutely shattered.

And what luxury awaited us?

🚽 A bathroom each!

Trust me, this was cause for celebration, especially as my stomach had already started playing up! 🤦‍♀️

Dinner was a very cautious bowl of rice, and by 9pm we were all tucked up in bed, exhausted.

But the night wasn’t quite over…

I woke up breathless, feeling the altitude, and for a few moments I genuinely panicked.

Thankfully, it passed, but it was a reminder that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary walk in the mountains.

And we were only on Day 3!

Looking back, I can laugh about the bathrooms and the endless rain, but I also remember how vulnerable I felt that night.

I was beginning to realise just how much this challenge was going to test me — physically and mentally.

But I had a very special reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other. ❤️

🏔️ Day 4 coming next…

Have you ever had a travel experience that pushed you completely outside your comfort zone?

02/11/2026

🏔️ EVEREST BASE CAMP – DAY 2

From curry and laughter to a sight that stopped me in my tracks… ❤️

Nine years ago, I set off on an adventure to Everest Base Camp to raise money for lung cancer research, in memory of my dad, who I’d lost the year before.

I’m sharing the pages of my original handwritten diary, exactly as I wrote them at the time. No sugar-coating, just the real experience.

📖 DAY 2 – EXPLORING KATHMANDU 🇳🇵

The day started rather nicely with a lovely hotel breakfast, followed by a pre-trek briefing with our guides.

There was plenty of laughter and chatter as we all got to know each other. Little did we know just how much we would come to rely on one another over the coming days!

We then headed out to explore Kathmandu, visiting the palaces, bustling markets and shopping sheds.

But one particular sight has stayed with me all these years.

We passed an outdoor blood bank. Rows of dirty sun loungers stood on bare ground, surrounded by bricks and rubbish. Men lay there with needles in their arms and tubes coming out of them.

It was quite a shocking sight and a reminder of just how different life can be in other parts of the world.

Back at the hotel, it was time to pack our kit, enjoy yet another curry (there was going to be a lot of curry! 😂) and get an early night.

Tomorrow was a 5am start… and the adventure was about to begin properly! 🥾🏔️

Looking back at these pages nine years later brings back so many memories. The excitement, the nerves, the friendships and, most importantly, the reason I was doing it.

❤️ This one was for you, Dad.

Stay with me for Day 3, when the journey towards Everest Base Camp really begins!

01/11/2026

🏔️📖 EVEREST BASE CAMP – THE DIARY I NEVER SHARED

❤️ Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins!

Nine years ago, I embarked on one of the biggest adventures of my life — trekking to Everest Base Camp.

The year before, I’d lost my dad to lung cancer, and I wanted to do something special in his memory while raising money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

Throughout the journey, I kept a handwritten diary, recording everything as it happened — the good, the bad, the funny moments and the downright challenging ones!

Nine years later, I’ve decided to dust off that diary and share my adventure with you, one day at a time.

And so it begins…

✈️ DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU

From my original handwritten diary…

“Feeling a little apprehensive to meet the others at Heathrow, I need not have worried as everyone was really friendly. A mix of ages and personalities will make the trek really interesting.

So pleased to meet Jo, my room mate. We were relaxed and chatting away within no time.

A lovely surprise awaited us on check-in — we were all upgraded to business class! Flat bed seats, free champers and wonderful food. I chose the Indian menu to get into the Nepalese mood of the trip.

I managed to get a few hours’ sleep on our overnight flight, good considering I was next to a screaming baby and a woman coughing all night!

A little jaded on our arrival in Kathmandu, our guide Su greeted us and perked us up with the details of our forthcoming adventure.”

❤️ Looking back nine years later…

Reading these words again brings back the excitement and anticipation of what lay ahead.

Little did I know just how much this adventure would challenge me, or how many unforgettable memories I would make along the way.

And to think, it all started with a business-class upgrade! 🥂😂

🏔️ Coming next: Day 2 of my Everest adventure.

Follow along as I share the pages of my original diary, exactly as I experienced the journey.

31/10/2026

🏔️❤️ 9 YEARS AGO, I SET OFF ON A JOURNEY THAT MEANT MORE TO ME THAN ANY OTHER…

The year before, I’d lost my dad to lung cancer.

I wanted to do something meaningful in his memory, something that would challenge me and raise money to help fight the disease that had taken him from us.

So I decided to trek to Everest Base Camp, raising money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

What followed was an adventure I’ll never forget.

There were breathtaking moments, laughter, exhaustion, challenges and days when things weren’t quite so wonderful.

And through it all, I kept a handwritten diary.

Every day. The good, the bad and everything in between.

Nine years later, I’ve decided it’s finally time to open those pages and share my journey.

Not a polished travel story, but my actual words, written high in the Himalayas, as everything unfolded.

📖 COMING SOON…

🏔️ Everest Base Camp: The Diary I Never Shared

A very personal edition of Michelle’s Travel Tales.

I hope you’ll join me on the journey. ❤️

31/10/2026

27/10/2026

🌺✈️ THEY HAVEN’T EVEN PACKED THEIR SUITCASES YET… AND I’VE ALREADY RECEIVED A 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Now THIS is why I absolutely love what I do! ❤️

Imagine being so excited about your holiday, and so happy with the service you’ve received, that you leave a glowing review before you’ve even stepped on the plane! 🥹

I’ve been helping a lovely family plan their dream multi-centre adventure to Las Vegas, Hawaii and Los Angeles for next summer, and receiving these wonderful words has genuinely made my day!

Because here’s the thing…

✨ A truly amazing holiday doesn’t start at the airport. It starts with the planning!

From finding the perfect hotels and coordinating flights to tweaking itineraries until everything is just right, I take care of all those little details that make a BIG difference.

And if we need to change things along the way? Absolutely no problem!

With over 33 years of travel industry experience, I know that no two clients are the same, and their holidays shouldn’t be either.

A huge thank you to Katie for such a lovely review. Knowing my clients feel looked after, excited and completely confident in their holiday plans means everything to me. 🥰

🌍 Your dream holiday deserves more than a booking website. It deserves someone who genuinely cares about getting it right.

So, where can I take you next? 🌴✈️

📩 Message me and let’s turn those holiday dreams into something extraordinary!

WhatsApp 07757 113814
[email protected]

The Travel Genius – Luxury Travel, Personally Planned. 💙

20/10/2026

🤖✈️ CAN AI REALLY REPLACE AN EXPERIENCED TRAVEL AGENT?

AI can plan your dream holiday in seconds… but would you trust it with thousands of pounds of your hard-earned money? 🌍💰

There’s no denying that Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we research and plan holidays.

Ask AI to create a three-week itinerary around Japan, a luxury honeymoon in Mauritius or an adventure through South Africa, and within seconds you’ll have a beautifully presented itinerary.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

But here’s what AI doesn’t always tell you… 👀

✈️ 1. FLIGHTS THAT LOOK PERFECT ON PAPER

AI might suggest a fantastic flight route with a short connection and a great price.

But has it checked whether those flights are on one protected ticket?

If you’ve booked separate tickets and miss your connection because your first flight is delayed, you could find yourself paying hundreds or even thousands of pounds for replacement flights.

🏨 2. HOTELS THAT AREN’T QUITE WHAT THEY SEEM

AI might recommend a stunning five-star hotel with incredible reviews.

But is it undergoing renovations? Is the beach actually suitable for swimming? Is the hotel isolated when you wanted to walk to restaurants and bars?

A hotel can look perfect online and still be completely wrong for YOU.

🌦️ 3. THE WRONG DESTINATION AT THE WRONG TIME

AI can suggest beautiful destinations, but it doesn’t always get the seasonal details right.

Imagine booking your dream tropical holiday only to discover you’re visiting during the rainy season, when certain excursions aren’t operating or when the beaches aren’t at their best.

🚗 4. ITINERARIES THAT LOOK AMAZING BUT DON’T WORK IN REAL LIFE

I’ve seen itineraries that look wonderful on paper but involve exhausting travel days, unnecessary backtracking, unrealistic connections or far too much travelling between hotels.

Just because AI can create an itinerary doesn’t mean it’s a sensible one!

💰 5. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY THAT AREN’T ALWAYS REAL

AI can suggest hotels, flights and experiences without having checked live availability or accurate prices.

That incredible luxury holiday it has planned for £3,000 might cost considerably more when you actually try to book it!

🆘 6. AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

Your flight is cancelled.

Your hotel isn’t what you expected.

A transfer doesn’t arrive.

Your plans need changing halfway around the world.

AI might give you advice, but it isn’t your travel organiser, and it can’t automatically take responsibility for your booking or resolve problems with suppliers.

💎 SO WHY USE A TRAVEL EXPERT LIKE ME?

I’ve worked in travel for over 33 years and visited more than 50 countries.

I know that creating a truly memorable holiday involves so much more than putting together a list of beautiful hotels and interesting places.

❤️ I listen to what YOU actually want.

❤️ I research the practicalities, not just the pretty pictures.

❤️ I check connections, locations and realistic travel times.

❤️ I use my experience and first-hand destination knowledge to help you avoid costly mistakes.

❤️ I arrange appropriate financial protection for your holiday.

❤️ And when you need help, you have a real person who knows you and your booking.

Here’s the interesting thing… I use AI too!

It’s a fantastic research tool, and I’m certainly not against technology.

But I also know that AI can make mistakes, provide outdated information and sound incredibly confident even when it’s wrong.

The difference is that I have the experience to recognise those mistakes before they become YOUR problem.

🌍 AI can give you holiday ideas. I can turn those ideas into a carefully planned, bookable holiday.

So by all means, use AI to get inspired.

But before you spend thousands booking your dream trip, speak to someone who has spent a lifetime in the travel industry.

Because when it comes to your precious holiday, experience really does matter. ✈️❤️

📍 Michelle Stammers – The Travel Genius
Independent Luxury Travel Specialist | Paignton, Devon

📞 07757 113814
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.travelgenius.blog

💬 Have you ever used AI to plan a holiday? I’d love to hear your experiences!

With over 30 years of experience in the luxury travel industry, I have personally explored more than 50 countries, from trekking to Everest Base Camp to sailing the Amazon River. Every journey I’ve taken enriches the bespoke experiences I create for my clients.

20/10/2026

✈️🌍 WHY BOOK WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT WHEN YOU CAN BOOK EVERYTHING ONLINE YOURSELF?

💻 Because sometimes that bargain holiday isn’t quite the bargain you think it is!

With so many booking websites available, it’s tempting to book your flights, hotels and transfers separately to save a few pounds.

But did you know that one small mistake could end up costing you THOUSANDS? 😱

Let me give you a real example…

✈️ THE HIDDEN DANGER OF CONNECTING FLIGHTS

Imagine you’ve booked a flight from London to Singapore and then found a cheap connecting flight to Thailand with another airline.

You’ve saved £150. Brilliant! Or is it?

Your first flight is delayed by four hours, and you miss your connecting flight.

❌ Because you’ve booked two separate tickets, the second airline generally has no obligation to rebook you for free.

❌ You could have to purchase brand-new flights at last-minute prices.

❌ You might lose prepaid hotel nights, transfers or excursions.

❌ Your travel insurance might not cover everything either!

That £150 saving could suddenly cost you £1,000 or more!

✅ THIS IS WHERE MY EXPERIENCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

When I’m arranging connecting flights, I make sure they’re booked together on one protected ticket wherever possible, with suitable connection times.

That means if your first flight is delayed and you miss your onward connection, the airline is generally responsible for getting you to your destination, subject to the ticket conditions.

It’s a detail many people don’t even realise they need to check!

And flights are just ONE example.

🏨 HOTELS: Is that beautiful hotel really in the location you think it is? Is it miles away from the restaurants and attractions you want to visit?

🚗 TRANSFERS: Have you allowed enough time between airports, ferries, trains and hotels? What happens if one part of your journey is delayed?

🛡️ FINANCIAL PROTECTION: Booking everything separately doesn’t automatically give you the same protection as an ATOL-protected package holiday.

🌴 DESTINATIONS: Is it actually the right time of year to visit? Is it monsoon season? Is the resort suitable for what YOU want from your holiday?

📞 WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG: Who are you going to call? Are you prepared to spend hours contacting different airlines, hotels and booking websites?

💎 WHY CHOOSE THE TRAVEL GENIUS?

I’ve spent over 33 years in the travel industry and travelled to more than 50 countries.

I don’t just book holidays. I carefully research and plan your journey, checking the little details that can make a HUGE difference.

❤️ I offer honest, personal advice.

❤️ I create bespoke holidays around YOU.

❤️ I check flight connections, routes and travel arrangements.

❤️ I use my first-hand destination knowledge to recommend the right places and hotels.

❤️ I arrange holidays with ABTA and ATOL protection where applicable.

❤️ And most importantly, you have a real person to speak to before, during and after your holiday.

I’m not a call centre. I’m not an anonymous booking website.

I’m an independent travel professional who genuinely cares about getting your holiday right.

And here’s something else worth remembering… using a travel expert doesn’t necessarily mean paying more!

Sometimes the greatest value isn’t in finding the cheapest price.

It’s knowing that your precious holiday has been planned properly. 🌍✨

📍 Michelle Stammers – The Travel Genius
Your local independent luxury travel specialist, based in Paignton, Devon and also serving any UK location for travel services.

📞 07757 113814
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.travelgenius.blog

💬 Before you click that BOOK NOW button, why not have a chat with me first?

You might be surprised at the difference an experienced travel expert can make.

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