EmilyColes TravelCounsellor

02/07/2025

📍 Cala Millor, Majorca

I'm back in the office today after five blissful days soaking up the sun, sea, and strawberry daiquiris with my family. Early morning swims at sunrise offered the perfect moment of calm to completely unwind — and now, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to help you plan your own relaxing escape.

If Cala Millor happens to be your next stop (and I highly recommend it!), here are a few of my personal favourites from the trip to get you started:

𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕎𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕪𝕖𝕕

🛎️ Bahia Hipotels – An adults-only haven with warm, friendly service, delicious food (plenty of variety!), and a beautiful pool area lined with junior suites and sea-view balconies.

My highlight? A private path that takes you straight from your poolside lounger to the sea. Heaven.

Travelling with family? Just a short beach-front stroll away, Hipotels also offers a fantastic family-friendly resort with inclusive stays and activities for all ages.

𝔹𝕒𝕣𝕤 & 𝔻𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘

🍓 After trying quite a few frozen daiquiris, it’s hard to pick a favourite — but for a laid-back afternoon in the sun, Sa Caleta was perfect.

🌮 Just steps away, The Coconut Shack is a must-visit for an ice-cold cocktail and the best chicken tacos.

🐙 For dinner, Ame treated us to a gorgeous octopus paella, elegant ambiance, and smooth background saxophone – an unforgettable evening.

🍹 Playa Hotels also hosts a lively beachside bar with a wide cocktail selection and uninterrupted ocean views. Great vibes, day or night.

30/06/2025

🦒🌵𝔸𝔻𝕍𝔼ℕ𝕋𝕌ℝ𝔼 𝕆𝔽 𝔸 𝕃𝕀𝔽𝔼𝕋𝕀𝕄𝔼, 𝕊𝕆𝕌𝕋ℍ 𝔸𝔽ℝ𝕀ℂ𝔸, ℤ𝕀𝕄𝔹𝔸𝔹𝕎𝔼 & 𝔹𝕆𝕋𝕊𝕎𝔸ℕ𝔸

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe from the seat of your rugged Land Rover. Paddle through the Okavango Delta in a traditional canoe and camp deep in the wild, far from civilization. Trek on foot through Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park and capture incredible shots of the “Big Five” in Kruger National Park. Camping under the stars brings you closer to breath-taking landscapes, delivering a truly unforgettable 15-day African adventure.

📍 Day 2–3 – Cross into Botswana, sleep near rhinos 🦏

📍 Day 4–5 – Glide through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro 🚣‍♀️ + camp under the stars ✨

📍 Day 6 – Baobabs + bush roads to Kasane

📍 Day 7 – Spot elephants on a Chobe River cruise

📍 Day 8–9 – Cross into Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 & feel the spray at Victoria Falls

📍 Day 10–15 – Travel back through Botswana & South Africa—safaris, sunsets, and starry skies 🌌

An adventure packed with wildlife, culture, and unreal landscapes, how many people can say they've camped under the stars with rhinos for neighbours?

📩Drop me a message and let's start planning your African adventure today!

27/06/2025

📍𝕍𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕒, 𝕂𝕒𝕝𝕜𝕒𝕟

What's the one thing a villa has that seals the deal for you? A games room with a pool table, ping-pong table besides the pool, stunning views from the comfort of your bed or simply the distance to the beach?

💫Nestled high above the bay, Villa Friga is a stunning 7‑bedroom signature hideaway that sleeps 14 people, a rare find for the region! Built with sleek, contemporary flair, it features a spectacular wrap‑around infinity pool and expansive terraces showcasing unmatched panoramic sea views.

Inside, the villa boasts a fully equipped games room complete with table tennis and a pool table, perfect fun and entertainment for the whole family . The bright, spacious interiors flow onto outdoor lounge and dining areas, blending indoor comfort with al fresco living in style.

Located just a 15‑minute walk from the charming Old Town, you’re close to bustling streets filled with tavernas, bars, boutiques—and only a few minutes more from beach clubs and the harbour. Villa Friga also includes a concierge, welcome hamper, complimentary Turkish bath (hamam), and a day boat cruise—adding luxury extras that elevate the experience

💫✨👉This unique villa is filling fast, drop me a message to enquire about their 2025 availability, or be prepared and reserve your 2026 stay for a refundable deposit!

25/06/2025

🌅 Think Ibiza’s all about parties? Think again... 🇪🇸✨

Beyond the beats and beach clubs, Ibiza hides a soul-soothing side - cobbled streets of Dalt Vila, whitewashed villages, artisan markets and crystal-clear coves perfect for a family dip. 🏖️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Whether you’re wandering through centuries-old fortresses or watching the sun melt into the sea from a quiet terrace, Ibiza is so much more than its nightlife reputation. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and unwind, of course there's no harm in indulging in the lively atmospheres spicy cocktails either!

👉 Check out this blog delving into the stunning villas waiting to offer you a serene haven amongst Instagram back drops Spanish sunsets

Fancy waking up to the Mediterranean sun streaming through your window, stepping out onto a private terrace with a hot coffee in hand, and looking out over lush pine-covered hills or sparkling turquoise seas? This isn’t just any holiday moment; it’s a glimpse of your next family getaway with SPL...

23/06/2025

📍ℕ𝕠. 𝟜𝟚 𝕓𝕪 𝔾𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖, 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕒𝕥𝕖

Nestled on Margate's golden sands, No. 42 by GuestHouse is where Victorian charm meets coastal chic. With 21 beautifully appointed rooms—including the luxurious Lookout Suites boasting sea views, roll-top baths, and private pantries—this boutique hotel offers a serene seaside escape. Each room is a haven of comfort, featuring Naturalmat mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, and thoughtful touches like Crosley record players and complimentary pantry treats. The hotel's design celebrates local artisans, with bespoke furnishings and decor that reflect Margate's vibrant creative scene.

Indulge in culinary delights at Pearly Cow, the hotel's open-kitchen restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced seafood and steaks. For a more relaxed vibe, the Lounge Bar offers a cozy setting, while the Rooftop Bar provides panoramic views of the beach, perfect for sunset cocktails. Pamper yourself at the Field Trip Spa, featuring treatments like the opulent copper bath for two, ensuring a rejuvenating experience.

Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a creative retreat, or a family-friendly stay, No. 42 by GuestHouse is your gateway to the best of Margate.

20/06/2025

✨Yesterday I turned 23! Which feels like a pretty good reason to look back and reflect over some of my travel highlights since starting my business back in November 2023 when I was just 21 years old...

In the past 18 months I've been lucky enough to visit 10 new destinations, Amsterdam, Prague, Malta, Montenegro, Paris x2, Berlin, Madrid, Edinburgh, Tenerife and Copenhagen! Each and every trip has enabled me to fall in love with travel beyond the photos, experiencing new cultures, indulging in cuisines I'd never try at home and its ultimately given me a new, more positive outlook on life!

I also had the chance to experience my first ever river cruise back in March, a trip that was made possible by being part of the TC community, all be it it was also the trip that reminded me to always be prepared with motion sickness tablets in future...

In just a few days i'll be headed back to Majorca with my family (the first time I will have ever been abroad with them!) Truly taking 'with us, it's personal' to a new meaning as their travel agent, packer, airport concierge and the rest🌍

From attending last years CLIA conference in Southampton with our amazing suppliers, TCs and of course the amazing girlys from all walks of the travel industry, to meeting up with other agents at out TC mini conference in Birmingham and of course getting glam for the gala dinner at our yearly conference in Manchester ... the lesson is when you work in travel ... you'll be travelling all over.

I've grown from a journalism graduate to a travel blogger with real readers and connections, photo's of the beach have turned to numerous videos of food, hotel tours and attractions and my business is heading in a direction that truly reflects my love for adventure.

This year I've got a few more exciting trips to come, from exploring country music in Texas to taste testing Beignet in New Orleans and a few more European cities to add to the list too. Non of which would be possible without your support for my business!

18/06/2025

🚨🛳𝟝𝟘% 𝕆𝔽𝔽 : 𝔼𝕌ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝔸ℕ 𝔾𝔼𝕄𝕊 𝟙𝟜-ℕ𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋 ℝ𝕀𝕍𝔼ℝ ℂℝ𝕌𝕀𝕊𝔼

Explore Europe's iconic rivers in luxury on APT’s 14-night European Gems cruise—sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest with enriching excursions, fine dining, and unforgettable scenery. Unpack once and journey through 5 countries in style aboard a boutique river ship designed for comfort, culture, and curated experiences

✨15 days from Amsterdam to Budapest (or v.v.)

✨Premium 4★ Travelmarvel river ship

✨All meals, drinks with meals, excursions, transfers & tipping included

✨Travelmarvel’s relaxed, premium style with exceptional value

👉Valid on selective dates throughout 2025/26, from £2195 pp

16/06/2025

𝕄𝔼𝔻𝔼𝕋𝔼ℝ𝔸ℕ𝕀𝔸ℕ ℝ𝔼𝕋ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕋 : 𝟟 ℕ𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊 𝕀ℕ ℂ𝕆ℝ𝔽𝕌, 𝔾ℝ𝔼𝔼ℂ𝔼

Domes Miramare stands as a testament to luxury and history, providing a tranquil retreat for discerning travellers, boasting an indulgent variety of culinary experiences, the largest spa in the Domes Collection and a seamless blend of atmospheres between its two wings; The original Seafront Wing, exuding timeless charm, and the newly introduced Panoramic Wing, which boasts modern design elements and sweeping sea views!

👉 Return flights from Manchester Airport (Morning Departure & Afternoon Return!)

👉 Seven nights in a Jade Suite WITH a private whirlpool bath

👉 Luggage, Seats & private transfer all included

Based on departure Saturday 23rd August : £2032.50 per person

11/06/2025

🚂 🗺️ 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕝𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝟙𝟛-𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕟 ℂ𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝔸𝕕𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖

As a self-confessed city break addict, I never miss the chance for a 48-hour escape. But no matter how fulfilling the trip, I always find myself staring longingly at the airport departure boards, wishing I were jetting off somewhere new instead of heading back to the UK. So, to help banish the Sunday blues once and for all, I’ve crafted the perfect extended city break itinerary — one that ticks off seven incredible cities in just under two weeks.

✨ Twelve nights

✨ Seven cities

✨ One Interrail pass

✨ Thirteen unforgettable days

Your journey begins with an early Eurostar from London to Paris, giving you two full days to soak up the City of Light. Whether you're diving into its rich history with museum-hopping or simply indulging in flaky pastries and French wine on a sunlit terrace, you're in for a dreamy start. Rest your head at the Mercure Paris Butte Montmartre, perfectly located for exploring the charm of Montmartre.

Next stop: Amsterdam! Hop on a morning train and arrive in time to start two days of discovery. Meander along the canals, explore the city’s lively neighborhoods, and embrace its vibrant culture. You'll be staying at the WestCord Fashion Hotel, a stylish retreat after a day of exploring iconic landmarks.

From Amsterdam, speed through the countryside to the dynamic city of Berlin. The next forty-eight hours will be packed with history — from remnants of the Berlin Wall to powerful museums and moving memorials. Berlin’s energy is infectious and its tails unforgettable.

Next, Fall in love with Prague's picturesque streets and stunning architecture. With a cosy room at the Michelangelo Grand Hotel, you're perfectly placed to experience a traditional Czech beer spa before you leave!

The Danube calls! Your next adventure awaits in Vienna, — think prosecco on your French balcony at Hotel Vision, city views shimmering under golden-hour light. From classical concerts to coffeehouse culture, Vienna is pure magic.

Your journey continues downriver to Budapest. Spend two nights capturing its grandeur — from thermal baths and ruin bars to hauntingly beautiful memorials. Indulge in local treats (bottomless chimney cakes anyone?) and soak in every view of this spectacular city.

Your final day brings you to Bratislava, a hidden gem just a short train ride away. With 24 hours to wander its charming old town and reflect over a warm Trdelník, it’s the perfect close to a whirlwind adventure. One direct flight home from Slovakia’s capital, and your European escape ends as seamlessly as it began.

💫 Thousands of photos snapped.

💫 Countless local delicacies devoured.

💫 Seven cities. One unforgettable journey.

Bon voyage!

09/06/2025

A dreamy escape : 📍The Riglia Residence

This stunning villa has been thoughtfully designed to to be faithful to the original building whilst offering all the contemporary comfort you could wish for. From the dedicated hot-tub room to the top-of-the-range Coco-mat mattresses, this is a luxurious space to spend time with friends and family. For sea swimming and sundowners, Pantazi beach beckons; a gentle 15-minute stroll or considerably quicker if you decide to hire one of the e-bikes which make getting around this area so easy and so much fun.

✨ 3 bedroom villa (sleeps 2-6)

✨ Swimming pool 6m x 5m (depth 1.5m throughout)

✨ whirlpool bath room (2m x 2m whirlpool bath) with WC

✨ Open plan living/dining/kitchen area with Smart TV and Bluetooth speaker, leads to a gorgeous terrace

even nights in this luxurious villa provide the perfect escape for total tranquillity amidst life’s chaos. But if you’re craving a bit of adventure too, consider flying into Athens first—spend a couple of days exploring ancient ruins and stunning landscapes before making your way to the serene beauty of the Peloponnese.

06/06/2025

📍R E F E N S T R E E T F O O D M A R K E T

During our trip to Copenhagen, we sampled countless pastries, vibrant restaurants, and indulgent meals in search of the city’s best food spot—and after perhaps too much eating, Reffen Street Food Market easily took the crown. This quirky outdoor market has something for everyone, offering everything from Indian and Greek to Danish, Italian and Mexican cuisine, along with loaded fries, waffles, cocktails, and coffee. Set along the scenic canals, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunset evening taste-testing global flavours in a laid-back, unforgettable setting

Here are my must-tries from Reffen Street Food Market:

🍟 Ramslog – This quirky little truck served up a mouth-watering portion of parmesan and truffle fries ...because really, is any street food adventure complete without some form of chips?

🥟 Empanadas – As the name suggests, we couldn’t resist—and I’m so glad we didn’t. This was my first-ever empanada, and it was absolutely delicious.

🍤 Manila Street BBQ & BAO – We started with loaded BBQ pork bao buns and ended with smoky chicken skewers. A dreamy flavour combo we didn’t know we needed.

🥙 Gosht – My first time trying Kurdish food and it was a total hit. Tender lamb, fresh salad toppings and a portion generous enough to share

🧀Cheesy Dream - A cheese lovers heaven, but of course I had to opt for the deep fried macaroni cheese balls! Served with a side of veggie sticks & ranch I think we can call it healthy too ... ;)

As I scroll through my endless foodie photos and jot down these recommendations, I’m only now realizing just how many stands we actually sampled! Can I get away with calling eating half the market “research”? With Norwegian hotdogs, spicy samosas, coffee trucks, and drink stations still left to review, it might just be quicker for you to book a flight and taste it all for yourself!

04/06/2025

☀📍𝔻𝔼𝕊𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔸𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ𝕊 𝔽𝕆ℝ 𝔸 𝕃𝔸𝕊𝕋 𝕄𝕀ℕ𝕌𝕋𝔼 𝕁𝕌ℕ𝔼 𝔼𝕊ℂ𝔸ℙ𝔼

If you're longing for a getaway but want to avoid the 6 weeks holidays, now's your time to be spontaneous! Beat the crowds, enjoy serenity and embark on a mini break to start summer off in the best way possible ...

🧿 𝔾ℝ𝔼𝔼ℂ𝔼 Temperatures are warm but not overwhelming, ideal for exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or enjoying outdoor activities. The sea is inviting for swimming, and many islands and cities host lively cultural events, such as the Colour Day Festival in Athens and traditional panagiria on islands like Ikaria.

🚲ℂ𝕆ℙ𝔼ℕℍ𝔸𝔾𝔼ℕ June is one of the best times to visit Copenhagen, thanks to its long daylight hours, mild weather, and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. The city comes alive with festivals like Distortion and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, while parks, gardens, and canals offer perfect spots to relax or explore by bike.

🍋 𝔸𝕄𝔸𝕃𝔽𝕀 ℂ𝕆𝔸𝕊𝕋 The early summer months boast sunny weather perfect for enjoying the stunning beaches, scenic coastal drives, and charming seaside towns like Positano and Ravello. The Mediterranean is warm enough for swimming, and the vibrant flowers and lush landscapes are at their peak. Crowds are smaller than in July and August, allowing for a more relaxed experience while still enjoying lively local festivals, fresh seafood, and beautiful sunsets over the sea.