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🌎 Luxury travel specialist
🌎 26 years experience
🌎 Bespoke itineraries | Expedition Cruise | Worldwide
🌎 You've earned it, let me plan it perfectly
🌎 Message me to start your journey

31/08/2026

🇨🇭 SOLO TRAVEL IN THE SWISS ALPS 🇨🇭

Fancy a solo holiday that gives you fresh air, incredible scenery and the freedom to explore at your own pace?

Saas-Fee is calling.

Spend 3 nights surrounded by soaring 4,000m+ peaks, glaciers and spectacular Alpine walking trails. Perfect for solo travellers who want adventure, relaxation and a beautiful place to explore without the crowds.

✨ YOUR SOLO ESCAPE INCLUDES

🎫 Swiss Half Fare Card with half-price rail, bus and boat travel
🚠 Saastal Card with free travel on most cable cars and local buses
🚆 First Class train transfers

🏨 REVIER MOUNTAIN LODGE

🪟 Smart Cabin Room with panoramic windows and mountain views
🔥 Josper Grill and Ruhr dining
🎶 Fox House Music Bar with live acts, DJs and events
🏋️ On-site gym
💆 Massage room
🌱 Green Key certified
🚠 Minutes from the Alpin Express cable car

🏔️ SAAS-FEE HIGHLIGHTS

🥾 Walk beneath spectacular Alpine peaks and glaciers
🚠 Explore the valley using your Saastal Card
🏡 Wander through the car-free village known as the ‘Pearl of the Alps’
🧀 Enjoy Swiss cuisine in mountain restaurants and huts
🚲 Discover the valley by bike

📅 18 September 2026
🌙 3 nights
🛏️ Smart Cabin Room
🍳 Bed & Breakfast
👤 1 adult

✈️ Gatwick: £1,111pp
✈️ Edinburgh: £1,111pp
✈️ Bristol: £1,130pp
✈️ Manchester: £1,180pp

🎟️ Resort tax included where applicable
✈️ Flights, transfers & luggage included

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean travelling alone. It can mean choosing your own adventure, meeting new people and having the freedom to do exactly what you want.

If Switzerland is on your travel list and you want to try a solo trip, this one deserves a look.

30/08/2026

🌍 SOUTH AFRICA, WILDLIFE & ZANZIBAR 🦁🏝️

17 NIGHTS FROM £5,399pp

Explore Cape Town, whale-watch in Hermanus, discover the Garden Route and enjoy Big Five game drives in the Eastern Cape before relaxing for five nights in Zanzibar.

🏙️ CAPE TOWN | 3 NIGHTS
Radisson Collection Hotel Waterfront
Bed & Breakfast

🐋 HERMANUS | 3 NIGHTS
The Marine Hermanus
Bed & Breakfast

🌅 PLETTENBERG BAY | 3 NIGHTS
The Plettenberg
Bed & Breakfast

🦁 PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | 3 NIGHTS
Impala Chalet
Full Board
Morning and afternoon game drives included.

🏝️ ZANZIBAR | 5 NIGHTS
Matemwe Attitude
Half Board | Swim-up Villa

✈️ FROM £5,399pp

Based on 2 sharing, departing 3 October 2026.

Includes:

• Return Kenya Airways flights from Heathrow
• 17 nights’ accommodation
• Transfers throughout
• Internal flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg
• Twice-daily game drives at Pumba
• Meals as stated
• 23kg / 2-piece baggage allowance

Travel period: 1 October–10 December 2026.
Book by 30 September 2026.

Other departure airports available, including Manchester from £5,519pp and Edinburgh from £5,539pp.

Want different dates, extra nights, a longer safari or more time in Zanzibar? I can tailor it around you.

Fancy this one? Send me a message 📩

29/08/2026

WINDOW OR AISLE SEAT? ✈️

There are two types of people when it comes to flying.

The window seat people who want to watch the world go byand the aisle seat people who like the freedom to get up whenever they want.

I’m yet to meet anyone who actively chooses the middle seat!

I’m old enough to remember when you didn’t pre-book your seat at all. You’d get on the plane and it was basically a race up the stairs to grab a seat and try to keep everyone together, a proper bum fight! 😂
And yes, I also remember when the back rows of the plane were smoking!
That’s how long I’ve been travelling, scary, isn’t it!!!!

One thing that still gets me, though, why are we paying extra to choose where we sit?
You’ve already paid a good amount for your flight, then you can sometimes be asked to pay £100+ just to pre book your seat.
I know airlines need to make money, but I’d much rather see a small increase in the overall airfare and have seat selection included.
It’s also something I hear from my customers all the time.
Most airlines will allow you to select a seat free of charge when online check-in opens, usually 24 or 48 hours before departure. But if you’re travelling as a family and you don’t want to pay to sit together, some airlines will simply allocate seats wherever they can.
And that can mean families or groups of friends sitting in completely different parts of the aircraft.

Then there’s the other classic, you are in the aisle seat and the person in the window seat has decided they need to get up for the fifth time. 😂
Or you need to get your bag out of the overhead locker while everyone is desperate to get off the plane and you are stuck in the middle and window seats!

Air travel certainly has its quirks!

So, let’s settle this ✈️ WINDOW OR AISLE?
And what’s the ONE thing about airline seating that drives you mad?

Tell me in the comments. I want to know if I’m the only one who thinks paying extra for a seat you’ve already paid to fly in is bonkers! 😂

28/08/2026

GIVE YOUR TEENAGERS A HOLIDAY THEY’LL LOVE 🏖️💙

October half term in Mallorca, with a private pool, sandy beach and plenty of freedom for the whole family.

POLLENSA, MALLORCA 🇪🇸

If you’re travelling with teenagers, you’ll know the holiday balancing act. Family time is important, but they also want a bit of independence.

This villa makes it easy.

🏡 3-bedroom villa, sleeping 2-6
🏖️ Sandy beach just 5 minutes away
🍴 Restaurants & shops around 7 minutes away
🏊 Private pool
🌿 Set in an exclusive area of Puerto Pollensa
🚗 No car needed

So you can enjoy a morning by the pool, wander down to the beach, head out for dinner and let the teenagers have a little freedom without being miles away.

OCTOBER HALF TERM ✈️

📅 24 October 2026
💰 From £987pp

Already planning ahead?

☀️ July 2027 from £1,399pp
☀️ August 2027 from £1,365pp

AND THERE’S MORE ~

Make the trip extra special with:
✨ Private chef dining at the villa
🍷 Wine tasting or a vineyard tour
🚴 Cycling around Mallorca
🐴 Guided horse riding
🏄 Paddleboarding in Pollensa
🚶 Palma walking tour
👶 Professional babysitting

PACKAGE INCLUDES ✈️

🏡 Villa
✈️ Flights
🚗 Hire car
🎁 Welcome pack
🤝 Pre-departure & overseas concierge service
🛡️ Full ATOL protection
💶 Local tourist taxes

And if you’re thinking about summer 2027, there are already prices available.

If you want a family holiday where everyone gets to enjoy their own kind of freedom, this one is worth a look. 💙

Message me and I’ll check the best dates and options for you.

25/08/2026

🤩 3-NIGHT IKOS DASSIA ESCAPE! 🤩

This is your sign to stop scrolling because Ikos Dassia has just opened up 3-NIGHT STAYS! 🌴✨

If you’ve been dreaming of a luxury all-inclusive escape to Corfu, these dates are now available:

📅 31 August – 2 September
📅 15 – 18 September
📅 24 – 27 September

And this isn’t your average all-inclusive 👀

✨ 600m sandy beach with beachside service
🍽️ 7 à la carte restaurants + buffet
🥂 10 bars
🍷 100 international wines included
🍸 Daily replenished minibar
🍴 24/7 room service
🏊‍♀️ 8 pools, including adults-only options
🌊 Non-motorised watersports included
💆‍♀️ Ikos Spa with Anne Semonin products
🎾 Tennis courts
🧘‍♀️ Yoga & Pilates
🏋️ Fitness studio & classes
👧 Heroes Kids Club & Just4Teens
👶 Creche facilities
✨ Exclusive Deluxe Collection areas
✈️ Just 20 minutes from Corfu Airport

And the Ikos Infinite Lifestyle means so much is included, giving you the freedom to relax, eat, drink and enjoy your holiday without constantly reaching for your wallet. 🍾🌴

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a girls’ getaway or a luxury family break, Ikos Dassia is one to have on your radar. 💫

📩 Want me to check availability and prices for you? Send me a DM with “IKOS” and I’ll take a look.

22/08/2026

❄️🐧 Christmas in Antarctica? Now THAT is a festive escape! 🐧❄️

Forget the usual Christmas routine and spend the big day surrounded by icebergs, penguins and some of the most extraordinary scenery on Earth.

🚢 ICONIC ANTARCTICA | THE EXPLORER’S ROUTE
📅 19 December 2027
🗓️ 16 days
🚢 MS Fridtjof Nansen
🍾 All-inclusive onboard

And there’s a reason expedition cruising is becoming such a sought-after way to travel. This is more than a cruise, it’s wildlife, adventure, remote landscapes and unforgettable experiences, with an expert expedition team bringing Antarctica to life along the way.

❄️ Polar Outside Cabin from £10,256pp
❄️ Expedition Suite with Balcony from £13,835pp

✨ FREE SUITE UPGRADE until 31 August ✨

Upgrade from a Polar Outside with Balcony and enjoy:
🏔️ Your own private balcony or large windows
🐧 Prime upper-deck location for wildlife spotting
🍽️ Fine dining at Lindstrøm
🥂 Welcome Champagne
🧺 Daily laundry and turn-down service
✈️ Priority boarding and embarkation
🌟 Pre-voyage experience at Arakur Resort & Spa

✈️ International flights can be added from £1,862pp.

Christmas in Antarctica is about as far from an ordinary festive break as you can get.

If Antarctica is on your bucket list, this is one to look at now. 🐧❄️

21/08/2026

💚🧡 Croatian Villa Escape for Large Groups 🧡💚

Looking for somewhere special for a big family holiday, friends’ getaway or celebration?

Villa Grand in Duće, Croatia could be just the place. 🇭🇷☀️

✨ Sleeps up to 22 guests
✨ 11 spacious en-suite bedrooms
✨ Just 200 metres from the sandy beach
✨ Stunning sea views and beautiful Adriatic sunsets
✨ Private heated swimming pool with hydro-massage
✨ Outdoor summer kitchen and dining area for 22
✨ Four fully equipped kitchens
✨ Terraces across each floor
✨ Reserved section of the beach
✨ Bars, restaurants and amenities close by

Set across four floors, this gorgeous villa gives everyone plenty of space while keeping you all together.

And that outdoor area looks made for long lunches, sunset drinks and evenings under the stars. 🍹🌅

Perfect for a large family gathering, milestone celebration or group escape where you want the whole gang under one roof.

📩 Message me if you’d like more information or would like me to put together a quote for your group.

20/08/2026

🌴✨ 7-NIGHT SIX SENSES SAMUI ESCAPE FROM £2,829 PER PERSON ✨🌴

If you’re dreaming of Thailand, this one deserves your attention. 💚

Perched on the northern tip of Koh Samui, Six Senses Samui offers stunning Gulf of Siam views, private villas and that laid-back luxury feeling we all love.

Your 7-night escape includes:

🏝️ 7 nights in a Hideaway Villa
🥐 Breakfast every day
✈️ Return British Airways flights
🚘 Private transfers
💚 Save up to 20% on accommodation
🌿 One-bedroom private villa surrounded by landscaped gardens
🏊‍♀️ Easy access to the spectacular infinity pool

From:
✈️ London Heathrow £2,829pp
✈️ Manchester £2,869pp
✈️ Birmingham £2,899pp
✈️ Glasgow £2,929pp

Based on 2 adults sharing.

Valid for stays until 19 December 2027, subject to availability and blackout dates.

No additional mandatory fees or taxes are payable locally.

Fancy waking up here? 🌴☀️

Message me and I’ll check the dates and options for you.

14/08/2026

𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔 𝗢𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔? 🌴💦

One of the biggest questions I get when clients are planning the Maldives is: “Which would you choose?”

And honestly, there isn’t one right answer, it depends on what you want from your holiday.

💦 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮
This is the Maldives you see in the pictures. Your own deck over the lagoon, steps straight into the water, endless views and that feeling of being completely surrounded by the ocean.

Perfect for couples, honeymooners and anyone wanting that iconic Maldives experience.

Think privacy, sunsets, swimming straight from your villa and, at some resorts, your own private pool too.

🏝️ 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮
Don’t overlook these!

You have the sand right outside your door, tropical gardens around you and often more space for your money. They can also be a great option for families, with easier access to the beach, restaurants and resort facilities.

And there is something pretty special about opening your door and stepping straight onto your own stretch of Maldivian sand!

✨ But here is my favourite option -

Why choose?

A 𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 lets you experience both.

Start with a few nights in a beach villa, then move into a water villa for the ultimate Maldives finale.

Two completely different experiences in one incredible holiday. 🌴

If you’re considering the Maldives and can’t decide which villa is right for you, this is exactly where my expertise comes in. I’ll help you choose the resort and room type that actually suits you, rather than simply booking the prettiest picture!

12/08/2026

🐧 Bucket List Destination No. 3 - Antarctica.

There are holidays and then there are adventures that stay with you forever.

Antarctica is firmly in that second category.

Standing on the Antarctic continent, surrounded by nothing but ice, mountains, ocean and thousands of penguins is difficult to put into words.

And the bucket list experiences just keep coming:

🧊 Sail between enormous icebergs.
🐧 Walk amongst penguin colonies.
🚢 Explore the coastline by Zodiac.
🐋 Search for whales in the wild.
🦭 Spot seals relaxing on the ice.
📸 Photograph landscapes that look like another planet.
🥶 And, if you’re brave enough, take the Antarctic Polar Plunge!

But Antarctica isn’t just about ticking experiences off a list. It’s about being somewhere so remote and untouched that you can’t help but stop and take it all in.

If Antarctica has been sitting on your bucket list, there are some incredible expedition cruises that make this extraordinary part of the world accessible.

And I’ll be honest, it’s one of the trips I’d encourage you not to leave until “one day”, because one day has a habit of staying on the list.

Would you add Antarctica to your bucket list?

🐧 Penguins
🧊 Icebergs
🐋 Whales
🚢 Expedition cruise
🥶 Polar Plunge

Tell me which one you’d be most excited to experience.

Next week we’re heading somewhere completely different, to the incredible Galápagos Islands. 🐢🌊

Address

Saint Albans

Website

http://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/nicola.benson

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