Sarah Coombes - Travel Counsellors

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Sarah Coombes - Travel Counsellors

Wherever in the world you would like to travel, whatever the occasion come to me for help and suggestions with your arrangements.

I’m a Travel Counsellor based in Coulsdon, Surrey and you'll see lots of posts of my daughter Esme out and about exploring, I'm raising a little traveller! I have much personal travel experience to draw on when helping you plan your own adventures. My time spent travelling around South East Asia, Australia and South America after finishing university is the root of my passion for travel. This led me to start working in the travel industry in 2004. Before becoming a Travel Counsellor early in 2019, I gained 13 years experience as a travel consultant with a large independent travel agency. During that time I continued exploring the world, both independently and with organised group tours. I have visited diverse regions in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania, enjoying spectacular scenery, culture and wildlife in over 60 countries. I pride myself in offering fantastic customer service and will always do everything I can to personalise your perfect holiday or business trip, based on your requirements and making use of my personal travel experiences and the extensive knowledge gained whilst working in the travel industry. I can help you with a variety of styles of trip from a European city break to a once in a lifetime trip around the world, beach breaks to trekking, from adventure tours to cruises, safari to skiing. Whether it be a special occasion like your honeymoon or anniversary or even a wedding abroad, a big birthday, a retirement treat or you just need a holiday, I will be able to help with your plans. Get in touch to chat about your travel ideas and I will tailor unforgettable travels around your interests and wishes and turn them into reality. Look forward to hearing from you.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧[email protected]
🌐linktr.ee/sarahcoombes

19/10/2026

First morning catchup for a while!

18/10/2026

Have you thought about a river cruise for your next adventure?

Imagine opening your curtains each morning to a brand new destination, without the faff of constantly repacking or catching internal flights. Just unpack once, settle in and let the scenery come to you.

So, which river is the one for you?

🌿 Mekong River
Think golden sunsets over jungle-clad banks, tranquil Buddhist pagodas, floating villages and incredible food. A Mekong cruise is perfect if you love:

▪️Authentic village life and real cultural immersion
▪️Tropical scenery and peaceful, slow-travel days
▪️Discovering Vietnam and Cambodia from a totally different perspective

🏺 Nile River
Imagine gliding past timeless desert landscapes, ancient temples and the mighty Pyramids. A Nile cruise is ideal if you are drawn to:

▪️Fascinating ancient history and archaeology
▪️Bucket-list sights like Luxor, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings
▪️Classic, elegant river cruising with a real sense of occasion

So... Mekong or Nile?

Get in touch and I will help you choose the right river, ship and itinerary to suit you.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧[email protected]

16/10/2026

It is that time of year again, when the Sri Lanka familiarisation trip I joined last year is on once more, and my feed is full of posts from the current group. I am getting constant flashbacks of what an incredible journey it was.

My itinerary took me from the charming Wallawwa in Colombo to Sigiriya Water Gardens, our base for visiting Sigiriya, spotting wild elephants and making that early start to climb Pidurangala Rock. We then spent a couple of nights at the beautiful Kalkudah Beach House on its wonderfully secluded stretch of sand, with a quick stop at Gal Oya Lodge (which I am determined to take Esme back to, as she would absolutely love it).

From there we headed south, staying at Bawa’s The Last House and Lunuganga, and the gorgeous Kahanda Kanda and Glenross Living, with a touch of extra indulgence in private pool villas. As well as having a good amount of time to explore the old town of Galle.

Sri Lanka is so special and I still have so much to explore. I definitely need to work out when I can get back.

If you would like to plan your own Sri Lankan adventure, I would love to help you create something truly personal and memorable.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

The Sri Lanka Collection

14/10/2026

Just booked: an incredible 16 day adventure through Vietnam for my lovely clients

From the energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the serene karst landscapes of Ninh Binh and the emerald waters of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, this journey is all about experiencing Vietnam at its most authentic and atmospheric. They will be exploring hidden backstreets by Vespa, tasting their way through vibrant street food scenes and drifting along tranquil rivers beneath towering limestone peaks.

There is time built in to truly slow down too, with several days at a secluded coastal hideaway reached only by speedboat, where jungle meets beach and it is all about private pools, ocean views and complete relaxation.

The trip finishes in the south with the colourful chaos of the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, a poignant visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels and a night-time foodie adventure by vintage scooter through the bright lights of Saigon.

I am so excited for my clients to discover Vietnam’s history, culture, flavours and landscapes in such a special way. If this sounds like your kind of trip and you would love a personally designed Vietnam itinerary, tailored just for you, please get in touch.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧[email protected]

12/10/2026

Right now my clients are travelling through Madagascar, journeying from the land of baobabs on the wild west coast to the lush eastern rainforests.

Their adventure began where towering baobab trees glow gold at sunset and dry forests hide tiny nocturnal lemurs and giant chameleons. From there they headed inland through classic Madagascan highlands: rolling hills, red earth villages and shimmering rice terraces, walking between rural communities and meeting local farmers and artisans.

Further south the landscapes shift again into deep rainforest, where misty trails reveal bamboo lemurs, rare birdlife and medicinal plants used by local guides for generations. Then comes the drama of the south: vast sandstone massifs carved into canyons and natural pools, where they spend the day hiking among strange rock formations before watching the sun sink in a blaze of colour.

Reaching the far southwest, they meet coastal cultures, discover elaborate painted tombs and wander through an extraordinary botanical garden showcasing the island’s unique spiny desert plants. The journey ends in the highland capital and the sacred royal hill, steeped in stories of kings, queens and centuries of tradition, before a final immersion in the dense eastern rainforest, home to the haunting call of the indri and some of the richest biodiversity on earth.

If Madagascar is on your wish list and you would love a similar in-depth journey, tailored just for you, let’s start planning.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧[email protected]

27/09/2026

Day 9 - Delhi

Our last morning in India was spent exploring a different part of Delhi to the beginning of the adventure.

We visited the beautiful Sikh temple - Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Everyone has to cover their heads to enter and I could have sat inside all day, it was so peaceful.

Here they also have the Langar, a massive kitchen serving free vegetarian meals to thousands every day. This is run on donations by a team of mostly volunteers.

Life at Travel Counsellors

26/09/2026

Day 7 continued - Chambal

After the busy cities, our overnight stay at Methi Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge was a total contrast.

Restored buildings in a peaceful, natural setting. I loved the rustic feel to tis property.

The team took us to local Heritage Village Holipura, once a beautiful, well off place, many of the wealthy owners have now moved on and left an interesting place of faded grandeur to wander round with the local kids in tow.

We then headed to Barwatpur Temple Complex, for sunset by the river and time watching worshippers in a very loud temple of bells.

Our setting for dinner was in the relaxing gardens back at the lodge before an early night for those that were going on a nature walk before breakfast.

I spotted a Kingfisher before I'd even joined the walk and with the others saw and heard many different birds, flying foxes and butterflies.

I could have spent so much more time here.
Off back to Delhi for our last stop before heading home.

Life at Travel Counsellors

24/09/2026

Days 6 & 7 - Agra

A morning travelling from Jaipur brought us to Agra.

On arrival we checked in and had a yummy local street food inspired lunch at our boutique hotel stay, Ekaa | Agra

Then heading off by tuk tuk, it wasn't far to get us out of the city into much more rural Indi. We visted a couple of villages and whilst walking between the crops had our first view of the iconic sight that Agra is famous for, the Taj Mahal.

After an early night (for those of us not catching up on emails!), we had a 5am start so that we were at the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Yes it was busy - I was actually expecting it to be busier! Such a stunning site and the north gate we entered through was also fantastic and a great contrast, with it's red tones, to the main white mauseleum building.

The same day we visited Agra fort, similar to Amber fort in Jaipur though this comes with the additional stories of the Taj Mahal creator's final days as well as views over it.

Next stop...somewhere completely different!

22/09/2026

Days 4 & 5 - Jaipur

What an amazing city!

Vibrant and bustling with amazing architecture.

We visited Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar (where minds were blown trying to understand the astrology and astronomy being explained to us)

Took a ride with Pink City Rickshaw through the chaotic streets

Samode Haveli, where I have sent many clients in the past was a wonderful heritage stay, totally exceeding my expectations.(I'll post more about this another day)

Karon Edmunds
Camilla Suntay Travel
India & More by Trail Blazer Tours
Life at Travel Counsellors
Pink City Rickshaw Company
Samode Hotels India

Address

Southampton
SO15 1

Website

https://linktr.ee/sarahcoombes

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