Sarah Coombes - Travel Counsellors

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

06/06/2026

Regent Seven Seas, Grandeur - Regent Suite





This time last year I was soaking up the sunshine at the beautiful Kalkudah Beach House on Sri Lanka’s east coast, just ...
02/06/2026

This time last year I was soaking up the sunshine at the beautiful Kalkudah Beach House on Sri Lanka’s east coast, just as it opened its doors.

Set in lush, tropical gardens that run straight down to a white-sand beach, it is the perfect spot for a summer escape when the weather on this coast is at its best. Think lazy mornings by the pool, gentle waves, and warm, golden evenings on the terrace.

The property is made up of two separate buildings that share one gorgeous pool. You can book it as:

⭐A 2-bedroom villa
⭐A 3-bedroom villa
⭐Or take the whole place as a 5-bedroom beach house for a truly exclusive stay

It is ideal for families travelling together, groups of friends, or anyone who wants a private, barefoot-luxury beach retreat with space to truly unwind.

If you would like to start planning your own Sri Lankan beach escape, Get in touch with me to start planning something special around Kalkudah and the east coast.
☎ 020 3292 0515
📧[email protected]

This is a remarkable destination for colour, culture and history: India’s Golden Triangle combines vibrant cities, wildl...
01/06/2026

This is a remarkable destination for colour, culture and history: India’s Golden Triangle combines vibrant cities, wildlife and iconic landmarks in one unforgettable journey. For my final post in this inspo series, I am especially excited because I will be experiencing it first‑hand this September on a Travel Counsellors product trip.

Despite India being high on my must‑see list for years, and sending countless clients on incredible adventures there, I have somehow never made it myself… until now.

🌆 Delhi: old meets new
Delhi is where many Golden Triangle journeys begin. I will be exploring both Old and New Delhi: think chaotic, characterful bazaars and historic sites alongside grand boulevards, monuments and leafy neighbourhoods. It is a perfect introduction to India’s energy, flavours and stories.

🐯 Ranthambore: safari moments
From Delhi I will be heading to Ranthambore, one of India’s best‑known national parks. Here it is all about early morning and late afternoon game drives, crumbling forts, lakes and (with luck) the chance to spot tigers, plus plenty of other wildlife, in their natural habitat.

🎨 Jaipur: the Pink City
Next up is Jaipur, with its majestic forts, palaces and markets. I am looking forward to wandering the old city, visiting the Amber Fort and City Palace, and soaking up Jaipur’s blend of royal history, artisans and everyday street life.

🏛 Agra & the Taj Mahal
No Golden Triangle trip is complete without Agra. Seeing the Taj Mahal in person has been on my list for so long, and I cannot wait to experience it at sunrise or sunset when the light softens and the marble seems to glow.

🌿 Chambal: off the beaten track
I will also be visiting Chambal, a more off‑the‑beaten‑track stop along the river. Expect quieter landscapes, birdlife and a very different side to India away from the main city routes.

🗓 Best time to travel

October to March: generally the best time for a classic Golden Triangle itinerary, with more comfortable daytime temperatures and good sightseeing conditions.
September and late spring can still work well with the right pacing and hotel choices.

If the idea of exploring Delhi, searching for tigers in Ranthambore, admiring Jaipur’s architecture, marvelling at the Taj Mahal and adding somewhere quieter like Chambal appeals, I can help you shape a Golden Triangle itinerary that feels balanced, immersive and truly personal to you. I will also be bringing back fresh, first‑hand tips and recommendations from my own trip later this year.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

This is a remarkable destination for big‑sky adventures: Chile stretches from desert moonscapes to glacier‑carved valley...
31/05/2026

This is a remarkable destination for big‑sky adventures: Chile stretches from desert moonscapes to glacier‑carved valleys, with some of South America’s most spectacular trekking and scenery. If you love wild landscapes, fresh air and journeys that feel truly epic, Chile is unforgettable.

Think Atacama’s otherworldly desert, the island magic of Chiloé and the peaks and glaciers of Torres del Paine in Patagonia.

🏜 Atacama Desert
Start in the Atacama, one of the driest places on Earth. Explore salt flats shimmering with flamingos, geysers steaming at dawn and canyons carved by wind and time. Evenings are for stargazing under some of the clearest skies you will ever see, from a stylish desert lodge or boutique hotel.

🏝 Chiloé: myth, mist & markets
Fly south to the green, misty island of Chiloé. Here you will find colourful palafito houses on stilts, wooden churches, fishing villages and a slower, more traditional way of life. Walk coastal trails, visit local markets and enjoy incredible seafood, then return to a cosy lodge overlooking the water.

🏔 Torres del Paine: Patagonia at its best
Further south, Torres del Paine is Patagonia at its most dramatic: granite towers, turquoise lakes, hanging glaciers and constantly changing light. One of my personal highlights in South America was trekking the circuit here over eight days, with long days on the trail rewarded by jaw‑dropping views and that special sense of achievement you only get from a proper trek. Whether you choose a multi‑day hike like the W or the full circuit, or prefer gentler guided walks with a luxury base, this park is a true showstopper.

🗓 Best time to travel

October to April: ideal for classic Chile itineraries combining Atacama, Chiloé and Patagonia, with longer days and good conditions for trekking.
Other months: possible with a focus on specific regions such as the Atacama or central valleys, depending on your priorities.

If the idea of sunrise in the Atacama, misty mornings on Chiloé and days on the trails in Torres del Paine appeals, I can help you shape a Chile itinerary that feels seamless, adventurous and truly personal to you.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

30/05/2026

This is a stunning destination for those once‑in‑a‑lifetime trips: Antarctica is all about icebergs the size of cathedrals, sculpted snow landscapes, curious penguins and a feeling of absolute remoteness. If you are drawn to wild frontiers, big skies and genuine expedition‑style travel with plenty of comfort, an Antarctic voyage is unforgettable.

Imagine days spent cruising through mirror‑calm channels, zodiac landings on snow‑covered shores and evenings in a warm, welcoming ship watching the light linger late into the night.

🚢 Your expedition ship
Most journeys begin with a night or two in Argentina or Chile, before you board a small expedition ship designed for polar waters. On board you will find comfortable cabins, excellent food, knowledgeable guides and a relaxed, expedition feel: the focus is on being out in nature as much as possible, with daily briefings and flexible plans that follow the best ice and wildlife conditions.

🐧 Landings & wildlife encounters
Your days are shaped around zodiac cruises and shore landings. Step onto the Antarctic Peninsula to walk among penguin colonies, watch seals hauled out on ice floes and look for whales feeding nearby. Expert naturalists bring the region to life, from the behaviour of the wildlife to the stories of early explorers.

❄ Ice, light & landscapes
Part of the magic of Antarctica is simply being there. Glide between icebergs of impossible shapes and shades of blue, listen to the creaks and cracks of shifting ice and soak up huge, silent vistas. When conditions allow, some voyages offer options like sea kayaking, snowshoeing or even a polar plunge for the brave.

🗓 Best time to travel

Late October to March: the Antarctic cruising season. Early season brings pristine snow and dramatic light, mid‑season offers very active wildlife and milder temperatures, and late season can mean incredible whale watching and softer, longer evenings.

If the idea of sailing south past the edge of the map, stepping ashore on the White Continent and experiencing Antarctica in comfort and safety appeals, I can help you choose the right voyage and ship, matching the itinerary and level of adventure to how you like to travel.

Get in touch to start planning your trip of a lifetime
☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

Next stop: Southern Africa. Think rugged coastlines, red‑sand dunes, world‑class wildlife and some of the most dramatic ...
29/05/2026

Next stop: Southern Africa. Think rugged coastlines, red‑sand dunes, world‑class wildlife and some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent. If you are drawn to big views, varied experiences and a sense of adventure wrapped in comfort, combining South Africa and Namibia is an incredible way to explore this part of the world.

Imagine starting with city buzz and vineyards, then road trips through desert panoramas and star‑studded skies.

🌆 Cape Town & the Winelands
Begin in Cape Town, framed by Table Mountain and the ocean. Ride the cable car or hike for sweeping views, explore neighbourhoods like the V&A Waterfront and colourful Bo‑Kaap, then follow the peninsula to meet penguins and wild Atlantic surf. Continue into the Winelands for leisurely lunches, wine tastings and nights in elegant country or boutique vineyard stays.

🦁 Safari in South Africa
Add a few days on safari in one of South Africa’s private reserves or lodges. Morning and evening game drives bring you close to lion, elephant, rhino and more, with time between drives to unwind at the pool or spa, enjoying that special “bush” stillness.

🏜 Namibia: desert, dunes & sky
Then head north to Namibia for a complete change of scenery. Climb or photograph the towering apricot dunes of Sossusvlei, watch the light shift over vast desert plains and experience some of the clearest night skies you will ever see. Depending on your route, you can add time on the Skeleton Coast, in Swakopmund or in Etosha for more wildlife.

🗓 Best time to travel

May to October: ideal for combining safari in South Africa with Namibia’s cooler, drier months and clear skies.
November to April: warmer and sometimes wetter in South Africa, but lush landscapes, good value and generally good conditions for much of Namibia with thoughtful planning.

If the idea of Table Mountain sunsets, South African safari and Namibia’s iconic dunes appeals, I can help you shape a Southern Africa itinerary that feels seamless, immersive and tailored to how you love to travel.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

As I missed out some great destinations in my A-Z inspo series I am rounding off the rest of the month with some bonus p...
28/05/2026

As I missed out some great destinations in my A-Z inspo series I am rounding off the rest of the month with some bonus posts to get to some of those other amazing places....

First up - Thailand & Cambodia:: golden temples, jungle‑wrapped ruins, soft‑sand islands and some of the most welcoming smiles in Asia. If you are drawn to rich culture, incredible food and a mix of city buzz, countryside calm and beach time, Thailand and Cambodia pair beautifully in one journey.

Think sunset river cruises in Bangkok, dawn at Angkor Wat and lazy days on palm‑fringed shores.

🏙 Bangkok & the Chao Phraya
Start in Bangkok, where glittering temples sit alongside rooftop bars and lively neighbourhoods. Cruise the Chao Phraya River at sunset, visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, browse night markets and taste your way through street‑food stalls and stylish restaurants.

🏛 Siem Reap & Angkor temples
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor. Watch sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore jungle‑covered Ta Prohm and the carved faces of Bayon, then return to a boutique hotel with a pool, spa and cool, leafy gardens. Add time to wander Siem Reap’s cafés, galleries and markets.

🏝 Thai islands or coast
Round off your trip with beach time in Thailand. Choose from postcard‑perfect islands or quieter stretches of mainland coast, with days spent island‑hopping, snorkelling, trying Thai cookery classes or simply relaxing by the pool with a good book and a sea breeze.

🗓 Best time to travel

November to March: generally the best window for classic Thailand and Cambodia itineraries, with warm, drier weather and plenty of sunshine in most regions.
Other months: possible with smart routing, for example focusing on particular coasts or shorter cultural stays.

If the idea of temple sunrises in Cambodia, vibrant nights in Bangkok and relaxing days on a Thai beach appeals, I can help you shape a Thailand and Cambodia itinerary that feels seamless, balanced and tailored to how you love to travel.

get in touch with me to start planning your asian adventure.
☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

28/05/2026

Yesterday was Z! I finished my alphabet of holiday inspiration, more to come though as I missed out some amazing destinations so will be rounding out the month with a few more posts of inspo for you.

Z is for Zambia: thundering waterfalls, big skies, star‑filled nights and some of the most rewarding wildlife encounters...
27/05/2026

Z is for Zambia: thundering waterfalls, big skies, star‑filled nights and some of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in Africa. If you are drawn to wild places, quieter parks and lodges that blend comfort with a real sense of adventure, Zambia is a stunning safari choice.

This is the land of Victoria Falls, legendary walking safaris and Zambezi sunsets, with game viewing that feels intimate rather than crowded.

🌊 Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Most trips begin in Livingstone, Zambia’s relaxed gateway to the falls. Wander the rainforest trails to viewpoints where you feel the spray on your face, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, or opt for a helicopter or microlight flight for a dramatic aerial view of “The Smoke that Thunders”.

🐾 South Luangwa: walking safari country
Often called the birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa offers outstanding game viewing with a real sense of wilderness. Go out at first light with expert guides, track wildlife on foot or by vehicle, and return to characterful bush camps where evenings are spent around the campfire under a canopy of stars.

🛶 Lower Zambezi: life on the river
On the Lower Zambezi, wildlife and water are never far apart. Drift along by boat or canoe, watch elephants feeding in the shallows, try catch‑and‑release tiger fishing, or simply sit with a sundowner as hippo and birdlife provide the soundtrack. Many camps sit right on the riverbank, so the views never stop.

🌅 How Zambia fits into a bigger trip
Zambia works beautifully as a standalone safari with a few days at Victoria Falls, or combined with another Southern African country for a longer adventure. It is a fantastic choice for honeymooners, second‑time safari guests and anyone who prefers a more off‑the‑beaten‑track feel.

🗓 Best time to travel

May to October: peak safari season, with dry conditions, excellent wildlife viewing and cooler nights.
November to April: greener, more humid months, with some camps closing during the rains, but wonderfully lush landscapes and great birding.

If you like the idea of misty mornings at Victoria Falls, walking safaris in South Luangwa and river sunsets in the Lower Zambezi, I can help you shape a Zambia itinerary that feels adventurous yet reassuringly well looked after, tailored to how you love to travel.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

Y is for Yukon: glacier‑carved valleys, mirror‑still lakes, endless spruce forests and some of the biggest skies you wil...
26/05/2026

Y is for Yukon: glacier‑carved valleys, mirror‑still lakes, endless spruce forests and some of the biggest skies you will ever stand under. If you are drawn to wild places, wide open spaces and proper “frontier” feeling, the Yukon is an incredible part of Canada to explore.

This is the land of the midnight sun in summer, northern lights in the darker months, and roads where you can drive for what feels like forever without seeing another car.

🏙 Whitehorse: small city, big backyard
Most journeys start in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s friendly little capital on the Yukon River.
Stroll the waterfront, learn a little Gold Rush history, dip into cafés and breweries, then head out on nearby trails or float trips to get a first taste of that northern wilderness. It feels relaxed and outdoorsy, with the mountains always on the horizon.

⛰ Kluane National Park: mountains, icefields & bears
West of Whitehorse, Kluane is home to Canada’s highest peak and vast icefields.
You can hike day trails to alpine viewpoints and turquoise lakes
Take a scenic flight (weather permitting) over glaciers and jagged peaks
Watch for grizzlies, Dall sheep and eagles in the valleys and along river flats
The landscapes here are big, raw and incredibly photogenic.

🚗 Road trip routes: Klondike & Dempster
The Yukon is made for road trips:
The Klondike Highway from Whitehorse to Dawson City follows the route of the Gold Rush, through lakes, mountains and little roadside stops
The Dempster Highway (for the more adventurous) heads north towards the Arctic, with tundra, mountains and huge skies, especially spectacular in autumn when the colours turn red and gold

⭐ Dawson City: Gold Rush charm
Dawson City feels like stepping onto an old movie set: wooden boardwalks, colourful clapboard buildings and a riverside setting where the Klondike meets the Yukon. Learn about the Gold Rush, pan for gold, catch live music or a can‑can show in the evening, and drive up to Midnight Dome for sweeping views over the river bends and hills.

🌌 Northern lights & long days
Depending on when you go, the Yukon can offer:
Midnight sun and very long evenings in mid‑summer, great for hiking, paddling and long, dreamy drives
Northern lights in the darker months, with aurora viewing lodges and night excursions outside the city for the best chance of seeing the sky come alive

🗓 Best time to travel
June to early September: ideal for classic Yukon trips: snow‑free roads, hiking, wildlife viewing, long days and, later in the season, autumn colours.
Late autumn to early spring: best for aurora‑focused breaks, fat‑biking, snowshoeing and that proper “north in winter” experience.

If you love the idea of a journey that might take you from a riverside stroll in Whitehorse to hiking in Kluane, driving through big, empty country to Dawson City and maybe watching the northern lights dance overhead, I can help you shape a Yukon itinerary that feels adventurous but achievable, tailored to how you travel.

☎ 020 3292 0515
📧 [email protected]

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