Merlyn - Not Just Travel

Merlyn - Not Just Travel Like a travel-savvy friend—with a plan. Curated travel with you in mind. Honest advice, providing unforgettable adventures and making memories. Explore more.

Stress less. Travel Specialist: ATOL & ABTA protected. I’m a passionate travel planner dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys. Whether you're traveling with family, exploring solo, or escaping with friends, I’m here to help you see more of the world. With honest advice, a love for the details, and a genuine desire to help people explore the world, I’ll make your holiday stress-free and full of meaning. You relax—I’ll handle the rest.

29/06/2026

On the road again... The alarm went off at 3am on Sunday morning, but it's all worth it as we're heading to Dallas, Texas!

If you're travelling that early, I can't recommend Meet & Greet Parking enough. It was just £107 for 7 nights, making the start of the journey so much easier.

We're flying with Virgin Atlantic today. I've been travelling with them for over 15 years and, for me, they're still the airline to beat on the routes they serve.

And the lounge... wow. If you've ever had the chance to use it, you'll know what I mean. Great food, plenty of places to relax and, best of all... the spa is back!

They even have sleep pods if you need to catch up on a few hours' sleep before your flight.

And before anyone judges me... yes, it was only 6:30am... 🍾 Champagne? Absolutely!

We had the bulkhead seats in Premium, which meant plenty of legroom (probably better suited to someone taller than my 5ft frame! 😄).

It was a lovely journey into JFK, where we spent a little time in the Virgin Clubhouse before catching our connecting flight to Dallas.

It's 37°C here today, although after the UK heatwave, I feel like I've had a bit of practice!

If you're thinking about a USA adventure, I'd love to help. I lived in New York City for five years, so it's a destination I know really well, and I've travelled extensively across the States.

Drop me a message and let's start planning your next adventure.

If you've been saying, "We really should get away this summer..." but haven't booked anything yet, don't assume you've m...
28/06/2026

If you've been saying, "We really should get away this summer..." but haven't booked anything yet, don't assume you've missed your chance.

Some of the best holidays I've helped clients book have been last-minute.

You might not have every hotel or flight to choose from, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastic options still available. In fact, being flexible can often lead to discovering somewhere you hadn't even considered.

The best part? You don't have to spend hours searching multiple websites trying to work out what's still available.

Tell me your dates, your budget and the type of holiday you're looking for, and I'll do the hard work for you. Whether it's a week in the sunshine, a city break, a luxury escape or a family getaway, I'll narrow down the options that genuinely fit what you're after.

Last-minute doesn't have to mean stressful—it can be one of the easiest ways to get away.

Thinking about booking something? Drop me a message with your dates and I'll see what's still possible.

The world is a little more connected again... dreaming of a long-haul adventure, this couldn't be a better time!While th...
27/06/2026

The world is a little more connected again... dreaming of a long-haul adventure, this couldn't be a better time!

While the headlines have focused on the UAE, what excites me most is what this means for travellers looking further afield.

The UAE is one of the world's biggest aviation hubs, connecting the UK to incredible destinations across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Australia and beyond. It opens up opportunities to plan those bucket-list holidays that may have been on hold.

Whether you've been dreaming of relaxing in the Maldives, exploring Japan, discovering Thailand, island hopping around Mauritius, visiting Australia or creating an unforgettable New Zealand road trip, there are now even more possibilities to consider.

One of my favourite parts of planning long-haul travel is helping clients build journeys that are more than just a holiday. Think a few nights in Dubai before the Maldives, Singapore on the way to New Zealand, or combining several destinations into one seamless itinerary.

It's not just about getting from A to B—it's about making the journey part of the adventure.

If a long-haul trip has been sitting on your wish list, now is a fantastic time to start exploring what's possible.

Drop me a message and let's create an itinerary that's perfectly tailored to you.

Still haven't booked your August holiday? You're definitely not the only one.The good news, there are still fantastic ho...
26/06/2026

Still haven't booked your August holiday? You're definitely not the only one.

The good news, there are still fantastic holidays available, so there is still time to get your summer getaway in the diary.

The destinations I'm recommending right now all have something in common. They're offering a great mix of sunshine, excellent hotels and good availability for August. Whether you're looking for a family beach holiday, a romantic escape, somewhere to relax or somewhere to explore, there are still some brilliant options.

What many people don't realise is that finding the right last-minute holiday isn't about searching hundreds of websites it's about knowing which destinations are still offering the best choice for your dates, budget and travel style.

That's where I come in.

I do the research, check availability across a wide range of suppliers and narrow everything down into a shortlist to fit what you're looking for.

No endless scrolling. No second-guessing!

So if a July / August escape is still on your wish list, don't assume it's too late.

Send me your ideal dates, who's travelling and your budget, and I'll show you what's possible.

Why I recommend Silversea to some of my clientsWhen people think of cruising, they often picture large ships and busy it...
24/06/2026

Why I recommend Silversea to some of my clients

When people think of cruising, they often picture large ships and busy itineraries. Silversea offers something quite different.

With smaller ships, exceptional service and access to destinations that larger vessels can't reach, it combines luxury with genuine exploration. The atmosphere is more intimate, many extras are included, and the whole experience feels effortless from start to finish.

One of the things I help clients with is understanding the differences between cruise lines. Luxury cruising isn't one-size-fits-all, and finding the right fit depends on how you like to travel, what experiences you're looking for, and where you want to go.

Have you ever considered a small-ship luxury cruise, or is there a destination you'd love to explore by sea? It'd be great to chat through all your thoughts and see where your next trip might be.

SATURDAY 27 JUNEI'll be hosting a pop up stand at Blue Diamond Garden Centre at Fosseway from 9.30am. Feel free to pop ...
24/06/2026

SATURDAY 27 JUNE
I'll be hosting a pop up stand at Blue Diamond Garden Centre at Fosseway from 9.30am. Feel free to pop by if you're in the area, I'll be on hand to answer any travel queries you might have and provide inspiration for your next trip!

See you soon, Merlyn

Reviews like this are exactly why I love what I do. For me, it's never just about booking a holiday. It's about helpin...
23/06/2026

Reviews like this are exactly why I love what I do. For me, it's never just about booking a holiday. It's about helping people create memories, discover new places, and enjoy experiences they'll be talking about long after they've unpacked their suitcase.

Thank you for your kind words, trusting me to plan your Montenegro adventure and sharing your photos and expeirence with me. 🌍✈️

23/06/2026

There’s a better way to see the world than staying in one place for two weeks!

When most people hear the words "touring holiday", they often think of rigid schedules, rushing from place to place, or spending hours on a coach. The reality couldn't be more different.

Modern touring holidays can be anything from a self-drive adventure through New Zealand, to island hopping in Greece, a rail journey across Canada, or combining a city break with a beach escape. They're designed to help you experience more of a destination in a way that suits your travel style.

It's one of the reasons touring holidays are becoming increasingly popular. Rather than seeing one resort, you can explore different regions, cultures, landscapes and experiences all within the same trip.

I've put together a blog that explains the different types of touring holidays, who they're best suited to, and why they might be worth considering for your next adventure.

As a Travel Consultant, I help clients work out the right pace, destinations and style of touring to suit them, taking away the overwhelm of planning multi-stop itineraries and turning ideas into a seamless, bookable trip.

Comment "TOUR" below and I'll send the blog straight to your DMs.

22/06/2026

Touring - the reality is that modern small-group touring is far more flexible than many people realise.

If you're travelling solo, you can often choose to have your own room. If you're travelling with a partner, family or friends, you're free to spend as much or as little time with the group as you'd like. Want to enjoy dinner together one evening and then do your own thing the next day? No problem.

And while you're travelling with other people, you're usually sharing the experience with like-minded travellers who have chosen the same destination and style of trip for a reason.

What I think really makes touring special is the access it gives you to experiences you might never find on your own. Great tour guides know the local people, the hidden spots, the best times to visit popular attractions, and where to find the food that locals actually eat.

You still get free time, flexibility and independence, but without the stress of planning routes, transfers, accommodation and logistics yourself.

Touring has changed a lot over the years, and for many travellers it's one of the best ways to see more of a destination in a single trip.

If you're curious about touring holidays and want to know which style might suit you, send me a message and I'd be happy to help.

22/06/2026

BOOK TODAY .... RELAX TOMORROW
We often spend so much time waiting for the "perfect" time to book a holiday that we end up missing some fantastic opportunities.

The reality is, sometimes the best trips are the ones you decide to take on a whim. A last-minute escape can be just what's needed to step away from the day-to-day, recharge, and enjoy something different.

With plenty of great offers available, now could be the perfect time to get something in the diary and give yourself something to look forward to.

If you're thinking about getting away, drop me a message. I'll take care of the planning, find the right option for you, and make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

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