Coulter Travel

Coulter Travel We love to travel and believe in creating and booking the best holiday for your requirements and price range using our recommended, tried and tested suppliers.

Tom & Lindsay Coulter
Modern travel agents - helping you be “Always Away”
Travel advisors who ❤️ to travel ✈️🚢
Powered by Not Just Travel (part of Hays IG)
We book dream trips with care and personal service For offers, join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/357641608675127

As part of the award-winning Not Just Travel agency within the Hays Independence Group, we have access to

everything available to a high street travel agent including all your favourite brands. As parents ourselves, we know all the tips for organising a perfect family holiday but we also have the experience to handle any travel enquiry you wish to make! From simple short haul packages to the most complex of adventures. We can offer off the shelf holidays or fully bespoke packages, all fully protected under the ABTA and ATOL schemes. Either way, you will receive personal service - we care about your holiday as much as our own. Holiday time is so precious, make each trip one to remember! If you have a quote already, let us see if we can beat it. If you are starting to plan your next adventure, get in touch and we will make the experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Tom and Lindsay Coulter, your personal travel consultants.

MSC … as easy as ABC … but only if you understand what to expect from cruising on a mega cruise ship with a maximum capa...
07/06/2026

MSC … as easy as ABC … but only if you understand what to expect from cruising on a mega cruise ship with a maximum capacity of over 6000 guests. I have sailed 11 times with this popular European brand, mostly out of Southampton, but also in the eastern and western Mediterranean. I have cruised for a week and for shorter durations too, including 4 mini itineraries. I have slept in the entry level inside cabins, as well as the deluxe Yacht Club suite. I know the ships well, having experienced Virtuosa, Lirica, Bellissima, Seaview and Euribia as a paying guest each time. All opinions are always my own 👌🏻

MSC Is relatively new to the UK cruise market, and is a direct competitor to a famous UK cruise line for sailings out of Southampton. Each have strengths and weaknesses and understanding these makes a difference to the cruise experience.

As a specialist cruise advisor who has been fortunate enough to spend many weeks at sea, I can do what websites and Facebook groups can’t. I can understand your motivations for your holiday, learn your preferences, advise on which ship, line, itinerary is right for you so there are no surprises and you’re equipped, mentally and practically, for a wonderful break.

My cruise was fantastic but it wasn’t perfect and from conversations I overhead, friction points were due to passengers not being prepared. There were families who had no idea that they would dock a few miles from the beach or town - common for this itinerary. There were those unprepared for the weather or movement on board - the Bay of Biscay is notoriously moody. Then there were those surprised by the crowds and queues at peak times - 6000 is a small town and bottlenecks will happen. However, there are ways to mitigate these challenges.

I help my clients, not just by booking their cruises, but ensuring they get their best from their holiday at sea, whether it’s by selecting a well located cabin, recommending dining options or proving insider hints and tips.

There are many ways to secure your first or next cruise - direct, online, in store - but if you value honest opinions and genuine care, I’d be delighted to help you have as great a time as I did ☺️

The fourth and final stop of our France and Spain cruise itinerary. This modern port city was completely rebuilt after t...
06/06/2026

The fourth and final stop of our France and Spain cruise itinerary. This modern port city was completely rebuilt after the war and the distinct architecture shows this story. No quaintness, just its own distinct character with sprinkles of modern art installations and monuments. We decided to continue on our quest for food markets, craft coffee and artisan ice cream - ticking these off bingo-card style but with discernment too.

How you enjoy your port stops is a personal thing. Some stay on the ship, taking advantage of quiet spaces and opportunities to use the facilities without crowds. Others opt for a big excursion. Many like us enjoy the change of scene, quietly soaking in the local atmosphere without a formal to do list.

Cruising is such a great way to relax, explore, or do both! It can be a week’s wellness retreat, an extended multicentre city break or a resort style break with shows and pina coladas in hand. It’s such a versatile way of taking a holiday, especially if you’re in a multigenerational group, with so many options to keep everyone happy.

If you’re a cruise fan, what do you love most about it?

If you’re curious, we’d love to chat cruise with you.

I love a new ship, especially a new MSC ship. The countdown has started to the launch of MSC World Asia, and excitement ...
06/06/2026

I love a new ship, especially a new MSC ship.

The countdown has started to the launch of MSC World Asia, and excitement is building ahead of her official naming ceremony in Le Havre, France on 28 November 2026!

As the newest flagship in MSC Cruises' award-winning World Class fleet, MSC World Asia will combine stunning Asia-inspired design with incredible new experiences, entertainment, dining and relaxation at sea.

Following her naming ceremony, she'll begin her inaugural Mediterranean season from Barcelona on 4 December 2026, sailing to some of the region's most iconic destinations including Marseille, Messina, Rome (via Civitavecchia), Naples and Valletta.

To celebrate the countdown, MSC Cruises has revealed six standout experiences guests can look forward to onboard:

🎢 Cliffhanger
Europe's first over-water swing ride, soaring 50 metres above the sea.
🌀 The Spiral @ Tree of Life
At 81.3 metres, this will be the longest dry slide at sea, spanning 11 decks in just seconds.
💦 Twin Racer & U Drop Waterslides
High-speed waterslides designed for adrenaline-filled fun and friendly competition.
🧗 Adventure Trail High Ropes Course
A two-level ropes course suspended above the ocean, complete with Sky Rails and spectacular sea views.
🏎️ MSC Formula Racer
An immersive Formula 1® racing simulator experience for motorsport fans.
🎮 MSC Luna Park Arena
A groundbreaking interactive entertainment venue featuring immersive gaming experiences, original game shows and high-energy themed events.

Interested in sailing on this mega ship?

Ask for a bespoke quote 🥰 Subject to change and availability. T&Cs apply. WhatsApp: 07546 437696‬ Email: [email protected] Web form: www.coulter.travel/contact

B A C K // in the Basque Region - our third port of this cruise was Getxo, the gateway to Bilbao, a fantastic city to vi...
04/06/2026

B A C K // in the Basque Region - our third port of this cruise was Getxo, the gateway to Bilbao, a fantastic city to visit, especially for the famous cheesecake and pintxos! This part of northern Spain has verdant landscapes, less oppressive weather in the summer than the Mediterranean and is often overlooked as a destination. There’s a lot to see including the renowned Guggenheim Museum and its Puppy and Maman spider installations.

This time, we stayed in the Old Town and explored its market and alleyways, indulging in snacks, fruit shopping and excellent coffee and desserts. For full disclosure, it was a bit of a trek and a challenge with 1000s of cruise passengers descending on the metro system at the same time.

There was a sense of stress in the air as people queued to buy tickets to take the line 1 train into the city. You must buy paper tickets from the machine (no apps or contactless tippy tappy) and I was bizarrely yelled at and accused of queue jumping by the stressed out dad ahead of me when I gently asked him if he was going to use the cash-only machine. My competent readiness (I was clutching a 10 euro note ready for action) clearly triggered him as much as his nagging wife and whining tweens…

As is customary in these situations, I rolled my eyes, told him to chill, glared at his kids and inwardly wished him a really terrible rest of the day…

Luckily for all, the Bilbao metro system is efficient with frequent services and we were soon on our way! My mum loved the varied range of seafoods and I could see her contemplating if she could cook any of it in our cabin! We had our first pintxos experience, did some souvenir shopping and soaked up being in the Spanish sunshine before returning to our giant floating home. It really was a perfect port day!

Bilbao stole my heart last year and did it again this year. It takes more than a raging fellow cruiser to spoil it for me! I’ll definitely be returning for longer next time to enjoy more of the culinary delights of this corner of the world.

Have you been to this city?

La Rochelle 🇫🇷, another new port for me, another unpromising introduction! An industrial skyline and persistent blanket...
03/06/2026

La Rochelle 🇫🇷, another new port for me, another unpromising introduction! An industrial skyline and persistent blanket rain weren’t exactly the welcome I had in mind on a June day. But once it cleared and we took the complimentary cruise shuttle and ventured into the heart of the city, it completely won us all over. It had all the ingredients of a perfect port stop.

A vibrant food market, beautiful cafés and bakeries on every corner, artisan gelato of dreams, and a compact and picturesque old town and marina made it a joy to explore. Another highlight? A top-tier private aquarium perfect for celebrating the little nephew’s third birthday.

Sometimes the places that don’t make the best first impression end up being the ones you remember most. And this is why cruising appeals do much to me - it’s the opportunity to see places you may otherwise miss.

01/06/2026

Fresh milk on board = happiness🥛🚢

I don’t think I’m being overly dramatic by saying that fresh milk, as opposed to the ubiquitous cruise UHT for your tea is a complete game changer for the whole cruising experience.

It instantly elevates the EVERYTHING, and finding pasteurised skimmed in foreign port feels like striking gold. It’s the little things that make all the difference at sea. And all for a little more than a euro!

Anyone else feels the same?

After over 30 cruises (I’ve genuinely lost count but this is my 11th with , I know that much!) it’s rare these days that...
01/06/2026

After over 30 cruises (I’ve genuinely lost count but this is my 11th with , I know that much!) it’s rare these days that I arrive into a port I know absolutely nothing about.

My first impression of Gijón wasn’t exactly promising – an industrial harbour view from the balcony, no cruise terminal, and seemingly few taxis too!

But some logistical problem-solving with transportation (we declined the expensive cruise shuttle), we found ourselves in a most delightful port stop.

Relaxed, authentic, easy to explore, with beautiful coastal views, charming streets, great helado and coffee and none of the crowds. Sometimes the places with the lowest expectations end up being a welcome surprise.

Gijón had all the ingredients for a perfect port day – and combined with the family memories made, it’s was definitely worth getting off the ship for! 🇪🇸

What’s a port you’ve found unexpectedly charming?

Some trips are worth the investment 🤩Darwin’s Footsteps: The Galápagos Islands & The Andean Highlands 13 nights combine...
29/05/2026

Some trips are worth the investment 🤩

Darwin’s Footsteps: The Galápagos Islands & The Andean Highlands

13 nights combined Lindblad Expedition Cruise & Escorted Tour from £11,799pp

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Ship: National Geographic Endeavour II
Departure date: 1 February 2027
Duration: 13 nights

Cabin: Oceanview

Itinerary: Quito - Mashpi Lodge - Quito - Baltra - Santa Cruz & North Seymour - Isabela Island - Fernandina & Santiago - Bartolomé & Genovesa - Española - Floreana & San Cristóbal - Baltra - Quito

What's included:

• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage

• 5 nights fully escorted Tropical Andes and Colonial Quito tour

◦ 2 nights at the Casa Gangotena

◦ 3 nights at the Mashpi Lodge

◦ 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners

◦ Soft drinks and bottled water

◦ Porterage

◦ Guided tours as indicated in the itinerary

◦ Lectures & hikes with naturalist guides

◦ Waterproof ponchos and rubber boots

◦ Gratuity to guides and naturalists

◦ Transfers

• Charter flight from Quito to Baltra

• 7 nights all-inclusive cruise on-board National Geographic Endeavour II

◦ All meals

◦ Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits

◦ Wi-Fi

◦ Excursions & zodiac landings

◦ Kayaks, Zodiac cruise & stand-up paddleboards

◦ Guidance and expertise of expedition staff

◦ Presentations led by expedition staff and expert guest speakers

• Charter flight from Baltra to Quito

• 1 night at the 4* Wyndham Quito Airport with breakfast

• All overseas transfers

Based on 2 adults sharing

Total price inclusive of all charges:

B44523 Heathrow from £11,799pp

B44543 Dublin from £12,499pp

B63540 Newcastle from £11,879pp

Deposit: £1,250pp

Based on solo occupancy:

Total price inclusive of all charges:
B44531 Heathrow from £16,299

Deposit: £1,550

Local Fees Breakdown - Payable to the local government
City Tax/Resort Fee: USD $20pp
Rate: 0.75 = GBP £15pp
Exchange rates and local taxes may change before you pay.

Ask for a bespoke quote 🥰 Subject to change and availability. T&Cs apply. WhatsApp: 07546 437696‬ Email: [email protected] Web form: www.coulter.travel/contact

9 years ago, long before it was a top trending destination, I took my kids to Japan for the first time. They really want...
29/05/2026

9 years ago, long before it was a top trending destination, I took my kids to Japan for the first time. They really wanted to go to Bunny Island (having seen it in YouTube) in the Inner Seto Sea which is a couple of hours outside of Hiroshima and this foolish parent agreed, despite having zero experience of travelling to that part of the world.

This was also long before our pivot into the travel industry. I just had Google and determination!

Since then, due to our real life experience gleaned over 6 trips to date (with 2 more in the pipeline), we’ve helped dozens of solos, couples, families and groups discover our favourite country to explore. And taught them all something important in the process… one trip is never enough.

It was an@absolute pleasure to send my very good friend to Tokyo and Osaka for a family adventure to remember, proving that making memories with loved ones is always a good investment. This was another holiday impacted by the Middle East situation and making it actually happen involved a lot of work behind the scenes. Seeing this camera roll has made that work worth it ☺️

Whether you need a fully escorted tour or support with a self-guided introduction then we can totally help turn a plan into a reality. Just don’t blame us for any fomo… there always next time 😉

Unsure of what you need? Let’s have that first conversation.

Discover the Galápagos like a true explorer. Cruise through volcanic shores, meet wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, ...
28/05/2026

Discover the Galápagos like a true explorer. Cruise through volcanic shores, meet wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and experience each moment through the insight of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions expert guides.

🐢 Observe giant Galápagos tortoises in the wild on an adventure in the highlands of Santa Cruz

🦭 Snorkel with sea lions, turtles, and abundant fish

🐧 Encounter iconic wildlife. From blue-footed bo***es and marine iguanas to Galápagos penguins

🐠 Exploring Galápagos 🐠
10 days aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
Year-round departures • From £8,399pp

What’s included?
🧳 International flights from London
✈️ Recommended group flights to and from the Galápagos Islands

🛏️ Pre & post-cruise hotel in Quito
🤿 Excursions and exploration tools including Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling gear & more
🍽️ All meals, inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible

🍺Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard
🌎 Expert guidance from our world-class expedition staff

Ask for a bespoke quote 🥰 Subject to change and availability. T&Cs apply. WhatsApp: 07546 437696‬ Email: [email protected] Web form: www.coulter.travel/contact

Address

Coulter Towers
Sutton Coldfield
B735TJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 9:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 8pm
Sunday 10:30am - 8pm

Telephone

+447546437696

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Coulter Travel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Coulter Travel:

Shortcuts

Share

Category