Catherine Mackey - Tailormade, Adventure & Luxury Travel Expert

Catherine Mackey - Tailormade, Adventure & Luxury Travel Expert Welcome to my Travel Counsellors business page. I’m passionate about creating travel experiences that you’ll remember forever.

Travel Counsellors | Self Employed Independent Travel Consultant | Premium Personal Service | Tailormade Travel Expert | Bucket list adventures | Business Travel | ATOL protected
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☎️ https://bit.ly/BookAnAppointmentWithMe I’m available at a time to suit you to get to know you and your travel hopes, dreams & aspirations, so I can fully research and create the perfect

trip for you. I will look after every element of your trip – flights, hotels, transfers, excursions, and any extra touches to make your trip one to remember. I love to inspire my clients to try new things – there’s a big world out there for you to explore! If you know exactly what you want I can arrange that too. I personally look after every element of your trip and I will be your only point of contact throughout your booking and beyond. Every trip I create is covered by Travel Counsellors 100% financial protection guarantee which protects every single element of your holiday, no ifs no buts. So get in touch for a chat, then sit back and let me do all the hard work – so all you need to do is look forward to setting your out of office and getting away from it all!

Where to Go When: SEPTEMBERSeptember is a brilliant month to travel with the summer crowds beginning to ease in many pla...
02/09/2026

Where to Go When: SEPTEMBER

September is a brilliant month to travel with the summer crowds beginning to ease in many places, but there are still some wonderful destinations enjoying beautiful weather.

☀️ Santorini – warm sunny days, gorgeous sunsets and fewer crowds make September a lovely time to experience this beautiful Greek island.

🌊 Western Australia – spring is beginning, bringing wildflowers, wildlife and fantastic conditions for exploring its spectacular coastline, national parks and wide-open landscapes.

🏙️ Singapore – A fabulous city to explore at any time of year, with incredible food, rooftop bars, beautiful gardens and a fascinating mix of cultures. It also works brilliantly as the start or end of a longer Asian adventure.

Three completely different experiences: a gorgeous Greek island, an epic Australian road trip or an exciting Asian city break.

Which would you choose for a September adventure?

I spent some time onboard Viking Saturn in Liverpool this week and really enjoyed getting to know the ship.Small, stylis...
30/08/2026

I spent some time onboard Viking Saturn in Liverpool this week and really enjoyed getting to know the ship.

Small, stylish and beautifully calm, it feels more like a Scandinavian boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship, with light woods, understated design, a gorgeous Nordic spa, excellent food and, very importantly, no hideous cruise-ship carpets!

Viking is all about the destination rather than the ship trying to steal the show, and I really liked that (although it is a beautiful ship!).

With just 930 guests, every stateroom having a private veranda, all dining included and a really strong focus on food, culture and enrichment, it’s a lovely option for anyone who wants a more relaxed and sophisticated style of cruising.

If you’ve been curious about Viking, or think this style of cruising might suit you, get in touch and I’d be happy to talk you through it and get you booked!

A little insider tip if a Neilson holiday is on your radar for next summer - it really does pay to book early!Neilson la...
11/08/2026

A little insider tip if a Neilson holiday is on your radar for next summer - it really does pay to book early!

Neilson launches each season with its lowest Super Early Bird prices. As holidays are booked, the prices move up through different bands, so booking earlier usually means better value, more choice of resorts, a wider choice of dates and better availability of accommodation.

May and June departures have already moved into Early Bird pricing. July and August are still at Super Early Bird prices for now, but these are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

One resort I’d particularly recommend for families is Messini Beach Club in Greece. It’s set right on the beach and has more than 25 included activities, including:

⛵️ Sailing and windsurfing
🚤 Waterskiing and wakeboarding
🚴‍♀️ Cycling
🎾 Tennis and pickleball
🏄‍♀️ Paddleboarding
💪 Fitness classes

You can all be active together, try different activities separately, or simply relax and do as much or as little as you like.

If you’re thinking about an active family holiday for next summer, please get in touch for a full consultation. I’ll talk through what matters most to your family and match you with the Neilson resort that suits you best.

And don’t forget, I plan fantastic family ski holidays with Neilson Ski too ⛷️

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📧 [email protected]
☎️ 0161 826 4970

10/08/2026

Is Antarctica on your bucket list? (It's absolutely on mine!)

Having recently returned from Svalbard, where I experienced the Arctic landscape and visited five very different expedition ships, I came home with a much greater understanding of what makes polar travel so different from almost any other type of journey.

It isn’t simply about looking at extraordinary scenery from a ship. It’s travelling by Zodiac, stepping ashore in remote locations, learning from experienced expedition guides and adapting each day to the wildlife, ice and weather conditions.

During my time in Svalbard at the CLIA Expedition Cruise Showcase, I met the team from Polar Latitudes Expeditions and learned more about their expedition-first approach to exploring both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Their ships provide a comfortable base, but the real focus is on what guests experience away from them. Weather permitting, they aim to get guests out exploring twice each day, averaging around six hours off the ship. Their returning expedition team members have an average of 12 years’ polar experience, while ships carrying between just 80 and 178 guests help to create a more personal experience.

Polar Latitudes also offers a pioneering Citizen Science programme, giving guests the opportunity to contribute to genuine scientific research during their voyage.

One itinerary that particularly caught my attention is their 12-day Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage aboard M/V Discoverer. It includes a pre-voyage night in Ushuaia, ten nights aboard the ship, scheduled landings and excursions, Citizen Science activities, an onboard photography coach and the opportunity to take part in the Polar Plunge, as well as optional kayaking and camping experiences on some departures.

Experiencing Antarctica is a significant financial investment, so choosing the right ship, itinerary and style of expedition really matters. Polar Latitudes would particularly suit travellers who value plenty of time exploring, an experienced expedition team and a personal, small-ship atmosphere.

If you travelled to Antarctica, what would you most hope to experience: penguins 🐧, whales 🐳, cruising among icebergs 🧊, kayaking 🛶, or taking the Polar Plunge 🥶? I’d love to know, so please share in the comments!

If you’d like to chat more about an expedition cruise to the Arctic or Antarctica, please get in touch. These are trips worth planning well in advance, with Polar Latitudes departures currently on sale through to winter 2027/28 Xx

🌍 Where to Go When - August 🌍If you're looking for inspiration for a late summer adventure, August offers some incredibl...
06/08/2026

🌍 Where to Go When - August 🌍

If you're looking for inspiration for a late summer adventure, August offers some incredible opportunities around the world.

🦧 Malaysia – Perfect for wildlife lovers, with the chance to spot orangutans in Borneo, incredible birdlife and lush rainforest experiences.

🌴 Bali – One of the best months to visit, with warm sunshine, low humidity and ideal conditions for exploring temples, rice terraces and beautiful beaches.

🐋 Canada – British Columbia is at its best, with fantastic hiking, scenic road trips and the opportunity to see orcas, bears and spectacular mountain landscapes.

Whether you're dreaming of wildlife encounters, tropical beaches or epic scenery, August has something for everyone!

If you're thinking ahead to August 2027, now is the perfect time to start planning, especially for popular destinations where flights and the best accommodation book up well in advance.

📩 Get in touch if you'd like me to create a tailor-made itinerary that's completely personalised to you.

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 5 of 5... Ponant, Le Commandant Charcot 🇳🇴 The final ship I visited during the CLIA Expedition Showcase in...
29/07/2026

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 5 of 5... Ponant, Le Commandant Charcot 🇳🇴

The final ship I visited during the CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard was truly something special - Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant's luxury polar exploration ship.

As the world's highest Polar Class passenger ship (PC2), she has been purpose-built to explore some of the planet's most remote and ice-covered regions. This remarkable capability, combined with exceptional French luxury, places her in a class of her own for travellers seeking extraordinary polar experiences.

From elegant suites and world-class dining to a beautiful spa and panoramic observation lounges, every detail has been carefully considered. One of the highlights of my visit was stepping onto the bridge and seeing first-hand the technology and expertise that allows the ship to navigate challenging polar environments safely.

I also explored the briefing room, equipment store and Zodiac operations, giving a real insight into what life is like aboard a true polar exploration ship.

Over the past few days I've stepped on board five very different ships, each offering its own approach to exploring some of the world's most remote destinations. From adventure-focused expeditions to ultra-luxury polar exploration, it's been a fascinating insight into just how diverse this sector has become.

Five ships visited... each offering a completely different way to explore our beautiful planet 🌍

Ready to start planning your own expedition? Whether you're considering the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galápagos or beyond, get in touch and I'll create the perfect expedition adventure, tailored just for you.

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 4 of 5... Swan Hellenic, SH Vega 🇳🇴 My fourth ship visit during the CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard w...
28/07/2026

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 4 of 5... Swan Hellenic, SH Vega 🇳🇴

My fourth ship visit during the CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard was Swan Hellenic's SH Vega.

Swan Hellenic has a fascinating history dating back to the 1950s and has always been known for taking curious travellers to some of the world's most remote and remarkable destinations.

Stepping on board SH Vega, I was struck by the elegant contemporary design and relaxed atmosphere. It feels refined without being overly formal, creating the perfect setting for travellers who enjoy discovering the world in comfort.

What really sets Swan Hellenic apart is its focus on enrichment. Expert guides, historians, naturalists and scientists help bring every destination to life, giving guests a deeper understanding of the places they visit, whether that's through fascinating lectures, guided Zodiac excursions or wildlife encounters.

One of the biggest things I've learned during this showcase is how varied expedition cruising really is. Each cruise line offers a completely different experience, making it so important to choose the one that best matches what you want from your adventure.

Four ships visited, one more to explore! Xx

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 3 of 5… HX Expeditions, MS Spitsbergen 🇳🇴Today I had the opportunity to explore MS Spitsbergen from HX Exp...
28/07/2026

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 3 of 5… HX Expeditions, MS Spitsbergen 🇳🇴

Today I had the opportunity to explore MS Spitsbergen from HX Expeditions, the third expedition ship I’ve visited during the CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard.

Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, this purpose-built expedition ship has a relaxed Scandinavian feel and is designed for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the destinations they visit.

One of the highlights for me was the Science Centre, where guests can learn alongside the expedition team and even contribute to real scientific research through HX’s Citizen Science programme. It’s a fantastic concept that allows you to play a small part in helping scientists better understand our oceans and polar environments.

I also visited the mudroom and Zodiac boarding area, where every expedition day begins. These practical spaces are the gateway to unforgettable wildlife encounters, guided hikes and landings in places that few people ever get to experience.

What really stood out about HX is its emphasis on learning and discovery. It’s less about formal luxury and more about returning home with a greater appreciation of the places you’ve visited.

As a Travel Counsellor, one of the most valuable parts of this showcase is understanding exactly who each expedition cruise line is best suited to. HX is perfect for travellers who are naturally curious, enjoy being actively involved in the experience, and want science, wildlife and exploration to take centre stage.

Three ships visited, two more to explore! Xx

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 2 of 5… Silver Endeavour 🇳🇴Today I had the pleasure of stepping on board Silver Endeavour, Silversea’s pur...
26/07/2026

🇳🇴 Ship Visit 2 of 5… Silver Endeavour 🇳🇴

Today I had the pleasure of stepping on board Silver Endeavour, Silversea’s purpose-built luxury expedition ship, and it was easy to see why she’s regarded as one of the most luxurious expedition ships sailing today.

Carrying just 220 guests in only 110 suites, there’s an incredible feeling of space throughout the ship. Every suite comes with Silversea’s renowned personal butler service, creating a truly personalised experience from the moment you step on board. From the stunning panoramic restaurant, flooded with natural light and incredible Arctic views, to the beautifully designed public spaces, it felt more like a boutique five-star hotel than an expedition vessel.

I toured a selection of suites, and although the spectacular Owner’s Suite was incredible, my favourite was actually the Signature Suite. The stunning atrium glass above the bedroom made it feel so light and airy, adding something really unique to the space. For me, it struck the perfect balance between luxury, comfort and practicality, and I can absolutely see why it’s one of the most popular suites on board.

What really impressed me, though, is how effortlessly Silversea combines this level of luxury with true expedition capability. Days are spent exploring remote polar landscapes by Zodiac with an expert Expedition Team, searching for incredible wildlife and experiencing places few people ever get to visit, before returning to exceptional dining, elegant surroundings and first-class service. It’s genuine expedition cruising without compromising on comfort.

One of the things I’m enjoying most about this showcase is seeing how different each expedition ship feels. While all are designed to explore some of the world’s most remote destinations, each has its own personality and style. Seeing them firsthand means I can confidently recommend the ship that’s the best fit for each of my clients.

Two ships down, three more to explore!

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