Emma Whiteman - Travel Counsellors

15/06/2026

I’m back at my desk today after a wonderful few days onboard Oceania Vista, I’ll be dropping a review of the ship shortly.

I’m in the office this week, but in around 10days time I’ll be away on a trip to the “Land of Smiles” Thailand.

So if you are waiting on a quote from me I’ll be in touch next couple of days, and if I’ve sent you a quote then this week would be a good time to get in touch to make any amendments or to book.

Have a great week everyone!

Emma x

04/06/2026

If your phone background isn’t a holiday photo yet……we need to talk.

📞 01707 450045

03/06/2026

This week is Small Business Week, and it’s a brilliant reminder of just how much our local independents do for our communities. From the coffee you grab on the school run to the gifts you buy on our high streets, every time you choose to “shop local” you help a real person, not just a logo.

As an independent travel specialist, I am a small local business too. When you book your holidays with me, you are not just another reference number. I genuinely care about you and your travel plans and your peace of mind.

So this week, if you can, choose the local butcher, the independent boutique, the family run cafe…and your local travel expert when you are ready to plan your escape.

Thank you to everybody who has supported my small business so far, it absolutely means more than you know ♥️

Emma x

01/06/2026

Hello June!

May continued to have so many of you get in touch to book your travel plans.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s been booking!

⭐️ Last minute Fjords & Artic Circle Cruise
⭐️ Algarve for friends
⭐️ Trip to Rhodes
⭐️ Maldives for March 27
⭐️ Friends trip to Lisbon
⭐️ October Half Term to Fuerteventura
⭐️ Group trip to Lille
⭐️ Couples trip to Lake Garda

It’s also been a busy couple of weeks with Half Term departures.

I’ve currently gots lots of enquiries on my desk, which I’m working my way through. Thanks so much to each and everyone of you for your enquiries and bookings. It’s such a pleasure to help you all.

Have a great month!

Emma x

28/05/2026

I’m delighted to have been invited by Oceania Cruises to experience one of their gorgeous ships.

I’m very lucky to be flying to Lisbon in around 10 days time and jumping onboard Oceania Vista for a 4 night sailing to Southampton.

I’ll be checking out all that this stunning ship has to offer.

The 9th June will be my last day in the office, so get in touch if you have an enquiry you’d like me to look at before I go.

27/05/2026

Athens & Mykonos in Luxury

Experience the perfect blend of culture and island luxury with 3 nights at the stylish Grecotel Pallas Athena in Athens, followed by 7 nights at the iconic Grecotel Mykonos Blu overlooking Psarou Beach. Explore ancient sights, rooftop dining and vibrant neighbourhoods before unwinding in Mykonos with stunning sea views, chic beach clubs and unforgettable sunsets.

Includes

⭐️3 nights at Grecotel Palace Athena
⭐️7 nights at Mykonos Blu, A Grecotel Resort to Live
⭐️Bed and Breakfast
⭐️Private transfers to/from airports and ferry ports
⭐️Ferry tickets from Athens to Mykonos
⭐️Flights from Gatwick
Based on 13th September departure.

Price from £2526 per person

Athens city tax not included and payable locally at 10EUR per accommodation per night.
Mykonos climate resilient tax not included and payable locally at 15EUR per room per night.

Sound good? Drop me a message and let’s start planning.

22/05/2026

Judith Chalmers - A Travel Legend

I always looked forward to watching Wish you Were Here every week, it definitely inspired my passion for travel, and made me want to be part of this amazing industry, and I know a lot of my colleagues feel the same (well those of us old enough).

Thank you Judith for the inspiration and making me realise that travel was absolutely the way I wanted my career to go.

♥️

19/05/2026

Introducing something special for anyone who loves adventure, discovery and seeing the world in style…

We’re excited to launch our brand new Tour & Explore by Travel Counsellors page: a dedicated space for all things small group touring and river cruising.

It’s run by the three of us: me, Dean McMackin and Karen Thornton, combining almost 100 years of travel experience. We’ll be sharing our insider knowledge, handpicked itineraries, exclusive offers and up-to-the-minute updates from the world of adventure touring and river cruising.

If you’re dreaming of:

Immersive small group tours with like-minded travellers
Scenic river cruises through Europe, Asia and beyond
Authentic experiences with expert guidance and hassle-free planning
…then this page is for you.

👉 Head over to https://www.facebook.com/share/1GixXwXzEA/?mibextid=wwXIfr follow the page and get involved – we’d absolutely love to see you there.

Please do share it far and wide with anyone you know who loves to travel, your support means the world to us.

And keep an eye out: there may even be a prize for our 500th follower…

We’re a trio of independent travel agents with nearly 100 years’ experience, offering group touring holidays for all ages. Solo traveller? Covered. From Machu Picchu to the Rhine, Italy to Everest —we bring the world’s best experiences to you.

18/05/2026

Flights expiring, rooms selling out, offers disappearing overnight: this really is what happens behind the scenes in travel.

After 39 years in the industry, I know how fast things can change. There’s nothing worse than having to tell someone that the flights have gone or the hotel they loved has sold out, especially when we were so close to securing it.

So if I ever say “we need to move quickly”, it’s not about pressure and it’s not for MY benefit. It’s 100% about protecting you from price increases and disappointment.

I only get paid when you travel and my business grows through referrals, so it’s in my interest to get your holiday spot on and make sure you feel well looked after from start to finish.

If you’re thinking about a trip and would like straightforward, honest advice from someone who knows how it all works, just drop me a message and we can chat through some ideas. I will ALWAYS have your best interests at heart. Every. Single. Time.

06/05/2026

Brilliant news to wake up to this morning.

I’m proud to be part of Travel Counsellors, which has received a King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in Innovation.

Our unique approach helps us collaborate, share expertise and give our customers incredible holidays – all driven by care, community, and personalised service.

Award-winning innovation. Powered by people.