Rachael Higgins, Personal Travel Counsellor

01/05/2025

Absolutely delighted with our accreditation Travel Counsellors Ireland (the only travel company to have been awarded might I add!) and so blessed to have such wonderful colleagues...

has been honoured with the prestigious Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF).

30/04/2025

This week I am working on a gorgeous family trip for Christmas 2025; its looking so good, it's ended up on the list for my family too! 🇻🇳

Heading to Vietnam, exploring amazing places like Hoi An and Hanoi, with lots of experiences planned such as a street food tour, cu chi tunnels, a cyclo tour and a night on a traditional junk boat! ⛵🍜

Actually. I’m finding more and more families with kids aged 12+ are considering adventure holidays and creating the best memories together.

If this sounds like something you’d love too, get in touch...I'd only be delighted of the opportunity to help you plan something just as special.

27/04/2025

Did you know I’ve been curating honeymoons for over 28 years? Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a luxurious escape to unwind and celebrate, organising your perfect honeymoon is one of my most favourite things to do!

Lately, I’ve been helping some couples plan their late honeymoons — trips that are happening within the next 6 weeks. Life is busy, and sometimes it’s hard to find the time to organise everything, so if that’s you, don’t worry — I’m always happy to help, no matter how far in advance (or close to travel!) you book.

That said, if you would like to plan in advance, flights and accommodation can usually be booked up to 11 months before your return date — which means I’m already planning honeymoons right now as far as March 2026!

The process always starts with an initial chat — it's so important to me that I get to know you as a couple, and make sure the trip I create is truly your perfect honeymoon. Whether you prefer Zoom, a phone call, or a face-to-face meeting if you're nearby, I will always try my best to accommodate you.

My diary is currently full until the end of April, but I have a few spaces available in May — so if you're thinking about your honeymoon (or know someone who is), now’s the perfect time to get in touch.

Get in touch, I would be delighted of the opportunity to help:
📧[email protected]

21/04/2025

One of the questions I get asked the most is "Where is popular to go to this year?”
and that is easy to answer.... Japan 🇯🇵 It's somewhere I get asked about again and again.

Honestly, its no surprise... It’s such a fascinating, beautiful and unique place. With the buzz of Tokyo, the traditional charm of Kyoto, the views of Mount Fuji and the fab food… there's no doubt it will continue to be popular.

That said — Japan is one of those destinations you really need to plan ahead for. Especially if you’re hoping to see the cherry blossom season 🌸

So even if you're thinking about Japan in 2026 — now’s the time to start looking.

The most popular route is what’s known as the Golden Route — it gives you a lovely mix of highlights: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji, traditional inns, tea ceremonies, temples, bullet trains, Ryokans and lots more.

Cruises can also be a great option if you’re looking to explore more of Asia — but if you want to really immerse yourself in Japan, doing it land-based is an incredible way to experience it.

If it’s on your list, drop me a message or give me a call (094) 9376765. I’d only be delighted of the opportunity to help.

19/04/2025

🐣 Happy Easter 🌸

Just a little note from me to wish you a lovely long weekend – I hope it’s filled with all the good stuff… fun with family and friends, a bit of rest, and and plenty of Easter eggs! (That's my plan anyway!)

As always, I’m around if you need me – whether it’s something urgent, or if you just want to go ahead and confirm a quote whilst its still available - just pop a message to my mobile and I will get back to you asap.

Wishing you a lovely Easter break, whatever you’re up to,
Rachael 😊

28/03/2025

✨Just so you know....

I’m thrilled to be attending the 20 Beyond Conference at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort on Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th April! 🎉 This special event marks 20 incredible years of Travel Counsellors in Ireland, celebrating our journey, our growth, and the amazing community we’ve built.

This conference is such an important part of my business—it’s where I connect with key suppliers, get industry updates, and gain fresh inspiration to continue providing the best possible service to my clients.

I’ll be out of the office from Thursday, but I’ll be available as usual tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so if you’d like to finalise any bookings before then, just let me know! Otherwise, feel free to reach out, and I’ll be back to you as soon as possible after my return.

Here’s to the next 20 years of creating unforgettable travel experiences! ✈️🌍

24/03/2025

Sail into summer 2025 with an incredible voyage through Italy & Croatia this May...

✨ Best of Italy & Croatia Cruise – May 2025 ✨🌍
Set sail on an unforgettable 11-night adventure onboard Celebrity Constellation, departing from Ireland on 26th May 2025! 🚢✨
🌟 Itinerary Highlights:
📍 Sail from Ravenna, Italy
📍 Zadar, Croatia
📍 Dubrovnik, Croatia
📍 Split, Croatia
📍 Kotor, Montenegro (one of my absolute favourites! 😍)
📍 Sicily (Messina), Italy
📍 Naples, Italy
📍 Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy (incredible for art, history & food!)
📍 Depart from Civitavecchia Port, Italy
🌊 What’s Included?
✅ Return flights from Dublin ✈️
✅ Transfers 🚐
✅ Interior cabin accommodation 🛌
✅ Full board meals in selected restaurants 🍽️
✅ Classic Drinks Package 🍹
✅ Basic WiFi 📶
💰 From just €2,460 per adult – excellent value for this dream itinerary! 💫
🚨 This is going to be snapped up fast! 🚨
🔼 Upgrade options available for a supplement.
📞 Call 094 937 6765 to book your place before it’s gone!

18/03/2025

Your kind words mean a lot, thank you for allowing me to share your feedback John. I’m very grateful to my amazing clients who continue to support me and trust me with their travel plans. It’s always a pleasure! ✨🌍

18/03/2025

🎶 Why Nashville Should Be Your Next Getaway! 🎸

If there’s one place that stole my heart, it’s Nashville...
From the buzzing honky-tonks to the incredible live music scene, this city has a vibe like no other.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience it first-hand, and I know all the best spots to stay, eat, and soak up the atmosphere. With direct flights from Ireland launching soon, there’s never been a better time to go ✈

📖 Check out my Nashville guide here 👇 https://www.travelcounsellors.ie/rachael.higgins/Profile-Blog/HonkyTonksHotChickenHikingAGuidetoNashvilleBeyond

Book early to lock in your reservation with a deposit, then enjoy the flexibility of paying off your holiday in easy instalments through our myTC app📱

📞 Let’s plan your trip – 0949376765
📩 [email protected]

17/03/2025

🍀 This St. Patrick’s Day, Go Green in Style! 🌍

Why not swap the usual celebrations for an adventure somewhere truly lush and breathtaking? From misty rainforests to dramatic landscapes, here are some incredible destinations that will make your green heart happy:

🌿 Rwanda – Trek through emerald forests to see majestic mountain gorillas 🦍
🏔 New Zealand – Rolling hills, stunning fjords & crystal-clear lakes 🚤
🌺 Madeira – Scenic levada hikes & endless greenery 🌿
🌳 Costa Rica – Vibrant rainforests packed with exotic wildlife 🐒
❄️ Iceland – Waterfalls, volcanoes & landscapes straight out of a fairytale ✨

Where’s calling your name? Let’s turn your dream trip into reality! 💚 🌎

📩 DM me to start planning!

14/03/2025

🌴 Dreaming of Dubai? You Can Fly from Knock!! ✈️☀️

Did you know that you don’t have to go to Dublin to explore incredible long-haul destinations? With convenient connections through Heathrow, you can jet off from Ireland West Airport Knock to amazing places like Dubai!

If a little sunshine sounds good next month, check this out 👇

✨ Dubai Getaway – 5-Star Luxury ✨
📅 Departing 24th April 2025
🏨 6 nights at the stunning Grosvenor House Hotel – a 5-star luxury property
🍽️ Half board included – breakfast & evening meals at a selection of top restaurants
🚖 Private transfers included
🛄 Flights, taxes & baggage included
💰 From €2,380 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)

This is just one of many fantastic travel opportunities available from our local airport – so if you’re thinking of a trip, let’s chat! With my years of experience, I’ll take care of all the details so you can simply relax and enjoy. 🌍💙

📩 Get in touch today to start planning your dream escape! 094 9376765 or DM!

13/03/2025

Your honeymoon is one of the most special trips you’ll ever take, so make sure its in good hands...

With nearly 30 years of experience, I know what it takes to create a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable honeymoon. Whether it’s a private island retreat, an epic road trip, or a bucket-list adventure, I’ll make sure every detail is just right.

📩 DM me to request your digital honeymoon brochure today,
☎️ or call me on 094 9376765

11/03/2025

This means so much! 🥰 Huge thanks to Elaine for her lovely words—and for trusting me with her holidays (and her friends' & family too!).