Rosemary Chawke / Travel Counsellors Ireland

20/09/2026

A family holiday to South Africa is so much more than just a getaway.
From spotting lions and elephants on safari, to riding the cable car up Table Mountain and watching the sun set over the ocean, every day feels like an adventure straight out of a storybook.

Children learn about wildlife and culture up close, parents get to truly switch off, and you all come home with shared memories that will last a lifetime.

If you would love a family trip that blends excitement, learning and a touch of luxury, I’d be delighted to help you plan it.

Are you ready to embark on a truly unique adventure?

19/09/2026

Douro, Porto & Salamanca River Cruise

Sail from Porto’s colourful riverfront through golden vineyards and into the heart of Spain on a wonderfully relaxed 6‑night river cruise along the Douro.

Think leisurely days gliding past terraced valleys, evenings on the sundeck with a glass of wine in hand, and time to really explore: from Porto’s old‑world charm to Spain’s “Golden City” of Salamanca with its grand plazas and rich history.

Perfect for:
• Active explorers who enjoy gentle walking and trekking
• Culture lovers and bucket‑list tickers
• Couples looking for a scenic, slow‑paced adventure

Best time to travel: May, June, July, August, September, October

What is included:
• Return flights from Dublin
• Checked baggage
• All transfers
• 6‑night Douro river cruise
• Full board on the cruise

If you would love a culture‑rich adventure through Portugal and Spain, with all the details taken care of, contact me to start planning your Douro, Porto & Salamanca river journey.

17/09/2026

Cape Town, The Garden Route & Mauritius

City buzz, coastal roads, safari magic and tropical beach bliss all in one unforgettable 18-night escape.

Start with 4 nights in vibrant Cape Town and a full-day Peninsula tour, then head to the winelands of Franschhoek and along the stunning Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay. Next, enjoy an all inclusive 3-night safari in Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, before flying to Mauritius for 6 all inclusive nights of pure relaxation on white-sand beaches.

What’s included:

4 nights in Cape Town + Full Day Cape Peninsula tour
2 nights in Franschhoek
2 nights in Plettenberg Bay
3 nights all inclusive safari in Amakhala Game Reserve
6 nights all inclusive in Mauritius
Car hire from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
All flights included
Best time to travel: January, February, March, November, December
Price from €5,900 per person (based on 2 adults).
Please dm me if you like this itinerary and would like me to tailor make it for your dates.

16/09/2026

Iceland Ring Road: Volcanoes, Fjords & Black Sands

Take two unforgettable weeks to drive Iceland’s full Ring Road: from Reykjavík to wild west peninsulas, dramatic fjords, glacier lagoons and black-sand beaches. This self-drive is perfect if you want freedom, dramatic scenery and well-planned overnight stops all the way around the island.

💙 Highlights include:
• Time in Reykjavík at the start and end of your trip
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its black beaches, fishing villages and lava fields
• North Iceland: Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, volcanic landscapes and geothermal areas
• East Iceland’s fjords, mountain roads and remote-feel towns
• Glacier country near Höfn, close to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon & Diamond Beach
• South coast icons from Vík: black-sand beaches, cliffs, sea stacks and waterfalls
• The Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss

From €3,250 per person for 14 nights, including your full loop around Iceland.

If Iceland’s Ring Road is on your bucket list and you would love a carefully planned route with the freedom of the open road, message me to start tailoring this adventure to you.

15/09/2026

South Africa’s Garden Route Fly Driv .
One of my own favourite adventures. I have done this trip a couple of times and still one of my favourite places in the world.

Tick off the ultimate South African road trip: Cape Town, the Garden Route and a private safari, all in one 14-night adventure.

Enjoy vibrant Cape Town, vineyards in Franschhoek, coastal stops like Oudtshoorn and Plettenberg Bay, then finish with a 3-night stay on safari at Pumba Game Reserve in search of the Big Five.

What’s included:

4 nights in Cape Town
2 nights in Franschhoek
1 night in Oudtshoorn
3 nights in Plettenberg Bay
1 night in Port Elizabeth
3 nights on safari at Pumba Game Reserve
International flights from Dublin & car hire
Best time to travel: January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December.
Price from €4,425 per person (based on 2 adults).

Ready to make this South African road trip your own? Message me to start planning.

14/09/2026

Escape to palm trees, Caribbean islands and one of the world’s most beautiful road trips on this 15‑night MSC Caribbean Cruise & Florida Keys adventure for two.

Fly from Dublin to Miami, enjoy a South Beach stay, then set sail on MSC World America to the Dominican Republic, San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private Bahamian island. After the cruise, pick up your car and drive the iconic Florida Keys with stays in Marathon, Key West and Islamorada for sunsets, ocean views and laid‑back island vibes.

From €4,891 per person including flights, 23 kg checked bag each, car hire, handpicked hotels, full‑board cruise in a balcony cabin and premium drinks.

If you’d love this kind of bucket list escape for 2027, send me a message and I’ll talk you through the details and personalise it for you.

12/09/2026

Thinking ahead to next summer and dreaming of easy family time by the sea?

Martinhal Sagres in the wild west Algarve is made for barefoot beach days, bike rides and proper switch‑off time together. This relaxed five star resort has everything families need: baby kits, brilliant kids clubs, laid‑back restaurants and spacious 2‑bed self‑catering accommodation so you can do things your way.

Spend your days between the surf‑ready beach, heated pools and sports academies, then unwind with those golden Algarve sunsets and space for all four of you to truly relax.

✨ What’s included: • Flights from Cork
• 20 kg checked bag x 2
• 10 kg hand luggage x 4
• Private transfers
• 2‑bed self‑catering accommodation at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
• 10 nights, June 2027

From only €1,693 per person for 10 nights, flying from Cork to Faro.

If you would love a laid‑back, luxury family escape for June 2027, send me a message and I’ll be happy to talk you through the details and check availability for your preferred dates.

10/09/2026

Thinking about ticking China off your bucket lis
I just had clients back from this fantastic trip.

Enchanting temples, misty mountains, buzzing cities and incredible food: China is a destination that stays with you long after you return home.

On Enchanting China, a 16-night escorted tour with Wendy Wu Tours, you and your partner can:

Walk hand in hand along the Great Wall of China
Stand in awe before Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors
Cruise through Guilin’s dreamy limestone scenery
Wander historic streets and tranquil temples, then feel the buzz of modern Shanghai
Savour authentic local cuisine without worrying where to go or what to order
Perfect for couples in their 50s who want comfort, culture and a little adventure, this tour takes care of all the details: expert local guides, thoughtfully planned sightseeing, and smooth logistics from start to finish. You simply relax and enjoy the journey.

🌸 Best time to travel: April, May, September and October
✈️ From Dublin | 16 nights | From approx. €4,910 per person

If China is on your bucket list and you would love to experience it together with the reassurance of an escorted tour, I would be delighted to talk through the full Enchanting China itinerary with you and tailor the trip to your needs.

Message me to start planning your China adventure together.

09/09/2026

Imagine stepping onto a golden Cretan beach where everything is taken care of for you: the food, the drinks, the kids’ fun and your precious downtime.

That is exactly what you get at Ikos Kissamos, a brand-new luxury all-inclusive resort on Crete’s beautiful western coast. Perfect for families who want genuine 5-star style without any stress.

✨ Why families love it
• Stunning beachfront setting with turquoise waters and serviced sunbeds
• Elegant family rooms and suites, ideal for 2 adults & 2 children (8 & 10)
• Fantastic kids’ clubs and activities so little ones can play, explore and make friends
• Relaxing spa and wellness options for parents, including treatments, yoga and fitness
• Exceptional all-inclusive dining, with menus inspired by Michelin-starred chefs
• Thoughtful focus on sustainability and local Cretan culture

📍 Ikos Kissamos, Crete
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2 adults & 2 children (8, 10)
🗓 7 nights
✈️ From Dublin

✅ Return flights from Dublin
✅ 20kg checked bag per person
✅ Private return transfers
✅ Luxury all-inclusive throughout

🌤 Best time to travel: April to October, when the days are long, sunny and perfect for beach time and exploring.

If you would love a luxury family escape where you can genuinely switch off while the children have the time of their lives, send me a message and I’ll put together a personalised Ikos Kissamos quote for your preferred dates.

07/09/2026

“Disney castles, Universal thrills and 14 nights of pure family magic in Orlando.” ✨

If Orlando is on your family bucket list, this is the way to do it properly.

Spend the first week at Walt Disney World Swan Resort with a 7‑Day Disney Magic Ticket: think Cinderella Castle, favourite characters, fireworks and all the must‑do rides. Then move over to the brand‑new Universal Stella Nova Resort for a second week of thrills with an all‑parks ticket, including the incredible new Universal Epic Universe.

It is perfect for 2 adults and 2 children around 8 and 10: they are big enough for the roller coasters but still young enough to believe in every bit of the magic. Expect excited plans over breakfast, “just one more time” on their favourite rides and happy, tired walks back to the hotel each evening.

✨ Trip at a glance:
• 14 nights in Orlando, Florida
• 7 nights at Walt Disney World Swan Resort
• 7 nights at Universal Stella Nova Resort
• Disney 7‑Day Magic Ticket
• Universal Orlando All Parks Ticket
• From €3,150 per person, based on June 2027 travel from Dublin (2 adults + 2 children)

If you would love your children to experience Orlando while the magic feels completely real, I can tailor this trip to your family’s dates and wishes.

Send me a message today to start planning your own Disney & Universal adventure.