Imelda McCarthy - Travel Counsellors

23/05/2026

My lovely client has just sent me this reel from their first day in Tirana and I’m in awe 😍

From bold, unusual architecture to sweeping views from the Dajti cable car, Tirana is a brilliant mix of modern energy and dramatic mountain scenery. Not a bad start to their G Adventures tour at all… and this is only day one ✨🚡

If you fancy your own Balkan adventure with striking cityscapes, scenic rides and plenty of local flavour, I can design a small-group trip that is tailored just for you. ✈️

21/05/2026

Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining a hosted lunch with Avalon Waterways, and I came away very impressed ✨

From their spacious, light-filled suites to the thoughtful little touches on board (hello, L’Occitane bath products in the bathrooms 🛁), everything is designed with comfort and relaxed luxury in mind. Their river cruises offer a fantastic way to see Europe: waking up in a new destination, enjoying locally inspired cuisine, and exploring charming towns and cities at a gentler pace 🚢🌍

If you’re curious about river cruising or wondering whether Avalon might be a good fit for your next holiday, I’d love to guide you through the options and help you find the perfect itinerary.

Contact me to start planning your Avalon Waterways adventure 💫

19/05/2026

If you are dreaming of your next escape, I would love to help you bring it to life. Message me today to start planning your perfect trip. 💛

13/05/2026

This morning I had the pleasure of stepping on board Majestic Princess 🚢 while she was docked in beautiful Cobh. As part of Princess Cruises’ Royal Class, she offers stand‑out spaces that really elevate the luxury experience: a sparkling atrium ✨, stylish lounges 🍸 and plenty of quiet corners to sit back with a coffee and watch the harbour views ☕🌊.

A highlight was a leisurely three‑course lunch in the main dining room 🍽️. Immaculate service, beautifully presented dishes and that lovely unhurried cruise pace made it feel like a real treat.

I spent time exploring the pools and open decks 🏊‍♀️⛱ and getting a feel for those impressive outdoor areas. Royal Class ships also feature some of the largest balconies at sea, perfect for private moments with a coffee at sunrise or a glass of wine at sunset 🍷🌅.

It was the perfect reminder of how easy and luxurious a cruise can be: unpack once, wake up in a new destination and let everything else be taken care of for you 💼🛏️🌍.

If you are curious about sailing on Princess Cruises, or want to know what life on board is really like, I would love to share more and help you find the perfect itinerary 💬✨

06/05/2026

You know me for arranging leisure holidays, but did you know that I can also look after business travel for companies of all sizes? ✈️🌍

I take the stress out of corporate travel, providing a concierge‑style management service that saves you time. ⏱️ My clients benefit from 24/7 emergency support, full reporting on travel spend (including CO₂ emissions) 📊🌱 and expertise in conferences and events. 🎤🏨

If your business could use stress‑free, well‑managed travel, I’d be happy to help. 🤝
Contact me today to get started.

05/05/2026

South Africa has officially stolen my heart 🇿🇦❤️

I’ve just returned from an incredible fam trip to South Africa with some lovely Travel Counsellors colleagues, hosted by British Airways and Sense of Africa, and I had to share a little snapshot of the experience.

The journey started in Dublin with British Airways ✈️, connecting via London Heathrow and flying in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) on the long‑haul to Johannesburg. The extra space, quieter cabin and upgraded service made such a difference on the overnight flights, so we landed rested and ready to go 😴✨

Highlights included:
• Exploring Soweto by tuk tuk with Lebo’s 🚕: meeting locals, hearing powerful stories and enjoying a delicious local lunch 🍽️
• Our first night in Johannesburg at The Catalyst Hotel 🏙️: a stylish, comfortable base to ease into the adventure
• Heading up to Welgevonden Game Reserve and staying at the beautiful Laluka Safari Lodge 🌿🦓
• Sunrise and sunset game drives 🌅 with incredible wildlife: zebra, wildebeest, rhino, warthogs, baboons, hippo and even one perfectly framed giraffe that appeared just once and stole the show 🦒
• Returning to Johannesburg for a night at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel 🌳, complete with a gorgeous food and wine pairing dinner 🍷🍴
• Visiting Constitutional Hill to learn more about South Africa’s journey to democracy 📖, and exploring creative Victoria Yards with its artists, designers and local makers 🎨

It was the perfect mix of culture, wildlife, great food and boutique stays, all wrapped up in warm South African hospitality 💛

If you are dreaming of a trip that combines city buzz with unforgettable safari moments, I would love to help you plan your own South Africa adventure, tailored just for you.

Message me to start planning 📩

02/05/2026

Spain, Gibraltar & Portugal on Norwegian Dawn | 16–23 August 🚢☀️

Imagine unpacking once, then waking up each morning to a new view: charming Spanish ports, dramatic Gibraltar and the golden coastlines of Portugal, all wrapped into one effortless week at sea 🌊🇪🇸🇬🇮🇵🇹

On board Norwegian Dawn you can enjoy:

A relaxed, contemporary ship with plenty of bars and lounges to discover 🍹
Flexible dining times so you can eat when it suits you, not a fixed schedule 🍽️
Broadway‑style shows, live music and late‑night entertainment 🎭🎶
Pool decks perfect for lazy sea days, plus a spa for a little extra indulgence 🏊‍♀️💆‍♀️
This 7‑night itinerary is ideal if you love culture, pretty old towns and great food, but still want time to genuinely switch off 😌

I can talk you through cabin options, current offers with Norwegian Cruise Line on this sailing, and arrange everything from your flights and transfers to pre‑cruise stays ✈️🏨

Price from €719 p.p.s. 💶

If sailing Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal on 16–23 August sounds like your kind of summer, send me a message and I will put together a personalised quote for you 📩

24/04/2026

Discover Alentejo, Portugal’s slow‑living heart 🌿✨

Think rolling vineyards, cork forests, medieval hilltop towns and wild Atlantic beaches with space to breathe 🍇🌳🏰🌊 Stay in intimate country estates, taste award‑winning wines and local olive oil, then end the day under some of Europe’s clearest night skies 🌌

If you are dreaming of authentic Portugal away from the usual hotspots, this is where you will find it 🇵🇹

Contact me to start planning your tailor‑made Alentejo escape 📩

05/04/2026

Throwback to my recent trip to the center of Portugal

18/03/2026