Holiday of a Lifetime

'I've just got back from the holiday of a lifetime... Never again!'

A funny joke doing the rounds at the moment. Funny, yes, but unfortunately it can be true.

Many of us when we think about holidays start off our thought process by thinking about the place we want to visit. Our minds then wander off, and we dream about the sun the sand and whatever else, we wish for.

This stimulates us into the buying process and unfortunately reality then kicks in. We have been conditioned so much by the industry over the past 30 years to think about JUST the cost that few of us go beyond this when it comes to actually booking anything.

I must hear the phrase 'I am looking for a cheap holiday' 10 times a day.

I know that is not what is meant by this statement, but few think beyond price when selecting a holiday. If this were not true then the Internet would not now be the way many of us select our holiday choice. The perception is that the Internet is ALWAYS going to be cheaper than the high street in terms of cost.

The fact is that this is far from the case. Sure it can be, but few look beyond the price. Most Assume. When you assume you make an ASS out of yoU and ME. Sorry, it is an old one but always relevant.

Ultimately I suppose, if you are happy with the price then you are happy with your choice. Loads of us actually brag about how little we pay for our holidays. If you are one of those people, I love you guys! I love the expression on your faces when someone quotes you a price lower than yours and you then try and blag your way out as now you feel you have been ripped off.

Let me state right here and now that price is important to us all.  Let me also state now that it is not the be all and end all.

When I am told 'I want a cheap holiday' I understand that what I am really being told is that 'I want great value for money'.

Unfortunately, the Internet cannot always give you this as it cannot determine what 'value' means to you. It can only give information and a price for that information. You, the punter, have to determine for yourself if that information is 'value' or not. Easy yes? If it is that easy why then do so many get it wrong?

That 'holiday of a life time' we conceive in our minds during the booking process can so easily become the holiday from hell all because our interpretation of 'marketing speak' proves to be incorrect.

You visit a professional when you seek medical advice, or legal advice, or dental advice. A holiday is a major purchase for most of us so why do we then trust a 'slot machine' with our holiday dream, and our money?

I do not know. May be you can give me the answer.

And if things go wrong... like the tour operator fails. Do you get your holiday?  No in most cases. Do you get your money back? Yes, eventually in most cases, but in many cases NO!

If you are looking for a great holiday, giving you memorable experiences for a lifetime, without costing you an arm and a leg and with 100% financial security you need to talk to a professional.

September and October are always the worst months in the Travel Industry. These are the months that most financial failures happen. This year will be no different.  In fact this year it has started earlier than in some I remember.  Already over 100,000 people have lost their holidays and many their money too because they played the slot machine once too often.

Remember this and remember who told you. 'Cheap is WEAK'.

Contact me at www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.reid

Holiday Reassurance

Hi again,

Over the last few weeks we have seen many Holiday Tour Operators and Airlines fail and customers money put at risk.  Even worse customers are not having the holidays they paid for as these failures have resulted in their holidays being cancelled.

The industry is in turbulent times. A great quote I heard today was 'Cheap is weak'. How true.

Through my association with Travel Counsellors I am able to offer my customers the best financial protection around.

Please see below a letter from my company Chairman David Speakman being sent to all Travel Counsellors customers today. I thought this worth sharing with you as it underlines our commitment to protect you when you book your travel arrangements through me. We stand by what we promise that is why we work so hard to protect our customers. I do not do 'cheap' I do though do great value.
Have a great day.

Important News for USA

Just a quick piece of advice.




The US Government has recently announced that as from 09 September 2010 a $14.00 per person charge will be levied for all ESTA applications.



The ESTA is a compulsory internet form that must be completed prior to travel on the US Visa Waiver entry scheme.



Currently the ESTA is free of charge, and is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issue. NO travel arrangements need to have been made in order to apply for the ESTA.



Therefore if you are travelling or even thinking of doing so to the US (including US islands in the Caribbean, Hawaii or Alaska) in the next two years, my advice is you complete your ESTA on line now.



To do this go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta



TIP: Once completed, print off the confirmation page with the long reference number on it to keep for your records to update it when you need to. Remember one per person is required.

Don't panic!

0750am Friday 16 July.

My phone rings and on the end a stressed out passenger trapped on the M20 in a traffic queue, following a road accident.
Basic facts:
Check in 0700 am
Their flight departs 10.00am
Check in closes 0900 am

The caller (my customer) pleads - HELP! What shall we do?

Don't panic says I.

They were lucky. They had booked their holiday with myself a travel agent. Not just any Travel Agent mind but a Travel Counsellor. Yes, I was open! Always am for emergencies, and do not charge extra.
Actions:
First , I contacted Emirates Airlines at Gatwick letting them know the problem. It was clear that with the check in desk closing at 0900am the clients chances of catching the flight were slim, particularly as they had booked off airport parking too which requires a minimum of 35 minutes time to park and ride to the departure terminal.

Emirates agreed to keep the check in open until 0910 am.

The next job was to arrange for meet and greet parking so as they could drop their car and run for check in. Not an easy task this as man power is always in demand for this type of premium parking.  Indeed, the first one I tried could not help, but I managed to persuade the second one Maple Manor Parking to help me.

The logistics took some minutes to put in place and payment had to be made etc.

Time now 0850 am
I contacted the client again - how good are mobile phones. I established their whereabouts left instructions with them to meet the car company and then redialed the check in desk to update Emirates on my clients progress.

0910 am - They were closing! I persuaded them to stay open until 0920 am.

0918  am - the clients arrived at check in.

0927 am -  I called the client again to make sure they were through passport control and security. They were scampering down to the departure gate having been fast tracked through security.

10.04 am My phone rang and I received a very relieved call from the client to say they were on board. I knew this as I could hear the captain in the background introducing his crew.

Phew! A close call yes, but you cannot get that on the Internet! or on the high street either, as it is fair to say, as they would not have been open at 0750am.

Welcome to the 4th Travel Emergency Service. Just a phone call or an e-mail away.

Goldtrail up in Smoke!

It's happened again. Yet another tour operator supplying cheap as chips holidays goes to the wall.
Cheap holidays are NOT sustainable!
It was true 37 years ago with Clarkson Holidays, it happened with Excel more recently and now Goldtrail are the latest in what is an annual event it seems, with at least one failure of a CHEAP supplier going to the wall every summer.

I do not know when our Brit attitude to holidays is going to change, and what it is that will make it change, but change it must. This is not rocket science.  You get what you pay for and if you pay nothing you get nothing in return. Like NO holiday at all, or worse still a ruined one. 

For any of the 16,000 now stranded help is at hand thanks to the ATOL protection in place, so you will get back, but think about the actual cost of what you paid in relation to what you received. It may have been fantastic value. Was it realistic though? If you are being honest then no it was not, so what did you expect? Even if you insist it was, how much has it cost you to return home in stress, extra expense, and uncertainty?
A lot more than what you could have paid to buy a sensibly priced holiday with no hitches, that is for certain.

For those of you who have paid for a holiday yet to be taken I feel for you too. Yes, help is again at hand if you used a travel agent, if you did not then you are on your own. However, you will almost certainly now pay more if you decide to travel at all and you will only now be getting what no one else wants. If you decide against an overseas holiday at all then you must wait, and wait and wait for your money to be returned. Yes, it will be returned eventually, that is at least good news.

Despite what some think a holiday is still a luxury for most and should be chosen in the same way you would buy a new or good quality second hand car,with great care and attention to detail. Afterall a holiday can cost much the same as a new car these days particularly if you have a family to budget for.

Wise up people. Understand this. Travelling has always been and always will be a risky business with few certainties. Our society gives you protection sure, but no one can budget for incompetence. If it looks too good to be true then IT IS too good to be true. Do not leave things to chance, use a trusted source. Remember you have a choice always make sure you make the right choice is what I am saying.

I wish all those affected by this bad news well really, and if there is anything I can do to help you then please ask, but do not expect much sympathy. I will not give it as I am tired of the same old story, but I will give you sound advice and who konws I may even be able to find you a fantastic holiday you can actually enjoy and remember for years to come rather than misery.

Christmas is a coming...

I know it is only July but things are already booking up for Christmas. Not suprisingly prices during this festive season rise tremendously, so when a bargain comes along it needs snapping up without hesitation.

I do not know about you, but now my offspring have flown the nest, I find Christams a bit repetitive. It is a bit like ground-hog day.

Every year I say to my wife lets' go away this year and every year - so far that is - we have not taken action and missed the rare opportunities that come our way. Coming from a Travel Agent that sounds really silly I know, but it is true.

Celebrity Cruises sent me this offer this morning and it is without doubt a fantastic deal, as not only does it include everything you expect from a 5* cruise company, but it also includes flights too, and we all know these are ridiculously expensive usually at this time of year. Check this out. It really is a superb offer on a beautiful ship.

FANTASTIC BALCONY STATEROOM RATES!!

Balcony Prices from £1618 Heathrow

Balcony Prices from £1688pp Manchester

Balcony Prices from £1688pp Glasgow and Edinburgh

Hurry though as this is selling fast!!

Late Summer Ideas...

The question on many lips now is what can we do in late Summer? 'We are looking for the unusual, something different.'
If sunning yourself on a beach is old hat now and you are looking for a little adventure or doing the unusal then maybe I have a few ideas for you.

Adventure and exploration tourism is fast becoming the 'in' thing to be doing these days. As a nation we are becoming more well travelled and informed about travel abroad, so we are looking to broaden our minds and wanting holiday experiences rather than just a visit to ne destination.

With this in mind I have a few suggestions to wet your appetite. Please though do not think this list is finite, if there is something that is a 'must do' for you then please contact me and I will be happy to arrange it for you.

Top Summer walks in Europe

Levada Trails of Madeira
Spend a week traversing Madeira on foot, following the levadas as they meander along the southern slopes and enjoy the 'balcony walk' to Madiera's highest peak.
8 days from just £679.00 per person available until October.

Alpine Lakes of Slovenia
Discover Mountain peaks slicing into forested valleys, visit some of Europe's most amazing caves sytems and experience blue glacial lakes fed by rivers from the Alps.
8 days from £898.00 per person available until September.

Moorish Trails
Enjoy a week of moderate walking and good food in a spectacularand little visited corner of Andalucia.
8 days from just £570.00 per person available until Septemer.

Azores Island Hopping
Discover the best of five islands in two weeks, including walks to the thermal springs and around ancient calderas.
14 days form just £1382.00 per person dates available in August and September.

Travelling Solo
Small group adventure holidays are ideal for single travellers, as they allow you to meet and travel with other like-minded people. They are also extremely flexible, and allow plenty of free time to explore things for yourself too. Travelling in small groupd is also much safer than travelling alone and should not be under-estimated.
Single supplements can also be avoided if you are willing to same sex share accommodation. Don't worry if you are not though as you can still pay that little extra to have your own privacy.

What about these for some ideas further afield?

The Lost Continent of Madagascar.
Search the Madagascan rainforest for the world's largest lemur, take nocturnal walks and explore the sapphire mines, savannahs and canyons for the remote south.
17 days from £2277 departures available until October.

Toubkal Ascent
A chance to climb North Africa's highest peak in just 5 days, You'll start and end your journey in Marrakech with the chance to explore the maze of Souks. leaving Marrakech behind you will spend 3 days trekking Jebel Toubkal to a spectacular 4165m.
5 days from £530.00 per person departures available until September.

The list goes on and on with possibilites to visit the Galapagos islands, or doing the Inca Trail, maybe even seeing the gorillas in Uganda. The world is your oyster literally.

Costa Fortuna Report

Just spent a week away on the Costa Fortuna. We took advantage of Costa's own flights with British Airways and flew directly from Gatwick to Venice.  A near seamless transfer was spoiled slightly by a very lengthy and disorganised check in procedure.

First impressions were good though of the ship. She is a large vessel accommodating well over 3000 guests in a variety of cabins. We took advantage of a late deal offer and were allocated a roomy inside cabin, with a jolly cabin steward who did everything he could to make our stay enjoyable.

Good points: An interesting itinerary-  Venice - Bari - Katakolon  for Olympia - Santorini  - Mykonos  - Rhodes - Dubrovnik - Venice.
The entertainment was different and varied each night with something for everyone.

The NOT so good points: A large number of children on board, surprising for this time of year, but we learned later that in Italy the children have about 3 months off in the summer which explains a lot.

The food was a disaster for the first 3 days and the service in the restaurant even worse. To be fair both improved greatly later in the week, but I was not really that impressed with the variety and quality of the food. As to the service, Costa charge a compulsory Euro 7.00 per person per day gratuity fee and I got the distinct impression had they not done so, this may have inspired staff in all areas of the ship to try that bit harder. Most were surly at best and chose sometimes even to ignore their customers. Of course there were exceptions but these were sadly few and far between.
On board prices are in Euros and were in my experience over priced, particularly soft drinks and photographs.
So, who would it suit? I had to rack my brains a little here, but I would suggest a family wanting a European holiday experience as opposed to a British experience would love it. That said, there were many honeymooners on board from across the World. Most had a great time from what I heard. I think on balance you have to look at the price you pay for the holiday and remember the old adage, 'you only get what you pay for.'

Did I enjoy the experience? Yes, I did despite my comments. If I could give one word of advice it would be to book a balcony cabin though. During the cruise the sun decks and pool areas get very busy and the crew create a lively atmosphere with different games and events taking place throughout the day. Combine this with the large numbers on board and it can get very noisy up top, with few areas to escape to a quiet corner. The advantage of the balcony - well worth paying the extra for in my opinion - gives you a bolt hole to escape to when you want to have that quiet time out doors, soaking up the sun or quietly reading. Would I do it again?
No. To be honest it was not my sort of cruise, but I can see the appeal for others and just because it was not my 'cup of tea' does not mean that others would not have a fantastic time.

Shore excursions are rather expensive on board, but in most ports of call a must, as the time in each port with the exception of Rhodes is only a few short hours. For reasons of safety and security therefore I would advise those wanting to go ashore to take these arranged excursions rather than go independently. You would not want to be late back to the ship as it would not wait for you if you were.

Stay focused on the price you are paying and you will not go far wrong. If you would like more details of this or any other cruise then please contact me for independent and free advice.

‘You only get what you pay for...'

The summer holiday booking season is looming large on us again and many of us, including myself, are starting to think about what amounts to a major purchase once more.

Many will turn to the internet again this year, some perhaps for the first time. Some WILL be disappointed in doing so, either before or after the event, so ask yourself these questions, before you start planning and think carefully, before you part with your hard earned cash.

Why is it cheaper to book on line than through you?

A. Yes, it is sometimes cheaper, but not always. Many tour operators now prefer you to book on line as they then own you and your details. They often give you a booking incentive usually by way of an on line discount to do this.

Why can you not offer the same price?

A. Sometimes I can, but on some occasions the tour operator uses the commission it would give to Travel Counsellors to give you this discount. If I were to match the price I would have to give you more than my commission to do this, so I would be making your booking at a loss.

Why do you charge a booking fee to book an air ticket?

A. Airline operators no longer pay Travel Agents a commission, so in order for us to book tickets we must raise a charge to do this. The charge depends on the cost and complexity of the reservation, but it is usually between £30.00 to £50.00 per ticket.

However, Travel Counsellors have negotiated special contracts with most airlines so we are able to offer air tickets cheaper or about the same as if you booked your ticket on line. In this event we do not raise a booking fee.

Why should I book with you and not directly online?

Booking on line is fine so long as you are confident in what you are doing. However, you need to be happy about the answers to these questions before doing so. If you are unsure about any aspect of your journey then you should seek professional advice and avoid booking online.


1. If things go wrong is there a contact number I can call that will offer me a quick and helpful response? Beware hidden phone charges, and try the number to see if you get a response.

2. Is the Company I am booking through covered against financial failure? ATOL is a good cover, but check to make sure the ATOL number actually does belong to the company with whom you are about to give a lot of money to before you do. Travel Counsellors has an ATOL License no 6751. Travel Counsellors also offers our clients a unique financial guarantee against operator failure on top of ATOL so your money is 100% secure. I can provide full details on request.

3. Who do I contact if I need to make a change and how much is it going to cost me?

You need to read the small print of any online booking carefully before confirming a reservation. You need to be sure of what to do if you need to change a reservation, and if you can change it, how much it is going to cost you to do so?


Remember, if you chose to book on line you, and only you, are responsible for the booking and liable if things do not work out how you expect them to.

Every day I hear of some issue or other from people who have gone on line and fallen foul of booking conditions or unscrupulous traders. My list of examples is a long one.


Travel Companies have had a very rough ride through the recent recession and this has left many operators financially weak and liable to take overs, and financial failures if another major catastrophe (recent volcano) were to hit again. The world is a volatile place with wars, political unrest and natural events all playing a role in effecting travel plans.

4. What happens if my flight is cancelled or delayed because of the volcano in Iceland?

A. Many people have their own travel insurance these days. If you are one of those make sure, before you book, they have a clause that will protect you from additional expense in the event of a cancellation or delay to your holiday travel as a result of a natural event such as the volcano. Travel Counsellors were among the first to react to the recent volcano event and have negotiated protection for our customers taking our own insurance against a delay or cancellation to your holiday in the event of an incident out of your control e.g. a natural disaster like the volcano.

You can book online and save yourself a few coppers maybe, but what price would you pay for a reliable professional service, where you can make all your arrangements with one person who has over 35 years of experience in this fantastic industry? With me and Travel Counsellors your money and your holiday is in safe hands. You will always get to talk to the same person – me; unless I am away on holiday myself – not often - and then a close colleague. You will have financial security too, in fact the only real thing we cannot cover for you is the weather.

Before you book your next holiday on line, why not try my own service first, to see if I can get you your dream break at a price that fits your budget. Don’t get caught out this summer like some will. Remember the saying above.

Oceania cruises - Regatta Ship Visit

I had the pleasure to attend, as a guest, a ship visit yesterday in Dover on board the Oceania Regatta.

It was a pleasure too.
Oceania cruises position themselves just below the super luxury cruise companies like Seabourn, Silverseas and Crystal, offering fantastic value for money cruises to destinations around the world. All their ships are designed with style and comfort in mind, giving the feel of a Country Club Hotel atmosphere. Quiet, sophisticated public areas and cabins generously large and well appointed.
The emphasis of an Oceania cruise is very much on the food quality and the destinations and shore excursions they provide.

The food trust me is exquisite. I show the menu we enjoyed at luncheon, beautifully prepared and presented by staff, well trained in discrete and efficient service. Nothing was too much trouble.

The itineraries Oceania cruises provide their guests offer much more than just the average cruise. Half day excursions will tempt you into exploring a destination further, giving a taster, if you will, of the what is on offer. The full day programme presents you with more of an adventure type experience. Overnight stays during itineraries are not uncommon, which provide ample time to savour the delights of a port at night. I think particularly of Barcelona, which comes to life at night time. Most cruise lines will overnight in St Petersburg, not Oceania cruises. Three days is often offered enabling a more in depth experience of this fascinating and beautiful destination.

Space, relaxation and comfort are the essence of an Oceania cruise. All cabins are larger than most other cruise lines offering concierge class and suite accommodation. I particularly liked the penthouse cabins and would recommend the concierge upgrade on lower deck grades too, as it is well worth the small additional charge.

For those requiring more space still, the Vista and Owner suites will not disappoint, luxuriously appointed with all the trappings of quality you would expect.

There are generous savings to be made at all cabin grades, particularly with on board credit offers and special excursion packages. Be prepared to book early though as all Oceania Cruises book very quickly usually leaving those slow off the mark with only waiting list availability. As a preferred agent for Oceania cruises I am able to offer customers exclusive deals on cruise only and cruise package itineraries.

Watch out for 2011 too with the launch of Oceania's newest vessel the Marina.  At double the size she will not accommodate double the passengers. She has been designed to offer even more space to her passengers with cabins over 30% bigger than her smaller counterparts. the list of her amenities is substantial. So why go larger?
Many perspective cruise passengers want the feel, ambiance and character of smaller ships but are nervous of the small size should they hit choppy waters.  The additional size Marina offers will no doubt belay any such feelings, enabling those new to cruise particularly to book with confidence.

I must mention the food  one more time. I have cruised on 26 different ships in my life time to date and looked over and sampled many many more. All ships offer good quality food, but I can honestly say, hand on heart, I have never sampled food of the quality on board Regatta. The steak I ate simply dissolved in the mouth. I cut it with my fork, it was so tender, and cooked, of course, to perfection.

Oceania Cruise Line in my opinion meets all the essentials that make any holiday a truly memorable experience; quality, choice and value for money.

Coming home for Spring...

Spring Cruise from South Africa


The World Cup will be long gone, the summer season will be coming to a close in South Africa. What will you be doing?
If you are one of the sensible who escape the UK cold winter and return to welcome in the Springtime then this could be a holiday for you.

Why fly when you can cruise?

The Crystal Serenity as part of her world tour in 2011 visits Cape Town on 17th April and then spends 3 leisurely weeks cruising back to Dover for London via the West Coast of Africa. Enjoying multi star award winning facilities you can join her.

Among the many inclusions on board you will also welcome I am sure:

$1000.00 per person on board spend
All gratuities included
FREE flight from London to Cape Town.
Pay before 03October and receive a further 3.5% discount too!

These are exclusive prices only bookable through myself.
At just £6988.00 per person in a deluxe Ocean View cabin or a very tempting £7478.00 per person in a deluxe balcony cabin, the prices are fantastic.

For full details of this once in a lifetime opportunity to do something really special. Contact me today.

It just does not get better than this for a bargain...

It doesn’t get better than this!




29th May 7 nts Venice – Ancona – Santorini/Mykonos – Piraeus – Corfu – Dubrovnik Costa Victoria inside cabin just £199.00pp. With flights and transfers £479.00pp. outside cabins with a supplement.

31st May 7 nts Venice – Bari – Katakolon – Santorini/Mykonos – Rhodes – Dubrovnik – Venice Costa Fortuna inside cabin just £199.00pp. With flights and transfers just £479.00pp.outside cabins with a supplement.

01 June Thomson Dream – Fly cruise to palma 7 nights inside cabin £584.00pp outside available at supplement + all Inc drinks package £189.00pp

All subject to availability – Hurry!

Hot off the press

European River Cruise Offer
2 for 1 'Castles and Wine' 2010

8 days/6 guided tours, Trier – Nuremberg
Extra Dates Added

What a great deal this is but time's running out to cruise 2 for the price of 1 this summer. Plus, don't forget that all Viking past passengers can save up to an additional £100 per person!
Book before Monday 24 May 2010 with me  paul.reid@travelcounsellors.com to avoid disappointment!

2010 Departure Dates: Jul 25; Aug 1, 15, 22, Oct 17, 24, 31 and Nov 7
Offer not applicable to AX Cabins

Plus, Book before 30 June 2010 and SAVE £1500 per couple on ALL our itineraries!

The Year of The Cruise

With the UK sporadically shrouded in volcanic ash, and the ever present threat of another British Airways strike, is it any wonder that there has been a marked increase in interest in cruising as a holiday. Generally speaking, June and early July - the period before the school holidays begin, is a great time to sail away and like other years, 2010 will I am sure be no exception, but with the aforementioned uncertainty in the air, cruising is attracting a lot of attention, particularly so for ships departing from UK ports. So where will the offers be?
A great question. I suspect it will be the fly cruises that will be the hardest to fill so the liklihood is that this is where the discounts will be at their best. Already at the luxury end, Azamara Cruises - part of Royal Caribbean - are offering a terrific deal with a FREE flight offer from UK airports + $500 on board spend per stateroom. There are a couple of dates that are now full, but if you are thinking of a cruise on a small intimate ship this year NOW is definitely the time to book.

The more modest but very popular Thomson Holiday cruises too are offering a £400 per person discount on selected cruises on certain dates, in particular on their latest ship the Thomson dream.

I receive daily updates from cruise companies giving their latest availability and details of reductions, so if you are a crusie fiend like myself then why not drop me a line or give me a call. Let us talk about your next holiday adventure, and, as my strapline says...

Who knows where our conversation will take you.

British Airways strike dates....

British Airways have today announced that the The Trade Union Unite has announced its intention to take further strike action.





Dates announced are:
18-22 May

24-28 May

30-3 June

5-9 June

I will keep you up to date with developments as they happen. If the Volcano is not enough we now half term school holiday disruption to face as well. The term service seems to have been lost in translation somewhere. Is it any wonder that cruise holidays sales are booming?

Win a sailing holiday!

As you may know I do not normally promote fund raising events through my blog, but I take exception here for two reasons. Firstly, it is a fantastic prize and therefore a great opportunity to win what is a superb sailing holiday, something I know many of my followers would like to win. Secondly, I also promised to help a friend promote it. You have to hurry though if you want to take part as the draw is next weekend. It really is a prize worth winning.  For full details about what you can win and to take part in the raffle just click the link and follow the instructions. There is just one condition. If you win you have to take me along too! Only kidding!
Have a great weekend and I wish you the best of luck.

Buy a raffle ticket to support the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club and win a week sailing in Greece. Tickets £ 10.00 each, but hurry - drawn is on May 15th already:

http://www.rcpyc-sales.co.uk/

Children travel FREE on Star Clippers! Special Offer!

Pictured at the top of this page is the Royal Clipper, sailing into Valetta. I took this snap last year just before joining her for a 4 day break in the Med.

I love cruising and as you may have read, I have experienced many different types of cruise and sailing experience. This ship though has to go to the top of my personal favorite list.

The Star Clipper fleet provides that something extra special when it comes to cruising. The sails are lowered and raised by hand by experienced sailors who do climb the rigging. This sight alone is worth the trip and yes, you can help if you feel so inclined.

This is true sailing but in real style. You can imagine whenever they enter port heads turn and entry and departure are always accompanied by a small flotilla of the local boating fraternity, such is the spectacle.

The atmosphere on board is, well, laid back. Smart casual dress is usual for dinner and the pace of life slows to the 14 knot average speed of the ship itself.

The food is delicious with loads of choice, and the service informal. I like the whole experience to travelling on your own private yacht with friends, but without all the headaches.

You can experience these beautiful ships on 3, 4, and 7 night cruises in the Med throughout the summer with the odd 14 night duration as well.



It is a truly memorable experience whether you are travelling alone, with your better half or as a family. There is plenty to do for children and this year children travel FREE, when accompanied and sharing with 2 adults.



I can honestly recommend this holiday to any cruise regular looking for something more authentic than the large luxury ships that are now the status quo.

Please contact me if you would like to know more about this experience and about availability for this summer and also for 2011. These ships are small, only carrying just over 250 passengers, so cabins are always at a premium and early booking is strongly recommended, particularly if you are considering taking up the FREE child offer.

Holidays of Culture for the Discerning Traveller.

Who says holidays have to be just sun, sand and romance? Great as these features are there is a growing trend among an ever more travelled society to search beyond this experience, to discover the real secrets and treasures of lands both near and far.


The world is literally dripping with precious ingots of culture, of history and of music.

A growing trend in tourism is emerging with small select groups of like minded folks gathering together to discover more about their passions and hobbies.

Travelling as an independent group or even as part of a group affords several benefits with affordability, being one of the more attractive.

Did you know for example, that there is symphony of different cultural music festivals taking place throughout Europe all year round, which maybe, for the first time, is an indulgence easily and affordably taken by those in the know?

Whether you prefer to experience these cultural events independently or as part of an escorted group I have identified key players in the travel industry expert in arranging just these types of holiday experiences.

Whether your fancy be a tour of Tuscany and its art and wine, or the great houses and gardens of Ireland, I know quality operators that can bring these experiences to life.

Personally, I am fascinated with the land of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and have my own eye on a fascinating tour to Jordon in November. This tour takes in not only the great treasure that is Petra, but unfolds also the fascinating links to ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire and the period of Umayad. On the face of it there is nothing particularly special about this, as any number of trustworthy travel operators can carry you here, but combine this with the expert services of a Tour Lecturer, then the tour takes on a special, almost unique, quality, particularly if that lecturer is the popular author Dr Neil Faulkner*, a leading expert on all things Jordanian.

Dr Faulkner leads this 8 day tour on 13th November and it includes his own services, scheduled return flights from Heathrow to Amman, 8 nights dinner bed and breakfast, in 4 star quality properties, all entrance fees and gratuities and the services of a local guide. At a cost of just £1897.00 per person with just a £198.00 single supplement if required, it makes this tour fantastic value indeed.

If you are a group leader, or an individual, interested in horticulture, history, music, opera, or art, I am sure I can find or put together a tour to satisfy your passion.

*Dr Neil Faulkner

Neil Faulkner studied Political Economy at King’s college, Cambridge and turned to Archaeology some years later. He obtained his doctorate at The Institute of Archaeology with a study in late Roman towns. He is a well-known and popular lecturer and has led many tours in Europe and throughout the Middle East. He has led excavations for the Time team and is best known for his longrunning archaeological project at Sedgeford in Norfolk. Neil’s latest book ‘Rome: Empire of the Eagles’ was published in 2008.

Visiting Cuba This year - Read this URGENT

Additional entry requirements for Cuba


From the 01 May 2010, Cuban authorities are now asking passengers to present a copy of their medical insurance policy when they arrive at immigration.

All non Cuban nationals need to ensure that their medical insurance policy is fully comprehensive and must cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. If a policy is not comprehensive, passengers will be asked to purchase additional cover on arrival.

Rates will be fixed per day between 2.00CUC-3.00CUC and there will be an extra charge for those coming to Cuba to practice extreme sports.

For further information, please visit: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/cuba

Please note that passengers may not be permitted to board aircraft without this insurance.
You have been warned.

Following the Volcano, how can you book with security in the future?

In the wake of the Iceland volcano one question I am being asked time and time again is what is the best way to book your travel arrangements now?


Having been inundated with questions regarding the recent volcanic crisis, I thought I would pen my own thoughts on the way forward for travelers wanting a safe and secure way of, not only protecting their money invested in their travel arrangements, but also, the best protection in the case of another Act of God type event.
Let’s take a look at the various options and their pros and cons.

I should now really highlight the differences between each type of product you can buy but as there are so many and space is limited, for the sake of simplicity I shall compare generally:

I do not want to state the obvious but generally speaking you have a choice of booking directly with an Airline, Tour Operator, or Cruise line or through an online travel agent (e.g. Expedia), or through a Travel Agent, or through myself. I am of course a travel agent too, but I make a distinction because the service I offer my customers is I think different to that of the high street and in making the distinctions you will be able to judge for yourself.

Booking direct or through an online third party:

Pros:
You can book at your own convenience.
You can compare the prices at the time yourself.
It can be fun to do.
Reservations open 24/7.

Cons:

You have to be computer literate these days
It is very time consuming
Prices change and so research has to be repeated
There is little or no contact with a human being if things go wrong.
You need a credit or debit card to pay online.
Cancelling, rectifying mistakes, and making changes are difficult, and often expensive.
If you do get to speak to someone and have to refer back, you will be unlikely to talk to the same voice again.
Can be frustrating.
Your money could be at risk

Using a High Street Travel Agent.

Pros:
They do the work for you.
They will be more expert with technology, contracts etc, depending on who serves you
You have personal contact
They can assist with changes and other matters arising.

Cons:

Not open 24/7 - business hours only
Expertise varies
Subject to queuing and long waits
They will usually charge a fee for low cost and scheduled flights. £20 -£50 or more per ticket.
They are often associated with pressure or directional selling, by directional I mean they may prefer to sell a certain product rather than he one you want to buy. The staff are also targeted to make sales of a specific product.
Your money may be at risk depending on what it is you are buying from them. Safer than going online for sure but there could still be risk involved.

Travel Counsellors – PaultheTravel

Pros:
I do the research and the make the reservations
I have 35 years Travel Agency experience and knowledge of the industry, the destinations, the companies etc.
You have personal contact 24/7 –in emergency.
If things go wrong you will always speak to me directly.
As an independent self employed agent I will only recommend what is right for you.
No queues or waiting time.
Home visits where required on appointment
Your money is NOT at risk at all. Our own financial trust takes care of that for you.



Cons:
Before writing this I thought long and hard genuinely. You know what, I cannot think of any against.

OK. You are financially secure booking with me and that is great, but what about acts of God?
I had 4 groups of passengers away on holidays the day the skies closed. In so far as how the different methods of booking compared, that is a difficult one for me to answer honestly as I can only write about my own experiences. Maybe you have experience or knowledge of someone who booked by one of the alternatives above. Did they have the same experience as my own passengers?

As soon as was humanly possible I made personal contact with all my stranded passengers, offering them reassurance and valuable advice on how they should proceed to secure themselves and their families. For those in Europe this was not so bad, but many of my own clients were in far away places with many hours time difference between us. I maintained a vigil until late at night and from early morning to make sure all were safe, well and in several cases made urgent and necessary arrangements for alternatives to be booked. I maintained that personal contact until they returned to the UK.

To be honest I could not do much else all the time the sky was closed and often felt helpless in resolving their concerns, but I did make every effort to follow up on these concerns, obtaining information as it became available so they all felt more secure. They have all fed back positive messages regarding this to me since their return.

The law governing passengers booked on EU member airlines is fairly clear on the matter of subsistence in the event of delay and it is the airlines responsibility to make sure its passengers are accommodated and fed at their expense. The reality at the time was very different with each airline taking a different view on its responsibilities. The law relating to this type of issue was never meant to cover this type of eventuality, but more to cover instances of fog or technical failure. There was reluctance from many airlines to administer this help to passengers at first until pressures were put on them. This reluctance was not just about profits though, it was about the long term financial implications of an industry hard hit by recession and competition. In many cases I believe they were genuinely concerned if they did repay all the expenses then they themselves would have been put at risk of survival. This outcome would have benefited no one to be fair, least of all the passengers of the future.

The jury is still very much out on this issue, but it has far from gone away. It may be playing second fiddle to the election news currently, but work is going on in the background to find ways of solving the situation for all concerned.

Personally I was amazed that travel insurance in the UK makes no provision for this type of event in general. I know my own company is working hard now to negotiate a new insurance package for our own customers in future, to give them this element of security but no deal at the time of writing has been agreed.

Pressure too is being levied at the government to compensate airlines that make these payments to travelers in the same way as they bailed out the banks. This was no small time problem, let us face it, but one where thousands of passengers were displaced for many days and in some cases weeks; an event of humanitarian disaster proportions.
No pun intended but the dust is not yet settled on this matter.
So, who do you book with in the future, to give you the best level of financial security and peace of mind? Which is easier, faster and cheaper for you to do?
You must make up your own mind on this one.
As and when I have any more news on this issue I will keep you informed. If you would like to read more about Travel Counsellors and the way we have assisted stranded clients, go to my web page and click on blogs (right hand side of the page).

Spend a weekend in Dubai with the FAMILY

Atlantis, The Palm - Kids travel, stay, eat and play for FREE in Dubai!!

This is an offer not to be missed!


Whether it’s swimming with dolphins, making a splash at one of the many water slides, finding out what it feels like to be a diver in the incredible Underwater theatre, playing the latest Wii and Xbox games in the ‘Command Centre’ or baking biscuits in the Creation Zone a holiday at Atlantis, The Palm is one children young and old won’t forget quickly.

A fantasy playground for all the family - enjoy a wealth of attractions including Aquaventure; - the largest and most exciting waterpark in the Middle East, The Lost Chamber; a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis and the fantastic Dolphin Bay; a unique chance to experience these delightful creatures up close.

Children have FREE entry in to a variety of attractions including Aquaventure, The lost Chambers, Wild Wadi Waterpark and The Dubai Mall and also eat free in selected restaurants when eating with an adult.


Adults will also be spoiled at the spa offering indulgent treatments including a rose quartz facial or a green tea wrap, or they can dance the night away at the stylish Sanctuary night club (brainchild of the founder of the Buddha Bar). There’s also 1.4km of beaches, tennis courts and a fitness centre to enjoy. And with 17 restaurants ranging from world famous gourmet names such as Nobu and Ronda Locatelli (presided over by celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli) to casual beach side grills and sandwich bars there’s something to tempt you whatever your fancy.

Price is based on two adults and two children (aged 2 and 12 years) sharing a deluxe room on a bed & breakfast board basis for 3 nights departing 5th June 2010. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick; airport transfers can be paid for locally. *kids go free offer is subject to holiday being between 14 May to 30 September , please call me for more details

PRICE £1998 per family of 4!


Terms and Conditions:

These offers are brought to you by Travel Counsellors Ltd and all are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Where we have created the package ourselves, the holiday offer will be covered under our own ATOL. Our ATOL number is 6751. Where the offer has been sourced through another tour operator, it will be protected under that tour operator's ATOL. Full details on the individual ATOL protection that applies to each holiday offer will be given at the time of booking. Prices and information contained in this email are correct at the time of distribution, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice to you. Prices shown may be subject to departure tax, ticket on departure or a passenger APC charge. Please ask your Travel Counsellor at the time of booking.
Registered address: Travel Counsellors Ltd, Travel House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1TH. Registered in England No. 2133414

A Real Artic Exploration ...

As my profile says I am always on the look out for unusual travel experiences. So, I would like to share this fantastic opportunity with you. If you are looking for the unusual experience and have always wanted to see the Artic and the wonders it offers then this could be for you.

The M/S Expedition is currently offering a 50% discount on selected Arctic Cruises. I recommend booking quickly as opportunities like this occur very rarely.

Discover the rich wildlife of the waters and coast line within the arctic circle for as little as £1,280!


The three tours included in the offer are shown below, the price above is the new price after the 50% discount and the offer applies only to Summer 2010 departure dates only.

Quick links

Find out more about Arctic Voyages here
http://www.explore.co.uk/destinations/polar-regions/arctic.htm
Read about the M/S Expedition here. http://www.explore.co.uk/our-tours/tour-styles/polar-and-ocean-voyages/ms-expedition/

Listen to our Polar Expedition podcast here http://www.exploreblogs.co.uk/2010/03/16/explore-travel-bodcast-episode-3-%e2%80%93-polar-voyages/

I am an approved agent for Explore Adventure Holidays and  in addition your holiday monies are fully protected by the Travel Counsellors Financial Guarentee, for your added financial security, so please contact me for reservations and availability at Paul.Reid@TravelCounsellors.com or by phone on 0845 058 7045 (local call rate).
See my web page also at www.TravelCounsellors.co.uk/paul.reid

The cruise rush is on...

Sales of 2010/2011 cruises go on sale this week, so it will be a busy week for many of the main cruise Operators and myself. Both Complete Cruise Solution, including P & O Cruises, Cunard, Holland America and Princess Cruise all launch programmes this week. They are joined by the Royal Caribbean Group too including Celebrity and Azamara cruises also. Sailings depart to destinations all around the world, so 2011 will be a great time to take a cruise holiday.

There are some fantastic savings on offer too for early bookers, with reductions of over 50% on selected crusies and with very generous on board credit spends too and free parking offers. There has never been a better time to book a crusie holiday than now.

Sources say that with the economic turn around now looking more positive, cruise companies generally will be looking to discount less in the coming months to re-coup some of the monies they gave away in incentives to book in 2010.  If this is true, and I have no reason to suppose otherwise, it will clearly mean higher prices for those that do not take advantage of this early booking opportunity.

My recommendation therefore is if you are planning a cruise in 2011 then book it early and you will:

1/ Save loads of money.
2/ Be able to take your pick of cabin. This is vital if you are a family planning to share a cabin. Space is always limited for 3 and 4 berth cabins on all ships - even the newer large ships. First come first served!
3/ Be rewarded for booking early with other on board incentives.
4/ Have the peace of mind you are booked and have an experience to really look forward too. Something many say is a great part of the holiday experience, the anticipation of what is a fantastic holiday.

If you are thinking of cruising in 2011 or have never cruised before, why not contact me and I will be happy to share some of my own 26 cruise experiences with you and my extensive knowledge of this niche market -my personal favourite holiday experience.

Heathrow Airport this morning ....

We all know that Heathrow is a busy airport but did you see it first thing this morning the day after the Fly ban was withdrawn? It was a sight for sure!

On a more serious note it is great news that the ban has been lifted now, but the chaos is not yet at an end. Personally, I am just about caught up with my own passengers. They are all sorted with safe passage home by one means or another, but some are still out in foreign parts with a few days yet before they will be repatriated.

It is a logistical nightmare for all concerned but the we are getting there and hopefully normal service will be resumed over the next few days. If you know of anyone stuck in the world with no help at hand, why not get them to contact me and I will see if I can help them too.

The next big question on everyone's lips is why oh why were the clients not insured for this eventuality, or any act of God at all? Surely this is what we all pay insurance for. Here lies an opportunity for some company to profit big time from introducung the first UK travel insurance product that does cover "Acts of God".

Volcano disruption...

If you are sceptical of the benefits of booking through a reliable Travel Agent, rather trusting your bookings to the Internet alone, then may be this will give you reason to reconsider.

As you know all UK air space is currently locked down with no flights coming in or out. I think the news broadcasts have underestimated the serious disruption to people's lives this one natural event is causing and have failed to capture the knock on effects it is having.

Irrespective of the delays and additional costs that travellers are currently experiencing; in some cases, lives are being threatened and the eruption is effecting peoples' around the world in one way or another. Such is the power of nature.

My job though is not just to make travel arrangments, but also to help passengers who are, as I write, captive in places and destinations around the world being held against their will. As a Company we are working flat out to contact and advise the many hundreds of people we have involved in this disaster, in many cases rebooking them alternatives and taking away their worries and concerns. Each customer is an individual with personal needs and concerns so each needs to be treated as such. A challenge indeed.

I have contacted all my clients now, either by phone or text, in one case through the night, reassuring them that they have not been abandoned and giving them updates way ahead of anything else they may be hearing. This information, so often lacking when these events strike, is helping them I believe, make plans way ahead of others competing for hotel beds and flight seats etc, so are they not fortunate to have a travel agent working on their behalf? I have already heard one horror story to date of Internet passengers being ignored or sent packing by their "suppliers".

Whilst I cannot always guarentee to obtain the best price in all things travel, I am always very competitive, more so in many cases,  and the added value a good Travel Agent brings with him / her compensates surely for any minor price inconvenience. I think of myself as Insurance when things go wrong and let's face it, when you travel, there is always something that will not go quite to plan however small it may be.

If this were not enough. the financial security we (Travel Counsellors) offer too is yet another reason to re-consider the Travel Agent as an option when planning your next journey.

There are no guarentees in life as we know, but surely it is better to make the best provision you can in all things, rather than let fate take its course and winding up distressed, fraught, angry and most of all let down...

The BEST family holiday.

I am often asked whether cruising is suitable for families. In short the answer I usually give is that my own children were both cruising from the age of about 9 months. As they grew older and appreciated it more, we used to have tears of sadness when each of our cruise holidays ended. I emphasize that it was only the cruise holidays that prompted this emotion.




Cruising in my opinion is one of the best holidays a family with children of any age can do. Most cruise lines will accept children from 6 months and once on board they will have a ball. This means of course that mum and dad too enjoy things more too. Not only is cruising a great holiday experience, but travelling as a family sharing one cabin makes it terrific value for money too, particularly when you begin to list what is included in the price.



As the cruise market has grown, the range of family friendly facilities has also grown with it and now most cruise lines recognize the potential in the family market and have certainly in recent years set out to embrace the family, giving the customer a fantastic choice of different facilities to choose from.



So good is the choice that it has become quite confusing to decide which ship is the most suitable, so I have listed below in brief the main contenders in this family friendly market.



My own favorite is P& O Cruises with five family orientated ships: Aurora, Azura, Oceana, Oriana and Ventura. The latter, being the biggest, along with sister ship Azura, have the most advanced facilities of the fleet, with a circus school, Scalextrix, and the Rock School etc. etc. It is a long list. They also feature a range of shore excursions for families to water parks, beaches, adventure playgrounds and the very popular whale and dolphin watching tours. Child nurseries for the very young too help to make a memorable experience. P& O offer a degree of formality some evenings giving the adults opportunity to dress up for a special night out, but if this is not your thing then there are ships that cater for those preferring the informal holiday.



I mention first Ocean Village. Sadly this will be the last year that the UK customers will see Ocean Village product as it is relocating down under, but if you are quick and prefer dress down, then I can recommend this for families. Features include buffet dining, the usual kids clubs, and child only shore excursions, not to mention a SEGA amusement centre. Open air shows are also a family feature of this product.



Thomson Cruises enjoy this informality. Particularly the Island Cruise ship offering perhaps the most laid back ambience and there are some great price incentives for children from 3years to 16 years.



If it is WOW you are looking for then look no further than Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. In addition to the various kids clubs, other features include water play zones, climbing walls, The Wave rider surf simulators and on the latest ship Oasis the zip-wire experience too.



The largest line catering for children is perhaps Carnival Cruises that market themselves as “fun ships” My own opinion - they are great for the Americans but most UK families would I think prefer a more, “not in your face” type of experience. Do not get me wrong Carnival ships are great fun and have all of the modern features mentioned above to entertain and amuse, even the most exuberant of children.



There are two to other lines that are often overlooked by British cruisers, being MSC and Costa Cruises. Both are very popular among European holiday makers and I would certainly recommend both of these lines if you want a more European flavour to your holiday, rather than a mainly British one.



Costa Cruises have a great range of facilities to amuse including, Squok Kids clubs, graffiti lessons, and themed dinners. On their newer ships you will also find 4D cinema, golf simulators, roller-skating park, Playstation World, Grand Prix driving simulator. Family “deals” are also useful to watch out for too.



MSC –Mediterranean Shipping Cruises as well as the usual entertainment for the young offers free places (excluding port charges) for children sharing with two adults up to 18 years!



This is a long list, so to summarise; other lines to look out for are Norwegian Cruise Lines with their Freestyle cruising, The Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruise lines, Holland America, Cunard and even Fred Olsen Cruises.



You can of course research these yourself, but if you are now even more confused than before, for which I apologise, then better to ask an expert to narrow down for you what is a fantastic array of choice, quality and value.

I am looking forward to my 27th cruise maybe later on this year. I have travelled on most, but not all, of the above mentioned lines and seen over many more. The newer ships particularly have the better facilities, but large ships are not for everyone, so by listening to your ideal experience I am certainly able to help guide you to the right ship and itinerary.



One caveat I must mention. Family cabins are always the first to fill and if you are looking to travel in 2010 then you need power skates to secure your 3 or 4 bedded cabin to take advantage of the great family prices all these lines offer. Contact me now.



That said though 2011 cruises go on sale later this month with all the main players vying for your business, so there are going to be some great deals around. In fact I already have some great offers from which to choose. I promise these will be snapped up with all travel companies taking advanced registrations, so if cruising is something you would like to explore, now not later is the time for action.



I shall be happy to talk through with you various options and price up those most suitable before they go on sale, giving you the opportunity to book a fabulous holiday, at the best price for 2011. There is no charge for this service and I am happy to share my experience with you.



Where will our conversation take you? I wonder…

Great News from Thomson Cruises

Just in ...

Here are the latest offers from Thomson Cruises....


Thomson Cruises are great value for money cruises, with the added popular option of upgrading to ALL INCLUSIVE!
This means there is nothing extra to pay. The price is as you see it with NO tips, No drinks bill etc etc.
You will only need money if you decide to take an excursion or two, but it costs nothing to go ashore of course.

Take a look at these great deals available from me NOW!

Special Offer…

Save £380pp on Mediterranean Explorer onboard Thomson Dream

7 nights, full board, from £584pp

4th May 2010

6/7 Inside Cabin





Island Cruises

Special Offer…

Save £360 on Mediterranean Discovery onboard Island Escape

7 nights, full board, from £534pp

6h May 2010

5/6 inside Cabin



Plus, still available…

Winter 2010

• Island Escape – All Inclusive upgrade from £49pp

• Thomson Destiny – All Inclusive upgrade from £69pp

• Thomson Celebration & Spirit – All Inclusive upgrade from £49pp

• Thomson Dream – Up to £100 per couple onboard spend on Caribbean sailings

• Thomson Dream – Free All Inclusive upgrade on all Palma sailings

I believe cruising is the best value for money holiday around, a fact supported by its ever increasing popularity. It is a fantastic informal way to try out cruising at unbeatable value for money.

For details of the itineraries and choice of cabins and indeed anything else you want to know about cruising, contact me today on 0845 058 7045 (local call rate) or see my website for more details about me and Travel Counsellors. Go on spoil yourself...

Marvellous Mauritius...

Marvellous Mauritius from £1099

This is a really fantastic offer and one not to be missed. But, you will have to be quick as deals such as these are never around long.

The Sands Resort and Spa is situated on the west coast of Mauritius with beautiful views across the lagoon and the bay of Tamarin and is an ideal hideaway for couples seeking tranquillity and comfort. The 250m long, white, sandy beach is well protected and the crystal clear lagoon is suitable for all kinds of water sports. There is a choice of 4 restaurants and bars, a wonderful Spa, and well equipped gym. With just 93 sea facing rooms, the resort offers personalised service in elegant surroundings.

The hotel consists of 91 Deluxe Rooms all with a balcony or a terrace with sea view. All the rooms have either king size bed or twin beds and are equipped with air-conditioning, minibar, TV with local and satellites channels, wifi facility and tea/coffee making facilities.

The very spacious bathrooms have separate showers & bathtubs. They are also equipped with hair dryer and a walk-in wardrobe with full a length mirror.

Experience this idyllic retreat by flying from London Heathrow on the 7th June 2010 for a stay of 7 nights on a half board basis in a deluxe room.

Regional airports are available at a supplement please call me for more details

PRICE 1099 per person

CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS

Winner - Guardian Award 2007
Member of IATA
ATOL Holder


PHONE: 0845 058 7045
EMAIL: paul.reid@travelcounsellors.com

WEB: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/paul.reid

 Terms and Conditions:
These offers are brought to you by Travel Counsellors Ltd and all are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Where we have created the package ourselves, the holiday offer will be covered under our own ATOL. Our ATOL number is 6751. Where the offer has been sourced through another tour operator, it will be protected under that tour operator's ATOL. Full details on the individual ATOL protection that applies to each holiday offer will be given at the time of booking. Prices and information contained in this email are correct at the time of distribution, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice to you. Prices shown may be subject to departure tax, ticket on departure or a passenger APC charge. Please ask your Travel Counsellor at the time of booking.

Registered address: Travel Counsellors Ltd, Travel House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1TH. Registered in England No. 2133414

Azura - My opinion...

I spent last Friday as a guest on board the latest P & O luxury cruise ship Azura.

What a beautiful ship!

Azura is the sister ship to Ventura, but do not let that put you off. Although she is identical to look at; inside she has been designed in a unique way, giving her sophistication and style, in keeping with the more traditional P & O Cruises ships of old.


Yes, she is large carrying over 3000 passengers when full, but it is her size that makes what she has work so well. Azura is packed with the usual P & O features familiar to us all, but her increased size allows for many more new and exciting features to be added giving her a feel of 21st century travel, but without losing the traditional touches, the reason so many of us still cruise. For those of you familiar with Oriana, think her and then add on more space and more interest.


I think it fair to say P & O built Azura to appeal to couples and singles of the more traditional cruising fraternity, but that is not to say that families both young and older will not be made welcome and at home.


In fact Azura is fitted out with some of the best childrens' facilities I have seen on any super ship lately - an area occupying nearly a whole deck. Yes, children are very well catered for indeed.


All the cabins are very well appointed and she has a good range catering for singles, couples, and families. All are en-suite of course and are proportioned generously. As always singles and family cabins will be the first to be taken so early booking is always recommended. Indeed such will be her popularity I expect early booking will be advised on all her sailings, guarenteeing the cabin of your choice, your restaurant sitting and the best of the prices.


Azura will without doubt allow the seasoned cruise passenger to continue the experience they have come to expect, and will also welcome those new to cruising who are looking for a traditional but relaxing great value for money experience at sea.


I must mention The Retreat - Azura is a ship designed to offer you the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, and The Retreat - her exclusive outdoor spa terrace, will be the place to experience this at its best. Alfresco massages and wonderful views are just two of the delights you can savour. Without doubt in my mind the best of the spa terraces I have seen on any cruise ship of late, and I have seen a lot of them.


If you would like to talk with me more about Azura then please do contact me.

Or take a look at her here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozQ_6wBC2pc