09 February 2025

If you're planning a big trip, then you've come to the right place! I've put together a little FAQ below that explains everything about how things work with me so you know what to expect! <b>Who exactly are Travel Counsellors?</b> Travel Counsellors is a multi-award-winning company with a community of more than 1,900 independent travel consultants worldwide. When you book travel with us you can be assured, we’re licensed and bonded with the Irish Aviation Authority and ATOL protected in the UK. Our Irish head office is in Cork and our UK head office is in Manchester. <b>How do we get started working with you?</b> We'd will usually start with a complimentary 20-to-30-minute telephone or video call. We can have a chat and discuss ideas about where you want to go and what you want to do. I can give you some idea of costs and you can pick my brain about all things travel! <b>What happens after the call?</b> Planning your dream trip requires time, dedication, and expertise to get every detail just right. So, to ensure the highest level of personalised service, after the call, if you want to go ahead and plan and book your dream holiday with me, I charge a fully redeemable itinerary planning deposit of €75 to start putting together your itinerary (or itineraries)! This deposit allows me to create a high-quality, detailed itinerary (or more itineraries if needed) and provide unlimited adjustments until it's perfect for you. When you book your travel with me, this deposit is fully credited towards your booking, making the planning service effectively complimentary as part of your travel holiday package. <b>How does the redeemable deposit work?</b> If you choose to book your holiday with me, the full deposit is credited towards your booking. If you choose not to go ahead or want to book your holiday elsewhere, please note that this deposit is not refundable. <b>Why should we pay a deposit when other agents will give me an itinerary for free?</b> I understand that committing to this small deposit might not suit everyone! However, it reflects the standard of service and experience I bring and my commitment to providing you with an exclusive, highly personalised service. It allows me to focus on a select number of clients, so I can deliver exceptional, tailor-made travel experiences to dedicated clients. You won’t get an off-the-shelf standard travel package; my itineraries are fully tailor made to suit you. All the information you need about your quotes and booking are accessible via our innovative myTC.com website and app. Plus, after you’ve booked, you won’t get the same service with a retail travel agent. You're not passed from pillar to post and I’m with you from that first call until you get home! You’ll have my direct number, and our 24/7 helpline is available when you're abroad. After all, travel is fraught with unknowns but booking with Travel Counsellors means that you have me and our huge team behind the scenes here for you before, during and after your trip. And remember, this deposit is fully redeemable against your booking — it’s a win-win! <b>Are there any hidden costs?</b> No, there are no hidden costs when you book with me! The price I give you is the price you pay. Any additional charges that can't be paid upfront, such as resort fees or city taxes, will always be clearly communicated when I send you a quote. My goal is to ensure your trip is stress-free, from planning to departure, with no unexpected surprises. <b>Have you any experience planning trips to my destination?</b> Most likely, yes! I’ve spent 17 years as a travel consultant with Ireland's top travel companies and have arranged travel to almost every country you can think of. I've been all over the world myself and while I know a lot, I don't pretend to know everything about everywhere! Where I don't know something, I draw on relationships with local experts, partners across the globe and colleagues who've been to every corner of the world, ensuring your travel plans are seamless and spectacular. If I don't know, I can certainly find out easily! <b>What kind of holidays can you book?</b> Luxury beach holidays, island hopping, safari holidays, adventure holidays, cruise holidays and more - the sky is the limit. Whether you're planning a big birthday, anniversary or a bucket list family holiday, I can take care of all the details. <b>Ok, this all sounds great! Where do we go from here?</b> Ready to get started? Let’s chat! <a href="https://outlook.office365.com/book/KazTravelCounsellorsTheHoneymoonGuide1@travelcounsellorsdirectory.onmicrosoft.com/"<b>Click here to book a complimentary chat by video or telephone call</b></a> or if there is anything else you'd like to know in the meantime, don't hesitate to drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you! Happy Travels x

06 January 2025

Is it honeymoon planning time? Yay! Congratulations! Wondering how things work with me? I'll explain all below. These are some of the questions I get asked most... <b>Who exactly are Travel Counsellors?</b> Travel Counsellors is a multi-award-winning company with a community of more than 1,900 independent travel consultants worldwide. When you book travel with us you can be assured, we’re licensed and bonded with the Irish Aviation Authority and ATOL protected in the UK. Our Irish head office is in Cork and our UK head office is in Manchester. <b>How do we get started working with you?</b> Couples will usually start by booking a complimentary 20-to-30-minute telephone or video call. We can have a chat and discuss ideas about where you want to go and what you want to do. You can pick my brain about all things honeymoon! <b>What happens after the call?</b> Planning your dream honeymoon requires time, dedication, and expertise to get every detail just right. So, to ensure the highest level of personalised service, after the call, if you want to go ahead and plan and book your dream honeymoon with me, I charge a <b>fully redeemable</b> itinerary planning deposit of €75 to start putting together your dream honeymoon itinerary (or itineraries)! This deposit allows me to create a high-quality, detailed itinerary (or more itineraries if needed) and provide unlimited adjustments until it's perfect for you. When you book your honeymoon with me, this deposit is fully credited towards your booking, making the planning service effectively complimentary as part of your honeymoon package. <b>How does the redeemable deposit work?</b> If you choose to book your honeymoon with me, the full deposit is credited towards your booking. If you choose to book your honeymoon elsewhere, please note that this deposit is not refundable. <b>Why should we pay a deposit when other agents will give me an itinerary for free?</b> I understand that committing to this small deposit might not suit everyone! However, it reflects the standard of service and experience I bring and my commitment to providing you with an exclusive, highly personalised service. It allows me to focus on a select number of couples, so I can deliver exceptional, tailor-made travel experiences to dedicated couples. You won’t get an off-the-shelf standard honeymoon package; my honeymoon itineraries are fully tailor made to suit you. All the information you need about your quotes and booking are accessible via our innovative myTC.com website and app. Plus, after you’ve booked, you won’t get the same service with a retail travel agent. You're not passed from pillar to post and I’m with you from that first call until you get home! You’ll have my direct number, and our 24/7 helpline is available when you're abroad. After all, travel is fraught with unknowns but booking with Travel Counsellors means that you have me and our huge team behind the scenes here for you before, during and after your trip. And remember, this deposit is fully redeemable against your booking — it’s a win-win! <b>Have you any experience planning trips to my dream destination?</b> Most likely, yes! I’ve spent 17 years as a honeymoon travel consultant / honeymoon planner. I’m also the founder and editor of The Honeymoon Guide - one of the biggest and best honeymoon travel blogs. I've arranged hundreds of honeymoons to over 90 countries (and been to almost half that myself!) I’ve been to all of the popular honeymoon destinations - Maldives and Mexico, Santorini and Seychelles, The Amalfi Coast, Thailand, California, Mauritius and more. I’ve travelled on every continent except Antarctica (which is on my bucket list!). I love off the beaten track destinations, too. Namibia, Bhutan, Chile, French Polynesia? I’ve got you covered. While I know a lot, I don't pretend to know everything about everywhere! Where I don't know something, I draw on relationships with local experts, partners across the globe and colleagues who've been to every corner of the world, ensuring your honeymoon plans are seamless and spectacular. If I don't know, I can certainly find out easily! <b>How much do honeymoons cost?</b> The cost of your honeymoon will depend on several factors including the destination, the length of your stay, the type of accommodation, and the activities you choose to include, the season you travel and how soon you book. For example, a week-long stay in a luxury resort in the Maldives could cost significantly more than a similar duration at a boutique hotel in Bali. To give you an estimate, I would need to know a bit more about your preferences, desired destinations, and travel style. We can work within your budget to create a dream honeymoon that maximises value without compromising on quality. I love getting my clients good value and I’ll always be upfront and let you know if I think something isn’t right. But I know you’re eager to get some figures - typically my couples can spend anywhere from €6,000 to €30,000 per couple. €6000 might cover a cute Bali honeymoon package or an all-inclusive honeymoon in Mexico. €30,000 might cover a very luxurious honeymoon in Africa with Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration and business class flights or maybe a week in the most luxurious honeymoon resorts in the Maldives. As you can see there is so many factors involved in determining how much a honeymoon costs! For some sample ideas - check out <a href="https://www.travelcounsellors.ie/karen.pugh/#tailloredOffers"<b>my personalised offers</b></a>. These sample offers are usually born from similar itineraries I’ve booked recently so they might give you some ideas to get started! <b>Ok, this all sounds great! Where do we go from here?</b> Ready to get started? Let’s chat! You can book your 2025 honeymoon now and we can get the ball rolling on 2026 honeymoons, too. I often start talking to couples two years before the big day! Organising a wedding takes a lot of work and I'm here to make the honeymoon planning as easy as possible! <a href="https://www.thehoneymoonguide.co/appointment" <b>Click here to book a complimentary chat by video or telephone call</b></a> or if there is anything else you'd like to know in the meantime, don't hesitate to drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you! Happy Honeymoon Planning x

08 November 2024

Because sometimes in life only a 5* adults-only all inclusive will do! I was lucky enough to spend a week in one of the gorgeous Secrets Resorts on the Riviera Maya between the famous Cancun and its smaller neighbour Playa Del Carmen. The beach was just so beautiful and the warm Caribbean Sea lapping at our feet - I was in heaven. As food is a big part of holidays for me, the multiple choices of restaurants was a big plus for us and the swim up bar was perfect. One of the days the chef set up a BBQ on the beach with the freshest grilled seafood for lunch and the waiter dropped drinks so we didn't have to leave our sun loungers. The worst part about the all inclusive bliss in Mexico? It can be extremely difficult to tear yourself away from the resort but exploring the Yucatan Peninsula is a must! With so much to do including beautiful Tulum and fascinating Chichén Itzá which is a complex of Mayan ruins. Its pyramid, known as El Castillo dominates the ancient city, which thrived from around 600 A.D. The colourful town Valladolid is so beautiful too. You can shop the day and dance the night away in Cancun and some of the smaller towns. Swim in cenotes, visit Pink lakes and even go island hopping. While a resort break in Mexico with a US or Canadian city tagged on (New York, Miami & Toronto to name a few) is one of my most requested honeymoons, exploring other parts of Mexico is possible too! San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Mexico City or the Baja California peninsula are worth considering. Or even an option to split your stay between a resort and a boutique hotel in Isla Holbox or Tulum? The great thing about Secrets Resorts and their sister resorts is that they are always on a beautiful stretch of beach and the quality of the all-inclusive is amongst the best in the world. So many restaurants to choose from in each resort and the drinks are from premium brands. They have a resort to suit everyone from lively Secrets The Vine in Cancun to quieter Secrets Maroma and Secrets Akumal and new spots like Secrets Moxché and Secrets Tulum. They have resorts all over the Caribbean & Central America including (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica to name a few) & and even closer to home in Spain! For the easiest luxury holiday, drop me a line to explore these perfect all inclusive beach destinations!

08 November 2024

Where to start with arguably the most fun country on earth?! One of the great privileges of my life so far was spending over a year living in Melbourne and during that time we took the iconic Ghan train to the Red Centre and spent a month in Queensland & New South Wales. I may be biassed having gotten to know Melbourne a little but it really is one of my favourite cities. The summers are hot and winters are cold and we lived by the sea in the suburb of St. Kilda. Melbourne is full of cool neighbourhoods like this with their own distinct vibe such as Fitzroy & South Yarra, full of innovative restaurants & bars, galleries & great boutique and vintage shopping. Outside of Melbourne there is an array of fun things to do in the state of Victoria. Taking the journey west down The Great Ocean Rd is a must with its ancient rainforests, waterfalls, windswept coast line and the famed 12 apostles. One of my favourite experiences ever is going east from Melbourne to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade. Every sunset the small penguins appear from the ocean and head to their burrows. It’s a wonderful experience and one that flies under the radar of things to do in Australia. Whether you head east or west from Melbourne, don’t miss an opportunity to dip your toes in the Southern Ocean. - We took ‘The Overland’ train from Melbourne to Adelaide where we met 'The Ghan'. I absolutely adore travelling by long distance train (it’s a novelty when you’re from a tiny island!) and we were in for a 20 hour journey to Alice Springs through the red wilderness. I loved it. We had a night in Alice Springs which is a large town in the middle of Australia, before we took our tour of the ‘Red Centre’. Wow this area blew me away. It’s just so incredibly vast that it’s hard imagine (as a European) the size. The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru is over 450 kms or around a 5 hour drive. We got to see Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and of course Uluru (previously known by its colonial name Ayers Rock) which is an incredible sight and sacred to the local indigenous Anangu people. We even got to experience a rare thunderstorm! Some of the fun things you can do is take a camel or bike ride around it, have a BBQ sunset dinner and watch the colours change or watch it from the Field of Light. Most of all the night is magic with very little light pollution, star gazing in the Red Centre is a magical experience. While it does add in a couple of flights or trains, you won’t regret adding this area to your Australian tour. - Cairns to Sydney is one of the most fun road trips on the planet. Starting in the north in Cairns (or Port Douglas) the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. While the reef is of course not to be missed there is so much to do in this area. The Kuranda Scenic skyrail and one of my personal favourites Cape Tribulation & The Daintree Rainforest are just two must-dos. We continued south to the Whitsunday Islands. Just WOW. One of my fondest travel memories is this incredibly beautiful part of the world. We went on a catamaran boat overnight and anchored at the famous Whitehaven Beach. The sand squeaked when you walked on it, the water was the bluest of blues, there were giant turtles swimming around our boat and when the sun went down it felt like if you reached far enough you could touch the stars. When everyone slept after a few beers and wines, I sat on the netting of the catamaran, thought about how lucky I was and fell asleep under the stars. What travel memories are made of! - Our next stop was the 120 km long K'gari (formerly known as Fraser Island), the only place in the world where rainforest grows on sand dunes. This island is fun with a capital F. From 75 mile beach to the azure blue of Lake McKenzie to the emerald green of Lake Wabby, trying to spot real dingoes and taking snaps to shipwrecks and along the coastline you know sharks aren’t too far away, you definitely need more than a day trip here. As you go further south you come to the Sunshine Coast with its chic town of Noosa & Australia Zoo nearby and then Brisbane, much like Melbourne, is a really vibrant city. Then it was onto the Gold Coast and the famous town Surfers Paradise. If like me, you’re partial to a waterpark and theme park then this frivolous area is a really fun stop. When you head south you enter the state of New South Wales and to Byron Bay, home of Australia’s most easterly point - Cape Byron lighthouse. Byron Bay is without a doubt one of my favourite Australian towns with a laid back and unique spirit. I was lucky enough to do a skydive here and it’s another one of my favourite travel memories, I jumped out over a rainbow! On to iconic Sydney, the kind of place you can spend a month and still want more! Our highlights were seeing the gorgeous Sydney Harbour and Opera House by boat, finally seeing Bondi Beach and the less famous Coogee & Manly were wonderful too. Australia is so vast that it’s impossible to see it all on the average person’s annual leave allowance! However, I am here to guide you so you can maximise your time there. Drop me a line and let’s get exploring!

08 November 2024

One of my favourite trips of all time - the Indochina Loop from Thailand to Laos to Vietnam and Cambodia! We boarded our long boat in northern Thailand for a trip down the Mekong River (which stretches from China to the south of Vietnam) stopping at the tiny riverside village of Pakbeng (which barely had electricity at the time)! The journey was relatively comfortable and with kids playing along the river banks and a rural pace of life we truly were in a different world. The following morning we boarded the boat again and it was onwards to Luang Prabang and WOW this UNESCO World Heritage town in Laos blew me away. The incredible temples where we watched saffron-clad monks chanting, the cycling around the Laotian countryside, marvelling at the intricate temples and the Pak Ou Caves, splashing around the pretty Kuang Si waterfalls, enjoying the romantic views from Phousi Hill and the French influence, this is one of the most enchanting towns to visit in Asia. Our next stop was the small tourist town of Vang Vieng. Famous for its tubing along the river at the time and its party scene, this has since (and not surprisingly!) been curbed by the local government, the area is beautiful though. We went on to the capital Vientiane for a short stay before we took our flight to Hanoi. - Where to start with Vietnam, a country that punches above its weight! The recent history, its place in cinema and the food make you feel like you know what to expect yet you are still in for a culture shock. My biggest regret is we didn’t have nearly enough time and if you really want to see the highlights you need about 3 weeks, we only had 2! We started in Hanoi, this busy city of mopeds and jump-off point to the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. After Hanoi we took the relatively comfortable overnight train to the centre, home of Hue and Hoi An. We had a magnificent time here, exploring the demilitarised zone, cycling through rice paddy fields and in the former imperial capital, we even got to dress up as Emperor and Empress. We needed some beach time and chose Nha Trang, a fairly busy beach town. There are more laid back options but this suited perfectly and we had some downtime on the beach before a typhoon hit which was quite intense! Then it was to Ho Chi Minh City where we toured the Cu Chi Tunnels which were beyond fascinating, you can’t help but admire the ingenuity against the American war machine of the time. The War Remnants museum is a must even if it is harrowing. We took a day trip to the Mekong Delta which I loved . We were really feeling the ‘Apocalypse Now’ scenery on our boat trip complete with conical hats in tiny canoes on the Mekong and I still think about the best local speciality, Keo Dua - a kind of coconut toffee. - We said bye to Vietnam and took the half day bus to over the Cambodian border to the capital, Phnom Penh where recent history looms large and the tours of the city’s sights relating to the Khmer Rouge’s genocidal regime are gut-wrenching. For this reason I found Phnom Penh a little difficult to deal with. Of course PP has incredible architecture and a thriving restaurant and luxury hotels popping up all the time as Phnom Penhois move from the past. Cambodia also has more laid back, less developed beach destinations than its towering neighbour Thailand. Our last stop before we headed back to Bangkok and on to Singapore was one of South East Asia’s iconic sights - Angkor Wat. The city of temples was built in the year 1112 and said to be the largest religious monument in the world, it really was spectacular. South East Asia will always have a place in my heart and if you’re thinking of a trip don’t hesitate to give me a call - I’d be delighted to help, I could chat about Asia all day long!

08 November 2024

One of the most diverse and fascinating countries I've ever visited (and with some of the most friendly people ever to boot!), China is what travel is all about - and I experienced it all - including a stint with the Chinese military! Because of the language barrier, China is a country best seen on an organised tour, whether that's with a group or as a bespoke trip. We opted for an adventure group tour with the wonderful people at Intrepid and I am so glad we did as Beijing, our first stop, was an assault on all the senses and we were grateful for our tour-guide Dragon. It's true the pollution is a lot in this ancient megacity (even though it has improved a lot in recent years) but with many highlights, including the Great Wall, it is not to be missed. We saw this Wonder of the World at Simatai, one of the less crowded and best-preserved parts of the wall. One of the highlights of all my travels was a long zipline from the wall over a lake. A little terrifying! Beijing itself is a lot of fun and a bit of an adjustment, from chopsticks to squat toilets, shopping in the markets to the ancient sights such as the Forbidden City to the incredible food. A highlight was discovering 'Four Season Green Beans' which for years I couldn't find on any western menu, but after asking the waiters of a few of Dublin's authentic Chinese restaurants I finally found out their name. It goes without saying that Beijing (and China) has a long and complicated history and a visit to Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao looms large is a must. One of my favourite areas was the Hutong, a low-rise residential area of traditional streets which offered a glimpse of what Beijing looked like during the Qing Dynasty. Our next stop was Shanghai which we reached by overnight train (you can take a 4-hour high speed option too!). The train was modern and clean. Shanghai's Art Deco Bund area is one the architectural highlights of this world and a throwback to what the city looked like in the decadent 1920's. Next, was a trip inland to Nanjing and I suppose this is where the 'real' China began and some things were really difficult to witness such as dog coats hung up for sale or reading about the WW2 history of the city. We saw Ming's Mausoleum before we headed to Yichang by train to board our overnight local boat on the mighty Yangtze River. This is one of the most industrialised areas of China and the highlight is the Three Gorges Dam. The weather was poor during our time, unfortunately. We landed in Chongqing, the largest city in China with 35 million in the greater metropolitan area. This is where the fun began. That night we went for a meal. Attempting to be a little more adventurous at the time, I had the Sichuan hotpot - when in Rome! We were warned about the spice but had no idea there would be fish heads swimming around. I tried a bit of the broth which turned out to be not too spicy but I would live to regret those bites 24 hours later as I lay in a Chongqing military hospital violently sick from food poisoning on a drip (as the rest of the tour went off to see some endangered Pandas!). I was one of the lucky ones, as I was so ill I had to skip our overnight train (some of our group who were with us were not and were ill on the train). Thankfully I recovered and I took a flight organised by Dragon to our next stop Xian for the famous Terracotta Warriors (it was also the next time I would eat, the most welcome McDonalds I've ever had in my life!) We then flew to my favourite place in China, the Yangshuo countryside with its picturesque limestone karsts. Think boat rides on the Li River, bike rides around Longji rice terraces and local cooking schools so you can learn to make your own sweet & sour sauce. It's so peaceful around here and an antidote to the madness of the cities. We left the mainland behind for a final few days in Hong Kong. We loved Lan Kwai Fong, famous for its nightlife - my favourite was a Russian vodka ice bar. The skyline is magical, day or night, as is the food (dumplings are a must!). China is somewhere I can't wait to return to as there was so much more to see such as Chengdu and Kunming. Plus it's the jump off point for Tibet - which is definitely on my bucket-list. If you're thinking of an adventure in China drop me a line!

08 November 2024

I’m partial to a nice hotel, a frivolous time and discovering the best restaurants and Las Vegas is one of my favourite destinations on that front. I’ve been there a few times including as part of my honeymoon. Each time I’m in awe at the sheer number of activities you can do and places you can stay. One of my favourite hotel rooms in the world is the balcony suite at the Cosmopolitan overlooking the famed Bellagio Hotel fountains, Paris & down the strip. As you’re getting ready to hit the strip you have the most fun view ever. Las Vegas is unapologetically Las Vegas and is set up to help you part with your money! There is the casinos of course (tip: gamble in the newer hotels - they have better ‘free’ drinks!), the famous all-you-can-eat buffets (chipotle mac n cheese for breakfast anyone?) to the museums (mob, erotic, neon sign to name a few) to the thrilling rides (see the top of the Stratosphere). You can also shop til you drop, experience some of the best fine dining or lay by the most gorgeous hotel pools but if you can get out and see some of Nevada & Arizona I highly recommend it. On my honeymoon I did the Grand Canyon helicopter tour. We opted for one that also visited a working ranch in Arizona where we met cowboys who showed us how to pan for gold, had a BBQ, learned a little about Native American culture and we even met one cowboy who’d left “his mule and his woman in Virginia, Co Cavan”! The helicopter ride itself was one of my favourite travel experiences (even though I hate flying!), the size and beauty of it takes your breath away. I can’t wait to go back and drive around canyon country as the national parks of Bryce, Zion & Monument Valley are top of my must-do list in the USA. I love to tag on Las Vegas to California, Utah, or Arizona road trip or a Hawaii or Mexico beach trip. Drop me a line and let’s get planning!

08 November 2024

New York City - concrete jungle where dreams are made and definitely one of the world's most magnificent cities. I love it so much and I've been there over half a dozen times including for my honeymoon, family trips and with friends, most recently in summer 2024. I love spring/autumn as the best time to visit, temperatures are at their most pleasant! My first tip, if it’s your first time, stay in Midtown, it’s the perfect location with all the skyscrapers and familiar sights from the TV and movies, some of the best museums on the planet and of course the wonderful Central Park (hire a bike and cycle around if you can!) If you’ve been before and have seen the major sights, consider staying further south in Manhattan from 1st to 15th as you have some wonderful neighbourhoods; Meatpacking, Greenwich or the Lower East Side have so many great eateries and lovely boutique shops or even consider staying over in Brooklyn. The High Line is a wonderful way to spend a morning walking from Midtown along it to the Meatpacking district and have lunch in one of the lovely restaurants around there. If you like history, the Tenement Museum is one of my favourite things to recommend. The last time I was there in 2024, we did the relatively new Summit One Vanderbilt - this is an absolute must and it's my new favourite skyscraper! From the very famous and rather opulent Plaza Hotel (of Home Alone fame) near Central Park to the very cool Soho Grand further downtown, I've been lucky to stay in some great hotels and have the inside track on what's hot and what's not. Don’t hesitate to contact me for a trip to New York, I have so many tips to share!

08 November 2024

I’m a big kid, I confess! I absolutely love theme parks and water parks. Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris Paris, Walt Disney World Florida? Yes I’ve been to them all. Universal Islands of Adventure? Yes, that one too. Orlando is hard to beat! I like to stay on International Drive as I love the access to the shops and restaurants along this long thoroughfare but a local home / villa with your own pool, staying in Disney itself or some of the affordable resorts that have popped in Universal are fantastic options too. The I-Ride trolley is so handy and with regular shuttles, we barely took a taxi or needed car hire (although this very much depends on where you’re staying!). For most a first time visit it’s difficult to fit in all that Orlando has to offer and with new parks and rides opening all the time there is always somewhere new to explore. I recommend 1 day = 1 park to really make the most of your time and just remember that running around a theme park all day is tiring so plan for some days for relaxing, too! Being a bit of a former HP obsessive and a Star Wars fan, Orlando is my jam - it's my own self-contained fantasyland. One of the most common questions I get is what park tickets to buy? There are multiple options so I recommend having a rough idea of what parks you want to visit and I can help you choose the most appropriate ticket for you. Orlando is so easy to add on to a USA itinerary or maybe you'd like to experience a Caribbean cruise or a road trip in Florida? Drop me a line and let's get planning...

08 November 2024

Mauritius evokes all that an exotic beach destination can offer and I wanted to experience it for myself! I had one particular hotel on my list of ’to-do-before-I-die' luxury hotel bucket list, so off we went in the middle of the wettest month, March. Turns out it’s not that wet at all, and we were delighted to discover that even though it was 'rainy season' there was just one or two quick showers a day! First stop was a few days at the 4-star Zilwa Attitude, where we had all inclusive bliss. What a fantastic ‘all-rounder’, set in the most beautiful lagoon with turquoise shallow water, absolute heaven! The all-inclusive was truly all inclusive with all restaurants included; lots of watersports and a trip on the hotel glass bottom boat to the reef was really fun. There were many families, groups of friends and couples so really, this hotel suits everyone. It was a great base to explore the island of Mauritius. The Attitude Hotels are cute rustic Mauritian-owned resorts across the island and great if you're planning a honeymoon on a budget. For the second half, we stayed at one of the best hotels ever (and part of one of the best luxury hotel brands) - The Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius. Wow! What an experience, from the room (aka Pavilion) to the incredible staff, the food (oh the food!) and the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. Although there were a few families and the staff were wonderful with children, this is a much quieter resort and suitable for romantic occasions like your honeymoon, birthday or wedding anniversary. Did you know there is actually only a few adults only resorts in Mauritius? To have a chance to upgrade for a few days, splitting the hotel stays was an inspired choice, however It’s not essential, most couples just opt for one resort. Mauritius has miles and miles of beautiful beaches; there’s plenty of boat trips to beautiful tropical spots, the Black River Gorges National Park is a lovely day out and the capital is worth a half day city trip to markets and learn more about the history of this island nation. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information on Mauritius!

08 November 2024

The best of the best of the best. I’m obsessed with Thailand forever! From backpacking to getting engaged there and family trips - I've experienced Thailand from all different points of view! It's wonderful for backpacking but it's even more wonderful to book one of its many very affordable luxury hotels. It's my favourite all-round destination with something for absolutely everyone and such amazing value, I could talk about it all day long... Bangkok is somewhere that people have heard either terrible or great things about and I always say go and make up your own mind, it’s such an exciting city, full of interesting and fun things to see and do including some of the world's best city hotels, great shopping in malls and markets (including the fascinating floating market) and seeing the city sights such as the Grand Palace. Seeing the numerous temples such as Wat Pho by Tuk-Tuk are a must. And that's before we mention the food, fine dining Michelin star to street hawkers rustling you up cheap and tasty dishes. All of this is possible before you consider seeing what's outside of the city at Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya. From the gorgeous markets and temples of Chiang Mai to beautiful national parks with waterfalls, rural villages and incredible scenery - the north is all go-go-go. You can visit an elephant sanctuary, have fun haggling for gorgeous silks, and go to the best cooking schools (essential!). Travel to the Burmese & Laos border area, known as the Golden Triangle. You can also use this area as jump off to take a boat down the Mekong to Laos one of the most incredible journeys ever (see my blog on Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia) or fly out of Chiang Rai / Mai down to the islands for some R & R. It's such a contrast to the beaches with its own style of cuisine and way of life. A few days to sample the northern delights is all you need and you won't regret it. Perfect beaches, incredible food, relaxing massages, optional nightlife - the perfect island life. There isn't enough space to run through all the different islands but a general rule of thumb if you are visiting during January - August, stick to East Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan for example) and from November to April stick to west coast (Phuket, Ko Phi Phi to name a few). Depending how long you have, I'd recommend island hopping and some of my favourite places are Khao Lak, Ko Lanta / Krabi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai & the eternal favourite Phi Phi Islands. Whether you want secluded romance or wild beach parties, I can help you choose the right islands, there is a Thai beach resort for every taste! I'm a certified Thailand specialist and would love to talk to you about the perfect Thailand trip. I promise there is the perfect travel experience awaiting you in the Land of Smiles. Call me for a chat to explore one of my hall of fame destinations!

08 November 2024

It may be a little like eating marmite (i.e. not for everyone!) but Dubai is a place that has really grown on me over the years having stopped there multiple times to visit friends while on the way to further shores! Whether it's going to the UAE for your whole trip or if time permits when travelling to somewhere east with Emirates, it’s a really fun destination! I've stayed at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm three times (our first was on the way home from Thailand where I'd just got engaged!!). It does not disappoint, the building and lobby are awesome at first sight and with complimentary entry included into Aquaventure Waterpark, the best waterpark I’ve ever been to, we were in (big kid) heaven. Their half board is brilliant value too with some stunning restaurants included. Next door, the new Atlantis, The Royal is opened now, too. I've been lucky to stay at a handful of different hotels such as The Address, Shangri La (and even some budget options too like Rove Downtown and JA Ocean View). Dubai has so much to do - from souks to sand dunes, shopping to super luxurious hotels. The dining scene is so good where every world cuisine can be found. Plus, you can also explore some of the other emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman and even Oman. Plus, there are some gorgeous desert hotels for a two centre trip too. Don’t hesitate to contact me for all things Dubai!

08 November 2024

Arabian nights, Arabian dreams! We decided to take a side trip to Oman on a recent visit to Dubai and there was just one hotel on my bucket list - Six Senses Zighy Bay. This was a truly exceptional experience on the Musandam Peninsula. We were picked up in a 4 x 4, complete with Wi-Fi and transported through the rugged landscape of the Hajar Mountains through the UAE into Oman. After 2 hours, we enter the gates of the resort and the jeep climbs the steep mountain. It's a little hair raising but the view that unfolds is absolutely spectacular. You are looking down on upon the resort and a beautiful bay where the rugged landscapes meet the warm Arabian Sea. From here you have the option to paraglide into the resort (you can also take a speed boat near the UAE border) - either way you'll feel like James Bond! Six Senses is one of the top luxury hotel brands in the world and it really did not disappoint, this was probably my favourite hotel experience ever. From the wonderful staff who looked after us so well to our incredible villa which is designed and built in the style of an Omani Village with local materials with its own private pool & sand garden - rustic luxury. The sea was so warm. Camels and mountain goats live on the land. The food is the best in the Middle East. The main restaurant, Spice Market, had unbelievably tasty regional Arabian dishes. Zighy Bar had amazing cocktails and bar bites and of course Senses on the Edge, the speciality restaurant is set high up in those arid mountains. The Bedouin dining experience is also a must. They have their own organic garden and even the drinking water is from the sea (filtered on site). So sustainable. The spa uses ingredients such as goat's milk, dates, almonds, honey, rosewater, sea salt, lime and mint and of course Six Senses are famous for their wonderful spas. The staff were wonderful and welcoming. The best experience and one place I can’t wait to return to! This beautiful resort is secluded and is suitable for anyone who loves something special from their travels, perfect for that honeymoon or special occasion treat and so easy to get to from Dubai. I’m planning a trip to explore other parts of Oman soon! Contact me when you’re ready as I would love to send you there.

08 November 2024

Greece is the perfect European honeymoon destination yet Athens is probably its most underrated capital city! While it may not have the grandeur of Paris or Rome, it really is a gem. The first time we went, we stayed at a little boutique hotel in Psyrri. We only had two full days, so we did the sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour to take in the ancient (and not so ancient) sights of this incredible city. The view from the Acropolis was stunning (I’d recommend getting there early to beat the cruise ship crowds, as the sun is rising). The shops of Monastiraki are worth a look with a mixture of tourist tack and wonderful antique shops. Plaka’s small cobbled streets are so pretty. There's so many rooftop bars (I had about 10 on my shortlist) and so so many restaurants (one highlight was Lithos, delicious authentic Greek cooking). I’d certainly recommend visiting outside of the hot mid-summer months, though. From the Game of Thrones vibes of the UNESCO-listed Rhodes Old Town to catamaran tours around Santorini and sipping on cocktails in Little Venice in Mykonos, I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of visiting Greece (or talking about it!) I’ve seen Santorini from cruise ships but one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made though is to spend a full week on Santorini a couple of years ago, we really got under the skin of the place and it’s a beautiful island despite the crowds. But only a short ferry ride away you’ll find lesser visited spots like Folegandros and Sifnos. From Milos to Hydra, Crete to Corfu, there are so many islands to explore, drop me a line and let’s find the perfect one for you.

08 November 2024

This trip is one of my favourite ever itineraries as despite the 2 countries and 4 stops, it was so easy and stress free and we packed absolutely loads in! We started in the spellbinding city of Rio De Janeiro and it really packs a punch with the incredibly beautiful scenery, beaches and people! It might be a cliché to say there’s an edge to Rio that really makes it one of the most exciting cities in the world. We stayed in Santa Teresa, up in the hills which has a bit of a bohemian vibe. I absolutely loved its cobbled streets, faded mansions and lively bars with locals who were happy to chat to two gringos! It goes without saying that a trip to the Christ The Redeemer statue is essential with its iconic views. We hung out on the Escadaria Selarón and of course the beaches of Ipanema and the jam-packed Copacabana. One thing I strongly recommend is a Favela tour, to learn how these wonderfully warm & friendly people live, their history, the economics and social construct of these areas is a fascinating experience, a whole other world coming from Ireland or Europe. Rio on Friday night is where it’s at and one of my travel highlights is hanging around Lapa. It felt like all of Rio was pouring out of bars and clubs, listening to samba bands and DJs playing favela funk and hip hop with gorgeous people dancing on the streets. The atmosphere was incredible and it was just a bog standard Friday night! After recovering from the excess of multiple Churrascarias (buffet-style Brazilian BBQ) and the dancing we headed south towards the tropical island of Ilha Grande which is almost half way between Rio & Sao Paulo and very accessible from both. We stayed in a gorgeous Pousada in the only town, the charming Vila De Abraão. The highlight and our main reason to visit was our hike to Lopez Mendez, one of Brazil's best beaches. It was glorious to get there with hardly anyone else around. We were lazy though and took the boat transfers back around to Abraão. - Back in Rio, we took a flight to Foz do Iguaçu and transferred straight over the border to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. We had the finest steak and wine for Sunday lunch (€10 per person!) The following day we visited one of South America’s main tourist destinations, Iguazu Falls. One of the most magnificent sights I’ve seen in my life, I was overcome with emotion at how incredible nature is. So beautiful from afar and so powerful up close, I cannot recommend them enough, for me they are an essential add on to any Argentina or Brazil itinerary. - Our last hop on this South American whistle-stop tour was the beautiful Buenos Aires. The city of Tango, wine & faded grandeur, it really blew me away. Again, we chose to stay outside of the main city centre and went with the lovely bohemian Palermo Soho which was jammed full of gorgeous little restaurants, bars, boutiques and parks. Buenos Aires really does have a familiar European feel, and with its relatively volatile history and grand buildings it really is very interesting if you’re a history buff like me. We did a bike tour rather than the traditional hop on-hop off bus. One of the highlights was La Recoleta cemetery, I was unsure whether this would be interesting but how wrong I was, especially as an Irish person with its many familiar surnames. La Boca was great with the colourful Caminito Street and numerous Maradona impersonators and of course the famous Bombonera stadium. And did I mention the wine? And the steak? If you want to visit this vast continent, I’d love to plan your trip of a lifetime. Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia on your bucket list ? Let’s get planning!

08 November 2024

Most fun possible at sea? I’ve got you covered! From Celebrity Cruises to MSC, Royal Caribbean to Oceania, I’ve been lucky enough to visit many cruise ships as part of my job. Every now and then I choose a cruise for my own trip as it’s just such a fun, easy holiday and the food is great which is a huge priority for me. I was lucky enough to sail on NCL’s launch of Norwegian Breakaway, Royal Caribbean’s inaugural voyage through the Western Mediterranean on the Symphony of the Seas. I've also travelled on Odyssey of the Seas around the Greek Islands and around the Bahamas on Allure of the Seas. I’m a big fan of choosing the newer ships, they’re so beautifully designed, always have some innovative ‘never seen before’ features and are full of art whether it be paintings, photography, sculpture and light installations, I will still find things to pause and look at on the final day. I’m partial to everything from street food to the occasional Michelin-star restaurant, I would consider myself to know good food and the quality of the food, on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and NCL is just excellent. We love to splash out on specialty restaurants. Everything we eat is top notch and the service is always impeccable. While for a honeymoon, I would lean towards adults only cruise companies like Virgin Voyages or adult orientated cruise lines like Celebrity, I wouldn’t rule out Royal Caribbean or NCL for example. There are adults only areas like the heavenly Solarium area and for just some easy fun you can easily stay on the ship for a whole week! Between zip lining, crazy golf, 10 story slide, 3 waterslides, rock climbing walls, 2 theatres and so on there was so much to do. If you’re thinking about a familymoon (bringing your kids on honeymoon), then I strongly recommend a cruise to couples! One of the best aspects of a familymoon cruise is the kids clubs. State of the art, totally guilt free. Have a couple of dinners (and a trip to the casino and the amazing spa!) knowing your precious little ones are in safe hands and having a lot of fun without you. It can really make your trip to have that guilt and worry-free adult time. The only downside to cruising is the fabled cruise ship crowds. Admittedly cruise ship crowds in port can be a lot. Plus, you only really get a small taste of each destination. But if you’re looking for a floating resort with a new place to see nearly every day, incredible food, excellent service, and fun facilities, I highly recommend a cruise. At Travel Counsellors, we work closely with all the major cruise lines and I would be delighted to find the perfect route and ship for you. From an Alaska Cruise to a Norwegian Cruise, a cruise around Asia or Australia or even a bucket list Arctic or Antarctic cruise - I can arrange the perfect trip. Drop me a call if you want to explore a cruise honeymoon or luxury cruise holiday!

08 November 2024

OK If ever there was a destination to really gush about?! For me, it's The Maldives! The picture-perfect overwater villas jutting out over that turquoise water and the white sand? I always thought these photos must be filtered? Well the good news is that they look just as good in real life, it really is heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful places ever! I’ve been lucky enough not just to visit Maldives but along with Thailand and Bali it’s the honeymoon destination I’ve booked the most in my career as a Travel Consultant. Some travel agencies will only have a select number of properties they work with but here at Travel Counsellors we’re lucky to have priority access to the over 100+ resorts there so I can really match you with the perfect spot for a dreamy Maldives honeymoon (or holiday). Huvafen Fushi was the first resort I ever stayed at. Having spent 5 days walking the beautiful Somerset countryside at Glastonbury Festival in England, I was excited to get there to relax and rest my weary legs. A tough life that year! After our short speedboat transfer, we were lucky enough to be staying in a Sunset Deluxe Ocean Villa with a 3-tiered deck and private infinity pool with steps down to the crystal-clear reef where stingrays and other colourful friends swam around the lagoon. The underwater spa was divine. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience (or maybe twice or thrice?), honeymoon, special birthday and wedding anniversary heaven. The cocktails and food are always incredible in Maldives and I don’t think I’ve ever received a single complaint about the resorts there. Personally, I confess other than strolling along the perfect beach, snorkelling from the villa, sunbathing, reading, eating and drinking - I don’t recommend much except making the most of relaxing in our own slice of paradise. But if you’re adventure seekers you may think Maldives is not for you but I bet I can find a resort you’ll love! Water slides? Whale Watching? Paragliding? The Maldives for me is the perfect romantic honeymoon destination but you know it's actually a fantastic beach holiday for families and friends too with many resorts catering from different kinds of holidaymakers...paradise is for everyone! Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information. I’m currently planning my own trip for a significant wedding anniversary coming up. I can’t wait!

08 November 2024

California is definitely my favourite US state and I’ve been lucky to visit a few times. Each time is up there with my all time favourite trips! It’s where I spent some of my honeymoon, too! Start in San Francisco and then hire a car to take the famous Pacific Coast's Highway 1 to Los Angeles, Santa Monica & Disney and beyond! Where to start with San Francisco, there is so much to do. I always include the hop-on-hop-off bus tour which has a few routes but includes the fascinating and often booked out trip to Alcatraz. If you can, get tickets for the Alcatraz evening tour, my clients rave about it. I love the interesting neighbourhoods like Castro and Haight-Ashbury and iconic sites like Golden Gate Bridge, Plus the restaurant scene is the best and 3-4 days often isn't enough for my long list of places to eat. Take a drive to the lovely wine region of Napa and inland to Yosemite National Park if you’ve more time. Immediately down the coast is Monterey/Carmel with its lovely Mexican architecture. The last time we were up early and straight to the Big Sur which is often closed due to rock fall and landslides but it wasn’t when we were there. It's just WOW! The scenery is glorious. We had lunch at the wonderful Nepenthe and my highlight was the McWay Falls look out in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I really fell in love with Big Sur, there is something magical & mystical about those forests. The redwoods start to turn into palm trees as you drive south and although many people will stop at Cambria for the night, the last time we decided to go a little further to Pismo Beach where we had the most amazing seafood for dinner and did some shopping. The next stop was Santa Barbara and I could have stayed an extra couple in both of these with their Southern Cali vibe, endless palm trees and sunshine! In Los Angeles, I love a pit stop at the Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills for those iconic LA / Hollywood sign views. You could stop for a night and do Universal Studios Hollywood or keep driving to Anaheim for Disneyland California, you need a couple of days to do both parks, we had a great time at the happiest place on earth. I’d usually finish up by dropping the car back and having a few nights in Santa Monica, relaxing by this wonderful city beach. I absolutely love LA, and have previously stayed at the Mondrian in West Hollywood which is another fun area especially for nightlife. It is important to stay in the right area and Santa Monica is definitely at the top of my list with its proximity to the airport (avoiding the awful traffic!) & ocean, incredible restaurant scene and more palm trees! If you have more time you can drive down to San Diego or across to Joshua Tree National Park and on to Las Vegas. The most incredible scenery and beaches, delicious food, endless shopping opportunities and something new every single day. California is the perfect companion to a multi destination Hawaii honeymoon and holiday. You can also fly to Bora Bora and French Polynesia or back via Florida for a Caribbean Cruise or even hop down to Mexico - Cabo is a great add on to a California road trip. Give me a call to plan your dream California trip!

08 November 2024

The Seychelles will leave you speechless. This dreamy archipelago had been on my bucket list for as long as I've worked in travel. I still daydream about my island hopping trip there not long after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. We started off in Mahé, the main island and home to the tiny capital Victoria. Our few days here were filled with sun, snorkels and sunscreen. We loved the livelier Beau Vallon beach. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling right off the shore - swimming alongside the marine life that decorates the ocean floor. Beau Vallon had some great restaurants, too. ...And then there was Petite Anse. The ocean waves crashing against shores at the Four Seasons Seychelles. The short stroll down to the bay is a slice of heaven. No filter needed! Our island hopping adventure started with a ferry to Praslin, where we hired a car to navigate the tiny ring road around the island and to seek out the island's secluded beaches. Early mornings at Anse Lazio — rated one of the best beaches in the world — were surreal, with barely a soul in sight, just pristine sands and azure waters as far as the eye could see. The ancient palms of Vallée de Mai was like a mystic rainforest escape where legend has it, the original Garden of Eden once existed. One of the days - we splashed out and chartered a boat and small crew to allow us to explore hidden corners of the sea at our own pace. We stopped at Curieuse and St. Pierre, we encountered giant tortoises and snorkelling in waters so clear, you'd think they were made of glass. We had a whole deserted island beach to ourselves. This may well have been one of my favourite days ever. La Digue is really not to be missed - a world where time has stood still and everyone gets around on bicycles. Heaven. We cycled through lush L'Union Estate Park to reach Anse Source D'Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world, famed for its towering granite boulders and soft white sands. The postcard-perfect view that seemed to leap straight out of a travel magazine. Being one of the world’s most famous beaches, it gets a little busy so I strongly recommend staying on La Digue to beat the day trippers! Seychelles is an incredibly special destination. It’s a mood, it’s a vibe, a tropical state of mind! Give me a call, and let's plan a trip for you to paradise!