Gemma Mckay Travel Counsellor UK

Fall back into bed this weekend and enjoy that extra hour 🕰️💤

As the clocks go back and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to escape the winter chill and chase some sunshine! Swap the early sunsets and frosty mornings for warm beaches and blue skies. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or simply recharging in the sun, a winter getaway is just what you need to beat the darker days. Why not treat yourself to a sunny escape and make the most of the season?

I’m thrilled to announce that Travel Counsellors has been named Star Homeworking Group at the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2024.

The accolade is a testament to the comprehensive support we receive as independent business owners, as well as the world-class technology provided by Travel Counsellors which enables us to be our best and provide unrivalled service to our customers.

I’m delighted to announce that Travel Counsellors has been named Agency of the Year – Homeworking at the 2024 ATAS (Association of Tourism and Adventure Suppliers) Recognition Awards!

The awards celebrate and recognise travel professionals who have showcased touring and adventure holidays in the most innovative or successful ways.

Travel Counsellors gives me the tools, technology, and support I need to create exhilarating trips for my customers, and I’d love to book your next dream trip. Get in touch and let’s start planning your next adventure.

I really do have the best customers and I appreciate every single one of you!

Thank you so much to the Tilney family for my lovely gift 🥰

Have a fabulous holiday ✈️☀️🏖️

Well Autumn has definitely arrived hasn’t it! 🍁☔️ ☕️ 🍂

If you’re a tad chilly and already missing the warm weather get in touch and let’s book some sunshine! ✈️☀️🏖️

Happy October peeps! 🎃

[email protected]
07966 453331

We have some magical news for you. ✨

Disneyland® Paris Summer 2025 packages go on sale on the 3rd September, and I can plan your next unforgettable adventure for you and your loved ones right through to March 2026! 🙌

Whether it's the enchanting castle, thrilling rides, or meeting your favourite Disney characters, there's something for everyone.

Stay tuned for more details landing on 3rd September and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Those of you that book with me know I take the time to get to know you so I can find the holidays you love! I don’t like to work via email, I like to talk and get as much info as I can so I’m getting it 100% right for YOU!

When I have booked some of my customers somewhere and they come back and book again for the following year that means I’ve done a good job however when they message me from their balcony and book again for a third year before they’ve even left… that means I’ve nailed it! 💪🏼

Thank you Mr and Mrs F for your continued support and loyalty ✈️☀️🇬🇷❤️

Back in the office today after spending the most relaxing, amazing week in Calvi, Corsica 🇫🇷
I can’t begin to tell you how beautiful this place is from the quaint little streets in the old town to the bustling Marina. The clear blue sea to the sunsets and sunrises that are some of the prettiest I’ve seen. The walk up the Citadel to stand and look over the full town to jumping on the little train to the next seaside town of ile Rousse.
We stayed in the Adults Only Le Home apartments, small, private, very traditional nestled in the most beautiful gardens. 3 pools all equally as quiet.. have you ever seen so many empty sun loungers in August?? Sometimes we were the only people around the pool making it feel like we were in our own private villa.
We travelled with one of my excellent suppliers, Corsican Places who where there to greet us at the airport. The 2hr flight from Stansted with BA was a dream and the 10 minute transfer even better!

I could talk about this trip all day long but I am sharing my pics with you so you can all see for yourselves. I know so many of you who would love this place and can’t wait to chat about it!

Corsica, you were stunning… until next time (and there will definitely be a next time for us) ❤️🥂☀️

☀️Last-minute Corsica sunshine ☀️

🏖 Hôtel Le Splendid

😎 25th August 2024

🌴 7 nights - B&B 🌴

💰 £955pp 💰

✈️Price includes return flights from Stansted, luggage and Transfers ✈️

I’m always really grateful to you guys for taking the time to leave feedback.

Thank you Mr R ☺️

“I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Gemma to anyone looking for a holiday, either at home or abroad. She is very knowledgeable about the market, and goes above and beyond to find you what you are looking for. We wouldn't use anyone else.”

🇫🇷 Less than 4 weeks until I will be holidaying here myself, can’t wait! 🇫🇷

The best way to explore the island of Corsica is without doubt by car, or by bicycle if you're one of the rare breed of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy almost vertical, tortuous uphill climbs and many a hairpin bend. If driving while on holiday is not for you, staying in towns like Calvi and L’Ile Rousse in la Balagne are the perfect choice. 😎

Explore stunning beaches, wander through the cobbled streets of the Citadel, take part in some water sports or join a boat trip, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your holiday on the 'Island of Beauty' by foot. 🚶‍♀️

1. Soak up the sun on one of the many glittering sand and shallow shelving beaches 🌴

2. Hop on the tourist train which takes you from Calvi to L'ile Rousse and stops at several destinations along the way 🚄

3. Visit the Notre Dame de La Serra, affording wonderful views and plenty of history 💒

4. Wander along the picturesque marina and indulge in some much deserved gelato 🍧

5. Take a boat trip to marvel the Girolata & Scandola Nature Reserve 🐟

6. Enjoy a concert often held in the Cathedral in the Citadel or in the nearby Oratoria 🎼

Whatever you are seeking from your next summer holiday, I think you'll agree, there's plenty to do in Calvi without the need to hire a car (or bicycle!). To secure your next break, get in touch now. 😍

If the recent news about airport outages has you worried about your holiday, don't stress. I've got your travel plans covered every step of the way.
From re-booking flights to finding alternative routes, I’ll take care of it. If you need assistance, drop me a message or give me a call.

Spotted at Leeds Airport today….

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Come on lads…. 🏆🏆🏆

It’s becoming the norm 🤩🏆🥂

We’ve done it again! We’ve been named best ‘Homeworking Agency of the Year - Large Agency’ at the Travel Weekly UK Agent Achievement Awards – which celebrates excellence in the travel industry 🎉

This award, voted for by our valued supplier partners, is a testament to the comprehensive support we give to our independent business owners, our world-class technology which enables them to be their best, and our supportive, caring community.

Congratulations to all the other winners 🏆

“Very friendly reliable agent Gemma McKay, 4th year using your service through the same agent, we are very pleased with the locations, hotels and ease of booking. She has been very helpful.”

Thank you Mr T 😊

🇬🇷Perfectly located on the famous beach of Perissa in Santorini, the 5-Star AquaBlue Hotel promises you a truly memorable experience 🇬🇷

💎5* AquaBlue Hotel, Perissa Santorini 4.5/5 TripAdvisor
💎7 Nights Double Room, Bed & Breakfast
💎Upgrade to Half Board from £25per person, per night
💎Transfers & Checked Bags Included

✈️Gatwick 25/9/24 £1,021pp
✈️Manchester 24/9/24 £1,066pp
✈️Birmingham 24/9/24 £1,096pp
✈️Edinburgh 24/9/24 £1,152pp
✈️Newcastle 30/9/24 £1,185pp

Based on 2 sharing, subject to availability & price change. Discount code applied.

🥂Perfectly located on the famous black sandy beach of Perissa, five star Aqua Blue Hotel promises you a truly memorable experience. A private beach space with sun beds and umbrellas, 3 outdoor pools - including a kids’ pool are at your disposal, as well as a buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner and a lounge bar serving drinks and snacks by the pool. Aqua Blue Hotel is the absolute destination for families, group of friends, honeymooners or anyone who desires a highly standard accommodation. The hotel offers guests the most hospitable and comfortable experience during their stay in Santorini. Fira, the bustling capital of Santorini is 15 km away, while Santorini Airport and Port are 25 minute drive. Water sports, restaurants and other entertainment options can be found near the hotel.

Most people think doing my job means I’m all about the far away, luxury holidays when in reality this is what I love… getting off grid for a few days to relax and appreciate the simple things!
We’ve just spent the weekend in this cute little Shepherds Hut set in its own private vineyard with sunset views, a VERY comfortable hammock and a wood fired outdoor tub!

Holidays don’t have to cost a fortune, you don’t have to travel a million miles you just need to be surrounded by nature, great people, a good book…. And a cold beer!!

Happy Monday all!! 🌅 🌸🫶🏼🥂 📖

🏆 We've been nominated for Best National Travel Retailer in the British Travel Awards 2024! 🏆

This is a huge honour for our Travel Counsellors who dedicate their time to craft unforgettable travel experiences just for you.

If you've experienced their amazing service from your Travel Counsellor, please take a moment to vote for us via the link below 👇

https://britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=156&utm_source=facebook+page&utm_medium=organic+social&utm_campaign=bta

Now this is a bargain….. 🤩🤩🤩

May Half Term 2025

☎️Contact me for more details 07966 453331

✈️☀️🐠🏝️

🎶🏖️𝗔 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘⛱️🎸
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ NOW ON SALE

🇺🇸𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 & 𝐄𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭🐚
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘴’ 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪.

🔹14 days
✈️Flights from Heathrow or Manchester
🎟️3 Inclusions
⭐️3 & 4* Hotels

✈️Heathrow
🔹24th September 2025 - £2589pp
🔹19th November 2025 - £2465pp
🔹13th May 2026 - £2719pp
🔹23rd September 2026 - £2719pp
🔹7th October 2026 - £2719pp
🔹11th November 2026 - £2635pp

✈️Manchester
🔹5th March 2025 - £2465pp
🔹7th May 2025 - £2635pp
🔹10th September 2025 - £2575pp
🔹8th October 2025 - £2729pp
🔹6th May 2026 - £2759pp
🔹16th September 2026 - £2759pp
🔹30th September 2026 - £2759pp
🔹18th November 2026 - £2635pp

⭐️Deposits £300pp

🎵Visit Chattanooga, home to the historic Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel, a former railroad terminal
🎵Journey to Nashville, the country music capital of the world, and join an optional tour of RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
🎵Travel to Elvis Presley’s beloved hometown, Memphis and walk along Beale Street, America’s most famous musical highway
🎵Discover the iconic Sun Studio and Graceland, Elvis’ home, last recording studio and final resting place on an optional tour
🎵Spend time in Tupelo famed as the birthplace of Elvis, and perhaps enter his childhood home
🎵Join an optional city tour of vibrant New Orleans, from the charming French Quarter to the Garden District
🎵Experience an optional visit to a bayou (a slow-moving creek), home to alligators in the outer swamps of New Orleans
🎵Board an optional steamboat dinner jazz cruise as you glide down the Mississippi River at night
🎵Discover the Oak Alley Plantation, with its alley of oak trees and well-preserved antebellum architecture on an optional excursion
🎵Stop over in the delightful Bay St. Louis and walk around its waterfront and downtown area
🎵Enjoy four nights in the coastal town, Ocean Springs with a stay at Gulf Hills Resort, previously frequented by Elvis
🎵Relax or partake in optional excursions, like a sh*****ng excursion from Biloxi and a visit to the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch.

Prices subject to availability and may change

☎️ Call to book 07966 453331

🇬🇷The Archipelagos Hotel, MYKONOS, is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World & a Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Award Winner. The hotel offers a Stunning setting & a Chic laid-back vibe. May 2025 From Only £828pp🇬🇷

🌟4*Plus Archipelagos Hotel, Mykonos 4.5/5 TripAdvisor
🌟7 Nights Double Sea View Room, Bed & Breakfast
🌟Upgrade to Half Board from £52pp per night
🌟Transfers & Checked Bags Included

✈️Gatwick 7/5/25 £828pp
✈️Manchester 7/5/25 £897pp

Based on 2 sharing, subject to availability & price change.

🥂The award-winning Archipelagos Hotel’s stunning setting creates a dream destination for couples and families searching for the ultimate holiday experience. With architecture inspired by traditional Cycladic elements combined with fresh, chic soft furnishings and colour accents, the five-star hotel also offers a stylish, yet warm welcome. Just a stone’s throw away from the golden sands of Kalo Livadi beach, the hotel enjoys an exceptionally laid-back vibe where guests can enhance their stay in the wellness studio, a space designed for the total relaxation of body and mind. A variety of Apivita Spa treatments are available, so drift into a blissful state of mind knowing only natural products, made with Greek organic essential oils and plant extracts, are being used to soothe your skin. Make the most of the swimming pool, whirlpool bath, sauna, relaxation chairs and fitness area for complete attention to well-being. As for dining, the culinary treasures of the Aegean archipelago are an invaluable part of the Greek civilization and culture; the sun and the salty sea breeze have produced flavours which have stood the test of time. On this subject, the hotel's chefs gets guests’ gastronomic hearts thumping with the joy of extra virgin olive oil, tenderly cooked pulses, home-grown vegetables and herbs, wild spices, fresh fish, fresh goat or sheep cheeses, kouloures and paximadia (rusks) with a robust flavour given of wheat and barley, plus exceptional Greek wines. The Archipelagos Restaurant offers an a la carte menu with dining on the beautiful shaded terrace, next to the pool and overlooking the Kalo Livadi Bay. Try a six or nine-course menu, with the option of wine pairing, for an extra special holiday treat.

✨The 5* Sheraton Rhodes Resort hotel is located in the Beautiful Bay of Ixia. A Breathtaking, Modern Complex set among 80 acres of Landscaped grounds, it's Striking architecture and Opulent interior are created from local wood and marble. October 2024 From Only £929pp✨

💎5* Sheraton Rhodes Resort, Ixia
💎7 Nights Classic Room, Half Board
💎Upgrade to Full Board from £29pp per night
💎Transfers & Checked Bags Included

✈️Gatwick 9/10/24 £929pp
✈️Birmingham 15/10/24 £939pp
✈️Bristol 8/10/24 £1,001pp
✈️Glasgow 8/10/24 £1,068pp
✈️Newcastle 8/10/24 £1,068pp
✈️Manchester 9/10/24 £1,071pp

Based on 2 sharing, subject to availability & price change.

😎Solo Traveller from £1,242 based on Gatwick departure 9/10/24

🥂The Sheraton Rhodes Resort hotel is located in the beautiful bay of Ixia, just 4 kms from Rhodes town. A breath-taking, modern complex set among 80 acres of landscaped grounds, it's striking architecture and opulent interior are created from local wood and marble. The spacious guestrooms and suites offer a variety of sea, mountain, or garden views. A popular choice, ideal for family holidays as much as for a relaxing escape, the hotel enjoys it's own private beach where sun beds and rattan parasols await you. Alternatively, lounge beside one of three sparkling pools in the beautiful gardens. No need to let fitness slide, with aerobics, basketball, volleyball, squash and tennis all available, and the hotel spa to polish, preen and pamper afterwards. For children, there is a Kids' Club for 4-12 year olds, their own swimming pool and daily organised activities. Castellania, the main restaurant, offers a delicious buffet breakfast and dinner served inside or by one of the pools, or you can sample authentic local cuisine at Mediterraneo. Afterwards, chill out in the laid back Lounge Bar or enjoy stunning views of the Aegean from the terrace.

🇬🇷Slip away to Santorini in May 2025 & Book a stay at the El Greco Resort Hotel, offering a combination of simplicity and beauty, with stunning views & a boutique feel. From Only £752pp🇬🇷

✨4* El Greco Resort Hotel, Fira, Santorini
✨7 Nights Standard Room, Bed & Breakfast
✨Upgrade to Half Board from only £24pp per night
✨Transfers & Checked Bags Included

✈️Gatwick 2/5/25 £752pp
✈️Manchester 6/5/25 £777pp
✈️East Midlands 1/5/25 £832pp
✈️Bristol 5/5/25 £873pp
✈️Newcastle 5/5/25 £967pp
✈️Edinburgh 1/5/25 £1,015pp

Based on 2 sharing, subject to availability & price change.

🥂Couples love the El Greco Resort Hotel’s six outdoor pools surrounded by day beds, loungers and stylish pool bar. El Greco's attractive white architecture reflects into the turquoise pool while inside the fresh, contemporary décor adds to the cool vibe where the recent renovation combines style with a warm 'home from home' welcome. The Lotus Spa is the biggest on Santorini and just the place to indulge in the hands of skilful therapists for magical pampering. The hotel’s fitness centre is free to use to enhance your well-being. Sit on the beautiful veranda when dining at the main restaurant and look forward to American-style buffet breakfasts, as well as Greek and international dishes at lunch and dinner. When taking time out from the sunshine on your holiday to Santorini, enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of local wine in Aiolos Pool bar. Families, too, find the El Greco a wonderful resort with a full programme of activities and a pool designed especially for children. The capital, Fira, is within a short walk where there are quaint cobbled streets dotted with shops and tavernas to explore when sun cools in the early evening. Stop for a drink, buy some traditional souvenirs and savour being in such a beautiful, iconic part of the world.