Julie Gumbs Travel Counsellor

This afternoon I have booked a September Bordeaux city short break coupled with a St Emilion Wine Tour excursion. The chateaux and vineyards are calling, aswell as the city’s historical buildings and monuments, dozens of museums and art galleries, a brand new wine experience centre and some of the best food in all of France.

September and October are perfect months for visiting European destinations. Shoulder Season brings lesser crowds and milder weather. Its perfect for those who love discovering destinations with all the joys of peak season minus the hustle and bustle.

Let me assist you with tailoring your perfect break

T 01925 950122
E [email protected]
W https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/julie.gumbs

Another satisfied customer, excited for their holiday. Thanks Gem for your shout out!

Well that’s the last of the holiday stuff purchased. I really need to get my bum in gear and pack lol x

Thanks to the amazing Julie Gumbs for sorting every detail of our holiday so I have had one less thing to stress about lol xx such a personalised experience she’s ace xx

This is one very happy and excited customer who is looking forward to her family holiday to Canada visiting East Coast cities, Prince Edward Island and then to visit extended family near Winnipeg.
Do you know that I’m with you all the way?
From first conversations or interactions, to advice on Insurance, Visas or travel authorisations, booking and post booking processes. I recommend places to visit to make the trip more fulfilling and can book attractions. All document details are contained on the My TC app with the added benefit of printed copies which I help the customer navigate. I maintain contact, if required, throughout the holiday to ensure everything is going well and welcome the customer home, eager to know all the details. This is all part of the service I provide at no extra cost.
I’m supported by TC colleagues, TC support staff, and a 24/7 Duty Office should something not go to plan whilst away.
There are no transactional faceless processes.
It’s personal.

What better review could I obtain from a special client, a great accolade on my birthday too! Thankyou for sticking with it and me. We got there in the end! This client has a wonderful treat in store.

“Julie has been very professional and more than just a voice on the phone.She went far above what you usually get from travel reps.I have nothing but the highest praise for her help and assistance”

It’s personal.

Are you like me? - Experiencing school holiday chores like keeping the younger ones busy, buying new school uniform, and planning work around the extra family tasks? Everything feels so busy and future holiday planning can be impacted.

I’ll soon be taking a well deserved short U.K. break in the picturesque Lake District with my husband, whilst my daughter is living her best life on Scout Camp; and my (now adult) son is going on a City Break to Amsterdam with his friend (Booked by me of course).
I feel a child free week to be quite liberating despite me missing them and having the usual worries about them. Having never holidayed before minus children, it also feels a bit alien. I’m sure we’ll cope!

In the meantime, customers are my priority and I have been finalising tickets and documents for the families and couples who are travelling in the coming weeks.

Let me take the extra stress away from you and help you out if you’re planning a late summer or autumn break, something for Christmas or looking ahead into 2025. With your family or friends, significant other or solo, I love booking ALL holidays.

I can book anywhere in the world, all types of holidays and all your needs are catered for.

I listen carefully to what you want, present options and work within your budget. I have my own system to tailor make holidays and work with excellent suppliers.

My recent bookings include a last min September South Africa Safari twinned with a stunning Mauritius Beach resort; and an early October authentic Crete boutique hotel with self catering facilities. Late Summer and early Autumn holidays are still super popular with good availability.

Please take a look at the amazing Ekuthuleni Lodge, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province and
Shadrani Beachcomber Resort and Spa, Mauritius.

T 01925 950122
E [email protected]
W https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/julie.gumbs

Virgin Voyages (adults only) - offer

Kids sail free…with an adults-only twist
Now through August 23rd if you book a 2024 Voyage in a Central Sea Terrace or below for two you can bring the “kids” for free…if they’re between the ages of 18-26.
Book your family on the ultimate graduation/birthday/exams celebration

WHAT YOU GET
Book a 2024 Voyage in a Central Sea Terrace or below for two and second Sailors ages 18-26 sail free
Offer only available for booking from now until 23 August 2024
Sail dates until 15 December 2024
Offer subject to availability.

Not bad eh?
Just voted worlds best cruise liners too.

Drop me a line or give me a call if you’d like to explore this further.

🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉

So, you may know that my family are avid Warrington Wolves fans with two children who play and have played in the town.
I took a second glance today, as I was informed that The Warrington Wolves will be playing Wigan Warriors in the first Super League game played in Las Vegas! I even had to question it twice.

Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada (Home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders)
Capacity: 65,000

There will also be opportunities to spectate Penrith Panthers, New Zealand Warriors, Canberra Raiders, and Cronulla Sharks. There is also a Women's Test match featuring England and Australia.

Tickets are due to be going on sale later this month.

Don't miss out - let me put your travel arrangements in place, including flights, hotel and other excursions you may wish to partake in to enhance your break.

🐺Competitive pricing guaranteed🐺

I have already received enquiries for this, so I'm aware of the current pricing, consider moving fast before prices increase.

You will have peace of mind with the Travel Counsellors Financial Trust and ATOL protection, and access to the My TC App.
I will look after each stage of your trip.
This is a personal service without faceless internet transactions.

Please contact me today to talk to me about this amazing rugby opportunity.
📱 Phone: 01925 950122
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.travelcounsellors.com/julie.gumbs

Customer recommendation ……

Hannah and her family enjoyed Universal Studios and Disney in Florida, Boston and Massachesets, New York and Washington. It was a full-on planes, trains and automobiles vacation, with fun, cities, relaxation and culture.

This is why I do what I do….so that families can get together, have an amazing time and make unforgettable memories. To feel their pleasure, see their smiles and soak up their gratitude is the best feeling.

I take away the stress and time of researching and booking holidays when everyday life is busy enough!

In this case, Hannah and I met on a teams call several times; she reviewed my suggested itinerary, paid the deposit on the My TC app, and the trip was booked with ease. It couldn’t be simpler, I take care of everything.

I check and double check hotel bookings, ensure flights are verified and any amendments dealt with. My TC app keep customers updated with vital information too.

Hannah’s review ….

“We are enjoying our last full day of an amazing trip away to America with the kids - and just want to give a big shout out on here to Julie Gumbs ….

Julie is a travel counsellor and she arranged our whole trip for us - flights, internal travel (flights, trains and cars), hotels, passes, special events…. Everything! She researched everything, checked and double checked all the details, recommended places, and facilitated all the special requests- ensuring that we’ve had a truly memorable- and smooth - holiday of a lifetime with our family.

If you are wanting someone to do all the hard work for you whilst arranging a special or more complicated trip, then do please contact Julie - it was an absolute pleasure to have her look after us before - and during - the holiday.

Thank you Julie - it’s been an incredible few weeks, absolutely perfect, and we’re so grateful for all your help 💙🙏💙🙏 “

Today I had the pleasure of attending ‘Touchdown Day’ at Travel Counsellors Support Hub in Manchester.

Over several months, I have completed a rigorous programme of onboarding and training with the backing of outstanding support team colleagues. Touchdown Day is a very special occasion where we come together to mark the completion of this training and celebrate. It’s always great to be in the audience of the live TCTV too.

I’m proud of what I have achieved in a short period of time, turning my leap of faith into reality and becoming a travel business owner. I have made new friends and been embraced and supported by amazing and knowledgable colleagues.

Are you still seeking a bit of summer sun? Let’s be honest, we’re not getting much over here in Blighty. There’s still availability in many hotels.

Princess Yaiza, Lanzarote -

A family getaway to Princesa Yaiza Spend some time together as a family in the sunshine on the beautiful volcanic Canarian island of Lanzarote this summer. You’ll be staying at the famously family-friendly, all-suite Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort with its vast Kikoland ‘fantasy world’ with facilities for children of all age...

I absolutely love the idea of a River Cruise, and having looked at various providers and suppliers, Avalon Waterways remain as my favourite.
You could be sailing carefree along the River Danube, passing clifftop castles, hillside vineyards, ancient villages and even older forests. Or navigating the River Rhone in France seeing for yourself why Vincent Van Gogh fell in love with the Provence. There’s so many other locations to influence your decision, and to make it even harder the Portuguese Douro River takes you to the heart of vineyards, thermal spas and the beautiful city of Porto.

All sailings stop in the heart of wonderful locations allowing you time to explore and experience the local culture and sights. From short cruises of 5-6 nights to something longer, and with the options of add-on flights and additional nights in embarkation or disembarkation locations I can arrange all.

Avalon Waterways river cruises, where five-star service comes free from stuffiness, accommodation is spacious with amazing views, food is top-restaurant quality, gratuities are included and you’ll get a choice of daily excursions, to explore each destination like a local. Whether you are looking for 2024 departures or 2025 river cruises, or want to make the most of the single supplement offer, it doesn't get any suiter than this with Avalon Waterways.

If you’d like to take advantage of current offers please message or call me to discuss further.

‼️‼️IMPORTANT - MANCHESTER AIRPORT UPDATE ‼️‼️

Julie TC Tip - Closures or otherwise, the roads around Manchester Airport will be heavily affected this Summer - please please try to time your journeys well. Going on holiday can be stressful enough without worrying about not getting to that check-in on time.
I will be emailing customers with Manchester departures irrespective of what days they are travelling.

Plan in advance, consider leaving the motorway at J7 for Altrincham/Bowdon if travelling from M6 direction or take a detour via Northenden/Wythenshawe or even Wilmslow if approaching from other directions.

National Highway has issued a warning to all customers flying from Manchester Airport throughout June, July & August, to leave extra time for travel after announcing that parts of the M56 between junctions 5 & 6 will be closed during specific dates for resurfacing slip roads as well as replacing road markings and bridge joints.
Please make sure to plan ahead for your flights departure time!

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/north-west/m56-junction-6-to-8-smart-motorway/

𝐌𝟓𝟔 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟔 𝐭𝐨 𝟒
Tuesday 11 June & Wednesday 12 June
Monday 8 July to Wednesday 10 July
𝐌𝟓𝟔 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟔 𝐭𝐨 𝟓
Thursday 13 June & Friday 14 June
Monday 24 July to Thursday 27 June
Thursday 4 July & Friday 5 July
𝐌𝟓𝟔 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟕 𝐭𝐨 𝟓
Monday 17 to Friday 21 June
𝐌𝟓𝟔 𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝟔
Monday 15 July, Tuesday 16, July, Thursday 18 July & Friday 19 July
Monday 22 July to Friday 26 July
Monday 29 July, Tuesday 30 July
Sunday 4 August, Thursday 8 August & Friday 9 August
𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞:
Eastbound exit slip at junction 5 closed on Friday 28 June
Westbound exit slip road at junction closed on Wednesday 17 July

Why Celebrity?
Because with Celebrity Cruises, you can sail to the most breathtaking destinations while enjoying unparalleled luxury, world-class dining by Michelin-starred chefs, and exceptional service from a crew that anticipates your every need.

Whether you're exploring the Norwegian Fjords aboard the award-winning Celebrity Apex or discovering the wonders of the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Flora, every moment promises to be extraordinary.

Contact me today to check out my new Celebrity Cruises brochure, and let me take care of every detail of your own unforgettable voyage.


Showcase Silversea Silver Dawn Luxury Cruise ship

I have had the pleasure of walking the decks and interiors of this magnificent small ship. I would describe it as sophisticated and refined with beautiful decor providing a sense of relaxation.
I fell a little in love with her.

With Silversea cruises you enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining and full butler service for every suite.

Silversea cruises have been voted the best luxury cruise line, so it is no surprise that the suites offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodations. All suites feature ocean views, and most with a private teak veranda.

Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing your voyage is all inclusive.

Our ships are small enough to visit exceptional destinations, berthing right in the beating heart of the destination.

With over 900 destinations, whether it is iconic cities or remote shores, wherever you want to go, you can get there with Silversea.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss a cruise holiday

I am fresh from the Southampton CLIA Conference, full of inspiration for you about worldwide ocean and river cruises.
Why you should choose a cruise:
A CRUISE HOLIDAY SUITS ALL TASTES AND AGES
The average age of a Cruise passenger is 46 years with 36% of bookers under 40 years. The joy of cruising is magic, extraordinary and a holiday like you’ve never experienced before. Cruises of all sizes - they’re not all geared to thousands of passengers. There’s many smaller ships with much lower passenger numbers.
EXPLORE INCREDIBLE DESTINATIONS AND ONLY UNPACK ONCE
Do you love multi destination touring but find the hassle and time of packing /unpacking just too much. Cruising is an ideal solution.
DON’T LIKE FLYING? REMOVE THE NEED FOR AIRPORTS
The UK have many embarkation ports, some closer than you think. Embark at Liverpool or Newcastle, or venture a little further to Southampton or Dover. Take a train to Europe and meet your River cruise. Fly-cruise options are widely available.
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE MOMENTS ASHORE
Excursions booked on board allow you immerse yourself in the culture and adventure of the local area, or choose to amble around exploring at your leisure.
Consider an expedition cruise and immerse yourself within the nature and environment.
FABULOUS ENTERTAINMENT, ALL INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE CRUISE
Top class shows, singers, comedy, not only held in the theatre areas, but to be enjoyed in bars and lounges.
Cinemas, casino’s, card playing lounges, libraries, deck games, fitness and wellbeing, educational destination talks – something to appeal to everyone. But every ship is different.
INCREDIBLE DINING OPTIONS
From family dining to first class fine dining curated by famous top chefs… and everything in between.
THERE IS A CRUISE IS FOR EVERYONE
Are you in need of:
A family break?
Spending time with the wider family – grandparents/grandchildren?
A city break …. and more? River cruises take you into the heart of cities and are the fastest growing cruise experience.
Adventure and excitement?
A Boutique style hotel?
Culture?
Safari type experience?
You can achieve any of the above with a cruise - 71% of holiday makers are new and open to cruise, are you one of them?
Let me help you to choose and curate your ideal cruise.

I’m away from my desk for a short while. I can still access emails and messages but my responses may take a little more time.
I’m off to the CLIA Conference, Cruise Line International Association. I’ll be undertaking business conference sessions, networking, trade fairs, and some amazing ship visits.
A busy few days ahead! If you need any cruise queries answering I couldn’t be in better hands.

One of my customers had the pleasure of staying in this hotel and provided great reviews of the property. He said it was one of the best hotels he’d stayed in! If you’d like to see what he’s talking about, please drop me a line.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/83p2ZVxwsqEQRhK6/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Rwanda! 🦍
From the vibrant streets of Kigali to the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda’s national parks, every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered! Delve into lush forests, trek alongside playful chimpanzees, and spot golden monkeys dancing among the treetops, before you embark on the ultimate journey - trekking with experienced guides to witness the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.
Get in touch today to plan your adventure!

What’s on / been on my desk?

An update of recent bookings or pipeline enquiries…it’s always good to know about my different holiday enquiries, destinations and everything I’m learning about on my TC journey. I absolutely love curating these trips.

An exciting Stockholm city break with the most authentic beautiful hotel. A well deserved few days away for parents whose children have hit the age of maturity, and mum and dad can have their independent holidays again!
A great city for scenery. culture, shops, food, ships and possibly a bit of ABBA!

A tropical luxury escape to the Island of Praslin in close proximity to Mahe in the Seychelles. Some island hopping will allow this couple to experience UNESCO heritage sites, amazing wildlife, landscapes and beaches. Pure bliss. A beautiful hotel to top it off!

A cultural and modern city break for a family to Palma in Majorca for a family celebration. Shops, beach, nice food, airy hotel was the brief! We all know that Palma is a favourite of mine.

A return customer who is now going on a wonderful ski trip before Christmas. High altitude to ensure snow, a beautiful small village in Switzerland in a hotel with pool and spa to soothe those aching legs. And no sitting on a boring bus transfer for hours. This trip has amazing rail travel through the picturesque alps to reach their destination.

Another return customer who wanted a very last minute break to Lanzarote. All booked within hours. They had a lovely time in a 4* hotel in Playa Blanca - just the ticket!

Work ongoing on a Zanzibar beach / Tanzania safari trip for a solo traveller. A lovely itinerary presented in collaboration with an African Destination Management Company. I have links into specialist companies on the ground around the globe to provide great experiences for travellers.

Cruise enquiry for a multigenerational family for Sept. I know exactly what I have in mind for my fitness inspired customers and parents on an adult only cruise. Great company offers on this one too.

A wildlife extravaganza in Borneo to see Orangutans, Pygmy elephants and many more species. Combined with city stop overs of Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and tropical islands of Gaya and Langkawi or others, this will bring memorable experiences hard to beat. I’m so excited to be working on this holiday.

I hope this helps you to understand the diversity of what crosses my desk. Every enquiry receives care, attention and personal service. I get to know my customers, what makes them tick, and what their requirements are.

If you have a holiday in mind, big or small, I’m at the end of a phone or message.

Yes, it's the return of the legendary Free Dining & Drinks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! Dine at over 90 venues across the resort when you book a selected 2025 Disney Resort Hotel + Ticket package. 🍴

Pssst... book by 2nd July 2024 and you'll save £200 per booking*.
🎈 Envision the memories; we'll handle the details. Ready for a sprinkle of Disney magic?
💖✨ Contact me today to avoid missing out.

*Terms and Conditions apply.



T 01925 950122
E [email protected]
W https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/julie.gumbs

Wanting a last minute holiday? I can do all the arrangements in a relatively short period of time.
A returning client phoned me yesterday afternoon, and before evening, the holiday was paid for and booked.
For clients who like paper documents, I can undertake all this too, including good old fashioned luggage labels, all filled in.
And now to hand deliver the little package to my clients, ready for their departure on Thursday. All they need to do is pack a case. This is the personal service I provide and I love doing it.

Japan is known for its rich culture, fascinating history, landscapes which take your breath away and unique cuisine. With a blend of modernity and deep rooted tradition, Japan is an ideal travel destination. It has an efficient modern transportation system contributing to easy travel; clean, modern cities and outstanding cultural sites and temples to visit. Safe, with low risk of crime, and the most hospitable people; it’s little wonder why its popularity is increasing as a travel destination at any time of the year.
I can help with your travel plans.

T 01925 950122
E [email protected]
W https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/julie.gumbs

Race across the World - Episode 1 of a new series tonight BBC1 9pm
5 teams race from Japan to Indonesia.
With some inspiring features and places to visit in the Far East - who’ll be watching?

Solo Travel - some reasons why you may consider travelling alone, but happy to meet new and like minded people.
- perhaps you have different travel interests to your partner or family?
- you don't feel comfortable being completely alone, and like the security of being safe, with highly trained holiday directors, having on trip transport, good standards of accommodation and experiencing local culture and sights.
- you feel like you have no travel companion but deserve a lovely holiday
- you may wish to meet up with another solo friend you already know.

Just You Holidays have 20 years of expertise, guarantees you a room of your own with no single supplements, many meals included and allows you just sit back in the knowledge that everything is taken care of. You will be in a group, but the range of holiday types and experiences are exceptional.
Classic Touring - from Japan, Portugal to Wild Borneo and much more in between
Relax and Discover - choose from many including The Caribbean, Italy and Seville, offering a slower pace of holiday
No Fly or UK Breaks - I love the idea of the gardens of Monet and the Chateau de Versailles
Walking Holidays - walk the Campiano de Santiago in Spain, Tuscany, The Amalfi Coast, Hadrian's Wall or Snowdonia
Wildlife Experiences - Africa, Galapagos, South Africa, India, Australia and more.
River Cruises in Europe or Coastal Cruises in Croatia

So, what are you waiting for? Contact me to discuss further details. I can offer a more personal service at no extra cost on this type of holiday.

May Half Term - AIl Inclusive family focused holiday for fun and adventure
Quick - This is an early booking and dining offer, but you must book by 31 March 24.

Had enough of the rain and miserable weather?

Explore a world of wonder and awe at the children friendly Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, a themed destination resort on a prime stretch of the Dubai Islands waterfront, inspired by Thai and Arabian adventures. Spend your days exploring the lush property’s water attractions, including a lazy river, kids’ fun water play area, waterslides and cliff jumping points, then wine and dine at seven different enticing dining venues.

Designed with family fun in mind, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai features 607 expansive rooms and suites, offering a choice of stunning city or sea views. Along with two impressive beachfront swimming pool and waterslides, the resort also houses three age-specific Kids’ Clubs, a candy-themed kids’ spa, outdoor playground and high ropes, fully-equipped fitness centre, myriad water sports and a family-friendly lounge.

For those whose idea of a family holiday includes moments of pure relaxation, SPA Cenvaree provides luscious wellness treatments specifically formulated for both adults and younger guests, making the resort a true oasis for all ages.

Sat 18 May - 7 nights, all inclusive meals, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
Manchester to Dubai return flights with Emirates including checked luggage and booked seats
Family Room Double Double, upgrades available
Private transfers between Dubai Int Airport and the Hotel
£5900 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children)
Other dates available

Prices subject to change, T's and C's apply.

If you'd like to know more about this or other family holidays please get in touch.

T 01925 950122
E [email protected]
W https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/julie.gumbs

Passport fees

If you need a new passport, you should apply for one now as application fees (if approved) are set to increase on Thurs 11 April.

An adult standard online passport will increase from £82.50 to £88.50, and a child’s from £53.50 to £57.50
Different increases are also applicable for standard paper form applications.

So if you’re planning to travel, your passport has expired or imminent, get the application rolling.

My happy customers - I've saved them endless hours researching their holidays - bookings completed; administration issues dealt with; good chats in person or on the phone ..... it's the personal yet professional touches that matter and are very important to me and others.
All they need to do is pack their cases.
I can just feel their excitement in these words.
If you're looking for any kind of holiday think about what they say.