Joanne Grogan - Travel Counsellor

Destination 9, this was our ultimate family day out to Lapland. Firstly if you do the day trip it is a very long day, however the airlines and travel companies make it fun for the kids and adults as well. We didn't tell the kids and even managed to check in without them knowing where we was going to...We just told them that we was going to find some snow for sledging but had to drop something off at the airport. I think the sleepy heads worked in our favour. We booked a day ...trip with Thomas Cook to Rovaniemi and although we were delayed on the outbound, they delayed the flight on the return to give us the full day. If you are doing Rovaniemi then try and do it as late as you can as it is not as far north as some destinations and last year had a panic about snow. After a flight of games and carols we were transported by coach to the Santa Park, which is largely indoors. You are given a time slot of your Santa visit, the rest of the time is yours to have fun and do the many activities on offer. These included some outdoor activities such as Reindeer rides, Husky rides, Skidoos and sledging. Coats and Trousers are provided to ensure you are kept warm. This is where we had the most fun, playing in the snow and making snow angels. Indoor activities included the Elf Workshop, Making Decorations, the North Pole post office and the Ice Gallery. The Santa visit was a small but important part of the day and you do get time to chat to him. The elves check your name and Santa has details about where you have come from and what you want for Christmas (all provided prior). It was lovely to see the belief in the kids eyes and it definitely kept the Christmas spirit alive for a few more years. There are now lots of different packages to Lapland, you can do different experiences for different durations. It is not a cheap day but it was a family day to remember and I would recommend it to anybody. It was a quiet flight home with lots of sleepy adults and children, who had all had a magical day.
If you are interested in a Lapland trip please give me a call or send me an email.
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Wake up in another corner of the Mediterranean each day, with a while host of new sights waiting to be discovered. From Italy’s incredible Renaissance masterpieces to Greece’s idyllic islands https://bit.ly/2ZVCB6T

Looking at a UK holiday this year then you may be interested to know that Hoseasons have announced another £50 off their May, June and July bookings. including Half Term. All bookings have to be made by the 16 May. If you are interested please give me a call.

Amazing family summer holiday cruise deal. Balcony cabin and drinks package. Give me a call on 0161 297 0366

​How about this for an amazing trip. Some great experiences and bucketlist destinations here. If you are interested in something like this please give me a call. West Coast USA Multi Center & Hawaii Luxor Hotel Las Vegas - 5 nights Ranch at Death Valley - 1 night Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes - 2 nights... The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma - 1 night Hotel Epik, San Francisco - 3 nights Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Honolulu - 7 nights Dunes Inn Sunset, Los Angeles - 4 nights
Departing 14th September 2019 Flights from London Gatwick with British Airways Based on 2 sharing Includes Car Hire in the US
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Destination 8. Vancouver.
We decided to do Vancouver as a family as part of an adventure which also included Seattle and Vancouver Island, which I will come to another time.
We unconventially arrived in Vancouver by bus from Seattle, which was really exciting as we had a bus driver that thought he was a tour guide and ensured we sat at the front of the bus and gave us a commentary on route.
... A reason for the stay in Vancouver was to watch the MLS football as they were playing LA Galaxy and we thought it would be a great opportunity to experience how soccer is done accross the pond. We stayed close to the ground at the Hampton Inn. It was a great location for sightseeing as the hop on - hop off bus stop was just round the corner.
Vancouver has a lot to offer with its amazing Stanley Park, the totems, Gaslight District and the waterfront, which is a great place to people watch. The aquarium in Stanley Park is fantastic and we spent a long time in there with the beautiful sea otters and beluga whales. There was something for everybody. There are also bikes to hire if you wished to cycle in the park or along the waterfront.
Just outside Vancouver City is Grouse Mountain. This is an all season resort just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Is is accessed by cable car, whilst trying to see the Grizzly Bears who inhabit the ground below. We went in April and could not believe how much snow was on the ground. In fact we shared the cable car with skiers, whilst we still wore spring clothes! It was bizarre to go sledging in jumpers. The views from the peak are amazing and is worth the trip up.
Another location close to Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk. This is a 70m high suspension bridge over the river below. It is a bit wobbly but the location is stunning and the treetop walkway on the opposite side gives you a great accessibility to the ecosystem on a coastal rainforest. They also did a quiz for kids to keep them interested in learning about the wildlife.
We changed hotels after Vancouver Island and stayed in Coal Harbour at the Pinnacle Hotel. This location on the waterfront was amazing. I could have just spent all my time watching the seaplanes take off and landing.. It is close to the Convention Centre and not to far from the great shopping and restaurants.
If you are shopping and fancy something different than the usual brands then head to Granville Island. There is a great farmers market there as well as lots of craft and arts shops.
I hope I have given you a feel for Vancouver and I hope that next time we go it is for an Alaskan Cruise or the Rocky Mountaineer, however if you would like any more information please drop me a line or give me a call.
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Destination 7 is in keeping with the Disney Theme of the day and that is Disneyland Paris.
Although we had previously visited Disney in California, the kids could not remember it as they were so small and so we decided that to go at New Year would be a lovely way to extend the Christmas Celbrations. To see the kids faces when they first entered the Park and saw the castle was a look that I will remember for a long time and made the decision worth it.
We flew on Flybe to Paris... and after getting a fantastic private transfer to our hptel it was straight into an evening in the park. The Christmas decorations were still up and it created a magical experience.
The hotel we had chosen was the New York, which is currently closed for a "reimagining". It is due to reopen as the New York Marvel Hotel. It is a great location, 2 minutes to the village and 6 minutes to the gates of both parks. Being a Disney Hotel there were usually Characters around the hotel which was great for pictures.
We made the most of our fast passes for out favourite rides, although the family favourite was Buzz Lightyears Laser Blast. We managed this ride about half a dozen times during our time, even managing just before midnight on New Years Eve.
By staying so close to the park meant that we were able to go back to the hotel and use the pool or go ice skating to break up the day, before going back in the evening for fireworks and parades.
We had pre booked a New Years Eve meal for a 8pm sitting which meant we were able to get back into the park for midnight. At the time you could still access both parks on New Years Eve, now you need a seperate ticket for Disneyland on party nights.
A character meal is a must for all first time visitors to the park and it is a great opportunity for the kids to interact with their favourite characters. It is lovely to be able to watch this and take loads of pictures.
We didn't book a meal option or any other meals and was lucky to get into things such as Planet Hollywood. Next time I would pre book as we were unable to see Buffalo Bills show or some of the speciality restaurants.
It was a great couple of days and I would recommend it to everybody. I would love to hear your memories and tips for Disney.
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You will see a lot in the press in the next week or so as the exciting new Celebrity Edge arrives in the UK. They have also introduced their amazing summer deal of free drink and gratuities included in their costs.
If anybody would like more information please get in touch.

Well I thought I knew a lot about Disney until today. What a great training day on Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise. Some things I learnt are:
There is now a waterpark near Disneyland Paris and a golf course. Disney Cruise is 40% adult only with fine dining options and sails from Dover. Star Wars Galaxy Edge looks amazing...obviously, and you can do a 3 or 4 day cruise around Bahamas calling at Castaway Cay to finish of your Disney holiday.
... If you want anymore information about anything Disney please ask. X
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Favourite to start!

Today is a magic day with Disney

Destination 6 - Miami
It was the late 90's and all I wanted to do to was to skate down Ocean Drive. So that is what we did for my birthday. It was a flying visit to Miami in December, but it is somewhere we do intend to go back to. We stayed at the Loews Miami Beach, right in the heart of South Beach and immersed ourselves into the South Beach vibe. Breakfast at the News Cafe, which is straight on Ocean Drive and were Versace famously visited before he was killed on the step...s to his property a few doors down. Lazy days by the pool or on the beach before enjoying the cocktails and nightlife of South Beach.
Now Miami has so much more to offer, and loads of areas to explore, not just the South Beach Life. There is a hip downtown, Little Havana and Coral Gables. The city a worth a trip on its own, however it also serves as a great addition to a cruise holiday, a Florida touring trip or even onto an Orlando holiday.
I just need to work out when we can go back to see how it has changed.
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​#handpickedforyou #mexico #family #amresorts #nowsapphire #maymadness #sales Struggling to get away in Summer, how about October half term? Mexico Family Holiday From £3,015 Total Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, Mexico... Travelling 24 October 2019 for 7 nights Staying in a Deluxe Junior Suite Tropical on All Inclusive Flights from London Gatwick with BA in Economy Return private transfers included Based on Family of 3 (child age 11 and under) * Up to 50% discount * Great hotel for families of all ages * Travelling October half term
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Destination 5. Marrakech
Marrakech is such a great place for a long weekend, just 3hrs 45 mins from Manchester and you find yourself into a completely different world. The smell and sights are to be experienced. We decided to have a weekend away to celebrate a birthday in December. We stayed in a Riad in the heart of the Medina. It was basically a heavy door that opened into an oasis. With a rooftop terrace that looked over the rooftops it was like a secret world. The Djema ...el-fina is just what you see on the tv and in films. There are snake charmers and food vendors everywhere. It is a tourist mecca which is best observed from a café balcony drinking mint tea. We arranged for a walking guide to show us the city for a morning and had a great locals insight into daily life as well as visiting the main sights of the Saadian Tombs and the Marrakech Museum. We also took a tour out of the city to the Ouzoud Waterfalls and the Grand Atlas mountains. It was lovely to get out of the city and see a bit more of the country. A trip to Marrakech would not be complete without a trip round the souk shopping. Just remember to barter hard. I remember I bought jewellery. I hope you are enjoying these destination memories, it would be great to hear your travel memories.
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Looking at some great offers this morning. Still looking for something for May half term, how about this amazing deal to Dubai.
Dubai Family Holiday From £2,600 total
... JA Ocean View, Dubai Travelling 25th May 2019 for 6 nights Staying in a Sea View room on Bed & Breakfast Flights from Manchester with Emirates Return private transfers included Based on Family of 3 (child 11 or under)
* 50% discount * Superb location with recent renovations * Travelling May half term
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This is on my wish list. Stunning scenery and elephants...perfect. X

Destination 4. Barcelona
We chose carefully for our first family city break and went for Barcelona. It ticked the boxes that we all wanted, a bit of culture, shops, nice food and most importantly for our family, a football game.
We flew out of Manchester with EasyJet in April 2017, leaving behind rainy Manchester for sunny Barcelona, preparing the kids for a four-day trip of exploring. Barcelona is a fantastic city in which to immerse yourself and so easy to get around either...
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You will have seen in the news at weekend that Flybmi ceased trading. We all see and hear that your agent should be Atol protected, or that my credit card will cover me if anything goes wrong. I just wanted to explain what each of these covers means and what it means to book with me. As well as the important financial protection, you can be assured that if anything happened to your booking, it would be dealt with Immediately and not when the office opens on a Monday morning, as you are dealing with a person and our wonderful Duty Office support. https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/…/i s-my-holiday-financ…/

Thanks for arranging our accommodation in Paris Jo - really appreciate your patience and expertise (and the lovely card!)