Hi everyone. I am a British travel expert and I have been living in the Middle East since 2009.
For the last 30 years, I have been working in the travel industry, handling both corporate and leisure travel. I have worked as a travel agent in London (20 years), Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, and most recently in Dubai as a travel Manager. During my time as an agent and a corporate travel coordinator, I have gained much valuable travel experience, which assists me in understanding, what is important for every type of traveller.
I have been very fortunate throughout my career to have had the opportunity to visit many corners of the world in the USA, Canada, S America, Europe, Africa and Asia and Central Asia. Plus, during the last 8 years, I have become familiar with several of the countries in the Middle East.
As a Travel Counsellor, I have access to some of the best travel products available in today’s competitive market. By combining my varied travel knowledge along with the access to a huge variety of global travel suppliers, let me arrange the holiday of your dreams for you and your family.
Weddings, honeymoons, special occasions, once-in-a-lifetime experiences e.g. "Sport of Kings" day at the races, whatever it is you’re looking for, Travel Counsellors can provide it. We are experts in creating unique and tailormade trips, that you’re guaranteed to remember for years to come!
I am also delighted to announce that, with our unique professional expertise, we can provide People of Determination a comprehensive accessible travel service to all corners of the world, whatever your additional access, mobility, sensory or cognitive requirements might be.
I take pride in everything I do and I look forward to becoming your personal travel agent and to looking after all your travel needs.
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My Videos
Nungwe Beach Zanzibar
12/2/2020
Thank you Alison Slater @travelcounsellors for helping make it possible!
Loved our time at Zanzibar, photos don’t do the beach justice!
My Blog
I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my
experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own
holiday inspiration.
What unprecedented times we are living in right now!!
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Working in the travel industry, as you can no doubt imagine, my business is currently too quiet! When lockdown first started, my main priority was taking care of my regular customers requests for date changes, refunds etc. Now, with more free time, I have been thoroughly entertained by watching very informative Zoom broadcasts from our lovely suppliers around the world, advising us all about their “must do” activities! I have literally taken a “virtual trip” around the world and here are just a few of the highlights I would like to share with you.
Be prepared for it to take all day to find gorillas, when trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. And note that a 90 minute walk in the jungle will feel more like 4 hours!!
In Bolivia, imagine being wowed by the most magical starry sky you may ever see, when spending the night in a pod on the Salt plains in Uyuni!
Lapland is the ultimate place to experience “Aurora floating”!! It is one of the best ways to see the majestic Northern Lights. You are totally mollycoddled by being kept completely warm and cosy wearing a “sumo style” body suit, whilst floating in a very cold lake looking up at the sky!
If you want to get up close and personal with a Giant Tortoise, then Raffles Hotel on Praslin Island in the Seychelles is the place to be.
A must do in Madeira, is afternoon tea at the Reid’s Hotel in Funchal. This hotel was opened in 1891 by Mr William Reid, a Scottish man wanting to escape the harsh winters of his homeland!
Most people know about the awesome Cherry blossom displays in Nara, Japan, but there is so much more to see and experience in this beautiful country from sightings of Snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park, to cooking classes and meeting Geishas in Gion, Kyoto. There are sword classes and even Ninja for the kids!
For those people bored with Bali, the neighbouring islands have fascinating volcanos to visit at dawn and then later in the evening, who could resist a bit of Komodo dragon dancing?!
Disney Cruising is a must experience for the kids, who will be entertained all day starting with breakfast with their favourite Disney characters, whilst the adults can have lots of “me” time in the adult only areas!
At the Wild Coast Lodge in Sri Lanka, you can sleep in “Cocoon Tents”, discover leopards in Yala Park and even learn how to cook lunch Sri Lankan Style.
In California the apt name of Heavenly in the resort of Lake Tahoe is a must visit for skiing and awesome scenery and there are just too many wineries to choose from in Napa valley!
On a positive note, there are green shoots appearing in the form of Staycations, which is so encouraging for me, as it demonstrates that people are still keen to go somewhere, even with the current restrictions!
Are you at home and in need of some escapism? Travel Counsellors across the UAE have compiled their suggestions for travel TV shows to watch reruns of. Wanderlust-inducing inspiration……
Travel Man
Travel documentary series featuring Richard Ayoade, travelling to a popular city each episode with a celebrity guest
Amazing Hotels: life beyond the lobby
Giles Coren and Monica Galetti travel the globe visiting some of the world's most incredible hotels
Wish you were here
British television show that was first broadcast in 1974. A series of 30-minute shows about travel and holidays (It’s an oldie but a goodie and you can find some on Youtube)
Wild Alaska
An amusing documentary based on the wildlife and experiences of the relaxing sculpture this is Alaska
Race across the world
Five pairs of travellers participate in an epic race that will take them through many countries
Simon Reeve around the world – BBC
Simon Reeve takes a 25,000 mile journey around the Equator
Ugly Delicious
David Chang travels the world eating food and talking to people about culture, life and what they do whilst experiencing it for himself.
Jack Whitehall - travels with my father
Comic Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael traveling together makes for an interesting dynamic, as viewers experience in this travelogue series.
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Monty Python's loveable Michael Palin circumnavigates the globe in this classic travel series.
The Kindness Diaries
Leon Logothetis travels the world with only a vintage motorbike and the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways
Long Way Down
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman undertake another overland motorcycle adventure
Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure
Joanna Lumley’s Japan
Joanna Lumley's India
Joanna Lumley's Trans-Siberian Adventure
Joanna Lumleys Greek Odyssey
Series around actress Joanna Lumley’s travel experience.
My customer stories
Sent by Chris D'Cotta
Dubai 21/08/2023
Alison Slater is an amazing travel agent. Nothing is too much trouble for her, and she really went above and beyond the call of duty when she helped us out during Covid
Sent by Stephanie Buller
Riyadh 12/05/2023
Alison Slater is an absolute SUPER STAR!! She is a total credit to Travel Counsellors!! Nothing is too large or small for her to tackle and she gives her time to even small enquiries, making you feel like a valued customer every single time. I honestly am so grateful to know i have Alison there for me for all of my travel needs. Thank you Alison for all that you do.
Sent by Dean Pollard
Dubai 12/05/2023
Alison is amazing....she is patient, listens, cares, knowledgeable and has a "can do" spirit. What a diamond she is ! thank you
Sent by Michelle Sibley
Dubai 12/05/2023
Alison has now organised two holidays for me and both has been fantastic and smooth. I'd recommend her.
Sent by Paul Sherry
Southampton 12/05/2023
Alison did a great job pulling together the complex elements of our family trip to Rome... When we hit problems with our flights which were cancelled at the very last minute with potentially horrible consequences Alison was right there for us and found an alternative flight option which allowed us to continue with our plans. Many thanks to Travel Counsellor for a top job....
Sent by Adrian Camm
London 12/05/2023
Great service. Efficient and friendly. No stone was left unturned and my trip went very smoothly. Good job Alison
Sent by Stephanie Buller
Riyadh 12/05/2023
Alison is just absolutely amazing!! I cannot recommendd her highly enough. This trip was incredibly last minute, but as per usual she pulled out all the stops and got me an amazing trip at a fantastic price and fulfilling all my requirements. Alison is an absolute star!!!!
Sent by Suzanne Gandy
Dubai 12/05/2023
Always had great service from Alison, can't fault her.
Sent by David Walker
London 12/05/2023
Fantastic customer service and a excellent knowledge of different products and holidays, Alison sets the stage and makes booking holidays interesting and exciting.
Sent by Christopher D'Cotta
Dubai 12/05/2023
Alison has always provided us with excellent service
Sent by Dennis Canty
Dubai 12/05/2023
Fast, flexible and friendly. Provided lots of options and made great suggestions throughout
Sent by Caroline Butler
Dubai 12/05/2023
Fantastic from start to finish, brilliant trip! Will definitely be using Alison again!
Sent by Steven Whitley
Dubai 12/05/2023
Alison was extremely helpful and assisted us in finding the right solution for our needs and budget
Sent by Levin Cullen
Dubai 12/05/2023
Excellent service professional always willing to go that bit extra to help
Sent by Shane Lawless
Dubai 12/05/2023
Alison was brilliant, very responsive and very helpful will certainly be using her again.
Sent by Tracy McIlroy
Dubai 12/05/2023
Alison was so patient with our complex travel plans for the summer break with different family members coming and going at different times. She found us a route I didn’t know existed and it will be a game changer for travelling with young children. Thought I would miss going into a travel agent but Alison is so personable and really listened to our requirements that it was even better than going in. I’ll definitely use Alison again and recommend her widely.
Sent by David Williams
London 25/04/2022
Very helpful even over the weekend. I say this as Alison was attending a family function and still found time to secure and advise on our booking
Sent by Brian Kiley
Los Angeles 25/04/2022
I would definitely recommend Alison to my friends and colleagues. I had a wonderful time and she is very professional and a pleasure to work with.
Sent by Ross Crichton
Johannesburg 25/04/2022
Alison was great and went the extra mile, nothing was too much trouble.
Sent by Katherine Taylor
Dubai 25/04/2022
She is fab and very patient
Sent by Craig Stewart
Dubai 25/04/2022
Alison really listens, so all my questions & queries were full answered & despite itinerary changes the process was seamless & Alison really did go the extra mile! & when Alison says something will happen, it does on time & she follows up too Alison was contactable even during her own holiday It was an absolute pleasure working with Alison
Sent by Janet Walker
Dubai 23/12/2021
Alison makes it so very easy - in the way that's particularly unique. Like speaking to someone you've known for years and feel complete trust in and comfortable with and yet at the same time is on point and utterly professional, with everything done and dusted in a minimal amount of time. That, for me, is perfection. Thank you, Alison...
Sent by Katherine Murray
Dubai 23/12/2021
Alison was incredibly helpful and accommodating. Couldn’t recommend her more highly.
Sent by Chris Herbst
Dubai 23/12/2021
Alison really try hard to find the best solution even while the notice is short and the hurdles are everywhere. She managed to arrange a perfect plan.
Sent by Antonia Osaul
Dubai 07/10/2021
Super helpful with any enquiries. Would recommend to friends (and have done!)
Sent by Devi UdaiyanepGibson
UAE 07/10/2021
Alison has been great! She’s been so helpful and took all the stress of organising my trip away from me! Thank you
Sent by John Shenton
Dubai 07/10/2021
Very satisfied. I will be sure to refer Alison going forwards.
Sent by Karin Severin Caneborg
Singapore 07/10/2021
This travel agent is the best!! She works magic on complicated wishes and all actions happen promptly. We’re never going to give up Alison’s services.
Sent by Michael Glover
Dubai 07/10/2021
Great service. Very personable. Understands the needs of my request and was flexible with options.
Sent by Anthony Hurst
Banstead, UK 07/10/2021
First Class service in getting the best flights and hotel accommodation.
Sent by Michelle Sibley
Dubai 05/10/2021
Alison took the stress out of booking my 40th birthday vacation in the Maldives. From the flights, the speed boat transfer, accommodation and even my birthday dinner - Alison arranged it all. All I had to do was board the flight and sit back. Would absolutely engage Alison and her country knowledge on future trips. Extremely happy with the service and my vacation.
Thanks again Alison, it really has been a pleasure!
Sent by Samantha Fewtrell Nanayakkara
Dubai 01/08/2021
Alison was very efficient, very patient and made finding the correct holiday for me and my family, hassle-free. She presented plenty of options to choose from and also returned my calls if I had any questions. I would definitely book future holidays with Alison.
Sent by Alexandria Diaz
Dubai 01/08/2021
Highly recommend by Travel Counsellor Alison Slater to anyone truly looking to have everything taken care of for them, and at the best available price. Best experience yet! Thank you
Sent by Danielle Bedford
Dubai 01/08/2021
Really helpful service with Alison. She was available at any time to answer any other questions we had. Was informative on latest travel updates. We loved our holiday and hotel choices definitely would recommend very happy.
Sent by Cristina Najjar
Dubai 01/08/2021
I already have recommended Alison to a friend!
Sent by Suzanne Gandy
Dubai 01/08/2021
Alison is the master of understanding what people want and then making sure the itinerary works like clockwork.
Sent by Christopher Dcotta
Dubai 01/08/2021
Alison has given excellent service and recommendations, particularly in these times when travel is anything but straightforward
Sent by Natasha Waite
Dubai 20/06/2021
Alison has given me superbly professional service. Coming from a family who has always been Tour Operators, I understand the complications in our current circumstances. Alison has been brilliant at the finer detail and I am already recommending her to friends and family.
Sent by Sophie Wells
Dubai 09/06/2021
Just wanted to say we are back from the Maldives and had the most amazing time!! Thank you for sorting everything and listening so well to everything we needed. We couldn’t fault the holiday in anyway! Memories forever! Thanks again
Sent by Jamie Grimshaw
Dubai 06/01/2021
Hi Alison,
Thank you for arranging our trip to Ozen in the Maldives.
I've been to a few islands in the Maldives but this was one of the best. The food was excellent and we were there for 7 nights and we had something different every single night. This was one of the most personal resorts which I have been to as you have a private butler who is always helping you with anything via WhatsApp. You also have the same person cleaning your room each day so they become friends during your stay. It was super clean and all of the staff were really friendly and helpful. They do a couple of excursions also, one of which was out to see the dolphins and we were lucky enough to see them. We got so close to them they were almost touching our feet! It was a brilliant trip and we would recommend it to others.
Thanks again!
Sent by Edward Cox
dubai 26/01/2020
I always used to make all my own travel arrangements until Alison convinced me to let her do them for me. Now a simple word or message is enough and the bookings are done: flights, hotels and transfers. It saves me so much browsing time and I know I'll be getting a follow-up service during my travels - Should there be a change of plan, a flight cancellation or any other problem, I know she will be there to put me back on track. Thank you Alison.
Sent by Sally Johns
Dubai 26/01/2020
Alison made the whole process so quick and easy, from our initial query to getting our specific requirements added in, to getting it all booked.
Sent by Stephanie Holmes
Dubai 26/01/2020
I would like to extend my absolute heartfelt thanks to Alison. Once again she has been absolutely amazing taking care of me and getting flights that I simply couldn't find myself. Alison is such a little star, always available, nothing is ever too much trouble and listening to what I as a customer want and need. I simply cannot recommend her highly enough, for all travel needs. She is an absolute credit to Travel Counsellors, you're lucky to have her and I'm lucky to have found her. A huge and heartfelt thank you Alison Slater.
Sent by Rebecca Lowe
Dubai 13/11/2019
Alison was amazing from start to finish. Made booking my holiday so easy and straight forward after weeks of scrolling through different holidays and being indecisive. I gave Alison my requirements and she got back to me immediately with a response. Thanks again, can’t wait for our holiday!
Sent by Karin Severincaneborg
Singapore 20/10/2019
Again I cannot speak highly enough about Alison's ability to serve my every need regarding travel, flights, accommodation on this my last trip to Croatia, Barcelona, Budapest and Vienna then back to Singapore. She was able to combine flights from alternative destinations seamlessly and even able to adjust flights and accommodation when the need arose due to my own blunder. The last-minute change of destination with accommodation saved me. I will also in the future prefer to let Alison book my accommodation as I was not that impressed with the Airbnb I had organized for Budapest. Many thanks for your magic, Alison
Sent by Gail Harvey
UK 26/09/2019
Alison was brilliant when trying to plan our days out in Dubai just recently (Sept 2019). Highly recommend Travel Counsellors.
Sent by Gerald Stein
UK 18/09/2019
Alison, could not be more helpful than she was during my recent trip. I have already recommended her services to friends and i hope to use those services myself in the future.
Sent by Rosamund Marshall
Dubai 18/09/2019
Having never heard about Travel Counsellors before I now find myself asking how we ever managed without them! Alison was quick to respond and took time to listen to our likes and interests in order to create a holiday that is packed with everything we like to do - meeting our every need. There was very little discussion required about the initial proposal, as the programme was exactly what we were looking for, even though we weren't able to articulate all of the details. Alison interpreted our wishes and exceeded our expectations with this itinerary and we are looking forward to a wonderful trip.
Sent by Guy Dawson
Dubai 16/09/2019
Being able to use Alison's knowledge and experience, saves me time and money, and guarantees a great travel experience.
Sent by Stephanie Holmes
Dubai 25/06/2019
Alison has been absolutely amazing, nothing short of brilliant! She can find flights that don’t seem to exist, she is always contactable, providing necessary follow up and exemplary customer service. I cannot recommend Alison highly enough, a huge credit to your company.
Sent by Tim Vorderbruck
Lucerne 25/06/2019
She was reachable for problems around the clock, was always very dedicated and is the coolest person of the UK I know.
Sent by Lindsay Aitken
Dubai 25/06/2019
I would highly recommend Alison, the service from start to end was great. Alison made everything very easy and was accessible for any queries we had regarding the trip. All of the tours we signed up for were relevant and informative. We specifically enjoyed the Kyoto lanterns tour. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Sent by Gerald Stein
UK 25/06/2019
Alison, could not be more helpful than she was during my recent trip. I have already recommended her services to friends and i hope to use those services myself in the future.
Sent by Karin Severin Caneborg
Singapore 31/03/2019
Seriously, I will never waiver about asking Alison for help with any bookings. She is my number one go to person because she is smart in understanding what I want, she is reliable and relative and quick to get my requests done!! Love her.
Sent by Sylvia Cooper
Dubai 04/12/2018
Fantastic job Alison Slater! Thank you so much for securing our flights. We were unable to purchase seats on our preferred dates as they were completely sold out, but as an Agent, you could waitlist us which took a lot of the stress out of the process.
Then, Not only did you manage to secure the flights but you got them at a better price than we could online! Cannot thank you enough and will definitely recommend your travel service. Nathan says thank you so much for your help on the flights too, he's pretty impressed!??
Sent by Graeme Gault
UK 26/09/2018
“Just wanted to say thank you for all your help with the holiday. We’re now back safe and sound and we had a fantastic time. It was a great couple of weeks and it was reassuring to know we had someone on hand to help fix any problems.”
Sent by Karin Severin-Caneborg
Singapore 26/09/2018
Alison has the patience of an angel and never gives up in her quest to find the best solution to any complicated travel needs!!! She can work magic!
Sent by Sally-Anne Hayward
UK 13/08/2018
Our trip to the desert was a wonderful experience. Alison was so helpful with organising the trip. Nothing was too much trouble and the memories I have are second to none. Loved every part of it and would highly recommend.
Sent by Guy Dawson
Dubai 15/04/2018
I have used Alison’s services for a few trips now, some of which have been extremely complicated routes that include hotels and hire cars.
Alison has really taken the stress out of the bookings, used common sense for our preferences and also gets cheaper rates than I can. Simple flights, booked from her UK office, are also cheaper.
I highly recommend trying Alison for your next bookings!
Sent by Karin Severin Caneborg
Dubai 03/07/2017
Alison is the most helpful creative and personable travel consultant I have ever dealt with. And she listens!!!
Sent by Guy Dawson
Dubai 03/07/2017
Balloon ride was wonderful, as is the whole amazing holiday!
Sent by Stephanie Holmes
Dubai 03/07/2017
Alison was absolutely brilliant, despite being on holiday she responded to my request and assisted with my booking making the whole process seamless and removing all of the stress from me. I cannot recommend Alison's services enough, finding flights that didn't even appear to be there at amazing prices, just brilliant.