Holidays for a life well lived

Welcome to ‘Handcrafted by Travel Counsellors’, a taste of the immersive destinations and experiences currently piquing our interest.

You’ll have your trusty favourites already – those places you can relax straight into – but if you’re also hungry to explore beyond your norm, discover different cultures or (re)awaken your sense of curiosity, the blogs below are for you. These holidays will open your eyes, change your perspective, and leave you feeling all the richer for it. We hope you enjoy these ideas and they whet your appetite for your next holiday! All of these holidays can be handcrafted to your tastes.

Your personal Travel Counsellor will bring their consideration and expertise, help shape your ideas and fulfil your travel plans according to your unique tastes and wishes. If you are yet to enjoy the benefits of booking with a Travel Counsellor, simply click on the 'Find your Travel Counsellor' black button. 

A selection of our handcrafted itineraries...

From bliss in the Blue Mountains to Whitsunday wonders

Explore Australia in 13 days, from the serene Blue Mountains to vibrant Sydney and the tropical Whitsundays. Unwind in an eco-retreat, soak up Sydney’s iconic harbour lifestyle, and sail the Great Barrier Reef’s pristine islands, including Whitehaven Beach.

Aussie exploration and Kiwi landscapes on a festive cruise

Celebrate the festive season in style with the ‘Aussie Bites & Kiwi Sights’ cruise. Begin with an enchanting Christmas in Sydney, discover Phillip Island’s adorable wildlife, Tasmania’s natural beauty, and New Zealand’s dramatic fjords.

An epic escape: Wild Australian adventures done right

Are you looking for an Australian trip that fuses rugged landscapes, rich Indigenous culture, and exclusive experiences? Take a look at this thoughtfully crafted journey, an ideal choice if you're looking for an alternative to Australia's Golden Triangle.

Côte d'Azur and Provence, France

From the Riviera’s shimmering coastlines to the earthy richness of Provence, this road trip is designed to connect you to the soul of southern France. Drive from Nice along the riviera before heading inland to explore the areas around two of Provence’s big hitters, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.

Tanzania’s Northern Quest

Experiencing Tanzania’s diverse wilderness offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with nature. From the towering, ancient baobabs of Tarangire to the spectacle of the Serengeti, this handcrafted nine night safari explores Africa's most remarkable landscapes.

America’s epic deserts and rainforests

This journey is all about discovering the thrill of the extraordinary and the serenity of nature’s finest settings. It’s a sophisticated itinerary that combines desert landscapes and the adrenaline shot of Vegas.

Thailand... away from the cameras

Stay at some of Thailand’s best hotels. Start your Thai adventure in Bangkok, a heady mix of alluring sights, sounds, aromas and flavours. It's a place of contras

Into the wild:
Wadi Rum

Jordan’s ancient history and beguiling desert landscapes make it a destination where you can feel the past at every turn. You’ll feast on some of the most delicious.

Rarities:
Antarctica

Embark on an extraordinary adventure to South America and the Antarctic with Seabourn. Explore Ushuaia, a scenic city surrounded by snow-capped mountains,

Wellness:
Costa Rica

Wildlife abounds on this adventure through Costa Rica, a tropical country famed for its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty. Walk the storied streets of San José,

Foodie destinations:
Peru

This adventure starts in Lima, home to four of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, so dive into this world-class dining scene. Explore the upscale neighbourhood of Miraflores.

Iconic roadtrips:
California 1

No road trip is as awe-inspiring as the route along Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA. You’ll hit the road in the Bay Area, marvelling at the towering redwoods of Muir Woods

Solar maximum in
Lapland

Finnish Lapland is the ultimate winter experience, combining fairytale scenery with unique culture and experiences. Whether you favour adrenalin-rush.

Spotlight:
Florence

Florence is back in the spotlight for 2024; the famous Vasari corridor at the Uffizi has reopened after eight long years, and the city took centre stage for the Grand Depart

Into the wild:
Loisaba

If you’re dreaming of Kenya, do it in style. This itinerary combines internal flights on an executive plane with top-class guides and luxurious camps and lodges.

Into the wild:
Yala

Dambulla and Sigiriya are the starting points for this epic adventure through Sri Lanka, where you can visit magnificent cave temples and climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Slow travel: Eastern & Oriental Express

Immerse yourself in Singapore’s melting pot of cultures and diverse experiences, from its 21st-century botanic gardens to its well-preserved Peranakan heritage homes.

A Luxury Tour of India: Insider View

The Golden Triangle has an enduring appeal; it's that rare destination that lives up to the hype, year after year, and leaves an indelible impression. 

Safari special: Primates

Imagine seeing a silverback in the mountains of Rwanda or chimpanzees swinging through the canopy in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park. We can tailor-make a world-class safari experience just for you.

The best thing to do in Uluru, Australia

Uluru is an Oz icon. But what can you do when you get there? Lucy Knight, Partnerships Manager at Travel Counsellors,  gives us her first-hand insights 

Yellowstone: no ordinary destination

It’s a place where nature's beauty and wonder are on full display. The park itself is a geological marvel, home to diverse wildlife, stunning geysers, and landscapes. 

Safari special: Bears

Powerful, predatory and playful – seeing bears in the wild is spectacular. Tell us if you have a fascination for grizzly, black, or polar bears, and we can pair you with a wildlife expert to ensure you have the best chance of spotting one.