05 June 2024

Exploring Tbilisi In the summer of 2019, I embarked on a memorable six-day adventure to Georgia, a gem in the Caucasus region. My trip began in Tbilisi, the capital city, where I stayed at the Marriott Hotel located in the heart of Freedom Square. The hotel’s central location made it perfect for exploring the city on foot and to get to Old Tbilisi. Strolling through the bustling streets, I was enchanted by the mix of modern and traditional buildings. The weather in November was cold, ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. It was snowing in Gudauri. Savoring Georgian Cuisine Tbilisi's culinary scene is a paradise for food lovers. Georgian cuisine, with its rich flavours and fresh ingredients, is simply irresistible. My absolute favourite dish was khinkali, succulent dumplings filled with meat and spices. I enjoyed them multiple times throughout my stay. Other must-try dishes include khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and badrijani, eggplant rolls with walnut paste. Each meal was a feast of flavours that left me craving for more. Relaxing at Lopota Resort After a few days in Tbilisi, I traveled to Telavi and stayed at the stunning Lopota Resort. Nestled in the picturesque Kakheti region, the resort is a haven for nature lovers. The lush greenery and serene environment were perfect for relaxation. One of the highlights of my stay was the nightly live music at the resort’s restaurant, creating a magical atmosphere under the starlit sky. I also indulged in a hike within the resort, which offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Wine and Dining in Telavi Lopota Resort is renowned for its winery, where I had the opportunity to taste some exquisite Georgian wines. The region is famous for its wine-making traditions, and each sip was a testament to the rich heritage. Additionally, the resort boasts a fantastic Italian restaurant, where I enjoyed delectable pasta and pizza, a delightful change of pace from the local cuisine. A Scenic Day Trip to Gudauri A day trip to Gudauri from Tbilisi was another unforgettable experience. Although it was the start of winter and the snow-covered slopes looked stunningly beautiful. The drive through the Georgian Military Highway offered spectacular views of the mountains and valleys, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes. I also had the privilege of visiting the Gergeti Trinity Church which offered unparalleled views and a truly serene atmosphere. Warm and Welcoming People Throughout my trip, I was continually impressed by the hospitality of the Georgian people. Their warmth and friendliness made me feel welcome and safe at all times. Whether in the bustling streets of Tbilisi or the tranquil surroundings of Telavi, I always felt at ease and embraced by the local culture. Conclusion My journey to Georgia was a delightful blend of culinary adventures, natural beauty, and heartfelt connections. It’s a destination that offers something for everyone, and I left with cherished memories and a longing to return. If you’re considering a trip that combines rich history, mouth-watering food, and scenic landscapes, Georgia should be at the top of your list.

26 September 2019

The ‘My TC app’ is a MUST for EVERY traveler! Travel Counsellors offers our customers an App, called ‘My TC app’. This app can be used for holidaymakers as well as business travelers. The ‘My TC App’ has only received raving reviews from our users and we have received a whopping 4.2 out 5 for reviews on Apple. This app is unique and a fantastic addition to my personal approach as your Travel Counsellor and this is why… How does the My TC app work? ‘My TC app’ gives you access to all your travel details (including quotes) and provides an exciting countdown to your next departure. While travelling (even while off line) you can access your trip itinerary, flight e-tickets, accommodation vouchers, transfer vouchers, excursion vouchers, etc. which is all in one place – ‘My TC APP’! Other exciting values: ‘My TC app’ is a personal extension of your Travel Counsellor so that you always have me with you, wherever you are in the world. Please contact me at the touch of a button as your personal Travel Counsellor via the ‘My TC app’. Share your trip with other In the ‘My TC app’ it’s possible to share your itinerary via an email with your family and friends or even better you can easily share it on Social Media too (watch your friends go green with envy). Share your secret with the ‘My TC app’ If you are loving my service please don’t keep me secret! My contact details are on the app and with 1 press of a button you can share my details with your family, friends and colleagues. My business is 100% based on personal recommendations, so this would be the biggest compliment for me if you share. Travel Counsellors Customer Portal The ‘My TC app’ is also linked to the online Travel Counsellors ‘customer portal’. This is an online portal and you would use the same password details as the app. On the portal, you can also view your invoice in addition to your travel details and pay easily, securely and quickly online! The link is https://mytc.travelcounsellors.com ‘My TC app’ for Business In addition to holiday travel the ‘My TC App’ supports the business traveler. The ‘My TC app’ allows me to stay in close contact with my business traveler. He or she can consult their travel itinerary and travel documents anytime, anywhere even while off line. If the business traveler needs to get in touch then I am one ‘1 press of a button away’ under ‘Contacts’ on the app. This app is ideal for the business traveler who is continuously on the go, the My TC app is a godsend, no prints, no loose e-mails... Simply refer to the documents in ‘My TC App’. ‘My TC app’ – Payment through a secure portal Travel Counsellors has worked hard to ensure our customers money is protected when making payment. Once you have downloaded (or accessed the online Travel Counsellors portal) you can now make payment securely on a quote which you would like to book. If you have not downloaded the ‘My TC app’ or logged on to our customer portal, please do get in touch so I can allocate a temporary password for you to gain access to this amazing app / portal. My TC app advantages:- Get in touch with reena.zafar@travelcounsellors.ae or call on 0561604848 A few customers reviews on the App from Apple App A brilliant travel companion A great way to compliment the services from your personal Travel Counsellor. All your paperwork are online. Therefore, you do not have to search through all you emails to find the paperwork. Great Travel App The app stores all your Travel Counsellors bookings and has details, vouchers and itineraries on. It send notifications of flight changes and delays on the day of travel and helps you during the booking process to clearly see the proposals. Effortless travel A great little app which means my holiday documents and itineraries are all in one place which makes it just so easy. It also means my travel Counsellor is in my hands whenever I need them while I am on holiday which is so reassuring.

02 September 2019

Have you ever thought about cruising or are you already hooked on cruising? It’s an easy way to experience so many places in very little time without unpacking multiple times! Yes, this is what I have experienced while on a Mediterranean cruise liner. I was able to visit Italy, Greece , Croatia and Istanbul in 7 days. isn't it amazing? Some people think that joining a cruise is expensive but the truth is, cruise will even come out cheaper and have proven to be one of the most economical ways to holiday. A lot of travelers love the idea of knowing up front just how much the majority of their holiday is going to cost as cruise holidays typically include meals, entertainment, accommodation and sometimes bonus on-board credit. The variety and quality of on-board entertainment offered by cruise ships certainly contributes to the value offered by a cruise holiday and is also why so many people become addicted to cruising. Great Value for Time When you join a cruise, your vacation starts as soon as you board the ship, with lots of activities waiting for you to explore once you go onboard. You can enjoy the spa, watch a movie, enjoy the swimming pool, have a great time at the bar and enjoy the great music and mingle with the other passengers. No time is wasted for travel on board a plane or bus while waiting to reach your destination as you can have fun and enjoy a lot of activities while onboard the ship. There are so many different types of cruises out there and cruise lines, so it’s important that you select what is right for you. And that’s where I can help. Expedition and Adventure Luxury Family Honeymoon couples River Yacht/Tall Ship Tailor made – a cruise and a land tour Here are the trends that we are seeing every year 1. More and more travellers are going solo 2. Working Nomads = holiday plus work 3. Discovering places in the quieter colder months 4. Under 30s exploring multiple destinations and taking cruises which include festivals 5. Expedition cruises to gain access to places that you can’t get to very easily 6. Eco friendly travellers 7. More smart technology on board 8. Goal orientated bucket lists i.e. to climb Machu Pichu or complete a culinary workshop with a Michelin chef. 9. Total restoration, wellness, healthy food 10. Instagrammable travel – get those pictures for your account. Cruising offers us so many opportunities and experiences and it is becoming increasingly popular with all age groups. It’s a perfect trip for multi generations!

28 February 2016

It was one of my greatest wishes to take a relaxed trip to Turkey. Turkey is a nation straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia with cultural connections to ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. I selected a connecting flight from Dubai to Istanbul via Doha, mainly to save cost. Six hours later, I reached my destination. The hotel I chose to stay at was Crowne Plaza, mainly because of its walk able distance from the metro station, and also because of its proximity to all the major tourist spots. The service and the hospitality which I received from the hotel even made me cancel the reservation at the second hotel for the last 2 days. A walk down Takshim street, chatting with the street artists and the musicians took away a lot my stress, as I found myself being captivated by the various stories that each of them had to tell. My Nikon camera never stopped clicking pictures, especially of the historical Galatta Tower. At this time, the Tower was surrounded by shrieking seagulls, the mosques atop the seven hills of the city silhouetted against a soft grey sky. While sitting on the boat crossing the Bosphorus River, that connects the old city and the European side, the spectacular beauty of the Istanbul in the sparkling rays of setting sun was a mind blowing vision to see. In my opinion, the best way to experience Istanbul at its most magical is to walk across the Galatta Bridge during sunset. The next day, despite having a mild flu, I decided to visit the historical Hagia Sophia - the great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Make sure to take the steps to the gallery where stunning mosaics dating back to the 12th century can be seen. As one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul ,it is a sight that shouldn’t be missed! Nothing could stop me, not even the chilling cold weather to visit Sultan Ahmet and the famous Topkapi Palace – former home of the Sultans. How can I ever forget those Turkish college girls who even offered to take my pictures? Most of my shopping was done at the Grand Bazar, one of the oldest markets in the world. The delicious Turkish sweets and the spices which I bought from there cannot be compared with anything. The casual nights I spent at the pubs, the traditional coffee shops and the taste of delicious kebabs makes me to visit this city one more time. My advice to you when planning a trip to Istanbul would be to allow enough time to explore. Too much to see and too little time is a common phrase that it heard from those returning after a visit to this wonderful city.

21 February 2016

Few places in the world can offer a traveler such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a small location. Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt. December was the perfect season to visit the place. Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest destinations which you can visit between your busy work schedules. It was only a 4 hour journey from Dubai to Colombo International Airport. I decided to stay at the Hilton Colombo which is in the heart of the city. They gave me the same sea view room which I had requested while booking. The rest of my days were to be spent at Kandy, the hill station and Hikkaduwa, a small coastal town. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a bustling city and a hopping-off point for beaches in the island nation's south. It has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. I spent the first day roaming around the city. I ended up visiting the Independence memorial Hall and Dutch hospital which were all close to my hotel. Tuk Tuks were available at any time of the day or night, but I preferred walking on the streets. All around Colombo I could see monumental buildings and museums, Buddhist temples and statues. The next day, a cab driver took me to Kandy, the hill station. The place was surrounded by mountains and tea estates. From my room at the Cinnamon Citadel, I could see the Maheveli River flowing by. The place was perfect for unwinding and to relax. A leisurely swim in the outdoor pool and a walk in the woods did magic to me. The famous Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha site was only 20 minutes away. A road trip to Newara Ellliya which is also known as the little England was the most exciting part of my trip. The chilly weather was entirely different from the heat and humidity of Colombo. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club, golf course, race course etc., evoke nostalgia of Colonial British Ceylon. I could see people steering boats in Lake Gregory and kids riding horses nearby. The guided tour to the tea estate and the famous Sitaman temple were all worth viewing. On my way to the South coast, the breathtaking beauty of valleys, waterfalls and the lush green mountains had me speechless. My last two days in Srilanka were spent in Hikkaduwa, The place is located 98 km south of Colombo. The beach and night life make it a popular tourist destination with the hippy hangouts and massage centers. It is a well-known international destination for surfboarding. I could see many diving centers and hotels which had direct access to the beach. The most exciting thing which you can experience in Srilanka is the delicious food they serve in the restaurants. It was a surprise for me to see steamed rice and fish curry served along with the buffet breakfast..Hopper with a bulls eye on top was the best among all other dishes. There were many moon stone mines on the coast. Precious stones are sold from here. While sitting in the flight back to Dubai, I was still craving for the Srilankan hoppers and the traditional coconut fish curry.