Liz Hemingway - Travel Counsellors

08/06/2026

Cunard Queen Mary 2 Fam Trip - Day 3
This morning we woke up in the port of Le Havre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With time to spare this morning, we headed out to explore. It’s an easy 20 minute walk into town from the port, or of course there’s taxis or normally a shuttle bus.

There was a really lovely Sunday market, and the church of St Joseph, built to commemorate the victims of the war, is simply stunning inside.

Back to the ship for some lunch and downtime by the pool, followed by a quiz and drinks in the Carinthia lounge. Time to get ready for dinner, another slap up meal in the Britannia restaurant, followed by a show in the theatre.
Then bed, ready for our shore excursion on the morning. 😎

07/06/2026

Queen Mary 2 - Day 2 - All at Sea
This morning we were supposed to be docking in Blankenburg but due to industrial action in Belgium, we were unable to, so we turned around heading towards Le Havre instead.

We had 2 hours of training , from 9 -11am learning all about the Grill suites - Cunards top tier suites, with a tour of their exclusive areas.

With an unexpected sea day, it was then off to the spa for a couple of hours, with its gorgeous spa pool, saunas and steam room.
I treated myself to a “Fire and ice” manicure in the Mareel spa which included a hot stone massage for my arms and hands.

Then off to afternoon tea in the Queen’s Ballroom which is an afternoon institution onboard Cunard. They even have their own blend of Twinings tea.

Time to get ready for the Gala Dinner tonight, themed “Black and White” and a pre dinner cocktail before heading to Britannia restaurant for another slap up meal.

Show time at 10.15 in the ships theatre and
The Queens of Rhythm - a tribute to legendary female Motown greats.

The night continued in G32 - the ships nightclub - yes Queen Mary 2 has a nightclub, and it was Karaoke night.
Say no more. 😎

06/06/2026

Cunard Cruise Educational trip -Queen Mary 2 - Day 1
I checked in for the cruise at Southampton’s Queen Elizabeth terminal at 13.00 and it was like a well oiled machine with literally hundreds of staff on hand for check-in, baggage drop and security. Once onboard it was straight to the buffet for a spot of lunch, time to unpack and explore before meeting the rest of the group at 4 o clock.
After introductions we headed out on deck for the sailaway celebrations and champagne as we sailed through the Solent and round the Isle of Wight.
A quick refresh before dinner in the Ship’s Britannia restaurant which is table service.
You can order as much or as little as you like from the 4 course menu, if you want 3 starters and 2 mains? Not a problem!
We will be losing an hour overnight as we head into Belgian waters so time for bed, ready for our morning training session. 😎

04/06/2026

What is the only country in the world to be named after a woman?
That's right - its the stunning St Lucia.
And last night I spent an interesting and very informative couple of hours in the company of the wonderful tourist board and selected hotels, getting all the latest updates and insights into this beautiful island.
From beautiful beaches, health retreats, incredible activities, mudbaths and of course, chocolate. (This is where Hotel Chocolat began their story)
If St Lucia is on your bucket list, - and why wouldnt it be? - then just get in touch for expert advice.
Liz xx
01273 317119
[email protected]

02/06/2026

This is such a stunning tour.
Just get in touch for more details or to book
Liz xx
01273 317119
[email protected]

🩵 LAKE MAGGIORE, ORTA & THE MATTERHORN 🩵
Book Early & Save 10% on 2027 departures

Discover the breathtaking beauty of northern Italy’s lakes and the dramatic Swiss Alps on this unforgettable journey. From the elegance of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta to the iconic Matterhorn, this is a tour packed with scenery, culture and unforgettable moments

🔸 AT A GLANCE 🔸
• 8 day escorted tour
• Return flights from regional airports & transfers
• 7 included experiences
• Half board stay at the 4★ Astoria Hotel
• Expert Tour Manager
• Smaller groups for 2027 (max 36 guests)
• All local taxes included

🔸 ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS 🔸
Day – Arrival & transfer to Lake Maggiore
Day – Explore the Borromean Islands including Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori
Day – Ride the stunning Centovalli Railway & visit Locarno
Day – Discover the beauty of Lake Como
Day – Free day in elegant Stresa
Day – Visit Zermatt beneath the mighty Matterhorn
Day – Explore Orta San Giulio & San Giulio Island
Day – Return home

📆 2027 departure dates 📆

📍May
• 02 May £1,579pp (Edinburgh, Heathrow, Belfast, Birmingham or Stansted)
• 09 May £1,579pp (Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester or East Midlands)
• 16 May £1,579pp (Heathrow, Dublin, Manchester, Stansted or Birmingham)

📍June
• 20 Jun £1,729pp (Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands, Luton or Dublin)
• 27 Jun £1,769pp (Edinburgh, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham)

📍July
• 04 Jul £1,769pp (Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Belfast or Heathrow)
• 11 Jul £1,769pp (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Birmingham)

📍August
• 22 Aug £1,709pp (Manchester, East Midlands, Bristol, Heathrow or Gatwick)
• 01 Aug £1,769pp (Bristol, Gatwick or Manchester)
• 29 Aug £1,709pp (Stansted, Birmingham or Edinburgh)

📍September
• 19 Sep £1,729pp (East Midlands, Gatwick, Luton, Dublin or Manchester)
• 26 Sep £1,729pp (Birmingham, Edinburgh, Heathrow, Manchester or

Based on 2 adults sharing | Solo from £1,954
All local taxes included.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

If you would like help booking your next holiday, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 😎
Liz 01273 317119
[email protected]

01/06/2026

Hello June!
Looking for a last minute getaway?
Here's 3 destinations that are brilliant in June.
Just get in touch for more inspiration or a tailor made quote.
Liz xx
01273 317119
[email protected]

31/05/2026

Happy Sunday all!
I hope you’ve had a great week, and managed to lap up some sunshine this week.
It’s been a busy one again, with my top destinations being South Africa, Mauritius and New Zealand.

I’ve had lots of lovely clients travelling too, mostly to the Med, for some half term relaxation.

I will be out of the office from Friday 5th until Wednesday 10th June as I’ve been invited to spend 4 nights onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 - the worlds only ocean liner (she regularly sails the transatlantic route from Southampton to New York) . I’ll be doing a mini cruise to Zerbrugge, Le Havre, and Cherbourg before returning to Southampton.
On board I’ll be with other selected travel agents and we’ll be learning all things Cunard, and experiencing life onboard Queen Mary2. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. 😎

Stay posted for lots of updates from our cruise, and of course if you have any questions about life onboard or Cunard or anything travel, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Liz xx
01273 317119
[email protected]

29/05/2026

Having trekked to Everest Base Camp myself, I can honestly say it is a truly amazing experience - well worth the effort.
The suppliers we book are the best in the business - just get in touch to find out more.

Liz xx
01273 317119
[email protected]

HAPPY 'MOUNT EVEREST DAY'

Mount Everest Day is celebrated every year on May 29. The date was chosen to honor the mountain climbers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who climbed the mountain on that day in 1953.

The Mount Everest peak remains one of the toughest challenges but that doesn't mean its out of reach for us average folk, with Base Camp being a perfect alternative!

Our Everest Base Camp Trek is a perfect opportunity to :

🗻 See incredible views across the region
🤝 Meet inspirational guides
🏡 Experience warm local hospitality from teahouse owners
🥾 Feel the buzz and excitement of fellow trekkers

The walk to Base Camp is actually easier than most people think and can be comfortably achieved in only 16 Days!!

You need to be in good fitness and a keen walker, with some grit and determination but there is no need to have done any big mountains

• More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal

• Our guides are experts in helping customers acclimatise and are qualified in First Aid

• We are one of a very few operators who will take oxygen.

• Free four-season sleeping bag and down jacket hire

• One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers

• Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days

• We carry out independent safety audits of domestic flights

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