Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert

06/06/2026

WORLD CUP ESTAs UPDATE...

Last year I had the privilege of sitting on a news panel discussing the new Entry/Exit System alongside Simon Calder, and later going on to record a podcast together about solo female travel. We’ve stayed in touch since, and I’ve always found him to be one of the most hardworking, generous and genuinely kind people in the travel industry.

Today I reached out to him after my travel “helpful line” (I set it up in Covid and it's never stopped ringing!!) started blowing up with calls from Scottish fans due to travel to the World Cup — many of whom are either still waiting for their ESTA approval as they've applied very late, or have seen it move from approved back to pending.

In this article I go through the issues, but I put out a call to Simon Calder and asked his opinion, and this is what he said....

"Gilly, it’s awful – sadly I see no realistic prospect of getting an appointment for an American visa in either London or Belfast. Also, travel insurance will not reimburse fans who lose out because the necessary permit for the US. The best they can hope for is that airlines, hotels and car rental companies will allow them to cancel for a full refund. But I fear that may not happen.”

It’s a really difficult message to share, especially with so many people already emotionally and financially invested in their trips.

If you are travelling to the US for the World Cup (or any time soon), please don’t assume everything will fall into place last minute.

Double check your ESTA status regularly - see links in article of how to do this.

Important read if you're travelling to the World Cup and your ESTA has changed status from approved to pending.

06/06/2026

It’s been one of those busy weeks...

The kind where every evening disappears into researching destinations, refining itineraries, speaking to suppliers and helping clients turn ideas into reality. I don’t think I’ve finished work before 10pm once this week, but when you’re helping people plan some of the most important holidays of their lives, it’s time very well spent.

One of the things I value most about running my own business is having the flexibility to occasionally block time out of my diary for experiences that might otherwise never happen. This morning was one of those moments...

Instead of another appointment, I spent the morning doing something I’ve been meaning to do for a very long time with one of my lovely clients, which made it even more special.

A carriage ride around Brewood.

I’ve lived here for eight years and yet this morning I saw parts of our beautiful village and surrounding countryside that I’d never seen before. The views were stunning, the pace was wonderfully relaxed and it was fascinating learning about the horses, the carriages and the skill involved in driving them.

It was one of those experiences that makes you slow down for a moment and properly appreciate what’s around you.

Of course, the travel world never stops completely and I’m now back in the office sorting out boarding passes for a client heading off on holiday. But that’s one of the things I love about what I do — my days are spent helping people create memories, and occasionally I get the chance to make a few of my own too.

And tomorrow brings another highlight of the weekend calendar… cake morning at aperitifbrewood our fantastic wine bar in the village.

After a week like this, I think I’ve definitely earned it!

Hope you're having a great weekend and maybe I'll see you in the village tomorrow?

06/06/2026

Wish you were here?
Today we have a lovely returning client embarking on a gorgeous week in the Spanish sunshine, and this one is extra special as she's taking her parents along for the trip!🥰

The three of them have headed off from Birmingham for 7 nights in the beautiful Costa del Sol, staying at the Riviera Costa del Sol resort on a half board basis. Both rooms come with stunning Mediterranean views, providing the perfect backdrop for long lunches, evening sunsets, and quality family time together.🏖️

From relaxing by the pool with a cool drink in hand to strolling along the promenade lined with chiringuitos serving fresh seafood, exploring the charming white villages of Andalusia perched in the hills behind the coast, or simply soaking up the warm Spanish sun and that infectious Costa del Sol energy, they've got the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration ahead of them.🌅

We've also taken care of all the special assistance needed to make sure the journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible, from the airport right through to the resort, because when you're travelling with loved ones, those little details make all the difference. Some holidays are about more than just the destination, and this is absolutely one of them! 💞

05/06/2026

Just Booked!
Another one for the Caribbean! We've just secured a fabulous P&O fly-cruise for another one of our lovely returning clients. They say great minds think alike, because this is the same stunning Eastern Caribbean sailing we booked recently!🤩

Flying direct from Birmingham this January, our clients will board the beautiful Arvia in Bridgetown, Barbados, for a 14-night voyage through some of the Caribbean's most spectacular islands. Martinique, St Kitts, Tortola, St Maarten, two glorious days in Antigua, St Lucia and Grenada, all before sailing back into Barbados with the most wonderful memories.🛳️🥰

And as we mentioned before, this is exactly why so many of our clients love P&O! With flights, transfers and cruise all seamlessly packaged together, flying direct from Birmingham, and your luggage whisked straight to your cabin the moment you board. A stress-free experience from start to finish.🌺

05/06/2026

Wish you were here?
Today we have one of our most loyal clients jetting off on a well-earned girls' trip, and we couldn't be more excited for them!

Flying from Birmingham with Jet2, they'll be spending seven fabulous nights in Ibiza, but rather than the party strip, these ladies are heading somewhere a little more refined. They've touched down on the island and headed straight to the gorgeous five-star Insotel Fenicia Prestige Suites & Spa in Santa Eulalia, the quieter, more elegant side of Ibiza that doesn't get nearly enough credit.

Santa Eulalia is everything you love about the Mediterranean without the noise. Think pretty marina walks, charming restaurants spilling onto cobbled streets, crystal-clear coves just waiting to be discovered, vibrant local markets, and a pace of life that feels a world away from the chaos of the west coast. The perfect setting for three friends who just want to relax, recharge, and catch up properly.

Staying in a Junior Suite on a half board basis at one of the island's most prestigious spa hotels, they've got the best of both worlds: lazy mornings by the pool, long leisurely dinners with Mediterranean views, and the luxurious spa on hand whenever they fancy a little extra indulgence.

This fabulous client books with us time and time again, and we'd like to think it's because we always find her exactly the right holiday. We hope this one is their best girls' trip yet! 🥂🌊☀️

03/06/2026

Just Booked!
We've just sorted a fabulous Caribbean fly-cruise for a lovely couple who have sailed with P&O before around Europe. This time they're taking the plunge and heading long-haul for some proper winter sunshine!🌞

Flying directly from Birmingham in January 2027, they'll board P&O's beautiful Arvia in Bridgetown, Barbados for a 14-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. And here's one of the things our clients absolutely love about P&O: you check your suitcase in at the airport, and the next time you see it, it's already waiting outside your cabin. Bliss!🧳🤩

Over two wonderful weeks they'll soak up the rum-soaked charm of Martinique, the historic harbour of Basseterre in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the stunning bays of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, the vibrant island of Saint Maarten, two glorious days in Antigua, the lush green landscapes of Saint Lucia, and the spice-scented shores of Grenada, before sailing back into Barbados with memories to last a lifetime.📸🏝️

With flights, transfers, and the cruise all packaged together, and the added peace of mind that if the flight is delayed, the ship waits (because everyone is travelling together) it really is one of the most stress-free ways to see the world! 🛳️🌎

02/06/2026

Lovely words from our clients!

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📩 Ready to plan your next adventure? Get in touch today!