Latest news with #TravelCounsellors
New York Post
13-05-2025
- New York Post
Swap pricey, overcrowded vacation spots this summer for these expert-recommended travel ‘dupes'
Buh-bye, summer travel crowds — hello, calm and peaceful vacation. Experts at Travel Counsellors, a UK travel agency, and Skyscanner, a UK travel booking site, recommend lesser-known travel destinations that offer the same charm, beauty and cultural flair as popular hotspots — minus the masses. 9 Skip Paris and opt for a lesser-known but just as beautiful travel destination dupe. CanYalicn – This list, reported by the Daily Mail, is especially helpful as places like Venice have begun charging tourists entry fees and residents in overrun cities like Barcelona are attacking visitors. One of the travel dupes experts recommend is the Faroe Islands — an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark — instead of Iceland. The islands are reportedly 'more remote, dramatic and untouched' than Iceland. 9 Travel experts suggest switching a ticket to Iceland (pictured) for one to the Faroe Islands. Maridav – Tourism to the Nordic island country has taken off in recent years due to its natural landscape and views of the Northern Lights. So if you're looking for this type of vibe on your next trip, visiting the Faroe Islands is your best bet. 'The Faroe Islands remain wild and uncrowded, offering true solitude and a chance to experience nature in near-total isolation with sheer sea cliffs, emerald-green mountains and fjords that plunge straight into the Atlantic.' 9 The Faroe Islands (pictured) are reportedly 'more remote, dramatic and untouched' than Iceland. Rob – For the last few summers, locals in Barcelona have had enough with the influx of tourists, as they've been spraying them down with water guns and officials are changing laws to ban short-term rentals in protest. That's why the experts at Skyscanner suggest skipping the fight and instead checking out the city of Girona in the northeastern corner of Spain. 9 For the last few summers, locals in Barcelona have had enough with the influx of tourists, as they've been spraying them down with water guns and officials are changing laws to ban short-term rentals in protest. anekoho – 'If a city is defined by its landmarks, green spaces, museums, cultural offerings and food experiences, then Spain's northeastern city of Girona has it in spades,' the experts noted. 'It's considerably cheaper and less crowded than Barcelona, which means you can splurge on lunch and dinner.' This stunning city is also known for its medieval architecture. 9 'If a city is defined by its landmarks, green spaces, museums, cultural offerings and food experiences, then Spain's northeastern city of Girona has it in spades,' the experts noted. Boris Stroujko – Those wanting to frolic in French fields should ditch the idea of visiting Provence, France and consider visiting Transylvania in Romania. And before you wine — they have vino here, too. The Romanian region is reportedly much more 'tranquil' than the French countryside- yet it still offers rolling hills and medieval villages. 9 Those wanting to frolic in French fields should ditch the idea of visiting Provence, France (pictured) and consider visiting Transylvania in Romania. dvoevnore – 'Transylvania feels much wilder, with the Carpathian Mountains offering a dramatic backdrop. [It] can be enjoyed at a fraction of the price of Provence with its medieval castles, farm-to-table meals and local wines,' the experts at the Travel Counsellors claimed. The crystal clear waters of the Maldives may look like the perfect desktop screensaver IRL, but it's not the only place with such pristine beaches. 9 The crystal clear waters of the Maldives may look like the perfect desktop screensaver IRL, but it's not the only place with such pristine beaches. swisshippo – The travel experts at Travel Counsellors recommend that those wanting to soak up the sun and sit in the sand opt for Fuerteventura — the second largest of the Canary Islands. The soft white sand beaches and year-round sunshine have made this island a dream destination for those wanting to either sunbathe or jump on a surfboard. 9 The travel experts at Travel Counsellors recommend that those wanting to soak up the sun and sit in the sand opt for Fuerteventura (pictured) — the second largest of the Canary Islands. Elena Krivorotova – Machu Picchu has become so popular in recent years that Peru's Ministry of Culture has been forced to limit the number of visitors who can explore the ancient ruins each day. Instead of scrambling to coordinate approval, travel advisors suggest going to Ciudad Perdida. The archaeological site is thought to be about 650 years older than Machu Picchu and more rugged. 9 Machu Picchu (pictured) has become so popular in recent years that Peru's Ministry of Culture has been forced to limit the number of visitors who can explore the ancient ruins each day. – 'Ciudad Perdida in Colombia attracts far fewer crowds than Machu Picchu in Peru because of its relative inaccessibility — it can only be reached by a trek through the jungle, which takes several days,' the Travel Counsellors experts explained. 'However, this makes it one of the last truly remote archaeological sites in the world.'
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Daily Mail
World's best destination dupes as travellers swap cramped hotspots for quiet towns - including 'the Maldives of Europe'
Fed up of overcrowded holiday hotspots? You might be in need of a destination dupe. As some of the world's top destinations become ever more crowded and pricier, many people are seeking out alternatives. Whether you want to escape the crowds in Barcelona or find somewhere even more remote than Iceland, find out where the experts recommend you travel instead... Swap Iceland for the Faroe Islands Iceland's tourism industry has surged over the last few years and the country even reinstated its tourist tax in 2024. But there's an easy alternative to the Land of Fire and Ice. If you're looking for something 'more remote, dramatic and untouched,' the experts at Travel Counsellors recommend the Faroe Islands as the 'perfect' dupe. They say: 'The Faroe Islands remain wild and uncrowded, offering true solitude and a chance to experience nature in near-total isolation with sheer sea cliffs, emerald-green mountains and fjords that plunge straight into the Atlantic.' Switch Barcelona for Girona Barcelona is Spain's most visited city and recent protests have put its overtourism issues under the microscope. If you're looking for something less crowded, Skyscanner recommends heading to nearby Girona instead. The travel experts say: 'If a city is defined by its landmarks, green spaces, museums, cultural offerings and food experiences, then Spain's northeastern city of Girona has it in spades.' 'It's considerably cheaper and less crowded than Barcelona, which means you can splurge on lunch and dinner.' Ditch Provence for Transylvania If you're on the hunt for something more 'tranquil' and less crowded than Provence (left), Transylvania (right) could be a good alternative With its spectacular landscapes and thriving wine industry, it's not hard to see why France's Provence is a leading holiday destination. But if you're on the hunt for something more 'tranquil' and less crowded, Transylvania could be a good alternative, according to the experts at the Travel Counsellors. The destinations 'share many common features' such as 'rolling hills, medieval villages and stunning countryside', say the experts. They add: 'Transylvania feels much wilder, with the Carpathian Mountains offering a dramatic backdrop. [It] can be enjoyed at a fraction of the price of Provence with its medieval castles, farm-to-table meals and local wines, just to name a few.' Scrap the Maldives for Fuerteventura The Maldives are many people's dream honeymoon destination but the islands' pristine beaches don't tend to come cheap. However, holidaymakers looking for a cheaper option could head to Fuerteventura, in Spain's cheerful Canary Islands instead. The beautiful island has some spectacular beaches which have earned it the nickname 'Europe's Maldives'. Britons can also pick up return flights to Fuerteventura for under £100 making it a great bargain choice. Leave Machu Picchu for Ciudad Perdida Peru's Machu Picchu is considered one of the world's greatest ancient wonders but that means it tends to be extremely crowded. The team at Travel Counsellors say: 'Ciudad Perdida in Colombia attracts far fewer crowds than Machu Picchu in Peru because of its relative inaccessibility - it can only be reached by a trek through the jungle, which takes several days. 'However, this makes it one of the last truly remote archaeological sites in the world. 'In addition, Ciudad Perdida is much older than Machu Picchu, having been built around 800AD, at least 600 years earlier.'
TTG
08-05-2025
- Business
- TTG
Unforgettable Croatia named Croatia DMC for Travel Counsellors
Unforgettable Croatia will provide destination support and services to Travel Counsellors' agents, including the development of bespoke itineraries across Croatia, land-based arrangements and small-ship cruise programmes with pre- and post-cruise stays. Unforgettable Croatia has an established office in Split with an experienced local team and a strong direct supplier network, including hotels, guides and service providers. Its comprehensive transfer arrangements by luxury vehicle cover the entire country. For clients including small-ship cruises in their plans, Unforgettable Croatia's 2026 programme offers 144 departures across eight itineraries, operating from May to October. Eight vessels, each with a maximum of 19 cabins, sail between Split and Dubrovnik, calling at the likes of Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, Vis and the national parks of Mljet and Krka. Graham Carter, co-founder at Unforgettable Croatia, said: 'As we mark our 10th anniversary in 2025, this new partnership with Travel Counsellors reflects the expertise, relationships and infrastructure we have built over the past decade. Whether it's crafting bespoke land itineraries, organising seamless transfers or arranging luxury small-ship cruises, our dedicated team in Croatia and across the UK is perfectly placed to support Travel Counsellors' agents and their clients. Demand for tailored Croatian experiences has never been stronger, and we're excited to help even more travellers discover the very best of this incredible destination.' Natalie Aspinall, senior destination manager at Travel Counsellors, said: 'We're delighted to welcome Unforgettable Croatia on board as our trusted DMC partner. Their local expertise, breadth of product and service excellence aligns perfectly with the personalised, high-touch experiences our Travel Counsellors deliver. This partnership will undoubtedly unlock even more authentic, unique and memorable ways for our customers to discover the very best of Croatia.'
The Independent
21-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Nearly three-quarters of 16 to 24-year-olds ‘keen to start their own business'
A new generation of budding entrepreneurs could be set to be unleashed, with research indicating that nearly three-quarters (73%) of 16 to 24-year-olds would be keen to start their own business. This compares with less than half (45%) of those aged 45 to 54-year-olds who expressed a desire to start their own venture. The potential to make more money, having a better work/life balance, more flexible working hours, having more control and greater career fulfilment were the top motivations for taking the plunge, according to the research commissioned by travel franchise company Travel Counsellors. Looking at generational differences, 79% in the younger Gen-Z age group and 78% of Millennials (aged 25 to 34), said they would consider self-employment for the flexibility it provides, compared with just 41% of those aged 55 and over. Seven in 10 (70%) people surveyed believe that flexible working helps develop key entrepreneurial skills, such as problem-solving, time management, independence, autonomy, innovation, and self-motivation. Earlier this month, Travel Counsellors appointed Dragons' Den star Sara Davies as a growth and entrepreneurship partner, which will see the businesswoman provide coaching on entrepreneurship. The research also found fear of failure could be holding some people back from starting their own business, with nearly a third (31%) of those who are looking to start their own venture expressing this concern. A lack of finance was a barrier for nearly half (48%) of people and more than a quarter (28%) said they lack confidence in their abilities. A lack of infrastructure and support (17%) and professional networks (17%) were revealed as other key factors. Matt Harding, director of franchise sales at Travel Counsellors said: 'The findings underscore a fundamental shift in how younger generations view work. 'With 73% of 16 to 24-year-old workers considering entrepreneurship and clear shifts in working patterns to prioritise flexibility, it is clear that traditional employment structures are being challenged. 'However, to turn ambition into reality, aspiring entrepreneurs need access to resources, mentorship, and confidence-building initiatives that address their concerns about failure and business skills.' Censuswide surveyed more than 2,000 workers in January across the UK for the research.
