Joanne Grogan - Travel Counsellor

Joanne Grogan - Travel Counsellor I am your Personal Travel Consultant. No matter how big or small your enquiry is I am happy to find that perfect holiday, break or experience for you.

I am able to access suppliers from across the globe, air land or sea.

Cathrine and Malcolm first came to me on the back of a recommendation, looking for a relaxing river cruise but with one ...
12/09/2026

Cathrine and Malcolm first came to me on the back of a recommendation, looking for a relaxing river cruise but with one very important requirement: no flying, as Malcolm is unable to travel by air for medical reasons.

Together, we found a wonderful Danube river cruise with coach travel from Stockport. Every detail was planned around their needs: oxygen arranged, specific seats on the coach, ground floor hotel rooms and a lovely cabin on board so they could truly relax and enjoy their holiday.

Then, just two weeks before departure, the cruise was cancelled due to low water levels on the Danube. This could have been incredibly stressful for them, but working with my suppliers I was able to secure an alternative itinerary along the Main, travelling through Germany and still finishing in Austria for that special finale they had hoped for.

Today I received the most fantastic photos and heartfelt comments from them, celebrating their wedding anniversary onboard. Moments like this are exactly why I do what I do: so my customers feel supported, cared for and looked after, no matter what happens along the way.

Thank you, Cathrine and Malcolm, for trusting me with your special trip. It means so much to be part of your journey.

9/11 is a date we all remember where we were. It is hard to believe it is 25 years ago, as I can be taken back to that d...
11/09/2026

9/11 is a date we all remember where we were. It is hard to believe it is 25 years ago, as I can be taken back to that day in an instant.

I was in the Didsbury BA office, making sure a fam trip from New York was leaving on the early departure, when someone came back from the canteen with the news of a small plane hitting the World Trade Center. That was how the first report came through.

What followed was a day of shock and terror. We watched the world we knew close down, as 24-hour news took over our lives. The images, the loss of life and the bravery shown by so many first responders still stay with me and are still hard to hear about, even today.

I have been back to New York a couple of times since, visiting the museum, Ground Zero and the station at the Oculus. For me, it is a place of remembrance, reflection and incredible resilience.

The countdown is on for my next adventure, flying via Doha next Monday evening.Here’s your next clue about my mystery de...
10/09/2026

The countdown is on for my next adventure, flying via Doha next Monday evening.

Here’s your next clue about my mystery destination:
🌊 Turquoise waters
🏝 Tiny islands
🌅 Sunset is the main event

I’ll be exploring some stunning resorts so I can bring back first-hand knowledge, tips and honest advice for your future holidays.

Where do you think I’m going?

How quickly a day can changeYesterday started out as a really good day. I spent the morning in training and the afternoo...
09/09/2026

How quickly a day can change

Yesterday started out as a really good day. I spent the morning in training and the afternoon working on some fantastic large itineraries for my customers. All was going smoothly and I was looking forward to a relaxed evening at the theatre, with maybe a bite to eat beforehand.

Then the email about the ATC outage landed.

My first thought was to check on all of my own customers. Thankfully, those due to travel had already departed safely that morning. It was then I realised that my colleague, currently travelling in India, had a large movement of customers flying back from Spain.

Although these customers had booked flights only, that did not mean they were left to fend for themselves.

Together, we checked who was already boarded, who had an aircraft in resort, and who had been affected by cancellations. One particular lady had an incredibly stressful experience, with three separate flights cancelled in one evening. Behind the scenes, we kept working until we were able to secure her a seat on a British Airways flight for today and arrange a hotel for the night, so she could leave the airport, rest, and know she was being looked after. We then continued to monitor the rest of the group.

I made it to the theatre with minutes to spare, while my colleague in India continued to liaise with customers and track their flights. Once I was back home, I took over again and monitored the final passenger, who eventually departed back to Leeds at 1:15 am.

Travel disruption can happen at any time, often without warning. Having a dedicated travel professional looking out for you, with support available around the clock and someone you can actually talk to, makes all the difference when plans start to unravel.

“Something special is coming…”I am getting excited now…Next Monday evening I’m off on a very special trip to check out a...
08/09/2026

“Something special is coming…”

I am getting excited now…

Next Monday evening I’m off on a very special trip to check out a destination I’ve never visited before.

All I’ll say for now is that I’m flying via Doha! It’s also my first time using Hamad International Airport for a connection, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it compares with Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

I’ll be sharing little clues over the coming days… any guesses where I might be heading?

Luxury cruising is having a real moment right now, and it is so much more than “just a cruise” – especially if you are a...
07/09/2026

Luxury cruising is having a real moment right now, and it is so much more than “just a cruise” – especially if you are already a regular cruiser.

Today’s luxury cruise experience is all about space, service and slow, immersive travel. Think beautifully designed small to mid-sized ships, elegant suites with ocean views, fine dining that rivals top restaurants, and thoughtful touches like champagne on arrival, curated shore experiences and seamless, attentive service throughout.

For seasoned cruisers, luxury lines are often the natural next step up because they offer:

A more intimate, boutique feel with fewer guests and more personal space
Higher crew-to-guest ratios, so staff quickly remember your favourites and preferences
Longer stays in port, late departures or overnights, giving you more time to really explore
A more inclusive style, with drinks, speciality dining or shore excursions often included
A calmer, more refined atmosphere on board, with a focus on quality over quantity
It is ideal if you love cruising but are ready for:

A little more pampering and personal attention
Quieter, more grown-up spaces and elegant entertainment
Discovering destinations in more depth rather than rushing from port to port
Whether you dream of island-hopping in the Caribbean, exploring the fjords or sailing into iconic cities at sunrise, luxury cruising lets you experience the world in comfort and style, with every detail taken care of and that familiar “cruise feeling” elevated to the next level.

If you would like to explore whether a luxury cruise could be the perfect next step from your usual cruise holiday, I can help match you to the right ship, itinerary and suite for the way you like to travel.

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Not if you love a good Christmas market… 🎄✨September is actually the perfect ti...
01/09/2026

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Not if you love a good Christmas market… 🎄✨

September is actually the perfect time to start planning. The best flights, central hotels and the most popular dates for European Christmas markets are already getting snapped up.

Imagine:

Warming your hands around a mug of mulled wine in Vienna or Prague
Browsing wooden chalets filled with handmade gifts in Germany
Twinkling lights, cosy cafes and festive music in every square
Whether you are dreaming of:

A romantic weekend for two
A family-friendly festive break
Or a short getaway with friends
I can put together a tailor-made Christmas markets trip around your ideal dates, budget and wish-list, with handpicked hotels in great locations and those little touches that make it feel really special.

If you would love something magical to look forward to as the nights draw in, now is the time to start planning.

Send me a message and let us start creating your Christmas markets escape.

Hello September,I love September, it always feels like a reset. The kids all go back to school, most people are back at ...
01/09/2026

Hello September,

I love September, it always feels like a reset. The kids all go back to school, most people are back at work after a holiday, and we are all starting to think ahead to Winter and even next Summer.

September is a great time to get away for some late summer sun without the crowds, it is also when the airlines have launched their mid year sales.

I have some exciting travels this month, starting this week with a trip to Southampton and a visit to the Luxury Cruise Summit, where I can meet with luxury suppliers and visit the Oceania Marina. Keep watching for the images and for further travels.

What are you looking forward to this month?

August has been an amazing month for me, filled with my three favourite things: family, travel, and music. I enjoyed art...
31/08/2026

August has been an amazing month for me, filled with my three favourite things: family, travel, and music.

I enjoyed art exhibitions, spent some lovely days in Manchester, took a delightful week-long trip to Greece, caught up with friends, attended three fantastic gigs at Wythenshawe Park, and celebrated an 80th birthday. All of these experiences have left me feeling happy and content.

Alongside this, I have booked some late holidays for customers, and some exciting adventures for next year, as well as meeting suppliers for the Bahamas, Maldives and ITC.

I have plenty planned for September as well, starting with a little trip to Southampton this week, followed by more flights to come.

29/08/2026

The Palm Springs hat made it to Pulp

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