JB-Brilliant-Travel

Travelled in September 2021 Old Town Square Well, it had been approximately 2 years since I had last been on a flight and so happy to be travelling abroad again.  This was a trip that had been postponed twice since booking.  I think I pretty much felt the same as all my customers who have already travelled abroad, anxious, apprehensive, excited.  However, only happiness and relief when I took to the skies!  Don’t think I’ve felt like that on a plane since I was 13 on my 1st holiday abroad to Salou.  At the time of writing this, the government has made travelling simpler, so there is no need to have a lateral flow test to come back to the UK if double-vaccinated.  The day 2 PCR test when you return is still required, but again under review that it may be reduced to a lateral flow.  Krakow has been on my bucket list for a few years now and again, many people I know who have already travelled have raved about it.  So, I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss is about.    We travelled out mid-September for 4 nights from Edinburgh with Easyjet.  I have flown Easyjet now a few times and always found their staff to be extremely helpful and polite.  This time was no different.  We had to keep our face masks on walking through the airports and on the flight, except when eating and drinking.  This didn’t bother us at all.  Going through security at 5 am was pretty quiet but as always, we found Wetherspoons to have some breakfast which was fairly busy as not all restaurants/cafes were open.  We had private transfers booked to our accommodation – Central Krak apartments and had our driver meet us in the arrivals hall.  The transfer wasn’t expensive, however, you can opt for the train or bus to the city centre which is very reasonable.  Taking the train is a very easy journey.  We had a list of places we wanted to visit and didn’t waste any time.  We dropped our cases off and headed out.  We visited the Kazimierz area of the city, which is known as the Jewish Quarter.  We followed the walking tour in the lonely planet guide, taking in some museums, food trucks, and some quirk shops. We also went into the Corpus Christi church was stunning!  There was also a market at Plac Nowy.  I knew that at night Kazimierz comes alive so we went back down a few days later and had dinner at Marchewka z Groskiem restaurant where my partner had a local dish, Golonka.  We then went for drinks at the Alchemist bar.  I read some amazing reviews, although not as much my cup of tea, it was great to experience this quirky and bohemian bar.    Kazimierz reminded me of the West End of Glasgow.  I think at the weekends it will also be a lot busier than we experienced.  There were many bars and restaurants to choose from that looked fabulous.  Krakow is also very popular with Stag weekends, particularly in this area. We used the tram a few times to get about the city and thank goodness for google maps which made travelling so easy.   Local Tram – so easy and reasonable to get around the city We were only a 15-minute walk to the old town square.  WOW!!  This place is stunning.  You can take a ride on the horse and cart which was like something out of Cinderella.  We visited the Rynek underground which gave us a great insight into what is under the square and the history of Krakow.  We just purchased tickets there for later that day but you can book in advance to guarantee entry.   The renaissance cloth hall with lots of stalls runs along the centre of the square.  On one side of the square is St Mary’s Basilica, built 1397 and famous for its wooden carved Veit Stoss altarpiece and an amazing ceiling painted in dark blue and gold to look like the night sky. Old Town Square Highlights There are many eateries around the square, our favourite was one which was recommended to me – Sioux Restaurant.  We even went twice as such great food and value.  Some restaurants had live music playing which was lovely.   lovely local food Our weather was great, about 23 degrees so we were fortunate to eat and drink outside every night.  There are several milk bars around the city and opted for 1 for breakfast just near the square which was lovely.  One of our highlights was the Street Food Market just a 5-minute walk from the square.  We opted for some local food which was very reasonable and delicious.  Remember to take cash!  We also managed to visit Wawel Castle https://wawel.krakow.pl/en. You can walk around the grounds for free or opt to pay to enter various areas of the castle.  We opted for the All the King’s Tapestries ticket and paid extra to visit the Cathedral and gardens.  We climbed up to the bell at the top of the Cathedral, the views of the city are beautiful.  You can even see the dragon’s den which has a dragon blowing real fire!  The walk along the river running alongside the castle is just lovely.  You can even take a day river cruise or evening around the city.  I would have loved to do this, but just didn’t have the time.  The prices are very reasonable.  We booked 2 tours prior to leaving the UK.  We really enjoyed the Salt Mines which was a short transfer of approx. 30 mins from the city.  You honestly can’t believe that these were mainly completed by hand.  They are absolutely stunning and in my opinion a MUST SEE.  Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny.   You can’t go to Krakow and not visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.  KL Auschwitz was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centres. Over 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives. Although a long transfer of 1.5 hours it was worth it.  You can’t comprehend seeing it first hand.  The tour guide brought what happened to life.  Be prepared for a long tour and ensure you have good walking shoes. This tour is not for someone with walking difficulties.  So, after walking approximately 50km,

Ever since I saw the movie ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, I’ve dreamt of going to Phuket and visiting the famous Maya Beach. So, when my fiancé’s 50th birthday rolled around, it was the perfect time to make that dream a reality. We booked a two-week holiday and planned to stay in four different hotels throughout Phuket, to make the most of our time there. We flew from Edinburgh, via Doha, in March 2023 and were pleasantly surprised by the airline’s excellent service. The long-haul flight was made extremely comfortable, with plenty of legroom and fantastic food, drink, and on-screen entertainment. Kata Beach Our first stop was in Kata Beach, where we spent six nights. The area had lots to offer, with restaurants, shops and bars within walking distance. As a lover of Thai food, I was delighted to find affordable meals, starting at just £3. We particularly enjoyed street food near the beach during the day and the lively atmosphere of the night markets. There were lots of fantastic restaurants to choose from, but we must give a special shoutout to https://www.twochefs.com/, for their fabulous food and entertainment. We also loved dining with a sunset view at https://www.beyondresortkata.com/ and sipping cocktails at the lively Lana Live music bar. We stayed in a superior sea view room at https://www.orchidacearesort.com/, which had recently been renovated. The view was breathtaking, and the service and meals were excellent. Phuket Town Our second stop was in Phuket Town, where we spent two nights and took in the infamous Sunday night market. We stayed at the charming https://www.casablancaphuket.com/ This lovely boutique hotel had a small pool and was just a few minutes from the old town and the market. It had a quirky, vintage vibe, and staff introduced us to some fantastic eateries, including https://www.torrys.com/. Papazula Restaurant & Bar across the street had great live music and a fun atmosphere. The night market was bustling with stalls, selling beautiful gifts and amazing street food – we highly recommend the chicken dumplings! Kamala Beach After some sightseeing, we headed to Kamala Beach for some R&R at the adults-only https://www.kamalabeach.com/. Our grand deluxe, pool view room was beautiful, and the hotel’s location on the beach made it the perfect place to unwind. We enjoyed aqua aerobics and beach walks and even visited Café del Mar for a shot on the big tree swing. One evening, we took a trip from Kamala to Patong, the busiest resort in Phuket. Bangla Walking Street offered a range of entertainment options, from live music to go-go bars. While some may find the street sleazy, we loved exploring the beautiful beach and the many bars and restaurants around the resort. Other hotels were set further out and offered excellent views from the hillside. Bangtao Beach Our last stop was at the luxurious Bangtao Beach resort, where we stayed at the family-friendly https://www.sunwingphuket.com/.in. As a treat, I booked us a swim-up room, which was fantastic! The hotel catered well to families, with a kids’ club, waterslide, and evening entertainment. We loved taking long walks along the beach and admiring the many beautiful hotels along the way. Excursions The three excursions we went on were simply the best I’ve ever experienced, and if you visit Phuket, you simply can’t miss out on them. Boat trips through paradise Our boat tours with https://seastarandaman.com/ were nothing short of amazing. From the moment they collected us from our hotel to the moment we returned, we were treated like royalty. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the snacks and drinks available were perfect. We got to enjoy a buffet-style lunch and you can rent flippers for snorkelling too. The snorkelling mask is included. Our first tour was to Phi Phi Islands, where we saw Maya Beach, the filming location for ‘The Beach.’ We even had the opportunity to do some kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, or snorkelling at Pileh Lagoon. We had the chance to take a photo on a longboat, which was worth every penny. We also stopped at Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Don Island Beach. It was a definite tick off the bucket list and exceeded all my expectations. In the footsteps of 007 Our second tour was to James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, and it was out of this world. The scenery was spectacular, and we experienced canoeing around Panyi Island, seeing the stalactites, cave, and lagoon. We visited Hong Island and ended the day at Khai Island, where we enjoyed a gorgeous beach. We even got to visit the floating village, where we saw a floating football pitch, market stalls, and a school. Imagine waking up every day to that incredible view!   Phuket Elephant House Our last tour was to Phuket Elephant House Sanctuary https://phuketelephanthousesanctuary.com/. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful it was to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. We washed and fed them and could tell they were well cared for. The Sanctuary is ethical, and the staff were so helpful and friendly. Phuket exceeded our expectations in every way, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to visit this beautiful destination. If you’re considering travelling there soon, please get in touch. I’d be delighted to share more stories or insights and help you book the perfect trip! Until next time, Julie Email – Julie.Batchelor@Brillianttravel.co.uk Call – 07944542640

Do you dream of playing golf in sunnier climates? Let Julie choose the perfect destination for you. While I can assist you with traditional destinations like Spain, Portugal, Turkey & The Middle East, I can also offer further afield for once-in-a-lifetime style journeys to destinations further afield like South Africa, New Zealand & Australia. Or, if you fancy playing closer to home, we have various courses across the British Isles with the likes of Celtic Manor, The Belfry, Carden Park, Fairmont St Andrews, Dalmahoy Golf & Country Club & The Vale of Glamorgan.   On a typical itinerary, golfers may play 3 or 4 times in a 7-day holiday and some will want to play every day, so our itineraries can include a range of non-golfing experiences and excursions to suit. We offer full concierge service so other services can be booked and sometimes prepaid in the overall package. So, let’s start planning your next golfing break by contacting Julie.

Why would you want to book with a Personal Travel Specialist instead of online or in a high-street store? Listen to Julie’s video to find out.   When the world is getting back to some form of normality, it is important to have a good travel agent to keep you right. The world is opening back up and it is so much easier to travel, with currently no Passenger Locator Forms to complete (PLF’s) to return to the UK and no testing requirement anymore for unvaccinated travellers. Julie won’t always look after you from the enquiry stage until you return home when will give you ‘BRILLIANT’ service along the way. So, don’t delay, contact Julie today by calling on 07944542640 or email Julie.Batchelor@Brillianttravel.co.uk. Julie

So, how easy is it to go on holiday abroad?  Let’s hear from my 1st customer going to Majorca at the beginning of July 2021. Faye chose to go to the Majorca (Balearic Islands) in Spain as it was on the ‘Green list’.  This was a last-minute booking as she was booked on a cruise that unfortunately was cancelled a few weeks prior. Julie listened to what Faye was looking for from a holiday and gave a few options that suited her.  Faye wanted a minimum of a 4* hotel, near the beach, with plenty for her teenage son to do and entertainment in the evening.  Julie found the Iberostar Club Cala Barca which suited Faye’s family to a T.  Although apprehensive about going abroad, Faye felt reassured by Julie that the process would be possible without too much stress and anxiety.  Julie explained the entry requirements for the Balearic Islands including completing a Spanish Health Control Form, the process for getting a test whilst in Majorca and complete the UK Passenger Locator Form, which is a requirement to re-enter Scotland was made very easy by Iberostar hotels as they did the test for 30 Euros per.  Julie then discussed how to organise her day 2 test when home.  Luckily all tests were negative.  Scottish residents book their day 2 test via the link on the Scottish Government website Faye stated “The process at Glasgow and Palma Airport was very easy and Jet2 was great.  My documents were thoroughly checked, and the security process didn’t feel too different from normal.  Within the airport, we kept our masks on and whilst on the plane (when not eating or drinking).  I think after a year we weren’t too phased by keeping our masks on now”.  It was stress-free and very easy to complete the online forms. Faye also stated “Our hotel room was cleaned thoroughly every day, and I felt very safe around the resort with social distancing and the cleanliness throughout the whole resort.  The staff was also very attentive.  My teenage son felt very safe within the kids club and met lots of new friends. Iberostar hotels are resorts that have implemented a series of protocols and hygiene and safety measures.  The hotel had many amenities on a daily basis, and an entertainment programme to keep us all busy”.   Faye also ensured she took out adequate travel insurance that had COVID cover should anything happen whilst abroad or any of her family got COVID prior to travel.  Iberostar hotels also have a policy where customers can stay at their hotel free of charge should anyone catch COVID whilst on holiday at their hotel. Faye, now can’t wait to travel again, as being a regular traveller 2 – 3 times a year, she wants to spread her wings a bit further and go something out with Europe.  “I have not travelled abroad since 2019 and can’t wait to start planning my next holiday.  COVID will be here for a long while still and we will just need to live with it.  My husband and I are now double vaccinated so, the choice of destinations is much greater.  To receive our vaccination certificate we just had to complete a form online and received it just a few days later”. “We took Brilliant Bear with us too and he had a great time”! His 1st time abroad in over 18 months. Where will he go next? If you are looking to speak with a Personal Travel Specialist, who will give you up-to-date advice and find you the holiday right for you, please contact Julie on Julie.Batchelor@BrilliantTravel.co.uk or call 07944542640

People have flocked to California ever since the gold rush began in 1849 and today the Golden State’s allure continues thanks to its diverse natural beauty, dazzling cities, celebrated coastlines, favourable climate, fantastic food and wine experiences. When it comes to big city fun, California’s urban hotspots shine. Undeniably one of the world’s great cities San Francisco is known for its sparkling bay, iconic crimson bridge, quirky neighbourhoods and trundling cable cars scaling the steep streets. Sprawling Los Angeles offers a wide range of attractions from the fun-filled theme parks of Disneyland and Universal Studios to the glitzy Beverly Hills shops and celebrity homes and the palm-fringed beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu. Located just north of the Mexican border San Diego is a large coastal city with a small-town atmosphere where you’ll find an array of fabulous beaches, an ideal climate and outstanding family attractions. Nature looms large in World Heritage-listed Yosemite National Park, a vast wilderness with miles of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, peaks and valleys while further south Death Valley National Park is an awe-inspiring land of volcanic craters, brilliantly-coloured rock formations and desolate salt flats. You can’t get any lower than this in the western hemisphere and, in summer, you can’t get much hotter. Other natural attractions include the impressive grandeur of the giant sequoia forests at Sequoia National Park; the forest-rimmed Lake Tahoe which straddles the border with Nevada and attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round; and Joshua Tree National Park where you can glimpse the curious flora and fauna of the Mojave Desert. The spectacular beauty of the rugged coastline at Big Sur extends about 100 miles south of Monterey. Here, the Coastal Mountains dip directly into the Pacific Ocean to form some magnificent scenery with sea cliffs, rocky headlands and tiny beaches. Twisting Highway 1 hugs the mountain slopes and offers exquisite vistas at every turn and is one of the great road trips in the USA. Southern California’s warm Pacific waters attract sun-worshippers and surfers alike. The counties of San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles are crammed full of great beaches for just about any beach activity you can think of. Some of the best beaches include Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, Coronado and La Jolla. Head further north and the waters are cooler and sandy beaches are scarcer but the wildlife watching can be incredible, with seals, sea otters, whales and sharks all regular visitors to these waters. Let’s not forget the Wine Country as another great reason to visit. Napa and Sonoma in Northern California are two of the biggest and best wine-producing regions in the world and travellers are welcomed to many of the vineyards for tastings and tours. If that weren’t enough, the scenery is fantastic! No matter what you want to see and do, a California holiday has it.  Enjoy the open road! Why visit California?  Great cities  Diverse natural scenery  Celebrated coastline  Favourable climate  Wonderful wine  Laid-back lifestyle #motorhome #california #self-drive #fly-drive #california If you want the freedom of the open road, contact Julie by emailing Julie.Batchelor@BrilliantTravel.co.uk to discuss your ideal itinerary

Look forward to Incredible cruise journeys. A holiday worth waiting for! Take a look at our brochure below for our latest cruises amazing offers

  Author – Julie Batchelor – 3 March 21 Do you get your holiday inspiration from watching Travel TV programmes? …I must admit, I just love watching travel TV programmes.  It is great to see places that are either on your bucket list, dreamed of going to or maybe revisiting somewhere you have already travelled to.  With us not hopping on a plane anytime soon, this doesn’t mean we can’t let our imagination get whisked away somewhere more exotic. I enjoy watching programmes that take you out of the built-up tourist areas and catching a glimpse at local life.  It is easy to stay in the tourist trap but getting out and about lets you experience the real destination, whether that is by hiring a car/scooter or taking a local excursion/guide experience.  Experiencing local cuisine is a firm favourite of mine too.  Some destinations are steeped in great architecture and local culture which gives you a great insight into art and local history.  If the local people and staff are very welcoming and hospitable it really makes the trip. Whatever your reasons are for watching, it can help you see some destinations that you maybe have not even thought of before. Here are some of my favourite TV programmes which will inspire your future travels Cruising with Jane McDonald – I think I have travelled the globe watching Jane.  Her personality is infectious and you can’t help but love the Yorkshire lass. Check out different cruise lines and excursions she takes, checking out the various ports she visits.  Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby – One of my favourites at the moment – a Food critic Giles and chef Monica, travel around the world working alongside staff in 5 *luxury hotels.  WOW – the hotels are out of this world.  My favourite so far has been the Brando Hotel in French Polynesia and Jade Mountain hotel in St. Lucia. Gordon, Gino and Fred: RoadTrip – Don’t think I have laughed so much at a Travel-related TV programme.  The 3 guys together really are class! They travel around in a very large motorhome throughout 2 series. I just loved their USA highlights. South Africa with Gregg Wallace – Watching a culinary cooking show with culture, scenery and Iconic destinations, I just loved this. As Capetown and the Garden Route are on my bucket list, I had to watch this.  Race across the world – They have made 2 series of this TV programme.  The 1st one is set in Asia and the 2nd one South America.  Watch 5 couples frantically racing to the finish line in each episode, crossing through many countries and experiencing many highs and lows of travelling without a phone or a credit card on a low cash budget. Gregg Wallace’s big weekends – Fun and informative Travel showcasing different weekend breaks around Europe.  Again, seeing cities in a different way than the average tourist. Susan Calman’s great days out – Susan tours across the UK to some well-known towns and villages.  Susan rides in her campervan that she names “Helen Mirren”.  She is a comedian and that comes across in the series.  She speaks to locals and catches a great insight into some less well-known areas too.  A fun, informative programme, again highlighting many places to visit when out of lock down.  Instant Hotel – Lastly, one of the more unusual type of programmes set ‘Down under’ in Australia.  A bit like four in a bed.  Each couple visits the other couples properties and rates them and there is an overall winner.  I was hooked on it!  I couldn’t wait to watch the next episode.  Each couple had very different properties, some in the outback whilst others were in the suburbs or near the beach.  2 series to watch. Certainly made me want to visit Australia again! Let me know what your favourite Travel programmes are?

Back in March 2020, many travellers who “did their own travel booking online” would have heard a message similar to this “Your call is important to us, all our representatives are currently assisting other customers. Your estimated wait time is two to three hours.” When they finally were able to speak to a live person, in many cases, they were not offered much help. Did I have this message on my answer phone? NO – I was available 24/7 What the pandemic has taught us is that having a professional travel advisor help plan your trip has made my value more apparent. I worked tirelessly around the clock to contact my customers, applied for refunds or credits for future travel and helped them rebook a future trip. I truly served as an advocate for them and did everything I could to help protect my customers travel investment. It required long, tedious hours, and no earnings. It was the most challenging time of my career.  No-one thought we would still be in this situation.  But I must keep going.  I love my job and cannot wait till I see people travel again to their dream destinations. Who would have thought 11 months later, we would still be in a similar situation?  However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  It will not be long before we can travel again. So, why book your future holiday with me? Full Financial Protection – Your money is safe as I am part of the Barrhead Travel Group ATOL and ABTA Licence through ‘Barrhead Travel’ – You know your money is safe and fully protected. Personalised Service – 1 to 1, on-call service whilst abroad.  It is only me you deal with from the enquiry stage until you return home.  Expert Advice and Recommendations & In-depth find out – I will ensure I find out exactly what you want from your holiday and what is important to you and match a holiday accordingly.  I have travelled extensively and can recommend places to you. Totally Independent – I have access to many companies to find you the best deal with non-directional selling. Competitive Prices and in-house Dept’s – I will ensure I get you the best quote, searching various companies on your behalf.  I also have access to various bed bank companies and our in-house flights’ department.  We also have access to ‘exclusive out of date range’ holidays.  We also have many exclusive deals and discounts at times through Tour operators. 1 Stop shop – I can book everything for you, including airport parking, airport hotels, airport lounges in the UK and abroad, car hire, attraction tickets, theme park tickets.  We also work along with Holiday Extras Insurance with exceptional rates and cover. Available at a Time to Suit YOU – I work evenings and weekends to suit my customers as well as daytime hours.  I can also offer a zoom meeting or face to face when we are out of COVID. A special something – I aim to do something special for my customers when it is a celebratory holiday So, no matter where you want to travel to, if you want brilliant service, be sure to book it with Julie @ Brilliant Travel. #futuretravel #bookwithatravelspecialist #bucketlisttravel