Gavin Buck - Not Just Travel

12/09/2026

Choosing the right 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒔 resort makes a bigger difference than most people realise. They’re not all the same “luxury all-inclusive” in a different postcode — the vibe, the beach, the layout and even the type of couples it suits can feel completely different from island to island.

In this carousel I’ve shared a few pointers to help you start narrowing it down. If you want my personal take, though, here’s the Sandals option I’d choose for myself:

My pick: 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒂 (𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒂)

It feels grown-up and romantic without being stiff. More “proper switch-off” than big resort energy.

Grenada itself has that quieter, more authentic Caribbean feel. Great if you want beautiful scenery and a slower pace, not a busy strip of bars outside the hotel.

It’s the sort of place I’d book when I want a holiday that feels like a treat — not just a week of eating and drinking in the sun (although you can absolutely do that too).

If you’re looking at Sandals right now, it’s also worth knowing there’s up to £300 off when booked between 27 August and 30 September 2026, with travel available through 31 December 2028.

Where I add value as your Personal Travel Consultant is helping you get clear on what you actually want from this trip, then matching it properly:

- Which island fits your style (lively vs laid-back, explore vs flop-and-drop)

- Which resort fits your pace (bigger and buzzy vs smaller and more intimate)

- How to avoid the “it looked perfect online” regret by understanding the real differences

If a Sandals holiday is on your radar, message me. Tell me roughly when you want to go and the kind of trip you want it to feel like, and I’ll take care of the research, planning and booking.

Gavin
☎️ 07704 650319 - Call, Message or WhatsApp
📧 [email protected]

11/09/2026

✨ Are you a wedding or event supplier looking for your next opportunity to get your business in front of potential clients?

We’re welcoming supplier enquiries for our upcoming exhibition at Statfold Country Park, Tamworth on Saturday 30th January 2027.

We’d love to hear from businesses across the wedding and events industry — from photographers, florists and cake makers to entertainment, styling, beauty, catering and something a little different!

✨ Limited spaces available per category
📍 Statfold Country Park, Tamworth
📅 Saturday 30th January 2027
⏰ 10am–5pm

Interested in exhibiting?

Comment below or send us a message for the full exhibitor details. 💌

11/09/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐛.

If you’ve ever opened 15 tabs, compared reviews for an hour, then somehow ended up more confused than when you started… you’re not alone. This is exactly why people book with a Personal Travel Consultant.

Here are the 4 big reasons my clients come back to me again and again:

𝙏𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚
One chat with me replaces hours of searching (and second guessing).

𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨
I handle the details. You get to enjoy the countdown.

𝘼 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙩
I match options to you — how you like to travel, what matters most, and what will make the trip feel right. Not whatever happens to be “best-selling”.

𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙
You’re protected with ABTA & ATOL, and you’ve got support if plans change.

If you’re even thinking about your next trip — a familiar week in the sun, a cruise, or something a bit more special — message me and I’ll take care of the research, planning and booking.

Book your holiday the best way.

Gavin
☎️ 07704 650319 - Call, Message or WhatsApp
📧 [email protected]

10/09/2026

🍁 The ‘Ber’ months (September, October, November, December) are when I see the biggest mix of travel plans. Late summer sun, half term escapes, winter sun, Christmas markets, and cruise season starting to ramp up.

Here are my go-to picks for each month, based on what actually works best:

𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧
- Greek Islands (Crete, Rhodes, Kos) – warm sea, fewer crowds, great value once the school rush eases

- Turkey (Antalya/Dalaman region) – brilliant for late-summer all-inclusive with reliable heat

- Mediterranean cruise – still hot, but a calmer feel than July/August

𝙊𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧
- Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote) – easy winter-sun starter, ideal for half term

- Cyprus – one of the best “still proper summer” options in October

- Caribbean cruise (early season) – great time to start looking if you want sunshine with everything handled

𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧
- Dubai / Abu Dhabi – warm, glamorous, and a proper reset before Christmas (and yes, the latest travel advice has improved, so it’s firmly back on the menu)

- Cape Verde – brilliant for guaranteed heat without long-haul time

- Caribbean (Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica) – dry season begins, perfect for a special trip

𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧
-Lapland – magical, but it books up early every year

- Christmas markets (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) – short break, big atmosphere

- Maldives / Thailand – best for a “switch off properly” winter escape

- Caribbean cruise over Christmas/New Year – if you want festive without the cooking

Message me with what you are looking for and .....

…I’ll match you with the best-fit destination and take care of the research, planning, and booking. Message me “BER” and I’ll come back with a few ideas.

Gavin
☎️ 07704 650319 - Call, Message or WhatsApp
📧 [email protected]

09/09/2026

If you’ve ever looked at 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 and thought, “Where do I even start?” — you’re not alone. They’ve got 20 ships, and they’re not all the same vibe. One can feel like a lively, big-entertainment holiday. Another can feel far more chilled and grown-up. Same cruise line, totally different trip.

A couple of things that stand out to me with NCL:

🛳️ Freestyle Cruising — it’s relaxed. No rigid dining times dictating your evening.

🛳️ The choice of dining and entertainment can be brilliant, especially if you like having options rather than doing the same thing every night.

🛳️ And if you want to level it up, The Haven is worth knowing about. It’s a different feel entirely.

Because the ship matters as much as the itinerary, I’ve put together a simple guide that breaks down the different NCL ships and what makes them worth considering, so you can quickly work out which one could suit your holiday style.

Read it here:
https://gavinbuck.notjusttravel.com/blog/inspiration/welcome-to-norwegian-cruise-line-but-which-of-the-20-ships-is-the-one-for-you

08/09/2026

𝑨𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒑 -
🇺🇸𝑵𝑨𝑺𝑯𝑽𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑬, 𝑫𝑶𝑳𝑳𝒀𝑾𝑶𝑶𝑫, 𝑳𝑶𝑼𝑰𝑺𝑽𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑬 & 𝑴𝑰𝑨𝑴𝑰 𝑩𝑬𝑨𝑪𝑯 🇺🇸

🎸 🎢 🥃 🌴 11 NIGHTS – TOTAL FROM £1,959PP
Something a little different for the USA! Combine Nashville, Dollywood, Kentucky and Miami Beach in one fantastic trip.

📅 Departing 2 May 2027 - Heathrow
🎸 NASHVILLE – 4 NIGHTS
🏨 Hyatt House Nashville at Vanderbilt
🎶 Enjoy Broadway, Music Row and Nashville's legendary live-music scene.
🎢 FULL DAY DOLLYWOOD TRIP INCLUDED
📅 3 May 2027
🚌 7:00am departure from Nashville
🎟️ Dollywood admission included
🚌 Return coach transfers included
🍔 $40 food voucher per person included
It's an early start, but with the UK time difference you'll likely be awake early anyway – plus there's plenty of time to relax or catch up on some sleep on the coach into the Smoky Mountains.

🥃 LOUISVILLE – 3 NIGHTS
🏨 Galt House Hotel
Discover Kentucky bourbon country, Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center.

🌴 MIAMI BEACH – 4 NIGHTS
🏨 Pestana South Beach Art Deco Hotel
Finish your adventure with four nights in South Beach.

✈️ FLIGHTS INCLUDED
London Heathrow → Nashville
Louisville → Miami
Miami → London Heathrow
🚌 Nashville → Louisville scheduled coach included
💰 TOTAL HOLIDAY COST FROM £1,959PP

💳 £1,899pp payable to Mainstreet Travel
🌴 £60pp payable locally in resort
🔥 DEPOSIT JUST £150PP
👫 Based on 2 adults sharing
✈️ REGIONAL DEPARTURES AVAILABLE FROM AN ADDITIONAL £150PP

Important information: Total holiday cost is from £1,959pp, comprising £1,899pp payable to Mainstreet Travel and approximately £60pp in mandatory hotel/resort charges payable locally, based on 2 adults sharing. Local charges are subject to change. Regional departures from an additional £150pp. Nashville–Louisville coach timings are subject to the May 2027 timetable being released. Prices and availability are subject to change. Other optional extras and locally payable charges are not included unless stated. Deposit £150pp. Terms & conditions apply.

08/09/2026

☀️ I love it when customers send me photos of their holidays, whether that’s the fabulous room, the view or just them enjoying a drink or to say hello. (Thanks Kaye & Simon 😊)

Here are some photos from a customer just landed in Skiathos for a well earned relaxing break, just look at the view of that beautiful blue sea & sky!! 🥰

If you would like to book your next holiday, knowing that everything will be tailored to exactly what you want and checked and researched to make sure its perfect, then get in touch and start planning today

Gavin
☎️ 07704 650319 - Call, Message or WhatsApp
📧 [email protected]

08/09/2026

I don't have any customers travelling from the UK at all this afternoon (My customers flew out this morning) but thought this might be useful to share just in case anyone else needs the information - seems to be affecting more than just Birmingham

⚠️ CUSTOMER INFORMATION - 1556 hours, 08/09/2026

There is currently an air traffic technical issue affecting airspace in the south of the UK, which is impacting a number of departing flights.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Those due to travel today should still arrive in line with airline advice, and contact their airline directly for the latest flight information and updates.

08/09/2026

👑 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘. 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚'𝗦 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡. 👑

🎸 𝗘𝗟𝗩𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗬'𝗦 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗦, 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗦 & 𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘 🎷🎤

Journey through America's musical heartland, from the birthplace of jazz and the cradle of rock 'n' roll to the undisputed capital of country music.

This wonderful holiday is crammed full of highlights, and infused with the magic and mystique, sights and sounds of the South. Beginning in Georgia you'll travel through the world of WC Handy, Robert Johnson, Fats Domino, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and – of course – Elvis Presley. Stay in New Orleans, the laid-back Big Easy. See Tupelo, the King's birthplace, and Memphis, where he made his home. And, finally, head to the guitar-pickin', banjo-playing songwriters' city, Nashville, Tennessee.
Every 2029 departure is live and ready to book.

📍 9 Days
✈️ Flights from London Heathrow or Manchester with Virgin Atlantic
🎫 3 Included Excursions
🏨 7 Nights Accommodation
💳 £395pp Deposit

⭐ 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 ⭐

🎷 The atmosphere of New Orleans' famous French Quarter
👑 Two nights in Memphis, staying at The Guest House at Graceland, right next to Elvis's famous mansion
🎶 Beale Street in Memphis, the "Home of the Blues"
🏠 Visit Elvis's home town, Tupelo, Mississippi
🎸 Discover Nashville, the world capital of country music
🌆 Spend two nights in New Orleans
🏛️ A first night's stay in Birmingham, Alabama, a fine southern city rich in Civil Rights history
🚐 Journey through the scenic countryside of Alabama

𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪

📌 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆
20th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
📌 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵
6th & 27th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
📌 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹
24th | £2,962pp | solo from £3,850pp
📌 𝗠𝗮𝘆
1st | £2,795pp | solo from £3,683pp
8th & 29th | £2,829pp | solo from £3,717pp
📌 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲
5th | £2,829pp | solo from £3,717pp
📌 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁
21st & 28th | £2,868pp | solo from £3,757pp
📌 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
11th | £2,868pp | solo from £3,757pp
📌 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿
9th | £2,868pp | solo from £3,757pp
📌 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
27th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
📌 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
4th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
📌 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆
20th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
📌 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵
6th & 27th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
📌 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹
24th | £2,928pp | solo from £3,816pp
📌 𝗠𝗮𝘆
1st | £2,795pp | solo from £3,683pp
8th | £2,829pp | solo from £3,717pp
29th | £2,948pp | solo from £3,836pp
📌 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲
5th | £2,948pp | solo from £3,836pp
📌 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁
21st & 28th | £2,957pp | solo from £3,845pp
📌 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
11th | £2,957pp | solo from £3,845pp
📌 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿
9th | £2,957pp | solo from £3,845pp
📌 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
27th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp
📌 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
4th | £2,838pp | solo from £3,726pp

🎫 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
🏛️ Birmingham, Alabama
🏠 Tupelo, birthplace of Elvis (entrance to the house payable locally)
🚂 Chattanooga

🎟️ 𝗢𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
🚢 Steamboat Dinner Jazz Cruise Excursion (Evening) - £116pp
🌆 New Orleans City Tour Excursion (Half Day) - £31pp
🐊 Bayou & Alligators Tour Excursion (Half Day) - £42pp
👑 Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South Excursion (Full Day) - £156pp
🎸 Studio B & The Country Music Hall of Fame Excursion (Half Day) - £74pp

🍽️ No meals are included on this tour. An ESTA is required for the USA, currently $41pp.

Prices correct as of 8 September 2026, based on 2 people sharing. Solo prices shown are for sole use of a double room. All local taxes, fees and charges are included. Optional excursions and locally payable entrances are additional and are booked and paid for separately.

Get in touch to book this fabulous trip

Gavin
☎️ 07704 650319 - Call, Message or WhatsApp
📧 [email protected]

07/09/2026

If you’ve been saying for years “𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙚’𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨”… this is your sign to stop talking about it and actually go.

A Christmas market river cruise is one of the easiest ways to do it properly, because you get the magical bits — without turning it into a logistics project.

Here’s why it works so well:

🎄 You unpack once and your hotel moves with you

🎄 A different city most days, so you can tick off multiple markets in one trip

🎄 No juggling trains, taxis, hotels, check-ins, check-outs (the bits that make it feel like hard work)

🎄 You can dip in and out of the atmosphere — markets by late afternoon, then back onboard warm, fed, and smug

If you’ve swiped the carousel, you’ll have seen the itinerary I’m most excited about: '𝟱 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗯𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮, 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗮'

The reason I rate this one isn’t “because it’s festive” (they all are). It’s because the route gives you genuinely different markets, not five versions of the same one — and the timings usually mean you arrive with enough daylight to explore, then see everything lit up after dark. That’s when it feels properly Christmassy.

As your Personal Travel Consultant, this is the bit I can take off your plate:

🎄 Compare the itineraries properly (what you see vs what you sail past)

🎄 Match the right cruise to your dates, budget and travel style (and whether you like it relaxed or full-on)

🎄 Flag the things people don’t spot online, like port locations, market days, and cabin value

If a Christmas market river cruise has been on your “one day” list, message me today and start planing

Gavin
☎️ 07704 650319 - Call, Message or WhatsApp
📧 [email protected]