David Bishop - Travel Counsellor

26/08/2026

Luxury without the crowds. Exploration without compromise.

For clients who have already experienced the world’s finest hotels, private villas and yachts, the question is often not “Where can we go?”.
It’s “What can still surprise us?”

This is where Hapag-Lloyd Cruises becomes particularly interesting.

Their luxury fleet offers something rather different from the mega-ship experience:

🥂 Small-ship luxury — EUROPA welcomes up to just 400 guests, while EUROPA 2 accommodates a maximum of 500. Less crowd, more space and a considerably more personal experience.

🌍 Access to the less obvious — smaller ships can reach ports and destinations that simply aren't practical for the larger cruise lines. Think insider destinations, longer stays and overnight calls rather than simply ticking off a list of ports.

🛎️ Highly personalised service — EUROPA 2 operates with an almost 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, creating the kind of attentive, discreet service that affluent travellers expect.

🏡 Space that actually feels private — suites are designed as genuine retreats rather than simply somewhere to sleep, with generous living space and private verandas on EUROPA 2.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A genuinely strong family proposition — for UHNW families, EUROPA 2 offers dedicated family apartments with two separate living areas connected by a door, plus age-appropriate children's and teens' programmes. Parents can enjoy their own time without compromising on family time.
🧭 And then there is expedition cruising...

The HANSEATIC fleet takes the concept further, combining luxury with genuinely adventurous destinations — with no more than 230 guests. Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions become considerably more comfortable propositions when you're returning to exceptional accommodation after a day of exploration.

The real USP?

It isn't simply luxury. It's the combination of luxury, intimacy, access and time.

And for clients who value their time above almost everything else, that can be a very compelling proposition indeed.

If you're considering a luxury cruise for 2027/28, particularly as a multi-generational family journey or an expedition to somewhere extraordinary, I'd be very happy to discuss whether Hapag-Lloyd is the right fit.

Because sometimes the ultimate luxury isn't having more people around you.

It's having fewer.

22/07/2026

Travel update: July 2026.

So things are busy but the market is moving clients to last minute decisions to many destinations in Europe as well as some far flung parts of the world.

Take a listen to find out where.

I've been working on special anniversary trips, some last minute solo holidays for relaxation and recuperation as well as the usual work trips in the UK and to Dubai and the U.S.

So if you are struggling with planning your next trip, be it near or far, I'm perfectly placed to assist and support you even when the world is challenging people's normal travel ideas.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

17/03/2026

With Oceania Cruises, it’s really about the food, the destinations… and taking your time to enjoy both properly.

Often called “The Finest Cuisine at Sea”, Oceania is perfect for travellers who love great dining and immersive travel. Think smaller, elegant ships, longer stays in port, and menus that wouldn’t feel out of place in a top restaurant.

Imagine days that look a bit like this…
🌍 Exploring a beautiful port without the rush
🍷 Long lunches paired with excellent wine
👨‍🍳 Cooking classes and culinary experiences onboard
🌅 Evenings watching the sunset from your veranda

It’s cruising designed for people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

If a more relaxed, foodie-focused style of cruising sounds appealing, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll happily share some itineraries worth adding to the bucket list. 🚢✨

Get in touch and let one of my cruise experts support you on your next culinary journey of discovery.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

15/03/2026

Ever thought cruising wasn’t really your thing?

That usually changes the moment people step onboard Celebrity Cruises.

Think boutique-hotel style design, restaurants that feel more Mayfair than “mass market”, and proper sea views from your own Infinite Veranda… not just a tiny porthole and a deck chair fighting for space.

Wake up somewhere new.
Breakfast overlooking the ocean.
Maybe a spa, a wander ashore, cocktails at sunset… then dinner that wouldn’t look out of place in a top London restaurant.

It’s cruising, just without the clichés. 🚢✨

Perfect if you fancy:
🌍 Exploring multiple destinations without repacking
🍷 Fantastic food and wine onboard
🛋 Stylish ships that feel more luxury hotel than cruise liner
🌅 Watching the world drift by from your balcony

If you’re curious about where Celebrity could take you next — Mediterranean, Caribbean, or somewhere a little more adventurous — get in touch and my team of cruise experts are here to assist.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

11/03/2026

10/03/2026

Very privileged to be invited to the US Consulate in Edinburgh to celebrate American Airlines inaugural service from New York to Edinburgh on the superb A321XLR.

For any plane spotters like me out there, the interior is even more impressive than the exterior and that business class....yes please!!

Wonderful night celebrating something positive in the world of travel and the continued amazing work the team at Edinburgh Airport and specifically Jenna Donaldson does for the trade.

Shame I picked the most awkward spot to stand trying not to lean on the likely priceless marble bust of a previous American president.....school boy error.

But learning about the specifics of product that airlines offer is another value I add to all my clients so they know exactly what the best flights, experience and ground arrangements are available to them.

Thanks American Airlines, the bollinger wasnt bad either..

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

Crisis Manager at your service.

As we all know the troubles in the middle east are just another thing sent to test those in the region and the wider world.

As someone whose got 20 years experience, the ability to pivot and use common sense my clients know they need never be alone once ive booked them.

So its begs the question when I have been helping numerous people as well who have not booked with me, why don't they trust an agent?

Would you take your car to get fixed at the greengrocers?
Would you go to the Doctors for a Carrot?
So why trust a robot with your holidays plans?

Price is often a consideration but as I told my BNI Britannia-Edinburgh group yesterday Travel Counsellors have been supporting clients paying for new flights, extra hotel nights etc to make sure they are covered and not out of pocket when they are affected on their package bookings.

So next time you are booking a trip please get in touch with me. We see many people claiming to be travel agents....this isnt a side hustle for me, this isnt a hobby, this is my career and my life and ive been very successful so far because I truly care about my clients and how they are treated so if you are overseas and dont know what to do please get in touch and ill do my best to help.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

22/02/2026

As a South American expert there is nothing and I mean nothing I dont like more than opening clients eyes to the wonders of new places.

This week I've been working on trips to Argentina, Brazil and Peru, but the one thats stood out is Colombia.

We are lucky at Travel Counsellors to work with some superb local suppliers none better than Encounter Latin America DMC. My local contact (who I've known for years) is actually Colombian, and so while I'm upto date with most of the best things to see and do, whose going to know more? A local!! So ive leant on her this week to create some unforgettable experiences for my clients.

🇨🇴 - Eco lodge in Tayrona National Park
🇨🇴 - Luxury beach break away from the crowds in Cartagena
🇨🇴 - Tailored transfers to take the stress away from the purpose of the trip, a family wedding.

I dont just take your order and wave you good bye once you have booked like many online agencies or god forbid larger high street agents. I take my time to learn what's important for you and those travelling with you.

So if you have ever considered travelling to South America (or indeed anywhere....ive been around) then get in touch as I'd love to show you a better way to travel.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920

18/02/2026

Travel trends.

China has always been one of my favourite destinations, as it is so diverse, colourful, challenging and interesting.

Ive been lucky enough to travel by train through the great wall from Mongolia (bet Genghis didnt think of that), to the tropical jungles and mountains and cultural heartland of Sichuan and Yunnan in the south to the snowy peaks of the Tibetan Plateau.

Ive also visited Hong Kong and Shanghai on work trips and been involved with trade delegations that have come across to the UK to bolster links.

Ive clients who travel regularly to this amazing place many times for business but also for holidays and touring and even cruising as this is a hugely trending destination in that part of travel.

With the opening of entry requirements for travellers from the UK, direct flights from many airports including Edinburgh Airport getting there for your work or holiday trips has never been easier.

But understanding where the best places to visit isnt always clear and how best to traverse a huge country with often a challenging language and written word, putting your trust in someone that's been is crucial and so If you are considering trade in China to take advantage of the opening of entry requirements I'd love to have a chat, because ive been moving my clients to trade and travel here for almost 20 years.

[email protected]
0131 516 3920