Clare Payne Travel

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

A lot of people have left booking their summer holidays very late this year… and for once, that might actually be a good thing.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about booking, this is for you ☀️

Normally, I’m the first person to say: book as early as possible if you want the best choice of flights, hotels and prices.

But this year has felt very different.

Between uncertainty around events in the Middle East, cost of living concerns and a general “wait and see” mindset, many people have delayed making decisions about both summer and autumn holidays.

The result? There are actually some very good late deals and pockets of availability available right now.

I’m seeing opportunities for:
✈️ Families looking for a summer school holiday break
☀️ Couples seeking a September sunshine escape
🍂 Friends and solo travellers planning an autumn reset

That doesn’t mean everywhere is wide open or heavily discounted, but if you’re flexible on dates, destination or hotel choice, there are still some excellent options available, often at prices that pleasantly surprise people.

As a Travel Counsellor, I can:

✔️ Check live availability across multiple options
✔️ Recommend destinations that suit your budget and travel style
✔️ Help you balance value and budget so you don’t simply book the first “cheap” deal you find online

Whether you’re:
• A family trying to fit in a week or two during the school holidays
• A couple looking for a child free September getaway
• Friends or solo travellers wanting a break before autumn arrives

I can help you make the most of what is available now.

And don’t forget: every booking made with me - and every referral you send my way - enters you into my competition to win an overnight stay at Lympstone Manor.

So if you’ve been saying, “We really must book something,” but haven’t quite got around to it yet, send me a message with:

- Who you’re travelling with
- Rough dates
- A guide budget

and I’ll come back with some ideas tailored to you.

You might be surprised by what’s still possible for this summer and early autumn.

02/06/2026

🇦🇺 Catching up on our Australia adventures…

Our next stop was Melbourne, where we spent 3 nights and could easily have stayed longer. This was my second visit, but I still feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer.

We spent our first day exploring the city centre using Melbourne’s brilliant free tram network. We wandered through the streets before heading over to the MCG and Rod Laver Arena.

Top tip 💡 If you don’t fancy paying for an organised MCG tour, head into the shop and then on to the café. We enjoyed coffee and cake overlooking the stadium and could still see plenty of the ground without the tour fee 🙈

As F1 fans, we also headed to Albert Park to see if we could spot parts of the Australian Grand Prix circuit. We visited at the end of March, just a couple of weeks after the race, and they were still dismantling grandstands, barriers and infrastructure. It really made us appreciate just how much goes into hosting an event of that scale 🏎️

One surprise highlight was the Old Melbourne Gaol. The kids loved exploring the old prison cells and learning about the stories of the people who were once held there. It’s one of those attractions that manages to make history feel genuinely interesting.

On another day, we caught the train out to Brighton Beach to see the famous colourful bathing boxes before walking all the way along the coast to St Kilda, around 7km of flat waterfront paths, city views, parks, cafés and plenty of places to stop along the way.

The bathing boxes were every bit as colourful as we’d hoped, but what really stood out was the view. For much of the walk, you can see Melbourne’s skyline across the bay, giving you the perfect mix of city and coast.

Melbourne feels completely different to Sydney, and that’s exactly why I love it. Great food, interesting neighbourhoods, sport everywhere you look, and so much to discover.

💬 Sydney or Melbourne - which would you choose?

02/06/2026

🌸 Japan in Spring 2028: Jewels of Japan 🌸

Step into a world of blossom lined streets, ancient temples and ultra modern cities on this carefully curated 11 day fully inclusive journey through Japan, departing 4 May 2028.

From the neon skyline of Tokyo to the serenity of Kyoto’s shrines, the moving history of Hiroshima and the sacred beauty of Miyajima, this itinerary has been designed to showcase the very best of Japan in one seamless experience.

🌸 Spring in Japan is an incredibly sought-after time to travel, with limited availability each year, so planning ahead for 2028 is a smart way to secure the dates and experiences you really want

⭐️ From £6,490 per person
🧡 Solo travellers from £8,150
✈️ Based on departures from London Heathrow

Your journey includes:
⭐ Return international flights
⭐ Handpicked quality hotels
⭐ All meals throughout
⭐ All transportation and transfers in destination
⭐ All touring with expert local guides and entrance fees

Highlights:
🌟 Reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial & visit Miyajima
🌟 Journey up the slopes of majestic Mt Fuji & cruise on Lake Ashi
🌟 Marvel at the elegance of Himeji Castle
🌟 Experience the thrill of travelling by bullet train
🌟 Walk beneath thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
🌟 Discover the exquisite textiles at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
🌟 Savour street food and regional specialities in vibrant Osaka

Authentic experiences:
- Learn the refined art of origami
- Create your own soba noodles
- Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

If Japan has long been on your wish list, this is a beautifully balanced, fully escorted way to see its most iconic sights with everything taken care of for you.

And if you would prefer something more tailored, I can also design a completely bespoke Japan itinerary to match your exact interests, dates and pace.

Message me to receive full details, check availability or start planning your own bespoke Japan journey.

📲 Call or WhatsApp 01392 770024
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.payne
🔒 100% financial protection
🌟 Five star Trust Pilot review’s

01/06/2026

Sharing Sara Davies holiday photos from her recent stay with Neilson Active Holidays booked by her very own Travel Counsellor Cathy.

Neilson is a great option if you’re looking to keep the whole family entertained - so much is included!

If you would like more info or to chat further just get in touch ☀️

📲 Call or WhatsApp 01392 770024
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.payne
🔒 100% financial protection
🌟 Five star Trust Pilot review’s

31/05/2026

🎄 Just released: Exeter to Lapland 2027 🎄

Imagine whisking the family away to meet the REAL Santa in True Lapland: twinkling forests, husky sleds, reindeer sleighs and the chance to see the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

📅 8 December 2027
🛫 3 nights in Lapland - Direct flights from Exeter

What is included:
✨ Private family meeting with Santa, with a gift for each child
✨ Husky sled safari
✨ Snowmobile safari
✨ Reindeer sleigh ride
✨ Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✨ Return flights with hot meals on board
✨ 18 kg hold luggage per person
✨ Transfers in resort
✨ Use of thermal suits and boots

💰 Prices for 3 nights from Exeter 8 Dec 2027:
• £1,249 per child
• £1,349 per adult
Secure your place with a £200pp deposit and spread the cost with monthly payments, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead.

This is a limited Exeter departure, so if you can already picture your family dashing through the snow behind eager huskies and seeing your children’s faces when Santa somehow knows their names, now is the perfect moment to start planning.

Send me a message to check live availability and talk through the options for your family.

📲 Call or WhatsApp 01392 770024
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.payne
🔒 100% financial protection
🌟 Five star Trust Pilot review’s

31/05/2026

We've been in Spain for almost a month now and have absolutely loved spending time with family.

We've been away for 10 months and, while we've missed birthdays, Christmas and plenty of special occasions, the hardest moment of the whole trip was not being there with my sister when my youngest niece was born back in October. That was definitely when we missed home the most, which makes this time together feel even more precious 💕

Between the cuddles, catch ups and long Spanish lunches, it's been business as usual behind the scenes. I've been busy creating some epic itineraries for Easter 2027, as well as planning some truly incredible adventures later in 2027 for clients looking to get ahead and secure the very best options.

I’ll share more about some of these trips soon, but one thing I’m noticing is that the best availability and prices for many popular destinations are available right now. Whether you’re thinking about a summer escape, some winter sunshine, or a bigger adventure in 2027, now is a great time to start planning.

If you're dreaming about your next trip, send me a message and let's start planning.

24/05/2026

Sail into autumn 2027 in style with an adults only Mediterranean escape

🍂 Imagine: flying from Heathrow to vibrant Barcelona, spending a night in a stylish 4 star hotel, then stepping aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady for a week of kid free cruising, brilliant dining and sophisticated nightlife.

From 16 to 24 October 2027, you will explore:
🇮🇹 La Spezia for Cinque Terre
🇮🇹 Rome for history, art and café culture
🇫🇷 Ajaccio in Corsica
🇫🇷 Glamorous Cannes
🇫🇷 Marseille on the French Riviera

Your package includes:
✔️ British Airways return flights from London Heathrow
✔️ 1 night at INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Apolo with breakfast
✔️ Sea Terrace cabin on Resilient Lady
✔️ $400 Bar Tab to enjoy on board
✔️ Adults-only, relaxed luxury atmosphere

💰 From £3,760 for 2 people
💳 Deposit from £860

If you would love a comfortable, grown up way to see Italy, Spain and the French Riviera, with no organising stress and plenty of treats built in, this could be your perfect autumn getaway.

Message me to request the full itinerary and secure your cabin.

📲 Call or WhatsApp 01392 770024
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.payne
🔒 100% financial protection
🌟 Five star Trust Pilot review’s

23/05/2026

👀 Who else was hooked on Race Across the World?

If the Trans Mongolian leg set your imagination racing, this could be your next big adventure…

🇲🇳TRANS MONGOLIAN RAILWAY ADVENTURE
From only £3,545 per person

Departing: 12 September 2026
Duration: 12 days
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Highlights include:
❤️ Visit Beijing, Reshui, Sainshand, Khustai National Park & more

❤️ Travel along a spectacular section of the legendary Trans-Mongolian Railway

❤️ Enjoy a barbeque lunch at Ulihan Desert Campsite in the Mongolian desert

❤️ Spend a full day exploring Khustai National Park, staying in traditional gers and looking out for wild horses and Golden Eagles

Guide prices:
🛫 Heathrow from £3,599 per person
🛫 Manchester from £3,545 per person

If you’ve ever dreamed of an epic rail journey through remote landscapes, this small-group adventure is perfect for a once in a lifetime escape: unforgettable scenery, authentic local experiences and the comfort of having everything taken care of for you.

If this has sparked something for you, send me a message and I’ll talk you through the full itinerary and options. As always this is fully customisable to you.

📲 Call or WhatsApp 01392 770024
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.payne
🔒 100% financial protection
🌟 Five star Trust Pilot review’s

16/05/2026

ROYAL CARIBBEAN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FAMILY OFFER - This is a great offer! ☀️

Swap the school run for sea days and sunshine next summer with this fantastic Royal Caribbean family sailing from Southampton.

𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀 – 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿 & 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀𝗲

🗓 7 August 2026
⏱ 9 nights: Spanish Flair itinerary
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2 adults + 2 children
⚓ Round-trip from Southampton

💫 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (total for the family)
• Interior stateroom from £4,200 total
• Balcony stateroom from £5,418 total

🍴 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱
• Full board dining
• A huge choice of family‑friendly activities
• West‑end style entertainment and live shows

🗺 𝗜𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆
Bilbao, Spain
Gijón, Spain
Vigo, Spain
Solar Eclipse scenic cruising at sea
La Coruña, Spain
Paris (Le Havre), France

🚢 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀
• “Saturday Night Fever” Broadway-style musical
• The Perfect Storm water slides
• FlowRider surf simulator
• Splashaway Bay kids aqua park
• Adventure Ocean kids’ club
• Rock‑climbing wall & sports court
• Ice‑skating rink & arcade
• 3 pools and 6 whirlpools
• Outdoor movie screen
• Royal Theatre & Casino Royale
• A great choice of bars and lounges
• Unlimited ice cream and pizza for the kids

📲 Call or WhatsApp 01392 770024
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.payne
🔒 100% financial protection
🌟 Five star Trust Pilot review’s

📌 Price live and correct on 15/05/2026, subject to availability and change.