Barbara Charlton


Regular columnist Barbara was voted Most Helpful Travel Counsellor of the Year for two consecutive years.


talking shop WISE COUNSEL


Totally laid back and off my trolley I


wrote last month’s column from the economy cabin of a British Airways jumbo, and this one is being dictated while recuperating from a major back


operation! Before I engage you with my hospital


drama and trauma, I must mention the fantastic fun I had at the BMI Publishing Golf Day in July. No that’s NOT the reason I am in hospital but it could have been! I have never been on a golf course in my


life, so I was slightly concerned I would make a complete fool of myself. But I was assured by the lovely BMI staff


many of whom work on Selling Long Haul) that the beginners’ class was relaxed and there would be other novices there. The lessons were great, and although I


developed a very close relationship with a nearby ditch and pathway, I did 'hole' the odd one from more than 10 yards away. Putting was more my thing, as no


strength at all was involved in that, and I came second in our mini-putting competition. The afternoon Texas Scramble however, was quite another matter! At one hole, I swung at least four times before finally hitting the ball....a whole 10 inches to the side!! My lack of strength has now been put


down to a prolapsed disc in my neck, which, a fortnight before I wrote this, was removed, replaced and then my neck was the screwed back together by a very, very nice surgeon. I am two weeks into my recovery and the


very thought of a month or so not working has filled me with dread. I can feel myself going crackers.


But enough about hospitals and operations. My July sales were good for late bookings but I was surprised at just how poor availability was for the UK cottage market in the key southwest areas. And many people who assumed a UK


choice would be cheaper than going abroad ended up rather surprised. It’s never cheap to eat out here, petrol is ridiculously priced and the cottage market in August is top price. The all-inclusive market is definitely one


of the fastest growing this year, which is down to the appeal of being able to budget in advance and not having to be forever digging into your wallet for the drinks and snacks for the family. This market is only going to get bigger


next year. I hope as it evolves the hotels will invest in more than just canteen buffet-style restaurants, the most disliked aspect of all- inclusive holidays. To cheer both you and myself up, I just


have to pass on a funny story that tickled my funny bone recently. I have some lovely clients, Tim and Mandy,


who have been booking holidays with me for about seven years. I booked them a trip to the Hilton Sharks Bay, in Sharm El Sheikh, with Tim’s grown-up son, Toby, and Mandy’s two equally grown up ‘children. I knew that it would be Tim’s birthday


whilst he was in resort so I emailed the hotel to let them know that Mr T **** senior was having a birthday and could they kindly perhaps acknowledge that with a cake or card? Now sometimes things do get lost in translation and my mentioning Mr T senior


and Mr T junior seems to have confused them because the email I got back was lovely but hilarious! It said... “Regarding the birthday of our King Timothy please rest assured that we will do our best to make it the best birthday he has ever celebrated.” I was tickled that Tim had been elevated to


royal status and I let him know just what had been said. Of course it has been an ongoing joke ever since. I have always had excellent assistance from Red Sea hoteliers for requests, but the Hilton have now gone just that little bit further in my eyes!


Happy Selling!


Barbara (second from left) doesn't miss a stroke at this summer's popular BMI Publications Golf Day


 Barbara Charlton Travel Counsellors UK T 0845 0587 290 E Barbara.charlton@travelcounsellors.com W www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/barbara.charlton


to vote before October 11


Make sure you cast your vote before October 11 to be in with a chance of winning one of over 30 prizes! Vote online at www.travelagentschoice.co.uk OR use the voting form distributed with this guide.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68