A warm welcome to 2021 and a virtual hug from me to you.
The latest lockdown, though totally understandable and necessary, was yet another blow to the travel industry, to those hoping to get some much-needed winter sun and not the start to the year that we had all hoped for.
In a nod to the recently departed Gerry Marsden, I am looking ahead with hope in my heart that it will bring happier, healthier and more prosperous times to us all.
The avalanche of misery that was 2020 only strengthened my resolve that I would not only survive but I would thrive when the time was right. I reached out to associates, both locally and internationally, with some highly gratifying results.
Jackie Lee’s Your Fairy Godmother Program brings together like-minded women who possess joie de vivre and a determination to make the most out of life. I’m proud to have been appointed as their official in-house travel expert and have just hosted my first ‘Facebook Live’ event on the platform.
I’m also thrilled about the prospect of working closely with local partner, Great Danes, and launching Jo’s Travel Clinic this year, enabling me to meet clients for personal appointments once social restrictions are eased.
Congratulations to my competition winners - Joanna Judson, Rachael Dudley, Kieran Synott-Law and Sophie Phillips - who did their homework and won themselves a little piece of Danish hygge for their troubles. Glerups are always the answer!
I am also now offering online appointments via Zoom for those who would like to start planning to see the world again but are not sure where to explore first. Watching some amazing television shows is always a good place to start for some inspiration.
Do be aware that as many folks moved their holidays from 2020, availability for some places this year is already limited. For example, Lapland 2021 is already fully booked. It would be wise to get ahead of the game and secure your holidays for late 2021, 2022 and even 2023 now - on a fully flexible basis - to ensure that you don’t miss the opportunity to escape the UK.
It was great to receive the news that Holidaysplease has again been shortlisted for Online Travel Agency of the year by industry publication TTG. To be recognised for the hard work and dedication to customer service that we endeavour to serve up to clients, especially over the last year, is hugely appreciated.
Please stay safe and I look forward to speaking to lots of you and planning for better experiences ahead.
Jo x
