I know and love travel, and I want to share...

Welcome

My name is Jo Shayler and I'm an independent travel expert at award-winning company, Travel Counsellors.

I specialise in planning luxury beach escapes, honeymoons and weddings, food and wine trips, multi-centre itineraries and group holidays but as my valued clients will testify, I can arrange anything, anywhere in the world.

I like a challenge so put me to the test...

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Holidays

Why Book With Me

Book a holiday in cyberspace and it comes from a database. Algorithms don't take holidays. Travel professionals do, and we take them seriously.

Here are five reasons why it makes sense to book through an accredited and award-winning travel professional...

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Press: Protecting The Wild – Responsible Travel, Svalbard, Travel Trade Gazette

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#latvia🇱🇻 #latvija #almeley #almeleychurch #almeleyschool #nordictourismcollective

There's no such thing as cheap 'tut' in Iceland 👀😱

#trolls #iceland #reykjavik

"Hi Jo, thanks for organising our celebratory beach holiday at @stregisgoaresort - it was just what we needed! We came back with a good tan and some fantastic memories!

The hotel was beyond wonderful, and being upgraded to a Conservatory Premier Room was a fantastic surprise.

The staff were incredible - so attentive and welcoming - and the level of service was exceptional. Breakfast was a real highlight, made to order and served with impressive speed, and our room was always immaculate, with beautiful floral displays waiting for us each day.

A special mention has to go to the complimentary dinner at Riverside. Sitting by the River Sal, enjoying sushi and steamed snapper under the stars, was an absolute highlight - easily my favourite meal of the trip.

We ventured into town one day and saw a couple of other hotels - the Radisson and Holiday Inn - and let’s just say, we were very relieved to be staying at The St Regis! It was absolutely the best choice.

The resort itself was ideal for a week. Even with a Parliamentary Meeting, an Indian wedding, and a software company convention all happening while we were there, it somehow still felt peaceful - almost like having our own private resort.

Thanks again, Jo, for making it all so easy – an excellent trip!

Mike"

Solo traveller Valerie was booked to travel to Cuba in 2020 ... and we all know what happened then! 😱 ☠️

I fought tooth and nail on her behalf and successfully recouped every last penny of her hard-earned ££ despite serious resistance from the tour operator at the time. 💪💪

Fast-forwards to 2025: Valerie reached out to me as she wanted a safe pair of hands to manage her 60th birthday celebrations in Antigua 🌞

What were the odds that Heathrow would be brought to a standstill and scupper her plans yet again?? 🤬

Luckily I have a degree in Holiday Disaster Recovery from the University of Hard Knocks 😘

Sometimes a client needs a rabid dog with a bone ... and sometimes a client needs reassurance and unfounded optimism. 😇

So glad you made it. Happy Birthday Valerie 🎂 🫶 🙌

The J TEAM
X

It's no secret that Steve and I are unapologetic Reykja-holics and return to these icy climes as often as funds allow. ❄️ 🇮🇸

I entrust my clients' precious whale-time with just one company, @eldingwhalewatching 🐳🐳

Family owned, the original whale watching operator and deeply passionate about the conservation of these fascinating creatures ❤️

Shortly after your trip you'll receive a detailed account of your personal encounter along with images taken by the crew 🙌

WHALE DIARY | 5th March 2025 | 13:00

"Report from Eldey: This afternoon the sea had finally settled enough for us to sail out and so with barely any wind and the sun shining bright we sailed out. We explored between the islands in the bay with a snowy mount Esja as our background. After a bit of a search we found a humpback whale! This individual was doing short fluke dives while remaining in the area so we got to spend a long time around it. At some point it even seemed to come and check us out for a little bit so we got to see the whole body shine through the water surface only meters away from us! In the end we decided to give the animal some well deserved rest and went on exploring the bay a bit more before heading back into harbour."

Whale Diary Credit: Milan Vansteelandt

Please don't eat whales. 🙏
JST xx

#Elding #iceland #reykjavik #humpbackwhale

“Can I track down the best beach getaways for you? Shore! “

Aren’t I hilarious? 😘

This was one of my finer punning moments of 2020, the year I launched my website which was conceived over a long lunch in 2019 and delivered kicking and screaming into the darkest of times.

Call me high maintenance if you will, but five years on, and in preparation for exciting business developments coming later this year, I decided that a website declutter and refresh was in order.

🤩 Behold the new holiday categories 🤩

👀 Gaze in awe at the unique and personalised content 👀

😎 Marvel at my tasteful yet alluring colour palette 😎

🥳 Celebrate with me as I share my ‘Shayler’s Selections’ with you… whether you want them or not 🥳

By sharing my own experiences and the frank feedback of my clients, my website is designed to provide inspiration for the restless and the curious. I hope that you find yours here.

www.joshaylerholidays.com

JST x

#mintyhighway #joshaylerholidays #travelinspiration

Feeling chilled, in all senses, following a week-long escape to the Land of Ice and Fire, of which more to follow 👀🇮🇸

@playairlines is a relatively new Icelandic low-cost airline which operates flights between Keflavik International Airport, Europe and North America. ✈️

I was a little dubious about putting their services to the test but I’ll do anything to avoid the schlepp from the east coast to Heathrow if I can!

All fears were groundless, if you’ll pardon the pun, and PLAY are now my new best tall-person airline in the WORLD 😉

Here’s a short film to demonstrate just how they achieved such an accolade. ❤️

Happy Sunday one and all.

JST x

#playairlines #flyplay #Iceland

This week I've been prepping for my first departure of the year...

❄️ 🇮🇸 Iceland 🇮🇸 ❄️

Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure is not for the faint hearted... just for the foolish 😘

A wood-fired sauna and icy plunge pool in leafy Buckinghamshire isn't quite as hardcore but I feel ready to conquer the world nonetheless 💪

Destination updates to follow 👀

JST X

#sonderexperience #iceland #silfrafissure

Life doesn't have to be a beach 😘

From the misguided fool who (kindly) brought you "Telly Tubbies on Ice" in The Baltic ❄️ ...

https://youtu.be/IpSRsPgsab4?si=wOrk_ynyxIVuVSUw

Jo Shayler Holidays will hereby present...

"Return of The Travel Jedi: Snorkeling Between Continents" in Iceland 🇮🇸

Coming soon (4th March) to a social media platform near you 👀

JST x

#iceland #silfra #polarexplorer

Melissa and Colin's love for each other is plain to behold... and is rivalled only by their deep affection for a Maldivian Island by the name of @varuatmosphere

Varu love-bombs its returning guests with a seriously solid list of repeater perks:

🍉 Exotic fruit platter
⚘️ Bed decoration with a "Welcome Back" greeting on arrival
🍾 Bottle of champagne
🧳 Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)
😎 Personal welcome note from the General Manager
👋 Bed decoration with a "See You Again" greeting on departure
🥨 Canapés on arrival
🥐 In-villa breakfast or floating breakfast once during your stay
🍫 Welcome chocolate platter
🍽 Additional specialty dining experience
💝 VIP arrival experience
🍢 Private BBQ dinner on the beach

Now on their fourth stay Melissa and Colin struggled to work their way through the list, but perseverance paid off in the end 😘

Live. Laugh. Love. (and Eat).

JST x

#varubyatmosphere #Maldives #luxurytravel

By popular demand (primarily by me, whilst stamping my feet) @beachcombertoursuk, Mauritius specialists extraordinaire, have extended their January sale into February 😍 🇲🇺

Nestled in the heart of Grand Baie, @royalpalmbeachcomber was the first hotel in Mauritius to become a member of the @leadinghotelsoftheworld

It’s so exclusive that they didn’t even let me in for a look until last year 😘

With just 69 luxurious beachfront suites, Royal Palm Beachcomber is the epitome of luxury island living. The hotel is renowned for its flawless service and superb cuisine, earning Royal Palm Beachcomber a reputation as the leading hotel on the island.

The cost is £3,195 per person and if you book now you’ll also receive a complimentary massage on arrival – because just like me YOU deserve the royal treatment!

Price includes:
• 35% off accommodation
• 7 nights in a Junior Suite
• Return economy flights
• Half board
• 1 complimentary massage
• A choice of free land & water sports
• Private transfers in Mauritius
• Departs 17 September 2025 (other dates available)
• Book by 15 February 2025 (that's an order!)

🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠

JST ❤️ 🇲🇺

“I’m not eating that foreign muck…” are not words that you’ll ever hear uttered by this inquisitive travel agent. 🧐

Khunjul is an explosive combination of cinnamon bark, galangal, cardamom, cloves, madder root, white pepper, mace, dry ginger and red chillis. It’s often referred to (euphemistically) as Moroccan spicy tea and there is no ill that it can not cure 👨‍⚕️
As you will see in the below clip it nearly took my head off! 🤯🤣

I’ll try anything once… I just might not try it again 😉

JST x

#nitgb #morocco #marrkech #khunjul

Just like a skinny chef, a static travel agent should be approached with caution. 😘

For my first departure in 2024 I was invited to stay with the legendary @constantinoubroshotels in Paphos where I thoroughly inspected all four of their beachfront establishments.

First up...

What?: Asimina Suites Hotel

Where?: Paphos, Cyprus 🇨🇾

When?: April until end October 🌞

Why?: 5 star, beachfront, adults-only opulence with exemplary service and first class eats

Perfect for?: Avoiding children during your precious and hard-earned down-time

How much?: from around £1000 per person for 5 nights with flights, private transfers and breakfast 💫

Yamas 🥗 🦑 🥙 🍢🥂

JST X

#constantinoubroshotels #Paphos #asiminasuites

Very few holiday enquiries warm the cockles of my heart in the way that a birthday, wedding, anniversary or honeymoon do. 🥰

With eons of experience under my belt I am skilled in extracting the maximum amount of lux from your precious hard-earned 💰

Some hotel groups and operators, such as @beachcombertoursuk include hefty discounts on accommodation for such occasions… and then ice that cake with a choice of complimentary experiences whilst in resort. Sparkling wine with a welcome note on arrival are of course standard.

Mark and Jane recently celebrated 40 years of wedded bliss at the idyllic @dinarobinbeachcomber and multiple husband-points were gained as a result 😉

https://bit.ly/3VOqsPR (or link in bio!)

All holidays are occasions worthy of celebration but if you’re planning to get hitched, have been successfully joined for several years (in a row!) or have a big birthday in the offing do get in touch. I add complimentary airport lounge passes and security fast-track to help see you off in style.
😎

JST x

Dearest loyal followers and fans 🥰

This year I've decided to forgo my usual silly elf's hat and recorded festive message in favour of a static image which clearly shows me living my best life in Lapland 😎

Many of you are currently sunning yourselves in far balmier climes and I resent it not one jot... 🥸 I like nothing better than receiving your sunny holiday snaps whilst I slog away under a steely-grey sky 😜

The busiest booking time in the travel calendar approaches so don't forget to get ahead of the crowds and drop me a line with your travel aspirations for 2025, 2026 and 2027, all of which are now available.

https://bit.ly/405rBVM

Have a super Christmas break.

Love JST x

Quiet Luxury in Lapland ... 🎶 🤫

Set on the shores of Lake Inari in Finnish Lapland this adults-only retreat offers Arctic adventure, cultural discovery, and peaceful relaxation. Stay in cozy log cabins surrounded by snowy wilderness, perfect for romance or a quiet escape.

Highlights include snowmobiling, husky sled rides, snowshoeing, and visiting a Sámi village to learn about Lapland’s heritage. At night, unwind in a private hot tub or watch the Northern Lights from your cabin, blending adventure with calm in an unforgettable setting.

The price starts at £1931 per person and includes flights, lounge passes, seat choice, checked luggage, transfers, full board accommodation, excursions and my pre-travel concierge service.

There's still availability for February 14th, just saying 😘 (someone please tell my husband?)

#nitgb #lapland #luxurytravel #finland #joshaylerholidays

I'm not one to create a big drama out of such a minor event as trekking across the Sahara on a camel but...

💥🇲🇦💥

#nitgb #NITGBGoesToMorocco #Morocco #merzouga #mintyhighway

🇲🇦 5 night/ 6 day Private Moroccan Adventure from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. 🇲🇦

As a frequent visitor to Marrakech I jumped on my invitation to join @notintheguidebooks for their 5 night private tour through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert with enormous glee!

From £1245 per person, including:

• Flights
• A choice of standard, comfort or luxury accommodation
• 2 nights with breakfast in Marrakech
• 1 night, dinner and breakfast in Ait Ben Haddou
• 1 night, dinner and breakfast in Erg Chebbi Desert
• 1 night, dinner and breakfast in Ouarzazate
• Private minibus with A/C, English-speaking driver/guide, at your disposal
• (Ethical) Camel ride in the desert of Merzouga to reach the camp or 4 x 4 jeep alternative

If you have more time I'd highly recommend adding a night at Todra Gorge and an additional night in the desert to break up the travel time. 😎

My pictures don't do it justice but if you'd like to learn more about this entirely authentic and immersive journey please do get in touch.

P.S. No animals were harmed during this experience 😘 Morocco has laws in place to ensure that the camels are well looked after and I witnessed the care conditions with my own (very critical) eyes 👀 🐪

#NITGB #NotInTheGuidebooksGoesToMorocco #Morocco #aitbenhaddou #merzouga #Ouarzazate

My Morocco Odyssey, part 2: Angsana Riads Collection and a bit of local 'cult-cher' (say in Essex accent) 😘

It's almost time for stuff to get real and I'm easing myself into local life gently with a night at Riad Dar Zaouia, a 10 minute, scooter-dodging stroll from Jemaa Fna, Koutoubia Mosque and the bewildering sounds, smells and souks of the Medina.

Stay tuned for part 3: The High Atlas and Ait Benhaddou, a film location famous for Gladiator, The Mummy and Game of Thrones (is there anywhere that they didn't shoot this??)

JST ♥️

#NITGBGoesToMorocco #angsanariadscollection #mintyhighway #morocco #NITGB #travelcounsellors

What?: Highlights of Australia and New Zealand client event

Where?: Online, you need not leave your sofa!

When?: 14th November, 7pm to 830pm

How?: By invitation only

Why?: Expert guest speakers and top notch goody bags for all!

Whether you’re planning your first big trip or itching to return, join me for an exclusive evening packed with hidden gems, expert tips, and maybe even a few travel tales! Places are very limited…

https://bit.ly/3AP2zjJ

#australia #newzealand #anzcro

Apparently, I did visit #Ibiza in the 90s, but in all honesty I remember my recent adventures with @palladiumhotelgroup with far more clarity!

It was great to refresh my memories with a little more money in my pocket and a lot more appreciation for the stunning vistas offered by the Balearics' vibrant, and often misunderstood, White Island.
From understated luxury to overt hedonism and a little rock ‘n’ roll for balance, I soaked up everything that this island has to offer.

Read all about it on my link in bio

Big love to @trsibizahotel and @dollytheexplorer3 for hosting me at @ushuaiahotelibiza , @hrhibiza and @grandpalladiumibiza 🥰

#luxurytravelagent #awardwinning #independenttravelagent #frinton #supportsmallbusiness #frintonbusiness #personaltravelexpert #traveladvisor #playadenbossa #whiteisland

Around six months ago, my business development partners @mintyhighway and I came up with the ludicrous idea of launching a travel-based podcast. I wasn’t interested in your usual ‘oooh, it’s lovely here at this time of year’ type emission though. I wanted something a little more irreverent, something which might divide the crowd and spark a conversation.

I didn’t have a huge (or any!) production budget. I've had to learn as I go along, take myself out of my comfort zone and at times wing it – I am after all a travel agent, not Louis Theroux! 🎬

The first episode of ‘I Want You To Go Away’, in which we focus on our the first-world problem of hotel gripes, is now ready to share!

You can view it on the link in the Bio!

Thanks for your time to listen and for your support.

JST x

#IWantYouToGoAway #TyeWrites #mintyhighway

Planning the perfect getaway can be daunting, but not when you have a Jo Shayler on your side! Lisa and David recently enjoyed a twin-centre stay in beautiful #Madeira, experiencing the warmth of smaller hotels and the adventure of daily hikes. Head to my website to find out why Madeira should be your next travel destination...

#luxurytravelagent #awardwinning #independenttravelagent #frinton #supportsmallbusiness #frintonbusiness #personaltravelexpert #traveladvisor

Never let it be said that I don't like the sound of my own voice 😘

#podcast #joshaylerholidays #luxurytravel

👀

#podcast #newpodcast #travelpodcast #comingsoon #luxurytravelagent #awardwinning #independenttravelagent #frinton #supportsmallbusiness #frintonbusiness #personaltravelexpert #traveladvisor

Rejoice! For today is National Travel Agent Day 🥳

Does anyone really care? I think not.😘

What I do care about are my clients' fabulous escapades, especially following a long self-imposed travel-drought which leaves me yearning for the sour faces of Stansted's rudest security personnel.

Bela and Steve are living my best life and long may it continue!

Join them for their latest adventures in Costa Rica which has to be home to the most fascinating variety of wildlife on this beautiful planet. 🦥 🦜

https://bit.ly/4dopLmI

#costarica #latinroutes #nationaltravelagentday

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Welcome

Holidays

Recent Posts

Client Blog: Melissa and Colin’s special place - Varu by Atmosphere in the Maldives

Press: Let’s Talk About Podcasts, Travel Trade Gazette

Press: Protecting The Wild – Responsible Travel, Svalbard, Travel Trade Gazette

"Thanks for making it all so easy - it was just what we needed" – Mike

Press: How agents can use podcasts to sell holidays, Travel Trade Gazette

Jo Shayler Newsletter - Winter 2024

Why Book With Me

In The Spotlight

Press: Protecting The Wild – Responsible Travel, Svalbard, Travel Trade Gazette

My Latest Newsletter

Jo Shayler Newsletter - Winter 2024

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Holidays

Recent Posts

Why Book With Me

In The Spotlight

Press: Protecting The Wild – Responsible Travel, Svalbard, Travel Trade Gazette

My Latest Newsletter

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