Looking back on 2022

I cant believe I’m here writing the end of year newsletter again- where has this year gone?!
As usual I’d like to take a look at what happened this year
It started off rocky, we were still in the throws of COVID and no one travelled much until Easter.
There was still some nervousness but as the year went on restrictions relaxed and lots of us started
to travel again.
April saw my first trip of the year – a cruise around Greece and Turkey onboard Regal Princess.
May saw the inaugural trip of Wendy’s wanderers- a fab week exploring Tuscany. I'm looking forward
to doing this again in May next year. This was followed by a birthday break in Dubrovnik and a
conference onboard MSC Virtuosa.
June – we had a holiday! The stunning Asimina suites in Paphos, Cyprus. I didn’t move far from my
sunbed, it was bliss. The UK enjoyed the Queen’s jubilee, with lots of patriotic events.
July saw me in London winning the AAA award ‘Leisure Agent of the Year’ I’m still emotional about
it!!Here’s my moment of winning glory https://youtu.be/lXP0watIf6c
August took me to Kitzbuhel in the Austrian Alps. We walked miles, swam in lakes, explored
mountain villages and recreated The Sound of Music on a hillside- we had a great time.

September was bonkers- working in Devon, Dubrovnik with the Wanderers, then escorting a dancing
group to Malta! I worked whilst I was on these trips-the beauty of doing what I do, I can work
anywhere as long as there’s WIFI. We lost our Queen and saw Charles become King, people from
around the world came to pay their respects. London will be busy again next year with a coronation
and extra bank holiday.
October took us back to Barcelona and Rome with a fabulous Seabourn cruise in between- a holiday
we will never forget. 5* small ship cruising, we were spoiled rotten and our champagne glasses were
never empty!
November- I stayed in the country ha ha!! Ant and Dec took the celebs back to the jungle, we
enjoyed seeing them in the sunshine again rather than the castle in Wales!
December finished off my busiest ever year with a Xmas markets Cruise onboard P&O’s Iona.

I think its fair to say I made up for very little travel in 2020/21. I am so thankful to my suppliers for
giving me such amazing opportunities and to you, my fabulous supporters. I know you love seeing
me away, planning wanderers trips, checking out resorts/hotels/ships and I intend to do plenty more
of it next year.
I was privileged to be involved with lots of your amazing trips this year too. You also made up for lost
time! What I saw was more people wanting to spend time away with their families, friends and loved
ones. Wanting to make memories to cherish.

Saying ‘stuff it’ and booking upgraded flights/hotel rooms, the phrase i’m making up for the last 2
years’ was said quite a lot lol

I’d like to THANK YOU ALL for your continued support. I know I say it often but I really love what I do
and can’t do it with your support.
I’d like to thank my family at Craythorne Courtyard- we have such a lovely collection of small
businesses and I love being at my holiday hut meeting you all
I’d like to thank The Holiday Village team, particularly Jacqui who looks after your paperwork and
looks after you when I'm away. It’s reassuring knowing I can take a break and you’re all looked after.

Looking ahead
2023 marks my 10 year business anniversary, something I’m particularly proud of (and thankful for)
after surviving COVID. I aim to mark it with several events and activities- more of that will be shared
in January
2023 is already very busy, despite all the financial worries. According to a recent survey over 73% of
UK people will still take their holiday next year, choosing to economise elsewhere. 2024 is also strong
with many people planning ahead. The great thing about booking early is the ability to budget- lots
of people pay monthly (ask me for details)

We have lots of new cruise ships on the way- Cunard’s Queen Anne, P&O’s Arvia and MSC Euribia to
name just three. This just shows how popular cruising has become. There is literally a ship to suit
everyone, the trick is choosing the right one for YOU. As I’ve been on lots I’m able to help. Airlines
are adding routes and increasing capacity, including Virgin’s new flight direct to the Maldives,
WizzAir’s new route Luton to Amman and Birmingham Airport has new flights to Lisbon ,Sicily and
Nice.
The adventure and touring sector is busier than ever with people wanting to tick off  ‘book it list’
adventures. Having someone on hand throughout your trip gives you security and confidence, plus
you’ll have a knowledgeable guide to tell you about things you may not discover on your own

I have plenty of trips booked for next year (and some for ’24) The first one being to Lapland at the
end of January. Of course I’ll be sharing my snowy adventures with you. My Wendy’s Wanderers are
off to see Pretty Woman in London in February, cruising the bulbfields in April, exploring Tuscany in
May and Madeira in September. I’m sure there will be others added so if you want to find out what’s
going on sign up to the newsletters

Wishing you all a peaceful, merry Christmas and a happy New Year.I’m out of office from 23rd December to 3rd January. I’m making appointments for both phone calls and at the holiday hut for January onwards. I will have some evening and weekend slots so contact me ASAP to reserve your preferred time.