Travel Matters

Travel Matters Travel Matters is a B Corp™ & independent travel agency founded on service.

We believe that by educating people today about responsible travel we can help to reduce the negative impacts that travel brings to our planet. Visit - www.maketravelmatter.co.uk and help us MAKE TRAVEL MATTER!

Hello from Victoria, British ColumbiaZoe has spent the Easter holidays exploring this charming coastal city with her you...
07/04/2026

Hello from Victoria, British Columbia

Zoe has spent the Easter holidays exploring this charming coastal city with her young family. With its walkable neighbourhoods, easy cycling routes and deep connection to nature, Victoria has been the perfect blend of gentle adventure, culture and kid‑friendly fun. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed family break that feels good for the soul and treads lightly, here’s a little inspiration from their trip.

🏮 Chinatown & Fantan Alley: Small Streets, Big Character

They began in Canada’s oldest Chinatown, wandering through colourful shopfronts and supporting local businesses along the way. The highlight for their daughter was Fantan Alley — a narrow, winding passageway that feels like a secret shortcut. A tiny adventure with a lot of charm.

🐋 Whale Watching on the Inner Harbour

Victoria is known for its responsible whale‑watching tours, and heading out on the water was a standout moment. Spotting sea lions and humpback whales in their natural environment is a powerful reminder of why protecting these waters matters — and an experience the whole family will treasure.

🚴 Cycling the Coast: Dallas Road → Oak Bay

One of the family’s favourite outings was renting bikes — including a tandem, which brought plenty of giggles — and following the oceanfront path along Dallas Road. With sweeping views and fresh sea air, it’s a beautiful, low‑impact way to explore the coastline at a relaxed pace.

🐐 Beacon Hill Park & the Goat Stampede

Beacon Hill Park is a haven for families and wildlife alike. From ponds and peacocks to the iconic goat stampede at the Children’s Farm, it’s a joyful reminder of how green spaces bring communities together.

🏰 A Stop at the Empress

No visit is complete without admiring the iconic Fairmont Empress. Whether you pop in for high tea or simply enjoy the harbour views, it’s a lovely way to soak up Victoria’s heritage.

If you’re thinking about your own Canadian getaway, Travel Matters would love to help you plan a trip that fits your pace and your family’s sense of adventure. Drop us a line at:

📧 info@travelmatters.co.uk  📞  02086757878

Travel Matters returns to the road returns to the road once more, journeying from Nanaimo to Mount Washington Alpine Res...
31/03/2026

Travel Matters returns to the road returns to the road once more, journeying from Nanaimo to Mount Washington Alpine Resort—a picturesque one-hour drive that unfolds from serene coastal landscapes into crisp alpine splendour 🚗❄️, perfectly setting the scene for an exceptional family ski escape in 2027.

Upon arrival, Mount Washington reveals itself as a family-friendly winter destination, effortlessly combining striking natural beauty with accessible skiing and a wealth of off-slope activities.

Highlights for families include:

🌄 Spectacular scenery: Rare ocean-meets-mountain vistas found nowhere else
🎿 Welcoming terrain: Gentle beginner slopes alongside runs for all abilities
🧒 Outstanding ski school: Expertly designed programmes for children and first-time skiers
⏱️ Minimal lift queues: More time on the slopes, less time waiting
❄️ Dependable snowfall: Consistent, high-quality conditions throughout the season
💰 Excellent value: A more affordable alternative to many larger resorts
🛷 Beyond the slopes: Sledding, snowshoeing, and extensive Nordic trails
🏡 Charming village atmosphere: Intimate, cosy, and inviting
🚗 Effortless access: An easy drive from Nanaimo and surrounding areas

For 2027, Mount Washington offers far more than a ski holiday—it’s an opportunity for families to reconnect, explore, and embrace winter at its very finest.

For further details, please contact us at info@travelmatters.co.uk 🤍

Last week I had the pleasure of celebrating a wonderful milestone with Trees for Cities — a charity very close to my hea...
17/03/2026

Last week I had the pleasure of celebrating a wonderful milestone with Trees for Cities — a charity very close to my heart — as they planted their 2 millionth tree. What an incredible achievement! 🌳✨

They remain the only national UK charity dedicated entirely to urban trees, working hand-in-hand with local communities to create greener neighbourhoods and lasting environmental change.

It was also fantastic to meet inspiring voices for nature, including environmental campaigner Chris Packham, TV and radio presenter and nature lover Qasa Alom, and Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy.

Through Travel Matters | B Corp, we’ve proudly supported this charity for many years, ensuring trees are planted when holidays are booked. I also remember the early days of fundraising back in the 90s… those who know me will know! 🌱

Huge congratulations to the entire team for the amazing work you do — creating positive impact in our cities for both people and wildlife, and transforming our streets and neighbourhoods.

If you care about greener cities and healthier communities, take a look at the work of Trees for Cities and see how you can support, volunteer, or help plant a tree in your community.

If you’re inspired to explore Europe more sustainably, why not plan a flight-free adventure? 🌍🚆

Call us on 020 8675 7878 and we’ll help design the perfect rail and overland journey — where the route becomes part of the adventure.


✈️🌍 Upgrade your journey, not just your seat  — explore Europe the flight-free way… on us ! In our latest blog, we look ...
12/03/2026

✈️🌍 Upgrade your journey, not just your seat  — explore Europe the flight-free way… on us ! 

In our latest blog, we look at how travelling across Europe without flying ( it's what we need these days ! )  can feel surprisingly easy — and far more enjoyable. From the comfort of a first-class train seat to watching ever-changing landscapes roll past your window, the experience begins long before you arrive. 

Choosing rail over short-haul flights isn’t just a more sustainable way to travel; it’s also a chance to see more, rush less, and enjoy the uninterrupted journey in a way that flying rarely allows these days. Destinations connect seamlessly, luggage stays with you, and every mile feels part of the story. 

✨ Read the full story on the Travel Matters blog — now live.

https://www.travelmatters.co.uk/blog/discover-slow-travel-from-a-first-class-seat

If you’d like to plan a flight-free European adventure, call us on 020 8675 7878 — we’d love to help design the perfect route. 

Bywaytravel
sustainabletravel

We’re always delighted to attend a  event 💫Yesterday we were fortunate enough to be invited to their ‘Leisure Showcase 2...
05/03/2026

We’re always delighted to attend a event 💫

Yesterday we were fortunate enough to be invited to their ‘Leisure Showcase 2026’, in the imposing and quite spectacular St George Ballroom at the Peninsula, 1 Grosvenor Place. What a spectacle!

Other than catching up on all the industry news from our fellow Travel Agents and Tour Operators (and munching on some delightful Dim Sum), we were lucky to get some valuable insights from the likes of and

These wonderful resorts have some exciting updates…

🇲🇦 We have already fallen in love with Morocco’s Tamuda Bay. Starting from March 26th 2026, Royal Air Maroc will operate direct, twice-weekly flights from Tetouan from the UK. This north-eastern part of the country is renowned for its Caribbean-esquire beaches and remarkable spa hotels.

🇪🇸 SHA Wellness Clinic have a long lasting reputation as market leaders as the pioneering medical-grade holiday resort in both Spain (Alicante) and Mexico (Cancún). This year, SHA will be introducing some really exciting longevity & wellness retreats and have now opened their doors to children aged from 12. Why not get the whole family involved?

🇪🇸 The Marbella Club’s reputation precedes itself! Lavish luxury, fine dining and exquisite taste. Travel Matters was delighted to have learnt that the hotel has launched their newest project, the barefoot themed resort of Teranka in Formentera. Guests are invited to enjoy an hours transfer from Marbella to Formentera and unwind in a secluded part of the island, whilst enjoying chic-luxury.

Want to learn more? Why not make an Enquiry today? Our Enquiries are complimentary and we’ll do all the work for you. Can’t wait to hear from you 👋🏼

Details in our Bio!

25/02/2026

South Africa 🌊🐋 – Dive Into Wild Waters !

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath South Africa’s dramatic shores? 🇿🇦 In 2026, join a small-group diving expedition with our new partner Seas4Life and experience the ocean in a way few travellers do — from majestic kelp forests to extraordinary marine encounters 🦈🐟 in some of the most biologically rich waters on earth !

This isn’t just another dive trip — it’s a purposeful expedition designed for those who want more from their time at sea. Expert-led conservation-minded and immersive 🌊, this journey offers rare access to South Africa’s powerful marine ecosystems.

Expect dramatic underwater landscapes, pelagic action, vibrant reef systems and meaningful time spent learning and contributing to ocean conservation efforts.

With only the last few spaces remaining on the boat, this is your final opportunity to join the 2026 departure. Registration closes at the end of this week !

📞 To register your interest and book your place, please call us on 020 8675 7878 or respond directly to this post.

If the ocean is calling 🌊 — this is the moment to answer!

Where to Find the Best Late-Season Snow in 2026..... In case you were wondering - YES, there is absolutely still time to...
23/02/2026

Where to Find the Best Late-Season Snow in 2026.....
 
In case you were wondering - YES, there is absolutely still time to ski this season.
 
As of late February 2026, many resorts across the globe are reporting excellent, and in some cases, record-breaking snow conditions. The season is far from over, with the best of spring skiing—featuring longer days, sunnier weather, and strong snowpack—just beginning. 
 
Here is the outlook for the remainder of the 2026 ski season:
 
Where to Find the Best Late-Season Snow?
• The Alps (Europe): Conditions remain strong, especially in the western Alps (Verbier, Val d'Isère) and parts of Italy, with more snow consistently in the forecast through late February.

Top Late-Season & Spring Destinations (March–May)?

If you are planning a trip for March or April, focus on higher-altitude or glacier resorts where snow is guaranteed: 

• France: Val Thorens (highest in Europe), Tignes, Val d’Isère.

• Switzerland: Zermatt (year-round skiing on the Matterhorn glacier), Verbier.

• Austria: Ischgl, St. Anton, Hintertux Glacier (open into May/June).

• North America: Whistler Blackcomb (lifts often run into June), Mammoth, Alta/Snowbird. 

Tips for Late-Season Skiing:

• March is the Sweet Spot: Snow depth is usually at its peak, crowds are smaller after the February school holidays, and the days are longer.

• April Skiing: Expect "spring skiing" conditions—softer snow in the afternoons, sunny days, and often great deals on accommodation and lift tickets.

• Beware of Avalanches: High snowfall in late winter can mean high avalanche danger, so it is strongly recommended to stay on marked trails. 

In summary, the season is not a washout, and March is considered one of the most reliable months for great, sunny skiing. 

📞 Call us at Travel Matters on 02086757878 or email info@travelmatters.co.uk  to organise your perfect last minute winter ski escape today.






winterescape

The White-throated Kingfisher is a common, brightly coloured resident in the forest at eco-resort Living Heritage Koslan...
09/02/2026

The White-throated Kingfisher is a common, brightly coloured resident in the forest at eco-resort Living Heritage Koslanda in Sri Lanka.

With a bright blue back, chestnut- brown body, and a distinct white throat. Frequently seen in paddy fields, urban areas, and near water bodies on the island, these small birds are often spotted perched on wires or branches, hunting insects, small reptiles, and fish. 



Photo credit to

✨ Travel in First Class – on us ✨We’re excited to share a brilliant rail travel offer from our partner Byway — perfect f...
06/02/2026

✨ Travel in First Class – on us ✨

We’re excited to share a brilliant rail travel offer from our partner Byway — perfect for anyone dreaming of a more relaxed, sustainable way to explore Europe.

For a limited time, customers booking selected 2026 trips will receive a FREE upgrade to first-class rail travel. 

Here’s how it works:
Book by 26 March 2026
Travel between 15 April 2026 and the end of 2026

What you’ll enjoy:
A complimentary upgrade from standard to first class on your Interrail or Eurail pass, with more space, quieter carriages and a noticeably more comfortable journey on Europe’s daytime trains. 

Most 2026 trips qualify — making this a wonderful opportunity to experience Europe at a slower pace, with comfort built into every mile. At Travel Matters, we love our partners' thoughtful approach to travel: no flights, no rush, just meaningful journeys shaped by the journey itself! 

Enquire today and call us on 02086757878, use the linkk in BIO or simply respond to this post to secure your free first-class upgrade. 

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 🌎🌐Before you book your summer holiday, join Muswell hill Sustainability group for an evening of free...
22/01/2026

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 🌎🌐

Before you book your summer holiday, join Muswell hill Sustainability group for an evening of free talks from travel industry experts, followed by a Q&A. 

Find out the facts, hear the advice, ask the questions from a stellar line-up.

🗓️When: Monday 26th January 2026, 7.30 - 9pm

📍Where: Muswell Hill Methodist Church, 28, Pages Lane, N10 1PP

🎟️Tickets: FREE | all welcome | further info and to book tickets https://wegottickets.com/event/688352

The fantastic panel includes:

💚 Anna Hughes from Flight Free UK - a charity that encourages people to travel without flying

💚Our very own Zoe Thomas from Travel Matters - B Corp travel agent that focuses on conservation, not destruction and strives to leave minimal traces behind; including encouraging continuing conscious travel with their clients.

💚Byway - a flight-free travel B Corp with first-of-its-kind routing technology that uses two million miles of local expertise to build trips by land and sea.

🚨Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions (source: Nature Climate Change, 2018). From flights and boat rides to souvenirs and accommodation, multiple activities contribute to tourism’s high carbon footprint. So your decisions matter and make a difference. Sustainable tourism is aimed at increasing the benefits and reducing the negative impacts of tourism – on people, places and the planet.

Get your free tickets through WeGotTickets https://wegottickets.com/event/688352 and get packing!

* Refreshments available

Livestream available on the evening at the Muswell Hill Sustainability Group YouTube channel, with permanent access thereafter

Thanks 🙏to .travel

January in Cape Verde felt unrushed and quietly electric. Based on Sal, near Santa Maria…a town that hums rather than sh...
21/01/2026

January in Cape Verde felt unrushed and quietly electric. Based on Sal, near Santa Maria…a town that hums rather than shouts.

The Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort became a comfortable constant, being attentive without being overbearing. The gym actually invited use and the pool is excellently sized for lingering and for getting in your metre. The evenings also unfolded with low-key spectacle instead of noise.

We wandered through Espargos on foot and admired its sun-bleached and conversational setting, all whilst being disarmingly ordinary in the best way. We loved taking to home the water by catamaran. We even slipped under the surface to meet nurse sharks, trumpet fish and puffer fish moving with unbothered confidence at the resort’s PADI certified school. Surf sessions arrived generous and clean, the kind of conditions that feel cooperative rather than dramatic.

Santa Maria itself is animated and a little scruffy in places, but full of flavour, rhythm and restaurants that don’t try too hard and don’t need to.

Remember, Travel Matters is not only your local travel agent, but we also act as your travel concierge. Make an enquiry today!

Cape Verde doesn’t perform. It’s a blast 🇨🇻

🇨🇻❤️

🌴✨ Finding the Perfect Fit for Family Travel ✨🌴Thailand is full of contrasts — lively beaches, quiet shores, buzzing tow...
13/01/2026

🌴✨ Finding the Perfect Fit for Family Travel ✨🌴

Thailand is full of contrasts — lively beaches, quiet shores, buzzing towns and hidden retreats. But when you’re travelling with a toddler, finding the right hotel in the right place makes all the difference.

In our latest blog, Marina shares her journey exploring family-friendly hotels across Thailand, starting with Koh Lanta and moving on to Phuket, and explains how a carefully chosen resort can transform a busy destination into a calm, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable family escape. 

She reflects on how beach days become easier when everything is within reach, how well-designed resorts offer space, shade and flexibility, and how travel feels more relaxed when the destination adapts to your family’s natural rhythm — not the other way around. Even with a little one in tow, moments of calm, connection and enjoyment are absolutely possible.

This is about finding the perfect fit — whether in Phuket, quieter islands, or other corners of Thailand — and creating family journeys that feel balanced, thoughtful and stress-free.

✨ Read Marina’s full story via the link or on the Travel Matters website — the new blog is now live.

https://www.travelmatters.co.uk/blog/phuket-with-a-toddler-how-choosing-the-right-resort-makes-all-the-difference

If you’re dreaming of a calmer, more meaningful Thailand escape for your family

📞 Enquire today and call us on 020 8675 7878 or simply respond to this post ! 


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15 Northbourne Road
London
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