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Meet The Team

Here at Silver Travel Advisor we’re a team of mature travel industry professionals with more years of experience than we care to number! Our backgrounds are diverse, but we are all united by a passion for travel. We live and breathe our ‘Tried. Travelled. Trusted.’ ethos, travelling far and wide to bring back impartial advice and recommendations for our members.

Lisa McAuley

Lisa McAuley

Owner

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Kerry Gallagher

Managing Director

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Penny Worthy

Penny Worthy

Commercial & Partnerships Director

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Julie Crumpton

Head of Retail

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Debbie Marshall

Debbie Marshall

Founder

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Jenn Spence

Digital Content Manager

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Marie Broadhurst

Marketing Manager

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Leanne Robinson

Sales & Recruitment Manager

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Silver Travel Advisors

Our Silver Travel Advisors take a personal approach to holiday planning. It’s our job to take on the tasks of research, organisation and paperwork leaving you to sit back and look forward to your holiday. We’ll bring together all aspects of your holiday into one easy booking including flights, accommodation, transfers and transport, cruises, tours and even what to see and do in your chosen destination. 

Find out more about the benefits of using a travel agent here.

Call 0800 412 5678 to speak to our advisors and start your journey.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Silver Travel Advisor, click here.

Julie Crumpton

Head of Retail

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Dianne Cox

Silver Travel Advisor

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Marie Broadhurst

Silver Travel Advisor

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Kerry Lowe

Silver Travel Advisor

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Sue Lord

Silver Travel Advisor

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Jayne Kerrigan

Silver Travel Advisor

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Sophie Cayley

Silver Travel Advisor

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Leanne Robinson

Silver Travel Advisor

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Linsay Glaze

Silver Travel Advisor

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Lorraine Davies

Silver Travel Advisor

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Lauren Najar

Silver Travel Advisor

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Lee Tempest-Mitchell

Silver Travel Advisor

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Christine Rothwell

Silver Travel Advisor

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Emily Davis

Silver Travel Advisor

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Steve Morris

Silver Travel Advisor

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Silver Travel Contributors

Our team of contributors bring a wealth of travel experiences and adventures to life through their contributions to our website and magazine. Together they have visited an impressive list of countries and are more than happy to share their advice, hints and tips with you so you can read real insight to inspire your travels.

Lynn Scrivener

Lynn Scrivener

Associate

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Gill Haynes

Gill Haynes

Associate

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Carole Tidball

Carole Tidball

Social Media Manager

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Cathy Bartrop

Cathy Bartrop

Travel videographer

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Alan Fairfax

Alan Fairfax

Cruise specialist

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Anna Selby

Anna Selby

Travel writer & journalist

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Gillian Thornton

Gillian Thornton

Travel writer

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Jane Wilson

Jane Wilson

Editor of the Wellness Traveller

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Jeannine Williamson

Jeannine Williamson

Travel writer & cruise specialist

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Mike Pickup

Mike Pickup

Journalist & photographer

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Steve Aldridge

Steve Aldridge

Travel writer

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Petra Shepherd

Petra Shepherd

Travel writer

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©2025 Silver Travel Advisor, All Rights Reserved. ABTA: P8411. Silver Travel Advisor is a UK registered limited company. Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday. If you buy other travel arrangements such as accommodation only this protection doesn’t apply.

Silver Travel Advisor sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number P8411. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.

Hays Travel Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 01990682 and VAT number 193167195. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 3HA. Silver Travel Advisor is a trading name registered with company number 07408308 and VAT number 100952746. Registered office: 95 Brookhouse Hill, Fulwood, Sheffield, S10 3TE. Email: service@silvertraveladvisor.com. Call 0800 412 5678. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm & Saturday 10am – 4pm.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here.

Lisa McAuley

Lisa McAuley

Owner

Lisa, started her career in the travel industry over 30 years ago having started out as a travel agent at Lunn Poly at the age of 18. Having worked not only in travel retailing but also tour operating in both mass market and niche segments including ski, touring and hotels, in recent years Lisa discovered a love of cruising as the Managing Director of ultra luxury cruise line Silversea and sat on the board of CLIA. Prior to joining Silver Travel Lisa enjoyed the challenge of running the UK’s largest B2B tour operator Gold Medal with its multiple brands, focussing on long haul holidays. Her favourite destinations include the Galapagos, Maldives, Australia and her home patch the Peak District where she can be found combining long walks with even longer lunches in country pubs at weekends! An advocate for woman in business, Lisa was inducted into the Association of Women Travel Executives most influence women in travel in 2019 and is a strong supporter of Everywoman.

Kerry Gallagher

Managing Director

Kerry began her career in marketing, working at leading advertising agencies before moving to an in-house role with the UK’s largest B2B tour operator, Gold Medal. Combining a career in marketing with a passion for travel was a match made in heaven for Kerry. For over a decade she led marketing, PR and design teams creating inspirational content across worldwide holidays, cruise voyages and luxury getaways.

In her role as managing director at Silver Travel Advisor, she is focussed on continuing to inspire travel and growing the community of Silver Travellers.

She has travelled to all seven continents, with Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives and Italy standing out as firm favourites, but her newest passion is expedition cruising, with trips to the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic ticked off and many more on the wishlist!

Penny Worthy

Penny Worthy

Commercial & Partnerships Director

Penny has enjoyed over 35 years working in the travel Industry, starting out as a humble travel agent selling dreams, through to heading up a sales team at Avis Budget group. Penny’s main passion in life is travel. She has been lucky enough to have seen much of the world and is always planning her next adventure. Her favourite trips have been to Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Thailand, the Philippines, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Penny also loves the fresh air of the ski slopes, as well as waking up every day to a new destination when on a cruise.

Julie Crumpton

Head of Retail

Julie started her career in travel over 30 years ago, when she joined Thomas Cook as a high street travel agent. She quickly became part of the retail management team and ran several stores in the West Midlands, including opening their first new concept store. Julie then set up her own travel business with Travel Counsellors. In 2022 she won the TIPTO best independent travel agent award at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards. Julie has been lucky enough to travel to many destinations during her career and some of her favourites include Australia and New Zealand, Mexico and Sri Lanka, as well as St Lucia and Barbados. Julie is also a big fan of cruising and has first-hand experience of many of the leading cruise lines.

Debbie Marshall

Debbie Marshall

Founder

Debbie has over 35 years travel experience including Crystal Holidays and Jetsave (where she was Managing Director until 2001), and from 2004 until 2010 at the helm of the award-winning villa specialist CV Villas and its sister company Ski Verbier. She launched Silver Travel Advisor in 2011 after a dinner conversation with a group of her father’s friends, when she was surprised to discover how much time retired people were spending on holidays; she realised that there was an opportunity to create an information, reviews and advice website especially for them! She is a non-executive director of Real Holidays and Bailey Robinson, and is on the ’60 for 60′ influential women list at the Association of Women Travel Executives. A finalist in the Everywoman Travel Awards, and at the AWTE Business Impact Awards, Debbie is also the Chair for Dementia Adventure, which offers supported holidays for people living with dementia.

Jenn Spence

Digital Content Manager

A Canadian now living in England, Jenn handles all things website and digital for Silver Travel Advisor. Although generally more of an ‘indoor’ person, travel is the exception – she knows she’s had a good holiday when her feet ache from days spent exploring! Her ultimate travel bucket list location is Hobbiton, New Zealand… although she enjoys anywhere with good coffee and no snow.

Marie Broadhurst

Marketing Manager

Marie’s love of travel started with her first job in a local travel agent at aged 17. From there she worked up to management and helped open a large concept store in South Yorkshire.

After years working away from travel, mainly in Marketing and Events roles, plus running her own successful houseplant business and living in Spain, Marie has resumed her first passion for travel and now supports the team with any marketing need.

Marie’s love of travel mainly revolves around the sunshine and sea and her favourite places are Italy, Spain & Greece. She loves nothing more than a nice bar overlooking the sea eating and drinking the local specialities. But with a passion for history and nature, she is always on the lookout to explore new places, and is looking forward to travelling more now her family are growing up!

Leanne Robinson

Sales & Recruitment Manager

How many years have you worked in travel? I have worked in travel over 25 years, starting out on the high street and then running my own travel franchise for 8 years. 

Favourite destination, and why? I don’t think I can narrow it down to one place. I love to cruise and experience different places within one trip. My most recent was with Virgin Voyages visiting Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Montenegro and Corfu. We also stayed in Athens for a few nights before setting sail and included a visit to the Acropolis and sampling some delicious traditional Greek Cuisine. 

Where do you want to travel to next? I have a trip to Porto to look forward too and can’t wait to explore the Douro Valley while we are there. And I’m looking to book a multigenerational cruise to the Greek Islands with my sister, her family and our parents.  

Who is your ideal travelling companion? I love to travel with my teenage son, sharing new experiences with him. He has inherited my passion for all things travel. It is always nice to get away with friends too. 

What is your travel motto? “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on the list!”

Dianne Cox

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? I have been in travel for 34 years, having worked in various areas of the industry, including High Street travel agents, specialist companies, and corporate travel customers.

Favourite destination and why? My most memorable visit was Alaska, the scenery and wildlife were amazing, and Glacier Bay was simply stunning. Cruising is also a big part of our lives; being able to visit so many destinations in one trip and the ease of it makes for a holiday we really enjoy.

Where do you want to travel to next? I have so many places yet to see on my bucket list: Australia, South Pacific and New Zealand are definitely at the top of the list followed by the Far East, South Africa with a safari, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast with a trip to Pompeii.

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? My favourite holiday companion is my husband as we both share a passion for travel. We love America and have covered many of the individual states.

What is your travel motto? My motto is ‘life is too short and should be grabbed with both hands and enjoyed’. The world is a small place and is there to be discovered!

Kerry Lowe

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? I was fortunate to have travelled extensively throughout my childhood and started visiting far-flung destinations at an early age with my family. This well and truly gave me the travel bug, but my travel journey really started when I joined Emirates Airlines as cabin crew and moved to Dubai. During the next 8 years, I visited 5 continents and over 40 countries, and whenever possible, immersed myself in their culture. Even after leaving my career with Emirates, the pull of travel has kept me exploring as often as I can, and I love nothing more than sharing my knowledge and experience with others!

Favourite destination and why? The Grand Canyon blew me away. I took a helicopter tour from Las Vegas, firstly over the iconic Hoover Dam and then through the Grand Canyon, where we eventually landed 3,500 feet below the rim. I was lucky enough to have a breathtaking pilot’s view and marvel at its majestic vastness.

Where do you want to travel to next? My top 3 destinations would be The Galapagos Islands, the lost city of Petra in Jordan and an expedition cruise in Antartica. 

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? Nothing beats a British coastal holiday with my dog. Just to see how excited she gets when she sees the beach melts my heart. Otherwise, I enjoy the variety of solo trips or with friends and family.

What is your travel motto? To enjoy the sunrise as much as the sunset… holidays are always too short!

Sue Lord

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? I have worked on and off in the Travel industry since I was 18, (time out for university and a family), both in office roles and as a rep abroad.

Favourite destination and why? I loved Costa Rica – I spent 7 weeks there travelling around with my young family and loved the abundant wildlife – Kaleidoscopes (the real collective noun!) of butterflies and the “pura vida” and laid-back attitude of the Costa Rican people.

Where do you want to travel to next? Japan for the culture and possibly skiing.

Who’s your ideal travelling companion?

If I can’t have my whole family, my youngest daughter – we are similar in temperament and adventurousness.

What is your travel motto? Carpe Diem!

Jayne Kerrigan

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? Over 35 years! During this time I’ve worked as a travel agent, an overseas holiday rep, and for one of the largest tour operators in the UK. I’ve been lucky to travel to many fabulous countries.

Favourite destination and why? Majorca. I Iived there for several years and fell in love with it. Beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, majestic mountains and fabulous food. What’s not to like!

Where do you want to travel to next? Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia – the list goes on…

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? My hubby – never a dull moment with him. Failing that Dame Joan Collins. She likes to travel in style and I’d love listening to all of her wonderful stories.

What is your travel motto? You’re never too old for new experiences. The world is waiting so go explore!

Sophie Cayley

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? 10+

Recent travel experience: As a family we travelled to Florida and experienced every water park & theme park Orlando had to offer.

Where to next? Two cruises booked for this year. First the Med and then the Caribbean for Christmas & NewYear.

Top travel tip: Book early, travel light and make the best memories with the people you love.

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? My family always. As the children get older we travel alot with my husband’s siblings so have plenty of bucket list options to tick off.

Linsay Glaze

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? 18 months, but I have always helped friends with their choices and bookings previously to working in travel.

Favourite destination and why? Difficult to choose between Spain and Greece! I love the combination of history and natural beauty, not to mention the delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and amazing sunsets in both countries. I lived in Spain for 3 years in the province of Almeria, which is known as the only desert in Europe.

Where do you want to travel to next?Thailand is definitely on my need-to-visit list.

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? My partner, who has the same travelling passions: trying local cuisine, happy to fly and flop, or being more adventurous with sightseeing.

What is your travel motto? Keep your passport up to date and learn some basic words (particularly ‘please’ and ‘thank you’) in advance of your visit – it goes a long way.

Lorraine Davies

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? I’ve been in the travel industry for around 25 years. I first started back when Teletext Holidays launched! Over the years, I’ve continued booking holidays for family and friends. As a self-proclaimed “golf widow,” I love joining my husband and his golfing companions on trips. I typically organize the golf for the men and entertainment for the ladies. I also lived in Spain for over 10 years, where I arranged various overseas adventures for my “Ladies that Lunch Club.”

Favourite destination and why? I’ve just returned from an incredible educational trip to Canada, where we toured New Brunswick. Learning about their rich indigenous culture and participating in traditional rituals was unforgettable. The people are so friendly, and the national parks are absolutely mesmerizing. I’d love to lead a group there, as it’s the kind of destination where having organized transport is essential. I also adore Cabo Verde and Madeira. Cabo Verde, particularly Boa Vista, is my ultimate beach getaway where I can truly relax and disconnect from the world. Madeira, on the other hand, offers a perfect blend of culture, walking trails, and wine – three of my favorite things!

Where do you want to travel next? That’s a tough question… but definitely Canada again. I’d also love to go on an expedition to Antarctica and witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. Australia is high on my list too, as I’d love to meet family members we’ve never met, especially my husband’s uncle, who just turned 101 years old, and to reconnect with friends I miss dearly. The list of places I want to visit is truly endless!

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? My husband, of course – who else would carry my bags? 😂 He shares my passion for travel and exploring new places. Also, my grandchildren, who are now in their 20s. It’s wonderful to share my travel knowledge with them and inspire them to explore more of this beautiful world.

What is your travel motto? “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

Lauren Najar

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? With 4 years of experience as a travel agent, I can confidently say I’ve found my dream job! Joining Silver Travel and working from home allows me to create memorable experiences for my clients, helping them explore the world with ease. I’m passionate about every aspect of travel—from uncovering hidden gems to organizing seamless itineraries. Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, a cultural adventure, or a family getaway, I’m here to make sure your travel dreams become unforgettable realities. Let’s plan your next adventure together!

Favourite destination, and why? Italy captivates with its rich history, vibrant art, and delicious cuisine, making every visit feel like a step back in time with endless stories to uncover. Bali, on the other hand, is a paradise for relaxation and natural beauty, with serene beaches, lush jungles, and a welcoming culture that leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Let’s turn your travel dreams—whether it’s exploring Italy’s iconic sites or finding tranquility in Bali’s landscapes—into reality!

Where do you want to travel to next? My passion for exploring new places has led me to incredible destinations, and now, I’m excited about planning my own next big adventure: I’m hoping to visit Vietnam and Cambodia with my husband and children. These beautiful countries, with their rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and warm people, are at the top of my bucket list. Whether you’re dreaming of Southeast Asia, Europe, or anywhere in between, I’m here to help you plan the journey of a lifetime!

Who is your ideal travelling companion? My ideal travel companions are my husband and our three children, who make every journey more exciting. They bring a spirit of adventure, curiosity, and joy that reminds me why I love travel so much. Whether it’s exploring new places or revisiting old favourites, we’re always ready for our next big adventure together.

What is your travel motto? Creating unforgettable experiences, one journey at a time!

Lee Tempest-Mitchell

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? This is my first year working in travel but having been married to my wife for 21 years, who has built a career in the travel industry, I’ve gained plenty of impartial insight into a wide range of holiday experiences. From understanding the best destinations to tailoring trips to suit individual needs, I bring a fresh perspective combined with years of second-hand knowledge to help create memorable travel experiences for my clients.

Favourite destination and why? Mallorca is my favourite destination because it offers an incredible mix of experiences. I love exploring the stunning Gothic Cathedral and vibrant nightlife in Palma, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Portals Nous, and taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains in the north.
To top it all off, Mallorca’s fine wine and delicious tapas make every visit a true feast for the senses. It’s also a place where we’ve made many happy family memories, making it even more special to me

Where do you want to travel to next? Our next holiday is a guided tour around India’s Golden Triangle, and we couldn’t be more excited. This incredible journey will take us to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, where we’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, the bustling markets of Jaipur, and the historic Red Fort in Delhi. We’re looking forward to immersing ourselves in the rich culture, vibrant colours, and delicious cuisine of India, all while experiencing the comfort and insight that comes with a guided tour.

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? My ideal travel partners are my wife, Nicki—fondly known as my ‘Nickipedia of travel’—and my gorgeous children. Whether it’s a city break, a cruise, or a long-haul adventure, we’re a dream team, always making the most of every destination together and creating unforgettable memories along the way

What is your travel motto? Travel together, grow together.

Christine Rothwell

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? Prior to joining Silver Travel on 17th March 2025, I worked in Finance. However, I have travelled extensively. Taking redundancy instead of moving for the umpteenth time in 2009 I studied ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ and took a gap year. When my first placement in Madagascar was cancelled due to a civil war, I turned it into a trip around the world and loved every minute. I enjoy the holiday planning process as much as the holiday itself and I’m generally the ‘social secretary’ for family and friends. So, how long have I worked in travel??? Most of my life!!

Favourite destination and why? Every time I go away, I find something special but two stand out. Firstly, South Africa holds a special place in my heart as it was the first stop on my first solo trip. I stayed at an animal rescue centre in the Limpopo region and visited Kruger and other private sanctuaries often. Secondly, it has to be the round the world cruise I took as it gave me the opportunity to visit Easter Island, Komodo Island and meet up with a childhood friend in Australia, all without packing and unpacking at each stop.

Where do you want to travel to next?I’m really excited about my next trip which is a cruise around Iceland and I have another cruise around South America and Antarctica to look forward to.

Who’s your ideal travelling companion? I love discovering places with other people, although I am at heart very independent. Holidays with friends are usually centred around a common interest e.g. a music festival, cultural events or wildlife and whilst we do a lot together, we are never joined at the hip. Group tours are a great way to get that balance and often my choice if none of my friends fancy going where I do.

What is your travel motto? When something good happens, travel to celebrate. If something sad happens, travel to forget. If nothing is happening, travel to change that.

Emily Davis

Silver Travel Advisor

Hi, Emily here! My love for travel began back in 2016 when I backpacked in Europe, interrailing from France to Budapest with my partner for a month.

Then in 2017, I became a camp counsellor for 3 months in Portland, Oregon where I made loads of friends from around the world and learnt so much about different cultures, which furthered my passion for travel and exploring.

Since then, I’ve made it part of my life to travel to new and different places. I’ve become the go-to holiday planner for my friends and family, booking everything from high thrill theme park holidays, multi-destination backpacking trips, city breaks and jam-packed long-haul trips with scheduled itineraries, so you don’t miss a thing!

It brings me so much joy to plan the perfect holidays for people and see how much they enjoy it, and with over 12 years of experience in event management I bring strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail to every itinerary.

Also, something I have a lot of knowledge about and love for is Disney. One of my favourite adventures was visiting Disneyland California and travelling around LA—I’m currently on a mission to visit all six Disney parks worldwide (I’m getting there!).

I’ve been incredibly lucky to explore so many parts of the world and I love vlogging my travels to inspire others to explore too.

Steve Morris

Silver Travel Advisor

How many years have you worked in travel? None yet, but plenty of experience as a consumer!

Favourite destination, and why? Tough to pick as I have several… I loved Ethiopia where the scenery, history and food are amazing. For wildlife, unquestionably The Galapagos Islands. USA for the National Parks and Austin for the Bloody Mary Festival…

Where do you want to travel to next? Borneo! Booked for later this year.

Who is your ideal travelling companion? Anyone I meet along the way

What is you travel motto? Unrepeatable here…

Lynn Scrivener

Lynn Scrivener

Associate

Lynn has over 30 years’ marketing experience in the travel and cultural tourism industries. Travel business lessons were first learned at Lunn Poly, British Airways and Hertz Europe. A wide range of tourism development projects followed for such iconic venues as Somerset House, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Chelsea Physic Garden. Most recently Lynn has enjoyed several years’ rambling (and ambling), leading the marketing team for Ramblers Walking Holidays and Adagio. Thanks largely to business trips and conferences, Lynn has been fortunate to travel extensively including to most of W. Europe, USA, French Caribbean, Egypt, Australia, Thailand and Indonesia. This past year or so, Lynn has enjoyed puffin-watching on Skomer, hiking in the Austrian Tyrol, canoeing the Charente near Poitiers and yet more culture-vulturing in New York. Hurrah for holidays!

Gill Haynes

Gill Haynes

Associate

Gill has over 30 years experience in the cruise industry, resulting in her being a dab hand at Trivial Pursuit blue questions so long as they are about coastal geography. After learning the marketing ropes with Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises, Gill led the team which launched the Ocean Village brand (‘the cruise for people who don’t do cruises’) and as Cunard’s head of global PR, masterminded its 175th anniversary celebrations when Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria performed a ‘riverdance’ on the Mersey in front of 1.3 million spectators. Gill’s favourite destination is South Africa where one walking safari involved climbing a tree to avoid approaching rhinos. A keen skier, mountain biker and windsurfer, Gill loves the great outdoors. Still on the wishlist are canoeing the Great Lakes in Canada and swimming with manta rays in the Maldives.

Carole Tidball

Carole Tidball

Social Media Manager

Carole worked as a Senior Manager and Consultant in Education before taking early retirement to become a writer and award-winning photographer, and to indulge her passion for global travel. She loves exploring new destinations on foot and finds the best adventures and photographic opportunities are often away from the beaten track. She is a keen runner, hiker and bird/wildlife watcher, regularly seen trekking, splashing and skidding along the hilly footpaths around her home. Carole looks after Facebook and Instagram for Silver Travel Advisor.

Cathy Bartrop

Cathy Bartrop

Travel videographer

Cathy has spent her entire career in the travel industry, starting out as a graduate trainee at Saga Holidays in 1983 before becoming Sales & Marketing Manager for Thomas Cook Faraway Holidays in 1986. A few years later she set up her own media and promotions company, initially focused on print and radio but eventually moving in to video production. When video finally became easily accessible online (only 15 short years ago), everything changed and Cathy seized the opportunity to create her own online channel, travelguru.tv. Like Silver Travel Advisor, it is focused on the mature traveller, so it’s a natural partnership. These days Cathy films solo, mainly with only an iPhone, creating videos that share her first-hand experiences and trusted travel advice. When she is not travelling or editing, she can be found on the golf course, seeking out wild swimming locations and enjoying the delights of her home county, East Sussex.

Alan Fairfax

Alan Fairfax

Cruise specialist

Alan is a passionate ‘Cruise Ship’ expert and travel journalist Over 150 cruises completed, sailed and visited 70+ ships of 22 cruise lines. He has travelled the world from the Arctic to Australia, USA to Russia, Asia, Baltic, Caribbean, Middle East, South America and most Mediterranean ports. Sailed several oceans plus the Arabian, Black, Baltic, Mediterranean and Red Sea. Alan a member of The International Travel Writers Alliance says “There is something magical about stepping aboard a beautiful cruise ship, visiting multiple countries and ports but only unpacking once”. Alan, a regular contributor to several newspapers and magazines, has appeared on television travel shows, delivered talks on cruising at various national venues and is known as our ‘Cruise Guru’ due to his extensive knowledge. Where are his favourite places, he is the first to admit his love of the Western Isles of Scotland and the Caribbean.

Anna Selby

Anna Selby

Travel writer & journalist

Anna Selby has been a journalist and feature writer for over 25 years and has been specialising in travel for the last 20. She has worked for most of the broadsheets (including the FT, the Times and the Telegraph) as well as numerous magazines and websites. She began travel writing when she lived in the South Seas for a year with her four-year-old son. They started off in the Cook Islands, where they stayed for six months and then travelled through Fiji, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Tonga and Western Samoa. The islands of Polynesia hold a special place in her heart to this day, and she has returned there several times. Many other places, though, draw her back repeatedly from the US to the Middle East (especially Oman and Jordan), Vienna to Botswana, Marrakech to Iceland. As well as general destination features, she writes regularly on health, spas, food and cruises. She lives in central London with her ex-soldier husband and sees her son as often as possible – though he caught the travel bug and now works and lives in Amsterdam.

Gillian Thornton

Gillian Thornton

Travel writer

An award-winning member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Gillian has freelanced for more than 40 years, writing for women’s magazines and regional publications, corporate clients and the specialist travel press, both in print and online. She started her journalism career writing articles for her local county magazine, going on to write parenting articles as a young mum, general features, and interviews with personalities such as Roger Moore and Tim Rice, Dick Francis, Barbara Cartland and James Herriot. In 2018, she celebrated 20 years as a travel writer by winning the Best Cultural Article in the French Travel Media Awards. A fluent French speaker, she specialises in France and the UK, but writes on destinations as far apart as Cornwall and Cape Town, Canada and Cambodia. “I love walking holidays and cruising, cultural trips and city breaks,” she says. “But I’m happy to explore anywhere beyond my own front door.  I can have an adventure anywhere!”

Jane Wilson

Jane Wilson

Editor of the Wellness Traveller

Jane Wilson is a freelance writer and specialises in wellness travel. From the early days of the health farm concept to today’s hi-tech medi-spas, her passion for traditional therapies and indigenous treatments have led her to many destinations which define wellness tourism. Her 30 years of experience as a journalist and PR consultant in travel and international hotels have provided first-hand experiences of the ancient practises of Ayurveda in India, the latest holistic age-defying treatments in Europe, the spiritual tribal beliefs of Native America and thermal resorts for that much needed rest and recuperation. Tree-hugging and horse whispering to healing spices, generational remedies and lifestyle practices, Jane teases out the wellness benefits of holidays and leisure pursuits and weaves them into her features. Slow travel, mindfulness, cruising for health and the power of just being embraced in nature’s own garden – you are assured of articles immersed in wellness.

Jeannine Williamson

Jeannine Williamson

Travel writer & cruise specialist

A former newspaper journalist, Jeannine is now an award-winning travel writer and leading expert on river and ocean cruises. She contributes to a wide variety of publications including The Telegraph, Times, Cruise Critic and Riviera Maritime. Her worldwide travels have taken Jeannine to both well-known and remote destinations around the globe and include wolf calling in Ontario, paddling along part of the Mississippi in a wooden dug-out canoe, sailing on a cargo ship to the isolated Marquesas Islands, crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a tall ship in gales of up to Force 8 and horse riding across the plains of Mongolia. She has also clocked up hundreds of nautical miles on river cruises throughout Europe and Asia, including Russia, China, Myanmar, India, Vietnam and Cambodia. Jeannine’s awards include the Cruise Lines International Association Cruise Journalism Awards, Travel Media Awards, Latin American Travel Association Media Awards and Women in Business Awards.

Mike Pickup

Mike Pickup

Journalist & photographer

Mike Pickup is an award-winning journalist and photographer covering both land-based and cruise holidays. His work appears in national newspapers and magazines including the Mail, Sun and Telegraph. He is also syndicated in regional titles, making him one of the UK’s most published travel writers.

Steve Aldridge

Steve Aldridge

Travel writer

I am an award winning travel writer and like to embrace the huge variety of travel options the industry has to offer. Cruising (big and small ships), trekking, road trips, camping (mobile home), city visits, finding things off the beaten track and of course a little sunbathing, have taken me to some glorious parts of the world. These include the Arctic, Maldives, Bahamas, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia (including trekking in Borneo), USA, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Greece, Turkey, France, Germany and many more. I like to root out the unusual in my travels and write helpful articles with a touch of humour.

Petra Shepherd

Petra Shepherd

Travel writer

Petra Shepherd is a freelance travel writer with over 30 years’ experience in television, 19 of which were with Travel Channel International, the leading global travel broadcaster, where she was responsible for award winning documentary style travel programmes. Prior to this Petra was a celebrity booker and has met everybody from Dame Edna Everage to Donald Trump! She’s visited over 100 countries, has lived in Hong Kong and Italy and is a great advocate of solo travel, in 2013 she spent six months travelling alone around South America. Petra particularly loves swimming, skiing, hiking, visiting markets and local festivals. When not getting of the beaten track and being as adventurous as possible, Petra divides her time between London and visiting her 12 God-children around the UK. She is a member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and combines her love of travel writing, books and food as Editor of The Silver Travel Book Club and The Silver Travel Cook Club.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.