Based In Dublin

Karen Pugh

It's Nice To Meet You

Hello! I’m Karen and I specialise in honeymoon travel, luxury travel and bucket list adventures across the globe!

As a Travel Counsellor, I work one-on-one with you to plan a dream getaway - whether that’s a magical escape to the Maldives, a safari-and-beach epic in Africa, a journey on the high seas on a fab cruise or a once (or thrice!) in-a-lifetime adventure through South America or Asia.

In addition to my 'day job' as a Travel Counsellor I'm also founder of The Honeymoon Guide (www.thehoneymoonguide.co) - the biggest honeymoon travel blog.

I’ve worked with hundreds of couples over the years to book and plan their dream honeymoon and it’s one of my favourite aspects of working in the travel industry. I would love to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!



My Experience

I’ve spent over 15 years working for the best companies in the travel industry. I’ve planned trips to over 90 countries (and been to almost half that myself).

Some of my favourite personal travel memories include zip lining off the Great Wall of China, sleeping under the stars at Australia's incredible Whitehaven Beach, cycling around La Digue in Seychelles, watching the sunset in Koh Lanta, Thailand, driving through the snowy landscapes of Lapland, private catamaran day trips off the coast of Ibiza and Santorini, staying at an overwater villa in the Maldives, road tripping through Big Sur in California, and watching samba bands whilst sipping on Caipirinhas in Lapa, Rio De Janeiro.

I’ve been so lucky to travel all over the world and I want you to experience it too!

I'm a certified specialist for Thailand, South Africa and Australia (and even lived Down Under). I love planning 'off the beaten track' trips such as trekking for Gorillas in Uganda, paragliding into your hotel in Oman, island hopping in French Polynesia, trekking through Bhutan and exploring the wilds of Namibia or Chile.




How I Can Help You

From the moment you get in touch, I want your trip to be exciting and stress-free. I promise to give you useful and impartial advice, find you the best value for money and try to make your travel dreams come true!

I can take care of all your travel needs and create the perfect bespoke itinerary, with an emphasis on luxury and unforgettable experiences, especially for you. No two trips are the same or “off the shelf”!

Travel Counsellors is licensed and bonded with the Irish Aviation Authority AND just in case you need us, while you’re away, our 24/7 duty office is always on hand for support.




Let's plan something amazing!

Want to know more about how the planning process works with me and how to book an appointment?

CLICK HERE for HONEYMOONS

CLICK HERE for EVERYTHING ELSE


I’m based in my hometown of Dublin and work with clients across Ireland (and sometimes beyond!) so send me a message anytime - I'd love to chat all things travel with you.


P.S. I also love to connect on social — don’t be shy, say hi in the links below!

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My customer stories

Sent by Edel D

We used Karen Pugh at Travel Counsellors to plan our honeymoon to Bangkok and Koh Samui, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, Karen took care of absolutely everything-internal flights, stunning accommodation, private transfers-you name it. We didn’t have to think or stress about a single detail, which made the whole trip completely relaxing and enjoyable. Her communication was outstanding throughout. She was always available, checked in on us during the trip, and made sure we had everything we needed. All our travel documents and information were easily accessible through the app, which made things even more seamless. Karen genuinely went above and beyond, and we can’t thank her enough for making our honeymoon so special. We would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a stress-free, perfectly tailored travel experience.

Sent by Emma H

Karen has been exceptional from our very first conversation in relation to a family holiday we are taking to Singapore & Bali. Her attention to detail, extensive knowledge and her ability to listen so well that her first options were as close to perfect as possible. Karen is approachable, friendly, kind and really stands out in terms of her guidance. If you want to put your trust in someone to guide you to perfection, I couldn't recommend her services more.

Sent by Dara C

Karen was amazing and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to other customers. She was professional, efficient and actively listened to our needs. We went from having no idea to having an amazing honeymoon booked within the space of 2 weeks thanks to her patience, knowledge and flexibility.

Sent by John M

Karen was a pleasure to deal with. She was very patient in sharing her knowledge & advising on the best locations, deals & options, helping pick an amazing honeymoon. I can't recommend her enough!

Sent by Tara M

Extremely helpful and pleasant, always accommodated our needs re scheduling of phone calls. Gave us lots of advice & options, getting to know our likes/ dislikes, budget etc. Has made our honeymoon planning an absolute breeze. Wouldn't hesitate in recommending Karen to anyone.

Sent by Clare M

Karen is absolutely amazing!! She is so knowledgeable and very passionate about what she does and it comes across as soon as you talk to her. She had time for every and any query! She made booking our honeymoon a really enjoyable experience and we cant wait to plan more adventures with her!

Sent by Grace B

I knew from the first phone call that we would book our honeymoon with Karen. Karen is so lovely to deal with, listens and is very responsive to queries. I would highly recommend.

My personally tailored offers

With independent access to thousands of travel suppliers around the world, I've got an eye for added value. Take a look through my latest selections below. But even if nothing particularly catches your eye - don't worry! Let's chat and I'll take the hassle away from tailoring a perfectly personalised holiday just for you.

Price from

€5,489

Tanzania For Two
11 nights from €5,489
per person
Spend 6 nights travelling from Arusha on an incredible safari to the Serengeti + Ngorongoro Crater. Then hop over to Zanzibar for 7 days of all inclusive adults only beach bliss! All flights, transfers, accommodation included. Priced for September but I can tailor something for your dates + budget!

Price from

€4,599

Slide Into Luxury - Maldives & Dubai
10 nights from €4,599
per person
Live the dream in a Water Villa with Pool & Slide at Siyam World Maldives including WOW All-Inclusive with Seaplane Transfers. Then enjoy 3 nights at Atlantis The Palm Dubai, with breakfast and complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark. Priced for June but I can tailor something for your dates!

Price from

€4,893

Korea & Thailand Adventure
13 nights from €4,893
per person
Spend a week exploring the highlights of South Korea from Seoul to Busan and beyond on an incredible adventure tour and finish up with a flight down to Thailand for 6 dreamy nights in a private pool villa in Phuket. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€2,395

Luxury Caribbean Cruise with Miami
10 nights from €2,395
per person
Set sail on the newest luxury ship, Celebrity Xcel. Start your adventure with 3 nights in South Beach Miami then step onboard for 7 nights of sunshine, stunning beaches, and world-class luxury. incl meals + tips. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€6,979

Peru & The Galapagos Adventure
22 nights from €6,979
per person
Spend 8 nights exploring the Galapagos before hopping up to Peru for 14 nights of epic adventures exploring Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco & The Inca Trail, the Amazon and Lima on a private tour. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,799

Costa Rica to Cancun Bliss
15 nights from €3,799
per person
Kick off with a 9 night small group adventure tour through Costa Rica - lush rainforests, exotic wildlife and natural hot springs await. Then hop to Mexico for 6 nights all inclusive in a swim up suite at Secrets Resort. Priced for May but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€5,195

Luxury Sri Lanka & Maldives
13 nights from €5,195
per person
Classic adventure & beach escape! Explore Sri Lanka’s gems like Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Galle for 8 nights, then unwind in a Maldives Water Villa with Private Pool for 5 nights, including seaplane transfers. Priced for April but but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,295

Dreamy Mauritius with Dubai
10 nights from €3,295
per person
Spend 7 nights in dreamy Mauritius at design hotel Salt of Palmar in a Seaview Room with a 3 night fun stopover at the JA Ocean View Hotel in Dubai. Includes breakfast and transfers. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,295

Classic Greek Islands Luxury
10 nights from €3,295
per person
Private pools & honeymoon suites await on this Greek Odyssey! Spend 2 nights exploring Athens, then hop to beautiful Milos for 5 nights plus 3 nights on the iconic island of Santorini. Includes sea view private pools & ferries. Priced for May but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€2,969

Ultimate California Road Trip
14 nights from €2,969
per person
Drive the California coast from San Francisco to Las Vegas via Los Angeles. Iconic sights, dramatic landscapes, and golden beaches await - plus unforgettable stops like Yosemite, Big Sur & Santa Barbara. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,149

Dream South Africa Road Trip
12 nights from €3,149
per person
Discover South Africa! Drink wine in Franschhoek and find adventures along the Garden Route. Finish with a dream 3 night safari and four nights in Cape Town. Car hire + selected excursions included. Priced for May but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,495

Hidden Gems of Bali & Lombok with Kuala Lumpur
14 nights from €3,495
per person
Escape to a private pool paradise in Bali's hidden gems for 8 nights from the coast to mountains before hopping for 4 nights of beachside bliss on Lombok. Finish your trip with 2 nights in vibrant KL for shopping and eating. Priced for May but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€4,329

Ultimate Seychelles Island Hop
10 nights from €4,329
per person
Tropical Dreams in Seychelles with 3 nights in stunning Mahé, hop over to the most idyllic island in the world La Digue for 3 nights, followed by 4 nights exploring beautiful Praslin! Including breakfast, transfers + ferries. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,579

Boutique Vietnam Adventure
14 nights from €3,579
per person
Two perfect weeks in Vietnam travelling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City including a beautiful Halong Bay cruise, exploring Hoi An and your own pool villa for 4 at Ninh Van Bay. Includes flights, transfers and selected excursions. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€4,469

San Francisco, Hawaii & Las Vegas
14 nights from €4,469
per person
Wear a flower in your hair for 3 nights in San Francisco, 8 nights island hopping in Hawaii from Oahu to Maui and 3 nights in Las Vegas at the Signature at MGM Grand. Includes car hire in Hawaii. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€3,349

Ultimate Luxury Thailand Adventure
13 nights from €3,349
per person
Two perfect weeks in Thailand including exploring Bangkok, island hopping from Koh Samui via Elephant Hills to Phuket & Koh Yao Noi with selected Private Pool Suites along the way. Includes transfers and selected excursions. Priced for April but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€2,869

Boutique Miami & Mexico All Inclusive
10 nights from €2,869
per person
Enjoy 3 nights exploring lively South Beach in Miami before hopping down to Cancun for 7 nights all-inclusive bliss in a Swim Up Junior Suite at Secrets Playa Mujeres. Priced for May but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

Price from

€2,785

Singapore & Malaysia Magic
10 nights from €2,785
per person
The perfect city and beach break. Spend 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur and 2 nights in Singapore exploring and shopping with 6 nights at island dream beautiful Danna Langkawi Malaysia. Includes transfers and breakfast. Priced for April. Contact me for your travel dates!

Price from

€3,549

Stunning St. Lucia & New York City
10 nights from €3,549
per person
Live your Caribbean dreams in St. Lucia for 7 nights all inclusive bliss at the new Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa including a little stopover in New York for shopping, sightseeing and dining for 3 nights. Priced for May but I can tailor something for your dates and budget!

My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

The Magical Maldives

16 July 2025

OK If ever there was a destination to really gush about?! For me, it's The Maldives! The picture-perfect overwater villas jutting out over that turquoise water and the white sand? I always thought these photos must be filtered? Well the good news is that they look just as good in real life, it really is heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful places ever! I’ve been lucky enough not just to

Planning a big trip? Start here!

09 February 2025

Planning a trip? How exciting! If you're wondering how things work with me, here's everything you need to know. These are the questions I’m asked most often: <br> <b>Who exactly are Travel Counsellors?</b> Travel Counsellors is a multi-award-winning company of more than 1,900 independent travel consultants worldwide. We’re licensed and bonded with the Irish Aviation Authority (and ATOL protecte

Plan Your Dream Honeymoon With Me!

06 January 2025

It’s honeymoon planning time - yay! Congratulations! If you're wondering how it all works with me, here's everything you need to know. These are the questions I’m asked most often: <br> <b>Who exactly are Travel Counsellors?</b> Travel Counsellors is a multi-award-winning company of more than 1,900 independent travel consultants worldwide. We’re licensed and bonded with the Irish Aviation Autho

All Inclusive Mexico Magic

08 November 2024

Because sometimes in life only a 5* adults-only all inclusive will do! I was lucky enough to spend a week in one of the gorgeous Secrets Resorts on the Riviera Maya between the famous Cancun and its smaller neighbour Playa Del Carmen. The beach was just so beautiful and the warm Caribbean Sea lapping at our feet - I was in heaven. As food is a big part of holidays for me, the multiple choices of

Fun in Orlando, Florida

08 November 2024

I’m a big kid, I confess! I absolutely love theme parks and water parks. Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris Paris, Walt Disney World Florida? Yes I’ve been to them all. Universal Islands of Adventure? Yes, that one too. Orlando is hard to beat! I like to stay on International Drive as I love the access to the shops and restaurants along this long thoroughfare but a local home / villa with

Thailand Adventures

08 November 2024

The best of the best of the best. I’m obsessed with Thailand forever! From backpacking to getting engaged there and family trips - I've experienced Thailand from all different points of view! It's wonderful for backpacking but it's even more wonderful to book one of its many very affordable luxury hotels. It's my favourite all-round destination with something for absolutely everyone and such amaz

Greece - Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & More

08 November 2024

Greece is the perfect European honeymoon destination yet Athens is probably its most underrated capital city! While it may not have the grandeur of Paris or Rome, it really is a gem. The first time we went, we stayed at a little boutique hotel in Psyrri. We only had two full days, so we did the sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour to take in the ancient (and not so ancient) sights of this incredible c

California Dreaming

08 November 2024

California is definitely my favourite US state and I’ve been lucky to visit a few times. Each time is up there with my all time favourite trips! It’s where I spent some of my honeymoon, too! Start in San Francisco and then hire a car to take the famous Pacific Coast's Highway 1 to Los Angeles, Santa Monica & Disney and beyond! Where to start with San Francisco, there is so much to do. I always

Stunning Seychelles

08 November 2024

The Seychelles will leave you speechless. This dreamy archipelago had been on my bucket list for as long as I've worked in travel. I still daydream about my island hopping trip there not long after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. We started off in Mahé, the main island and home to the tiny capital Victoria. Our few days here were filled with sun, snorkels and sunscreen. We loved the liveli

Contact Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

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