Karen Reid

My expertise

Adventure Travel
Honeymoons
Families
Groups
Solo Travellers

I'm based in

Kildare

Let's plan your next travel adventure

As your personal Travel Counsellor and independent travel agent, I create bespoke, tailor‑made holidays based on each client’s individual requirements. Travel is a genuine passion for me. My love of exploring started young and my travel wish list only ever gets longer, no matter how often I travel. I get ridiculously excited about other people’s holiday photos and love nothing more than chatting through trips, destinations and new itinerary ideas at every opportunity.

You might already have heard me on KFM Radio, where I co‑hosted the Travel Slot with Paul Power, sharing travel tips, destination inspiration and holiday ideas. You can catch up on recent episodes in my blog below.

I specialise in designing stress free unique travel experiences, with a strong focus on long‑haul adventures. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime bucket list trip, an all‑important family holiday, a ski trip or a fantastic cruise, I will take the hassle out of researching and planning. Together we will create your ideal itinerary, and I will be there to support you before, during and after your holiday.

My own travels have taken me to nearly 40 countries. So far in 2026, I have explored Florence with my dad in April and sailed aboard the beautiful Celebrity Apex in May. This summer our family holidays include an unusual twin‑centre trip to Norway and Italy, plus another chance to hit the waves in September on a Virgin Voyages cruise to the Greek Isles. I even have my first adventure of 2027 booked already: an Alaska cruise, a real bucket list highlight!

Some of my favourite destinations over the years have included Egypt, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Nepal, Tibet, Iceland, Thailand, Italy, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand and Morocco. As a mum of three, I am very familiar with travelling with children and planning the perfect family holiday. My eldest took his first trip at just eight weeks old, he had a great time in Dubrovnik! He also has coeliac disease, so I understand how to make travelling with coeliac disease and other special dietary requirements as smooth and stress free as possible.

I offer flexibility in how and when we can plan your next trip, with appointments available in the evenings and at weekends. Whether you prefer to wait until the children are in bed for an uninterrupted chat, or to sit down with your travel companion outside typical office hours, I can work around your schedule. This is my business, so I am fully invested in the experience every client has on holiday.

Being part of Travel Counsellors gives me access to a global network of travel business partners, backed by award‑winning technology and global buying power. It is the ideal blend of personal service and professional support, so you benefit from both my one‑to‑one care as a travel expert and the support of a global travel business.

While you are away you will have my mobile number and, if needed, access to our 24/7 support team, so you can relax knowing help is always on hand.

If you are ready to start planning your next tailor‑made holiday, honeymoon, family trip or cruise, get in touch today and let’s plan your next travel adventure together.

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Travel Tips For Your Summer Adventures

Travel Tips For Your Summer Adventures

Planning a summer holiday and want to travel smarter, lighter and with less stress? In this handy Q&A I answer some of the questions I’m asked most often: how to pack like a pro, which travel documents you really need, why travel insurance is essential, how to keep everyone entertained on flights and easy ways to keep kids hydrated in hot weather. These simple, practical summer travel tips will he

19 Jun 2026 5   min read

Sailing Celebrity Apex

Sailing Celebrity Apex

In May I was invited to sail aboard Celebrity Apex from Lisbon to Southampton. Celebrity is a cruise line I know, love and trust, and which is already a firm favourite with many of my clients, so I was very excited to jump aboard Apex. To say I wasn’t disappointed, is a major understatement. Read of for a glimpse of ship life, Celebrity style.

04 Jun 2026 5   min read

The Travel Slot on KFM radio with Karen & Paul

The Travel Slot on KFM radio with Karen & Paul

I am delighted to join DJ Paul Power on the Travel Slot on KFM Radio, where each episode we dive into a new corner of the travel world.

27 Feb 2026 5   min read

Maximising Your Annual Leave in 2026

Maximising Your Annual Leave in 2026

Want to turn your annual leave into more travel adventures? I’ve worked out the best dates to book around public holidays so you can stretch your time off like a pro! Share this handy guide with your travel buddies, and start planning those adventures. But don’t wait for the January rush, by planning ahead you can secure better value and variety on flights, accommodation, and experiences… and mos

18 Nov 2025 5   min read

Vienna Christmas Market With My Mum

Vienna Christmas Market With My Mum

My Mum and I take a weekend every year to visit the Christmas markets. Christmas 2024’s destination was Vienna, a city renowned for its beauty and grandeur, and a perfect spot for Christmas markets. Vienna actually has about 10 Christmas markets but there is no need to visit them all, as it can get a bit ‘samie’. Our favourite was the Christkindlmark at Rahausplatz, this is the biggest and set ag

22 Sept 2025 5   min read

Cruising the Med with Royal Caribbean

Cruising the Med with Royal Caribbean

In April, I was lucky enough to be invited to experience the newly amplified Allure of the Seas first-hand. This Royal Caribbean fan favourite has undergone a $100 million upgrade, and I was among the first guests to sail aboard they newly improved ship from Barcelona to Rome. Now offering over 35 dining and drinking spots, Allure is bursting with both thrills and chills. There’s a stunning adult

26 May 2025 5   min read

Marrakech Adventure

Marrakech Adventure

I finally ticked Marrakech off my bucket list – its been on it for years, but with direct flights with both Ryanair and Aer Lingus it was time to sort that out! It's just a short 3.5 hour flight to Marrakech yet you are transported somewhere wonderfully different. A place full of genuinely warm smiles, beauty, incredible architecture, sooooo many beautiful doors and tiles, along with great food

19 Mar 2025 5   min read

Sri Lanka Adventure Part 1

Sri Lanka Adventure Part 1

Words can’t capture the magic of my recent adventure to Sri Lanka! From the breath-taking beauty, the diversity of both the people and the scenery, the incredible food to the genuine warmth of everyone we met, this country has kept a piece of my heart! I will try and do the trip justice for you, without writing a 20,000-word essay! I travelled to Sri Lanka on an educational trip, so we had just 1

03 Dec 2024 5   min read

Sri Lanka Adventure Part 2

Sri Lanka Adventure Part 2

Part 2... We departed the Ceylon Tea Trails on the morning of day 6 and headed south. This was our longest travelling day as its a 6 hour journey from Hatton to Yala National Park, but it was broken up with a visit to Nuwaya Eliya and a journey on the fabulous Calypso Train. You can also transfer by sea plane from Castlerea Reservoir to the Yala which will save you hours and offer incredible vie

28 Nov 2024 5   min read

Italian Family Fun

Italian Family Fun

For the past few years our family holidays have taken us to Italy. We have returned 3 years now, I am not normally someone to go back to the same place but for Italy I would definitely make an exception, especially traveling to different areas. The Italians do campsites on a scale like no one else, they can be very large, but this means excellent facilities and with 3 young children we loved the

25 Aug 2024 5   min read

Croatian Adventures

Croatian Adventures

In May we returned to Croatia for the 4th time. To say I am in love with this country is an understatement. The sea really is as blue as the photos on Instagram, the people are incredibly kind with a similar humour to the Irish and at every turn there is another break taking sight. This year we spent 3 days in Zadar. Just under 3 hours from Dublin, Zadar Airport is a pleasure to travel through a

13 May 2024 5   min read

Nepal and Tibet Adventures

Nepal and Tibet Adventures

Nepal and Tibet had been on my bucket list since childhood. The hubby wasn’t that keen on the trip so myself and my friend Martha jumped at the chance of a girl’s adventure. We spent 8 days in Nepal, taking in the mesmerising city and valleys of Kathmandu. The highlights of Kathmandu included Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and trying to catch a glimpse of the Kumari at Kuma

29 Feb 2024 5   min read

Egyptian Travels with my Dad

Egyptian Travels with my Dad

Last year my dad and I realised a long-held dream to visit Egypt together. For years we had talked about exploring the pyramids of Giza and the valleys of Luxor. If Covid thought us anything it was the importance of spending time together with those we love and that sometimes you just have to seize the day. So, myself and my then 77-year-old Dad took off on our Egyptian adventure. We fly with Eg

29 Feb 2024 5   min read

I had high expectations for Egypt, and it surpassed them! Our guides were brilliant, they brought everything to life for us. Thank you for organising this trip for us and giving us such a personal service. You listened to what we wanted in a trip and absolutely nailed the brief. We will be booking with you again soon!

Linda C

Cork

Terrific Customer Service. She 'listens' to your requests and is forthcoming with various options for consideration, it being clearly obvious that she has 'heard' you. She looks after check ins and issues the boarding passes, so takes any of the travelling stress away. She is always at the end of the phone or an email away. I have found her to be most professional in her dealings with me, and I have no hesitation in recommending her to family and friends. Her expertise and efficiency and not least, her pleasing personality, makes holiday planning a pleasure.

Leo O'K

Dublin

Karen is very good at what she does. For me personally she organises everything. Her recommendations are great

Paula C

Meath

Very helpful and professional. She totally got us and what we were looking for in holiday within a short period of time.

Mary B

Cork

Karen was extremely helpful and was very prompt with our queries. Very professional.

Karin L

Tipperary

Karen is fantastic. She has a lovely way about her and is very efficient. She's made booking our honeymoon a pleasure. 10/10

Sarah C

Dublin

10/10. So helpful and such an easy process

Claire R

Kildare

Karen was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable and informative about where I was wanting to do. Booking was a breeze and nothing I asked was a problem. Very satisfied

Gemma D

Co Clare

Karen, we all want to say a massive thanks for giving us literally the most amazing holiday ever. It was just what we all needed and everything couldn't have gone smoother. We loved the Bangkok hotel & Koh Lanta was exactly what we needed, such beautiful island vibes and the people, food and weather were heaven. The only downside has been coming home to the weather here!! Thanks so so much for guiding us through every step, sending us reminders at the right time and making this whole process so easy.

James B

Kildare

Just a quick note to thank you hugely for organising the most wonderful wonderful itinerary and trip for us to South Africa. It all worked out perfectly and I think this was very much down to your planning and detail. Thank you for the fantastic info about what to do in each place, and the wonderful tour. Safari in Kariega was FANTASTIC too- we loved it! Thank you so much.

Eilish A

Kildare

Karen made the whole honeymoon process completely stress free! She went above and beyond at every stage to make sure we got exactly what we were looking for. Couldn't recommend her enough! 10/10

Mark & Ashley

Kildare

Karen was very helpful. She took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and came back with several options to choose from. All the communication and next steps outlined were very clear and Karen was very helpful and prompt in responding to any questions. After booking the holiday we received a handwritten card to say thanks which was a lovely touch. I will certainly be using Karen again.

Brian T

Kildare

Karen has been great. Fast, responsive and understanding.

Fiona O'B

Dublin

Super friendly and efficient. Hassle free booking and payment system.

Caroline M

Carlow

Brilliant service, great follow up, really clear options. Karen was meticulous in making sure we were able to book the right cruise for our large group and also ensured we got the right cabins & options. It’s been a breeze booking through her & I’m so thankful for her attention to detail! Highly recommend!!

Martha R

Dublin

Karen was great to deal with, nothing was a problem and she did everything so we could have a stress free and exciting holiday, would totally recommend.

Paddy M

Dublin

Karen was truly amazing! She worked tirelessly until she got everything on my wish list in place. Nothing was impossible or too much trouble . Highly recommend Karen for your travel needs. 10/10

Georgina H

Meath

I'm contacting you about the absolutely fantastic plans you provided for our trip. I don't believe I could have been more pleased. You listened to our desires and concerns and melded the mix. We were so pleased with how seamlessly everything appeared before us. Thank you for listening carefully and adding your expert instincts to each of our requests. I also must mention that the tour guides were above and beyond our expectations. I felt we were so spoiled, the guides were excellent in knowledge and courtesy. Thank you for your help in making our trip a special memory for life. I appreciate your attention to detail. You are good at this!

Chris W

Dublin

10/10 Excellent service, very attentive, would highly recommend

Evan A

Kildare

10/10 Excellent advice and assistance, and very helpful

Ann N

Kildare

Second trip with Karen , I have recommended her to others. Karen organised my last trip to Poland and it was just right. Hotel, transfers etc all worked out perfectly. 10/10

Grainne W

Kildare

Karen goes above and beyond to satisfy her client's requests and nothing is ever too much trouble. I have recommended her to numerous friends and colleagues. 10/10.

Gay W

Dublin

Karen was so helpful and knowledgeable, very giving of her time and a delight to work with. 10/10

Nicola O'H

Limerick

Very efficient and warm personality. You feel like you have your own personal agent for the process, which I guess you have! Would highly recommend Karen.

Anne-Marie D

Dublin

Karen has been a pleasure to deal with. We are a group of 10 people who have a variety of needs and are splitting our trip into various destinations once we reach Thailand and then meeting towards the end again and returning home together. Her knowledge of Thailand, flights and places to stay made it so much easier for us to decide on what we wanted. I would highly recommend her if you are planning a trip and want to take the hassle out of planning and booking flights, accommodation and transfers. 5 star service all around.

Eoin H

Kildare

A uniquely personalised booking experience! I recently booked a cruise for 2025 with Karen. From the moment I made contact with Karen, she carefully listened to what we wanted and advised us on what our options were. Through each step of the booking Karen asked us the right questions in order to create the perfect booking for our family. Karen tailors exactly what you want and offers her expert advice on what to consider. She makes the whole process so enjoyable and easy. We are so excited about our trip next year and I know Karen is at the end of the phone if we have any queries at any stage. I would highly recommend Karen to co-create your next holiday!

Deirdre C

Cavan

10/10 - Karen was so helpful and always got back to me promptly with any questions I had. I thoroughly recommend Travel Counsellors.

Leah G

Roscommon

Huge thanks to Karen for her patience in dealing with my holiday requests & options - it takes so much hassle out of it.

Edel K

Cork

10/10 absolutely super individualised service offered

Roisin M

Dublin

Karen was recommended to me by a trusted friend. I was really nervous about the prospect of organising, researching, and sourcing information about my trip of a lifetime to Vietnam. I was so glad that I made contact with her. She is engaging, was always eager to listen and tailor our travels to what we wanted to do but at the same time made suggestions and recommendations for us to consider. And so glad that we did - from our hotel accommodation, flight times and route. A gem of a Travel Counsellor.

Sandra M

Dublin

I used Karen recently to assist me arranging a trip away with my mother. Karen took the time to understand our specific requirements and then reverted with a number of suggestions. Karen made the whole process painless and hassle free. Will definitely use her again.

Sinead S

Kildare

Working with Karen for my six-week trip to Asia was an absolute pleasure. Having a consistent point of contact for each call made the planning process so much easier. Karen's professionalism and expertise were clear, particularly when she managed a last-minute flight change during my travels, while I had very patchy wifi! I highly recommend her for all your travel needs.

Brian R

Dublin

A 45 second tour of Celebrity Apex

A 45 second tour of Celebrity Apex

Take a quick tour of Celebrity Apex with me. This beautiful ship is the ideal cruise for adults who enjoy a refined cruise experience with exceptional food.

05 May 2026

Escorted Tours

Escorted Tours

Find out all about the different types of Escorted Tours to help you explore the world with support

21 Apr 2026

Large Family Group Holidays

Large Family Group Holidays

How to plan your perfect multi generational family holiday - bring the grandparents, parents & grandkids

23 Mar 2026

Travel Hints & Tips

Travel Hints & Tips

Travel Hints & Tips. Why its so important to book with a travel professional

09 Mar 2026

Episode 4 Solo Travel

Episode 4 Solo Travel

In Episode 4 we chatted about Solo Travel, and all the different ways people can enjoy a solo adventure

23 Feb 2026

Episode 3 Bucket List Trips

Episode 3 Bucket List Trips

Episode 3 of the Travel Slot was all about Bucket List Trips and making them happen. You can listen to the full podcast on www.kfmradio.ie

16 Feb 2026

Episode 2 Find Your Perfect Cruise

Episode 2 Find Your Perfect Cruise

Episode 2 of the Travel Slot on KFM was all about cruise, check out the highlights here and listen to the full episode on www.kfmradio.ie

09 Feb 2026

Quick Tour of Marrakesh

Quick Tour of Marrakesh

Take a quick look around Marrakesh with me

09 Jun 2025

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