Sarah Appleton
My expertise
I'm based in
Dublin
It's Nice To Meet You
Travel is not just what I do, it is how I see the world. I specialise in luxury honeymoons, bucket‑list adventures, cruises and long‑haul escapes, designing trips that feel personal rather than “off the shelf”.
Over the last 19 years I have worked in travel and explored more than 60 countries, from snowy Arctic landscapes to tiny tropical islands. That first‑hand experience means I can talk you through what it is really like to wake up in an over‑water villa in the Maldives, watch wildlife from a jeep on safari, or swap your everyday commute for the Rocky Mountaineer gliding through the Canadian Rockies. Expedition cruises to the Galápagos and the Arctic have given me a particular soft spot for trips that go beyond the usual tourist trail, while recent travels to Uganda & South Africa have reminded me how special a well‑crafted cultural journey can be.
When you work with me as your personal Travel Counsellor, my job is to understand what matters most to you. That might be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime honeymoon, a multi‑generation family adventure, or a cruise where everything simply flows. I then use my knowledge and trusted worldwide partners to pull everything together into a trip that feels effortless for you, but thoughtfully designed behind the scenes.
I know your time away is precious. I take care of the details, look after the “what ifs” and keep an eye on the little touches that turn a good holiday into a great one. With the backing of Travel Counsellors, you also have the reassurance that we are fully licensed and bonded, so your money is always protected.
It can be hard to find time to sit down and plan a holiday so I am available for a one-to-one service at a time and location convenient to you, including evenings and weekends, either in person, over the phone or even a zoom video call. If you are stuck for any inspiration or just want to talk through a few ideas about turning them into a reality I’d love to have a chat with you, please feel free to give me a call or drop me an email.
Special Trip to Rio De janeiro
Trying to find a destination to celebrate my 40th birthday in style, somewhere close enough for a short break, but far enough away to avail of good weather and settle my desire for the exotic, I decided on Rio De Janeiro for end of March 2024. Having booked Air France premium economy, we were delighted when we got an opportunity to upgrade the tickets to business class at the airport for an addit
26 May 2025 3 min read
Music City, Nashville
When we flew to Nashville courtesy of British Airways, they insisted we try out their Premium economy, a great opportunity to compare it to their economy and business class offering. I was very pleased with the small cabin, only 25 seats, separate from economy, quieter & more spacious. We were in the middle of the middle row, and they were still great seats and made the journey much more comfortab
26 May 2025 4 min read
Exploring Sri Lanka
Having travelled around a lot of Asia already, Sri Lanka has been high on my list for the last few years. A location that has so much to explore, from the cultural triangle with its myriad of UNESCO World Heritage sites, travelling up into the misty, and much cooler, mountain trail through the tea plantations, amazing scenery, iconic train journeys and wildlife experiences like free roaming elepha
09 Feb 2024 4 min read
Tropical St Lucia
Did you know, St Lucia is the only country in the world named after a (human) woman? Ireland is the only other state named after a female but this is the Celtic goddess of Fertility Eire, so there you have it! Speak to any St Lucian and they are incredibly proud of their lovely island and its namesake. You would be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into one of the sets of Jurassic Park with
09 Jun 2023 3 min read
Memories made in Marrakesh
Turning 40 in style, well not me just yet, but my friend certainly planned to be when I was tasked with organising a fabulous birthday get together abroad. Post pandemic and having missed several years of celebrations it was the perfect reason to get a group of his nearest and dearest together to celebrate. A lot of special considerations went in to picking this villa, but ultimately this one won
26 Aug 2022 3 min read
Luxury Thailand
The Land of Smiles, where visitors are very often surprised by the ability of Thai people to smile through virtually every situation, and visiting Thailand coming out of the pandemic this couldn't be more evident. The Thai people are very welcoming and despite the difficult government procedures in place at the time of travelling, those working in hospitality on the ground made sure it was as hass
23 May 2022 4 min read
Winter Break in Iceland
The stunning scenery in Iceland makes for a fantastic break no matter what time of year. I ventured over in November to explore their winter activities, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. A big highlight of my trip was a Full Circle day tour. Our adventure began being picked up from the hotel in a monster super jeep, we headed out in style through Iceland’s stunning natural scenery; Gullfoss W
20 Dec 2021 3 min read
Going wild in South Africa
For those who have visited South Africa before you will know how amazingly hospitable it is. Offering great restaurants showcasing superb local food and wine, a wide variety of activity and adventure, as well as spectacular scenery, wildlife galore and a beautiful range of accommodation. For something a little different on your South Africa trip, you should consider taking time out to visit Kwazul
24 Apr 2020 4 min read
Exploring Vietnam
I love being out on the water and so I knew one of the highlights of Vietnam for me would be going out to the UNESCO world heritage site, Halong Bay. I always prefer authentic experiences and it was important to me that we would take the less beaten path, so we took a boat for two nights also taking in Lan Ha Bay. Our 4* junk ship did not disappoint, complete luxury from the minute we stepped
25 Mar 2019 4 min read
Iconic train through the Rocky Mountains
Travelling in style on the BA Dreamliner in Club Class I settle back to enjoy a glass of champagne and the amazing space of both the cabin and the seating - of course I must take advantage of both the three-course a la carte menu and the fully lie flat beds too, before landing into snowy Calgary. The gateway to the Rockies we don’t stay long but as we say, ‘we are here for a good time not a lo
16 Jan 2019 5 min read
Wildlife & Advenutre in Borneo
I hadn’t really planned on climbing Mount Kinabalu when I first intended to go to Borneo, however all the tours I liked seemed to have it included so off I went. I am so glad I did, well maybe I had a few doubts as I was doing the climb, but the sense of achievement, the camaraderie along the way and the spectacular views made it all worthwhile. It’s only a two-day trek but it’s incredibly tough.
08 Apr 2018 4 min read
Sunshine in Mexico
Having been to the areas of Cancun/Playa Del Carmen three times now I have managed to stay in a variety of hotels and undertake a range of activities, and I would still go back again! Where to start? There are some fabulous resorts here, great service, delicious food, white sand beaches and tropical weather, what’s not to love?! The all-inclusive resorts really do cater for everyone, and I fin
01 Mar 2018 4 min read
Norwegian Coastal Cruise
I was so excited for this trip to Norway. I have been on expedition cruises before and knew this was going to offer a truly special experience, outstanding natural beauty, wildlife spotting and a chance to see the Northern Lights! We started the trip arriving in Bergen, a city surrounded by stunning mountains and fjords, for a one-night pre-cruise stay. Colourful wooden houses line the Old Wharf
23 Feb 2018 4 min read
Cruising the Galapagos Islands
Arriving in Baltra was quite simply one of the most exciting feelings, almost like I had landed on another planet. The land is so barren and vast, a mixture of black volcanic rock, red dust and occasional cactus, with one solemn airport hangar in view. We were all buzzing with excitement and great anticipation of the trip that was to come, as this is typically a bucket list type destination. A
01 Feb 2018 3 min read
Your Honeymoon: Designed Around You
I am often asked: “Where do people usually go on honeymoon?” My honest answer is that there is no single “usual” honeymoon. For me, the perfect honeymoon is created from your shared sense of adventure, the places you have always dreamed of visiting together, and the experiences that feel most “you”. Every honeymoon is different. There are no set rules and no one-size-fits-all itinerary. This is y
01 Feb 2018 4 min read
Stunning South Africa
South Africa is one of my top recommendations everyone should visit. Starting with Cape Town, this city really does have it all; a cosmopolitan city scene, combined with beautiful beaches, abundance of local wildlife, wineries, amazing local landscapes, and for the most part fantastic weather to enjoy it all in. Even when the weather is cooler in the winter months there is plenty to keep you o
01 Feb 2018 3 min read
Paradise in the Maldives
Maldives has been on my list of places to visit for as long as I can remember, the white sand beaches and the idyllic crystal-clear waters, with incredible marine life, topped off by staying in an overwater bungalow, paradise! There are only several places in the world where it is possible to stay in an over-water villa, and my Maldives trip certainly lived up to my expectations! After landing
21 Sept 2017 4 min read
Canada; the Rockies and Calgary Stampede!
Having lived in Canada in my early twenties for a year, I have a real fondness for the country, the people, the landscapes and the outdoor activities. Whether it be hiking and kayaking through the Rockies during the summer, or skiing one if its magnificent peaks in the winter (I highly recommend Whistler and Mount Tremblant for winter sports). My most recent visit saw me flying in to Vancouv
02 Aug 2017 4 min read
Arctic Experience
Prior to this trip I was a little oblivious to this whole world of wonder and just exactly what would make this trip so spectacular, after all there isn’t even a detailed itinerary to go with a trip attempting to circumnavigate around Svalbard! The very fact that there isn’t a set itinerary makes you realise how special going to the Arctic really is. Nothing is guaranteed, not the weather, nor
01 Aug 2017 4 min read
Exotic Thailand
Thailand is one of my favourite holiday destinations. It has so much going for it, great weather, idyllic beaches, amazing people, delicious food, a variety of shopping - including plenty of markets, diverse wildlife, plenty of culture, fantastic spas, and nightlife should you want it! My latest trip saw us stopping off in Bangkok for a few nights; a real love it or hate it city. Personally, I
01 Aug 2017 4 min read
That yawn!
Safari in St Lucia Wetlands, amazing for hippo sightings
11 Feb 2022
Beyond the Horizon
Creating new memories, where will you travel to next...?
17 Oct 2020
When a baby elephant looks you in the eye!
An amazing safari in South Africa. Who could ever forget a moment like this, truly magical...
15 Jun 2019
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