This week our travel columnist Angela Perkins from Designer Travel talks about bucket list holidays and helping her children understand different cultures and ways of life

I HAVE just returned from a wonderful holiday in Morocco with my family.

Marrakech has been on my bucket list for a long time so it was great to finally tick it off.

Morocco is a great alternative to the Canary Islands when you are seeking some winter sunshine.

The weather was perfect for sightseeing and relaxing by the pool and the hotel we stayed in had some great facilities for the children – they even learnt to trapeze.

People were a little surprised when I said I was taking the children with me as they didn’t think it was a suitable place for a family holiday and that we should be cautious.

This is a common misconception when travelling somewhere a little different.

We explored Jamal Place and the medinas with ease and were not hassled at all, even in the evening.

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I must admit, it was crazy busy and I had to keep a tight hold of my children’s hands but we were able to wander freely and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I believe it is important for children to experience different types of holidays and for me, that includes embracing different cultures and beliefs.

My son has been learning about different religions in school so he was interested to see the mosques and hear the call for prayer.

My daughter was most excited to ride a camel which we did and I had forgotten just how comfortable it is.

On this holiday I made sure we had just the right mix of seeing and doing and lots of down time too – and it worked perfectly.

Marrakech was certainly a feast for the senses and a memorable holiday and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it to my clients.

So having ticked Marrakech off my bucket list, let me tell you about some of the dream trips that I have been booking for my clients recently:

  • New York Christmas shopping breaks – and these are now on sale for 2020 too
  • Family Florida trips
  • Lapland for that once in a lifetime experience
  • Iceland and the Northern Lights
  • Canada and the Rocky Mountains
  • Inca Trail to Peru
  • Las Vegas to see a show – there are some really great artists performing in 2020
  • Self driving New Zealand holiday in a camper van

In my industry every day is different and it’s never dull.

So here are some interesting travel facts from ABTA – The Travel Association:

Despite the digital age, seven out of 10 Brits would still prefer to book their holiday with someone they trust

  • Seven out of 10 Brits are planning a trip abroad in the next 12 months
  • 21 per cent of people are planning to take an all inclusive holiday in the next 12 months
  • New York, Orlando and Las Vegas are the three destinations that are searched for the most

As an independent travel agent I work with hundreds of tour operators and suppliers.

I am also a Jet 2 holiday specialist.

Since the collapse of Thomas Cook in September, Jet2 Holidays responded quickly to the extra demand across the UK by adding thousands of seats and holidays to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Spain.

So if you are after some advice about where to go on your holiday next year please get in touch.

Angela is an award-winning travel agent who embarked on the journey of setting up her own business five years ago.

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The mum-of-two from Penketh, who was highly commended in our Warrington Guardian Customer Service Awards earlier this year, is available to answer your travel questions.

You can also get in touch if you want to find out more about a possible holiday booking with Ang. Email angperkins@designertravel.co.uk