Behind the Scenes - June 2026

June 2026

Behind

the

Scenes

Behind

the

Scenes

by designer travel

We are an independent travel business with over 180

professional travel experts nationwide.

Can you believe we have over 4,000 years of travel

experience between us?

Being part of the Hays Independence Group gives us

access to over 500 suppliers offering a mind-blowing array

of holiday options including cruises, attractions, villas, ski,

motor-racing, sports and safaris – In fact, you name any

sort of holiday and most likely we can find it for you! For

your financial peace of mind we only sell ABTA (L318X) and

ATOL (5534) bonded products providing complete financial

protection.

Experience & Knowledge

designertravel.co.uk

It is hard to believe that we are fast approaching the longest day of the year and,

as we write this, the balmy summer "heatwave" in the UK is fast becoming a dim

and distant memory.

From June through to the end of September, we experience our peak travelling

season with thousands of customers heading off around the world. Family holidays

is an area that we specialise in. We have a vast, combined knowledge, of resorts

that are just perfect for a family getaway - from the more traditional family to

multi generation travel, where up to four generations enjoy a special holiday and

make memories that will last forever. In this month's magazine we look at family

holiday options including a cruise, adventures in Florida and one of the most

popular family focused countries offering great value for money hotels and resorts

- Turkey.

This summer we are also encouraging our Designer Travel extended family to get

involved in practical ways that you can make a difference to the environment at

home or abroad. For more details see our article on page xx of this month's edition.

If you are looking for a late getaway or considering planning ahead for 2027/8 then

please do get in touch and we will do our very best to find you your perfect holiday.

Welcome to our June edition of

Behind the Scenes by Designer Travel

Welcome

Enjoy the warmer, lighter spring days!

Karen & Amanda, on behalf of the whole Designer Travel team

Get in touch with your Professional Travel Expert

Samos

Canada’s East Coast

Spectacular scenery, friendly communities and a

relaxed pace makes this part of Canada perfect for

family adventures. From the coastal beauty of Nova

Scotia and Prince Edward Island to whale watching,

beaches and fresh seafood, the region combines

outdoor experiences with rich culture and history. It’s

also an easy option for UK travellers, with shorter

flight times than Western Canada, making it ideal

for families wanting a manageable long-haul

holiday with plenty to explore.

Inspiration

Booking holidays for families is naturally a huge market for Designer

Travel, but not every family wants the same thing. We’re always seeking

new recommendations and hidden gems that we can recommend to our

customers, from new destinations to new ways to travel.

The Greek island of Samos is one of the

Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. With its unspoilt

beaches, traditional villages, warm hospitality and

relaxed atmosphere, it offers an authentic Greek

escape away from the crowds of more well-known

islands. Samos is especially ideal for families, thanks

to its safe, welcoming environment, calm shallow

waters, family-run tavernas and mix of nature, culture

and outdoor activities that appeal to all ages.

Family holiday ideas

Visit our website for more inspiration

The Junior Ranger programme on some of Holland America

Line’s Alaska cruises gives children the chance to learn

about the incredible wildlife, glaciers and natural history of

Alaska in a fun and interactive way. Through onboard

activities, educational talks and hands-on exploration,

children can earn their own Junior Ranger badge while

discovering the region’s unique environment. It’s a brilliant

addition for families, combining adventure, learning and

unique experiences.

Adventure touring in Morocco is a fantastic way for

families

experience

culture,

nature

and

adventure all in one trip. From camel rides in the

Sahara Desert and exploring colourful souks in

Marrakech, to hiking in the Atlas Mountains and

staying

traditional

riads,

Morocco

offers

unforgettable experiences for all ages. With short

flight times from the UK, warm hospitality and a

wide variety of activities, it’s an exciting yet

accessible

destination

for

families

seeking

something different.

Child-friendly cruising

Adventure touring in Morocco

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

Contact your Professional Travel Expert for itineraries & prices for any of these holidays ideas

Get in touch with your Professional Travel Expert

Travelling to Europe?

Entry/Exit System (EES) – Latest

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) has now been in operation

across European border points for some time and is being used

for all UK and other non-EU travellers entering and leaving

participating countries.

What does this mean for you when travelling?

Whilst many travellers are passing through border controls

without issue, there have been reports of longer waiting times

at some airports and border crossing points, particularly during

peak travel periods.

News

What’s new in travel?

Our tips for travel this summer

Arrive at the airport in good time – we recommend at least three hours before

departure for both outbound and return flights when travelling through

European border control

Keep passports and travel documents readily accessible

Have accommodation and return travel details available if requested

Ensure your mobile phone is charged and switched on upon arrival

Allow extra time when travelling to Europe for immigration and border checks

Be prepared for queues during busy travel periods

Need More Information?

If you have any questions regarding EES or your upcoming holiday, please speak to

your travel expert, who will be happy to help.

In the Media

Important stories, news & advice

Visit our website for more inspiration

From latest releases to old favourites, our team at Designer Travel are never short

of holiday read recommendations. Here are some of the books that we’ve not

been able to put down this summer:

Book Club

Our summer holiday reading list

Have you read a great book that you’d like to share with us in the next edition of

Behind the Scenes? Email us BTSfeedback@designertravel.co.uk

Your holiday reading recommendations

The Wedding People, by Alison Espach

The Women, by Kristin Hannah

Table for Two, by Amor Towles

The Safekeep, by Yael van der Wouden

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Welcome to Glorious Tuga, by Francesca Segal

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

Get in touch with your Professional Travel Expert

Located just 15 minutes from Didim, known to many British travellers as Altinkum,

the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the local area. As always, we

experienced the destination as our clients would, and Didim delivered.

Spotlight on

At the beginning of May, thirty members of our

team spent three nights in beautiful Türkiye.

With ongoing conflict in the Middle East and

misleading headlines shaping perceptions, we

wanted to use our experience to reassure our

customers that it most certainly is business as

usual in this spectacular country.

Staying at the stunning Anda Barut Collection on the Aegean coast of western

Turkey, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery and experienced outstanding

service, exceptional food and top quality facilities. The resort is ideal for families,

offering sandy beaches, multiple pools, and a brilliant on-site waterpark that rivals

standalone attractions. It balances relaxation and entertainment for all travellers.

TÜRKIYE

through ancient ruins brought

the area’s history to life. Others

explored local shops, bargaining

for souvenirs and designer-

inspired goods, while some

relaxed at beachfront bars with

mezes and drinks by the sea.

A highlight was the Temple of Apollo, a fascinating historical site where walking

Visit our website for more inspiration

Having visited Türkiye many times before, it had been a

couple of years since my last trip, so returning felt especially meaningful.

After recommending the Anda Barut Collection in Didim to clients, including my best

friend, I finally experienced it myself, and it exceeded every expectation. It was also

my first time in this part of Türkiye, which made discovering a different side of the

country special.

From arrival, everything felt effortless and relaxing. The hotel offered beautiful views,

fantastic facilities, excellent dining options, and outstanding service from warm

attentive staff. What impressed me most was how well the resort caters to families,

with an aqua park, mini fun fair, and dedicated spaces for all ages. Everything felt

carefully considered, creating a smooth and enjoyable stay.

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

Book a Turkiye holiday to remember

Contact your Professional Travel Expert

for advice & to help with planning

“Turkiye... if it’s not already on your

summer list, it should be”

by Emma Buckle

Ignore the media hype, Türkiye is a

must-see destination. If it is not already

on your travel list, it should be, I would

return without hesitation.

Exploring Didim and Altinkum added a cultural element, and

throughout we felt safe, welcomed, and at ease. Combined with

sunshine and genuine hospitality, it was the perfect escape.

Get in touch with your Professional Travel Expert

Travelling responsibly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or completely

changing the way you explore the world. In fact, some of the most effective

ways to reduce your environmental impact are also the simplest. Making

small changes to your travel habits can collectively make a huge difference.

Here are some simple steps that can make every journey a little greener.

Sustainability

Small travel habits can make a big difference!

1, Take your own water bottle on holiday

Packing a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest ways to

reduce waste while travelling. It helps cut down on single-use

plastic bottles, saves money on drinks and keeps you hydrated.

Many airports, hotels and attractions now provide refill stations,

making it a simple eco-friendly swap.

2, Opt for public transport

Rather than expensive taxis or car hire, public transport is an incredibly

cost-effective way to travel. Not only is it a more enviromentally way to

travel but it is also cheaper too. On many occasions, it is always a great

way to experience a destination like a local.

3, Help keep beaches clean and rubbish-free

A beach clean may not be on your holiday itinerary, but

spending just a few minutes picking up litter can make a real

difference. Removing plastic and other waste helps protect

marine life, keeps coastlines beautiful and supports local

communities. It’s a simple way for travellers to give something

back to the destinations they enjoy visiting.

Visit our website for more inspiration

4, Take your own tote bag

Packing a reusable bag is a simple way to reduce waste.

Whether you're shopping for souvenirs, carrying beach essentials or picking up

groceries, a tote bag helps avoid the need for single-use plastic bags.

Lightweight and easy to pack, it’s a practical eco-friendly item that can make a

small but meaningful difference.

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

6, Buy local

Buying local when on holiday benefits both the environment and the

destination you’re visiting. Purchasing locally made products and

eating at independent restaurants supports small businesses, helps

keep money within the community and reduces the carbon footprint

associated with imported goods. It’s also a great way to experience

authentic local culture and traditions.

7, Say no to daily towel changes

Reusing your hotel towels for a few days can significantly reduce water and

energy consumption. By opting out of unnecessary towel changes, you help

lower your accommodation’s environmental impact while making a simple

contribution to sustainable travel.

5, Save energy

Turning off air conditioning when you leave your room is a

simple way to save energy. It reduces unnecessary electricity

use, lowers carbon emissions and eases pressure on local

energy systems. Small habits like this help make tourism more

sustainable without affecting your overall experience.

Get in touch with your Professional Travel Expert

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

FLORIDA

Florida has long-been a firm favourite for families

thanks to its sunny climate, world-renowned theme

parks, and diverse range of attractions. A group of our

Professional Travel Experts recently visited Florida

with tour operator Ocean Florida, with a packed

itinerary from villa tours and hotel inspections to

theme park days and time on the Gulf Coast.

Walt Disney World Resort – iconic parks, magical experiences for all ages

Universal Orlando Resort – thrilling rides, immersive worlds and Harry

Potter experiences

Legoland Florida – ideal for younger children and creative play

World‑Famous Theme Parks

Soft white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast including

Clearwater, Naples and Sarasota

Lively Atlantic Coast beaches in Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Crystal clear waters and relaxed island life in the Florida Keys

Sunset cruises, snorkelling and water sports along both coasts

Beatutiful Beaches & Coastal Escapes

Miami’s Art Deco architecture, beach clubs and vibrant nightlife

Shopping, dining and entertainment districts perfect for adults and couples

Cultural influences from Latin America and the Caribbean

World class restaurants, galleries and rooftop bars

Stylish Cities & Culture

Here are what we consider to be some of Florida’s highlights and why you

should consider Florida for your next family adventure.

Visit our website for more inspiration

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

Everglades National Park with airboat rides and eco

adventures

Manatees, dolphins, alligators and diverse birdlife

Kayaking, paddleboarding and guided nature tours

National parks, wetlands and scenic coastal drives

Looking for help in planning a Florida holiday?

Contact your Professional Travel Expert. If you’re consdering

Disney for 2027, take advantage of exceptional early booking

savings with the ‘Free Dining & Drinks’ offer .

Nature & Wildlife Experiences

Luxury Villas and Resorts

Ideal for Multi-Centre Holidays

Year‑Round Sunshine

Spacious private villas in Orlando with their own pools

Luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hotels

Ideal for families wanting flexibility or couples seeking privacy

Excellent value for multi generational travel

Combine Orlando theme parks with beach stays

Add Miami, the Florida Keys or Gulf Coast resorts

Pair Florida with a Caribbean cruise or city break

Perfect balance of excitement and relaxation

Warm climate throughout the year

Peak season weather from November to April

Great summer value for families and longer stays

Get in touch with your Professional Travel Expert

Fun, adventure and exploration

Designer Travel has built strong relationships with a

wide range of leading cruise suppliers, offering an

exceptional choice of family-friendly cruise holidays.

Family Cruising

Allure of the Seas, by Sam Barratt

I cruised with Royal Caribbean on board Allure of the Seas

last year without my family and almost from the moment I

stepped on board it made me want to return with my family

in tow! Here’s why:

they are endless, mini golf, huge dry slides, water

slides, west end performances, the Aqua Show! Not to

mention the parades and ice skating - there's not a moment

to be bored!

Partners including Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line,

Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises provide unique experiences for families, with

incredible onboard facilities designed for all ages.

From spectacular waterparks, thrilling slides and zip lines to interactive kids’

clubs packed with entertainment, families can enjoy endless fun both onboard

and ashore. Many Caribbean itineraries also include visits to private islands,

where guests can experience exciting attractions such as watersports,

adventure parks and unique family activities.

for a start you have Sorrento's Pizza all day / night long, every kids dream!

The Windjammer buffet was like something I'd never seen before - the choice was

huge but the quality was incredible! Not an average buffet! Places like El Loco for

Mexican was fab and all you can eat ice cream on the pool deck was a winner!!

Activities -

Dining -

Visit our website for more inspiration

Want to find out more about family-friendly cruising?

We can advise the right cruise itinerary and cruise

company that best meets your requirements.

Contact your Professional Travel Expert to discuss.

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

the shows were literally jaw dropping and if the kids don't fancy a show

they can go and play in the kids coy or the sports court. There are the arcades too, not to

mention other activities like quizzes etc!

There really is something for everyone from babies to grandparents - I loved it that much I

booked a cruise for my whole family whilst on board and I think it will change the way we

holiday forever!!

As a family, Royal Caribbean will always be our number one choice

for a holiday. Having sailed on around nine of their ships from the

smaller ships to the world’s biggest, they never fail to impress us.

The kids absolutely love the water parks and FlowRider, while we love

Entertainment -

Why I love cruising with Royal Caribbean, by Paula Mottram

the endless activities, incredible inclusive food, and amazing Broadway-style

We already have another two cruises

booked this year, including Oasis of the

Seas and the brand-new Legend of the

Seas, and we honestly can’t wait to make

even more memories together at sea.

shows. We’ve even chosen to spend Christmas onboard because it truly

is the ultimate family holiday experience for us. We struggle to find a land

holiday resort that compares.

WATCH

THE

VIDEO

WATCH

THE

VIDEO

Visit our website for more inspiration

How to win?

Answer this question

In which country would you find the state of Florida?

Dock & Bay makes colourful, quick-dry

towels that are lightweight, compact

and popular for travel, the beach and

fitness. They also sell ponchos, hair

wraps and other accessories.

The company uses recycled materials,

biodegradable packaging and is B Corp

certified. They appeared on Dragons'

Den in 2017 and secured investment from

Deborah Meaden.

Win!

A Dock & Bay giftcard

T&Cs: Only one entry per email address, no cash alternative to the prize, the winner will be

chosen by our Behind the Scenes magazine editorial team. Winner will be notified by email

after 17 July 2026. Click here for full terms.

BEHIND THE SCENES

by Designer Travel

How to enter

Entries should be emailed to:

behindthescenes@designertravel.co.uk

please include your full name, your answer and your

preferred email address.

Closing date for entries is 17 July 2026.

Thank you for reading Behind the Scenes

Please use behindthescenes@designertravel.co.uk for

feedback on any of the content in this month’s

magazine or for suggestions for our next edition.

We value your feedback!