Where has the GLT team been in 2025?

1. Blue skies at Disneyland Paris and magic moments 

Rob Yandell: My wife, two daughters and I travelled to Disneyland Paris by car using LeShuttle to cross the Channel and enjoyed three fantastic nights and fun-packed days there, creating lasting memories. If your group includes families this is still a special trip to organise but with so many options there is much to consider. It was busy in the Easter Holidays so if you go with an all-adult group (I saw plenty) then opting for a time outside the school holidays makes sense. That said, it was not uncomfortably busy and we were blessed with incredible weather for April which obviously makes a huge difference.

2. Celebrating 75 years of Blenheim

Keeley Rodgers: During maternity leave I enjoyed visiting plenty of family-friendly places. Blenheim Palace is at the top of the list, especially with its Adventure Play attraction and the fact that it’s celebrating 75 years of opening throughout 2025. The kids’ reactions said it all – there was a lot of excitement! There’s so much for little and bigger ones to do; we spent hours exploring and playing with welcome breaks for a picnic lunch as well as various activities on offer, story time and wand making on the day we visited. The water play area was ideal for a warm summer’s day as were the delicious ice-creams. Blenheim has something for all ages – and even if you’ve been before, I bet you’ll find something new to experience - maybe even a go on the zipline?

3. The Highlights of the Med 

Gareth Davies: The family and I enjoyed a fantastic cruise on the TUI Marella Discovery, sailing the ‘Highlights of the Mediterranean’; we stopped at Corsica, the ports for Rome, Pisa and Florence, Cannes and finally Barcelona before heading back to Palma in Majorca. Having never been to Rome or Florence I was excited to cross these amazing cities off my bucket list. Florence was a particular highlight for me; I felt fully immersed in its wonderful history and was spellbound by the beautiful Italian architecture. Just wow. What a wonderful week we had both on and off Marella Discovery.

4. Jane Austen 250 launch at the National Portrait Gallery 

Finley Cannon: This year marked 250 years of Jane Austen and I was invited to the National Portrait Gallery in London by Visit West for the launch of Jane Austen 250, a year of events taking place throughout areas of the country where the famed author lived, studied and found inspiration for her novels. I enjoyed opportunities to meet representatives from the likes of Visit West, Visit Reading, Jane Austen’s House and The Jane Austen Festival, to find out what they have planned. It was also fascinating to see the National Portrait Gallery before it was open to the public.

5. Jeff Lynn’s ELO Concert 

Graham Yandell: Going to concerts, shows and theatre is always high on the hit list of many GTOs and Birmingham’s Utilita Arena is one of several popular venues that have brilliant regular attractions. I was lucky enough to attend the Electric Light Orchestra concert which is Jeff Lynn’s final tour. The band played to a full house and hit after hit got everyone on their feet for a most enjoyable and memorable evening. We even had Dhani Harrison, son of Beatle George Harrison join the band to play three Travelling Wilbury numbers. All in all, a night in Birmingham to remember as very special.

6. Relaxing in the Algarve 

Trevor Templeman: I enjoyed a 12-day break in Alvor, a seaside resort and fishing village in Portugal’s Algarve region. We enjoyed walking along the banks of the Ria de Alvor estuary where local fishermen dock their boats and tour guides wait to take you on coastal trips to see dolphins and caves. In the evenings we ate at wonderful seafood restaurants and relaxed in the friendly bars. A walk along the beach boardwalk across the wetlands of the Alvor river, which provides a habitat for resident and migratory birds, is a must.

7. Visit to the Cotswolds 

Sharon Yandell: The Cotswolds is without doubt one of the most attractive areas in the UK and perfect for a short break and group visits. I stayed at the historic Lygon Arms, located at Broadway and was particularly lucky with glorious weather which followed many weeks of rain. Visits to the village of Slad (the childhood home of author Laurie Lee) and Bourton-on-the-Water were delightful, and Broadway itself has a variety of shops and galleries to browse, plus the mandatory pubs - and of course the famous Broadway Tower for spectacular views around the countryside. There are many historic churches in the area along with other attractions. In addition, shopping and other delights can be found in Cheltenham, Burford, Gloucester and Cirencester.

8. Exploring Japan

Natasha Howard: I’ve wanted to visit Japan since I was a child, so you can imagine how excited I was for my holiday to Tokyo – during cherry blossom season too! My time away was spent visiting shrines, landmarks and gardens, as well as the (slightly unusual) 19.7m tall Gundam statue in Odaiba. For pop culture fanatics, Tokyo is a true haven – from themed cafés to virtual reality arcades, it’s impossible to be bored. Those seeking a quieter day out will not be disappointed either, as I walked through some beautiful, well-kept public gardens, and even took part in a relaxed perfume workshop. There is so much to see – I’m already planning what I’ll do when I return.

9. Spring arriving at Burghley House 

Chloe Boyles: We took advantage of the early spring sunshine and took a trip to Burghley House in Stamford and it was a really lovely day. We walked through the grounds, which are extremely vast and provide great views of the house and the surrounding beauty. We had lunch in the Orangery restaurant and finished the day with visiting the gardens. The historic venue offers group tours of the house and gardens with interesting specialist tours showing conservation in action.

10. The most magical place on Earth 

Gavin Seljamae-Waite: We spent two weeks in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida for our family holiday this year. Having visited in the past, this was the first time we stayed on a Disney property and we chose the Port Orlean’s French Quarter, which is the smallest hotel Disney has to offer, which was perfect for us. With so many parks to visit, and a wide range of food available, you’ll never be short of something to do. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was a personal highlight for me, and our daughter meeting the Mandalorian & Grogu was a magical experience. Disney are right, even with the extreme heat, coupled with the crowds, this may just be the ‘most magical place on Earth’.

11. Exploring Hatfield House 

Ingrid Hansford: I visited Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, home to the Cecil family for over 400 years. Hatfield is rich in history and Queen Elizabeth I lived in the Old Palace, where tours can be arranged. It is a popular place for filming and has been used for scenes in Bridgerton, Harry Potter and The Crown. The extensive parkland is beautiful and has picnic areas, and there is a restaurant too. Group visits are available and it has excellent disabled facilities. I would definitely recommend a visit.

12. Bonjour from the French Riviera 

Emily Morgan: Fancy a relaxing getaway with pastries along the Mediterranean coastline? The French Riviera is the place to be! We enjoyed spending a week in Cannes, famous for its upscale atmosphere. The great location allowed us to travel to Saint-Tropez to have lunch by the marina, surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings and lively markets. Monaco lived up to its glamorous expectation with luxury vehicles and buildings like the Casino de Monte-Carlo. A highlight was being able to follow the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix track as I’m a huge fan of motorsport. A French Riveria bonus is that you’re not too far from the Italian border where my partner and I drove through the Alpes and explored the peaceful alpine towns.