Di Harkness

I started working for Thomas Cook in 2016, learning many aspects of the travel industry and foreign exchange. However, I really wanted to work for an independent travel agent who could book with any supplier which not only meant I could meet the needs of every customer but would also increase my knowledge.

I came to Hanson Travel who had been established over 30 years in Pudsey and held a fantastic reputation in and around Pudsey, the local area and the travel industry. So was very happy to join a very experienced well-established team.

Where I have visited?

Gosh, where do I start? My first holiday abroad was with my mum, dad and sister to Santa Ponsa, Majorca.

I have then been lucky enough to travel to many places over the years such as the Canaries, Spain, Greece, Greek Islands, Turkey, Florida, Russia, Austria, Norway, Portugal, Italy, France and the Dominican Republic to name a few.

I also love cruising! I have sailed to the Norwegian Fjords, sailed round the Eastern and Western Mediterranean visiting many Greek Islands, wonderful European cities and landmarks. Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Croatia, Santorini, Monaco, Nice, St Tropez, Cannes, Gibraltar, Athens, Madeira, Mykonos, Kefalonia, Rhodes, Naples and Corsica are some of my favourites.

Favourite destination:

My favourite family holiday has to be Florida. It really did tick all the boxes for everyone; lovely weather, thoroughly entertained with all the different theme parks (you can’t go to Florida without going to Disneyworld), but Universal was my ultimate favourite. There are lots of additional sights to see, you can have relaxation days by the pool, the crazy golf out there is fantastic and you can’t go home until you have shopped for all the bargains, so leave room in your luggage to bring it home.

For sightseeing it has to be Rome, visiting the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and St Peters Basilica. Venice for the ride on the Gondola, (I have always wanted to do that!), Villa Franche for the prettiest port with the coloured houses and stunning setting, but my ultimate favourite has to be Monaco, visiting the sights but actually walking the Grand Prix circuit was a definite tick off the list.

For relaxation warmth and friendliness, it has to be the Greek islands, Rhodes and Kefalonia hold some lovely memories for me.

My ultimate favourite holiday though has to be just relaxing in the sun, enjoying a cocktail or two, sightseeing and making memories.

Travel tip:

Do your homework before and book through a travel agent who can give you lots of tips and advice on your destinations and up to date travel requirements.

Last holiday:

My last holiday was Costa Adeje in Tenerife to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

We had lovely weather and I was very impressed with Costa Adeje; lovely friendly people, lovely restaurants and bars, the beach was lovely and it’s has a gorgeous shopping centre. Plus, you can walk on the coastline into Playa de las Americas, so lots to see and do.

Where next?

My next holiday will be a Caribbean cruise (if I’m lucky).

I can’t wait to explore the Caribbean islands and visit some of the sights they have to offer.

There’s nothing better than planning and booking a holiday. With so many places to go, from coach holidays, city breaks, beach holiday’s, to long haul holidays, road trips, multi centres, and tailor-made holidays to suit. The joy in putting together someone’s dream holiday is so rewarding, giving out tickets and seeing how excited they are and even more special when they come back and feedback on the fabulous time they’ve had.