Maria Murphy

Designer Travel Expert

Since July 2021

My name is Maria and I am based on the Wirral, where I have been a Personal Travel Consultant for more than 20 years, arranging all types of holidays and business trips for my clients. Travel is my passion and I am proud to be part of the Designer Travel Team.

I have been selling holidays for over 30 years in total and love to travel and experience new destinations and cultures. Like many of my colleagues, I have been fortunate to visit some amazing places such as; Thailand; Mexico; Bahamas, as well as most of Europe. However, having recently returned from Dubai and Mauritius, I would have to say they are top of my list of my favourite places so far!

As a family, we also love to holiday in Florida which has so much to offer every age group. Although the theme parks are fantastic fun, we also love exploring resorts such as St Augustine and Naples which are surprisingly diverse and very different to action packed Orlando.

I pride myself on offering the very best customer service along with impartial, unbiased advice which is why I have many loyal clients. I have extensive experience of tailor making holidays, and also planning wedding and honeymoons abroad. Having already organised a wedding in Koh Samui Thailand for a couple and 45 guests and also a wedding on a gondola in Venice, followed by a reception in the Cipriani Hotel and Orient Express trip for the honeymoon, so I would be delighted to help you plan your honeymoon or holiday of a lifetime.

Designer Travel are ABTA bonded and truly independent which means I have access to the very best deals and will be able to find you amazing options on flights; accommodation – everything from a villa to a 5* luxury hotel; tours and much more…

To take the stress out of your holiday arrangements and to make your trip extra special, I also offer a complimentary concierge service and will happily book airline seats (fee may apply); arrange restaurant reservations; book excursions; sports games and theatre tickets etc.

Please do not hesitate to call me and I look forward to discussing plans for your next holiday!

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10 Reasons

To book with Designer Travel

1. We Care
We offer more than a computer, we care about your holiday as much as you do
2. Peace of Mind
Every holiday we sell is 100% financially protected and we are here for you whenever you need us
3. We will save you time
We will do all of the research and come back with options that you might not be able to find yourself, as we know where to look
4. Impartial advice
We are totally independent so can source holidays from hundreds of suppliers to find you the perfect one
5. Experience
We are all obsessed with travel, we can offer personal experience and we have influential contacts all over the world
6. Competitive Prices
We may not always be the cheapest, but we are competitive and we offer so much more than an online faceless company
7. Friendly service
We are delighted to offer a very personal service at a time and way that suits you, our repeat booking levels are industry leading
8. We remember you
We get to know you and your holiday needs, we even think about you without you realising when fab deals come in
9. We are here in a crisis
Proven by COVID-19, we have opened and been available every single day to sort new holidays, offer advice or apply for refunds
10. We are grateful
We never take any business for granted, and we know you have a choice so we will always do our very best for you

Articles

21
18th Jul 2024
Maldives
Maldivian paradise

This was my first visit to the Maldives, it is a destination I book a lot but it would not have been...

1st Aug 2024
Maldives
Paradise in the Maldives

Oblu Sangeli is a stunning 5* resort island, 50 minutes from Male by speedboat. If you every wanted ...

30th Mar 2016
Sandals new overwater villas

Overwater villas have always been synonymous with resorts in the Maldives; however, Sandals Caribbea...

22nd Sep 2015
Hard Rock Orlando...Life like a rock star....

If you are looking for a touch of luxury with a touch of uber cool for your Florida holiday then loo...

26th Aug 2015
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando,Live life like a Rock Star!

If you are looking for a touch of luxury with a touch of uber cool for your Florida holiday then loo...

28th Jan 2015
Porto Mare Madeira

Having been told that we MUST visit Madeira by a friend, a native of the island, we decided to go fo...

14th Jul 2017
Africa
Packing hints and tips for a safari adventure

A safari, is for some, a once in a lifetime adventure so it's best to be prepared! Here are our hand...

3rd Mar 2016
Why it is best to buy your Disney Tickets in the UK

Our advice for travellers to Florida has always been to purchase theme park tickets in advance - not...

2nd Mar 2016
How to beat jet lag.....

Flying across time zones is great for our spirit, our soul and our sense of wanderlust, yet it wreak...

26th Jan 2016
Explore Costa Rica

Back in August 2015, British Airways announced a new direct flight from London Gatwick to San Jose t...

18th Jan 2016
Five alternative sights in New York

The Big Apple is home to an array of famous landmarks, from the Empire State Building to the Statue ...

11th Jan 2016
Sarasota

Expand your horizons when you visit Florida and visit Sarasota.... As Sarasota was voted America’s...

4th Jan 2016
Travel 007 style...

Were you inspired by the latest fantastic 007 film Spectre? Then add a little fun in to your next ho...

6th Jan 2016
Safe and secure

As we live our lives through technology, it may be wise to take a minute and think about what we pos...

10th Dec 2015
Christmas Markets

Do something different, it's good for the soul... Why not combine a cheeky few nights away with some...

21st Oct 2015
Let the train take the strain

Ever thought of travelling by train as part of your holiday? We are getting more and more requests ...

21st Oct 2015
Five alternative family destinations....

South Africa.... Has it all in terms of exciting cosmopolitan cities such as Cape Town; rural lands...

8th Mar 2015
USA
Grand Canyon...Walk the Skywalk...

Did you know that in 2016 the National Parks in the USA are celebrating their 100th year anniversary...

28th Jan 2015
Abu Dhabi
Madeira..the floating garden of the Atlantic

It is easy to see why Madeira has been a favourite with British holidaymakers for many years. Situat...

27th Jan 2015
Abu Dhabi
Venice Simplon Orient Express - A Very Special Offer....

We are delighted to offer these one-off special rates on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, from on...

21st Dec 2014
Abu Dhabi
Dubai in the summer?

A question I get asked frequently and the answer will depend on how hot you like it, or can bear it...

Accommodation Recommendations

24
Oman
Adult Only Holidays
Shangri-La Al Husn

Shangri-La Al Husn has some of the largest rooms and suites in Muscat, which take inspiration from m...

Dubai
Family Holidays
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is a prestigious hotel on Jumeirah Beach which will cater to yo...

Dubai
Family Holidays
Jumeirah Al Naseem

Jumeirah Al Naseem is set within lush, landscaped gardens bordering an expansive sandy beach. Warm b...

Rest of Croatia
Family Holidays
Lafodia Sea Resort, Island of Lopud

Set in a hillside on the peaceful island of Lopud is Lafodia Sea Resort which enjoys magnificent vie...

Dubrovnik Riviera
Family Holidays
Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel

This contemporary luxury hotel opened in 2015 and enjoys panoramic views of the sea from a lovely be...

Dubrovnik Riviera
Hotel Croatia, Cavtat

As well as having the lovely old town of Cavtat within easy walking distance, Dubronik is just over ...

Dubrovnik Riviera
Family Holidays
Admiral Grand Hotel

You have the beach right on your doorstep at the Admiral Grand Hotel – a picture-perfect place for...

Tenerife
Family Holidays
Iberostar Hotel Anthelia

There are three pools at the hotel – two fresh water heated pools and one unheated seawater pool. ...

Dubai
Family Holidays
Hotels with Waterslides
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa

This luxurious hotel boasts luxurious accommodation, 11 dining and lounge choices, seven outdoor poo...

Dubai
Family Holidays
Honeymoon Destinations
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has all you could wish for and more; a 59 metre infinity pool, children’s po...

Porto
The Yeatman

The hotel’s spa is an oasis of serenity and wellbeing where you can recline in the hot tub and tak...

Porto
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site

The rooms are decorated in classic tones, have large bathrooms and most face the river. There‘s a ...

Porto
Pestana Palacio do Freixo

The panoramic outdoor pool faces the river plus there is an indoor heated pool. Visiting the city c...

Abu Dhabi
Hilton Alexandria Corniche

For relaxing days, take the free shuttle to the private beach or indulge yourself in the wellness sp...

Costa Del Sol
Family Holidays
Puente Romano Marbella

Located halfway between Marbella and Puerto Banus, the hotel occupies a prime location with direct a...

Madeira
Family Holidays
Porto Mare

The resort has two outdoor pools, two indoor pools and a children’s pool, plus there’s easy acce...

Dubrovnik Riviera
Family Holidays
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik has three glorious pools as well as being close to the beach and sparkling eme...

Oman
Family Holidays
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Al Bustan Palace has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay as busy as you want to ma...

Florida
Mandarin Oriental, Miami

With South Beach just 10 minutes away and shopping opportunities close at hand, the hotel offers the...

Madeira
The Vine, Funchal

The hotel has a rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool and an in-and-outdoor heated whirlpool.You can ...

Madeira
Family Holidays
Honeymoon Destinations
Reid's Palace

The hotel has three heated swimming pools with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Two are seawate...

Dubai
Family Holidays
Hotels with Waterslides
Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The hotel has a host of leisure facilities including a private beach with a range of watersports a...

Dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai

With a beautiful location adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the Park Hyatt is an ideal...

Dubai
Family Holidays
Hotels with Waterslides
Madinat Jumeirah Resort

The resort offers an impressive range of facilities; from complimentary access to the Wild Wadi™ W...

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