Jacob Wells has been in the industry for 13 years and has issued advice to holidaymakers
Travel agent Jacob Wells(Image: alan mcaleavey)
Jacob Wells has worked in the travel industry for more than 13 years, and recently took the plunge to open his own business in Heswall. He shared five of the locations offering the best value for money for ECHO readers looking to get the most for their money abroad, and all but one of the locations have flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Faro, Portugal – The Algarve Never Fails
Portugal often gets overlooked, but the Algarve is absolutely gorgeous, but brilliant value too. If you’re after something lively, Albufeira has all the swanky bars and trendy restaurants you’d want, with beaches to match.
But if you’re in need of a more relaxed break, there are some stunning resorts stretched along the coast with golden beaches and proper peace and quiet. It’s one of the sunniest spots in Europe (over 300 days of sunshine a year!) and whether it’s a spa weekend or a seaside escape, you get a lot for your money here.
Heraklion, Crete – A Place That Has It All
I’m biased with this one (I actually lived in Crete for a year) but it honestly ticks every box: beaches, mountains, proper Greek food, and the warmest, most welcoming people.
If you want quieter towns with a more local feel, look at Agios Nikolaos. They offer boutique-style hotels, seaside views and that slower pace you only really find in Greece.
Sitia, Crete(Image: Nick Brundle Photography via Getty Images)
For something extra special, read The Island by Victoria Hislop before your trip and take a boat to Spinalonga, you’ll be hooked; and if your little ones are into Greek mythology (especially in KS2), visit the Palace of Knossos, where the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth began. Culture and sun rolled into one.
Dubrovnik Riviera, Croatia – History & Coast in One
Dubrovnik is gorgeous, but it can be expensive. That said, if you stay just outside in places like Cavtat or Mlini, you get the same stunning coastline and charm, without the premium price tag.
Dubrovnik with old town and Adriatic sea(Image: Istock/Getty)
You’re only a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town (a must-see), and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, there are loads of filming locations to check out. I always recommend this area for couples looking for a quick break that still feels luxurious and culturally rich.
Just keep in mind the best weather is between June and September, so it’s worth booking early for those summer months.
Girona, Spain – Hidden Costa Brava Gems
I’ve got such fond memories of Northern Spain, I used to holiday with my family in L’Estartit and Le Franc, and it’s a part of the world I always recommend to clients looking for value and authenticity. This is the only option from Manchester airport, but I’d feel remiss if I left it out.
Most people have heard of Lloret de Mar, which is great if you want something livelier, but the real magic is in places like Palamós, Palafrugell, and L’Estartit. These towns have quieter beaches, great food, and that proper Spanish feel, no gimmicks.
Girona Airport is super handy for getting there, and the Costa Brava offers such a lovely balance between sunshine, scenery and a more local vibe.
Nice, France – Riviera Glamour Without the Price Tag
The South of France can sound a bit fancy, but it’s a lot more accessible than people think, especially with direct flights to Nice from Liverpool.
I absolutely love Cannes, the winding alleys of the old town are full of hidden bars and lovely little restaurants, and then you’ve got the beach, the designer shops, and the buzz from the film festival (even outside of festival season).
Villefranche sur Mer and its bay on the French Riviera(Image: Pierre Longnus via Getty Images)
If Cannes isn’t your thing, there are other gorgeous spots nearby like Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, or Beaulieu-sur-Mer, all a short drive from the airport. Great for a girls’ trip, romantic long weekend, or even a solo recharge.
Jacob, 32, became a travel agent 13 years ago, originally working on the P&O ferry crossings between Dover and Calais. He then moved overseas, where he became a rep for TUI resorts and worked in Turkey, Tenerife and Crete. It was while working abroad that he met his husband and the pair moved back to the UK, where Jacob worked at different TUI branches until he became manager.
After he was made redundant due to COVID-19, he had a ‘brief stint’ as a real estate agent but told the ECHO that he missed his old job. He returned as a manager in Hays and later TUI in Heswall, but in the last year he worked at a luxury travel agents in Chester, where he helped high-end clients to book luxury holidays.
The job helped Jacob, originally from Margate, realise how much he valued the connection between client and travel agent, and he set up his own agency this year, as a franchisee of Travel Counsellors, who provide his systems and support. He told the ECHO the experience has ‘been a whirlwind’ but he values having the time and resources to provide clients with a 1-to-1 service, and allows clients to communicate via Whatsapp for quick queries, something which he said set him apart from other travel agents.
Since opening the new business, Jacob said he has already booked various holidays, with his very first client going to the Dominican Republic next week.