I have worked in the travel industry for 28 years, loving (almost) every day!
I love helping customers build their holidays & love helping them to make memories.
I have many loyal customers who book with me year on year, booking everything from their annual summer sun holiday, to short UK breaks & overseas city breaks, to large ski groups & student groups to young & lively destinations. I am also able to tailor-make holidays to short & long haul destinations to suit your own specifications.
As part of my job, I have been very fortunate to have had educational visits to many wonderful destinations. I have been on Mediterranean cruises, taking in beaches & cities in France, Spain and Italy, visited various resorts in Tunisia, favourite being Port El Kantaoui with its lovely marina & gorgeous sandy beach.
I had the most amazing trip to Australia, taking in Sydney (doing a Sydney harbour cruise sipping Champagne overlooking the Opera House), Cairns (snorkelling & helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef was just something else) & the Gold Coast (sampling the nightlife & Warner Bros. theme park).
Just last year I took a most "Magical" trip to Disneyland Florida! Now, this trip was totally out of this world, hosted entirely by Disney, so treated like VIPs for the entire duration. I got to visit many of the Disney hotels, used the Disney transportation & obviously visited the Disney theme parks (hugs from Mickey, rides that scared me to death, food to die for, are just a few of my memories) & evening venues.
The fireworks at Disney were just the best. We were given lots of little hints & tips from the Disney guides, about fast passes, where to stand for best views of shows, parades, etc. If it's Disney Florida, you're after just get in touch & I can help create your "Magical" holiday too!
My own personal holidays vary quite a bit too, from city breaks & Disneyland Paris to lazing in luxury 5* all-inclusive hotels in Turkey (Belek/Lara Beach area), to snorkelling in the Red Sea around Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib in Egypt.
I have visited Mexico, and been to both Acapulco ( saw the "World famous" cliff divers - MAD!!) & Cancun (with its coral sands & crystal clear seas & fab nightlife). This year sees me returning to Egypt, but this time to Sharm El Sheikh for some late winter sunshine, more snorkelling & maybe even some scuba?
Earlier this year I took a trip to Iceland! To Akureyri in the north. I am such a snow lover & got to experience a heavy snowfall whilst I was there, just loved it! The place was just amazing, very safe & the locals are so friendly. So many different activities to do there, whale watching, skiing, visit the most amazing landscapes (lava fields) & waterfalls, swim in the Blue Lagoon & search for the Aurora Borealis - "The Northern Lights" - unfortunately as this is a natural phenomenon, this was something I didn't get to experience, so a return visit for me is a must!!
Top Tip:
Wrap up warm, lots of layers & make sure your cameras are protected too as temperatures can drop to -25!!!
MY REVIEWS
Extremely helpful
Reviewed By mr c ness - Fife | Travelled to Europe
Karen has been super helpful with the booking of a cruise. sorting out the checkin and getting tickets/boarding passes.
When I’m next booking a cruise I’ll definitely give Barrhead Doncaster and Karen a shout!I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Holiday bookings
Reviewed By s scott - doncaster | Travelled to Mediterranean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
I have dealt with Barrhead travel with most of my recent holidays and cruises
Easy to deal with and look after me well , communicate and explain details
Most recent booking dealing for next years cruise with your colleague Karen barley well done to her
And thanks for all your assistance
Thanks againI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First Class service
Reviewed By liz d - Doncaster | Travelled to Europe
When i phoned Barrhead Travel i was answered by Karen Barley at the Doncaster Branch. A breathe of fresh air !! Quickly and efficiently got my cruise booked and promptly emailed me all the details and documents. First class service. Would defo recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
can't wait for my holiday!
Reviewed By k mckenna - Carluke | Travelled to Spain ~ Europe
recently booked a cruise with barrhead travel Doncaster branch and would totally recommend them. My travel consultant Karen Barley was excellent, she replied to all my emails instantly, nothing was a bother to her, answered all my questions and gave me a great price.
She went above and beyond to make sure I was happy and everything was sorted.
Thank you Karen, can’t wait for my holiday!!!I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recommend Karen
Reviewed By Mr Kaye - Doncaster | Travelled to Sorrento ~ Italy ~ Europe
We recently booked a Holiday to Sorrento at your Doncaster Frenchgate Shop & the Travel Consultant that dealt with our Booking was a lady called Karen Barley. I / We found Karen very helpful in providing the information that we required to book what we think was the overall most competitive holiday that we could obtain based around all of the information that we provided her with. I would recommend Karen & the Doncaster Branch to anyone looking to book their Holiday.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Friendly & polite
Reviewed By mr kaye - doncaster | Travelled to Cephalonia ~ Greece ~ Europe
For the second time within a short period of time we booked a Holiday with Barrhead Travel Doncaster & once again the lady that we dealt with Karen Barley full filled every requirement of our Holiday that we requested in a friendly, polite & efficient manor.
We will certainly be using Karen`s expertise in the future.I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
service was great
Reviewed By mt hogarth - doncaster | Travelled to Lanzarote ~ Canary Islands ~ Africa
The service from Karen was great which made it easy for us to choose our holiday
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Consistently goes above & beyond
Reviewed By h wilcox - doncaster | Travelled to Greece ~ Europe
The service from Karen was great which made it easy for us to choose our holiday
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brilliant
Reviewed By d newbold - doncaster | Travelled to Lanzarote ~ Canary Islands ~ Africa
Karen was brilliant, great with my grandkids and helped us find the perfect holiday
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Karen was fab
Reviewed By jacqui reid - polbeth | Travelled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Karen was fantastic. Very knowledgeable about cruises. Booked me and my family a fab cruise to celebrate my 50th 😉
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Personal
Reviewed By k rowe - doncaster | Travelled to Budapest ~ Hungary ~ Europe
Personal one to one experience from Karen, went above & beyond for our booking. Would highly recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fantastic
Reviewed By john - norwich | Travelled to Europe
Made the initial enquiry on the Web, the advisor we had was fantastic,
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Such a good experience
Reviewed By mrs whitehead - doncaster | Travelled to USA
We had such a good experience booking a holiday with Barrhead Travel, Karen Barley was most helpful and helped book the travel with confidence and we are most excited about going on our trip .
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lovely
Reviewed By dianne - doncaster | Travelled to Europe
Karen at the Doncaster branch was lovely she really helped us pick the right holiday for us.’
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great service
Reviewed By sgclarke - doncaster | Travelled to Iceland ~ Europe
Great service. Karen has been so helpful, informative and keeping me regular update on various holiday bookings we asked for.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
whole experience was lovely
Reviewed By karen lawson - doncaster | Travelled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
The whole experience was lovely. Karen was very helpful and gave me great advice.
Highly recommendI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Karen @ Doncaster
Reviewed By sharon gill - doncaster | Travelled to Kos ~ Greece ~ Europe
Karen at the Doncaster branch was very friendly and helpful we wasn’t pushed into booking any holiday we will definitely be booking with Barrhead Tavel again
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excelent service
Reviewed By craig tennant - doncaster | Travelled to Canary Islands ~ Africa
Excellent service and quality very helpful and friendly and knowledge of the cruise package we requested. Would highly recommend to book with Barrhead and Karen.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Always friendly
Reviewed By miss sutcliffe - doncaster | Travelled to USA
Always friendly. Karen went over and above to help us. Her knowledge was excellent. So nice to deal with people than on line. I like to physically see in print the schedule and nothing was and is too much trouble.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
booked a cruise with Barrhead
Reviewed By jacqui - doncaster | Travelled to Mediterranean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Booked a cruise with Barhead travel, Karen was very professional and helpful in every aspect throughout the booking, answering all queries, a very knowledgeable agent.
Thank youI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Helpful & Professional
Reviewed By heather goodwin - doncaster | Travelled to Jersey ~ England ~ Europe
Karen was very helpful, professional and easy to talk to. She went above and beyond to get us the best deal which was very much appreciated.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Thai Travel
Reviewed By Mr Hesslewood - Doncaster | Travelled to Thailand ~ East and Southeast Asia
Karen was very knowledgeable, very helpful and went that extra mile to make my booking very easy. I shall be back.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Malta here I come!
Reviewed By mrs mcgarvie - doncaster | Travelled to Malta ~ Europe
My enquiry about a holiday in Malta was efficiently dealt with by your agent, Karen. I was taken through a range of options for my stay - hotel, resort, price choices as well as duration of my stay.
As I lived in Malta during my teenage years and have visited many times since, Karen did not need to give me background information but she processed my booking very efficiently, sending me off with the relevant documentation.
Her manner was friendly and pleasant, a joy to deal with, and I shall willingly refer my friends and family to Barrhead Travel- and Karen.I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I choose Barrhead every year
Reviewed By mrs rowe - doncaster | Travelled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I choose Barrhead every year to book my holidays and I recommend them to family and friends. Special thank you to Karen Barley, who goes above and beyond to make sure our holiday goes smoothly. ThNk you to manager Clare and the rest of the team.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just brilliant
Reviewed By Mr & Mrs Scott - doncaster | Travelled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Been dealing with Karen barley from Barrhead travel about our upcoming cruise . She has been brilliant and she is asset to your business, she has various qualities as a person and I am glad she has assisted us with our cruise booking from some time ago .
Her communication skills are also key
Thank you to her againI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Karen's srierling service
Reviewed By mrs whiteley - doncaster | Travelled to Canary Islands ~ Africa
The sterling service that Karen gave us was perfect.
Karen investigated all avenues for our cruise and found out the best and cheapest means. She also gave some good insight to our destination and things to do and see whilst at our different destinations. Karen has done a superb job and has never let us down. Karen is a credit to Barrheads and we will keep using them and certainly recommend them to our friends and family. Sterling serviceI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good customer service
Reviewed By wray - glasgow | Travelled to Mediterranean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Karen of the Doncaster branch has been exceptionally helpful in rearranging a cruise that I could not go on for personal reasons to a later date and different itinerary. She was proactive in highlighting the availability of a better cabin, ensuring that cost aspects of the cruise were as favourable as my original deal, and getting back very quickly with response to a request for information.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So Helpful!
Reviewed By Sophie - Norfolk | Travelled to Cyprus ~ Middle East
Karen was so helpful we would not of found the holiday we did if it hadn’t been for all her help even booking it out of hours so we didn’t loose it. I would highly recommend Karen after hours of looking on the internet for holiday sue made the whole thing so easy
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best service as always
Reviewed By Ado - Doncaster | Travelled to Mexico
Hi thanks again for taking time to look into making our choice the right one for us not to nice did you stop looking for new destinations for us as it’s awkward for us due to being spoilt with being frequent travelers there’s not many places we haven’t been
Thanks again 100% satisfied with the way sorted everything
Thanks Ado n HellenI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had an amazing time
Reviewed By Michelle - Doncaster | Travelled to London ~ England ~ Europe
"Had an amazing time in London, seeing pretty woman and going on the London Eye, hotel was lovely and close to the station and other popular sightseeing places. Highly recommend booking a city break. Karen went above and beyond ?? thank you so much, I'd say I'd book again but I already have ?? X"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Iona 2022
Reviewed By H Wilcox - Doncaster | Travelled to Canary Islands ~ Africa
Thank you once again Karen Barley for the fantastic service booking another cruise with yourselves
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
amazing service!
Reviewed By Lorraine Fowler - Doncaster | Travelled to Turkey ~ Europe
Amazing service given by Karen, sorted our holiday out for the second time of postponing it. Can't recommend her enough, nothings too much trouble
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The staff at your Doncaster branch
Reviewed By MRS CARRINGTON - Doncaster | Travelled to Venice ~ Italy ~ Europe
The staff at your Doncaster branch, were very helpful, explained everything to me, also put me on your mailing list for future breaks and getaways.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Amazing prompt service by Karen
Reviewed By MRS FOWLER - Doncaster | Travelled to Turkey ~ Europe
Amazing prompt service by Karen, very conscientious and nothing was too much trouble.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Barrhead Travel. YES
Reviewed By H Wilcox - Doncaster | Travelled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
After having a holiday cancelled that we booked through Barrhead travel, we had the refund in a reasonable time. We decided to go back to book a cruise through Karen Barley for next year because we found the company not pushy. She went above and beyond to accommodate our booking in a relax friendly atmosphere.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Cape Verde
Reviewed By Ian - Doncaster | Travelled to Cape Verde ~ Africa
Booked Cape Verde through Karen Barley at the Doncaster Branch. Very Professional and Knowledgeable
Karen offered us great advice re the resort and area and assisted us in choosing the right hotel for our requirementsI would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 0 people found this review helpful