Meet Chris Dunbar – Cullercoats Branch Manager
If you’ve recently passed our new JLM Travel branch in Cullercoats, you may have spotted a familiar face – or perhaps you’ve already popped in to say hello.
Heading up our newest branch is Chris Dunbar, an experienced travel professional with more than 20 years in the industry.
Chris has worked with some well-known names in North East travel, including Callers Pegasus and Dawson & Sanderson, as well as spending time with easyJet. Now he’s bringing all that experience to JLM Travel Cullercoats.
We sat down with Chris to find out a little more about him, the new branch and, most importantly, how he can help local holidaymakers find their next getaway.
Chris, you've worked in travel for more than 20 years. What do you still enjoy about it?
Chris:
No two customers or holidays are exactly the same. Someone might come in looking for a week in the sun, while the next person could be planning a cruise, a city break or a once-in-a-lifetime long-haul holiday.
I still really enjoy helping people find the right holiday and being part of that excitement. Holidays are something people look forward to for months, sometimes years, so it's nice to play a part in making them happen.
You've worked for some big names in travel. What experience do you bring to JLM Travel Cullercoats?
Chris:
I've been lucky enough to work in different areas of the travel industry over the last 20-plus years, including Callers Pegasus, Dawson & Sanderson and easyJet.
That experience has given me a really broad understanding of the industry, but also of what customers actually want from their travel agent.
I worked as cabin crew for 17 years at easyJet so I also looked after customers on their way on holiday so got to see that side too.
It's not simply about finding a holiday and giving somebody a price. It's about listening to what they're looking for, understanding their budget and using your experience to find something that's right for them.
What's it like managing JLM Travel's new Cullercoats branch?
Chris:
It's exciting to be part of a new branch and to get to know customers from Cullercoats and the surrounding area.
We want the shop to be somewhere people feel comfortable popping into, whether they already know exactly what they want or simply have an idea and need some inspiration.
You don't need an appointment and you certainly don't need to have everything worked out before you come through the door. That's what we're here for!
People may have noticed the Jet2holidays branding at the branch. Does that mean you only sell Jet2holidays?
Chris:
Not at all. We're really proud to work closely with Jet2holidays. They're one of the UK's leading holiday companies and they're incredibly popular with our customers, particularly with the fantastic choice of holidays available flying from Newcastle.
But JLM Travel is an independent travel agency, and that's an important benefit for our customers.
It means we can offer holidays from a wide range of leading tour operators and specialist holiday companies, alongside cruise lines, city breaks, long-haul holidays, coach holidays, UK holidays and much more.
So if you've seen a Jet2holidays holiday you love, absolutely come and talk to us about it. But equally, if you're looking for something different, we can explore the options and help you find the holiday that's right for you. JLM Travel have been members of the Hays Travel Independence Group since the company was formed in 2004, meaning we have a huge choice of operators, airlines and suppliers, giving the maximum choice to our customers.
So what can customers actually book at JLM Travel Cullercoats?
Chris:
A huge variety!
We can arrange traditional package holidays, family holidays, adults-only escapes, all-inclusive holidays, city breaks, cruises, long-haul holidays, luxury escapes, UK breaks, ski holidays and much more.
We can also help customers who aren't quite sure what they want. Sometimes someone will come in and say, “We've got this much to spend, we'd like some sunshine and we can travel around these dates – what can you find?”
That's where having an experienced travel agent can really help.
What about cruises?
Chris:
Absolutely. Cruises are a big part of what we can offer.
There's such a variety now, from Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Lights and long-haul itineraries.
And for people here in the North East, there are even opportunities to cruise directly from the Port of Tyne, as well as the huge selection of cruises departing from other UK ports or including flights from the UK.
If you've never cruised before, don't be afraid to come in and ask questions. Choosing the right cruise line and ship can make a massive difference to your experience.
Why use a travel agent when it's so easy to search for holidays online?
Chris:
Choice is great, but sometimes there can almost be too much choice online.
You can spend hours comparing hotels, destinations, flights and reviews and still wonder whether you've made the right decision.
Talking to an experienced travel agent means we can narrow things down and recommend holidays based on what you actually want.
And if you've got questions, you've got a real person you can speak to rather than having to work everything out yourself.
Finally, what would you say to someone who's walked past JLM Travel Cullercoats but hasn't been in yet?
Chris:
Come in and say hello!
You don't need to be ready to book and you don't need to know exactly where you want to go.
Whether you've spotted a Jet2holidays deal, you're thinking about your next family summer holiday, fancy trying a cruise or simply want some inspiration, come in and have a chat.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll see where in the world we can send you!
Visit Chris and the team at JLM Travel Cullercoats
With more than 20 years of travel industry experience, Chris and the team at JLM Travel Cullercoats are ready to help with everything from a week in the Mediterranean to a cruise or that once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
One travel agency. A world of holidays.
