The Dawson & Sanderson senior travel consultant tells Juliet Dennis how becoming a Cover Star has opened doors to many new opportunities
Q. Why did you enter Cover Stars?
I’d seen it advertised over the years but never had the confidence to enter. This time I thought, what have I got to lose? I sent in my video and hoped for the best. When I got the call, I didn’t quite believe it. Montenegro was definitely on my bucket list, and the chance to be on the front page of Travel Weekly a major career highlight.
Q. What was the best part of the trip?
Visting The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel. It is a beautiful, five-star hotel, part of Jet2holiday’s Indulgent Escapes collection. There were egg chairs hanging from the ceiling in reception and the hotel had its own private beach and marina with a bar called ROK with unbelievable views. We had a chance to relax at the spa and to dine there. The standard of food was superb.
Q. What was the VIP treatment like?
On arrival at Manchester airport, we were fast tracked through security and surprised with entry to the airport lounge. It was so relaxing and a real treat to start the trip. The Jet2 staff were so friendly – they couldn’t do enough and always had smiles on their faces.
The service on board was brilliant. The resort helpers in Montenegro were very welcoming. The airport was tiny so we quickly passed through passport control. The transfer to Budva was short and we had a private minibus to our hotel.
Q. Tell us about Iberostar Waves Slavija in Budva.
The hotel was so luxurious. We all got upgraded to suites on arrival; my room was huge. I had two balconies. The views were breathtaking. I had a clear view of the sea and could even see it when lying in bed. I’ve never stayed at an Iberostar before so I was totally wowed by the whole experience and would sell it more now. There was a rooftop infinity pool with ocean views, it was incredible.
Q. What was the food and drink like?
We went for lunch in Budva at the harbour and had a delicious seafood platter. More food just kept appearing! We were offered an alcoholic shot called rakija before and after most meals; their standard gesture of welcome. After my photoshoot we headed to one of the oldest restaurants in Montenegro, where they cure their own prosciutto in a smoke room. It was so authentic and housed in a quaint building with lots of family history. We enjoyed a light snack of meats, cheeses and wines.
Q. Tell us about where you visited.
Budva was very peaceful with a selection of seafood restaurants on the waterfront. It has a medieval town and waterfront village and was really nice to explore. We went to Tivat, which perfectly blends luxury – high-end boutiques and restaurants – with tradition and has one of the most beautiful marinas I’ve ever seen.
We stopped for a drink at the marina and while most opted for hot chocolate, I couldn’t resist a cocktail – lush! The bay and city of Kotor, surrounded by castle walls, was enchanting. We had an aerial view of the full bay from the mountains.
Q. Did you visit other hotels?
We were lucky enough to have lunch at the Hyatt Regency in the bay of Kotor. The hotel was a dream – stunning and perfectly positioned.
Q. Where else have you been as a result of being a Travel Weekly Cover Star?
Being a Cover Star has opened up amazing opportunities. At the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards, I won a trip to Sweden for the live finals of Eurovision hosted by Royal Caribbean – it was insane! While I was there, I heard about the opportunity to go to Florida and the Bahamas for the naming ceremony of the line’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. I feel so lucky and grateful.
Q. Have you booked Montenegro with Jet2holidays since you returned?
It is quite difficult for us in the northeast as there are no direct Jet2 flights to Tivat. A lot of customers choose to fly to Dubrovnik from Newcastle and opt for a longer transfer to cross the border. I’ve sold Montenegro a few times: it is definitely worth the journey.
Laura’s career
I started as a Hays Travel apprentice at the Consett branch near Newcastle after I left university and went on to become assistant manager in Hexham. I worked at Hays from 2011 to 2016, when I left to go on maternity leave to have my daughter.
After that I looked for a branch closer to home and childcare, but the closest Hays branch was in Washington where my twin sister already worked. I didn’t want to step on her toes so I looked for another job – and saw an advert for Dawson & Sanderson in Washington.
I ended up working there, a competitor to my sister’s branch! A month or so later she followed me so we ended up working together – that was eight years ago. I love it; it’s a nice, relaxed place to work. We still have repeat clients who get us mixed up! We even go on holiday together and I’m trying to get her to apply for Cover Stars 2026!
