Daryl Glean
My expertise
I'm based in
Southend on Sea
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
It's Nice To Meet You
Hi, I am Daryl, your personal Travel Counsellor, and I am here to make planning your holiday feel exciting, relaxed and completely focused around you.
I have worked in the travel industry for over 30 years and joined Travel Counsellors in April 2007. Over that time I have helped clients with everything from quick last‑minute getaways to complex, once‑in‑a‑lifetime itineraries. Experience has taught me that no two holidays are ever the same, which is exactly why I love what I do.
My business is based from home, which means I am not limited to traditional office hours or tied to a shop on the high street. Instead, I can offer a flexible, one‑to‑one service that fits around your life. You will always deal directly with me, whether you have a simple question, need to make a change, or want reassurance while you are away. No long queues, no call centres, just a familiar voice at the end of the phone or an email reply from someone who knows your plans inside out.
I specialise in tailor‑made travel: holidays that are designed around your wishes rather than taken off the shelf. I take the time to listen to what you want from your trip, what you enjoy, and what you definitely do not, then I put everything together so that it flows smoothly from start to finish. From choosing the right destination and hotels to arranging those little extras, I aim to create holidays that feel effortless for you and memorable for all the right reasons.
Travel has always been a huge part of my own life too. My journeys have taken me to America, Canada, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Africa, the Far East, Australia, South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand and throughout Europe, and I am still exploring. This first‑hand experience means I can share honest insight, personal tips and ideas that you simply do not get from a brochure.
I also love helping couples and families celebrate special moments. If you have a wedding in the pipeline or a big anniversary or birthday, I can work with you to plan the perfect honeymoon or celebration trip. I can even arrange a gift contribution service so friends and family can help towards your holiday instead of traditional presents, making them part of your memories.
Thank you for taking the time to find out a little more about me. If you are starting to think about your next holiday, I would be delighted to help. Get in touch and let us begin turning your ideas into a trip you will always remember.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
A Bank Holiday Escape: Our First Ever Stay on the Isle of Man
This bank holiday weekend my wife and I decided to do something a little different: we spent three nights on the Isle of Man, a place neither of us had visited before. It turned out to be a brilliant little escape, full of easy travel, nostalgic trains and stunning coastal views.
11 May 2026 5 min read
From The Aegean To Angkor Wat: My Prize‑Winning Journey Through Turkey & Cambodia
Some trips are special from the very moment they are confirmed. This one felt extraordinary even before take‑off: a prize trip that blended all inclusive luxury on Turkey’s Aegean coast with the culture and history of Cambodia. It turned out to be an unforgettable journey filled with thoughtful touches, powerful experiences and plenty of indulgence along the way.
22 Apr 2026 5 min read
Norway in Winter: A Gold Package Coastal Voyage on MS Havila Capella & Snowhotel Kirkenes
Some journeys stay with you long after you return home. This Gold package voyage along Norway’s coast aboard MS Havila Capella, paired with a night at Snowhotel Kirkenes 365, was exactly that: a true Arctic adventure of fjords, fishing villages, Northern Lights skies and snow hotel magic. A special thank you to Matthew Valentine from Havila for arranging this unforgettable trip.
02 Mar 2026 5 min read
Iceland Winter Escape: Northern Lights, Hot Springs
Some destinations feel made for winter, and Iceland is one of them: crisp air, snow‑dusted landscapes, steaming geothermal pools and, if you are lucky, the shimmering Northern Lights. This three night easyJet holidays package from London Gatwick to Reykjavik on 23 December 2023, staying at CenterHotel Plaza, was the perfect way to combine festive magic with a very special celebration: a wedding a
27 Feb 2026 5 min read
South America In Style: Lufthansa & Regent Seven Seas Voyager
Some itineraries feel less like a holiday and more like a fully curated journey. Flying from London with Lufthansa in Premium Economy outbound and Business Class inbound, paired with a Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage on Seven Seas Voyager from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires (26 January – 2 February 2024), is exactly that. Add a pre‑cruise night in Rio, handpicked shore excursions and a Penthouse
27 Feb 2026 5 min read
First-Time Disney Magic: French Quarter Charm, Movie Magic & A Day With Rockets
There is something incredibly special about a first trip to Walt Disney World. From the moment you see your first pair of Mickey ears at the airport to that first glimpse of Cinderella Castle, it feels like stepping into a storybook. This first-time Disney adventure was designed to balance excitement, comfort and flexibility, and it worked beautifully. The trip included: Flights with United Airl
27 Feb 2026 5 min read
A Tale of Two Islands: Dining, Seaplanes & Sunset Dreams in the Maldives
There are holidays, and then there are journeys that feel like a gentle exhale from the moment you leave the UK. A twin-centre escape in the Maldives is exactly that: two very different islands, both breathtaking, each offering its own style of barefoot luxury. Flying from London Heathrow with British Airways in economy class on 27 September, this week-long itinerary combines: 3 nights at You &
27 Feb 2026 5 min read
Oceania Allura: Caribbean Escape With Virgin Atlantic & Brightline
There is something incredibly special about combining a premium cruise with a stylish journey to the ship. Sailing on Oceania Allura on 28 November 2025, flying with Virgin Atlantic from London in Economy Delight, taking the sleek Brightline train from Orlando to Miami, then spending a night at Eurostars Langford Hotel before boarding: it all comes together as a seamless, indulgent escape before t
27 Feb 2026 5 min read
Galápagos Adventure at a Glance
Some trips feel special from the moment you check in at the airport. My journey to the Galápagos in January and February 2025 was exactly that: a seamless combination of business class flights with Iberia, a stylish city stay in Quito, a fascinating visit to the Equator, a luxury expedition cruise on MS Santa Cruz II and a final night in vibrant Guayaquil. This is how the adventure unfolded.
25 Feb 2026 5 min read
Benidorm Birthday Escape: Winter Sun From Southend
There is something extra special about celebrating a birthday in the sunshine, especially when the UK is still in the grip of winter. Flying from Southend with easyJet on 10 January 2026 for three nights in Benidorm, staying at the centrally located Madeira Centro Hotel, is a wonderful way to turn a birthday into a full-blown experience rather than just a date on the calendar. With heartfelt thank
23 Feb 2026 5 min read
Krabi and Berlin two centre holiday
I was lucky to win a trip to Thailand for two people courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand and Centara Hotels & Resorts I decided to take my wife Becky, as we have never been to Krabi before. Thailand is very close to both of our hearts, as we had our first ever holiday as a couple plus we got married in Koh Samui. Our trip started with flights from London to Berlin with British Airways with
03 Nov 2023 5 min read
Two centre holiday Mauritius and Dubai part 2
Our flying time to Dubai was just over 6 hours and we arrived at Dubai just before midnight it was over 35c. We booked a return private transfer to our hotel as it seemed easier and sensible that time of the night arriving in Dubai. Once we arrived after a 30 minute drive, we checked into our room which was room number 722 deluxe king city view. The view was stunning as we could see the Palm and t
01 Sept 2023 5 min read
Two centre holiday Mauritius and Dubai part 1
I was lucky to win 2 free nights at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm during covid period. I have been checking flight prices since Covid and air fares have gone up! I found a way of getting value for money, by going on a two centre holiday with the benefit of going to two destinations in one trip. The other benefit is your holiday doesn’t quite feel finished after one destination. The cost of two cen
01 Sept 2023 5 min read
Two centre holiday Miami Beach and Punta Cana 2023 part 2
After 3 nights we flew to Punta Cana in Dominican Republic. Flying time 2 hours and 30 minutes. This destination is very popular with Americans and Canadians. I arranged a return private transfer to our hotel, where we were staying at the Hard Rock hotel for 4 nights on all inclusive basis. The hotel has an amazing lobby with plenty of stars memorabilia on show. When we checked in at the hotel, we
15 Aug 2023 5 min read
Two centre holiday Miami Beach and Punta Cana 2023 part 1
I was looking at a winter sun destination for me and my wife Becky, that we could go in December that was also reasonably priced. I found that prices of flights to the Caribbean were very high on direct flight but I found a way to beat the system, by doing a two centre holiday via America. I found some reasonable flights with American Airlines staying in Miami for 3 nights then flying onto Punta
15 Aug 2023 5 min read
Jamaica 2023 part2
The hotel is in a good location for the beach. We had continental breakfast daily, which consist of a fruit platter plus toast and one choice of juice pineapple or orange together with tea or coffee. You could also have a samosa with your breakfast. The restaurant for breakfast was open air, which was nice. After breakfast we would again have a swim and chill out on the white sandy beach .Sunbeds
14 Aug 2023 5 min read
Jamaica 2023 part 1
During the Covid period (dare I say that word?), I was lucky to win some free nights at hotels in Jamaica. I hadn’t been there since 2013 when I stayed at Sandals in Ochios Rios with my wife Becky. We decided that it would be nice to visit Jamaica again, but go to Negril. I had lots of good reports ,especially about the beaches and the restaurants so we booked return flights with Virgin in econom
14 Aug 2023 5 min read
Last minute Easter weekend getaway break to Boston.
I decided 2 weeks before Easter weekend to take my wife Becky to Boston. She had never been before, and I hadn’t been for many years. I found some cheap flights with JetBlue in economy class for 2 nights, which I thought would make a great weekend stay. Flying from Gatwick to Boston takes just over 6 hours. The flight was busy on both journeys and what I loved about JetBlue is that you could orde
05 Aug 2023 5 min read
Christmas market in Vienna
After a year long wait, due to covid restrictions and lockdowns. I finally managed to take a trip to Vienna with my wife. We were both very excited to be taking this trip to see the Christmas markets, as I’ve heard this is the birth place of Christmas markets and the best place for Christmas shopping. Our flight was under 2 hours from London Heathrow with Austrian Airlines. It was a busy flight, w
01 Feb 2023 5 min read
Weekend in Lisbon
I was lucky to win a prize with Lisbon tourism which included 2 nights accommodation on bed and breakfast, return flights flight with Air Portugal in economy class and 48 hour Lisbon passes for two people. I decided to take my wife as we both always wanted to go to Lisbon as it’s been on our bucket list. We decided the best time to take this trip would be August bank holiday weekend. We flew from
29 Nov 2022 5 min read
Brussels City break with Eurostar
I went to a training in event in London, just before Covid, where I was lucky to win two business class tickets to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels. At Eurostar, Stephen and Cara were very good and understanding about me taking this amazing prize at a later date, after so many date changes. I finally decide to go on 02 June 2022 for 3 nights with my wife, as this weekend was the Queen’s platinum jubil
01 Sept 2022 5 min read
Douro River Cruise Part 2
DAY 4: Pinhão, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón We headed ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. In the afternoon we went to Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble,
23 Aug 2022 5 min read
Douro River Cruise Part 1
I was looking for ideas of what to do for my wife’s special birthday. I finally decided on a river cruise, as my wife and I have always wanted to try one. I have been to a few presentations where Uniworlds representative has presented that product to me in training, plus hearing such good things about them. so I felt it was time to sample their product and I decided to book with them. My choice wa
23 Aug 2022 5 min read
Short break to Malta 2022
I was lucky last year to win a prize for two people including flights and accommodation sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority. I decided to take my wife on this amazing prize to see Malta as we hadn’t been for a while. We flew from Stansted on Saturday 11 June flying with Ryanair early morning flight. The flight to Malta was very quick under 3 hours. The flight was fully booked with NO seats le
15 Aug 2022 5 min read
Reviews
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Discover the world with me
Galápagos
Ready to start planning your Galápagos adventure? Contact me today and let us bring your snorkelling dreams on Española Island to life.
25 Feb 2026
TC Experience
We’ve missed exploring the world with the people that mean the most to us and as we look forward, I’ll keep your wellbeing at the heart of everything I do.
06 Apr 2021
Jamaica
Welcome to Jamaica
16 Mar 2021
Asia
Asia.
16 Mar 2021
Thailand
Welcome to Thailand
16 Mar 2021
Dominican Republic Promotional Video
Now is your time adventure
16 Mar 2021
Sky Princess Cruise
Sky Princess sailing from Southampton
16 Mar 2021
Cunard Launch
Queen Elizabeth's new itinerary
16 Mar 2021
Reassurance
5 reasons to book with me
16 Mar 2021
Brand Video
We create...
16 Mar 2021
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Why use a Travel Counsellor
Let's plan your dream trip together
Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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