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 design luxurious, tailor‑made holidays that feel seamless from the moment you first get in touch. Whether it is an indulgent beach escape, an epic multi‑centre adventure or a once‑in‑a‑lifetime long‑haul journey, everything I do is centred around you.
With over 30 years in the travel industry, and having joined Travel Counsellors in 2007, I specialise in creating bespoke itineraries rather than off‑the‑shelf packages. I have arranged everything from business class city‑hopping across the USA to island‑hopping honeymoons in the Indian Ocean and extended, multi‑stop trips through Australasia and South America. No two itineraries are ever the same, and that is exactly why I love what I do.
Because I run my business from home, I am not tied to traditional office hours or a high‑street shop. Instead, I offer a discreet, one‑to‑one service that fits around your lifestyle. You will always deal directly with me, from our first conversation through to your return home. Whether you need to fine‑tune a complex multi‑centre route, check something while you are travelling, or simply want reassurance, you have a single, trusted point of contact who knows every detail of your plans.
My passion is luxury, tailor‑made and long‑haul travel. I take time to understand how you like to travel: the level of comfort you prefer on long‑haul flights, the style of hotels and resorts that appeal to you, and the pace that feels right. I then bring everything together into a carefully crafted itinerary that flows effortlessly, with thoughtful touches throughout. That might mean private transfers, upgraded rooms, hand‑picked boutique or luxury resorts, and curated experiences such as wine tastings, private tours or sunset cruises.
Travel has always been a major part of my own life. I have explored the USA and Canada, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Africa, the Far East, Australia, South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand and much of Europe, and I am still discovering more. This first‑hand knowledge of long‑haul destinations means I can offer honest insight on where to go, when to travel, how to combine destinations, and which properties and experiences are worth that little extra investment.
I particularly love designing trips around special occasions. If you are planning a wedding, honeymoon, big anniversary or landmark birthday, I can help you create an unforgettable celebration: from romantic Indian Ocean over‑water villas and Caribbean hideaways to multi‑centre honeymoons that combine iconic cities, wildlife encounters and idyllic beach time. I can also arrange a gift contribution service so friends and family can put money towards your holiday instead of traditional presents, making them part of your journey too.
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about how I work. If you are starting to dream about a luxury escape, a long‑haul adventure or a multi‑centre itinerary, I would be delighted to help. Get in touch and let us begin shaping a bespoke journey that feels truly special from start to finish.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Thailand in Three Acts: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & an Unforgettable Bush Camp
For this trip to Thailand my wife Becky and I wanted a mix of city buzz, northern culture and something a little more wild and immersive. We ended up with exactly that: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a magical stay at The Bush Camp, all stitched together with a series of smooth flights.
19 Sept 2026 7 min read
A Special Birthday on the Douro: Our Uniworld River Cruise
For my wife’s special birthday, I wanted to do something a bit different. We had both talked about river cruising for years, and after attending several Uniworld training presentations and hearing so many good things about them, it felt like the perfect time to finally try their product. I chose a 7‑night Douro cruise with Uniworld on S.S. São Gabriel, departing 7 November 2021, in a French balco
19 Sept 2026 8 min read
Beating the Winter Sun Prices: Miami & Punta Cana Twin‑Centre
I was on the hunt for a reasonably priced winter sun escape in December for my wife Becky and me. Direct flights to the Caribbean were eye‑wateringly expensive, so I decided to try and “beat the system” by creating a two‑centre holiday via the USA. I found good‑value flights with American Airlines, building a trip with 3 nights in Miami followed by 4 nights in Punta Cana. It turned out to be a br
19 Sept 2026 6 min read
New Year in Berlin: Fireworks, Frosty Nights and Festive Markets
To round off 2024, my wife Becky and I decided to return to a city we’ve grown very fond of: Berlin. There is something about Berlin in winter that feels both atmospheric and energising, so it felt like the perfect place to welcome in the New Year.
19 Sept 2026 4 min read
New York at Christmas: ticking off bucket list dreams (almost)
New York City has always been high on our festive bucket list. My wife and I have long dreamt of seeing the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, so when we booked our trip in April, that was the plan: Thanksgiving in New York, then roll straight into the city’s magical Christmas season. As it turned out, the Thanksgiving date changed after we booked, which meant we arrived just after
19 Sept 2026 9 min read
Returning to Jamaica: Negril, VIP touches and two very different stays
During the Covid period (dare I say that word?), I was fortunate enough to win some complimentary nights at hotels in Jamaica. I had not been back since 2013, when my wife Becky and I stayed at Sandals in Ocho Rios, so the idea of returning felt very special. This time we chose Negril. I had heard so many good things about its glorious beaches and great restaurants, so we booked return Virgin Atl
19 Sept 2026 6 min read
Twin-centre Caribbean escape: St Lucia & Grenada
In October I was lucky enough to enjoy one of my best ever holidays: a twin-centre Caribbean escape combining the lush landscapes of St Lucia with the laid-back elegance of Grenada.
19 Sept 2026 5 min read
A Week in the Mexican Sun: Essence at The Fives Beach, Riviera Maya
At the end of April I swapped London drizzle for Mexican sunshine, flying with Delta Airlines from London Gatwick to Cancun via New York. I travelled in premium economy on the return, which made the long journey much more comfortable, and spent 7 nights with my wife, Becky, at the 5‑star Essence at The Fives Beach. We stayed from 27 April to 4 May 2024 in a 1 Bedroom Resort Residence on an all in
18 Sept 2026 3 min read
Two‑Centre Value: Mauritius & Dubai with A Free Stay at The St. Regis
When I was lucky enough to win 2 free nights at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm during the Covid period, I knew I wanted to make the most of it. Like many people, I had been watching flight prices climb, so I started looking for a way to stretch the value of this prize and still enjoy a proper winter‑sun escape. The solution was a twin‑centre holiday. Often, you can add a second destination for not
18 Sept 2026 7 min read
Birthday Bliss in Malaysia: Gaya Island & Kuala Lumpur
This November my wife and I flew with Malaysia Airlines in economy class from London Heathrow to Malaysia for a special celebration trip for her birthday. It was the perfect blend of island relaxation and big-city buzz, and it reminded me exactly why I love Malaysia and would happily go back again. Our journey combined four nights on beautiful Gaya Island, followed by a three-night city stay in K
18 Sept 2026 4 min read
A Chocolate-Lover’s Escape: My Twin-Centre Stay in Saint Lucia
This October I escaped to one of my favourite islands again: beautiful Saint Lucia. I flew with British Airways in economy class and, as always, the moment you step off the plane and feel that warm Caribbean air, you know the long flight was worth it. This trip was a twin-centre stay, combining a tranquil adults-only cocoa estate at the foot of the Pitons with a livelier, beachfront all inclusive
17 Sept 2026 4 min read
Returning to Walt Disney World Florida for the Second Year in a Row
In June 2026 I headed back to Walt Disney World in Florida for the second year running, and it was every bit as magical as the first time, just in different ways. This time we stayed once again at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter, flew with Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy from London Heathrow, hired a car with Sixt, and made it our mission to slow down a little, explore more, and re
21 Jul 2026 5 min read
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 4 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 7 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 3 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 6 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 6 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 8 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 6 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 9 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
A Special Return to Thailand: Krabi & Berlin Adventure
I was lucky enough to win a trip to Thailand for two, courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Centara Hotels & Resorts. I chose to take my wife, Becky, and we decided on Krabi as it was somewhere neither of us had visited before. Thailand is very special to us: it was the destination for our first ever holiday as a couple, and we later married in Koh Samui, so returning felt a little lik
03 Nov 2023 6 min read
Boston: Freedom Trail & Waterfront Buzz
To balance my European adventures, I decided just two weeks before Easter to plan a different kind of city break and take my wife Becky to Boston. She had never been, and I had not visited for many years, so it felt like the perfect choice for a quick hop across the Atlantic. I found good‑value economy flights with JetBlue from London Gatwick for a two‑night stay. The flight time is just over six
05 Aug 2023 4 min read
Vienna: Christmas Markets and Old‑World Charm
After a year of waiting through Covid restrictions and lockdowns, my wife and I finally made it to Vienna, just in time for the Christmas markets. I had always heard Vienna described as the birthplace of the Christmas market tradition, and it certainly lived up to its reputation as a magical place for festive shopping. We flew direct from London Heathrow with Austrian Airlines, a journey of under
01 Feb 2023 3 min read
Lisbon: Hills, Trams and Atlantic Light
Lisbon was another long‑awaited destination, one that had sat on our bucket list for years. When I won a prize with Lisbon Tourism, including two nights’ bed and breakfast, return flights with TAP Air Portugal and 48‑hour Lisbon passes for two, it felt like the perfect excuse to finally go. We chose the August bank holiday weekend for a short but action‑packed escape. The flight from London Heat
29 Nov 2022 4 min read
Brussels: Eurostar Comfort, Chocolate and Grand Squares
I was lucky, just before Covid, to attend a training event in London where I won a fantastic prize: two Business Class tickets on Eurostar to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels. Eurostar’s Stephen and Cara were brilliant and very understanding as I postponed the trip several times during the pandemic. Eventually, I settled on travelling over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, departing on 2 June 202
01 Sept 2022 6 min read
Malta: Sunshine, Seafront Strolls and Stylish Stays
I was fortunate last year to win a prize for two, including flights and accommodation, sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority. It felt like the perfect excuse to take my wife back to Malta, as we had not visited for some time. We flew from London Stansted with Ryanair on an early morning flight on Saturday 11 June. The journey was very quick, taking under three hours, and the flight was complet
15 Aug 2022 5 min read
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25 Feb 2026
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Why use a Travel Counsellor
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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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