Sent by Terri Gilson
Basildon 17/07/2023
Based In Southend on Sea
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
Hi my name is Daryl.
I joined Travel Counsellors in April 2007, but have been in the travel industry for 30 years so I have got plenty years of experience. My business is based at home so I can offer a flexible service that works around you and gives me the freedom to search for various holidays at the best price.
This also means I am always available if you have any queries or problems. Just pick up the phone or e-mail, and the best part is it cuts out the hassle and bustle of town centre crowds, plus those annoying call centres. Another good thing is that this can all be done at a time that suits you and I can tailor make your holiday so it is exactly how you want it.
Personally I have travelled to various places so I have got experience of travelling the world. I have been to America, Canada, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Africa, Far East, Australia, French Polynesia Islands,New Zealand, and Europe and am still travelling.
Wedding in the pipe line? Then take a look at our Bridal Registry Service. This prevents you receiving unwanted wedding gifts, as this service enables people to contribute towards your honeymoon instead.
Thank you for your valuable time and looking at my website. Please don't hesitate to call as you could make your dream holiday a reality tomorrow.
Basildon 17/07/2023
Southend On Sea 04/05/2023
Whitchurch, Shropshire. 27/09/2022
Dagenham 01/05/2022
Dunfermline 15/12/2021
Southend On Sea 15/12/2021
Chelmsford,Essex 08/08/2018
Leeds 02/03/2018
Colchester,Essex 01/03/2018
Corfu 17/01/2018
Woking 15/09/2017
Chelmsford,Essex 11/04/2017
Southend On Sea,Essex 20/03/2017
Hawkwell,Essex 08/03/2017
Wellington,Somerset 27/02/2017
Limpley Stoke 01/02/2017
Burnham On Crouch.Essex 28/11/2016
Southend On Sea 22/08/2016
Southend On Sea 17/08/2016
Chelmsford 09/08/2016
Southend On Sea 05/08/2016
Banstead Surrey 03/08/2016
Southend-on-Sea 12/07/2016
Wickford 13/07/2014
Leigh on Sea 06/07/2014
Rochford 04/07/2014
Rayleigh 20/04/2011
I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.
03 November 2023
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
01 September 2023
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 September 2023
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
15 August 2023
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 August 2023
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
14 August 2023
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 August 2023
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
05 August 2023
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
01 February 2023
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
29 November 2022
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
01 September 2022
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
23 August 2022
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 August 2022
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
15 August 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 August 2022
Due to covid ,I decided to book a mini cruise for me and my wife around the UK with Princess cruises as covid testing and rules was making it difficult to get away. I thought this would be a great alternative option. I never been with Princess cruises before, although I have been with other cruise line so I was intrigue to find out more about them and their services. I booked 4 night cruise with
27 May 2020
My wife and I decided to book a cruise around the Greek islands plus the Mediterranean with MSC. My wife had never been to the Greek islands before although I have been to a few Greek islands including Rhodes and Corfu but not Santorini or Mykonos, so I was intrigued to visit, as I have booked my customers to these islands in the past. We sailed on 05 October for 7 nights from Venice on MSC Sinf
14 May 2020
We were told at the hotel that we would see monkeys during our stay. Guess what we saw monkeys on our last day of trip. We thought they were so cute especially the babies. We would definitely go back to this hotel and spend longer time. We want to go come back to both islands, as both were stunning in scenery and beautiful. They are both unique in the own way. We found the food and the people that
14 May 2020
I decided to go away for some winter sunshine in November to warmer climates like St Lucia and Barbados. My wife has never been to St Lucia so I thought it would be nice for her to see another Caribbean island. I have been to St Lucia before and stayed at Sandals Grande St Lucian. I had a wonderful time when I stayed in St Lucia last time. My wife and I treated ourselves to British Airways Club
21 February 2020
My favourite Christmas market was Saint Nicholas’ Village. At the Nikolausdorf, half-timbered houses decorated with evergreen garlands and fairy lights spread across Cologne’s Rudolfplatz. The cosy market with 60 stalls is a highlight for families where the grown-ups can do the Christmas shopping and enjoy a mulled wine while kids can join supervised arts and crafts classes or meet Saint Nicholas.
21 February 2020
I have always been intrigued by Christmas markets especially in Germany as I have seen them on TV, and I have also booked lots of these trips for my customer in the past. I decided it was time for me and my wife to experience one! I booked flights for us to fly with British Airways economy class to Dusseldorf on 08 December for 3 nights staying at Hotel Stadtpalais in Cologne. When we arrived in
01 August 2019
My wife and I don’t normally go back to the same place twice in such a short time, as we both believe there are so many other places to visit in this world, but we decided on this occasion to visit Tunisia again. There were a few places that we wanted to visit on our last trip but missed out as there is so much to see and do there. Sami from Tunisia Tourism kindly helped and assisted with our tri
31 July 2019
Sadly, the next day was time to go home. We both enjoyed Ibiza and thought it was not the party place we thought it might be. There is lots going on for couples, families and singles. The hotel we stayed in is more suitable for families with a village feel to the hotel. We would definitely go back again in off peak season. Ibiza is a lovely place with history, culture and food. With a flying tim
31 July 2019
I decided to have a long weekend with my wife in Ibiza as she had never been to Ibiza before, and I went many years ago. We thought it would be an ideal time to have a last-minute break from our local airport London Southend. We found some cheap flights with EasyJet for Bank Holiday weekend, with some reasonable price accommodation staying at Marble Stella Maris Ibiza 4*hotel on an all-inclusive b
11 April 2019
Sadly, we had our helicopter tour cancelled due to the weather, but it gives us an excuse to come back again. We used the rest of the afternoon to reflect on the day we had at Niagara before heading to Toronto that evening. We stayed at the Chelsea Hotel for next 3 nights. The hotel was in a great location just steps from the city's best shopping, theatres, nightlife and attractions. It features
11 April 2019
This trip came about after doing Ontario training via their website which I found very knowledgeable in helping me sell this wonderful state to my future customers. After completing my training, I received a lovely phone call from Emma at Ontario tourism, saying “Congratulations you have won a prize for two including flights, hotel and tours”! I was overjoyed to receive this phone call as I have
22 January 2019
My wife told me that she had a couple of days off and asked for my suggestions of where to go over the Christmas period. I came up with two places, either Cologne in Germany or Puerto Banús in Spain as destinations we could fly to from our local airport, Southend. My wife finally decided on Puerto Banús in Costa Del Sol, as it would be warmer, and we could relax and chill out. We flew from Sou
18 January 2019
I received a lovely call from Sami at Tunisia tourism telling me that I had won a holiday for 2 including return flights and 7 nights’ accommodation on an all-inclusive basis! I was overjoyed by this news, as I never been to Tunisia before. I was intrigued to find out more about Tunisia, and what it had to offer as a destination. My only problem was who I was going to take on this trip, my wif
22 August 2018
My wife and I decided that we should do another cruise for our wedding anniversary in December 2017. We have always fancied the following places Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, known as the ABC islands in the Caribbean. We found a cruise with Silversea perfect for us, taking in the ABC islands and sailing from Barbados so we decided to book this cruise which sailed on 09 December 2017 for 7 nights
11 August 2018
In Bonaire we walked around the town and ventured out to see some flamingos in a field which was nice to see. Aruba is a shopper’s paradise with plenty of duty free goods and tee shirts. My wife went diving and I went to the beach. The beaches are lovely but very packed at the popular Palm- Eagle beach. Sunbeds are chargeable on the beach with lots of restaurants and bars. We would to visit her
11 August 2018
Our driver Silvester picked up from Port Ferdinand Marina & Luxury Residences the next day, pointing out Rihanna’s home on our way to Mount Gay Rum tour. Sorry, a spot of name dropping! This was another treat by Barbados tourism again kindly arranged by Kyle. We did the signature rum tasting tour discovering the history of Mount Gay, included in the tour was a welcome rum punch, history of rum
11 August 2018
We were greeted by the Sumbavati rep at the airport and taken to our lodge, which took around 90 minutes. Once we arrived at the lodge we were given cold towels and whilst checking in we were lucky to see a herd of lions close to our lodge! It was an amazing experience. We had a lovely lunch before freshening up and going on our first game drive which started at 3.30 pm. Our ranger name was Cl
11 August 2018
I attended an event last year in London learning about Africa and safaris. I was one of the lucky winners and won a prize for two which included two nights at Camp Jabulani on full board basis in South Africa, two nights at Simbavati Safari Lodge on full board basis in South Africa and two nights at Machangulo Beach Lodge on full board basis in Mozambique. Although the prize excluded flights, t
13 July 2018
Last year I attended a training event in London on Las Vegas. I was one of the lucky two winners of a prize including return flights, hotel, helicopter tour and renewal of wedding vows for two people. I was overjoyed to win this prize as I hadn’t been to Vegas in over nine years. It was also a perfect opportunity to go to Maui and Oahu whilst on this trip as my wife has never been there before.
13 July 2018
We decided to head out on a bus to Pearl Harbour using the day pass costing $5 per person. The Pearl Harbour tour was very moving for both of us, remembering an event on December 7th 1941 that changed not only the United States but the world, eventually shifting the tide of history in favour of the United States and her allies. Today, visitors have the opportunity to stand directly above the re
12 March 2018
In May my wife and I were looking at going somewhere for Christmas, which would be warmer than the UK, so we decided on Malta. I had been many years ago, but my wife hadn’t been, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to try this destination out. As a travel agent I send lots of people to Malta. We booked our flights with EasyJet from London Gatwick. The flight was busy in both direction
09 March 2018
Turks and Caicos was on my wish list of places of that I really wanted to see in the world before I die but always seems an expensive destination. I managed to get my dream to come true. I flew with my wife to Turks and Caicos. We flew with American Airlines from London Heathrow via Miami and went economy class outbound and business class homebound. Flying via America is the cheapest way to get
09 March 2018
This classic itinerary visits the three most famous cities of China: cosmopolitan Shanghai, historic Xian and bustling Beijing. Included are the must-see sights of the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. For contrast we also visited the historic canal town of Wuzhen with its old-world charm and picturesque setting. China continues to amaze, fascinate and thrill our passe
02 March 2018
We also went to Blue Mountains by train on Christmas day which was really cheap! The receptionist gave us a tip that on Sundays you can travel anywhere in the Sydney area for $2.50 all day unlimited travel by train or bus. This tip saved us a lot of money as we were going to book a tour. The Blue Mountain area was busy as was expected. The scenery was amazing even on the journey getting there.
02 March 2018
TUE 13 DEC WELLINGTON In the morning we explored Wellington city by foot and went up the cable car from Lambton Quay (lower terminal) and had great views of the city on the way up. It cost 7.50 NZD per person and a journey time of just 5 minutes to get to the top of Kelburn Hill, 119 metres above the city. Once you arrive at the top of the cable car, head to the indoor or outdoor viewing platform
02 March 2018
It has always been on my bucket list to travel to New Zealand and spend Christmas in Australia and here was an opportunity to go on a cruise with my wife around New Zealand and finish in Sydney Australia having a 3-week holiday. We flew with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand in premium economy class. We were lucky to be given lounge access to the new Cathay Pacific lounge at London Heathrow, w
02 March 2018
After our trip to Seychelles we went to Dubai for two nights, flying with Etihad airways in Economy Class to Abu Dhabi. The flying time is around four hours and we then took a coach to Dubai which took around 90 minutes. During the coach journey they provided water, refreshing towels and mints which I thought was a nice touch. The bus terminates at Etihad Bus Mall Station where there are good conn
02 March 2018
On my wish list of places to visit was Vietnam and Japan. With the help of my DMC (Destination Management Company) Easia Travel, based in Vietnam, a lovely lady called Thu helped me arranged this amazing trip for me and my wife. We flew from London Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines non-stop in premium economy class, the flying time was 12 hours. The food and service onboard were very good, and we
02 March 2018
I decided to take a weekend break with my wife to Amsterdam flying from our local airport, Southend. I haven’t flown from this airport since it was taken over by Stobart group. I have to say my first impression was very good. We arrived by local bus from the town centre taking 15 minutes and costing £2.50 for a single journey. Once we arrived at the airport, we were straight through to security
02 March 2018
We were both looking forward to Japan, and after a four hour flight in economy class from Ho Chi Minh city we arrived at Narita Airport to a very efficient customs and immigration system. After we looked at options to get to Tokyo city centre, we decided to take the cheapest option. This was the frequent coach taking 90 minutes depending on traffic to Tokyo centre costing 1000 yen per person, comp
02 March 2018
After our three-day trip to Japan, we returned to Vietnam flying from Tokyo Haneda airport which was much quicker and cheaper to get to the airport from the Ritz Carlton hotel.l I would recommend this hotel to couples and families. I’d also recommend flying into and out of Tokyo Haneda airport. We flew business class, with a flying time of four hours, and enjoyed access to the business class loung
02 March 2018
I flew with my wife from London Gatwick to Split, travelling with Croatia Airlines in economy class. We went for a long weekend and the flying time was only two hours five minutes. When we arrived at Split airport we took the airport shuttle bus which runs every 30 minutes to the bus station in Split. The cost was very reasonable costing 30kn for a 30-minute journey (depending on traffic). You
16 November 2017
Day 6 - We went to Schynige Platte – since 1893 the cogwheel train has been transporting nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts from Wilderswil near Interlaken to Schynige Platte, the starting point of beautiful hiking tours and mountain trails. Then we went to Bern the capital of Switzerland. Bern has six kilometres of arcades lining the streets of the old city with busy market stalls livening up t
16 November 2017
I was so lucky to win a competition with Switzerland Travel Centre (STC), and the prize was two first class rail passes around Switzerland for 8 days. This was a great opportunity for my wife and I, so we used my Avios points for the flights with British Airways. We had access to their flagship lounge at Heathrow which is superb and as an extra treat, we booked Club Europe (Business class) for
14 November 2017
II recently went on a trip to Oman with the help of Oman Air and Oman Tourism. I flew with my wife in economy class return with Oman Air. The service was good - free drinks throughout the flight plus one main meal and a snack. Flying time was around 7 hours and 35 minutes. When we arrived at Oman Airport we had to pay for a visa on arrival for up to 30 days. It costs 20 OMR per person, and can
31 October 2017
I flew with my wife with Etihad Airways in Economy Class via Abu Dhabi. The flying time is around 11 hours to the Seychelles. We stayed at Constance Ephelia Resort in a Junior Suite in a room with great views of the ocean. Situated on two of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Mahé, overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay, Constance Ephélia enjoys a unique location set with
31 October 2017
Continued from Part 1... Day 6 Uluru (Ayers Rock) Adventure tour (lunch and dinner was included) We had an early start but enjoyed a light breakfast on-board the coach and headed south through the magnificent Western MacDonnell Ranges. (The highlight for us was Uluru at sunset. For the trip, make sure you get a fly net as there are plenty of flies around!) First stop was the Mount Conn
31 October 2017
Having done Alaska cruise. I thought it was only natural to do Norwegian Fjords as my next step of adventure. I went with my wife as we both never cruised around Norway. We stayed the night before in Southampton at De Vere Grand Harbour hotel. I would recommend staying the night before at a hotel, as some packages give reduce parking at the port. It was first time I sailed from Southampton, so i
31 October 2017
After my trip on Corroboree (a travel industry event), I decided to return to Australia again but this time with my wife as she had never been before and has always wanted to go. Australia has always been one of her dream destinations so I decided we should go as life is too short! We flew with Emirates in economy class to Melbourne via Dubai (flying time is around 20 hours) I been to Austral
31 October 2017
I was lucky to have a chance to return back to Thailand with my wife after getting married on the island of Koh Samui in 2009. We flew with Emirates Airlines and Bangkok Airways economy class. We arrived at Phuket airport via Dubai airport after a flying time of around 13 hours 20 minutes.Transitting via Dubai very easy, just a change of gates plus screening of hand luggage. We were greeted wit
31 October 2017
My weekend break in Edinburgh for my birthday. I flew with Ryanair from London Stansted. The flying time was 1 hour. My flight was busy both on journeys. I didn’t realise this route is so popular for Ryanair. Remember to take photo Id for your flights. I stayed at Waldorf Astoria the Caledonia hotel for 2 nights. It is a great location just off Princess street. Easy to get and from the airport
31 October 2017
Continued from Part 2... Day 12 We did a Hamilton Island tour including lunch then, afterwards, went to Whitehaven Beach by boat. Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. There's plenty to do during your Great
31 October 2017
I was very much looking forward to this holiday, as I never been to Nevis before, but I have been to St Kitts for the day on a cruise ship. My expectations were very high for this trip, especially as I have heard such good things from my colleagues and friends that have been there. I went with my wife and we flew with British Airways economy class return via Antigua from London Gatwick, which oper
31 October 2017
I flew with Virgin Atlantic premium economy class return. Flying time around 10 hours and 10 minutes. Transfer time from airport to hotel 140 minutes. I stayed at Hard Rock hotel in Riviera Maya for 7 nights. I was upgrade to room DELUXE PLATINUM GRAND SKY TERRACE which was amazing. I had the following facilities in my room One king bed, Balcony with hammock, Access to a private 2nd floor gra
12 August 2015
I have been to Trinidad several times, but I hadn’t experienced Trinidad carnival. I have to say it was a great experience and one of the best carnivals in the world I have been to. I went with my wife. We flew with British Airways world traveller plus via St Lucia and returned home with British Airways club world.The flight was full as you can image. This period is very busy and would recommend
04 August 2015
I flew with Air Mauritius on 09 November 2013 Heathrow-Mauritius economy class and returned home on 16 November business class. Flying time 12 hours and 30 minutes. I decided to treat my wife to Mauritius, as her birthday present as we both never been to this destination. When we arrived at Mauritius airport we are booked car hire with Avis. The great news the drive on the same side as us in the
01 August 2015
My wife and I have always wanted to go to this destination French Polynesia, as one of our dream destinations. We both decided we should book a cruise for my birthday, We flew from London Heathrow via Los Angeles to Papette in economy class. Flying time 18 hours. We had a long stopover in Los Angeles so decided to go to Santa Monica by bus, which was really good. It took around 45 minutes with on
01 August 2015
The last time I visited Australia was in 1999 when I was going out with my ex-girlfriend in Brisbane. I had a wonderful time and I extend my holiday leave from two weeks to four weeks, because I was having such a good time. I went to Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast plus Sydney. I was so impress with Australia but I hope one day I would go back in the future. My dream come true to return to Aus
01 August 2015
I flew London City-Rome via Milan flying time 3.10 hrs in economy class. There is now a direct service from London City to Rome. Check in time up to 30 minutes before departure at London City Airport. Great airport only takes 22 minutes to get to Bank on docklands light railway. I arrive at Rome Fiumicino where are lots of airport shuttle bus service cost around 5.00 euros per person each way,
01 August 2015
I had mixed views about Dominican Republic before I booked this holiday, but thought I should try it myself as I book a few customers to this destination. I wanted to find out for myself the fascination on this destination. I booked me and wife on this trip. We flew with British Airways from London Gatwick via Antigua economy class outbound and pre economy home bound. Now the service is non-stop w
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