Based in Royston

Dorian Hayes

Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here

It's Nice To Meet You

I love travel. I still get excited about it even if it is someone else who is doing the travelling. That’s why when you come to me I promise I’m going to give you the best and most hassle free holiday experience imaginable.

I have travelled all over the world, from West Coast USA to the Middle East, North Africa to South Australia so chances are I'll know about the destination you're looking for and if I don't, I'll know someone who does!

This is where my personal service comes in.

From the moment you contact me, I’m at your disposal. I’m available at a time and place that suits you. I’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for: using state of the art technology, my own extensive travel experience and that of over 1,000 colleagues worldwide and the buying power of the world’s largest home based travel agency. I’ll even show you holidays that perhaps you didn’t think were possible. Whether it’s a drop-of-a-hat weekend break in Cairo or a trip of a lifetime to witness the Northern Lights. And everything in between. I can organise it whenever you like, wherever you like.

I’ll be there helping you along the way - from booking and organising visas, to checking you in for your flight and dealing with any special considerations you may require. Plus, the service doesn’t stop when your holiday starts; I’ll be working for you for the duration of your holiday and afterwards, I’m available day or night.

So pick up the phone and give me a call and we can have a chat about your next holiday or business trip.

Because when you go on holiday all you should do is enjoy it.

I am also accredited by the following bodies and companies;

Dubai Department of Tourism Dubai Expert - Gold Level
Moroccan National Tourist Office
Icelandic Tourist Board
Oman Tourism Board
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
Tourism Ireland
Qatar Airways
Air New Zealand
Continental Airlines
South African Airways

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Contact Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

My Blog

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.

Marrakech

06 October 2009

I never know which language I should be speaking in Marrakech. Although English is widely understood, I think it’s only polite to greet people in their native tongue. It does get a bit confusing when you greet someone in Arabic and they reply in French though! On the whole, Moroccans are a fun loving bunch and I’m sure they do it just for laughs, or maybe it’s just me. The Arabic hospitality, ancient traditions, good weather and a four hour flight combine to make a great weekend break and arriving into Menara airport as the sun sets over the Atlas mountains is a wonderful way to start. There is a large poster at the airport taxi rank which clearly explains that the fare into town is 50 Dirhams and then goes on to tell you that you should pay double what is on the meter! I’ve never understood why, it’s always been like that. But that’s Morocco for you. I stayed at the Le Meridien N’fis which is just outside the city walls on Avenue Mohammed VI but as Marrakech is quite compact it’s only 10 minutes taxi ride to the very hub of the city, the Djemmaa El Fna. This huge square, surrounded by cafes, restaurants and shops, is full of stalls selling everything from freshly squeezed orange juice to leather handbags and as the sun goes down the tempo rises, snake charmers, story tellers and restaurants seemingly appear from nowhere and ply their trade into the early hours. Just behind the square is the main souk. This labyrinthine warren of ceramics, leather and spices extends for what seems like miles. It’s very easy to get lost in here - I speak from experience, but it’s certainly an adventure and there are big bargains to be had on leather goods, beautiful ceramics and fantastic metal lampshades if you barter hard enough. To escape the hustle and bustle take a taxi to the Majorelle Gardens. Built by the painter Jacques Majorelle in 1947 and now owned by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent, they are a haven of tranquillity. Wander through some incredible cacti and bamboo and find shaded corners and pergolas painted in that unique Moroccan blue. It's a gentle, relaxing way to spend an afternoon. The Tagine is the national dish and while there are some excellent places on the edge of the Fna, strolling away from the square with the Club Med behind you, there are some fantastic little riads where dinner for two can be had for about fifteen pounds although these are rarely licensed, which is a shame as Moroccan wine is very good. So it’s back to Le 6, a bar/restaurant on Ave. Mohammed VI, a stone’s throw from the hotel for a nightcap.

Cairo

20 August 2009

Some people worry about Egypt, I’ve never fully understood why. Perhaps it’s a fear of the unknown, but sometimes the unknown can turn a holiday into an adventure. Cairo’s a bit like that - one big adventure. Yes it’s a big, frenetic, dusty, crowded city but at the same time there is a genuine warmth and sense of fun in the Egyptians. And while being in Cairo can seem a bit daunting if you’ve never been, if you’re prepared to ‘hold your nose and jump in’ there is a fantastic time to be had. From the frantic bargaining in the Khan El Khalili to the serenity of Al Azhar Park, from the modern minimalist hotels to the ancient Pyramids and Sphinx there is seemingly nothing you can’t do. I was in Cairo for a week and, not having been there for nearly 10 years, of course I had to see the Pyramids. Just to check they were still there - yes they are, and the Sphinx if you’re wondering! It never ceases to amaze me that the Pyramids are accurate to less than one degree and they have stood 7 millennia and yet in my 100 year old house there isn’t a single straight wall! It’s hot up on the Giza Plateau and I decide it’s time for a cold beer and where better than the gardens of the Mena House. Almost in the shade of the great Pyramid, it has been welcoming guests in resplendent luxury for 140 years. It is a stunning property. Unfortunately I’m on a bit of a budget so it’s back to the Sheraton for me. Which is no bad thing, my room overlooks the Nile and the island of Zamalek and as the sun fades to the west, in front of me the Cairo tower is performing its rotating light show and the lights of Cairo are reflected in the river. As the temperature drops, Cairo comes alive and it’s time for a spot of bargain hunting. A taxi to the Khan El Khalili and a wander down the narrow passageways is just the thing. Past shops so tiny I can barely get inside them while shopkeepers eagerly try to entice me to part with my money. Rows upon rows of intricately designed perfume bottles glisten in windows alongside black basalt, alabaster and rose granite ornaments and jewellery of lapis lazuli. I’m looking for a couple of presents and eventually, after much haggling and endless mint tea, I extract myself from the Khan slightly lighter in the wallet but with a few nice pieces. I think I’ve got a good deal. It’s about 4 stops on the metro to Gezira, on the southern end of Zamalek island and as I have to walk past the Sofitel on my way home, I pop into the Buddha Bar for a nightcap. The view down the Nile is amazing and as the gentle lounge music soothes me and I stare out of the window past the 3 story high Buddha, I know in the back of my mind that this time tomorrow I’ll be back in London. But that’s tomorrow. One more gin martini please.

My customer stories

Sent by Kate Hammond

My husband and I have used Dorian of travel counsellors for all our major holidays for the last few years. We have enjoyed every one. Our fantastic bespoke trip he sorted for us to the USA was cancelled due to the virus. He has worked tirelessly to get us our money back. I can’t thank him enough. We will be back when we can fly again.

Sent by Tricia Hilton

I cannot recommend Dorian highly enough. He made booking our holiday to Florida so much easier. He was able to advise so we could tailor our needs, especially as we were a party of thirteen, made up of four families! Not only was he there to deal with all our travel paperwork, but he could provide us with a wealth of general knowledge and expertise to cost save where possible. Whether we were booking a UK weekend away or a long haul holiday, we wouldn't hesitate to call upon Dorian.

Sent by clive hughes

Dorian arranged a cruise for us in January 2013 round South America and all the flights from Heathrow to Buenos Aires. When the snow caused chaos at Heathrow our flight home was cancelled, but Dorian arranged for us to go via Madrid and we got home twelve hours late but very pleased that we had someone making arrangements for us. We were most impressed with the care and attention and will be in capable hands for future holidays.

Sent by valerie fraser

Dorian was brilliant in arranging our holiday of a lifetime to Thailand and Singapore last Christmas. He sourced some amazing hotels and made sure we were met at each airport we arrived at. It was the little things he arranged for us that made it all so special. He even arranged for us to have elephant rides on Christmas Day which made it all so perfect. It was Dorian's attention to detail which made our holiday so perfect, and he was never irritated when we kept changing the itinerary! We will use him again.

Sent by Claire Hecamp

Dorian was extremely helpful and did everything he could do get us the best deal out there. He beat the prices of every agent I tried (and there were a lot!) I would highly recommend Dorian and will be using Travel Counsellors the next time I fly.

Sent by Margaret Hall

What you want from an agent, service and reliable information, you get from Dorian.

Sent by Shlomi Nachmias

Dorian is quick to respond to my requests. He is professional, knowledgable and finds competitive options. The service he provides is personal and customer orientated. I thoroughly recommend Dorian for any travel and vacation needs, a one stop shop.

Sent by Shlomi Nachmias

Dorian is quick to respond to my requests. He is professional, knowledgable and finds competitive options. The service he provides is personal and customer orientated. I thoroughly recommend Dorian for any travel and vacation needs, a one stop shop.

Sent by Susan Garner

Dorian has always shown to be extremely helpful and professional. Giving advice and very in depth information regarding the culture and "must see" local attractions, places of interest and recommended restaurants, which give good service and value for money. My family and I would certainly use his services again.

Sent by hazel dawson

Dorian I have nicknamed my travel genie, as after a conversation with him, I know I do not have to worry, he now knows me and what type of accomodation I like and need and plans my holiday. It is literally, one or two emails or phone calls then sit back wait and pack my bags.The stress is taken out of it all, I say the place and time and its done. I get a packet with all my documents in and it was perfect. We also went through Paris with a thrilling ride in an open top CV car. Perfect.

Sent by Charlotte Tomkinson

Dorian is our Travel Counsellor and offers a great service. He is very personable, reliable and accurate with bookings. He is helpful and he goes above and beyond the service required, even ensuring travel and accommodation is dealt with during his days off. Makes arranging travel alot easier - especially as we constantly make changes to our bookings, some at the very last minute! No task is ever too great or too difficult.

Sent by Alan Lloyd

I got Dorian out of bed. He got me out of trouble.

Sent by Anna Zolich

Dorian, you are the most amazing person I’ve ever got to know. Thank you very, very much. The way you deal with travel requirements is of the highest standard.

Sent by Gareth Pritchard

I travel across Europe for business and was fed up long ago with poor service from stupid agents. Until I found Dorian... Dorian has found me some great prices, creative flight combinations and a few nice hotels that I had not come across. I give him the brief and he has the nous to offer me various appropriate options all in an instant. Pleasurable, pain-free travel!

Sent by Alan Lloyd

Dorian organises all of my business travel for me and my colleagues and provides an excellent and invaluable service. His knowledge means I can just throw a travel problem at him knowing that he will come back quickly with a range of solutions which offer flexibility and cost effectiveness. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dorian's services to anyone.

Sent by Paula Sherratt

Dorian is a delight to deal with. He is so knowledgeable about so many holiday destinations and cannot do enough for you. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone planning a holiday. I know that he will always come up with an amazing holiday experience each time.

Sent by Gareth Pritchard

Everything was easy... I travel lots and can book any hotel anywhere myself. This time, I put myself in Dorian's hands. He understood immediately what I wanted and came back quickly with prices on flights and hotels. The hotels were new to me and both were excellent and within budget. He even checked me in and emailed my boarding pass. I look forward to my next trip for Dorian to arrange.