Daragh Hanafin - Travel Counsellors

Daragh Hanafin - Travel Counsellors Let me arrange the holiday of your dreams for you. My page will share travel inspiration and wonderful offers. Daragh

Financially protected by Travel Counsellors Financial Trust and ATOL protected. Hello and welcome to my page, I’m Daragh, originally from County Wicklow in Ireland, now based in Sudbury, Suffolk. Joining Travel Counsellors after more than 13 years of working in luxury retail, I’m very service orientated, so it’s all about you… My goal is to ensure that you have a fantastic experience, from our very first conversation, right up to your return home and then starting all over again with your next booking. After all, they say the best way to beat the holiday blues is to start planning your next trip! Your time is precious, so let me do the work for you. There are no budgets too big or too small, so whether you want a multi city luxury tour, a relaxing cruise, a magical honeymoon, a memory making family adventure or even a weekend long city break, I’d be thrilled to tailor you the perfect travel experience. Every itinerary can be made completely bespoke to fit your needs and budgets, from flights and hotels, car-hire and transfers to unforgettable excursions. I’m here to take care of each and every detail of your booking, and I’m available at a time that best suits your needs, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. Booking a trip through a Travel Counsellor also gives you the peace of mind of booking through someone who is financially protected by the Travel Counsellors Financial Trust and ATOL protected. This is just one of the many reasons we have a world-leading 96% customer satisfaction rate. My passion for travel started at an early age, and I’ve been extremely fortunate to travel for both work and pleasure over the years, experiencing some wonderful holidays and trips in far flung and exotic places all around the world. From shopping in the bright lights of New York City to marvelling at majestic Orangutans in Borneo’s Forests, diving in India’s Andaman Islands to skiing in the spectacular Alps, experiencing the magic of a family trip to Disney World or touring tea plantations in Sri Lanka, Travel Counsellor's knowledge and experience can help you get the very best out of each and every trip.

Uncover Australia’s Extraordinary Coastline 35 nights from £12,389 per person (based on 2 sharing)  This is Australia on...
20/09/2026

Uncover Australia’s Extraordinary Coastline
35 nights from £12,389 per person (based on 2 sharing)

This is Australia on a truly epic scale.

Sailing round-trip from Sydney aboard Oceania Marina, this 35-night voyage takes you from the tropical waters of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef to Darwin, Western Australia, Adelaide, Melbourne and Tasmania, with an overnight stay in Bali along the way.

One day you could be exploring the reef from Cairns, another discovering Australia’s tropical Top End. Later, you’ll reach the remote shores of Western Australia before continuing along the southern coastline towards Kangaroo Island, Melbourne, Phillip Island and Hobart.

And with 35 nights aboard, the ship matters too. Oceania is renowned for its dining, with speciality restaurants included alongside a relaxed, refined atmosphere and plenty of time to simply enjoy being at sea.

Your voyage includes:
• 35 nights aboard Oceania Marina
• Veranda Stateroom on a full-board basis
• Champagne, wine, beer and spirits included
• Shipboard gratuities
• Gourmet speciality restaurants
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, soft drinks and speciality coffees
• Departs Sydney on 18 February 2029
• Speak to me about adding flights from your preferred regional airport

35 nights from £12,389 per person.

If you’ve dreamt of seeing Australia properly, this is one incredible way to do it. Message me for the full itinerary.



Terms & Conditions: This holiday is organised by Travel Counsellors Ltd and, where it is a flight-inclusive package, is ATOL protected under Travel Counsellors Ltd ATOL 6751. Subject to availability. No local charges payable. T&Cs apply. Please give me a call for further details. Price based on 2 adults sharing. Prices correct at time of posting. Offers are subject to change. I can advise on travel insurance at the time of booking.

Happy Friday!  Let’s have a bit of travel-inspired fun.  There are no right or wrong answers, I’m just curious to see wh...
18/09/2026

Happy Friday!

Let’s have a bit of travel-inspired fun.

There are no right or wrong answers, I’m just curious to see what everyone thinks.

If you had to choose just one, would it be a safari or a snorkelling adventure?

Tell me your answer in the comments and don’t forget to tell me why!

South Africa is one of those rare destinations where every few days can feel like a completely different trip.  I’d begi...
17/09/2026

South Africa is one of those rare destinations where every few days can feel like a completely different trip.

I’d begin in Cape Town, with its dramatic coastline, incredible food, world-class vineyards and the unmistakable backdrop of Table Mountain. From here, you can explore the Cape Peninsula, meet the penguins at Boulders Beach, head out whale watching at the right time of year and visit Robben Island, where South Africa’s powerful history comes to life.

From there, I’d slow the pace in the Winelands, enjoying beautiful scenery, exceptional restaurants and some of the country’s finest wines.

Then comes safari, but even that can be designed in so many different ways. It could mean the iconic Kruger National Park, an exclusive reserve such as Sabi Sands, or a malaria-free option that works brilliantly for families. South Africa is also home to some truly extraordinary safari lodges, where incredible wildlife is combined with beautiful design, exceptional food and wonderfully personal service.

For something completely different, I’d consider adding a journey aboard Rovos Rail, travelling through spectacular landscapes in old-world luxury. Or perhaps we’d include time in Johannesburg, using it as the starting point for a safari while also exploring another important side of South Africa’s story.

That’s what I love about designing trips here. In one journey, you can experience vibrant cities, extraordinary wildlife, spectacular scenery, world-class food and wine, fascinating history and some of the most memorable places to stay anywhere in the world.

Because South Africa isn’t just a safari destination.

It’s one of the most complete travel experiences anywhere in the world.

16/09/2026

If I had to recommend one destination that offers a little bit of everything, South Africa would always be near the top of my list.

It’s one of the few places where you can combine vibrant cities, spectacular coastlines, incredible wildlife, world-class food and award-winning wine in a single journey.

What I love most, though, is how adaptable it is.

I could design an incredible honeymoon filled with boutique hotels, private safaris and unforgettable sunsets.

I could create an adventure for a family with game drives, penguins, scenic road trips and experiences children will be talking about for years.

Or I could design a journey focused entirely on food, wine and the country’s remarkable landscapes.

No two South Africa itineraries ever look the same, and that’s exactly why I love designing them.

One thing you’ll hear me recommend time and time again is taking a guided tour.  Not because I think everyone has to.  B...
15/09/2026

One thing you’ll hear me recommend time and time again is taking a guided tour. 
 
Not because I think everyone has to. 
 
But because I genuinely believe it’s one of the best ways to experience a destination. 
 
If your budget allows, I especially love private guides. But I also think well-run small group tours can be fantastic. For me, it’s not really about whether it’s private or shared. 
 
It’s about having someone who helps you understand a destination, rather than simply showing it to you. 
 
A great guide brings a place to life. 
 
Yes, they’ll explain the history, the architecture and the culture, but it’s so much more than that. They’ll share stories, anecdotes and local insights that you’d never find in a guidebook. 
 
You don’t just see a place… you begin to live it. 
 
One of my favourite memories was having a private guide in Sri Lanka. Some of the best parts of those days weren’t just the places we visited, but the conversations we had in the car about everyday life, family, food and what it was really like to live there. 
 
That’s the sort of insight you simply can’t get from a guidebook. 
 
The beauty of a private guide is that the whole day revolves around you. If you spot something interesting, you can stop. If you want to ask twenty questions, you can. If you want to slow the pace, that’s absolutely fine. 
 
That said, I also love small group tours. They’re fantastic value, a great way to meet like-minded travellers, and you still benefit from all that local knowledge. If I’m recommending a group tour, though, I’ll almost always look for a smaller one. 
 
Every guided experience I’ve ever had has enhanced my trip in some way. 
 
To me, that’s priceless. 
 
Do you prefer exploring independently, with a private guide, or as part of a small group? 
 

Some destinations ask you to choose between adventure, relaxation or culture. South Africa quietly says, “Why not have a...
14/09/2026

Some destinations ask you to choose between adventure, relaxation or culture. 
South Africa quietly says, “Why not have all three?” 
 
It’s waking before sunrise to watch elephants gather at a waterhole. It’s driving along spectacular coastlines where mountains meet the ocean. It’s enjoying world-class food and wine as the sun disappears behind the vineyards. 
 
Every day feels completely different from the last. 
 
What makes South Africa so special isn’t just the incredible wildlife or the breathtaking scenery. It’s the variety. 
 
Few places on Earth offer so many different experiences in a single journey, from vibrant cities and dramatic landscapes to unforgettable safari moments that stay with you for a lifetime. 
 
It’s the kind of destination that leaves you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner. 
Because some countries don’t just exceed your expectations. 
They completely redefine them. 
 
Which part of South Africa would you be most excited to experience? 
 

Explore Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Cities 9 nights from £2,795 per person (based on 2 sharing)  If you’re looking for somewh...
13/09/2026

Explore Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Cities
9 nights from £2,795 per person (based on 2 sharing)

If you’re looking for somewhere a little different, Uzbekistan is one of those destinations that deserves a place on your radar.

Follow the legendary Silk Road through Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, discovering magnificent mosques, madrasahs, bustling bazaars and some of Central Asia’s most extraordinary architecture.

In Samarkand, stand in spectacular Registan Square and explore the intricate blue-tiled mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda. Wander through the ancient streets and trading domes of Bukhara, before discovering the beautifully preserved walled city of Khiva.

But it’s not just about the landmarks. You’ll shop in local markets, meet Uzbek families and even learn how to make traditional plov during a hands-on cooking experience before sitting down together to enjoy it.

Your journey includes:
• 9 nights travelling through Uzbekistan
• 7 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a historic property
• 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners
• Traditional cooking experiences with local families
• Flights from London Gatwick on 27 October 2026, with transfers

For history, culture and somewhere that still feels refreshingly different, this is a fascinating adventure along one of the world’s most legendary routes.

9 nights from £2,795 per person.

If Uzbekistan has sparked your curiosity, message me and let’s start planning.



Terms & Conditions: This holiday is organised by Travel Counsellors Ltd and, where it is a flight-inclusive package, is ATOL protected under Travel Counsellors Ltd ATOL 6751. Subject to availability. No local charges payable. T&Cs apply. Please give me a call for further details. Price based on 2 adults sharing. Prices correct at time of posting. Offers are subject to change. I can advise on travel insurance at the time of booking.

Happy Friday!  Let’s have a bit of travel-inspired fun.  There are no right or wrong answers, I’m just curious to see wh...
11/09/2026

Happy Friday! 
 
Let’s have a bit of travel-inspired fun. 
 
There are no right or wrong answers, I’m just curious to see what everyone thinks. 
 
What’s the one destination or experience that’s right at the top of your travel bucket list? 
 
Tell me your answer in the comments and don’t forget to tell me why! 
 

Address

Great Cornard, Sudbury
Sudbury, Suffolk

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