After 40 years in the IT industry, Darrin Chadwick has taken a journey in a new direction to open a travel franchise in Broadstairs.
Dad-of-one Darrin says reaching his 60th birthday was a milestone that made him decide to end the prospect of work burnout and instead follow his passion for travel.
Last August he founded Travel Passion as a licensed franchisee through GoCruise & Travel. Originally home-based he has now expanded to take on a town premises.
Darrin, now 61, says the aim is to offer something entirely different from traditional travel agencies with flash sales, and “book now” buttons and instead ‘slow things down.’
Travel Passion is based at the former Bumbles antiques store in Albion Street and Darrin says there’s no deal boards in the window, no pressure to book, and no sense of urgency.
Darrin said: “I am new to the travel industry but I am a keen traveller. I travelled a lot when I was in the IT industry and travelled for personal trips but I have always been a customer.
“Travel is a passion off mine so I bought a franchise which is actually part of the Fred Olsen group which has been around for 25 years.
“It was home-based since August/September last year but I was looking to grow the business and wanted a high street premises.”
Darrin says the premises has a curated Luxury Travel Library, where books replace brochures and inspiration is something you can take home. Members—who join on a complimentary, by-registration basis—are encouraged to browse, borrow, and return when ideas begin to take shape.
Small, invitation-led gatherings bring together like-minded travellers to share experiences and ideas—creating a sense of community often missing from modern travel planning.
Darrin said: “When it is luxury travel people don’t want to make rush decisions. When you are spending a lot of money you don’t want to be forced into a decision that might not be right for you.
“(Instead) people can build up knowledge before the booking stage. I’d love them to buy a holiday at the end of it but they don’t have to, it’s about building community.”
All travel is sold and booked through GoCruise & Travel, so every trip benefits from full financial protection, including ATOL and ABTA coverage where applicable.
Darrin moved to Broadstairs from Bedfordshire seven years ago after being attracted by a ‘more relaxing environment.’
His family had a holiday home in the town and have been regular visitors for a decade.
He says he has always researched extensively before booking his own holidays and wants to bring that to his business.
He added: “It’s about taking the time to explore and get inspiration for travel. It’s a complete change from the normal travel agent process but I think it has lots of merit.”
Travel Passion is based at 11a Albion Street, Broadstairs.
Find it online at: www.travelpassion.co.uk
