OUR STORY
A LITTLE INSIGHT INTO OUR DNA
WHY CHOOSE DNA?
The secret to DNA lies in the relationships we build with each and every client. We invest time into getting to know your needs and personalities so that every itinerary can be entirely tailored to you. It’s all in the personal touch – we are there to hold your hand through every stage of the journey; from deciding on a location to choosing hotels, activities and where to dine, the most important part, in our opinion.
MEET THE TEAM AT DNA
DAN NICKLESS,
MANAGING DIRECTOR
T. 020 7193 4180
KATIE NICKLESS,
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
T. 020 7193 4180
OLIVER STOKES,
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
T. 020 7193 4180
Dan Nickless founded DNA Travel in 2015.
His ambition was to build a unique business that provides outstanding luxury holidays defined by his ambition and vision. He wanted it to be guided by his expert personal touch - “You have to really understand clients and their individual motivation to deliver exactly what they are looking for in a holiday''.
Dan is a bon vivant and has a great lust for life. A passionate man who really enjoys golf, rugby, great food and good red wine. However his greatest love is travelling with his family, his partner and twin daughters, they are his most demanding customers and he ensures that, of course, he delivers the very best family holidays for their individual needs.
Katie Nickless has always loved travel - her childhood family holidays were truly wonderful and memorable experiences. She has a passion for skiing and first started working in travel as a ski host in St Anton in Austria. Katie then experienced 5 seasons living in the French ski resort of Les Gets throughout summer and in winter for a private chalet company.
She broadened her travel experience working for one of the largest agencies in the U.K. As a senior business development manager. Now her 10 years gaining real insight into the requirements of corporate clients means she wants to build a unique service offer at DNA. Her clients are at the centre of everything she delivers.
Oliver Stokes graduated in law in 2008 and then decided to travel the world – everything is an education and an experience. He returned to the UK and wanted other people to capitalise on this outstanding experience.
His business and legal background combined with his in depth experience at one of the largest agencies in the U.K, where he met Katie, means he has a unique take on the diverse requirements of corporate travel. Clients have extremely high standards therefore he builds a bespoke and seamless service, planned with a fine attention to detail, based on a balance between a company’s travel policy and the unique requirements of the individual.
Jo Wainwright-Noble After completing a degree in International Business management with French and spending a gap year and numerous summers working as a lifeguard in the South of France Jo joined a leading TMC where she spent 14 years gaining vast experience and knowledge of the travel industry which she brought with her when she joined DNA in 2021. With this she has helped clients through the post covid travel era and beyond. Ensuring every client receives the highest attention to detail and maximum value for money on each and every trip. She has travelled extensively all over the world and is just as content in the Maldives as she is camping in the English countryside. She loves discovering new places, wild adventures and making wonderful memories with her family.
JO WAINWRIGHT-NOBLE
CORPORATE ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
JEN EDWARDS
CORPORATE ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Jen Edwards After graduating in 2006 with a Biomedical Engineering degree, Jennifer quickly realised it was travel not science that was the passion she wanted to pursue. A 2 year-round the world adventure followed and, on her return, she joined a leading TMC where she spent 10 years gaining a vast knowledge of all things travel, whilst also finding time to fit in regular trips to all corners of the globe. Jennifer joined the DNA team in 2018 and has provided clients with expert advice helping them navigate travel in the most challenging of times, ensuring they are still getting the best value possible on each trip. With 2 children in tow her holidays now look a little different than they did in the early days of her career with less NYC, Dubai and Bali and more Tenerife, Florida, and Greece – but if there is sunshine and a glass of fizz she’s there!
ANNA RUSHBROOKE
DIRECTOR OF LUXURY TRAVEL
Anna Rushbrooke Anna’s passion for travel started at 15 years old when she flew alone to Luxor staying with a family friend and couldn’t wait to explore the sites and experience a very different way of life, Egypt opened her eyes, and she was keen to see more of the world. Backpacking trips followed around Australia & New Zealand and South East Asia. Anna is keen for her children to see as much of the world as possible and has taken them on many family holidays including, India, Vietnam, Bali, Mexico, Maldives, Thailand. Her ideal holiday is a combination of culture, sightseeing, great food, and beautiful beaches. Anna has spent the past 20 years working for luxury tour operators including ITC, Western & Oriental, Hayes & Jarvis. Priding herself on ensuring her clients get the most out of their holiday and always getting value for money.
LOUISE YOUNG
CORPORATE ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Louise Young After graduating with a degree in Politics and Communications, Louise went on to spend time gaining work experience in both the UK and Canada. Deciding she wanted to see more of the world she embarked on an 18-month adventure of a lifetime, starting in India, and finishing in Bali. They say you should start your career in an area you are passionate about, so it made sense for Louise to join an international TMC upon returning to the UK. Louise spent over 10 years there, building relationships with corporate clients, providing knowledge, and delivering excellent service. Louise joined DNA in 2022 and is the newest addition to the team.
VERITY DILLON
CONCIERGE MANAGER
REBECCA GARLAND
SALES DIRECTOR
Verity Dillon Verity has a passion for turning holidays into unforgettable experiences. When she's not orchestrating seamless getaways for our clients, Verity is likely basking in the sun on her favourite tropical beach – the hotter, the better! As a devoted mother of twin boys, her family holidays are filled with lively activities and laughter. Verity's love for holidaying is matched only by her impeccable attention to detail. Whether it's crafting the perfect itinerary or ensuring every tiny detail aligns seamlessly, Verity thrives on the satisfaction of making dreams come true for our clients. With her expertise, your next getaway is not just a trip; it's a meticulously planned adventure designed to exceed expectations. Get to know Verity and let her passion for perfection elevate your travel experience.
Rebecca Garland Becci isn't just another Sales Director—she's a force of nature with a knack for driving results. Her career started in hospitality working for IHG which led her to one of the most prestigious addresses, Intercontinental London Park Lane. Becci later joined a leading travel management company as a Business Development Manager where she gained a vast knowledge of all things travel and a real insight into the requirements of corporate clients. She’s mastered the art of sales strategy and building strong client relationships which she has nurtured for over a decade. But there is more to Becci than business. She's a devoted mother of two girls who have really put her communication and negotiation skills to the test! Whether it's a weekend getaway or a far-flung adventure, she cherishes every moment spent travelling with her family.