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All 14th June 2024

Holiday Architects Win big at the Best Workplaces in Travel Awards 2024

HA have scooped 3 WINS and one second-place award at this year’s Best Workplaces in Travel Awards!    Monday evening was a brilliant one for Team HA. Andy and Rachel headed to London for this year’s Best Workplaces in Travel Awards – and to say they walked away chirpy would be an understatement! We scooped not one, not two, but THREE first-place wins at the awards, and a second place as the cherry on the cake.   Award for Wellbeing: WINNERS Award for Performance Recognition: WINNERS Award for Equitability: WINNERS Best Small Company: 2nd Place   “It was a huge and very pleasant shock to walk away with three awards and a second place at the BWIT Awards last night. A big thank you to BWIT, all the sponsors and the hosts for such a wonderful evening. We spend a really significant amount of time at HA thinking about our work culture and environment, a process that involves everyone contributing and engaging with what we’re trying to achieve. You hope to get things right most of the time and to know when you’ve got it wrong, but it’s only surveys like this that give us the definitive answer, and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort from everyone at HA to create such an amazing environment. I’m especially proud that our employee net promoter score was 100%: knowing everyone here would recommend working at HA to their friends and family is an amazing feeling.” Andy Hunt, HA Founder       What are the Best Workplaces in Travel Awards? The #BWIT Awards were launched to celebrate the importance of attracting, engaging and retaining talent in the travel industry. They recognise that employee advocacy has never been more business-critical. So, they launched an employee engagement survey to allow travel companies to ask their teams (confidentially) how they honestly feel about their work and what is most important to them. The anonymous responses to that survey are what these awards are based on. And that’s why we couldn’t be prouder of these results.     Some lovely anonymous words from the survey “I’m so proud to work for HA. The balance of trust to get on with your own role, the freedom to take ownership of it and the overwhelming sense of teamwork that’s weaved throughout it all is second to none.”   “It’s an amazing place to work – we have so much fun together as a team that I feel isn’t something you can necessarily create. A lot of thought is put into the hiring process and it shows in the team we’ve created.”   “It is an open and honest place to work, with like-minded adults all striving for the same goals.”     A few more highlights…               A big thank you to the Best Workplace in Travel Awards team and a huge pat on the back to Team HA – for proving, as ever, that teamwork and our genuine love for HA and what we do really is a little bit special!  
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All 12th January 2024

A New Year message from our founder, Andy

  So, here it is, the traditional New Year newsletter from the company founder. Perhaps you’re expecting to read about the exciting travels we’ve taken as a team this year, or the awards we’ve won. Typically, you’d expect me to be hitting key messages around our service, our knowledge, and the fact that we genuinely tailor-make your holiday so it’s perfect just for you. However, we’ve done a lot of reflection on who we are over the last year – and some of you will have been involved in that process, feeding back as part of focus groups (thank you again if you did). Frankly, if I were to tell you about our service, knowledge, and ability to tailor holidays, this would look like a letter from any of the other travel companies we compete with. And I believe that if we didn’t offer these three things, then we’d never have got off the start line as a company. So, I want to focus instead on what I believe we do differently from everyone else. What you, our amazing clients, told us this year was that the relationship you have with your HA Destination Manager whilst planning your trip is a key component of the success of the trip, and something that marks us out from the crowd. Trying to understand why this might be, I think we’re like you: we’re interested in the world around us, we’ve got a bit of experience under our belt and can’t wait to add to it, and (if I say so myself) we’re a lovely bunch of people! So, diving in further, I thought I’d let you in on a few things I’ve learned about the team this year.   We’re a talented bunch, with three of us having been members of NAGTY as kids (the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth); and based on the Christmas songs we all penned for our Christmas party, a few of us could have had alternative careers in the music industry! We have very eclectic tastes in dog names – there’s a Lyra, a Caesar, a Milo, an Indie and a Yogi. We love our sport – there are American football fans and loyal supporters of local rugby clubs, and we also love a range of other pursuits, from flower arranging, to creative writing and learning Japanese. We’re constantly setting and participating in company quizzes, and – as a result – would make an unbeatable pub quiz team! We also care about the world around us – some of the most interesting, engaging and, yes, occasionally heated discussions we’ve had as a team are around ensuring our holidays are meaningful whilst also looking to mitigate our impact on the environment. Something else we do differently here is that the Destination Managers you speak to when planning your holidays are in total control of what they sell and how they sell it. There isn’t a central department or a line manager dictating this to them. They choose the hotels and excursions, they have direct relationships with all our suppliers, and they write all of the website and quote text you read. They’ve been really busy this year coming up with exciting, new, and interesting ways for you to experience our favourite destinations. We’ve pioneered our Go Local suggested itineraries , which are the product of the aforementioned discussions about meaningful travel. We believe it’s meeting local people, in an authentic and unscripted way, is what gives travel a lot of its meaning. And so, these Go Local itineraries (conceived by the wonderful Emma, our Sustainability Lead, and put in place for Morocco , Oman , Costa Rica and Jordan by her, Dawn and Cat) are full of activities that get you meeting the locals behind the invisible barriers that tourism can put up. Off the back of a wonderful brainstorming session in October, Lou has put together an entirely new excursion in Costa Rica exploring the Caribbean coast of the country, using local guides and including time spent with the indigenous communities.   Erin has completely overhauled the Borneo website, including creating the Culture, Caves, and Jungle suggested itinerary . Of course, it includes all the major highlights (not least the famous orangutans!), but you’re also going to dive into the wonderful city of Kuching where Indian and Chinese cultures fuse into something very unique (and with amazing cuisine!) as well as hanging out with Iban tribes in the jungle . They used to be head-hunters, but that is thankfully a thing of the past now! I’m a bit biased because I spent part of my childhood in Sarawak, where much of this itinerary is based, but this is without doubt a holiday I will be enjoying at some point.   Like Erin, Dawn is always beyond inspired by her beloved Peru, and has completely refreshed the Peru website. Her favourite new addition is a suggested itinerary which spends time with indigenous tribes at Lake Titicaca , gets you involved in conservation efforts for the condors at Colca Canyon , and of course, includes Machu Picchu . But, it doesn’t include the well-known Pisac market, dropping that in favour of the much more colourful but much less-known Chinchero market . I love all of these ideas and innovations. They are a wonderful encapsulation of what we set out to do here at HA: to explore countries in a way that definitely covers the highlights, but also has lots of really thoughtful touches – ways to engage with and understand the local cultures and people. They are also driven completely by the team themselves: Destination Managers who are passionate and fascinated by the countries they are responsible for, and are always striving for the best way to share that passion and fascination with you.   So, if you’re talking to Erin about including a Kuching city tour in your Borneo trip, you know that she worked with our local agents to put that tour together, and it’s been her project from start to finish. You now also know that she has a dog called Caesar and is a dab hand at flower arranging, amongst many other talents – you really are in the best of hands! This is true of all the team here, wherever you’re planning to go in 2024, and whoever you work with here at HA to make those plans a reality, you’re going to have a lot of fun during that process, and have the most amazing holiday too. Wishing you all the best for a fantastic year, we hope we’ll be a part of making it a special one! Best wishes Andy Hunt  
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Travel Inspiration 23rd October 2023

What Type of Traveller are You?

  What type of traveller are you?! Sun Worshipper Wildlife Wanderer Family First Adrenaline Advocate Freedom Seeker Nature Lover History Buff All about the People     Sun Worshipper Ultimate luxury in the Maldives The Maldives is the Indian Ocean’s most alluring archipelago with unrivalled luxury and an astonishing underwater world. It’s also home to some of the softest, whitest sand around. Each resort in The Maldives sits within it’s own private island, there’s over a thousand of them them strung out like pearls across the ocean. The clear waters of the Maldives make it one of the best diving and snorkelling destinations in the world. The richness is overwhelming, with manta rays, reef sharks and turtles commonly spotted. The only thing that makes the Maldives difficult is choosing the right resort out of the hundreds that are on offer. It’s paramount that you get this right as they do wildly differ in style and price. After several trips to Maldives we’ve really narrowed it down and handpicked a few of our favourites that offer quality and value for money. The Maldives really is one of the few destinations that looks as good in real life as it does in professional photos. It makes the perfect beach break after a holiday through Sri Lanka, India or Oman. Find out more     Orangutans and tropical island in Borneo For those who love time to soak up the sunshine on pristine beaches, this ultimate Borneo getaway promises an exhilarating blend of untamed adventures. Picture embarking on thrilling wildlife escapades along the grand waterways, venturing through ancient dense forests in to find the elusive orangutans, and leisurely wandering along stretches of pristine ivory beaches – all on one holiday! Your adventure begins in Sepilok, where you’ll immerse yourself in the allure of the rainforest. Next, the riverside sanctuary nestled along the Kinabatangan River awaits. Here you’ll head off on a river cruise, keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive Pygmy Elephant and even the formidable reptiles lurking below the waterline. Next, you’ll head to the Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge where you’ll witness the breathtaking spectacle of Borneo’s renowned wildlife. As the sun goes down, the rainforest comes to life with nocturnal calls, and you’ll feel a little bit like you’re in another world. Conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu, where a swift James Bond-esque speedboat journey to Gaya Island awaits. Here you’ll have the chance to soak up the well-deserved tranquility on the sun-kised shores. The perfect, balanced escape. Find out more     Wildlife Wanderer South Africa Safari Explorer Three nights in the Kruger is an excellent way to begin your Safari adventure, you will have amazing experiences with the big and little game that call the park home.  From here you head to the Escarpment for two nights and explore the stunning vistas of the area. Driving into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) you stop here for the night before arriving into the KwaZulu-Natal region and spending three nights on Safari to see what close encounters await with Africa’s big game. The coast opens up more offerings of wild adventures from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which is home to vibrant wildlife in the game reserve of Lake St. Lucia’s estuary to the ocean Safaris in search of the local marine life such as Whales and Dolphins. 3 nights Kruger Safari – 2 nights Escarpment – 1 night Eswatini – 3 nights KwaZulu-Natal Safari – 3 nights Elephant Coast Find out more     Uganda Gorilla Express This it the perfect trip for those short of time and wanting to get up close to the gorillas in their natural environment. This itinerary visits Uganda’s Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest where you can head out on a thrilling (and perhaps strenuous) gorilla trek, culminating with up to an hour spent observing a gorilla family as they feed, play and interact together. Choose whether to include one or two treks, and spend the remaining time in the forest exploring the wider area – perhaps canoeing on nearby Lake Mutanda on the way to the lodge, or on forest walks to the Nombe Pocket Forest to see the many bird species which thrive in the area. Other highlights include a chance to encounter the local Batwa tribes, with a fascinating insight into their nomadic hunter-gatherer heritage. 1 night Entebbe – 3 nights Bwindi– 1 night Entebbe Find out more   Family First Japan with Teenagers Keeping the whole family happy on a two-week break is never easy, but we have done the hard part for you by designing this well-balanced and exciting itinerary.  Travel to see modern skyscraper-filled cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but also experience the traditional and spiritual side of Japan in ancient Kyoto and the mystical island of Miyajima. Ride the shinkansen bullet trains, learn about feudal samurai warriors and sneaky ninjas, kayak in the waters of the Seto Inland Sea – this is a family holiday like no other.  Top this off with visits to two of the world’s most exhilarating theme-parks – Disney and Universal – and you are sure to have an unforgettable journey that is enthralling, entertaining and memorable for everyone. 1 night flying – 4 nights Tokyo – 3 nights Kyoto – 2 nights Hiroshima – 3 nights Osaka Find out more   Morocco Family Break A mere three hour flight across the Mediterranean, Morocco is a wonderful destination for families – Moroccans love children and your young ones will open doors and relax attitudes as you travel around. The sights, sounds and smells of the souqs in Marrakesh will be fascinating for them, as will the bright colours of the Jardin Majorelle where you can weave between the leafy walkways and spot terrapins in the ponds. If you don’t want your family in the thick of the medina, an oasis-like region called the Palmeraie, just outside the city, could be the perfect option for more space and some beautiful hotels. Thankfully the Agafay Stone Desert and many hotels in the Atlas Mountains are only an hour or so from Marrakesh, so this makes an excellent next stop for a night under the stars followed by adventure with a stunning backdrop. Ending the tour in the relaxing coastal haven of Essaouira, there’s a long stretch of beach ideal for running around on or a camel ride if the kids want the full Moroccan experience! 2 nights Marrakesh Palmeraie – 1 night Agafay – 2 nights Atlas Mountains – 3 nights Essaouira Find out more   Adrenaline Advocate Active Costa Rica Costa Rica’s volcanoes, cloud forests and dramatic river valleys lend themselves to outdoor adventure, and this itinerary has been specifically designed for those who like to be as active as possible whilst on holiday. Three nights are first spent in the Turrialba region, which is the perfect base for sampling some of the best white water rafting in the country as well as a superb canyoning tour that sees you abseiling down waterfalls. Continue on to Sarapiqui for horseriding, zip lining and rapelling in the setting of tropical forests before you reach Costa Rica’s activity hub, Arenal. A myriad of activities are on offer here – we have suggested paddle-boarding on the lake, mountain biking and a challenging hike to the beautiful Rio Celeste Waterfall but these can be easily adjusted to suit your individual preferences. In Monteverde you will find some of the best zip lining in the country, before completing your journey in Manuel Antonio. Here you can completely relax on jungle-fringed beaches, but there are also plenty of activities available such as kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and catamaran cruises. 1 night San Jose – 3 nights Turrialba – 2 nights Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui – 3 nights Arenal – 2 nights Monteverde Cloud Forest – 3 nights Manuel Antonio Find out more   Adventurous Jordan   For the truly adventurous, this Jordan holiday will get you off the beaten track, discovering the hidden gems of the country on your own two feet. Jordan boasts stunning trails with breathtaking views, there’s so much to uncover after you lace up your hiking boots. Starting in Amman, you’ll explore Petra’s trails and head south to Wadi Rum for a desert walk amidst the dunes. Then, you’ll head back north to the Dana Biosphere Reserve for three nights of ecological exploration. The final three nights will be spent in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, offering a variety of self-guided and guided canyon trails to explore. If you’ve got an appetite for adventure, this itinerary will be ticking a lot of boxes! Find out more   Freedom Seeker Self-Drive Oman Adventure The heart of Oman’s appeal lies in the combination of stunning natural scenery, an attractive and preserved heritage, and a unique, well-managed blend of the ancient and modern Arabian worlds. The good news is that much of this diversity is close together; you can be in the heart of bustling Muscat then in the space of a few hours’ drive find yourself in the back and beyond in the mountains. This of course means that you don’t have to spend too long in Oman, or spend hours on end in the car each day, to see many of the country’s greatest highlights. This tour showcases all of this, starting with a few days in the capital, Muscat, before working through the forts, mountains and deserts of the interior, finishing back in Muscat. A nice way to do it is to pack some culture into the first few days in Muscat and leave the final section at a beach hotel, a relaxing way of finishing an otherwise jam-packed, thrilling trip. 3 nights Muscat – 3 nights Nizwa and the mountains – 1 night Wahiba Sands – 1 night Muscat Find out more   South Africa: The Ultimate Roadtrip Few destinations offer as much potential for an unforgettable roadtrip as South Africa. With the freedom of your very own rental car, you’ll be off exploring every nook and cranny of this diverse country, from majestic mountains to expansive coastlines, and from impactful historical landmarks to captivating wildlife encounters. Going wherever the wind (and your four wheels take you!) Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Cape Town, where you’ll then venture eastward, traversing the lush forests and serene lagoons of the renowned Garden Route. Some of the best driving roads on earth await you here! Plus, there are pristine beaches to amble along, countless wildlife attractions to explore, and national parks to hike through. Next comes the historical leg of your trip where you’ll delve into the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, soaking up the stories of the Zulu triumph at Isandlwana and the heroic British defense at Rorke’s Drift, followed by a visit to the settler territory of the Escarpment. Finally, your adventure leads you to the Kruger Park, promising an unforgettable safari experience amidst the majestic big game, expertly guided by your lodge ranger. 4 nights Cape Town – 1 night Overberg – 4 nights Garden Route – 1 night Durban – 3 nights Battlefields – 3 nights Escarpment – 3 nights Kruger safari Find out more   Nature Lover Undiscovered Costa Rica Costa Rica’s national parks draw a growing number of tourists year-round (of course, because they are spectacular!). However, for those seeking a quieter side of the country, there are less-explored areas of pristine nature to discover. Starting from San Ramon, you can experience the tranquil cloud forest (much quieter than the more popular, Monteverde!). After exploring the serene forest trails and possibly trying out a canopy zip-lining tour if you fancy it, you’ll head to the less-visited northern region of Turrialba. This area offers not only volcanic landscapes but also opportunities to visit the archaeological site, Guayabo, and local plantations to learn all about the culture in this part of the country. Your journey continues to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where you can try your hand at activities such as horse riding, zip lining, and rafting through the untouched forests. Moving on to San Gerardo de Dota, you’ll encounter another peaceful cloud forest, with options for a hike down Cerro de la Muerte or alternatives like horseback riding to a waterfall or birdwatching for the vibrant Resplendent Quetzal. Your final destination is the remote wildlife haven of the Osa Peninsula. At the secluded La Leona tented camp, you can savor a genuine wilderness experience, surrounded by scarlet macaws and the untamed black sand coastline. It would be tough to get closer to nature than this. 2 nights San Ramon –  2 nights Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui – 3 nights Turrialba – 2 nights San Gerardo de Dota – 3 nights Osa Peninsula Find out more   Patagonia Adventure Filled with pristine natural environments, this adventurous trip will take you on a journey covering the highlights of Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. View the impressive triple peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park, taking in its glistening lakes and catching glimpses of the huge variety of animals which roam in the park. Next, cross over into Argentina to see the mega Perito Moreno Glacier at El Calafate. Time in Patagonia is sandwiched between stops in two of the world’s most fascinating cities: cosmopolitan Santiago and lively Buenos Aires. 1 night on plane – 3 nights Santiago – 4 nights Torres Del Paine – 3 nights El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier) – 3 nights Buenos Aires – 1 night on plane Find out more   History Buff Historic Jordan As a country that’s been conquered, contested and coveted by so many of history’s great civilisations, Jordan has a remarkable trove of historical sites and this itinerary aims to showcase them in all their glory. In the north we see Classical cities like Jerash, and the early Islamic monuments of the Desert Castles, before following Herod and the Crusaders down the King’s Highway to Petra. On the way back to Amman we sweep up the remaining sites of the King’s Highway and look at some more Biblical history before heading home. 4 nights Amman – 4 nights Petra – 3 nights Dead Sea Find out more   South East Asia A fascinating discovery of Indochina’s World Heritage Sites, this 18 day holiday is the perfect introduction to the ‘big-ticket’ sights of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Keeping a relatively steady pace throughout, you will tick off the legendary sights and cities of Ayutthaya, Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Halong Bay and Hoi An, whilst still enjoying time to relax and explore at your own pace throughout, as well as enjoying the end of the tour relaxing on the white sand beaches around Hoi An and Danang. Should you travel on this tour from November to March, we can end your holiday with a relaxing stay in either Phu Quoc, Con Dao or Phan Thiet to ensure you get the best of the weather. 2 nights Bangkok – 3 nights Siem Reap – 3 nights Luang Prabang – 2 nights Hanoi – 1 night in Ninh Binh – overnight cruise around Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay (2 days/1 night, full board) – 4 nights in Hoi An Find out more   All about the People Sri Lanka: Ancient Cultures and Coasts Perfect for history & culture enthusiasts and beach lovers, this 12-day adventure explores five UNESCO World Heritage sites, an unspoiled Sri Lankan beach and a charming fishing town. The trip starts in Negombo with its Dutch canals and fish markets close to the airport. The trip comes inland to Kandy, a gloriously verdant area home to the famous Temple of the Tooth. Continue to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ area, with many of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. Here you’ll find remnants of ancient civilisations atop giant rocks, temples buried within caves and even roaming wild elephants. The trip then ends on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, an untouched region famed for its beaches, and in some areas kite-surfing and whale watching! If you love history and want time to relax, this trip is for you. 2 nigh ts Negombo – 2 nights Kandy – 2 nights Sigiriya – 1 night Anuradhapura – 3 nights Northwest Coast Beach Find out more   Vietnam Like a Local Experience the incredible diversity of Vietnam, soaking up the local culture and getting your chance to live like a local on this unmissable 2-week tour. Trek through the valleys of Mai Chau to remote hill tribe villages, cruise around the breathtaking limestone karts of Halong Bay and learn to farm and cook like a local in the enchanting countryside of Hoi An. This popular holiday covers most of Vietnam’s attractions in just two weeks and offers you the chance to fly, cruise and travel by local train to get the very most out of your trip. 2 nights Hanoi – 2 nights Mai Chau – 1 night Ninh Binh – 1 nights cruise around Halong Bay – overnight train from Hanoi to Hue – 1 night Hue – 3 nights Hoi An – 2 nights Saigon Find out more    
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All 18th August 2023

A half-year report from our founder, Andy

Like parents everywhere, one of the (hopeful) pleasures of the end of the summer term is getting to read our children’s school reports. And, thankfully(!), our two girls came home with fantastic reports to send us off into the summer break with. As we’re roughly halfway through the year, I thought I’d take this opportunity to reflect on how Holiday Architects’ report card would read. So, let’s look back on what we’ve achieved so far in 2023, and what we hope to accomplish over the rest of the year and into 2024. The report headline? This six-month period has been amongst the most fun and rewarding periods I’ve had since launching the business back in 2010.   Subject one: Client feedback Let’s start with the most important grade of all – feedback from you, our clients. Our prime purpose has always been (and will always be), sending you away on holidays and bringing you back full of happy, meaningful memories. And, it’s all positive news there, with the first half of 2023 being our most successful ever. This is this reflected in our wonderful Trustpilot feedback (do head over and have a look) as well as the strong and growing number of repeat clients who choose to come back to us time and again, trusting us with their holidays.   What’s more, (shameless plug), we’ve been nominated for both the Wanderlust Readers Travel Awards and the British Travel Awards this year – basically like the Grammys of the travel industry. The winners are decided by you, so, if you’ve had a great experience with us, we’d hugely appreciate your vote. We’ve been shortlisted for a Wanderlust Award every year since 2015, and, having won gold on a couple of occasions, I’d be so proud if we could extend that streak because it’s the very least the team deserves for their amazing hard work. A huge thank you in advance for your support. Vote for HA in the Wanderlust Awards Vote for HA in the British Travel Awards (Both only take moments, and there are some brilliant prizes up for grabs, too.)   Subject two: Popular destinations The first half of this year saw some interesting trends emerge in where you love to travel. The Middle East and northern Africa have proved very popular so far, with Jordan, Oman, and Morocco all making it into our top six most popular destinations. Elsewhere around the world, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Malaysia and Borneo are all riding high in the charts. As this is a report card, we should acknowledge areas where there’s room for improvement. Sri Lanka has had a lean spell (compared with its own usual high standards), but we’re hopeful that the tides are turning in the right direction for the country, with a real rise in popularity over the last few weeks. And this is deservedly so: our Rebecca was there just last month (for her second visit of the year!), and those of you who have seen the amazing pictures and videos from her trips on social media , will know that she had the most amazing time. Similarly, South Africa has seen a slide in popularity but is also showing signs of a recovery in recent weeks. I took my whole family on holiday there in February and the trip was such a success that we booked to return in October before we’d even flown home! I have a huge soft spot for South Africa and know from personal experience that you should take the negative press with a pinch of salt. It’s a stunningly varied country, and, with a current exchange rate of R24 to £1, it’s also insanely good value. I can’t think of many places in the world where I can take the whole family out for a meal for £25, or where an Uber from one side of the city to the other only sets you back a fiver. I’d advocate adding South Africa to your bucket list!     Subject three: Team travels My holiday tales neatly segue into our other team’s travels. We’ve spent the first half of the year eagerly visiting our various destinations to brush up our knowledge and unearth those quirky experiences that really add interest and meaning to a holiday. As mentioned, Rebecca returned to her beloved Sri Lanka , plus, elsewhere on the team: Lisa JS has been east exploring Vietnam and Cambodia , Cat has trekked with the gorillas in Uganda , Lou has set sail around the Galapagos Islands , Jane and Lisa (both South African) returned to SA to really polish and fine-tune their knowledge, and Fenton is in Japan as I write this, checking out the lesser-known region of Tohoku (an excellent alternative to the very heavily trodden tourist circuit).       Subject four: Travel for good Any travel company not aware of its impact on the world would get a fail on their report card. Here at HA, this is an area we’ve been doing a lot of thinking about, as well as putting concrete actions in place. We all believe, and if you’re reading this article, you probably do too, that travel is hugely enriching. Of course, there’s a very personal element to it: we want to relax, we want to explore, and we really value the chance to step out of our daily lives and into something completely different for a couple of weeks. But, I believe it’s about much more than that. Most of our destinations are in the developing world, where tourism plays a huge role in lifting people out of poverty. And wherever you go, travel broadens not only our horizons but also the horizons of those we meet in our host communities. I believe that a world where we all understand a bit more about each other, work to form genuine connections and take the time to learn from one another, will ultimately be a more peaceful and prosperous one. That is the power of travel. However, we also know we must acknowledge the negative impacts of travel and do what we can to mitigate these as much as possible. This year, we’ve partnered with carbon offsetting specialists, Path Net Zero, to work towards doing just that. Carbon offsetting is often, quite rightly in many instances, criticised, so this partnership was not a decision we took lightly. PNZ trade their carbon through The Gold Standard – a highly credible exchange firm – allowing us to select specific projects to support, all of which have an immediate impact on CO2 emissions (unlike tree planting, where each tree takes an average of 10-20 years to reach peak carbon storage stage). We’re currently supporting a Ugandan initiative, replacing wood-burning stoves with solar-powered ones. Wood harvest for domestic cooking and boiling water is one of the major causes of deforestation in Uganda, and this burning of wood not only damages the environment, but human health, too. So, this project ensures fewer trees are cut down, meaning less CO2 is released and more CO2 retained, plus, there is a second-order effect where the women and children, who previously would have walked miles to fell and fetch the wood, now have that time to devote to more beneficial purposes. The project is working to benefit the environment and the lives of the local people, hand in hand.     This collaboration was driven by Emma, our Sustainability Lead, who has also been working with other companies (including our sister company, Experience Travel Group) to identify smaller hotels in Vietnam with strong sustainability credentials and focus. As these are hotels that don’t necessarily have the marketing budget or reach to make a lot of noise, we want to do our bit to shout about them. In doing so, we hope to promote best practice and encourage the whole supply chain (including our competitors!) to seek out and work with these forward-thinking businesses.     Subject five: Local presence The final part of our report card looks at our local impact. For the last few years, we’ve been a remote-first company, with the team choosing where they want to work day-to-day, whilst all getting together once a month in Cheltenham. However, we are still a Cheltenham business: this is where we have our headquarters, it’s where many of us live, and it’s where our company roots are firmly embedded. So, we were delighted to have been shortlisted for some local business awards. Circle2Success is a South-West regional networking organisation with lots of great members (many of whom are now good friends!), and we were shortlisted for their Employer of the Year award . We lost out on the night to a very strong contender, but to have made it into the top five from more than 200 entries was kudos enough for me! We’ve also been shortlisted by a fantastic local media company, SoGlos, for their Best Place to Work and Small Business of the Year awards , which will be announced on Thursday 19 th October – keep your fingers crossed for us!     So, that’s a wrap on our half-year report. I’m really proud of everything we’ve achieved so far in 2023, with all credit due to the team here. Having just been through the most challenging two years imaginable they’ve come out swinging. Stronger, more compassionate, and with greater team spirit than ever before. Let’s see what the rest of 2023 has in store!
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All 6th January 2023

Happy New Year From HA

“If a week is a long time in politics, then a year in travel is an entire geological era. The nature of our jobs, is that we rarely have time to pause and reflect – but I’ve managed to find space to do that recently. And I can’t quite grasp how much things have changed over the last 12 months. Of course, the last three years have seen more upheaval and change than we could have ever thought possible, but (thankfully) the changes in 2022 were positive ones from a travel point of view.   The world is open With Japan’s reopening in October, every country in our portfolio (and almost across the globe) had removed Covid travel restrictions. We certainly raised a glass of sake to celebrate that milestone! And we waved goodbye to 2022 having sent a record-equalling number of happy clients off on their holidays over the year – something we couldn’t be more thrilled about. Reflection complete, we can now turn our attention to 2023, which I expect to be a year full of exciting travel adventures. We’ve been preparing ourselves by sending members of the team off on research trips across the world: Costa Rica, Jordan, Vietnam, and Morocco have all had visits from HA , checking in on our favourite experiences and digging for new ones, and we’re now planning the next round of these trips. We love travelling ourselves, almost as much as we enjoy arranging holidays for you, so the relaunch of these research trips has been very welcome news in HA Towers.   Emma in Morocco Rebecca in the Maldives Lou and Gabby in Costa Rica Fenton in Vietnam Erin in Vietnam Ian in Jordan   We’re here to help I’m not wilfully sticking my head in the sand and ignoring the elephant in the room: inflation and the squeeze on household incomes. Surveys tell us that holidays remain an essential part of people’s budget planning, and we really want to ensure that you’re able to take the holiday you want without breaking the budget. The average price of the holidays we’ve arranged has increased by less than 2% compared to the start of 2022. Prices are increasing throughout the world, but our experience and knowledge means we’re great at finding ways to deliver the same wonderful holidays, whilst avoiding these price rises.   Here’s to 2023 I hope you were able to find some time to relax and enjoy the festive season, and of course, I also hope you found some time to start thinking about your holidays for this year. I’m heading down to South Africa in February with my family – a country I know really well, but haven’t visited for a number of years. So, there’s a lot of holiday excitement in our household – I can’t wait to see my young girls enjoying their first safari.   I’ll sign off by wishing you all the very best for a prosperous 2023. All of us at HA look forward to helping you arrange travels bursting with memories, moments and experiences to remember over the year ahead!”   Andy Hunt, HA Founder   Latest Posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  
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HA News 27th May 2022

Summer crept up on you? 5 last-minute summer holidays you can book now

Time is a bit like quicksand at the moment, isn’t it? One minute you’re merrily glugging on the Baileys and singing Slade by the Christmas tree, the next you’re blinking in disbelief at your calendar. How on earth is it the end of May already? But, if summer has crept up on you out of nowhere and you’ve yet to get that holiday in the diary – read on! Our team has been working to secure last-minute summer holiday availability for some of our favourite destinations this year. So, whether you’re after a Big-5 safari, exotic escape, a multi-city adventure, or an Arabian escapade, our specialists have something up their sleeves to make your summer one to remember. If any of the below take your fancy, do give us a call on 01242 253 073 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , chat with the team and find out more. As always, everything we do is tailor-made to you. The below are just to give you a taster of where we’ve found last-minute summer holiday availability for the adventures you could be having over the next few months… 5 last-minute summer holidays you can book now Use the links below to jump to the holiday destination that sounds like you! South Africa Mauritius Morocco Canada Jordan     1. South Africa: A South African summer adventure How long? 16 days If South Africa has always been on your wishlist, this is the perfect first-time trip. Over 16 days you’ll experience the wild variety of adventures this incredible country has to offer. Cities, beaches, stunning national parks, and more wildlife than you can shake a camera at. South Africa holiday highlights include: ✓ Explore Cape Town – Table Mountain is closed for annual maintenance from 25 July through to 28 August 2022. But it’s still stunning to admire from afar! ✓ Sip on delicious wines in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek ✓ Drive one of the most loved road trips on earth: The Garden Route ✓ Walk with Big-5 wildlife on an Eastern Cape safari 4 nights Cape Town – 2 nights Winelands – 2 nights Overberg – 4 nights Garden Route – 2 nights Eastern Cape Safari 16 days from £3,750 per person – get in touch   Stare into the eyes of the King of the Jungle on an Eastern Cape safari   Cool off in the pool at Woodbury Tented Camp between awe-inspiring game drives     2. Mauritius: Warm seas and sandy toes How long? 10 days If that main image at the top of this page has hooked you, Mauritius is your place.  It’s the ideal island escape. With soft white sand beaches , beautifully blue waters and some incredible coral reefs to snorkel , this is the spot that summer holiday dreams were made of. It’s a little cooler over our summer months, but with average temperatures of around 25°C, you won’t be short of sunshine to soak up. Mauritius holiday highlights include: ✓ Sample the local flavours on a street food tour in Port Louis . ✓ Indulge yourself with a little luxury treatment at a beach hotel such as Sugar Beach Hotel on Fli-en-Flac Beach. ✓ Discover the rich and colourful underwater world living just beyond the shoreline. ✓ Find out for yourself why Mauritius is so much more than just a beach destination. 5 nights north-west (near Port Louis) – 4 nights south-west coast 10 days from £2,200 per person – take me there       Venture further than the beach and uncover the stunning natural highlights of Chamarel   Put your feet up or take a dip at Sugar Beach Hotel Mauritius     3. Morocco: City, mountains, desert and beach – 12 days How long? 12 days If you fancy a summer escape that merges a bustling city break and time exploring crumbling, ancient mountain towns with a spot of desert adventure and some well-deserved beach days soaking up the sun – Morocco has your name written all over it. It’s got it all. We have last-minute summer holiday availability on trips similar to this one over June and July , get in touch to find out more. Morocco holiday highlights include: ✓ Get lost down the narrow lanes of Marrakesh’s medina : It’s an assault on your senses that we know you’ll love. ✓ Venture into the Atlas Mountains to learn about Berber culture (and spend some time soaking in La Roseraie’s beautifully refreshing pool.) ✓ If you’re brave enough to face the heat, spent a night in a tent under the stars at Inara Camp in the Agafay Stone Desert. ✓ Unwind on the breezy breaches and take in the relaxed coastal vibe of Essaouira . 4 nights Marrakesh – 3 nights High Atlas – 1 night Agafay Stone Desert – 3 nights Essaouira 12 days from £1,200 per person – take me there   Domaine de la Roseraie – Cool off in the Atlas Mountains   Morocco’s Agafay Stone Desert – Unwind in luxury at Inara Camp   Clear blue skies over Old town Essaouira   4. Travel by rail through Canada – 10 days How long? 10 days This last-minute summer holiday to Canada takes in not one, not two, but FOUR of the iconic cities in this wonderful country. There is an extreme shortage of car hire options across Canada this summer, but with this authentic rail-based adventure, that’s no problem! Canada holiday highlights include: ✓ Take the Hornblower cruise to the base of Niagara Falls and feel the impressive force of the water for yourself. ✓ Explore Toronto and seek out the beaches nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario. ✓ Sip wine in one of the quaint cafes hidden down the cobbled streets of Montreal . ✓ Take a walking tour around the charming, French walled city of Quebec . 3 nights Toronto – 2 nights Ottawa – 2 nights Montreal – 2 nights Quebec City 10 days from £2,550 per person – take me there   Toronto from the skies     Charming Montreal under sunny skies Chateau Frontenac stands proud in beautiful Quebec City     5. Jordan: Wadi Rum, Petra and the Dead Sea – 10 days How long? 10 days This Jordan adventure covers all the major highlights, but also a few less well-known sights that take you off the well-trodden track – we love to do it! After all, getting away from the typical tourist trail always leads to the most memorable and authentic experiences. Jordan holiday highlights include: ✓ Visit the ancient sights of Jerash , Ajloun , Amman and Umm Qais in the north. ✓ Sleep in a unique star dome at Memories Aicha Camp in the Wadi Rum desert. ✓ Be wowed by the magical city of Petra . ✓ Tick off the bucket list with a bob about in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. 3 nights Amman – 1 night Wadi Rum – 3 nights Petra – 2 nights the Dead Sea 10 days from £2,800 per person – take me there   Make sleeping a highlight of your holiday at the incredible Memories Aicha Camp, Wadi Rum   Can you think of a better place to soak up the sun than floating in the Dead Sea?     So, what do you think? Have these last-minute summer holiday ideas got you digging out the passport, lining up the packing cubes and dreaming of far off places? Give us a call on 01242 253 073 to chat through the above options (or any holiday dreams you have in mind for this year or next!) We’re here to help, always.      
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Travel Inspiration 9th May 2022

What it's like to travel now

A message on travel from our Founder, Andy  “I’ve travelled throughout my life – my parents were expats and I’ve spent my entire career in the travel industry. I haven’t kept detailed records, but pre-pandemic I doubt I went more than 200 days without getting on a plane. Cut to when I found myself at Heathrow a couple of weeks ago, I counted back and it was 780 days since I had last flown or travelled internationally. I’ll admit to being a bit nervous. Not about the travel part itself, but about how things might have changed. First of all, I find wearing a mask quite unpleasant. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an anti-masker! I know they play an important role in combating the spread of Covid, and I’ve always followed the guidance on wearing one. However, I do find them uncomfortable, and my glasses always steam up, so I wasn’t looking forward to wearing one on the flight and in the resort on arrival. A lot of flights and destinations no longer require them though, so it’s worth checking before you leave if you’ll need one or not. I was also convinced that, despite checking and re-checking, we would somehow have missed some key element of the Covid travel requirements and end up getting denied boarding! All of this was a new experience, because I’ve never stressed about travelling before. But, the good news is that I needn’t have worried. I coped fine with wearing a mask, we didn’t mess up on the travel requirements, and we (my wife and I and our two young daughters) ended up having exactly the holiday we needed: plenty of swimming, relaxation, and sun! I’m not going to pretend the masks and travel requirement stress didn’t have some impact on the trip – but it was hugely outweighed by the positive benefits of travelling again. I hadn’t realised how much I’d missed the pleasure of being in a different country, enjoying different experiences and being lifted out of the day-to-day routines of home. And, of course, if you book your holiday with us, we can take the stress out of the whole process for you. It’s our job to understand the travel regulations for you, so all you need to worry about is what to pack! Although we can give you guidance on this as well if you need… So, the message from me is that if the additional requirements of post-pandemic travel have been putting you off booking an overseas holiday, go ahead and take the plunge because you won’t regret it – I certainly don’t! In fact, whilst I’ve historically been very last-minute in planning my own holidays, we’re already excitedly making plans for the October half-term this year and for summer next year. Travel is well and truly back, and that’s a wonderful feeling indeed.” Andy Hunt, HA Founder  
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Travel Inspiration 25th March 2022

Test-free travel: 15 destinations for a stress-free holiday

Because your holidays should be worry-less  All information below is correct at time of writing. We always recommend checking the FCDO site here for all current destination-specific travel advice. With the world opening up more and more every day, we’re delighted that the majority of our exotic holiday destinations are now open for travel again! What’s more, if you’re fully-vaccinated, you can visit a good number of them without the need for a costly PCR test before you leave. Below are 15 test-free travel destinations perfect for your next much-needed holiday. From the wildlife wonders of South Africa , Botswana and the Galapagos islands , to the emerald tea hills of Sri Lanka and the home of the Cambodian smile – so much of the world is ready to welcome you back! (Without the complicated hoops to jump through too – thank goodness for that!) Below is a roundup of all of our destinations that are offering test-free travel to those who are fully-vaccinated. However, we know there are some of you who are unable to have the vaccine. If this is you, then there are still options! Jordan , the Maldives and Costa Rica are all open for travel without the need for a PCR test – vaccinated or not!   Dive in below to these 15 test-free travel destinations…   Sweeping deserts, wild coastlines, rugged mountains and diverse wildlife are all on the holiday menu in otherworldly Namibia. We recommend exploring with your own vehicle to really get the most authentic experience of this special country! Read more > Ancient cities, stunning beaches, remote tea hills and wildlife-full safaris. Plus, Sri Lankan food is some of our favourite on earth. Trust us, it’s tasty! Read more > Visit the Indian Ocean’s most alluring archipelago and experience unrivalled luxury, pristine beaches and overwater bungalows. In between the R&R, take to the waters to explore the astonishing underwater world. Tempted? Read more > Volcanoes, cloud forests, dramatic river valleys and deserted beaches await you in Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse countries on earth, a visit to this ‘Pura Vida’ nation is a must for any nature-lover. Read more > The ultimate in ‘Big 5’ safari, culture-full cities, rich history, delicious wine and incredible driving roads with sweeping views around every turn. Read more > A visit to Jordan wouldn’t be complete without gazing up in awe at Petra. However, this remarkable country offers so much more: The red sands of the Wadi Rum desert and the turquoise salt-crusted shores of the Dead Sea for starters. Read more > The real magic of Oman lies in its contrasts. Modern cities and infastructure exist peacefully alongside ancient architecture, rich traditions, historic forts, souks and Arabian culture. There are some beautiful beaches to relax on too! Read more > Perfect for a quick, sunny escape or explored as part of a multi-destination trip (pair with Oman, Sri Lanka or the Maldives!), Dubai is a place unlike anywhere else. It’s got the world’s tallest building, largest shopping centre, biggest performing fountain, and what many consider to be the world’s first seven-star hotel, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. Read more > Breathtaking landscapes from the Andes to the Amazon, colourful indigenous markets, colonial cities, ancient civilisations and, of course, the mighty Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. If there was ever a year to tick something amazing off the bucketlist, it’s 2022! Read more > It might be one of the smallest countries in South America, but we think Ecuador is one of the most rewarding travel destinations on earth. Colonial towns, biodiverse rainforests, the wildlife of the Amazon and awe-inspiring national parks await you here. Read more > The Galapagos Islands – one of the most highly-regarded wildlife-watching destinations in the world – deserves a place on everyone’s travel wish list. Even with sky-high expectations, we know you won’t be disappointed with your experience here. Read more > Picture-postcard images: wide smiles; orange-robed monks; tropical fruit; more smiles; temple spires poking above the dense jungle; lush rice paddies; tuk-tuks; chicken satay nestling on banana leaf; traditional wooden boats; and yet even more smiles! Read more > So much superb wildlife to see and the most opulent and exclusive lodges to unwind at in between. A Botswana holiday will be as memorable as it is luxurious… Read more > Turquoise ocean, soft white sand, palm-lined beaches, sumptuous sunshine and some beautifully luxurious resorts. Read more > A holiday to Zambia is all about the natural world. The destination for safari connoisseurs, it’s also home to the magnificent Victoria Falls – known as the Mosi Ao Tunya (“the Smoke that Thunders”) to the locals. Read more >   If this list of test-free travel destinations has got your itchy-feet twitching and given you that urge to dig out the suitcase, give us a call on 01242 253 073, request a free quote or pop us an email. Let’s make 2022 a corker!  
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All 10th February 2022

This is how you feel about travel

A big thank you once again to all of you who took the time to fill in the survey. Your answers and insights are so important to us and really will help us shape Holiday Architects moving forward, ensuring we are always designing the very best holidays for you. Find out what you told us below…     As always, we’re here ready to help design your perfect – and much-needed escape. Give us a call on 01242 253 073 or request a quick free quote to find out more.