Travel blog

“This was the best trip we’ve undertaken.” When we receive photos and a review from clients that so perfectly encapsulate why we believe a country is so special, we can’t not share them! A big thank you to Rob and Audrey, who have done just that with these top-notch photos and their stellar review of beautiful Jordan. The highlights: Jordan is safe and Jordan is seriously special.   “We’ve been lucky and have undertaken a number of organised/escorted trips to different countries through reputable agents such as Kuoni, but this trip to Jordan booked and organised through holiday architects was the best we have ever undertaken. We were away for 10 days and the itinerary was just perfect with a balance of touring days visiting some amazing sites and days spent chilling in some lovely hotels. The local agents, UTA, were absolutely spot on. We were met at the gangway of the aeroplane and escorted through border control with our visas pre prepared and handed over to an excellent driver, Moayyed, who stayed with us throughout the trip. His personal knowledge and recommendations were great. We can’t believe Jordan hasn’t been on our radar before now. What a country! You can probably travel extreme north to south in 5 hours and the change in scenery is amazing from lush green to deserts and wadis. There is a huge range of historical sites other than Petra to visit with some of the most preserved ruins we’ve seen. I’d recommend taking two days to explore Petra to ensure everything can be covered at a reasonable pace. Due to the Palestinian situation, Jordans tourism is 70% down at our time of travel and the country is suffering with people losing their jobs. “I don’t recall ever feeling safer on holiday.” At no point did we feel unsafe, threatened or wish we hadn’t made the trip. In fact, I don’t recall ever feeling safer on holiday. UTA also provided a mobile for us to keep throughout our stay so we could contact our driver whenever we needed. Jordan is amazing, the food is great and the people warm and welcoming. In Amman, people randomly thanked us for visiting their country and wished us a good trip. We visited Amman , Umm Qais, Ajloun, Jerash , Karak, Aqaba , Wadi rum, Petra and spent our final day/night at the Dead Sea (45 mins from the airport) All this just 5 hours flight from the UK. We were very sad to leave and come home.”   Rob and Audrey, HA Jordan clients, March 2024         Haven’t they captured the country wonderfully? Jordan is a spot in the world that too often gets overlooked – and as you can see – it deserves better! Our HA Jordan experts have spent so much time in the country, uncovering authentic experiences, seeking out the best viewpoints and sharpening up their knowledge to pass on to you. So, call us on 01242 253 073 or get a quick quote , to start planning your very own journey to Jordan today.          

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I’m the General Manager here at HA.   Why do you love travel? I grew up in Oman and my earliest memories tend to involve travel in some form or other – whether that was exploring the mountains and coast of Oman with my family, or the slightly more prosaic rigmarole of flying to and from the UK for school, which I still loved doing. I’m old enough to remember air travel having a whiff of allure about it, or it may just be selective memory, but I do remember peeking out of the window as we were coming into land at Muscat, catching a glimpse of a huge pod of whales swimming in the Indian Ocean. Things all came back down to earth with a bump when my family moved back to the UK after 25 years. It felt a bit soon to be retiring from travel and – lovely as the UK is – I felt that there was quite a bit more of the world to be seen.   How did you come to work in travel? I studied languages at university (Spanish and Arabic, but please don’t test me!) and loved my time in Granada and Cairo as part of my course. After university I found myself interpreting for the army in post-invasion Iraq, which doesn’t really count as “travel” but was still a pretty good encapsulation of it – plenty of excitement, lots of encounters with interesting people and some memories that you just couldn’t get anywhere else. My years in Oman and speaking Arabic has meant that a lot of my travel career has centred on the Middle East and North Africa – I love Morocco and Egypt especially. I’ve been working in travel in some shape or other since 2004 though and have managed to scratch off a few other countries on the map. Namibia was a standout for me because I am a sucker for a good landscape.         What do you love doing when you’re not keeping things running smoothly at Holiday Architects? When I’m not at work, it feels like I spend most of my time trying to wrangle my kids into their school uniform or pyjamas – depending on the time of day – or walking the dog. I have an OS map of my local area and am trying to walk all of the footpaths and bridleways on it – it turns out there are a lot! I also spend far too much time reading recipes and not enough time cooking them which is a source of constant regret because I love food.   We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? Short answer is that I will eat anything that doesn’t include beetroot or sardines. Long answer? I’d go for a starter of mixed Lebanese mezzes and salads, then for main I’d take a Bengali Gosht curry with limitless naan and paratha. If I’m still conscious, I’d finish with a rum baba. How’s that for fusion?   What’s your karaoke tune? ‘Mr Jones’ by Counting Crows, but I need a hand with the high notes in the chorus.         Tell us more about Namibia…   What makes it special? As mentioned above, I am going to represent team Namibia. I’m one of those weird people that actually enjoys being behind the wheel (!) and with the amazing scenery there it feels just like you’re driving around in a 4K slo-mo shot from Planet Earth. It’s pretty immersive! The lodges are in some stunning locations too, and there’s a great variety of things to do; you’ve got your traditional African safari elements, as well as some fantastic hiking, stargazing in Dark Sky reserves, kayaking with seals…  and just a wonderful sense of how big the world can feel.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? I was staying at Desert Rhino Camp and had enjoyed a wonderful day getting close up with the critically-endangered black rhino (not too close though – they are massive). Relaxing back at the camp with a cup of tea, I could hear an approaching crescendo of rustling, twig-snaps and snorts as a herd of elephants announced themselves, swaying out of the bush in front of me and filing right past my chair. I did say that Namibia was immersive!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Namibia? It’s not exactly a hidden treasure as almost every visitor to Namibia will go there, but for me it’s the dunes at Sossusvlei. I love photography, and it’s one of those places where time loses all meaning and I can find myself snapping away for hours. The way the dunes change their colour and tone over the course of a day is magical – everyone who visits will take pretty much the same shot of a withered tree at Deadvlei (you know the one I mean), but I’m still very proud of my effort!   Tell us something most people don’t know about Namibia Namibia is the second-least densely populated country in the world (behind Mongolia) and most of the tiny population lives in the very northern border area, where tourists rarely visit. Basically, if you’re someone who appreciates a bit of solitude and identifies with Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous quote about “other people”, it’s perfect.     Harry’s adventures            

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I’m a travel expert designing holidays to beautiful Vietnam , Cambodia and Sri Lanka . (How lucky am I?!)   Why do you love travel? The memories of my first trip when I was just a little girl are still fresh in my mind; travel has always excited me. The buzz of expectation, arriving at the airport, the noise of the aircraft, and the bright duty-free shops (everyone knows I can’t resist a duty-free bargain)! Then the excitement of boarding the aircraft knowing that I’m on my way to either somewhere I’ve been before and knowing how much I love it, or somewhere new wondering what it will be like, experiencing new adventures and culinary delights. Locking those memories away is so special to me. The way I feel when I talk about my travel memories is a bit addictive – there really is nothing like travel to stir my passion.   How did you come to work in travel? When I was growing up I knew I wanted to work, live and breathe travel – there is no better feeling in the world for me than when I am going away somewhere or talking about travel. I studied travel at college and started working behind the scenes in a sales support role, before taking the step into a sales role. I’d already been lucky enough to travel extensively by this time, so felt confident and comfortable to advise clients on where to see and what to experience on their holidays. I love nothing more than matching a client’s wishes to an itinerary, feeling their excitement about the trip, and then hearing all about how much they loved it on their return.   What do you love doing when you’re not designing holidays? I’m not one for sitting still – I adore exercise as well as music, and combining the two is even better. I love walking, running, HIIT sessions and Zumba, all done with music surrounding me. I love animals and have a cat who very much wants all the attention. I would love to fill the house with multiple cats and dogs one day! I also love cooking and once I have some yummy food to feast on, you’ll often find me with the obligatory glass of wine in hand, chatting to friends with my records on.   On that note! We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? Cheese, cheese and more cheese please! Cheese soufflé to start, followed by a proper Italian style pizza, with Cheese and biscuits to finish. Oh, or would I go lemon tart? That’s a difficult one.   What’s your karaoke tune? Without a doubt ‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner, what an absolute belter of a tune! Can’t promise I will belt it out quite the same, but I’ll give it a good go.       Tell us more about Vietnam… What makes it special? It’s hard to pick just one thing. Vietnam is such a diverse country, but the food definitely is one of my favourite things! Everything is so fresh and tasty, and so cheap too!   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? Without doubt the Saigon by Night: Street Food and Scooter excursion . Zipping through the streets of Saigon on the most amazing and exciting scooter ride. The wind in my hair, witnessing the daily life of locals and sampling different dishes was just exhilarating and the best end to my trip I could have ever hoped for.     Where’s your favourite place to visit in Vietnam? This has to be beautiful Hoi An . From the lantern-lit streets and boats on the river at night to the green and scenic paddy fields, and the beautiful beaches only 7km from the town. For somewhere that’s relatively compact, it offers so many different types of scenery.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Vietnam Vietnam is the world’s largest producer and exporter of culinary black pepper accounting for 60% of the world’s trade and roughly 45% of the EU!       Tell us more about Cambodia… What makes it special? Cambodia has so much to offer, but the one thing that really stands out in my mind is how friendly the people are. Also, I can’t not mention the iconic Angkor complex, which has countless temples to visit not just the iconic and amazing Angkor Wat. They really are jaw-dropping temples, all different to each other too, so make sure you explore further than just Angkor itself!   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? The beautiful beach at The Royal Sands on Koh Rong Island . Desert Island vibes eat your heart out!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Cambodia? Has to be Siem Reap – a beautiful leafy green city set on the river. Whilst it is the base for visiting the Angkor Temples, it has much more to offer! It has such a lovely feel to it and is so easy to navigate on foot.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Cambodia Cambodia is known to have a talking gecko! The Tokay gecko, a large green lizard found in Cambodia, is known for its distinctive loud chirp. Locals believe that hearing the gecko chirp seven times in a row is a sign of good luck, even predicting who you might marry! So, keep an ear out when exploring Cambodia’s jungles, you might just get a lucky omen!     Tell us more about Sri Lanka… What makes it special? How can you not fall in love with Sri Lanka ? I love how diverse it is – so much coastline with it being an island, the National Parks and wildlife, the jaw-dropping and breathtaking scenery of the tea country (I have honestly never seen anything like it), the food, the people, palm trees and beautiful greenery everywhere you look. The list is endless!   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? The most breathtaking train journey I have ever taken from Nuwara Eliya to Haputale. Everyone needs a Sri Lanka tea country train journey on their bucket list. Wow, wow and more wows. It’s hard to put into words just how beautiful it is. I’m even getting goosebumps thinking about it as I type this!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Sri Lanka? The Tea Country! The scenery really is something else; I don’t think my eyes have ever witnessed anything so beautiful.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Sri Lanka Yala National Park is home to one of the world’s largest populations of leopards. There are more leopards per until of land in Yala than almost anywhere else on Earth!     If you’d like to chat to Lisa or any of the rest of team HA about your next holiday, give us a call on 01242 253 073 ! We’re a team packed full of first-hand knowledge, experiences and stories. We’d love to help.  

“It’s got something for everyone” isn’t a cliche when it comes to  Sri Lanka holiday ideas . It really does. Ancient kingdom exploring for the history buffs. Goosebump-prompting elephant sightings for the wildlife lovers. Hidden Robinson Crusoe’esque beaches for the sun-worshippers. And some of the best food on earth for the foodies. And all of this is woven together by some of the most friendly local people you could ever hope to encounter. Sri Lanka has been exceptionally popular so far this year – and we’re not surprised at all! Dive in below to 5 of our favourite holiday ideas for exploring this teardrop-shaped gem of an island. (Remember, everything is bespoke with us, so this is just a taster).   Discover the magic for yourself on these 5 Sri Lanka holiday ideas   Ultimate Sri Lanka – 21 days Experience Ultimate Sri Lanka, our most jam-packed Sri Lanka holiday idea itinerary! From ancient wonders to hidden gems, experience the diverse richness of this island paradise. You’ll discover Anuradhapura’s history, the newfound charm of Jaffna, and the untouched beauty of the east coast. Spend time exploring Sigiriya , Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy’s ancient cities. Lose yourself in tea plantations, encounter leopards in Yala National Park , and stroll through Galle’s colonial streets. Brace for an unforgettable journey! 1 night Negombo – 1 night Anuradhapura – 2 nights Jaffna – 1 night Trincomalee East Coast Beach – 2 nights Sigiriya – 2 nights Kandy – 3 nights Tea Country (with train) – 1 night Yala National Park – 2 nights Galle – 3 nights Southwest Coast Beach – 1 night Colombo   Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gems – 17 days   There’s something extra special about exploring the path less travelled on your holidays. We’re huge advocates of always visiting the highlights (they’re highlights for a reason!), but there’s so much magic to be found when you dig a little deeper. Visit a working coconut plantation , share homecooked meals with local families and meet the indigenous tribes of Gal Oya National Park on this 17-day holiday. 1 night Horathapola Estate- 2 nights Wilpattu National Park – 2 nights Jaffna – 2 nights Sigiriya – 3 nights Pasikudah Beach – 2 nights Gal Oya National Park – 2 nights Knuckles Mountains – 1 night Gampaha       Sri Lanka Family Holiday – 14 days   Families and memory making is at the heart of this Sri Lanka holiday idea. Your two weeks will be packed full of wild elephant sightings, cave temples, ancient rock fortresses , whale-watching, diving trips, kayaking adventures and beach fun . The kids will want to join you on holidays forever more after this one! 3 nights Sigiriya – 5 nights Trincomalee Beach – 3 nights Digana/Knuckles – 1 night Colombo       Express Sri Lanka – 11 days   Pushed for time? No problem. We’d always recommend carving out as much time as possible for your Sri Lanka holiday (it’s worth it!). But, if 11 days are your goal, we’ve got you covered. This whistlestop Sri Lanka holiday takes in the sacred and historic city of Kandy , then sees you flying through the tea hills on one of the most beautiful train rides on earth. Then you’ll be spotting wildlife in Udawalawe National Park before winding up sunning yourself on a sandy southwest beach . This holiday is short, but perfectly formed. 1 night Negombo – 2 nights Kandy – 2 nights Tea Country – 1 night Udawalawe National Park – 3 nights Southwest Coast Beach     Sri Lanka and the Maldives – 14 days   If you’re looking for a holiday that ticks all of the memorable holiday tick boxes, this is it . You’ll explore two of Sri Lanka’s great ancient cities, Sigiriya and Kandy. You’ll get the chance to spot countless wild elephants in Minneriya National Park. You’ll hop on a stunning train ride through the tea country. And last – but absolutely not least – you’ll find yourself unwinding in absolute paradise on a Maldives beach . That doesn’t sound too shabby to us! 2 nights Sigiriya – 2 nights Kandy – 2 nights Tea Country – 1 night Colombo – 5 nights Maldives Beach       Travel is what we do and we’re never happier than when we’re designing completely bespoke, tailor-made adventures for you. So, give us a call on 01242 253 073 to chat to our Sri Lanka experts, Rebecca and Lisa, about getting your dream Sri Lanka holiday in the diary – we’re here to help!  

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I design holidays to Morocco , Oman and Lebanon .   Why do you love travel? I couldn’t wait to hit the road once I had finished university – in fact, I went off interrailing on the same day as I handed in my dissertation. Since then my life has revolved around travel, and for me it’s all about an exploration about how other people live and discovering the world’s magnificent scenery at the same time. Learning to understand the diversity of our amazing planet is something that takes a lifetime and I’m here for the job!   How did you find yourself working in travel? After travelling straight out of university back in 2009, I have spent every day since then figuring out a way to travel as much as possible. I spent six years after that living as a travel writer on the road, at first here there and everywhere. I then had longer stints living in Latin America and Canada, before coming back to the UK and Ireland spending a year travelling around to discover my homeland, and spending a further year in Portugal after that. Now I enjoy life living in the Cotswolds and the job at HA allows me to share my passion for travel with clients, and I still spend most weekends travelling closer to home to feed my curiosity to always be discovering!   What do you love doing when you’re not designing holidays? Any opportunity I get to talk about my dog and I’ll take it – Lyra is a Beagle x Collie and has run our household since 2020! She is our lockdown fur baby and comes on holiday with us in our campervan all the time; we’ve taken her to France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as all around the UK. Otherwise in my spare time you’ll find me stomping up hills, avidly reading, and cooking up a storm in my kitchen.   We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? As one of the office’s chief foodies, this is a difficult one, but I’ve listened to enough episodes of the Off Menu podcast to have really put some thought into this over the years! I would have some sort of incredible pasta to start (complete with a snowdrift of cheese), a Sri Lankan feast from this incredible place in Cheltenham as my main, probably with a non-sensical side of dauphinoise potatoes, and sticky toffee pudding to finish. These all come with dream locations and drink pairings of course so if you want more detail you’ll have to give me a bell and I’ll give you the full version!   What’s your karaoke tune? Don’t Speak by No Doubt       Tell us more about Morocco… What makes it special? There are too many things about Morocco to pick just one thing. I’ve been to the country five times now and discover something new on every return visit! If I really had to say a couple, I would of course say the food – Morocco’s cuisine is absolutely delicious! – and I think the people. They are so warm-hearted and welcoming, I am bowled over at their kindness every time I visit.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? It’s got to be staying overnight in the Sahara Desert – nothing beats that feeling of total silence as you watch the sun rise or set over the dunes. We also have a beautiful and very secluded camp too so you’ll get none of the noise or light from nearby, making it feel really special.   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Morocco? Aside from the desert I’d have to say Fez – as vehicles aren’t allowed in the medina it has a very different feel to Marrakesh ; slightly calmer. It’s also the city of handicrafts so I could happily spend days wandering around picking up homewares to take back to the UK with me! The tanneries are something else too – something so Moroccan that you could watch for hours (if only it didn’t smell so bad!!)   Tell us something most people don’t know about Morocco It’s HUGE! Most people don’t realise it takes 10-12 hours to drive from Marrakesh to reach the Sahara , and I feel like maps just don’t convey its scale very well. That just means there is more to love though, and you could spend weeks travelling around to see it all. I would definitely recommend splitting the north and south between two different trips, or setting aside a good three weeks for it.         Tell us more about Oman… What makes it special? For Oman , I think it has to be the scenery and authentic culture. Just south of Muscat there are the Hajar Mountains, which is for sure my favourite part of the country. Think jaw-dropping canyons, traditional mud-walled villages, and the waft of frankincense drifting through souks. This is where you’ll see the real Oman, and it’s totally intoxicating.     What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? I think the livestock market in the mountain town of Nizwa is one of the memories that really sticks out for me. This is a maelstrom of activity, where locals from across the countryside come to trade goats, cows, camels – you name it! It’s a chaotic morning but well worth it as it’s a bit of culture that has remained unchanged for a long time.   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Oman? It’s got to be the Hajar Mountains , a couple of hours south of Muscat. This is home to the Omani Grand Canyon , and some of the very best scenery the country has to offer. I love hiking so this region is heaven for me – nothing beats going for a walk in this sublime scenery, surrounding by vast chasms of rock all around you.       Tell us something most people don’t know about Oman. There isn’t much of a food scene in Oman , unless you love goat and rice (which they do cook very well in fairness!). I know that in itself doesn’t sound very exciting, but it just means that they take inspiration from their neighbours and closeby instead – you get a really delicious mix of Persian, Lebanese, Turkish, and India food here, meaning you won’t be eating the same thing over and over again during your stay!     Tell us more about Lebanon… What makes it special? The best thing about Lebanon is that totally distinct culture – food, history and modern life all combine to make Lebanon an amazing place to travel. It’s been given such a bad rep in the last few decades, and the news has not helped that at all, but travelling there feels so safe and exciting, and the people are just delightful. They are so keen to always show the real Lebanon, and prove there is so much to love.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? Hiking in the Qadisha Valley , where you can witness all these hidden monasteries carved into the cliffs – a remnant of when monks were driven into the hills and had to live here in exile. It’s a really unique part of Lebanese culture, unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else in the world!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Lebanon? I think the Roman ruins at Baalbek stunned me the most – I have never seen such incredible history, so quiet and untouched as no one is there! They are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins on the planet, and it’s impossible not to feel humbled by their towering columns.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Lebanon. It’s so small! Lebanon is half the size of Wales, so you only need a couple of weeks to really get under the skin of the country and see the vast majority of it.       Emma and the rest of team HA are always on hand to talk holidays. Have a clear idea of where you fancy? Or not sure and need to chat things through? Give us a call on 01242 253 073 to find out more. We’re here to help!    

After the inside scoop on Cambodia family holidays? Fenton, one of our Cambodia experts, is just home from his latest visit to the country. And this time he took his two young children along for the ride!  We’ve got a lot of children between the team here on HA. So we know first-hand the value of travel for little minds. Taking your children to experience new places and different cultures is a worldly education like no other. What’s more, Cambodia family holidays offer so much for kids and parents alike! Read on to hear all about Fenton’s latest adventure, along with some wonderful family photos that absolutely belong on the mantlepiece.   Where did you go? I spent the Easter holidays exploring Cambodia with my wife and two young children. We ventured to the famous sights of Angkor Wat , enjoyed the quieter beaches of Koh Rong Island , and everything in between. Siem Reap offers a lot to see and do besides temples, so we spent a few days here. We met landmine-detecting ‘Hero Rats’, and walked with elephants in the countryside of Kulen Mountain. The capital city of Phnom Penh is modernising fast, but still retains the charm of a smaller town.  We also went to some lesser-visited spots – the artsy town of Battambang , the verdant riverside town of Kampot, the coastal fishing town of Kep , and the rural landscapes of Kampong Chhnang.     What did you get up to while you were there? So much! We explored the golden Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in the 40 degrees midday sun (slathered in sun cream, of course). Hiked up to a mountain-top monastery for a view of the sunset without another person or vehicle in sight. Tried some delicious spicy sauces at a picturesque pepper farm (and bought a few bottles as souvenirs). And relaxed on some of the most impossibly-beautiful white-sand beaches I have ever seen.       Did you discover any secret spots you can tell us about? The Farmhouse by Smiling Gecko is part social venture, part luxury countryside escape. Days can be spent relaxing by the pool, enjoying a spa treatment, or dining on some quintessentially Khmer cuisine. But, you can also head out on excursions to learn more about the local people , and the lives they live. Although some of these are eye-opening, and even a bit upsetting (garment factories are abundant in these parts, creating ‘ fast-fashion ’ fo r Western wardrobes ) it will help you understand th e struggles the county has been through. A nd with it, how lives can be improved through the right intentions . The money you spend here goes back in to the communities, the people serving your meals are gaining training for better jobs in the city, and you are sure t o go home with warm memories, knowing that you have given a bit back during your travels.   Talk to us about the food… what was your favourite meal? Cambodian cuisine doesn’t get the recognition is deserves. It’ s easily as incredible as its neighbours’ food in Thailand and Vietnam. A curry in Cambodia is not too spicy, but rich and flavourful, and great with meat, fish or even made entirely vegetarian. My wife – a diehard seafood fan – would tell you that the Fish Amok curry is the best dish , but I personally think the Beef Lok Lak , with a pepper and citrus sauce, is the Khmer king.   Where was your favourite place you stayed? The Royal Sands on Koh Rong Island is a certified paradise, and no amount of photos can do it justice.  White sand, turquoise seas, impeccable service from every lovely, smiling member of staff, and an attention to detail that makes you never want to leave.  It’s not the cheapest place to stay on the island, but it is worth every penny.       What was your most unforgettable interaction or moment on your Cambodia family holiday? Our guides and drivers are the people who really make our holidays incredible, and my own trip was no different. Getting to know real people, asking them questions about their lives, hearing about their experiences, and bonding with them in a genuine way. This is an experience you can’t get if you only holiday in self-contained resorts in the sun! This was a Cambodia family holiday after all, and travelling with young children can be tricky. But, everyone went above and beyond to ensure that drives were comfortable and tours were enjoyable. We were forever greeted with smiles, and always parted with a hug.     Your favourite experience: What’s the bit you’ll be telling your friends about over dinner? When we were choosing to head on a Cambodia family holiday , we knew the kids were the most excited to see elephants in Kulen, just outside of Siem Reap.  This ‘retirement home’ for nellies is a beautiful destination, where you can get up close to these magnificent gentle giants. You get to prepare their food, feed them, and stroll alongside them in their forested homes. And there’s certainly no riding of any kind, which thankfully was made illegal some years ago! What we didn’t expect was how much the children would take to another animal – the African giant pouched rats, who have been trained to sniff out landmines and save lives.  The APOPO organisation allows you to see these superhero rodents in action. You’ll learn all about the valuable work they do in Cambodia (and all over the world).         What were your key take-homes, what did you learn on your trip? Cambodia is a great standalone destination, often demoted to a ‘city break’ to tag on to a trip to a neighbouring country.  Spend a bit of extra time here and you will be rewarded with wildlife encounters, unforgettable scenery, delicious food, and the smiles of a nation.   What’s the thing people absolutely can’t miss? When in Phnom Penh , even if it’s not part of your tour, be sure to visit Tuol Sleng. Here you’ll learn about the heartbreaking genocide of the Khmer Rouge regime.  It will bring you to tears, but is the best way to understand the Cambodian people, their struggles, but also their resilience to come back from such dark times.   Any top tips to share with us? The US Dollar has been the main currency here since the early 90s, but the government is trying to encourage the use of its own Riel wherever possible , especially for smaller transactions .  Breaking large dollar bills is tricky, and any damaged notes may be rejected. Do ask your hotel or a bank to give you ‘small change’ of any money you withdraw from an ATM , and if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself with a torn $20 dollar bill, bring it home with you … the locals may not be able to use it!     Quite frankly, there were far too many picture-perfect photographs for us to be selective with these. So enjoy an extended selection of the Fenton family’s holiday snaps. If you’re thinking of a Cambodia family holiday (or an adults-only one!), Fenton is fresh home from the country and ready to share all of his insider info. Give him a call on 01242 253 073 or request a quick quote to get your holiday plans rolling.              

South Africa is home to some of the most stunning sights and beautiful landmarks in the world. The towering Table Mountain, wild Garden Route, Winelands and Kruger National Park being some of the most popular holiday destinations in  South Africa . With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that South Africa tops holiday wish lists time and time again. Plus, as the very first destination we started designing holidays to, it will always have a special place in our hearts! We think though, in our humble opinion, the real beauty and uniqueness of South Africa is just as much about the small towns and secret spots you uncover on your way between the big cities and world-renowned sights. From romantic Paternoster to palm-fringed St Lucia and the fascinating UNESCO site Sterkfontein Caves. For each popular holiday destination in South Africa , there are a number of not-so-famous destinations hiding around the corner that will exceed all of your expectations. Ready to draw up that travel bucket list? Let us present six secret South Africa sights you won’t want to miss – but shhh! Just don’t go telling anyone we told you…     Paternoster, Western Cape The Western Cape is where most people choose to start the Garden Route, one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa . But, if you fancy going against the grain and doing something a little bit different, let us introduce you to Paternoster . Hands down one of the most romantic spots in South Africa, antique Paternoster is an old coastal town close to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve . This quaint fishing village is simply stunning: if you want a quiet coastal break where you can feast on delectable seafood fresh from the boat before heading off to explore the lush nature reserve nearby, this is the place for you. This is one of the oldest fishing villages in South Africa with pretty colourful fishing boats lazily bob in the water in front of the impossibly quaint houses lining the seafront. Want to explore a bit further? Make sure you venture to the Cape Columbine Lighthouse just outside of Paternoster, an area famous for its shipwrecks and hard sea conditions. Erected in 1936, the lighthouse was the last project of master lighthouse designer Harry Claude Cooper and still acts as a guide to those brave enough to navigate its treacherous waters today.       The Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape North of Cape Town you’ll find the Cederberg region , a wilderness area dominated by craggy mountains. Just two hours from Cape Town, the landscape of the Cederberg mountain range couldn’t be more different. Wilder, raw, and impossibly dramatic, this stunning and remote area is known for its jagged rock formations and beautiful valleys. Here you can enjoy some of the best hiking in the world, as you wander along ancient mountain trails through pristine fynbos and fascinating rock formations without another person in sight. It’s easy to see why this is one the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa . You can spot pretty impressive wildlife here too: look out for Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and red hartebeest.     That’s not all though – the area is also rich in history, and hidden under cliff edges you’ll find rock art dating back millennia to the first native people in South Africa, the San. In fact, Cederberg is one of the best areas for ancient rock art in the world, with over 2,500 discovered sites, some of which date back almost 10,00 years. If that wasn’t enough, the area is known for botanical diversity as well. As part of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa, look out for flowers hidden amongst twisted rock formations – and try and spot the world-famous rooibos tea too. Found only in this region, the bushes are known locally as red gold.     St Lucia, Elephant Coast On South Africa’s east coast just a few hours away from busy Durban, you’ll find St Lucia . This gorgeous, palm-fringed settlement offers a much more natural approach to a seaside break, but there’s one thing that makes St Lucia a truly unique destination: St Lucia also has the largest hippo population in South Africa with the number of hippos closely rivalling the number of humans (yes, really!). When it comes to popular holiday destinations in South Africa , you won’t find better than this.  The main drag, McKenzie Street, used to be a former hippo pathway, which means it’s not unusual to spot street-roaming hippos here, and at night you might even see a hippo traffic jam as they venture out from the nearby lake in search of grassy verges. Activities here include hippo and crocodile cruises on the estuary, haggling for souvenirs in the bustling marketplace and of course, a spot of relaxation on the endless beach after all that shopping. Surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia also makes a great base from which to explore the southern parts of the park.     Drakensberg Amphitheatre, KwaZulu-Natal We know, we know – the imposing Drakensberg Mountains can hardly be regarded as hidden. But, in the northern part of Drakensberg, the Drakensberg Amphitheatre is a lesser-known natural phenomenon. When it comes to popular holiday destinations in South Africa , this is criminally underrated. Phenomenon it is indeed, and in our opinion, one that draws far fewer crowds than it should. The dramatic cliff face is more than 5 km long and 1.2 km high, a silent and still structure looming over KwaZulu-Natal’s’ Royal Natal National Park. Standing at the base of this sheer tower of rock will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a fictional landscape. The hike to the peak of the cliff is more than worth the climb – and your reward is one of the most incredible sights in the world as you take in the gorge, mountain range and stunning African landscape below. Here you can also see the majestic Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world where the water drops nearly 1 km before crashing to the bottom.     The Great Escarpment, Mpumalanga Of all the popular holiday destinations in South Africa, Drakensberg Mountains rise up again to the west of Kruger National Park, where the plateau of the Highveld, 1,500 metres above sea level, dramatically falls over 1,000 metres to the Lowveld region below. Here you’ll find waterfalls, river canyons, huge swathes of lush green forest, wildlife and rock formations. Undoubtedly the main draw of the Great Escarpment is the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve , with its dramatic vistas and incredible hiking trails – but the most famous of all is the viewpoint from God’s Window, a small part of a 250 km long series of sheers cliffs and show-stopping beauty. So-called because it can only be compared to the beauty God saw when he created the world, it’s one of the most spectacular viewpoints in South Africa and has inspired thousands of painters from around the world. On a clear day, you can even see all the way across to Kruger National Park.       The Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng J ust 40 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria are the UNESCO listed Sterkfontein Caves , one of the most important fossil sites in the world. An active excavation site, these caves are a simply fascinating place to explore: known as the Cradle of Humankind , hominid and animal fossils as old as 4 million years have been discovered here, as well as 2 million-year-old stone tools. In fact, it’s home to more than a third of the human ancestor fossils ever discovered and records the earliest known use of fire 1.3 million years ago. It’s no wonder this is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world! You can even go down into the caves yourself and experience the place where many of the fossils were found for a true bucket list experience.     Ready to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip? Wherever your adventure takes you, whether you want to visit the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa or head off the beaten track, our brilliant South Africa experts are on hand to share local knowledge and point you in the direction of secret sights and hidden gems. They’re bursting with on-the-ground knowledge, first-hand travel stories and all top tips for all the best places to go and stay. Get in touch today to get a quote and start planning your tailor-made South African adventure.    

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I’m a Destination Manager, specialising in designing holidays to Jordan, Oman, South Africa and Uganda.   Why do you love travel? To put it simply, I want to see the world and experience different ways of life. I just love learning about different cultures and the history behind a country; how they got to where they are now. It just shows how uniquely different we all are. I also love all things nature and the wildlife within it, it simply takes my breath away, be it mother nature’s landscapes or seeing animals go about their daily lives.   How did you find yourself working in travel? I was lucky to go on a few holidays with my family, many to Europe and a few to more exotic destinations, but the idea of working in travel came to me later in life. It was in my late 20’s in fact when it clicked that travel is what I love to do, so why not make a career of it? I’d travelled a lot, but not had any experience working in travel, so I went about getting some and then sent out my CV. On my 29th birthday I was offered my first job in travel working for another tour operator. I spent 3 years there organising European trips and experiencing some of these trips myself, before as luck would have it, HA were looking to expand their sales team. I jumped at this opportunity and thankfully Andy saw something in me and I remain ever grateful for the opportunity he gave me.   What do you love doing when you’re not designing holidays? I like to run, mainly off-road through stunning woodlands and up and down the hillside. I’m a long-distance runner, with my proudest moment being completing the Race to the Stones event which involved running 100km cross country. When I’m not outside running, walking or cycling I love to watch movies. I’ve watched so many I couldn’t tell you my favourite, but my gut instinct would be to say Jurassic Park.   We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? Well, I think my choice of wedding menu says it all… a lamb roast and all the trimmings, followed by a sticky toffee pudding. I’m not a massive starter person, but if I’m not going to be having another meal after this one, then I’d start with a pepperoni and pineapple (yes that’s right) pizza.   What’s your karaoke tune? Anything by the Backstreet Boys or classic 80s….think Bon Jovi ‘Livin on a Prayer’.           Tell us more about Jordan… What makes it special? What makes Jordan really special is Petra, there really is nowhere else like it. However, for me it’s also the diversity of experiences, scenery and the friendliness of the people that keep attracting me back to this country.   If you’re looking for sensational views and a mix of experiences from history to local cultures and immersive hikes, then Jordan is definitely the place for you, plus you can float in water.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? It’s a simple one, but it would have to be taking a sunset camel ride through the Wadi Rum desert. It was just me, the camel and the local Bedouin who didn’t speak a word of English. Having driven around in the jeep, it was refreshing to travel through the desert in peace, rocking back and forth on the camel and then finding a peaceful spot to watch the sunset.       Where’s your favourite place to visit in Jordan? The Wadi Rum . I just love the peace and unique beauty of the desert and rocky outcrops that break up what could be a flat view.     Tell us something most people don’t know about Jordan It’s so much more than deserts and Petra. They have a brewery, vineyard, harvest olives and even have beekeeping farms!         Tell us more about Uganda…   What makes it special? For me, Uganda is all about the wildlife. Not only do you see vast plans with what seems like herds of elephants around every corner, but you also have families of chimpanzees to trek through forests and discover. Plus, you can’t forget the gorillas – they make Uganda truly worthy of its place on many bucket lists! Murchison Falls is a beautiful spot, too!     What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? Trekking through the jungle of Kibale and spending time amongst a habituated chimpanzee family. It was pinch-yourself special.   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Uganda? I have to go with Kibale again. My memories of trekking with the chimpanzees really are some of my favourites from all of my time spent in Uganda. I’d always recommend it to my clients if they’re able to.     Tell us something most people don’t know about Uganda Uganda actually has lots of mountains, including Mt. Stanley’s Margherita Peak. Standing at 5,109 metres high, is the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.       Tell us more about South Africa…   What makes it special? South Africa has such diversity in what you can do in one country – no two trips are ever the same. You can go from a vibrant city with a famous mountain towering over it, to a remote safari bush in the space of a couple of hours. If you can’t decide if you fancy a city break, to spend some time in the great outdoors or have a wildlife adventure, then why not pick South Africa where you can do it all in one trip!?   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? The safari guides in South Africa really are exceptional. On one particular game drive, my guide managed to find me a leopard in the thicket of a bush. It was the first time I’d seen one in the wild and such a special moment. We spent some time just admiring her (from a safe distance!), before she decided she’d graced us with her presence for long enough.   Where’s your favourite place to visit in South Africa? Anywhere on safari in search of wildlife. It’s my happy place!   Tell us something most people don’t know about South Africa The very first heart transplant in the world took place in 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.       Tell us more about Oman…   What makes it special? I love the outdoors. Walking, running or cycling through it and I’m happy. Oman has so many opportunities for soaking it all up. For me it is all about the scenery when you visit Oman and the spectacular views you get around every corner. There are numerous trails you can explore and wadis to cool off in. The people are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever met and cannot do enough to welcome visitors into their country and homes.     What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? Canyoning through Snake Canyon. I absolutely loved, abseiling, jumping and swimming my way through the gorge. The best fun I’ve had and such an adventure!     Where’s your favourite place to visit in Oman? The mountains around Nizwa are so special. The views and trails you can explore are simply mesmerising.     Tell us something most people don’t know about Oman Surprisingly, Oman is actually a great destination for birders! So, dig those binoculars out!         Cat and all of the rest of our team here at HA are here to help. We love nothing more than chatting through your holiday ideas, sharing travel stories, finding out what’s important to you and piecing it all together to form the perfect tailormade adventure for you. Give us a call on 01242 253 073 or request a quick, free quote today, we’d love to help.  

 Emma, one of our destination specialists here at HA, is just back from her first (but not last!) holiday of the year. She spent 10 days exploring Saigon and Hoi An in Vietnam. Here Emma fills us in on what she got up to, and her best bits!   Name: Emma ‘Higgo’ Higgins (HA Destination Manager: Morocco, Oman, Lebanon and Israel) Trip: Vietnam holiday Travel dates: 9-19 th March 2024   1. Where did you go? I spent three nights in Saigon and five nights in Hoi An. Courtesy of our delightful HA Vietnam expert, Erin.   2. What did you do while you were there? I went on a fantastic Vespa tour through Ho Chi Minh; a really fun way to spend an evening in the city, trying local food (my favourites are the summer rolls for sure!) and hopping between bars. It’s lovely to have a local to tell you all about traditional Vietnamese dishes and also go to authentic places to try them. And what’s more authentic than being on the back of a Vespa while doing it? It’s a little scary at first as there are so many bikes in Ho Chi Minh, but it’s best to lean into the experience! And the drivers are all absolutely delightful and make you feel safe.     I also really enjoyed the AO Show at the Opera House in Saigon, another evening well spent learning all about the evolution of Vietnam from its rural roots to the urbanisation we see in lots of the country today. In Hoi An, I visited the My Son temples just outside the city, which I highly recommend if you’re in the area. These fascinating temples are like a mini Vietnamese version of Angkor Wat in Cambodia – smaller, but no less beautiful and interesting. Going with a guide really helps to understand exactly what you’re looking at, and the history of the Champa Kingdom that created the complex.     3. Did you discover any secret spots you can tell us about? I think the backstreets of Hoi An are a real gem – I learnt all about the making of cao lau noodles – a regional dish you’ll find in vendors all over the ancient town – from one of only two people who make them in Hoi An. We visited the family’s home, next to which you can see the kitchens where they create the noodles – the father figure has been doing this for 66 years, he gets up at 1 am every day to make them, and only has one day off a year! We tried them right there and then with some soy sauce and they were absolutely delicious. Likewise, just down the road we wandered to a beansprout producer and learned all about how they grow the sprouts from mung beans in sand (yes, really..!) and then take them off to sell in the market each morning. We of course visited the market later in the tour too; a must-do for any trip to Vietnam.     4. Talk to us about the food… what was your favourite meal? See above! Anything on the food tour was fantastic. The thing I love about Vietnamese food is that it’s so fresh and light; the herbs they put with all their dishes make them so unique and delicious. I of course really fell in love with Vietnamese coffee (made with condensed milk) too, which is the complete opposite – rich, strong and almost a whole meal in itself! But so satisfying. And then of course banh mi at Madame Khanh – there’s a reason she’s called the banh mi queen!   5. Where was your favourite place you stayed? I really liked both of my hotels – Silverland Yen in Saigon is perfectly situated right in the centre and I could walk everywhere. Cosy Savvy in Hoi An was tucked away a five-minute walk from the ancient town (which is good because it was really quiet, and central Hoi An can get noisy at night) and the people were so kind and welcoming!     6. Your most unforgettable interaction or moment… I think the guide and drivers on the Vespa tour were a real highlight for me. So kind and generous, but also really put me at ease zipping around the big city, as well as offering local insights for everything we did. Above all else, they made it really FUN!   7. Your favourite experience: What’s the bit you’ll be telling your friends about over dinner? All the food, for sure! I’ll be cooking it for them, too!   8. What were your key take-homes, what did you learn on your trip? I really enjoyed the War Remnants Museum in Saigon and learnt a lot about the Vietnam/American War. I knew a limited amount prior to my trip, but this museum (which can be harrowing in part, just to warn anyone looking to visit) really put things into perspective from a Vietnamese point of view, and I was baffled by the fact it is all still having am impact of life in parts of Vietnam even today. I also learnt a lot about this heading out to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside Saigon. I did go down one for the briefest of moments but not too far – I still recommend it for anyone not keen on going into the tunnels themselves!     9. What’s the thing people absolutely can’t miss? Beautiful Hoi An! I loved having a good chunk of time here and the streets are just so charming and pretty.     10. Do you have a Vietnam Top Tip for us? I was travelling alone in Vietnam and felt incredibly safe everywhere I went. This meant I did a lot of strolling around at night in both Saigon and Hoi An, and I couldn’t have felt safer. People in Vietnam are just so friendly, warm, and if you give them a smile they will certainly smile right back! And definitely make the most of all the spas you can find absolutely everywhere – you can get a full body massage for as little as £8 for an hour (plus a tip, which I recommend!), whereas hotel spas will charge you much more. It’s one of the best things about travelling in Asia and they are all open late too – popping in for a foot massage after dinner and hours of wandering around in the heat is complete heaven.     Tempted by a Vietnam adventure of your own? Get in touch with our experts today to start tailoring a Vietnam holiday that’s perfect for you.