Travel blog

Let’s face it, we’re all going to need a serious adventure once the world returns to normal. When you book a holiday with Holiday Architects, your journeys are all part of the adventure. Focusing on multi-centre trips, our adventures more often than not include journeys throughout your holiday. Whether you travel by romantic rail, take control of the wheel on a self-drive roadtrip, cruise across exotic waters to far-flung destinations or simply explore destinations unknown on your own two feet, here are nine of the greatest journeys to have around the world. (We know things are still fairly uncertain right now. But our team of experts are at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year or next). 1. Canada – Travel through the mountains on the rocky mountaineer Travelling by rail is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and nostalgic ways to get from one place to the next. Considered to be one of the most beautiful rail journeys you can make, a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer will keep your eyes busy and wowed. With tracks carved through landscapes where roads can’t take you, you’re gifted the opportunity to sit back, relax and feast your eyes on some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. With tantalising hot food served to your seat as snow-capped mountains fly past the window, and expert hosts on-hand to point out wildlife and share stories throughout your journey, it’s an experience you’ll recall time and time again. Whether you choose the popular two-day option that takes you between Vancouver and either Banff or Jasper, or the slightly longer option that includes Whistler, you won’t be disappointed by this journey. The shimmering lakes, vast canyons, towering mountains and soothing motion of the train on its tracks awaits. Take me there >   2. Uganda – Hike with the endangered mountain gorillas Sometimes a journey you make under your own power is the most rewarding. Lace-up your hiking shoes, muster your energy and sense of adventure and head out into the Ugandan rainforest ready to have an encounter you’ll never forget. As you follow your guide, weaving through dense forest, open glades and steep ravines, making your way deeper and deeper into the humid green, the anticipation of what you may witness is almost palpable. Uganda is one of the only places on earth where you can see the endangered mountain gorilla in the wild. With only 1,000 of them left on this planet, sharing the same air for a whole hour with a family of them as they go about their daily lives, is beyond special. This journey requires effort, but the reward, the memories and the stories will be worth it. Take me there >   3. Japan – Ride the fastest, most efficient railway on earth If you think you know train travel, think again. To ride the Japanese Shinkansen, or bullet train as it’s commonly known, is a new experience entirely. Gone are the delays, the racing for a seat, sipping tepid coffee out of paper cups and munching on a half-stale sandwich. The Japanese know how to travel in style. These trains are immaculate and run on time – always. And we mean to the minute. Japanese rail companies have been known to issue refunds for travellers whose trains have left 30 seconds early. That would be unheard of here in the UK. And the food options available put our trains to shame. Indulge in a tempting bento box, a tantalising mix of fresh sushi and local snacks. A taste sensation awaits you as you speed through the stunning Japanese countryside at 200 miles per hour. Take me there >   4. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia – Embark on a grand tour of Indochina Take the ultimate journey through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, taking in every single one of the major sights and ticking off all of the iconic experiences as you go. There are too many highlights in South East Asia to list, but we’ll try! Bustling capital cities bursting at the seams with bikes dancing around each other. More ancient temples than you can shake a stick at, including the magnificent temples of Angkor. Laos’ laid-back Luang Prabang and Vietnam’s lantern-lit Hoi An. Visiting and learning about the hill tribes of Mai Chau. Overnighting in luxury on a traditional junk in Ha Long Bay. Cruising through the Mekong Delta from Vietnam into Cambodia. If you’ve got more than three weeks to spare, an adventure around Indochina has your name written all over it. Take me there >   5. Namibia – Track the endangered black rhino on foot The 450,000 hectare Palmwag Concession is a remote and very special place, home to Africa’s largest remaining population of endangered black rhino and one of the most unique and exciting things you can do in Southern Africa. Guests at Desert Rhino Camp have the privileged opportunity to track these fabulous animals with a skilled guide, often accompanied by a researcher for the Save The Rhino Trust, a pioneering conservation body in Palmwag for close to 20 years. This will be a journey like no other, getting you as close as you can safely get to these magnificent creatures without causing harm to them or yourself! Take me there >   6. Sri Lanka – Take one of the most scenic train rides on earth The centre of this tear-shaped island is hiding a real treat. Hop on the turquoise and blue painted train at Kandy and prepare for one of the most breathtakingly beautiful journeys you could take. Flying through the high hill country, soaring above row upon row of emerald green tea leaves, spotting the tea pickers dressed in brightly coloured traditional saris peppered amongst the leaves. Sit in the doorways, dangle your legs over the edge, feel the the cool breeze as you take in the beauty this country has to offer. At each local stop, food sellers will get on board and make their way down the aisles, selling all kinds of tasty local morsels. A beautiful train ride enriched with the flavours and smells of the country you’re travelling through is a way to really make this journey come alive. Take me there >   7. Tanzania – Make memories on a luxury safari A journey in the comfort of your private safari vehicle, through the plains of Tanzania as the glowing sun sinks lower in the sky will be a luxurious one, peppered with pinch-yourself moments from start to finish. Whether you come across a couple of loved-up lions bathing in the evening sun or a herd of elephants refreshing themselves at a watering hole, there will be no shortage of memories made. If you time it right, your adventure could perfectly coincide with one of nature’s most spectacular journeys; the wildebeest migration. The ‘confusion’ of wildebeest (a great collective noun!) are best seen in the vast southern plains between January and March, in the western corridor through the months of June and July and the jaw-droppingly beautiful northern sectors from October to November. Chat to our Tanzania specialist, Tim, about your best options to get a glimpse of this wildlife phenomenon as it unfolds. Take me there >   8. Peru – Trek the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is world-renowned as one of the most magical ancient civilisations you can visit, and for good reason. A hike to Machu Picchu will ignite excitement and stir a deep sense of wonder in your soul. Nestled in the postcard-perfect Andes mountains, this iconic site is made even more special by the fact that you must reach it on foot and expel your own precious energy to get there. There are routes of varying difficulties, from a three-day and night camping trek to a train journey followed by a one-day hike. Both options are challenging and require a fair level of fitness due to the high altitude. But, regardless of which you choose, it will be your own two feet that lead you on the journey to this iconic landmark and nothing will raise your heartrate more than the sight of this ancient and mysterious Incan civilisation when you reach the end. Take me there > 9. The Galapagos – Take an expedition cruise around these wildlife-rich islands With the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles and all sorts of marine life or hop on a dingy to explore what wildlife treats each island has in store, this is a journey unlike any other. This archipelago of islands dates back five million years and each one has a different character and unique wildlife inhabitants to discover: from Genovesa Island with its remarkable birdlife (keep your eyes peeled for the infamous blue-footed boobies or the lesser-known red-footed boobies that can be found here!) to Isabela Island with its family of 4,000 giant tortoises. Your expert naturalist guides will be able to teach you all about the islands and their inhabitants as you take in the surroundings that are unlike anywhere else on earth. For nature lovers, this Galapagos cruise is a dream journey. The animals here, having had such little contact with humans, are so inquisitive and often make their way closer to you to have a better look. Conservation is taken very seriously on the islands, with visitor numbers being strictly limited. So, it’s best to book onto one of these journeys early if you want to experience the magic for yourself! Take me there >  

A pat on the back for Team HA  We’ve recently had some news which has made us exceptionally proud. Holiday Architects has been named one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the Financial Times’ ‘FT 1000’ list for 2021. Making it onto this list, said to “provide a snapshot of Europe’s most promising growth businesses in the weeks before coronavirus took hold”, is a real testament to our achievements as a team. And, although the impact of Covid has been huge, this acknowledgment is a humbling reminder of the growing number of people who were entrusting us with their holiday arrangements before the unexpected events of 2020 took hold. Back in January 2020, our team were celebrating a record month of holiday designing, blissfully unaware of the events that were about to unfold and catapult our wonderful world into lockdown. The challenges have been great, but achievements like this, our TrustPilot reviews and other awards really give us a renewed boost. We are very much still here, and we are ready to rebuild. We’re looking forward to the time when all of this is behind us and we can focus on doing what we do best: designing more and more holidays for our fantastic clients to remember forever. Not only that, but thanks to Covid, we believe that what we do – arranging wonderful holidays with meaningful local interactions – will only be more important moving forward. We hope that now we’ve experienced what it’s like to have the world closed off to us, the freedom to travel, experience and explore our world will be appreciated and valued like never before. Holidays are one of the most valuable commodities, and that’s more true now than it ever has been. We understand that and we hope you’ll put your trust in us once you’re ready to travel again. We’re here at the end of the phone, ready to get you away on that holiday you’ve been dreaming of for the last year. We’re ready to fasten our seatbelts and dive right in. It’s very nearly time to embrace the world and all of its wonders once more, and we can’t wait to help make your post-pandemic holiday dream a reality. Andy Hunt, HA Founder  

A message from our founder, Andy  As you’re reading this I’m assuming that like us, you love your travel and were eagerly listening to Boris on Monday to see when you might be able to get away again! What did you make of it? Encouraging or disappointing? We’re very much taking the glass-half-full approach: we’ve been saying for some time that the middle of this year onwards is a good time to aim for if you’re thinking of booking a holiday, and Boris’ roadmap very much makes this a viable timeframe. It’s a real pleasure for us to look forward to all those holidays we’ve been planning for clients with fresh confidence that they will go ahead. Like all travellers and those in the travel industry, I would love there to be certainty around the restarting of travel. However, we all know that the path of the virus is not something we can predict. As travel opens up, we expect there will be a fast-changing global patchwork of regulations and requirements for travel that will be quite bewildering to keep up with. Fortunately, that’s our job, not yours! Throughout the process of planning your holiday, and when the departure date is approaching, we’ll be able to answer all your questions and ensure you’re completely up-to-speed with the entry requirements and any Covid-restrictions for your chosen destination. Just one more way we take all the stress out of planning a holiday – because right now, who needs more on their plate? Whilst the last couple of months have undoubtedly been tough, and there’s still some way to go until we’re out of this, I’ve been hugely encouraged by the vaccine rollout. It gives me confidence that, whilst dates may slip a bit, the government’s roadmap is believable and will see our lives returning (almost) to what they were like pre-pandemic within six months. And the first thing I’ll be doing when that time comes is jumping on a plane for a hard-earned break! The only question is, where should I go?! I’m off to holidayarchitects.co.uk to get some inspiration… Stay well, and here’s wishing you the patience to navigate these final stages of lockdown serenely(ish). Andy Hunt, HA Founder     We’re here to help get you away on that much-needed holiday just as soon as the world opens up again. So, if you have any questions at all about your well-deserved adventure, we’re ready to take your call on 01242 253 073 . In the meantime, here are some holiday ideas to get your travel-toes twitching…  

A message from our founder, Andy, in response to Grant Shapps The past week has been one of our busiest for many months, with lots of people getting in touch to plan their holidays and give themselves something wonderful to look forward to now that there is light at the end of the Coronavirus tunnel. You may have seen comments in the media from Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, that people should not be booking holidays now because it is currently illegal to go on holiday. It’s not often I feel compelled to respond to ministerial pronouncements, but I felt this was worthy of comment. I completely understand the current need to do everything we can to get on top of the virus and protect the remarkable success we’ve had so far with the vaccine rollout: and if it means that, for the time being, we need to tighten our borders, then we’ll just have to knuckle down and live with that. However, it is most certainly not illegal to look forward to a time when we can travel again, and it is not unreasonable to assume this time will come later this year. I’m delighted to say people are still booking holidays with us – and all of those are for the second half of this year, or for 2022. Those people have booked knowing that by then, there is a very good chance their holiday will operate. So, despite what Mr. Shapps has to say, please remember that it’s not illegal to dream of a fantastic holiday, nor is it illegal for us to help you plan that holiday. We’re really enjoying arranging these momentous first holidays after Coronavirus, so if that sounds like something that would brighten your day and give you something to look forward to, please do get in touch. Andy Hunt, HA Founder     We’re here to help get you away on that much-needed holiday just as soon as you’re able. So, if you have any questions at all about your well-deserved adventure, we’re ready to take your call on 01242 253 073.  

South Africa is quite simply magic. With roads to thrill even the most discerning of drivers, unparalleled wildlife experiences, scenery that is pinch-yourself beautiful and bursting with history and culture to uncover at every turn… this 21-day South Africa holiday really does have something for everyone.  (Remember, when you book a holiday with HA it is completely tailor-made to you and your interests. This is just a flavour of what you could hope to see over three weeks…) Your ultimate 21-day South Africa Holiday   Days 1-3: Cape Town Cape Town is considered to be one of the most popular cities on earth, and for good reason. Boasting incredible scenery (we’re looking at you Table Mountain), pristine white-sand beaches and an array of bars and restaurants that could give London a run for its money, it’s the perfect place to start your South Africa holiday. Cape Town is alive with the pulse of culture and adventure. Take the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain for a view of Cape Town you’ll never forget. Amble around the vibrantly coloured streets of Bo-Kaap. Spend a day walking in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps at Robben Island prison . Round it all off with a trip out to Camps Bay to enjoy a sundowner whilst the pastel colours leak across the horizon. The perfect spot to toast the adventures ahead.   Day 4: The Cape Peninsula Your first experience of South Africa’s spellbinding roads winds you around Chapman’s Peak, on the western side of the Cape Peninsula . Often heralded as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, it’s as beautiful as it is exhilarating. Keep your camera handy! And you’re in for a treat as the destination is just as thrilling as the journey… Walk up to Cape Point lighthouse for a view over the jagged rocks below. Standing on top of the world with nothing between you and Antarctica but crashing waves, you’ll really get a sense of how remote and rugged this corner of Africa is. You can’t miss visiting the suited and booted penguins of Boulder’s Beach either… You can even go for a dip with the friendly fellas if it’s warm enough, so pack your swimmers!   Day 5: The Winelands Just over an hour’s drive from the Cape, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a completely different landscape. Nestled in the beautiful valleys, sheltered beneath the steep mountains are the quaint towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek ; oozing with character, cafes, art galleries and – of course – wine. We’d always recommend spending a day exploring the wine estates on your South Africa holiday, taking in three or four different vineyards, learning about the winemaking process and, of course, indulging in the delicious array of tipples on offer. For a quirky experience, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram and enjoy the picturesque transfers between some of the best estates in the area. After this day, you’re sure to emerge relaxed, smiling and potentially with your belt loosened a notch or two.   Day 6: The Overberg We’re so fond of the Overberg region here at HA. All too often missed by those rushing through, on your way to enjoy the famous Garden Route, take the road less travelled and enjoy the beauty that this lesser-known region has to offer. Follow the winding back roads away from the Winelands and explore the beauty of the De Hoop Nature Reserve . You’ll be treated to staggering scenery that changes by the minute and the contrasting beauty of the rolling, grassy hills as they give way to the pristine sandy beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for ostriches, antelopes and the rich birdlife that call this region home – if you’re lucky you may even spot a whale frolicking in the waves beneath the horizon.   Days 7-9: The Garden Route The Garden Route is appropriately named, being all about the wows of nature at every turn. Lagoon-dotted shorelines, expanses of white sandy beach, jagged canyons and emerald forests are all ripe for exploring. Feeling active? Take to the waves for a spot of kayaking or white-water tubing in Mossel Bay. Feeling adventurous? Hike over the low-slung rope suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. Feeling fancy? Explore Plettenberg Bay, often considered the swanky St Tropez of South Africa. However you choose to fill three days on the Garden Route, one thing’s for sure, its natural beauty won’t fail to seduce you.   Day 10: The Crags We’d always recommend spending a day in The Crags on your South Africa holiday, particularly if you’re travelling with children. With an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to get another taste of South African wildlife. Visit the elephant sanctuary or enjoy an afternoon at the Birds of Eden aviary; home to countless species of rescued birds, all flying free. If mischievous primates are more your bag, head to Monkeyland right next door and enjoy the authentic forest habitat that’s been created to house rescued gibbons, spider monkeys and other cheeky chappies from all over the world.   Day 11: Fly to Durban Take a flight to Durban , the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal, and spend a day unwinding in one of the beautiful hotels, sunning yourself on the pristine beaches or indulging in all kinds of aqua-based adventures at uShaka Marine Park.   Days 12-13: The Drakensburg Mountains If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll be in your element with a hike in the Drakensburg Mountains . With mile upon mile of jaw-dropping trails, suitable for all fitness levels, this is the perfect place to really get away from it all and surround yourself with nature. ‘Drakens’ is Afrikaans for ‘dragon’ and ‘berg’ translates to ‘mountain’, and we assure you these dragon mountains are just as magical as their namesake.   Days 14-15: Explore the battlefields So far, your South Africa holiday has wowed you with its cities, scenery, wildlife and wine… now for the ace up its sleeve; lashings of history and culture. Submerse yourself in the history of both the Anglo-Zulu war and the Anglo-Boer wars of the late 19th century. The historical sites you will visit and remarkable stories of heroism and desperation you’ll hear, make this stop-off a must on your South Africa adventure, whether you’re a history buff or not. The guides here are second-to-none, and never fail to bring these phenomenal moments of history to life in the most memorable way.   Days 16-17: Blyde River Canyon Drive north from the battlefields to the Escarpment region and feast your eyes on the spectacular natural vista of Blyde River Canyon . Stretching out for 25 kilometres and plunging 800 metres deep, the beauty really is something to behold. Whether you view the forested slopes from God’s Window or The Three Rondavels, prepare to be astounded by the impressive display of nature rolling out before you. If you want to get more up close and personal with the landscape, lace up your hiking boots and take a walk along the floor of the canyon. From whatever perspective you view this magical landmark, you’re sure to feel dwarfed by the hand and beauty of Mother nature.   Days 18-20: Kruger National Park If you were ever going to end your South Africa holiday adventure on a high, Kruger National Park is the place to do it. Over the next three days you’ll collect more stories of goosepimple inducing animal encounters than you’ll know what to do with. Few experiences are as mesmerising as coming face-to-face with one of the Big Five in its natural habitat. If you’re able, turn the wild adventure up a notch with a guided bush walk. Imagine the invigoration and thrill of coming across a lion track made just a few hours earlier and knowing you’re walking in the very footsteps of the king of cats. Guided safaris, self-drive safaris and walking safaris, however you choose to experience this wild jewel in South Africa’s crown, neither you nor your camera will be disappointed!   Day 21: Time to fly home Time to pack your bags and grab a hankie, as today you fly home. Make sure you take your camera on the flight with you so you can spend the hours looking back on the last 21 days of adventure, experience and awe-inspiring animal encounters with a smile.     Inspired? Contact our resident South Africa holiday experts and ask any questions about tailor-made trips to explore the many wonders South Africa has in store.  

Wishing you a much brighter and adventure-filled 2021 A new year is traditionally a time for new starts, and never has that been more welcome than after making it through the last year! But, whilst there are still hurdles to overcome, the return to a more normal life is thankfully now firmly in sight. The highlights reel of any regular year is heavily weighted towards holidays; in 2020 though – thanks to the chocolate consumption in lockdown – it’s just been heavily weighted! However, 2021 will see a return to those holiday-highlights, and we’re here to help inspire your adventures this year with 8 of our favourite holiday ideas for 2021. (Remember, everything we do is tailor-made to you, so these itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible!)     1. Orangutans and tropical islands in Borneo The perfect Borneo holiday should always include a combination of wildlife safaris along majestic rivers, trekking trails through ancient rainforests in search of wild orangutan and strolling along stretches of white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear waters. This itinerary has it all. Start in Sepilok for your first rainforest encounter and some exciting night walks before heading to a riverside lodge on the Kinabatangan . Cruise in search of Pygmy Elephant and gigantic crocodile before heading deep into the heart of the primary rainforest to stay at the exclusive Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge . Here the magic of Borneo’s famous wildlife comes alive both day and night, creating one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences you will encounter. Continue on to the city of Kota Kinabalu to soak up the local culture and taste delicious street food before heading to Gaya Island for a well-deserved beach break – the ideal end to your Borneo holiday. How long?: 12 days When to go: Year round (May-Sept is high season) Average temperature: Average temp. 29C, rainfall 220mm/month (tropical climate), water temp. 29C Flight time: 16hrs from London   2. Classic self-drive holiday in otherwordly Namibia Namibia is famous for its sweeping desert, wild coastline, rugged mountains and diverse wildlife, all of which await you on this two-week self-drive itinerary . Driving the wide open roads, framed by spectacular scenery and endless horizons, is an integral part of travel in Namibia and could be the perfect holiday idea for 2021. Taking in highlights such as Sossusvlei , Swakopmund , Damaraland and Etosha without ever feeling too rushed, this itinerary is the perfect introduction to this unique country. How long?: 14 days When to go: November-March Average temperature: Average Temp. – 23C, rainfall – 8mm/month (dry season), water temp. – 19C Flight time: 14hrs from London   3. Explore Sri Lanka’s hidden gems over 17 days Our 17-day Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka tour starts by heading directly north to the charming Horathapola Estate converted bungalow , set within a working coconut plantation. Next stop is Anuradhapura , a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Sri Lanka’s original ancient cities. To follow the culture, you’ll enjoy a full day safari in the nearby Wilpattu National Park , a chance to spot elephants, sloth bear, sambar deer, exotic birds and the elusive leopard. Next the trip heads up to Sri Lanka’s far north, Jaffna ; considered to be more like India than Sri Lanka. Not a lot of tourists reach Jaffna so it feels very authentic and exciting. The journey then heads south to the Cultural Triangle to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples . You’ll also climb the lesser-known Pidurangala Rock at sunrise , which is adjacent to Sigiriya and rewards your efforts with stunning 360-degree views of the valleys, jungle and Sigiriya Rock! Next you’ll travel east to Passikudah , a quiet coastal area with the most gorgeous long, sweeping beaches – the best place to completely switch off and relax. Next up you have a visit to Gal Oya National Park , a beautiful and untouched area with the country’s largest inland body of water. Here you can enjoy a boat safari, jeep safari and even meet the local indigenous tribe! You’ll then transfer up to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a Tea Country experience and hillside hikes with stunning views. After all of this, your trip comes to an end with your last night in a traditional Sri Lankan family mansion-come-boutique-hotel surrounded by pineapple estates. How long?: 17 days When to go: Mar-Sept (July & Aug are peak) Average temperature: Average temp. – 29˚C (max / day time), rainfall – 136mm (dry season average / month) Flight time: 11hrs from London   4. A holiday of highlights in South Africa If you’re looking for holiday ideas for 2021 that include history, wine, stunning scenery and oodles of wildlife, this Classic South Africa itinerary could well be it. This 16-day holiday makes the perfect first-time trip to South Africa, covering all the major highlights. Start with the Mother City, Cape Town , a cosmopolitan, relaxing and historic city, before moving onto the Winelands for some great food and wine. Stopping on the way to explore the underrated Overberg area you can visit such places as the De Hoop Nature Reserve , immersing yourself in absolute tranquillity. You’ll also get a flavour of some of the local South African wildlife as the reserve is home to herds of bontebok, eland and zebra, as well as marine life and birding. Spend some time really getting to know the forests, lagoons and beaches of The Garden Route. Then finally, continue to the Eastern Cape for what many regard as the absolute highlight of a South Africa holiday: some time on safari. How long?: 14 days When to go: October-April Average temperature: Average temp. – 14-22C, rainfall – 60mm/month, water temp. – 17C Flight time: 12hrs from London   5. Take a walk through old Japan Perhaps the best holiday ideas for 2021 will be the ones that get you off the beaten track. This Walk Through Old Japan itinerary definitely does that, allowing you to explore a lesser-known side of Japan. There’s no better way to truly appreciate the rich history and stunning scenery of the country than by foot.  This trip is for the rambling wanderers who wish to escape to the rural parts of this beautiful country – walking through the wilderness and sleeping in traditional accommodation. Away from the skyscrapers, robots and 24-hour karaoke bars of Tokyo is a calmer Japan, where age-old temples and monasteries still operate as they did a thousand years ago. This trip will see you exploring Kawaguchiko, the beauty of the Kiso Valley , the mountain haven of Koyasan and Miyajima Family-run ryokan (traditional inns) still welcome guests with humble graciousness and a home-cooked dinner, exactly as it was before Western tourists arrived. Utilising the futuristic wonders of the country’s reliable railways, you can enjoy quieter locales and savour the warmth of Japanese hospitality every step of the way.  Alongside the famous major cities you will get many opportunities to stretch your legs as you hike in the hinterlands of Japan. How long?: 15 days When to go: October-April & July-August (High Season) May-June and September (Low Season) Average temperature: 0°C in January to 30°C in August, average rainfall: 50mm in December to 240mm in June Flight time: 12hrs from London   6. Active Costa Rica: 16 days of adrenaline If you’re looking for active holiday ideas for 2021, our active Costa Rica itinerary could be the perfect antidote to lockdowns and mince pies. 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. How long?: 16 days When to go: November-August Average temperature: Average temp. – 29 C, rainfall – 250 mm per month (dry season) / 450 mm per month (green season) Flight time: 11hrs from London     7. Best of Morocco: History, culture, cities and the Sahara If you want to tick off all of Morocco’s must-dos in just one trip, this is the adventure for you. Taking in history, culture, city life, scenery, and one of Morocco’s greatest draws – the Sahara Desert – this itinerary takes you on a whirlwind around the country and is a true crash-course in all things Morocco. We’ll arrange a driver guide for sections of the trip that cover long distances so you can stop off wherever you please to take in fantastic views and swing by remote villages. There will also be plenty of time to do your own thing and relax too, especially at the end of the trip by the beach! This tailor-made Morocco tour provides the perfect balance. How long?: 14 days When to go: March-June, September-November Average temperature: Average temp. – 4-29C, rainfall. – 30-45mm/month, water temp. – 20C Flight time: 3hrs 40mins from London     8. Peru: Lima, Cusco and a quieter Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru is one of the classic iconic multi-day hikes in the world. What’s more, in 2021 it’s likely to be quieter than ever before. Following this ancient and moderately challenging trail is the ultimate way to reach the spectacular ancient ruins of Machu Picchu . Spend four days following in the footsteps of the Incas, walking alongside the river through a lush valley, over mountain passes and through the tropical cloudforest. There is also plenty of time to explore cosmopolitan Lima and pretty Cusco . Both have fascinating Incan and colonial history and culinary delights to sample! Spending time here will help you to acclimatise to the higher altitude on the Inca Trail too, so it’s definitely worth doing! The Inca Trail has always limited the number of hikers each day, and will do so even more as we move into a post-Covid world. Do check with us first as to whether permits are still available for your preferred travel dates. For any trekking fan, it is a must – a fantastic hike that takes you up to 4,800 metres above sea level. How long?: 11 days When to go: April-November Average temperature: Average temp. – 19 C, rainfall – 40 mm per month (May to Sept) / 200mm per month (Oct – Apr) Flight time: 12.5hrs from London     Fancy getting away ASAP? As bumpy as the road ahead may still be, we’re hopeful we’ll be able to operate holidays to certain destinations before too long in the new year. However, as we know all too well, these things can be unpredictable! So, unless you are happy to be flexible with your plans and postpone your holiday should unforeseen changes mean it isn’t able to go ahead (lockdowns and the like), we’d recommend getting a holiday in the diary from July 1st onwards, for a little more certainty!  

You could be forgiven for thinking that there was no happy news in 2020. But, we’re here to tell you there was! Buried under all of the news of lockdowns and travel bans, were little nuggets of joy. We’ve dug out 12 of them to give you a smile this festive period. 2020 wasn’t all bad…   1. Tesco removed 67 million pieces of plastic from stores Tesco has replaced plastic-wrapped multipacks with plastic-free multibuy offers on their tinned food. With 183,000 tinned multipacks bought at Tesco every day, this move will eliminate 350 tonnes of plastic from the environment every year. Good on you Tesco! Read more…   2. Zoom is lifting its 40 minute limit over the Christmas period, allowing more people to connect with loved ones for longer Video calling has been more important than ever this year, and Christmas is set to be no different. With tier rules restricting contact between families and friends, Christmas day Zoom calls could be a social lifeline for many. By lifting their usual 40 minute limit on calls, Zoom is doing their part to help loved ones socialise safely this festive season. Comfy Christmas pajamas on the bottom, festive fanciness on top…  and don’t forget to take yourself off mute! Read more…   3. Footballer Marcus Rashford wins fight for free school meals for children The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on household incomes across the UK. In a poll run by ‘The Food Foundation’, it was found that 200,000 children were missing meals. Manchester United player Marcus Rashford succeeded in pushing the government to extend their provision of free meals for school children this year. And he was, quite rightly, awarded an MBE this year for his support of vulnerable children during the Covid-19 crisis. How’s that for a bit of happy news in 2020? It couldn’t be more well deserved, well done Marcus! Read more…   4. The Black Lives Matter movement swept the globe and changed lives The killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in the US this year was the wake-up call we all needed. The rallying cry of the #BlackLivesMatter movement swept the globe, with people everywhere passionately protesting for racial equality. There is no place for prejudice in today’s world and we all need to do better.  There is still a lot of work to be done, but the growth of the #BlackLivesMatter movement is a positive step in the right direction. In the fight for equality, we must all make a conscious to educate ourselves, to learn and to grow. Read more…   5. Seven baby mountain gorillas have been born in Uganda this year (twice as many as 2019!) Uganda has declared a ‘baby boom’ this year, with seven baby mountain gorillas born between January and September. Compared to only three births during the whole of 2019, this is a fantastic bit of happy news in 2020! With just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world, this increase in population is a brilliant sign for Ugandan conservation efforts. If you think 2021 calls for an adventure to top all others, why not meet them for yourself on a post-pandemic gorilla-tracking holiday in Uganda? Read more…   6. Africa was declared free of wild polio in a ‘public health triumph’   In August, the World Health Organisation officially declared that Africa had defeated wild polio. In 1996 it was estimated that a staggering 75,000 children were paralysed by the virus. With 2020 marking four years since the last recorded case in the continent, the WHO have declared this a ‘public health triumph’. In a year dominated by negative health news, this is definitely a positive piece of happy news in 2020 to hold on to. Read more…   7. Captain Sir Tom Moore won the hearts of the nation Without a doubt, one of the biggest pieces of happy news in 2020 was our nation falling in love with war veteran Tom Moore – now ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore’, quite rightly! In the midst of a pandemic, when most of us were horizontal on our sofas surrounded by chocolate wrappers and shame, 99-year-old Tom Moore laced up his walking shoes and decided to walk 100 laps of his garden for charity. What started as a fun family fundraising idea, soon catapulted into a national rallying cry. Bringing people together in support of the NHS, this incredible man raised more than £32 million for NHS charities and bagged himself a well-deserved knighthood in the process. Truly, the absolute best of British. Read more… 8. Ikea published the recipe for their famous meatballs to make lockdown a little tastier for many Our favourite flat-pack furniture store just moved even higher up in our good books. For many, the delicacy of the IKEA Swedish meatball is a highlight of any home shopping trip. These little bites of delicious energy invigorate and propel you around as you obediently follow the directional arrows. This year, Ikea finally shared their secret with the world this year, releasing a flat-pack recipe – obviously – in an attempt to make lockdown that little bit tastier… We know what we’re having for dinner. Read more…   9. An ‘unprecedented’ number of blue whales have been spotted off the coast of Antarctica After only two of these colossal animals were recorded in the area in 2018, an incredible 55 blue whales were spotted by scientists off the coast of Antarctica this year. This massive increase suggests that the animals are returning to their old feeding grounds. Being critically endangered, this huge increase in sightings is a hugely important piece of happy news in 2020 for our world and its waters. Read more…   10. Two otters find love in lockdown This fairytale lockdown love story between two lonely otters has got to be one of our favourite bits of happy news in 2020.  After Pumpkin lost her elderly partner Eric, the team at Sealife in Scarborough reached out to other sanctuaries in the hope of finding her a new mate. That’s where Harris comes in. Also, lonely after losing his partner, he moved to Scarborough and the hairy pair hit it off right away. It turns out 2020 was most definitely lucky for some. Read more…   11. Writer starts a pandemic pen pal project to brighten strangers’ days New Yorker writer and editor, Rachel Syme, started Penpalooza this year after recognising letters as a way for people to feel more connected during lockdown. After a call-out on Instagram, the initiative has grown from an initial 100 participants to 4,000 people all across the world. In a year dominated by digital communication, Rachel’s idea is a reminder of the magic of physical post. The excitement and feeling of connection that can be felt when opening a hand-written note, drawing or gift is unparalleled. Combating loneliness, fighting against distance and promoting good feelings all around, we all need a bit of that after this year. Read more…   12. 90 year old in the UK becomes the first person in the whole world to have approved Covid vaccination And finally, possibly the most relevant piece of happy news in 2020 right now. A 90-year-old UK woman became the first person in the world to have the approved Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. As we know all too well, there’s still a long road ahead with bumps and teething problems almost certain. However, thanks to the incredible work of these scientists, this vaccine has gone from conception to approval in just 10 months – a process that usually takes 10 years!  This is a phenomenal achievement and a piece of news that calls for cautious optimism as we move into 2021. It’s looking very hopeful that this is the light on the horizon we’ve all been waiting for. Read more…     So there you have it, 12 pieces of happy news in 2020 that deserve to be shouted about. It’s been a tough year all around, there’s no denying that. But, we’ve made it through, and plenty of good has happened along the way. Here’s to 2021, a year full of friends, family, travel and everything else we’ve missed this year.        

There’s no doubt about it, 2020 has been a tough year all round. So, to mark ‘Giving Tuesday’, we thought we’d share 7 tourism-supported charities that, even in the face of Covid-19, are doing wonderful things around the world right now. And they could really use your help. Worldwide, people and industries have been impacted beyond measure by Covid-19 and the way it has shaken our lives. Travel and tourism is one industry that has seen a hit, unlike anything we’ve experienced before. But beyond the tour companies, airlines and hotels, there are smaller initiatives and tourism-supported charities that rely on the support of visitors to thrive and even survive. These charities are struggling now more than ever before. We know this year has been tough on everyone in many ways. So we understand that supporting financially may not be possible. However, there are many other ways you can look to help. For example, simply sharing about their work across your social media will give them a little boost that will cost nothing, but could go a long way. Or perhaps you’re hoping to visit one of these destinations in 2021 and could factor in a visit? Other initiatives, like Pack for a Purpose can become a simple tradition you do whenever going away – giving back something good whilst enjoying a holiday can only be a win-win!   Here are 7 wonderful tourism-supported charities we feel deserve a shout out…     Uthando, South Africa Uthando, meaning ‘Love’ in English, is an apt name for this charity with a big heart, based in beautiful South Africa . They describe themselves as ‘a unique model of traveling philanthropy underpinned by the values of responsible tourism.’ Forming a link between tourism and community development projects, Uthando works to positively influence and lift up those in need. Throughout the Coronavirus outbreak, their teams have been working overtime to help support local people, and without the normal support of visitors to the country, it’s been harder than ever. If you’re thinking of visiting South Africa in 2021, why not factor in a Uthando Philanthropic Cultural Tour to learn about their work in person? Find out more about Uthando     Pack for a Purpose, Worldwide Pack for a Purpose is a fantastic initiative that asks travellers to reserve a small space in their suitcases for items that are needed by local community projects where they are travelling to. Their website allows you to search your destination and view which charities are operating in the area and, subsequently, what items would be invaluable to them and well worth the space in your bag! Items range from pens and pencils, through to school books, memory sticks and skipping ropes. A small space in your suitcase can make a huge difference. Find out more about Pack for a Purpose       Sun Bear Conservation, Borneo The BSBCC is the only sun bear conservation facility in the world. This tourism-supported charity relies on visitors to beautiful Borneo and donations to fund its work and operate. Their main mission is to rehabilitate orphaned and ex-captive bears back into the wild where possible and provide a suitable long-term living environment where it’s not. In addition to this, they work to educate and raise awareness of the beautiful sun bear and their right to live in the forest. Visiting these cuddly-looking creatures isn’t possible right now, but you can still support from afar if you’re able. The centre have set up an adoption program, where you can adopt your very own sun bear or gift the adoption to a loved one. If you’re struggling for Christmas gift inspiration, this could be a great option. It’s the gift that does good and keeps on giving. Find out more about the Sun Bear Conservation Centre       IAPF – International Anti-Poaching Foundation, Africa Without wildlife tourism, the African plains are dangerously quiet. This peace may have benefits for the environment, but for the animals who face a continuous threat from poachers, this quiet puts their lives on the line more than ever before. From South Africa to Namibia , with fewer safari trucks and fewer tourists, there are fewer eyes surveying the plains. As a result, poachers have far too much free rein over the land. It’s become harder and harder to keep animals safe and IAPF. need support more than ever. IAPF was founded in 2009 and ever since, have worked tirelessly with more than 50 conservation initiatives across Africa to help put an end to poaching and protect the beautiful animals Africa is known for. Find out more about IAPF     Tourism in Need – Share the Wonder, South East Asia The ‘Share the Wonder’ charity believes that all children should have the chance to experience the magic and wonders of travel. The charity’s mission is to create eye-opening day trips for underprivileged children across South East Asia. Through these trips, they gift the experience of the travel we all love, to those who otherwise may not experience it. Any donations to the charity, help to support these trips, allowing these disadvantaged young people to learn about their country and environment from a different perspective. It’s not just the children who benefit though; these day trips also support the local tour guides and local initiatives that are visited, allowing them to continue their wonderful work for years to come. People and initiatives like this, are what make these destinations such special places to visit. Find out more about Share The Wonder       Save the Rhino Trust – Namibia The beautiful black rhino is critically endangered. Since the 1960s the world population of black rhino has reduced from 100,000 to less than 5,630. With 34% of them found in spectacular Namibia , the Save the Rhino Trust exists to keep these animals safe from poachers and stop the rapid decline in numbers. Due to the impact of the pandemic on tourism, opportunities for poachers to operate have increased. Tourism-supported charities like this one rely both on the eyes and presence of tourists as well as the donations received from them. As the charity rightly says – extinction can’t be fixed. And, while we can’t be there in person right now, we can still support their efforts from afar. Find out more about the Save the Rhino Trust       Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo The Orangutan Appeal UK charity has been set up to support The Sepilok Orangutan Centre in North Borneo. Founded in 1964, the centre is home to around 60-80 orphaned orangutans, happily living and swinging free in the trees. A holiday highlight for many of our clients who visit Borneo , this centre along with its hairy inhabitants is a truly special place to visit. Like all tourism-supported charities, the dramatic decline in tourism as a result of Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the centre. Without visitors, donations are significantly lower than needed. To help raise much-needed funds, the charity has an orangutan adoption option in place as a way to support. What’s more, orders made by 16th December are guaranteed for Christmas delivery too! Adopting ‘Zorro’ the orangutan could be the perfect gift for that notoriously difficult to buy for person in your life! Find out more about the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre     For these tourism-supported charities and all of us, 2020 is a year we won’t forget in a hurry. But, as we reach December there are many reasons for optimism. With more positive news every day, of destinations opening their borders and multiple vaccines tested, the world is cautiously starting to open up again. So we say, now is the time to look forward. Now is the time to start thinking about finally getting that much-needed adventure in the diary to look forward to. Now is the time to start planning to make 2021 a year to remember, for all the right reasons. Because life is so much better when you can see a holiday on the horizon.                  

Today is #WorldKindnessDay  Experiencing the kindness of strangers is truly one of the most magical parts of travel. Making connections with people from different backgrounds is one of the best ways to broaden our horizons and open our eyes to how much goodness there really is in our wonderful world. The thing about kindness is, often people don’t realise what a huge impact a small gesture can have. What takes just moments, can raise a smile for years to come. We asked a few of our lovely team to share stories of kindness they’ve experienced on their travels around the globe. Have a gander below for a good chunk of that warm, fuzzy feeling. We really do live in a world full of fantastic people…         Fenton, HA Japan Specialist “I’ve experienced so many acts of kindness in Japan . The people there are always so happy to go out of their way to help you or lend a hand. There was one day in particular that sticks out in my head from the first time I ever visited. I was setting off to visit the incredible Matsumoto Castle (now one of my favourite buildings in the country!) and got a little confused at Shinjuku train station, it’s the busiest station in the world so it’s not difficult too! A lady behind me in the queue for the ticket machine took it upon herself to not only explain the best route, but even took the time to walk us to the platform. There was a language barrier, but that didn’t matter at all. And then, to cap off a day of kindness, a little old man introduced himself whilst we were in Matsumoto Castle . He asked if we’d be happy for him to show us around the castle and explain the history of the town to us. He wasn’t expecting a tip or payment and explained that his friend and he just did this in their spare time to practice their English and meet people from around the world.”       Harry, HA General Manager “I am very lucky to have done most of my travelling in the Arab world; I lived in Oman for most of my life, then studied Arabic which took me to Egypt, Morocco , Jordan , Syria and even Iraq. For all their differences, these countries are united by a strong sense of warm hospitality, and a genuine desire to help a stranger whenever possible. Asking someone for directions is inevitably reciprocated with an invitation to accompany them home, meet the family and consume one’s bodyweight in tea, dates and baklava. A puncture in Oman once saw me being given the keys to a complete stranger’s Land Rover with a vague request to “just bring it back when you’re finished”. Subsequent dealings with the RAC in the UK are yet to match this…   Nothing illustrates this kindness more than travelling around Morocco with a family and young children: Kids are thought of as a communal blessing, and can basically do no wrong in Morocco. To a parent (who is only 3 hours into a trip with 2 tired, cranky children and already crackling with stress) this is utterly wonderful. Though I have always felt that it is rather dangerous if the kids figure it out! From the moment we stepped on the plane to Marrakech, my children aged 2 and 4 were elevated to demi-god status and wanted for absolutely nothing. A group of elderly Marrakshi ladies had quickly realised that daddy wasn’t at his usual jovial best, so the kids spent the flight being pampered by these ladies who fed them from an inexhaustible supply of chocolate, sang them songs and chatted at them constantly in Berber and French. My children didn’t understand a word but when you are giddy with delight and sugar, language is a non-existent barrier. The kids were encouraged to indulge their passions of pulling noses and ears without the usual repercussions should they have attempted it on me. I was encouraged to briefly close my eyes, which I gratefully did but not before uttering thanks to all the deities for the existence of Moroccan grandmothers.”     Emma H, HA Lebanon Specialist “I was in a market in Tripoli , in northern Lebanon , and came across a small hatch in the wall. My guide told me there was a bakery inside, so I stuck my head in a saw a room teeming with life. There were the giant conveyor belts whipping these flatbreads all over the place, with people flinging the bread into stacks and packing them up for sale. The owner at the hatch door must have seen my wide-eyed face of amazement as he gave me a huge smile and plucked a giant disc of dough off the top belt, handing it over to me to sample. It was pillowy and still warm from the oven; I thanked him and ate folds of it as I continued to walk. Nothing says kindness like a grin and a simple gesture of bread – it was a real moment of connection.”   Gabby, HA Marketing and Content “When I think back to my time travelling in India , the main memory I have is the overwhelming friendliness of the people. Everyone we met would go out of their way to help wherever possible or wherever needed. For some reason, I thought it was a very sensible idea to drive a tuk-tuk down the country. It was only day two, and we were a few hours South of Jaipur , when our entire back righthand wheel fell off. Brilliant. We were in the middle of nowhere, between two rural towns, so needless to say – felt a little stuck!! This feeling of hopelessness didn’t last for long though, as before we knew it we were surrounded by smiling locals, happy to help in any way they could. Cut to an hour later and we were sat outside the local mechanic’s house, drinking homemade chai and eating samosas whilst he and his friends fixed our trusty stead. They wouldn’t accept any money, just photos and smiles. It was only day two of my adventure and it perfectly set the tone of what to expect from the local Indian people. So much kindness.” Emma P, HA Africa Specialist “Anytime I go to Africa, I’m always overwhelmed by the kindness of the people who live there… nothing is too much trouble. Back in my tour leader days I once had to get from Johannesburg to the Garden Route on the long-distance buses and hadn’t realised that there was a 10-hour wait in Port Elizabeth. I got chatting to someone returning home on the bus, and they didn’t like the idea of me sitting around for that long by myself. So before I knew it, they’d taken me to their home, introduced me to their family and I spent the day listening to stories about their lives, learning to prepare local food and generally being looked after. After all of that genuine hospitality, they walked me back to the bus stop and waited till the bus pulled away. Kindness like that can turn a potentially rubbish situation into a favourite memory. I’ll never forget it.”     Rachel, HA HR Manager “We’ve been lucky enough to visit Oman a fair few times. We love staying at the Anatara Al Jabal Akhdar Resort for a lot of reasons, but seeing Rajib is the main one! The kindness he shows us every time we visit is beyond words. He was so kind to our girls, one time even going back to our room to get them blankets as they were a little cold. During the days he’d take them for fun rides on the golf buggy which they still talk about to this day. He even arranged a birthday cake for our youngest, she was absolutely delighted. He could not have been more helpful and just goes to show, that what might seem like small acts of kindness can still raise a smile even years later.”           Rebecca, HA Sri Lanka Specialist “I was visiting Sri Lanka over my birthday back in 2017 and stayed in the beautiful Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge (wow those views!!). Everyone there was just so lovely and made me feel so special. It was strange spending my birthday away from home and my family, but the kindness of the people here made me feel so at home, it quite honestly made my day.  When I went down to breakfast they told me that they’d arranged not only a massage for me, but a guided walk to Hatale Tea Garden World’s End. When I thought the day couldn’t get any better, they came out singing and presented me with a beautiful homemade cake after dinner that night. It’s a travel memory that never fails to put a smile on my face. A perfect example of the kindness of Sri Lankan people! ”       Andy, HA Founder “We’ve always met such kind people on our visits to South Africa . On one visit a fair few years ago, our favourite wine guide, Pietman, took the day off to take us around his favourite local vineyards to taste and sample wines for our wedding. Camberley, Waterford Estate and Franschhoek Pass Winery were a few of his picks, and if the winery wasn’t open, he would call up his friend and arrange for it to be opened especially. He went out of his way to make the day so special for us and we’ll never forget it. Plus, the wines weren’t half bad either!”   Helen, HA New Zealand Specialist “When I was travelling around New Zealand many years ago, I went to work for a couple of weeks at a caravan park to earn a bit of extra cash. The people who were running it at the time – the wonderful Wendy and Michael – immediately took me under their wings, introducing me to all the locals, taking me to all their social events and even made me a temporary member of the local bowls club which was/is a real community hub in the small country town I was in. I was so taken by their generosity and the general welcome of everyone there I ended up staying for nearly two months! It really epitomized the spirit of kindness that the Kiwis are so famous for. (And I wasn’t very good at bowls by the way, but it was quite fun, they weren’t all over 80!)”   Cat, HA South Africa Specialist “When you’re travelling for work, more often than not, you travel alone for an extended period and excursions can be a bit of a lonely experience. But, this wasn’t the case when I went on the Franschhoek Wine tram in South Africa . I struck up a conversation with an American family and they immediately took me under their wine tasting wing and insisted I joined them on all the stops. They even invited me to join them on their prebooked and paid for picnic lunch stop at one of the wineries. They took a group picture with me in it, but sadly I never got the picture from them. However, acts of kindness like this don’t need a photo to ensure they’re remembered. Their thoughtfulness made such a difference to my day.”   Experiences and memories like these are a huge part of why we love to travel. Local kindness has been everywhere this year, but we can’t wait to hop on a plane again, meet more locals, experience different ways of life and add more memories of kindness to our travel archives. What tales of kindness have you experienced on your adventures?