Travel blog

Happy Freedom Day!  It’s here. The day we’ve all been waiting for. We’ve lived with restrictions on our daily lives for nearly 16 months, so this is a huge milestone in our cautious return to normality. And with restrictions at home lifting, it brings us yet another step closer to being able to travel again. There won’t be too many Monday blues today! ‘Freedom day’ brings back into focus just how important travel is, so we’ve taken the opportunity to remind ourselves why we’re so passionate about travel. For us, travel isn’t just about a fly and flop. It’s not just about a pretty beach or a top-notch hotel, it means so much more. And as friends of HA, we’re guessing you feel the same. So, in light of that and in celebration of today, here are… 8 reasons why we need travel, and why it’s more important now than ever before… (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. Travel broadens the mind Our worlds, and our minds, would be very small and limited if we stayed within our own four walls forever more. We’ve had more of a taste of what that might be like this last year than ever before – and we’re not fans! Travel could see you learning about new cultures from the native tribes of North Vietnam , hiking to the top of Roy’s Peak in New Zealand , trying exotic street food in Japan , or simply understanding the world and its rich tapestry of people just a little more than you did before. 2. Time away can reduce stress and increase happiness Do you remember that bright-eyed look of wonder you see whenever you ask anyone how their holiday was? That’s the happiness that getting away can bring and it’s a huge part of why we need travel. Also, did you know that holidays have been said to reduce stress by up to 80%? Something we could all do with after facing a worldwide pandemic for sure. Fancy washing away the stress of the last year on a bright, white sandy beach with your toes in the turquoise blue? The Maldives could be for you…     3. We all deserve a reward, especially the kids The last year or so has been tough on us all, and if ever we deserved a little treat, pick me up or reward for ‘doing life’, it’s now. And if us fully grown humans do, our kids do even more. Having spent so long locked inside with adults, unable to play with their friends, go to school or enjoy the experiences that we all took for granted whilst growing up. So, whether you fancy a family holiday to Morocco or whitewater rafting on and adventure filled getaway to Costa Rica , we’re on the end of the phone to plan the perfect reward for all the family. 4. It can bring moments of inspiration that you never saw coming No creative spark ever came from doing the same thing day in, day out. A change of scenery and a break in routine could be just what you need to reignite those embers of creativity and return to your regular life with a renewed vigour. Travel boosts creativity. So, if you’re feeling in a slump at home, at work, at life in general, a holiday could be just what you need to find your mojo and get back into the swing of things again. Almost like when you stop trying to find something and it miraculously turns up. Few things inspire more than getting up close and personal with our natural world and that’s a huge reason why we need travel. We think seeing the Big-5 in the wild on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park might well do the trick. 5. Local communities in the places you travel need the support of tourism like never before Our travel industry at home has suffered phenomenally this last year (and continues to do so), but communities around the world are feeling it too. These families that rely on a steady stream of tourism to survive and put food on the table need us now more than ever before. So, you know that when you visit that remote village in Cambodia , take a walk with the chief of an indigenous tribe in Sri Lanka , or have lunch with a Bedouin family in Jordan , they’ll be even more grateful and happier to see you than ever before. So why we need travel is as much about others as it is about us! What’s more, it’s rare something is so big that it impacts every single person around the world in one way or another. We have a shared experience now that we’ve never really had before. And we can’t wait to get travelling again and learn what living through the pandemic was like for our friends around the world. 6. Make new memories beyond your own four walls If you’re anything like us, your travel memories will have been a huge comfort of late. Remembering the kindness of a stranger, that stunning sunrise, that time you befriended a local despite the language barrier, the good feeling that comes from supporting a small community, feeling the sunshine on your skin or the sand on your toes. Or perhaps simply sipping an ice cold cocktail excited about the adventure to come? Memories are invaluable, we now that now more than ever. And that’s a huge reason why we need travel, and why we’re so excited to design you memory-making holidays again. 7. Learn, experience and gain a new perspective After the last year of having our freedoms and normality restricted to such an extreme level, our perspectives on life has changed. People smile more, people chat more. A break from routine and the same faces, hobbies and day-to-day, can bring about unexpected inspirations and new perspectives. For example, a simple conversation with a local in Vietnam could teach you things you never expected. Perhaps you’ll be tempted to attend a live music concert and discover a new favourite band, take part in a cooking class and uncover a passion for patisserie or try your hand at an extreme sport and realise it’s what has been missing from your life all along! 8. Perhaps a little self-indulgent, but we’re back together in the office and are so excited to design your most well-deserved holiday yet. We love designing holidays. It’s what gets us going in the morning and why we love our jobs so much! It’s been a long old holiday planning drought and our team are back in full force, beyond excited to plan you the holiday to beat all holidays. Your first holiday post Covid needs to be a really special one. We get that, and we’re so excited to put everything we’ve got into making it a reality. Learn more about us here.

Good news if you’re keen to get away this year!… Double-jabbed UK tourists will be able to visit amber countries without having to quarantine on return “later this summer”.  We’re so happy to hear this. It goes without saying that whenever announcements are made about government plans, we meet them with cautious optimism. But, this really does sound like a positive step in the right direction.   With this exciting change coming later in the Summer, we wanted to whet your appetite with a couple of wonderful amber countries we’re confident you’ll be able to visit with us, *hopefully* without any need to quarantine on return.   So, grab a cuppa (or a Moroccan mint tea!), sit back and allow our Emma and Cat to explain why Morocco or Jordan could be the perfect amber country for a late summer escape for you….   Morocco Emma shares 5 reasons why Morocco is perfect to visit in late Summer… 1) The weather is the absolute best at this time of year! That means the cities aren’t too blisteringly hot, the mountains aren’t cold, and the coast isn’t too windy – it’s a great time to be in Essaouira , for example, when the wind is a cooling breeze and less of a tornado coming off the Atlantic! 2) The hotel rates are great in September because it’s after the summer holidays but just before high season kicks in. So, it’s the perfect time to go! Kasbah Bab Ourika in the Ourika Valley is one of my absolute favourite hotels, with both Riad Fes and Riad Kniza close seconds – these riads tick all the boxes. 3) We’d always recommend visiting around September time as opposed to spring, because you avoid Easter (one of the busiest times of year for travellers to Morocco) and Ramadan, when restaurants open at funny times and towards Eid lots of places close. Even the souks in Marrakesh shut down for a week around Eid, and it would be such a shame to miss those! 4) It’s a great time to visit the north of Morocco for festivals. They are such a great way to really get under the skin of a country. Experience the Festival of Voloubilis , Fantastia Festival in Meknes (which is so very Moroccan!) and the Tanjazz in Tangier if you’re visiting at the right time. They’d be such a great addition to a holiday. 5) Going at this quieter time of year means you get to explore the maze-like souks with less crowds, take your time to sip on delicious fresh mint tea and soak up the calmer atmosphere.   Jordan Cat’s top 5 reasons why Jordan would make a brilliant escape, particularly in late summer/Autumn… 1) In September, the scorching temperatures of the summer are beginning to tail off, making it the perfect time to take to the many hiking trails on offer, such as the cooling water trail of the Wadi Mujib Gorge or the ‘secret back door’ trail from Little Petra to Petra. 2) The clear skies of the Wadi Rum and Dana Nature Reserve are magic. With little chance of a cloud, you will experience a peaceful and perfectly cool night of star gazing and planet watching in the Jordan desert. 3) Petra. There is no wrong time of year to visit this mesmerising UNESCO World Heritage site, but the early morning September sun perfectly lights up the face of the Treasury and is a site not to be missed before the sun moves on and it is casted in shadow for the rest of the day. 4) The Jordanian hospitality. Whenever you visit you’ll always receive a friendly welcome and invitation to sit, relax and drink the famous and refreshing mint tea. You might also receive an invitation or two for dinner, but why not try your hand at cooking your own Jordanian dishes at the renowned Beit Sitti cookery class or Petra Kitchen . 5) With temperatures still in the regions of what we would class as the perfect UK summer, Jordan has the best places from which to cool off. Take a cooling dip in Aqaba or dive deeper to admire the spectacular coral reefs and then simply float away the stresses at the Dead Sea.     (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).    

Our 6 holiday-trend predictions…  Our life has been on hold and we’ve all missed so much. Family meet ups, special occasions and those holidays that always provide such a welcome slice of respite in our calendars. But, with us taking the first steps back into normality and some holidaying happening already (despite some traffic light hurdles!), travel is slowly but surely finding its way back onto our priority lists again. We’ve really been thinking about what will be important for you to get from your holidays as the world opens back up once more. We’re about to get a bit Mystic Meg on you…   Below are our 6 travel-trend predictions for the coming year The travel-related news these last few weeks hasn’t been the greatest. However w e’re still so excited to be back doing what we love – designing holidays for you – particularly as we know they’ve never been needed more. Because, let’s face it, life is always a little brighter when you’ve got a holiday in the diary!   1. A lean towards wide open spaces and the path less travelled This last year has been all about social distancing and maintaining personal space. So, we’re expecting holidays to lesser-visited areas and quiet spots to be higher on the agenda than ever before.  Seeking out lesser-visited gems just happens to be our speciality, so we’ve got you covered here! Where? – Namibia Namibia is famous for its sweeping desert, wild coastline, rugged mountains, diverse wildlife and vast open spaces. All of which can be appreciated in the comfort of your own car on an incredible self-drive adventure. With no crowds to speak of here, you won’t have to share the wide open roads, framed by spectacular scenery and endless horizons. Find out more >   2. A focus on enjoying wildlife and protecting it in the process This worldwide pause has been beneficial to much of our world’s wildlife – as we explored last week. However, it’s had its drawbacks too. The lack of tourism in certain parts of Africa has had a detrimental impact. Fewer eyes have meant increased opportunities for poachers to move about the national parks unseen, giving them more chances to harm the precious animals for their tusks. Where? – South Africa It’s rare to come across a holiday bucket list that doesn’t feature ‘African safari’ fairly high up! And we’re all for this. Witnessing these phenomenal animals going about their days safely in their natural habitat really is an honour and experience like no other. Find out more >   3. Looking forward to marking missed occasions at last So many birthdays, anniversaries and occasions will have been and gone over the last year, with celebrations having to be considerably more low-key than we’d like. Perhaps you’ve made it to your ruby wedding anniversary, turned the big 5-0 or even tied the knot? Now the world is opening, missed celebrations are the perfect excuse to plan the holiday to beat all holidays. Where? – Canada Canada is a vast country, offering an extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences – everything from beautiful beaches to snow-capped mountains, wild outdoor adventures to gentle lake cruises. Boasting some iconic wildlife it is also known for the friendly locals and laid-back approach to life. With some of the most beautiful lakes and national parks on earth, you’d struggle to celebrate with a better view… Find out more >   4. A focus on supporting local communities One of the lovely side-effects of an otherwise horrendous year has been an increased focus on the importance of supporting local businesses. Neighbours have been there for eachother and everywhere you look, people are going out of their way to show kindness for others. Here at HA we have always prided ourselves on the ability to really seek out the unique, authentic and local experiences that will get you under the skin of a country. We believe this renewed focus on supporting local will carry through into travel, with more holidayers ensuring their adventures feature plenty of authentic, local experiences. Where? – Vietnam We’re great believers that many of the highlights of any holiday come from the people you meet and the things you learn while you’re away. Travel broadens our horizons, and this is one of the many reasons it’s so valuable and important. This day in Mai Chau, will see you meeting, eating and talking with local people. Learning about their days and their lives. A magic addition to any Vietnam holiday. Find out more >   5. A family holiday to reward the kids We’ve all been through an awful lot this year, but our kids more so than most. Not being able to see their friends or go to school, spending an insufferable amount of time with us adults, yet still having to deal with the stress of exams and all of the general angst that comes with growing up. It’s undeniable that they deserve a treat. We’re excited to design lots of big family-focused ‘treat the kids’ holidays for the next year. Where? – Costa Rica If you’re looking for a dream family holiday destination with beaches, sunshine, wonderful people and a fantastic ethos, Costa Rica could be the perfect option for you. This green country lives and breathes it’s ‘Pura Vida’ motto. And you’ll have plenty of space to keep your distance too on the wide expanses of beach and endless lengths of jungle to explore. There’s no shortage of adventures to be had and activities to enjoy either – so the kids will be in their element from start to finish. Find out more >   6. The desire to revisit where we love We’ve been confined to our own four walls for far too long, missing all the people and places that lay beyond them. We all know the feeling of falling in love with a new place on holiday. The people, the sights, the climate, the food. We all have that place abroad that has a special place in our hearts and always will. There will be a great number of holidaymakers desperate to return to their favourite spots once more. Where? – Oman For many of the HA team, Oman is a place we love to revisit. A perfect clash of ancient architecture, culture and traditions harmoniously living alongside modern development – we’re so excited to return. But, where have you been dreaming of and armchair travelling to over the last year? We’re sure that wherever it is, they can’t wait to have you back! Find out more about our much-loved Oman >   7. Giving ourselves permission to ‘go big’ All too often life gets in the way of plans to go on that life-changing holiday to the place of our dreams. These are normally travels that take us a little further afield and involve a bit more adventure than your average sunny holiday. After the year we’ve all experienced, we know we’re more excited than ever to plan a getaway that will involve more excitement and new experiences than we can wave a plane ticket at. After the last year of weirdness, we all deserve that. Where? – Japan Japan – the Land of the Rising Sun – is an island nation, rich in culture and natural beauty, that has been an enigma to the West for as long as it’s been known. What better way to celebrate the hold on your holidays coming to an end than exploring somewhere so beautifully different in culture, architecture and almost every way to home? Find out more >    

Bank holiday weekends were made for Attenborough  It’s looking like we’re going to finally get some glorious sunshine this weekend! And what with pubs and restaurants being fully open again, it’s set to be a good one that resembles a bit of the normal we’ve all been missing. However, you’ll be needing something to fill that horizontal sofa downtime in between outings! And we’ve got just the thing. Attenborough’s latest nature documentary ‘The Year the Earth Changed’ has just been released on Apple TV (you can nab yourselves a free trial if you don’t have it!). As well as being packed full of staggeringly beautiful animal shots – would we expect anything less?! – the show explores the impact of the global pandemic on our earth and the wildlife we share it with. “From the moment we paused, the earth was able to breath again.” – David Attenborough There are silver linings to be found in what we’ve all been through. Our wonderful World has had a chance to breath, a chance to renew itself and get all the more magical. It’s out there ready for us to start consciously exploring again.  But, we hope this time has provided a valuable lesson that we won’t forget. Humans and the natural world can coexist, just so long as we learn to always respect this incredible planet and all that call it home. As we look forward to enjoying it once more, we must keep taking the time to learn how to properly protect it and enable wildlife to continue to thrive.       Here are a few of our favourite facts from the show – it really is a must-watch!…     Morocco     After three months of lockdown, the water cleanliness of Morocco’s coastline improves dramatically, going from ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’. This is great news for the beaches of Essaouira and El Jadida !     San Francisco With traffic levels in San Francisco at their lowest levels since the 1950s, the silence has allowed for something extraordinary to happen. Researchers have heard new notes in the White-Crowned sparrow’s birdsong. These notes have never been heard before and are expected to lead to the most successful mating season in years. Uganda The endangered Mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park in Uganda have given birth to twice the usual number of babies. There are said to be only around 700 of these incredible animals left on earth, so this increase in newborns is something to celebrate for sure. Canada A reduction in ship traffic in the waters off Vancouver, Canada , has meant killer whales are able to use their sonar more effectively to hunt and feed.     New Zealand The quieter waters around New Zealand have allowed dolphins to communicate with each other three times more frequently and in different ways. (Just like us and our Zoom calls!) India The holy Ganges River in India has seen an incredible 80% increase in oxygen levels since the pandemic began. In the Northern regions of India such as Amritsar and Jalandhar, just 12 days after lockdown, something magical happened. The snow-capped peaks of the Himilayas appeared as if by magic through the smog. It’s said to be the first time the mountains have been visible from these parts in 30 years. Japan Without tourists around to feed them, the local deer in Japan’s Nara have had to adapt – and have shown some serious memory skills in the process! Researchers for the show witnessed the older deer of the group, leading their herd out of the temple grounds purposefully down a main road into the heart of the city. After a fair trek, they came to a halt at a patch of grass to feed. The elders of the group had remembered this as their old feeding ground and found their way back.     Closer to home… Incredible changes have happened all around our beautiful world. But they’re not all far-flung, distant destinations. The waters off our very own Dorset, have seen the rare Spiney seahorse multiply in numbers that haven’t been seen in a decade. Well done old Blighty!  

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. Join Emma, our Namibia specialist here at HA, as she treks on foot towards an encounter she’ll never forget…   A journey to another world As the 4×4 rumbled along the dirt track, I was transfixed on the surreal landscape outside the window, all too happy to lose myself in the vast expanse of open desert stretching off in every direction as far as I could see. As the sun sunk lower in the sky, illuminating the Mars-like plains in various shades of orange and red, my excitement rose. Finally I was going to experience something I’d always dreamed of; seeing the endangered wild, black rhino on foot – if we could find them! Suddenly Johannes, my driver, hit the brakes and stopped the vehicle. “Shhhh! Listen!!” he said. Hearing nothing, I was confused. He was laughing at me now. “That is the magic silence of Namibia,” he said. “Take it in.” I smiled when I realised he was right, the ‘sound’ of the desert really was something very special indeed. The road markings got fainter as we drove further into the Palmwag Nature Reserve, home to the last-known wild population of black rhino. Before long, the safari tents of the remote Desert Rhino Camp emerged on the horizon like a mirage. As I entered this candle-lit desert oasis, the welcome from the staff was so warm, I felt at home immediately. After an indulgent dinner under the brightest canopy of stars I’ve ever seen, our small group was given a briefing by the trackers from the Desert Rhino Trust . We huddled by the warmth of the bonfire as they explained how many of them used to be poachers and had been rehabilitated by the Trust – transforming their lives and now working tirelessly to save the black rhino species. The next morning they would set off early to look for fresh rhino tracks and we would join after a leisurely breakfast. My skin tingled in anticipation, it was suddenly all very real. The day had arrived The very smiley Alex was our guide the next morning. His radio crackled with directions from the trackers as he drove us across dry river beds through the otherworldly terrain. As we drove, Alex pointed out a herd of desert elephant walking slowly towards the horizon. Two of Namibia’s symbolic animal, the Oryx antelope, watched silently as we passed and in the distance, four giraffe ran together as if in slow motion. This would normally be a highlight, however today our focus was on the black rhino we all longed to get a glimpse of. It wasn’t long before we met Joseph, our tracker, and it was time to follow the traces on foot to give us the best chance of getting a glimpse of a rhino. As we trekked over the red hills of the Namibian desert, the African sun beating down on us with its relentless rays, the excitement amongst the group was building. We inched around small rocky outcrops as Joseph explained that the time we would spend with the rhino would be limited. The focus on respecting the boundaries of the wildlife is so important and at HA we always ensure any wildlife excursions we recommend follow the same protocol. An unforgettable encounter Suddenly, Joseph stopped and raised his hand. He turned to us as he smiled and pointed. There, looking right in my direction, just 150 yards from us was a magnificent female black rhino. Joseph signalled to us to stay still and be very silent. “Try not to move too much,” he said, “she’s trying to find your scent.” Rhino have very poor eyesight, but their hearing and sense of smell more than make up for it. Joseph reassured us that, just so long as the wind blew from the opposite direction, it was safe enough to stay. But, with her ears and nose twitching, trying to find a scent, the adrenaline I felt was palpable. It felt as though she was looking right at me, but Joseph assured us we were safe. That didn’t stop my pulse quickening as this spectacular black rhino’s eyes seemed to stare straight into mine. Being on foot in the company of such a rare animal was an awe-inspiring moment I’ll never forget. And then it got even better. As Joseph quietly explained how they’re able to ID each rhino, she took a few steps to the side and we saw it. She had a baby! He was completely oblivious to our presence, happily sniffing rocks and pushing against shrubs. I could have silently watched them for hours, so honoured to be so close to them. But all too soon, Joseph told us it was time to leave them be. I turned back to savour one final glance at the mum and her baby before we slowly backed away. Africa is one of the most enchanting continents on earth. And for me, Namibia is the very special jewel in its crown. Namibia is surreal and almost ethereal in its vastness and beauty. If colossal starry skies, dramatic coastlines, endless sand dunes, far-reaching deserts, incredible wildlife and epic adventure activities are on your wish list for 2021, you won’t go wrong here.   Give Emma a call on 01242 253 073 to hear more about her Namibian adventures and start thinking about one of your own. She’s got all the hints, tips and insider knowledge to ensure it’s a holiday to remember! We know things are still fairly uncertain right now. But, we’re very much here and on hand to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year. Explore more here , request a free quote or ping us an email. We’d be so happy to hear from you.

We’ve all learnt to appreciate wide-open spaces more than ever before this last year. So we thought, what better adventure to consider for your first saunter back into the world of travel, than a self-drive holiday in your own bubble on four wheels, exploring staggeringly beautiful places away from the crowds? Here are.. 4 of our favourite remote self-drive holiday ideas… (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).   Of all Africa’s renowned safari destinations, Namibia unquestionably offers the most diverse range of landscapes, experiences and activities. A vast country with very few inhabitants, the awe inspiring scenery quickly moves from rippling sand dunes and rugged mountains to windswept coast and shimmering salt pans, it’s the perfect choice for a self-drive holiday. There are great volumes of classic Big 5 wildlife and some truly unique, desert adapted rarities. An assortment of indigenous communities provides fascinating cultural interest, while modern conservation operations are among the most successful on the continent. All this goes without mentioning an intriguing colonial history, eerie deserted ghost towns, the world’s second largest canyon and a mini version of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. And to cap it all off, Namibia is safe, clean, welcoming, relatively good value and perfectly suited to a self-drive holiday. Read more >           Canada is a vast country, offering an extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences – everything from beautiful beaches to snow-capped mountains, wild outdoor adventures to gentle lake cruises. Boasting some iconic wildlife, it is also known for the friendly locals and laid-back approach to life. This fantastic self-drive holiday through British Columbia and Alberta takes you through spectacular mountain scenery and rolling winelands so you can enjoy both the natural and man-made delights of Canada. Along the way there are some great opportunities to explore the wilderness and hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives within it. Read more>       This self-drive holiday through New Zealand captures all of the country’s breathtaking highlights in three weeks. This is a fantastic self-drive itinerary that starts in the North Island and journeys all the way down to the bottom of the South Island, taking in sights such as the geothermal centre of Rotorua , the winelands of Hawkes Bay , the wildlife at Kaikoura and beautiful Milford Sound . It also includes a ride on the scenic Tranz Alpine train. Along the way you will experience the diverse, breath-taking scenery and wide-open spaces that make New Zealand so special. The downside? One visit almost certainly won’t be enough… Read more >     This South Africa self-drive holiday is the perfect way to get away from it all, and witness some phenomenal wildlife in the process. Three nights in the Kruger is an excellent way to begin your Safari adventure, spotting all the big and little game that call the park home. There’s something indescribably special about driving yourself through the magnificent park, stopping to allow elephants to cross or to watch lions sun themselves in the long grass. From here you head to the Escarpment for two nights and explore the stunning vistas of the area. Driving into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) you stop here for the night before arriving into the KwaZulu-Natal region and spending three more nights on Safari. Finish your self-drive holiday on the coast, with the opportunity to go in search of the local marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins! Read more >   Inspired? View our full list of 31 destinations , give us a call on 01242 253 073 or simply request a free quote to start your dream holiday planning today.

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…