Fenton

Fenton

Destination Manager

Japan
Vietnam
Cambodia

Meet Fenton

Every trip we design is personal, and that starts with our brilliant team of Destination Managers. They handpick every hotel, route and excursion based on their own first-hand experiences, love of the country and passion for making your holiday the very best it can be.

Fenton has clocked up the air miles over the years, having been fortunate enough to spend time travelling around over 80 countries. But, as our expert for Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia, he finds Asia tough to beat, with Japan holding the top spot as his all-time favourite. What started as a fascination with Edo-period history (and a taste for quirky KitKat flavours) has grown into a full-blown passion... he’s learning Japanese, collects ukiyo-e t-shirts, and even named his cat Nara.

A keen photographer, foodie and history buff, Fenton loves uncovering the quieter corners, family-run restaurants, and characterful hotels that make a trip feel special. He’s watched destinations transform over the years, but still finds new places to shout about every time he returns. With more than a decade of experience creating tailor-made holidays, he’s always up for sharing stories and travel tips with anyone who’ll listen.

When he’s not experiencing these wondrous places first-hand, he’s most likely to be found enjoying his native Welsh countryside, usually from the comfort of a quiet village pub with a cider firmly in hand.

Why do you love travel?

Why do you love travel?

“

There’s no better way to get to know more about the people on this planet than to visit the places they call home, eat the same local food, dodge the same traffic, and trek the same paths. Whether you are waking up to fresh mountain air, or to the cacophony of a chaotic city centre, nothing is more invigorating than stepping away from your everyday life.

How long have you worked in travel?

How long have you worked in travel?

“

After spending many summers during university escaping the UK for several months at a time – Tanzania, India, Southeast Asia, Central America – I thought that a real job would be a bit dull. The next decade was then spent sending gap-year students and adults on sabbatical on round-the-world trips, and adventure tours across the globe. Getting the chance to visit these places for myself made it for an exciting 9-to-5, and one where my passion for travel could be put to good use. Since then, I have become far more specialist in the tours I create, though the joy of ‘selling happiness’ has never worn off.

Off duty, where can we find you?

Off duty, where can we find you?

“

Travel is a huge passion in my life, and luckily one that is shared by my wife, and has been suitably instilled into our two young kids. My other hobbies lead directly off this one: photography, cooking world cuisine, and slowly learning to speak and read Japanese.

I’m also unashamedly fanatical about music – this includes buying far too much vinyl, going to gigs on a work night, or simply boring people with my encyclopaedic knowledge of bands and albums from the past 60 years. When time allows it, I’ve also been known to pick up a guitar to annoy Nara, my long-suffering Maine Coon cat.

Fenton's travels

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Find out a little more

It would be a difficult undertaking to think of a bad memory from Japan, but a recent wonderful one does spring to mind. While travelling with my wife and young children, and celebrating a milestone birthday, we headed to the quiet port town of Onomichi. I’ve been here a few times over the years, and it encapsulates everything I love about Japan: great food, friendly people, charming cafes, picturesque alleyways filled with cute homes, shops, temples… and even some free-roaming cats!

While here, we sat in one of the neighbourhood temples and quietly watched as people said their morning prayers, then went about their day. My kids, without prompting, walked up in turn, threw coins into the offering box, gently rang the bell, and bowed deeply… to the smiles of a watching monk.

Seeing the future generation embrace the local culture, with respect and admiration, was a pretty memorable gift. Though the delicious ramen we later had for lunch was a close second place.

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Reviews for Fenton

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            [content] => Brilliant planning by our expert advisor Fenton. It is the 3rd time we have used Holiday Architects and there is a reason for this. If you want to create a fabulous experience and really get under the skin of a Country and its culture you need experts that really know what they are talking about. We had a fabulous trip to Japan taking 3 weeks to explore the country using trains and boats using over 18 different tickets pre-booked and planned meticulously in our itinerary by Fenton and his team. They organised expert guides for us and organised some unique experiences for us all based on the prior chats we had about what we wanted to do and see. We will go back in a few years for sure and wont hesitate using Fenton and his team again.
            [name] => Paul Lucas
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            [content] => A highly knowledgeable and professional company that looks after you and your particular needs from beginning to end. Japan was my third trip through them and their team in the office, Fenton in particular, their local guides and their on the ground back up staff were brilliant. Faultless is the one word that springs to mind and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
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“

Brilliant planning by our expert advisor Fenton. It is the 3rd time we have used Holiday Architects and there is a reason for this. If you want to create a fabulous experience and really get under the skin of a Country and its culture you need experts that really know what they are talking about. We had a fabulous trip to Japan taking 3 weeks to explore the country using trains and boats using over 18 different tickets pre-booked and planned meticulously in our itinerary by Fenton and his team. They organised expert guides for us and organised some unique experiences for us all based on the prior chats we had about what we wanted to do and see. We will go back in a few years for sure and wont hesitate using Fenton and his team again.
Paul LucasTrustpilot

”

“

A highly knowledgeable and professional company that looks after you and your particular needs from beginning to end. Japan was my third trip through them and their team in the office, Fenton in particular, their local guides and their on the ground back up staff were brilliant. Faultless is the one word that springs to mind and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Judith YoungTrustpilot

”

On the blog

Holidays Fenton recommends

Holiday

Family Cambodia

Cambodia

A classic Cambodia adventure, designed with families in mind.

13 days
Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more
from £2,960 pp
Holiday

A Walk Through Old Japan

Japan

Walk in the footsteps of samurai on Japan's ancient Nakasendo Way.

15 days
Go Local Off-the-beaten-track + 1 more + 2 more
from £5,645 pp
Holiday

Vietnam In-Depth

Vietnam

Our ultimate Vietnam adventure from north to south.

28 days
Off-the-beaten-track Ultimate + 1 more + 2 more
from £6,975 pp

Excursions Fenton recommends

Excursion

Elephant Valley Project

Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment's (E.L.I.E) primary goal is to improve the health and welfare of domestic elephants in Mondulkiri Province. The secondary goal is to work with the local population and the problems they face. E.L.I.E now runs a number of projects in Mondulkiri to help achieve these goals, including an elephant research and monitoring program, mobile veterinarian program and an indigenous community based organisation program. Pride of place is the Elephant Valley Project (EVP), an ecotourism project that provides an alternative approach to elephant care, rehabilitation and conservation. EVP is a sanctuary for overworked and abused captive elephants in Mondulkiri province. Under the direction of Jack Highwood, the twelve retired elephants spend their time roaming, grazing, bathing, and socialising in the project's 650 hectares of natural forest. This exceptional amount of land gives the rescued elephants the freedom to live as much like wild elephants as possible. EVP is also dedicated to wild elephant conservation. Over twenty percent of annual revenues are spent on funding specialised law enforcement teams who patrol and protect nearby forests, an effort unprecedented among captive elephant establishments. EVP will pick you up from Sen Monorom and transport you to the project site. You will follow one of the family groups through the forest, observe the elephants' natural behaviours, and learn about their individual stories. You spend the full day with the elephants, shadowing them in the jungle for the morning and afternoon, learning about the elephants, the local mahouts and the forest. If you wish you could spend the afternoon volunteering, for example gardening, farming and on small building projects. If you wish to do this, then we will need plenty of notice. You are able to stay overnight at the Elephant Valley Lodge, but this accommodation is also used by long-term volunteers and is not always available.

Excursion

The Art of Samurai in Kanazawa

Awaken your inner warrior on this journey into Kanazawa's rich samurai heritage. You'll uncover the fascinating world of the samurai who once roamed the historic streets of Kanazawa, learning all about the samurai lifestyle and living their historic traditions first-hand. Picture yourself stepping into the samurai armor, the helmet (kabuto), mask (mengu), and chest piece (dō), transporting you back in time. From mastering the samurai sword technique in a kendo lesson and visiting the Maeda Samurai Museum, to a special hands-on viewing of authentic samurai swords, you'll be immersed in the world of the warrior. Offering a spot-on blend of education and entertainment, this adventure is perfect for families with teens, or anyone yearning to soak up the spirit of the samurai.

Excursion

Dine With A Maiko

Step behind the scenes of the intriguing world of geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha) with this unique dining experience.  Meet with a local maiko - apprentice or trainee geiko - and discover more about the roles these women play in Japanese society, both historically and in the modern era. In the atmospheric neighbourhood of Gion, where this secretive group still work and train, you will gain an insight into the 'Flower and Willow' world.  The maiko will entertain you with popular drinking games and will perform a traditional dance.  Your English-speaking guide will assist in your interaction, as you learn more about the crafts and arts that have been practised in these streets for hundreds of years. An afternoon excursion can be combined with a tea ceremony, or for something completely unforgettable, a traditional kaiseki (multi-course meal) can be enjoyed in the company of your gracious hosts for an evening.

Excursion

Evening Street-Food Tour of Saigon by Vespa

This is part street food extravaganza and part night tour of Saigon. You get to experience the vibrant nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Stops include a traditional 'quan' where locals congregate for their main evening meal with friends and family. Sample the street food for which Vietnam is rightly famous and also visit a Vietnamese-style coffee shop, wrapping the evening up at one of the city's predominantly local clubs where live acoustic music is played. The tour begins at 6pm when your Vespa (with driver - you ride pillion!) will pick up at your hotel before diving in to the buzzing streets. Its not remotely as terrifying as it sounds. The city comes alive after sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. Do not eat before you head out. Indeed, skip lunch to build your appetite - you'll need it. It is important that you don't overeat at the first stop (however tempting that may be), as there is plenty yet to discover later in the tour. Food follows food! The first stop is only to sample some light evening pre-dinner snacks, before continuing to a traditional 'bia hoi' for several dinner courses and drinks. You get to sample of Saigon's best authentic street food, accompanied by your guide and Vespa driver. There is so much to taste, some can be rather quirky, but it's all delicious. An evening out in Ho Chi Minh City is not complete without a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop. Then, wrap up the evening at one of the many local acoustic music clubs, where the new generation of Vietnamese cool-kids like to unwind. This tour usually will get you back to the hotel for 10pm...'ish'.

Chat to Fenton

Our Fenton knows everything there is to know about Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia. Get in touch today.

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