Ian Lowbridge

Ian Lowbridge

Destination Manager

Jordan
Malaysia
Borneo

Meet Ian

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.

Ian’s our go-to for Jordan, Malaysia and Borneo, three places he knows inside out and loves for their culture, food and scenery. He’s as happy exploring the ruins of Jerash as he is hunting down the best street food in Penang or trekking through Borneo’s rainforests in search of wild orangutans. Outside of designing holidays, Ian's a huge part of the heart and soul of HA. When he's not keeping us all inspired with his regular runs and volunteering at the local foodbank, he's dragging us all out for a team karaoke session. (And we wouldn't have it any other way!)

Why do you love travel?

Why do you love travel?

“

When I was young, I always wanted to travel. Whether it was our family holidays to Europe or school trips which led me to explore China, USA and Tunisia, I’ve always loved exploring new places (preferably in a nice hotel too!) I love learning about different cultures, traditions and eating the local delicacies, of course!

How long have you worked in travel?

How long have you worked in travel?

“

Before I worked at HA, my first job in travel was working in international school travel. Putting together incredible school trips for secondary school students so they can travel all over the world (just like I did). This was the first time I was able to combine my love for travel (and organising) with an actual job, and it really was a game-changer for me. Post-pandemic, I was lucky enough to start at HA, and now I’m able to continue on this exciting path of helping others travel the world!

Off duty, where can we find you?

Off duty, where can we find you?

“

If I'm not sitting at my desk working, you'll usually find me enjoying some fresh air on a walk or run, sitting in the pub having food and drinks with friends, or drumming up support for our local foodbank. I am a keen dissectologist (jigsaw puzzle fanatic), so I love nothing more than spending hours with a good puzzle, and usually there is some reality TV on in the background. I love music and musicals, so can often be found at the local theatre or heading to London for a live concert; you just can't beat the atmosphere!

Ian's travels

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Find out a little more

Quite simply, it's ot to be sitting in a boat on the Kinabatangan River, floating along the water on a morning boat trip as the sun was rising. Then, all of a sudden, a crocodile pops up and casually swims along next to us. Need I say more?

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Reviews for Ian

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            [content] => HA came highly recommended from a friend, and having just had an excellent experience of a fully organised trip to Jordan we can see why. This was our first experience of a bespoke trip, we have always travelled independently and made all our own arrangements. We talked about a plan with Ian at HA, the proposed itinerary arrived the following day - no tweaks required as it ticked all our boxes. Couldn’t have been more straightforward and would highly recommend HA for every aspect of the service, the whole thing went on rails.
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            [content] => A holiday to remember thanks to the planning and support. We have just returned from a wonderful trip to Malaysia. Ian Lowbridge on the Holiday Architects team worked brilliantly with us during our planning and everything fell into place as hoped. This resulted in all the stress being taken out of the trip. This was a holiday we won’t ever forget and we would recommend anyone planning something a bit different to partner with the team! Thank you to all involved.
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“

HA came highly recommended from a friend, and having just had an excellent experience of a fully organised trip to Jordan we can see why. This was our first experience of a bespoke trip, we have always travelled independently and made all our own arrangements. We talked about a plan with Ian at HA, the proposed itinerary arrived the following day - no tweaks required as it ticked all our boxes. Couldn’t have been more straightforward and would highly recommend HA for every aspect of the service, the whole thing went on rails.
Steven CoombesTrustpilot

”

“

A holiday to remember thanks to the planning and support. We have just returned from a wonderful trip to Malaysia. Ian Lowbridge on the Holiday Architects team worked brilliantly with us during our planning and everything fell into place as hoped. This resulted in all the stress being taken out of the trip. This was a holiday we won’t ever forget and we would recommend anyone planning something a bit different to partner with the team! Thank you to all involved.
Julia GreenhoughTrustpilot

”

Holidays Ian recommends

Holiday

Borneo In-Depth

Borneo

The ultimate Borneo adventure.

22 days
Wildlife & Nature Ultimate + 2 more + 3 more
from £9,250 pp
Holiday

Malaysia Grand Tour

Malaysia

See it all on our ultimate 4-week Malaysia holiday.

27 days
Ultimate Beach + 2 more + 3 more
from £6,950 pp
Holiday

Grand Tour of Jordan

Jordan

Our ultimate Jordan journey from north to south.

15 days
Off-the-beaten-track Ultimate + 3 more + 3 more
from £4,500 pp

Excursions Ian recommends

Excursion

Wadi Rum Trekking

For those spending a night or two in the desert and looking to be engulfed in the history and scenery of the Wadi Rum, then a guided hike with jeep support is the trip for you. This can be a five-hour trip or for the fully immersive tour, an eight hour day, but don't worry, your hike will include a number of rest stops under the shade of local Bedouin tents where you'll be offered enough mint tea to start your own stand. You visit natural and famous landmarks such as canyons and the burdah rock bridge and see evidence of those who’ve passed this way before in rock inscriptions dating back hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia fashioned his unique desert fighting force and there are numerous sites associated with his exploits. But more than anything else Wadi Rum offers the chance to enjoy the silence and majesty of one of the world’s great landscapes.

Excursion

Oxbow Lake Morning Cruise

Rise early in the morning along with the birds and other animals of the river for a cruise to Oxbow Lake, a crescent shaped lake that formed when the river’s meander became so wide that it cut itself off. The stillness of the lake and relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants making for an ecosystem that’s completely distinct from that of the river.

Excursion

Kuala Lumpur Walking Tour

For an in-depth look at life in the capital, move around the neighbourhoods on foot and by public transport. Take a closer look at the blends of cultures and history, rubbing shoulders with the locals as you explore. Travel by monorail to the Chow Kit Wet Market, the city’s largest covered market. Explore the maze of stalls with your private guide. From here head to Kampung Bahru, a traditional city neighbourhood founded in 1899. Peruse the streets of the residential area before stopping at a local café. Join your guide for a local coffee to chat about life in the city, picking up some language tips and unique local insight. Move on to the historical colonial centre Merdeka Square, walking along an impressive blend of architectural wonders, with buildings dating back to the 1800's. If interested, visit the Masjid Jamek, the city’s oldest surviving mosque. The colourful streets of Little India will also be explored, a wonderful place to take photos and browse the many shop and street vendors selling therapeutic massage oils, herbs and authentic goods.

Excursion

Beit Sitti Cooking School

In one of the oldest parts of Amman is a small, unassuming house: through the doors is one of Amman's best-kept secrets, the Beit Sitti cooking school. Under the expert tutelage of a hugely experienced cook, you'll learn how to make an entire Jordanian meal, from the starter, through the main course and on to dessert. You'll learn by doing, and at the end of it all, get to eat the fruits of your labour in this intimate, historic house. Lunch and dinner options are available and in the summer cooking classes are taken outside.

Chat to Ian

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