Rebecca Dodds

Rebecca Dodds

Destination Manager

Meet Rebecca

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.

Rebecca is one of the bubbliest members of our team, always up for a chat, always braving a solo adventure, and always the last to finish her lunch. (She really is serious about savouring every bite.) A big foodie and even bigger fan of far-flung travel, she’s hiked glaciers in New Zealand, zipped over volcano-surrounded lakes in Guatemala and spotted wild orangutans in Borneo.

Rebecca first visited Sri Lanka in 2016 and has returned multiple times since, every time digging deep into the island’s culture, wildlife and boutique hotel scene (with a few Maldives beach breaks thrown in for good measure). She’s also explored Morocco from tip to toe, from tented camps in the Sahara to trekking trails in the High Atlas, crumbling kasbahs to the blue-washed charm of Chefchaouen. If you’re after somewhere with character, colour and plenty of flavour, Rebecca’s here to help.

Why do you love travel?

Why do you love travel?

I feel most content and my best self when I’m in another country. There's just something so special about being surrounded by completely different scenery than you’re used to, speaking to people very different to at home, eating food authentic to that destination, being enveloped by a new culture.
How did you get into travel?

How did you get into travel?

After studying Spanish and Tourism Management at University, then spending a year living, studying and working in Spain (Tarragona and Seville), I fast became ‘the organiser of trips’ in my friendship group, I suddenly thought maybe I should get paid to do this!

After moving from Sunderland to Cheltenham to start my first job in the travel industry, I was trained to sell most of the world. This opened up my eyes even more and the travel bug only escalated from there! My favourite place to sell was Sri Lanka after an incredible trip there in 2016, so I was chuffed when I was offered the job as Sri Lanka Travel Specialist at HA. I then spent 3 weeks exploring Morocco on holiday in 2018 and picked that up as a specialist destination too.

Why Morocco and Sri Lanka?

Why Morocco and Sri Lanka?

I love that these two countries are so different but they’re both amazing in their own ways. I am a huge culture vulture, anything to do with ancient history, foodie activities, beautiful scenery and adventure. I think the people make or break a destination and these countries have some of the nicest locals I’ve ever come across!

I don’t think I’ve ever met a horrible or grumpy Sri Lankan person – they truly are the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Over the years, I've shared so many special moments with the locals, such as celebrating Sinhalese and Tamil New Year on the beach, dancing the night away.

I think Morocco really surprises people because it has so many different landscapes. In the space of two weeks, you can experience imperial cities, mountain ranges, rolling hills, the golden Sahara Desert, the stoney Agafay desert, crumbling ancient kasbahs, palm groves, canyons, and charming coastal fishing towns. I think you’d be pushed to find another country to offer all of these in one!

Rebecca's travels

Find out a little more

In Sri Lanka, during my first work trip there in 2017, I ended up spending my birthday in the Knuckles tea region, which was a new discovery for me. I stayed at Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge in an African-style safari tent on stilts surrounded by a working tea plantation and overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range. It was truly magical. I remember waking up to the most incredible views, going for a hike through the cloud forest and tiny villages to Little World’s End viewpoint, making friends with the local kids (and puppies), then enjoying an amazing massage in their spa tent before dinner. They surprised me with a birthday cake over dinner, too!

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Reviews for Rebecca

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            [content] => Rebecca at Holiday Architects really listened to me when I described the sort of holiday I wanted. It was truly tailor made for us. We had a fabulous time on our expertly planned multi destination holiday to Morocco and all the arrangements and transfers were seamless. Charming people too - I can't recommend this company highly enough and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
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            [content] => Just back from an amazing holiday in Sri Lanka. Rebecca sorted out a fantastic itinerary so we feel we had a comprehensive trip around. Lovely boutique hotels largely in rural settings which made for a beautiful peaceful stay. Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable and really knew his history and importantly was always on time to pick us up. Overall, I don't think the holiday could have been better. This was our third holiday booked through Holiday Architects and we won't hesitate to use them again
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Rebecca at Holiday Architects really listened to me when I described the sort of holiday I wanted. It was truly tailor made for us. We had a fabulous time on our expertly planned multi destination holiday to Morocco and all the arrangements and transfers were seamless. Charming people too - I can't recommend this company highly enough and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

Charlotte HopeTrustpilot

Just back from an amazing holiday in Sri Lanka. Rebecca sorted out a fantastic itinerary so we feel we had a comprehensive trip around. Lovely boutique hotels largely in rural settings which made for a beautiful peaceful stay. Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable and really knew his history and importantly was always on time to pick us up. Overall, I don't think the holiday could have been better. This was our third holiday booked through Holiday Architects and we won't hesitate to use them again

LynnTrustpilot

On the blog

Holidays Rebecca recommends

Holiday

Ultimate Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Our most in-depth adventure around Sri Lanka.


21 days
Ultimate Beach + 3 more + 3 more
from £5,490 pp
Holiday

Go Local in Morocco

Morocco

Experience the real Morocco with 11 days of authentic experiences.


11 days
Go Local Off-the-beaten-track + 2 more + 3 more
from £3,470 pp
Holiday

Sri Lanka & the Maldives

Sri Lanka, The Maldives

The perfect balance of adventure and indulgence.


14 days
Romantic Classic + 2 more + 3 more
from £4,885 pp

Excursions Rebecca recommends

Excursion

Local Village Activities in Tissamaharama

The village of Tissamaharama is a wonderful place to get involved with hands-on activities in the community and experience the local way of living. There are several experiences that we particularly recommend such as: Buffalo Curd Making - Visit a village home where the experts teach you the secrets of making perfect buffalo curd. End your lesson with a delightful tasting of this popular and delicious dessert. Farmer's Lunch - You have not really eaten until your taste buds have experienced the spicy local fare of traditional rice with freshly ground coconut sambol, fish curry made from the catch of the day, lentils, young jackfruit curry, and the freshest greens. This is your opportunity to taste the best of country cooking, with a sumptuous farmers banquet lunch prepared before your eyes. To work up your appetite, join our resident naturalist on a short trek through the surrounding area for some fascinating bird watching. Lake Fishing Experience with a Local Fisherman - There'll be an early start but it will be well worth it - set out on a traditional canoe to try and catch your own breakfast, bring it ashore and let the fishermen cook you a delicious, fresh breakfast picnic that you can enjoy. While your meal is prepared, you can while away your time with some rod fishing or by photographing breath-taking surroundings. Palmyrah Weaving Lesson - Learn the ancient art of weaving Palmyrah leaves by local artisans. They will teach you how to make a 'wicker' basket or drinks coaster and you can take your masterpiece home with you! Pottery Making Lesson - Visit a local potter who has made pottery for the village and beyond for decades, and has become quite well known in the area for his work. Try your hand at making a bowl or vase with his help and if there is enough time before the end of your trip (it will need to be properly finished in the kiln and cooled) you may be able to take your piece home with you!

Chat to Rebecca

Get in touch with our Rebecca to chat holidays today.

Get a Quote 01242 253 073

Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

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