Travel blog

Just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from London will transport you to the ancient and exotic land of Morocco. Once reserved for intrepid travellers, in recent years Morocco has become a family-friendly destination and is perfect for those seeking a family holiday with a side of adventure. With the right amount of exotic intrigue, adventure, and best of all, easy transport links from the UK, Morocco strikes the perfect balance and is most definitely one of our favourite family destinations. From the hustle and bustle of colourful Marrakesh to oasis-like Ouarzazate and the sweeping golden sands of Essaouira, with so much to see and do, the land of medinas has something for everyone – and will entertain even the surliest of teens. Read on to discover our ultimate destinations for  Morocco family holidays . Marvel at the rose-red city of Marrakesh Marrakesh is like something straight from a storybook, with market stalls selling colourful handmade carpets, huge mounds of fragrant spices, jewel-coloured slippers, exquisitely painted pottery, butter-soft leather, and everything in between. Enlist the help of a guide to navigate your way through the warren of side streets as you soak up the sights, sounds and smells that are unique to the medina of Marrakesh. After exploring the souks, head to the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, at sunset to watch its daily transformation into an entertainment hub that’s lit by the lines of fragrant charcoal braziers cooking up delicious local delicacies. Prepare for the whole family to be completely engrossed as you ogle at jugglers, flame throwers, acrobats and musicians – it’s definitely a sight to be seen! The next day, if you need to escape the craziness of the city, head to the Majorelle Garden, once belonging to Yves St Laurent. Painted in vibrant blues and rich yellows, it’ll leave the kids wide-eyed with wonder and provides a stark contrast to the Red City’s terracotta hues. Alternatively, you could also try your hand in the kitchen and take a cookery class as you learn how to whip up authentic Moroccan fare before feasting on your creations at the end. Or, if you fancy a day of relaxation, why not escape the heat and just spend the day lounging by your hotel pool instead? Adventure awaits you in Ouarzazate For the next part of your adventure, drive over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass to the Ouarzazate area, a beautiful oasis-like region that’s home to Morocco’s film industry. Make sure you stop to admire Skoura, one of the biggest settlements you’ll encounter with palm trees, narrow pathways, kasbahs and ksour (fortified villages) that are unchanged in appearance for centuries. Onwards to Ouarzazate, a more modern place and the perfect backdrop for adventure. Here, you can stay in a traditional style kasbah, with its warren of rooms, passageways and courtyards that teenagers will love before spending the day hiking, quad biking, camel riding, or mountain biking – it’s all about the adventure here! Teens will also love the Atlas Film Studio that still contains sets from some of its most famous shoots: walk through Egyptian temples, Tibetan palaces, Arabian fortresses – all rendered in exquisite detail, so much so that it’s almost a shock to walk behind the sets and realise it’s all fake. Finally, on your way back towards Marrakesh, be sure to pay a visit to one of the most iconic destinations in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou. With more film credits than most Oscar winners, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the location for Lawrence of Arabia back in 1962 and has most recently been the location for Game of Thrones. Admire the gorgeous red-mud pisé walls of this ksar and kasbah that seems to rise organically out of the hillside, leading down to a palm-fringed river bed below – there are Instagram opportunities abounding! Laid-back leisure in Essaouira After a fun-packed few days, finish off your holiday with a trip to the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira with its gorgeous stretches of sandy beaches and UNESCO-listed medina. Just over two hours from Marrakesh, this old fortified fishing town is the perfect place to slow down the pace after your adventures in Marrakesh and Ouarzazate. Think white-washed houses, a postcard-pretty harbour and golden sand beaches: yes, this is the place to live life a bit more slowly. Stroll along the harbour and spot pretty blue fishing boats come and go from the port, or watch local woodworkers carve on the streets before picking out a souvenir. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for culture, at the Essaouira museum you’ll find a potted history of the town including the mysterious Iles De Mogador that lies just offshore. Plus there are art galleries galore and a medina that’s small enough to navigate on your own – a welcome change after the frantic energy of Marrakesh. And, of course, there’s the long beach and gusts of wind known locally as the Alizee that make Essaouira the ultimate destination for adventure-junkies who want to try their hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing. For those who prefer their adventure on dry land, there’s also the option to go horse riding on the beach too. Worked up an appetite? Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry here: there are cafes abounding, as well as stallholders lining the streets selling mouthwateringly good grilled fish fresh from the boats. All in all, Essaouira is a fantastic final stop on your Morocco family holiday and provides the perfect base for some much-needed r&r before you head back to the UK. Morocco is a very family-friendly destination where children are welcomed everywhere. Being just a short-haul trip from London, it’s the perfect place for a family adventure especially with teenagers in tow. In a week to 10 days, you can visit all of these destinations, making it an ideal half-term holiday spot. Want to find out more about how to plan the ultimate Morocco family adventure? There’s nothing our dedicated team don’t know about Morocco family holidays . Contact us today to get a quote and start planning a fun family adventure that’s tailor-made to your needs.          

For such a small country, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka has an almost unfair advantage over other destinations. With unspoilt beaches, lush rainforest, misty mountains and stunning wildlife, complete with a rich history dating back thousands of years, this captivating island has it all.  In fact, Sri Lanka’s forests, mountains and ancient sites are considered so important that the country boasts an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the incredible Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, cultural Kandy, colonial Galle and the iconic Golden Dambulla Cave. And if that wasn’t enough, there are two natural landmarks on the list too: the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Central Highlands are incredible areas of natural biodiversity home to endemic species of wildlife, birdlife and plant life. Not sure which ones tickle your fancy? We take a look at all eight UNESCO sites in this blog so you can decide which you want to include in your Sri Lanka travel itinerary .   The Historic Fort of Galle Charming Galle was founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Most of its visitors are easily seduced by its charm, and it’s easy to see why: with its striking mix of European architecture and South Asian tradition, pretty Galle has definitely got its own unique ambience. Thick stone ramparts surround the historical buildings and churches, and within the walls, you’ll find pretty cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, stylish coffee houses and quirky boutiques as well as stunning Dutch-colonial buildings. Without a doubt, Galle is best navigated on foot. Explore the exotic old trading port, visit at the ancient mosques and churches, wonder at the impossibly grand mansions or soak up some culture in one of the museums before enjoying a refreshment in one of the super-chic coffee shops.   The Sacred City of Anuradhapura Full of fascinating history and stories of mysterious ancient civilisations, the Ancient Cities, or the “Cultural Triangle” as it is also known, is an absolutely enthralling region. 2,500 years ago during the Golden Age of the Sinhalese civilisation, the area was known as “Rajarata”, the Land of the Kings – and Anuradhapura was the first of these cities to be built. Established around a cutting from the Buddha’s fig tree, Anuradhapura flourished for 1,300 years and was one of South Asia’s grandest kingdoms before it was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Once a thriving economic hub, its history is easily traced back to the 4th century BC, however, excavations have even identified artefacts from as early as the Iron Age dating back to 900BC. It became a World Heritage Site in 1982 and as home to some of the most important Buddhist sites, it remains a sacred religious centre to this day with pilgrims and worshippers visiting year-round.   The Ancient City of Sigiriya Rising dramatically from the central plains, the ruins of the capital city of Sigiriya built by King Kassapa are perhaps Sri Lanka’s most dramatic sight. Here, near-vertical walls soar to the 180-metre high, flat-topped summit where you’ll find Lion Rock perched right at the top, an abandoned palace that has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Lion Rock is reached through a series of towering staircases that emerge dramatically from the mouth of a gigantic lion – but trust us, it’s worth the climb. On your way up you’ll pass ancient frescoes that still remain and there’s even a pair of colossal lion’s paws carved into the rock – and when you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the jungle below. We recommend visiting early in the morning to watch the mist rise above the forest as you imagine living here thousands of years ago. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, much remains of this ancient capital, including water reservoirs to collect rainwater that are still in good condition, and irrigational technologies that baffle engineers to this day.   The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa The second largest kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was Anuradhapura’s successor kingdom. It flourished from the 9th to 14th century and comprises Brahmanic monuments, the ruins of the incredible garden-city created by Parakramabahu I, a 16-metre carving of Buddha and ancient Hindu temples. Don’t miss the Parakrama Samudra either, the largest man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka that remains to this day a primary source of water for agriculture. The second city of Sri Lanka was named a World Heritage Site in 1982, and today archaeological treasures and ancient structures such as tombs, temples, statues and stupas give a tantalising glimpse of life in the city in its thriving heyday. It’s also conveniently close to a number of national parks that are renowned for elephant spotting, making it a versatile place to base yourself for a few days as you take in the sites of the Cultural Triangle.     The Golden Temple of Dambulla Dambulla ’s epic rock cave temple with its Buddha-filled interiors is a truly iconic Sri Lankan image that you are probably already familiar with – and trust us, in real life it doesn’t disappoint. Despite the tourists, it’s an awe-inspiring holy place that shouldn’t be missed. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. In fact, 80 of the cave temples are still used by monks today. With five sanctuaries, intricate mural paintings covering more than 2,000 metres and 157 statues of Buddha, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 to protect these magnificent images that showcase the exceptional artistic talent of ancient Sri Lanka. Make sure you climb up the steps to the temple and take in the view from the top of the rock too – it’s almost as beautiful and inspiring as the temple’s stunning golden interior itself.   The Sacred City of Kandy Set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations, Kandy is a mountain city in Sri Lanka that was home to the Sinhalese kings from 1592 to 1815. The truly unique combination of colourful houses, Edwardian buildings, a king-made lake and sacred monuments give Kandy a vibrant cultural life – and it’s also the site of Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth as it is also known. Said to hold one of the Buddha’s teeth, it was because of this temple that Kandy was awarded its status as a World Heritage site in 1988. We recommend visiting the temple in the evening where Buddhists from all over the world come to offer flowers to the sound of horns, drums and murmured prayers. In the summer, the city famously comes alive during the ten-day Esala Perahara festival where the Sacred Tooth Buddha is carried through the streets of Kandy with a colourful procession of lavishly decorated elephants, jugglers, musicians, dancers, acrobats and even fire-breathers. It’s one of the most visually stunning and unique festivals in the world and a once-in-a-lifetime experience – but with so much to see and do here, let’s face it: cultural Kandy is worth adding to your Sri Lanka travel itinerary year-round.   The Central Highlands Comprising the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forests, the Central Highlands are located more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Awarded UNESCO status relatively recently in 2010, this biodiversity hotspot is home to an exceptional range of flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. From colourful flowers to giant tree ferns, there is plant life abounding – but the wildlife is pretty spectacular too, with Sri Lankan leopard, sambhur and wild boar as well as exotic birdlife. In the Knuckles Mountain Range you’ll also find five of the country’s largest forest formations, with awe-inspiring scenery, mountain trails, cascading waterfalls and sprawling acres of terraced paddy fields. Of course, no visit to Sri Lanka is complete with a trip to the tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya , also known as Little England, is a great base. With its Georgian architecture and neatly manicured lawns, here you can discover the history of Sri Lankan tea and explore the biodiverse Central Highlands too.   Sinharaja Forest Reserve Set in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja (“Lion King”) Forest is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. Surrounded by rivers, it’s a nature lover’s paradise: more than 90% of the trees are endemic, with many considered rare, and it’s teeming with wildlife too – in fact, it’s home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. If that wasn’t impressive enough, half of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of bird can also be found here, whilst the 12 endemic mammals who make Sinharaja their home include the giant squirrel, dusky-striped jungle squirrel, badger mongoose and purple-faced leaf monkey. But the real highlight is the exceptional flora and fauna. The jungle is usually shrouded by burgeoning rain clouds, which frequently replenish its deep and rich soil, balancing water resources for much of south-west Sri Lanka too – and it’s because of its importance to Sri Lanka’s ecosystem that Sinharaja was declared a World Heritage Site in 1989. You can only get around by foot here, so let expert guides lead you along slippery trails as you look out for wildlife in the lush tropical surroundings. With an incredible eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Whether you like your history modern or ancient, are on the hunt for endemic species or just want to soak up the sun on some of the world’s best beaches, believe us when we say Sri Lanka won’t disappoint. Ready to start planning your bespoke Sri Lanka travel itinerary ? Our expert team will be happy to help put together a tailor-made holiday just for you.  Contact Rebecca, Lisa or Dawn today to start planning your Sri Lankan adventure.

We work in travel because we love it. And, one of the many (huge) perks of the job, is having the chance to explore far-flung corners of the Earth – making sure we’re keeping on top of the best places the world has to offer, so we can design the very best holidaysfor you. We test it all. The hotels, the swimming pools, the food, the excursions, the sites… it’s an extremely tough job, but we take it on the chin. If you follow us on Instagram , you’ll have spotted that our very own Maldives expert, Rebecca, was flying around the archipelago in a seaplane last month, having the absolute time of her life. She was brushing up on her Maldives knowledge as part of a group agents’ trip, organised by the wonderful Sun Siyam Resorts (a big thank you to them!)     Here’s a sneak peak at what she got up to… Seaplanes and speedboats galore… “Getting to and from the islands was a real highlight for me and an experience in itself. It’s simply iconic. You’re either zooming through the ocean on a speedboat (full James Bond style), or you’re flying through the air in a seaplane. It can get quite hot and noisy (make sure you have water!), but the views are out of this world and it really does slap you around the face with the fact that you’re actually in the Maldives – real magic.”     Days 1–3: Sun Siyam Iru Veli Best for: 5* premium romance, pristine beaches with powder-white sand, impeccable service and floating breakfasts.   “This island is the absolute dream for honeymooners. It’s very focused on the romantic, couples experience, with some absolutely phenomenal food to enjoy as you go. The seafood was so fresh and delicious (you MUST try the lobster – if that’s your thing!) All of the rooms are suites with their very own swimming pool (so special) and you can start the day with a floating champagne breakfast… it doesn’t get more ‘luxury Maldives’ than that! Iru Veli isn’t the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for something special – you won’t be disappointed here.”     Days 3–5: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Best for: Foodies! There’s a huge range of bars and restaurants to choose from. A world-class spa and massive, beautiful rooms and a great kids’ pool.     “Iru Fushi is a medium sized island with so many options for places to eat and drink. If you’re staying a while (and why wouldn’t you?!) you absolutely won’t get bored of the offering here. What’s more, they’re all included in the all-inclusive, too. So you can indulge as much as you like and leave your wallet locked away! There’s a great kids’ pool, as well as an adults-only infinity pool. Plus, the spa is award-winning – I made sure I sampled it!”     Days 5–7: Siyam World Best for: Familes and groups of friends. It’s a fun, social, jungley island packed with activities and endless things to do.     “I had my very own over-water villa complete with my very own slide straight into the turquoise water! Just incredible, proper pinch-yourself stuff. There’s so much to do at Siyam World , from horse-riding to larking about on their floating water park. Activities are top of the bill here! If you’re travelling with a partner and are looking for romantic, relaxing indulgence, I’d probably say there are better options. However, if you’re visiting with a family or a group of friends – this is perfect!”     Days 7–9: Sun Siyam Olhuveli Best for: A great, wholesome 4* option, perfect for those who want to enjoy all of the beauty of the Maldives at a fantastic price. The snorkelling is fab, too!     “I did my best snorkelling here, by far. The water was so clear! And the coral was all alive which was amazing. There’s a reef really close to the shore and you can see so much. On my last morning I snorkelled right outside my ocean-front room and even saw some reef sharks! I paddle-boarded too, so recommended! We also had an amazing beach BBQ on the last evening when they cooked up traditional Maldivian food and it was such a wonderful, authentic way to finish my adventure.”     Rebecca is back in chilly Blighty and more than ready to swing right into designing your perfect Maldives holiday . Give her a call on 01242 253 073 or drop her an email today!