Travel blog

 When you’re thinking of Vietnam holiday ideas, there are so many options to consider. Imagine waking up to the vibrant chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the scent of pho floats through narrow streets. Picture yourself cruising along Halong Bay’s emerald waters, between the towering limestone karsts cloaked in mist. Perhaps you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Hoi An, its lantern-lit alleys steeped in history? Or maybe you’re trekking through Sapa’s terraced rice fields, encountering the colorful hill tribes along the way? So many adventures await in Vietnam. We’re here to help you find the best one for you. Here are 5 of our favourite holiday ideas for a taster. (Remember, everything we do is tailor-made, so this is just a taste of what could be possible…)   5 Vietnam holiday ideas for your next adventure   Highlights of Vietnam – 15 days   This 2-week journey across Vietnam, soaks up all of the highlights. Trek through the serene valleys of Mai Chau, sail through the mystical beauty of Halong Bay , soak up the quaint charm of Hoi An ‘s countryside and embrace the rhythm of rural life, flexing your culinary skills with a cooking class. From bustling Hanoi to spirited Saigon, the sights, people and food of Vietnam are all ready to welcome you on this highlights holiday.   The Beauty of Northern Vietnam – 15 days Embark on a 15-day Vietnam adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Northern Vietnam. Trek among the emerald rice terraces of Sapa, mingle with colorful hill tribes, and sail through the mysterious landscape of Halong Bay. Then, let the rhythm of the waves guide you to the sandy shores of Danang and Hoi An for a well-deserved beach break. Dive into bustling markets, sip on local delicacies, and soak in the vibrant culture at every turn. Extend your journey southward to Saigon or delve deeper into the Mekong Delta. Whether it’s relaxation or adrenaline you’re after from your Vietnam holiday ideas, this trip has you covered.   Ultimate Vietnam – 17 days Got the time for a serious adventure? Picture yourself exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, from the impressive north to the vibrant south. Imagine meeting the hill tribes up in the Tonkinese Alps, cruising through the picturesque waters of Halong Bay , and discovering the historic gems of Hue and Hoi An . Feel the exciting pulse of Hanoi and Saigon, and spend some time with your feet up on a serene beach. This ultimate journey offers a blend of culture, adventure and downtime, giving you an in-depth flavour of real Vietnam.   Express Vietnam – 9 days Get set for a whirlwind 9-day escapade through Vietnam , all led by your very own private guide. Plunge headfirst into Hanoi’s bustling streets, basking in the vibrancy for two nights, before sailing through Halong Bay. Next, spend two nights absorbing Hoi An’s ancient charm. Then, buckle up for two nights in the pulsating heart of Saigon. This speedy Vietnam holiday idea hits the key highlights and, if you’re short on time, it’s a great option for your first visit to the country. We guarantee you won’t want it to be your last! Luxury Vietnam and Cambodia – 15 days If you’re after an adventure sprinkled with a little bit of luxury, this is the holiday for you. Taking in the South East Asian gems of Vietnam and Cambodia, your journey starts at the ancient wonder of Angkor, where romance mingles with history. Indulge yourself with a champagne breakfast before heading to the vibrant streets of Saigon, exploring its hidden gems and savoring the tantalizing flavors of Vietnamese street food on a vintage Vespa. Your opulent adventure ends at the Six Senses Resort on Con Dao Island , where paradise awaits with six blissful nights of secluded serenity, perfect for honeymooners or anyone after a touch of romance!     Remember, every single holiday we design is unique to you. And we love every second of creating every one. If these Vietnam holiday ideas have inspired and you think Vietnam might be the right spot for your next big adventure (or any of our other destinations), give us a call on 01242 253 073 to chat to our friendly experts. We’re here to help.  

By a long way, our favourite part of our job is hearing all about your holidays and experiences when you get home. When we design your holidays, we’re truly invested in designing the very best tailormade adventure for you. We want to tick all of your boxes, have you experiencing moments you’ll never forget and sights you may never have uncovered without our help. So, receiving feedback and photos like this really is the cherry on the cake of it all. A huge thank you to Chelsea and James for sharing their Sri Lanka holiday adventure with us. We’re so pleased you had such a brilliant time. And we can’t blame you for wanting to return – it’s a country that will never be knocked off our holiday wishlist (regardless of how many times we make it there!)     Chelsea and James’ Sri Lanka holiday review   “ Ayubowan ” – is how you say “Hello” in Sri Lanka. Usually myself and my husband have a rule where we never visit the same destination twice… Sri Lanka is now an exception. At the end of November 2023, we left the UK and flew into Columbo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. We had no idea what to expect and we were looking for a place that we would never forget… and we got just that! The people, the heat, the landscapes, the culture, the food this place has it all! I didn’t eat meat for almost 2 weeks – not because I didn’t want to, just because the fruit and the vegetables, the dhal curries, the recipes they have, and the colours and flavours are so different to what we have at home. This, along with many reasons, is why we didn’t want to leave. Rebecca from Holiday Architects was incredible. She knew exactly what we were looking for out of a trip, and excelled in all areas. We were able to do a variety of activities from strolling around the beautiful old city of Galle, seeing the stilt fishermen work, moving on to the amazing safari in Yala National Park and managing to see an array of wildlife including elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys and more!! Taking tuk-tuk rides to rice paddies and eating home made dhal curries with our fingers from a lilly pad will be a day I’ll never forget. And of course, tasting the Sri Lankan delicacy of Buffalo curd! The Turtle Hatchery was an amazing experience to witness and be a part of and learn about. We also had some creative, and perhaps unusual requests for Rebecca during the planning process – but she ticked every box…  pottery classes and mask painting were on our wish list and we were not disappointed! This country is truly unbelievable and even though we only travelled half of it we need to go back to do the other half! Rebecca clearly knows her locations, activities as well as hotels extremely well. Everything she designed matched our brief entirely and made it completely bespoke to us. None of this would have been possible without her planning and going above and beyond to make this trip so memorable. Sri Lanka truly has a place in our hearts.”   Chelsea and James, HA Sri Lanka clients, November 2023     A big thank you to Chelsea and James for sharing this lovely review of their Sri Lanka holiday and the brilliant photos to match. We’re so pleased you had such a wonderful time! (And that you fell as in love with the country as we have!) If you’d like our Rebecca to design you a Sri Lanka holiday that’s as perfect for you as this one was for Chelsea and James, you know what to do. Give us a call on 01242 253 073 or get a quick quote, to start you holiday planning now. Whether you want to spend your time mask painting or beach lounging, Rebecca (or our other brilliant Sri Lanka specialist, Lisa) can help.        

Dawn, one of our fabulous Latin America specialists here at HA, is just home from her latest adventure around the country. And to say she is buzzing with tales of her Andean adventures is an understatement. Read on for a few of her travel tales…      I went on an unforgettable journey back to my beloved Peru! It’s a country that never ceases to amaze me with its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people. I think I did Peru in a completely different way than I’ve ever done Peru before. I got into the bones of the country this time and took the path less followed, less travelled. It wasn’t about doing things the way they’re normally done. This time, it was about connecting with the local people, local tribes, and finding the Inca ruins that weren’t as famous. But of course, not forgetting those famous ones too! Because, wow, Machu Picchu is truly breathtaking. From Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, to the Amazon and Lake Titicaca, read on for all of the highlights of my 3-weeks in Peru.     Lima My adventure began in the vibrant capital city of Lima. From the moment I landed, the city’s dynamic atmosphere charmed me. I wandered around the artsy district of Barranco, explored the fancy Miraflores (of course sampling some of its fantastic gourmet restaurants) and took in the sunset with a walk along the Malecon. I stayed at a wonderful, small boutique property, Fausto. The staff there were just beyond wonderful.  The Manager asked me if I’d like to visit the local market on my first morning – so I jumped at the chance!  We went for a wander and ended up talking to everybody on the stalls about the different herbs and vegetables and where they were from. I had a slight cold from the flight, and one seller bundled me up a selection of herbs that worked wonders! If you think Lima is just a quick stopover, think again – you could easily spend three days here and not see it all.     The Sacred Valley of the Incas After soaking up the sights and sounds of Lima, I took a short flight to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. The altitude in Cusco is a challenge, so I quickly headed down into the Sacred Valley to acclimatise. The ancient valley is a realm of awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant local communities, and preserved Incan ruins. My stay with the Huilloc community, perched high in the Andes at 3,500 meters above sea level, was a real highlight of my entire trip. You can only reach the village by private car (and a special invitation!), so it was such an honour to visit. This village and its wonderful people in their colourful dress offered an authentic glimpse into traditional Andean life. These authentic moments of magic are what make travel so special. I learned all about their traditions, shared food with them, and even tried my hand at weaving! I’ll never forget it. What’s more, when you visit you’ll see first hand the difference you’re making. Your visit directly helps fund the building of a school for the local children – that was the cherry on the cake for me. I can’t wait to go back again and see it finished!       Machu Picchu Of course, no visit to Peru would be complete without a trip to the incredible Machu Picchu . Hopping on the train and taking in the views as it meandered through the lush mountains, sent my excitement into overdrive. I hiked the Inca Trail last time (beyond special if you’re up to it!), but the train journey was a real treat, with the views getting better around every corner. I struck gold with my guide, Percy, he was brilliant. In his younger days he used to be a porter on the Inca Trail, so he was able to expertly navigate us to the quietest viewpoints away from the crowds and was full of stories and insider knowledge. It was so special soaking it all up away from the hustle and bustle. Words simply can’t capture the magic of Machu Picchu – I’ll let my photos do the talking here! In short, it may be a top tourist highlight, but there are ways to experience this wonder that get you away from the madding crowds. Plus, if hiking isn’t for you, don’t be put off. The train ride is just as beautiful! Do reach out to chat to me more about it if Machu Picchu is on your bucket list. I’ll try my best to get you the legend that is Percy if I can!     Cusco Returning to Cusco (via one of the most lively train journeys of my life!), I spent a few days indulging in its culinary delights, cobbled streets, vibrant nightlife, and historic monuments. Each corner of this city holds a story, from its grand cathedrals to the bustling markets. I love it. I spent a brilliant afternoon just outside of Cusco at the family-run Sulca Textile Farm. Surrounded by incredible views, I got to learn all about the Incan tradition of weaving, watching the process from start to finish. And the best bit? The farm is packed full of llamas you can feed! There’s a wonderful museum and shop, too. It would make a brilliant addition to a Peru family holiday, kids would love it. I was also lucky enough to visit the ancient site of Sacsayhuamán, just outside the city. Machu Picchu gets all the press, but this is another incredible example of Incan architecture and engineering. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, the sacred structures have become an integral part of the landscape around them. Visiting its massive stone walls and breathtaking panoramic views is a must if you’re a history enthusiast!       The Amazon My next adventure took me deep into the Amazon basin . A short flight transported me to a world of lush rainforests, exotic wildlife and serious heat! It was hot hot hot, but just breathtaking. The temperature shift was unbelievable, but with bug spray and sunscreen in hand, I set off on an unforgettable few days. Here, nature reigns supreme. When I arrived at the lodge, I was greeted by a troop of monkeys swinging through the trees, and it didn’t end there! An Amazon highlight for me was when I was at the top of the canopy viewpoint, Scarlet Macaws flying ahead as I watched the magical sunset sink lower in the sky. Then, the massive Amazonian moon rose at the same time – I was one big pile of goosebumps. That moment sparked something phenomenal in me. The next morning, I was lucky enough to watch as the Amazonian sun lit up the clay cliff and before I knew it – it was breakfast time. Suddenly, the air was filled with the sounds of colourful birds swooping down to feed. Parakeets, parrots, and brilliant macaws perched and preened on the cliffs. The vibrant colours and lively calls were amazing. Seeing them gather and feast on the clay was a unique experience. Top Tip: If you’re heading to the Amazon (and I highly recommend it!), make sure you factor in enough time to take things slowly. With the heat and the humidity, having time to relax in a hammock between all of the wildlife wandering is a must!       Lake Titicaca Back in Cusco, I boarded the luxurious Andean Explorer train for an 11-hour journey through some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever witnessed. I took this journey a few years ago, but this time I made sure I soaked up every moment as it wound through the ever-changing landscapes of the Andean Plains. The colours and contrasts were truly captivating. At times it looked a bit like we were flying through the moon, and then at times it was so sparse and barren. Then the next moment you’re passing big packs of llamas grazing. This was real Peru. This scenic ride brought me to Puno and the serene Lake Titicaca, the highest navigational lake in the world, and so so beautiful. When I got to Lake Tititcaca, I stayed at a lodge called ‘’Titilaka’’ located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca on a tranquil private peninsula shared only with the local Aymara community. Surrounded on three sides by the pristine lake and with four acres of grounds, a perfect base to explore this undiscovered corner of the earth. The lodge had these incredible panoramic windows looking out over Lake Titicaca. It was dark when I arrived, but the next morning I set my alarm for 5.30am to watch the sun rise. It was pinch-myself incredible. I sat in glorious peace and watched the sun rising over the water, and just llamas, birds, the sun, the colours for company. It was fabulous. One of the main draws of going to visit this part of Peru, is to meet some of the local tribes that live on these floating islands. Some of the options can get a little touristy these days, and again, I wanted to do something a little bit different. So, I took off to visit some homestays on the islands. I spent so much time sitting and talking with these tribes, people from Tequil and Uros, all about what they do for a living and how they spend their days. I got to meet their children and share lunch at their home. This was so special, it felt like I was part of the family for a day. I was seeing the real, authentic Peru. There were a couple of absolutely beautiful spots, hosted by the most special people. I’m adding them to my Peru holiday itineraries from now on for sure!       Colca Canyon From Puno, a 6-hour land transfer through the majestic Andes found me perched at the edge of the massive Colca Canyon , the second-deepest canyon in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this incredible part of the world before, but this time I did it a little differently. This time, I glamped! Picture me, camping (very comfortably) under the stars at the edge of the magnificent Colca Canyon. There was a smoking volcano to one side and snow-capped mountains on the other. Peruvian wildlife is everywhere, with horses and llamas dotted around the landscape. I’ll never forget waking up to the birdsong, I felt so grounded and in tune with the Earth. I was lucky enough to have another incredible guide here: Mauricio (a.k.a. Condor Man). He found us a secret spot away from any crowds to sit and watch so many majestic condors in flight. His knowledge was phenomenal, he knew how the birds would move on the thermals, so he told us exactly where to look, stand, and even pose for photos with them. Their wingspans are immense – putting away my camera and quietly watching them soar through the canyon was a humbling experience.       Arequipa My final destination was the White City of Arequipa . This city, with its beautiful colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, was the perfect conclusion to my Peruvian adventure. Again, my guide was top-notch. I wasn’t being shown around the way everybody else was. First, we sat down together, had a coffee, and watched the world go by whilst he told me about the history of the city, little snippets about the culture and all about the different kinds of architecture that can be seen around the streets. Then we explored. Arequipa is his home, and with every single word he said you could tell how passionate he was about his city, his country and his job. He also had a wicked sense of humour, which anyone who knows me, will know went down well!       Phew! What a trip. I didn’t want to leave and I’m already dreaming of my next visit to this incredible country. If you think Peru might be for you, do get in touch on 01242 253 073 , or email me at [email protected] I’m still on such a high from the trip, and having an excuse to share my stories with you ear to ear would make my day!    

HA have scooped 3 WINS and one second-place award at this year’s Best Workplaces in Travel Awards!    Monday evening was a brilliant one for Team HA. Andy and Rachel headed to London for this year’s Best Workplaces in Travel Awards – and to say they walked away chirpy would be an understatement! We scooped not one, not two, but THREE first-place wins at the awards, and a second place as the cherry on the cake.   Award for Wellbeing: WINNERS Award for Performance Recognition: WINNERS Award for Equitability: WINNERS Best Small Company: 2nd Place   “It was a huge and very pleasant shock to walk away with three awards and a second place at the BWIT Awards last night. A big thank you to BWIT, all the sponsors and the hosts for such a wonderful evening. We spend a really significant amount of time at HA thinking about our work culture and environment, a process that involves everyone contributing and engaging with what we’re trying to achieve. You hope to get things right most of the time and to know when you’ve got it wrong, but it’s only surveys like this that give us the definitive answer, and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort from everyone at HA to create such an amazing environment. I’m especially proud that our employee net promoter score was 100%: knowing everyone here would recommend working at HA to their friends and family is an amazing feeling.” Andy Hunt, HA Founder       What are the Best Workplaces in Travel Awards? The #BWIT Awards were launched to celebrate the importance of attracting, engaging and retaining talent in the travel industry. They recognise that employee advocacy has never been more business-critical. So, they launched an employee engagement survey to allow travel companies to ask their teams (confidentially) how they honestly feel about their work and what is most important to them. The anonymous responses to that survey are what these awards are based on. And that’s why we couldn’t be prouder of these results.     Some lovely anonymous words from the survey “I’m so proud to work for HA. The balance of trust to get on with your own role, the freedom to take ownership of it and the overwhelming sense of teamwork that’s weaved throughout it all is second to none.”   “It’s an amazing place to work – we have so much fun together as a team that I feel isn’t something you can necessarily create. A lot of thought is put into the hiring process and it shows in the team we’ve created.”   “It is an open and honest place to work, with like-minded adults all striving for the same goals.”     A few more highlights…               A big thank you to the Best Workplace in Travel Awards team and a huge pat on the back to Team HA – for proving, as ever, that teamwork and our genuine love for HA and what we do really is a little bit special!  

“This was the best trip we’ve undertaken.” When we receive photos and a review from clients that so perfectly encapsulate why we believe a country is so special, we can’t not share them! A big thank you to Rob and Audrey, who have done just that with these top-notch photos and their stellar review of beautiful Jordan. The highlights: Jordan is safe and Jordan is seriously special.   “We’ve been lucky and have undertaken a number of organised/escorted trips to different countries through reputable agents such as Kuoni, but this trip to Jordan booked and organised through holiday architects was the best we have ever undertaken. We were away for 10 days and the itinerary was just perfect with a balance of touring days visiting some amazing sites and days spent chilling in some lovely hotels. The local agents, UTA, were absolutely spot on. We were met at the gangway of the aeroplane and escorted through border control with our visas pre prepared and handed over to an excellent driver, Moayyed, who stayed with us throughout the trip. His personal knowledge and recommendations were great. We can’t believe Jordan hasn’t been on our radar before now. What a country! You can probably travel extreme north to south in 5 hours and the change in scenery is amazing from lush green to deserts and wadis. There is a huge range of historical sites other than Petra to visit with some of the most preserved ruins we’ve seen. I’d recommend taking two days to explore Petra to ensure everything can be covered at a reasonable pace. Due to the Palestinian situation, Jordans tourism is 70% down at our time of travel and the country is suffering with people losing their jobs. “I don’t recall ever feeling safer on holiday.” At no point did we feel unsafe, threatened or wish we hadn’t made the trip. In fact, I don’t recall ever feeling safer on holiday. UTA also provided a mobile for us to keep throughout our stay so we could contact our driver whenever we needed. Jordan is amazing, the food is great and the people warm and welcoming. In Amman, people randomly thanked us for visiting their country and wished us a good trip. We visited Amman , Umm Qais, Ajloun, Jerash , Karak, Aqaba , Wadi rum, Petra and spent our final day/night at the Dead Sea (45 mins from the airport) All this just 5 hours flight from the UK. We were very sad to leave and come home.”   Rob and Audrey, HA Jordan clients, March 2024         Haven’t they captured the country wonderfully? Jordan is a spot in the world that too often gets overlooked – and as you can see – it deserves better! Our HA Jordan experts have spent so much time in the country, uncovering authentic experiences, seeking out the best viewpoints and sharpening up their knowledge to pass on to you. So, call us on 01242 253 073 or get a quick quote , to start planning your very own journey to Jordan today.          

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I’m the General Manager here at HA.   Why do you love travel? I grew up in Oman and my earliest memories tend to involve travel in some form or other – whether that was exploring the mountains and coast of Oman with my family, or the slightly more prosaic rigmarole of flying to and from the UK for school, which I still loved doing. I’m old enough to remember air travel having a whiff of allure about it, or it may just be selective memory, but I do remember peeking out of the window as we were coming into land at Muscat, catching a glimpse of a huge pod of whales swimming in the Indian Ocean. Things all came back down to earth with a bump when my family moved back to the UK after 25 years. It felt a bit soon to be retiring from travel and – lovely as the UK is – I felt that there was quite a bit more of the world to be seen.   How did you come to work in travel? I studied languages at university (Spanish and Arabic, but please don’t test me!) and loved my time in Granada and Cairo as part of my course. After university I found myself interpreting for the army in post-invasion Iraq, which doesn’t really count as “travel” but was still a pretty good encapsulation of it – plenty of excitement, lots of encounters with interesting people and some memories that you just couldn’t get anywhere else. My years in Oman and speaking Arabic has meant that a lot of my travel career has centred on the Middle East and North Africa – I love Morocco and Egypt especially. I’ve been working in travel in some shape or other since 2004 though and have managed to scratch off a few other countries on the map. Namibia was a standout for me because I am a sucker for a good landscape.         What do you love doing when you’re not keeping things running smoothly at Holiday Architects? When I’m not at work, it feels like I spend most of my time trying to wrangle my kids into their school uniform or pyjamas – depending on the time of day – or walking the dog. I have an OS map of my local area and am trying to walk all of the footpaths and bridleways on it – it turns out there are a lot! I also spend far too much time reading recipes and not enough time cooking them which is a source of constant regret because I love food.   We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? Short answer is that I will eat anything that doesn’t include beetroot or sardines. Long answer? I’d go for a starter of mixed Lebanese mezzes and salads, then for main I’d take a Bengali Gosht curry with limitless naan and paratha. If I’m still conscious, I’d finish with a rum baba. How’s that for fusion?   What’s your karaoke tune? ‘Mr Jones’ by Counting Crows, but I need a hand with the high notes in the chorus.         Tell us more about Namibia…   What makes it special? As mentioned above, I am going to represent team Namibia. I’m one of those weird people that actually enjoys being behind the wheel (!) and with the amazing scenery there it feels just like you’re driving around in a 4K slo-mo shot from Planet Earth. It’s pretty immersive! The lodges are in some stunning locations too, and there’s a great variety of things to do; you’ve got your traditional African safari elements, as well as some fantastic hiking, stargazing in Dark Sky reserves, kayaking with seals…  and just a wonderful sense of how big the world can feel.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? I was staying at Desert Rhino Camp and had enjoyed a wonderful day getting close up with the critically-endangered black rhino (not too close though – they are massive). Relaxing back at the camp with a cup of tea, I could hear an approaching crescendo of rustling, twig-snaps and snorts as a herd of elephants announced themselves, swaying out of the bush in front of me and filing right past my chair. I did say that Namibia was immersive!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Namibia? It’s not exactly a hidden treasure as almost every visitor to Namibia will go there, but for me it’s the dunes at Sossusvlei. I love photography, and it’s one of those places where time loses all meaning and I can find myself snapping away for hours. The way the dunes change their colour and tone over the course of a day is magical – everyone who visits will take pretty much the same shot of a withered tree at Deadvlei (you know the one I mean), but I’m still very proud of my effort!   Tell us something most people don’t know about Namibia Namibia is the second-least densely populated country in the world (behind Mongolia) and most of the tiny population lives in the very northern border area, where tourists rarely visit. Basically, if you’re someone who appreciates a bit of solitude and identifies with Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous quote about “other people”, it’s perfect.     Harry’s adventures            

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I’m a travel expert designing holidays to beautiful Vietnam , Cambodia and Sri Lanka . (How lucky am I?!)   Why do you love travel? The memories of my first trip when I was just a little girl are still fresh in my mind; travel has always excited me. The buzz of expectation, arriving at the airport, the noise of the aircraft, and the bright duty-free shops (everyone knows I can’t resist a duty-free bargain)! Then the excitement of boarding the aircraft knowing that I’m on my way to either somewhere I’ve been before and knowing how much I love it, or somewhere new wondering what it will be like, experiencing new adventures and culinary delights. Locking those memories away is so special to me. The way I feel when I talk about my travel memories is a bit addictive – there really is nothing like travel to stir my passion.   How did you come to work in travel? When I was growing up I knew I wanted to work, live and breathe travel – there is no better feeling in the world for me than when I am going away somewhere or talking about travel. I studied travel at college and started working behind the scenes in a sales support role, before taking the step into a sales role. I’d already been lucky enough to travel extensively by this time, so felt confident and comfortable to advise clients on where to see and what to experience on their holidays. I love nothing more than matching a client’s wishes to an itinerary, feeling their excitement about the trip, and then hearing all about how much they loved it on their return.   What do you love doing when you’re not designing holidays? I’m not one for sitting still – I adore exercise as well as music, and combining the two is even better. I love walking, running, HIIT sessions and Zumba, all done with music surrounding me. I love animals and have a cat who very much wants all the attention. I would love to fill the house with multiple cats and dogs one day! I also love cooking and once I have some yummy food to feast on, you’ll often find me with the obligatory glass of wine in hand, chatting to friends with my records on.   On that note! We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? Cheese, cheese and more cheese please! Cheese soufflé to start, followed by a proper Italian style pizza, with Cheese and biscuits to finish. Oh, or would I go lemon tart? That’s a difficult one.   What’s your karaoke tune? Without a doubt ‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner, what an absolute belter of a tune! Can’t promise I will belt it out quite the same, but I’ll give it a good go.       Tell us more about Vietnam… What makes it special? It’s hard to pick just one thing. Vietnam is such a diverse country, but the food definitely is one of my favourite things! Everything is so fresh and tasty, and so cheap too!   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? Without doubt the Saigon by Night: Street Food and Scooter excursion . Zipping through the streets of Saigon on the most amazing and exciting scooter ride. The wind in my hair, witnessing the daily life of locals and sampling different dishes was just exhilarating and the best end to my trip I could have ever hoped for.     Where’s your favourite place to visit in Vietnam? This has to be beautiful Hoi An . From the lantern-lit streets and boats on the river at night to the green and scenic paddy fields, and the beautiful beaches only 7km from the town. For somewhere that’s relatively compact, it offers so many different types of scenery.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Vietnam Vietnam is the world’s largest producer and exporter of culinary black pepper accounting for 60% of the world’s trade and roughly 45% of the EU!       Tell us more about Cambodia… What makes it special? Cambodia has so much to offer, but the one thing that really stands out in my mind is how friendly the people are. Also, I can’t not mention the iconic Angkor complex, which has countless temples to visit not just the iconic and amazing Angkor Wat. They really are jaw-dropping temples, all different to each other too, so make sure you explore further than just Angkor itself!   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? The beautiful beach at The Royal Sands on Koh Rong Island . Desert Island vibes eat your heart out!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Cambodia? Has to be Siem Reap – a beautiful leafy green city set on the river. Whilst it is the base for visiting the Angkor Temples, it has much more to offer! It has such a lovely feel to it and is so easy to navigate on foot.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Cambodia Cambodia is known to have a talking gecko! The Tokay gecko, a large green lizard found in Cambodia, is known for its distinctive loud chirp. Locals believe that hearing the gecko chirp seven times in a row is a sign of good luck, even predicting who you might marry! So, keep an ear out when exploring Cambodia’s jungles, you might just get a lucky omen!     Tell us more about Sri Lanka… What makes it special? How can you not fall in love with Sri Lanka ? I love how diverse it is – so much coastline with it being an island, the National Parks and wildlife, the jaw-dropping and breathtaking scenery of the tea country (I have honestly never seen anything like it), the food, the people, palm trees and beautiful greenery everywhere you look. The list is endless!   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? The most breathtaking train journey I have ever taken from Nuwara Eliya to Haputale. Everyone needs a Sri Lanka tea country train journey on their bucket list. Wow, wow and more wows. It’s hard to put into words just how beautiful it is. I’m even getting goosebumps thinking about it as I type this!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Sri Lanka? The Tea Country! The scenery really is something else; I don’t think my eyes have ever witnessed anything so beautiful.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Sri Lanka Yala National Park is home to one of the world’s largest populations of leopards. There are more leopards per until of land in Yala than almost anywhere else on Earth!     If you’d like to chat to Lisa or any of the rest of team HA about your next holiday, give us a call on 01242 253 073 ! We’re a team packed full of first-hand knowledge, experiences and stories. We’d love to help.  

“It’s got something for everyone” isn’t a cliche when it comes to  Sri Lanka holiday ideas . It really does. Ancient kingdom exploring for the history buffs. Goosebump-prompting elephant sightings for the wildlife lovers. Hidden Robinson Crusoe’esque beaches for the sun-worshippers. And some of the best food on earth for the foodies. And all of this is woven together by some of the most friendly local people you could ever hope to encounter. Sri Lanka has been exceptionally popular so far this year – and we’re not surprised at all! Dive in below to 5 of our favourite holiday ideas for exploring this teardrop-shaped gem of an island. (Remember, everything is bespoke with us, so this is just a taster).   Discover the magic for yourself on these 5 Sri Lanka holiday ideas   Ultimate Sri Lanka – 21 days Experience Ultimate Sri Lanka, our most jam-packed Sri Lanka holiday idea itinerary! From ancient wonders to hidden gems, experience the diverse richness of this island paradise. You’ll discover Anuradhapura’s history, the newfound charm of Jaffna, and the untouched beauty of the east coast. Spend time exploring Sigiriya , Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy’s ancient cities. Lose yourself in tea plantations, encounter leopards in Yala National Park , and stroll through Galle’s colonial streets. Brace for an unforgettable journey! 1 night Negombo – 1 night Anuradhapura – 2 nights Jaffna – 1 night Trincomalee East Coast Beach – 2 nights Sigiriya – 2 nights Kandy – 3 nights Tea Country (with train) – 1 night Yala National Park – 2 nights Galle – 3 nights Southwest Coast Beach – 1 night Colombo   Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gems – 17 days   There’s something extra special about exploring the path less travelled on your holidays. We’re huge advocates of always visiting the highlights (they’re highlights for a reason!), but there’s so much magic to be found when you dig a little deeper. Visit a working coconut plantation , share homecooked meals with local families and meet the indigenous tribes of Gal Oya National Park on this 17-day holiday. 1 night Horathapola Estate- 2 nights Wilpattu National Park – 2 nights Jaffna – 2 nights Sigiriya – 3 nights Pasikudah Beach – 2 nights Gal Oya National Park – 2 nights Knuckles Mountains – 1 night Gampaha       Sri Lanka Family Holiday – 14 days   Families and memory making is at the heart of this Sri Lanka holiday idea. Your two weeks will be packed full of wild elephant sightings, cave temples, ancient rock fortresses , whale-watching, diving trips, kayaking adventures and beach fun . The kids will want to join you on holidays forever more after this one! 3 nights Sigiriya – 5 nights Trincomalee Beach – 3 nights Digana/Knuckles – 1 night Colombo       Express Sri Lanka – 11 days   Pushed for time? No problem. We’d always recommend carving out as much time as possible for your Sri Lanka holiday (it’s worth it!). But, if 11 days are your goal, we’ve got you covered. This whistlestop Sri Lanka holiday takes in the sacred and historic city of Kandy , then sees you flying through the tea hills on one of the most beautiful train rides on earth. Then you’ll be spotting wildlife in Udawalawe National Park before winding up sunning yourself on a sandy southwest beach . This holiday is short, but perfectly formed. 1 night Negombo – 2 nights Kandy – 2 nights Tea Country – 1 night Udawalawe National Park – 3 nights Southwest Coast Beach     Sri Lanka and the Maldives – 14 days   If you’re looking for a holiday that ticks all of the memorable holiday tick boxes, this is it . You’ll explore two of Sri Lanka’s great ancient cities, Sigiriya and Kandy. You’ll get the chance to spot countless wild elephants in Minneriya National Park. You’ll hop on a stunning train ride through the tea country. And last – but absolutely not least – you’ll find yourself unwinding in absolute paradise on a Maldives beach . That doesn’t sound too shabby to us! 2 nights Sigiriya – 2 nights Kandy – 2 nights Tea Country – 1 night Colombo – 5 nights Maldives Beach       Travel is what we do and we’re never happier than when we’re designing completely bespoke, tailor-made adventures for you. So, give us a call on 01242 253 073 to chat to our Sri Lanka experts, Rebecca and Lisa, about getting your dream Sri Lanka holiday in the diary – we’re here to help!  

What’s your role at Holiday Architects? I design holidays to Morocco , Oman and Lebanon .   Why do you love travel? I couldn’t wait to hit the road once I had finished university – in fact, I went off interrailing on the same day as I handed in my dissertation. Since then my life has revolved around travel, and for me it’s all about an exploration about how other people live and discovering the world’s magnificent scenery at the same time. Learning to understand the diversity of our amazing planet is something that takes a lifetime and I’m here for the job!   How did you find yourself working in travel? After travelling straight out of university back in 2009, I have spent every day since then figuring out a way to travel as much as possible. I spent six years after that living as a travel writer on the road, at first here there and everywhere. I then had longer stints living in Latin America and Canada, before coming back to the UK and Ireland spending a year travelling around to discover my homeland, and spending a further year in Portugal after that. Now I enjoy life living in the Cotswolds and the job at HA allows me to share my passion for travel with clients, and I still spend most weekends travelling closer to home to feed my curiosity to always be discovering!   What do you love doing when you’re not designing holidays? Any opportunity I get to talk about my dog and I’ll take it – Lyra is a Beagle x Collie and has run our household since 2020! She is our lockdown fur baby and comes on holiday with us in our campervan all the time; we’ve taken her to France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as all around the UK. Otherwise in my spare time you’ll find me stomping up hills, avidly reading, and cooking up a storm in my kitchen.   We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner? As one of the office’s chief foodies, this is a difficult one, but I’ve listened to enough episodes of the Off Menu podcast to have really put some thought into this over the years! I would have some sort of incredible pasta to start (complete with a snowdrift of cheese), a Sri Lankan feast from this incredible place in Cheltenham as my main, probably with a non-sensical side of dauphinoise potatoes, and sticky toffee pudding to finish. These all come with dream locations and drink pairings of course so if you want more detail you’ll have to give me a bell and I’ll give you the full version!   What’s your karaoke tune? Don’t Speak by No Doubt       Tell us more about Morocco… What makes it special? There are too many things about Morocco to pick just one thing. I’ve been to the country five times now and discover something new on every return visit! If I really had to say a couple, I would of course say the food – Morocco’s cuisine is absolutely delicious! – and I think the people. They are so warm-hearted and welcoming, I am bowled over at their kindness every time I visit.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? It’s got to be staying overnight in the Sahara Desert – nothing beats that feeling of total silence as you watch the sun rise or set over the dunes. We also have a beautiful and very secluded camp too so you’ll get none of the noise or light from nearby, making it feel really special.   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Morocco? Aside from the desert I’d have to say Fez – as vehicles aren’t allowed in the medina it has a very different feel to Marrakesh ; slightly calmer. It’s also the city of handicrafts so I could happily spend days wandering around picking up homewares to take back to the UK with me! The tanneries are something else too – something so Moroccan that you could watch for hours (if only it didn’t smell so bad!!)   Tell us something most people don’t know about Morocco It’s HUGE! Most people don’t realise it takes 10-12 hours to drive from Marrakesh to reach the Sahara , and I feel like maps just don’t convey its scale very well. That just means there is more to love though, and you could spend weeks travelling around to see it all. I would definitely recommend splitting the north and south between two different trips, or setting aside a good three weeks for it.         Tell us more about Oman… What makes it special? For Oman , I think it has to be the scenery and authentic culture. Just south of Muscat there are the Hajar Mountains, which is for sure my favourite part of the country. Think jaw-dropping canyons, traditional mud-walled villages, and the waft of frankincense drifting through souks. This is where you’ll see the real Oman, and it’s totally intoxicating.     What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? I think the livestock market in the mountain town of Nizwa is one of the memories that really sticks out for me. This is a maelstrom of activity, where locals from across the countryside come to trade goats, cows, camels – you name it! It’s a chaotic morning but well worth it as it’s a bit of culture that has remained unchanged for a long time.   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Oman? It’s got to be the Hajar Mountains , a couple of hours south of Muscat. This is home to the Omani Grand Canyon , and some of the very best scenery the country has to offer. I love hiking so this region is heaven for me – nothing beats going for a walk in this sublime scenery, surrounding by vast chasms of rock all around you.       Tell us something most people don’t know about Oman. There isn’t much of a food scene in Oman , unless you love goat and rice (which they do cook very well in fairness!). I know that in itself doesn’t sound very exciting, but it just means that they take inspiration from their neighbours and closeby instead – you get a really delicious mix of Persian, Lebanese, Turkish, and India food here, meaning you won’t be eating the same thing over and over again during your stay!     Tell us more about Lebanon… What makes it special? The best thing about Lebanon is that totally distinct culture – food, history and modern life all combine to make Lebanon an amazing place to travel. It’s been given such a bad rep in the last few decades, and the news has not helped that at all, but travelling there feels so safe and exciting, and the people are just delightful. They are so keen to always show the real Lebanon, and prove there is so much to love.   What’s your favourite memory from your time spent there? Hiking in the Qadisha Valley , where you can witness all these hidden monasteries carved into the cliffs – a remnant of when monks were driven into the hills and had to live here in exile. It’s a really unique part of Lebanese culture, unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else in the world!   Where’s your favourite place to visit in Lebanon? I think the Roman ruins at Baalbek stunned me the most – I have never seen such incredible history, so quiet and untouched as no one is there! They are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins on the planet, and it’s impossible not to feel humbled by their towering columns.   Tell us something most people don’t know about Lebanon. It’s so small! Lebanon is half the size of Wales, so you only need a couple of weeks to really get under the skin of the country and see the vast majority of it.       Emma and the rest of team HA are always on hand to talk holidays. Have a clear idea of where you fancy? Or not sure and need to chat things through? Give us a call on 01242 253 073 to find out more. We’re here to help!