Travel blog

This Costa Rica holiday offer is perfect for couples wanting to get away, reconnect and spend quality time together in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Highlights: One of the most scenic waterfalls in Costa Rica, local experiences, the tropical magic of the Osa Peninsula, whale watching, kayaking and beaches galore in Manuel Antonio National Park. Travel dates: 01 October 2021 – 12 December 2021 (excluding 24-30 November as it’s Thanksgiving) Duration: 12 days Costa Rica Holiday Offer price: £3,395 per perso n (includes saving of £735 per person) Offer includes: International f lights, accommodation, transfer, tours on a mostly private basis   Dive in to the beauty that awaits you below….   Day One – Fly to Costa Rica After popping your feet up on your flight to Costa Rica – and trying to keep the excitement at bay! (easier said than done, trust us) – you’ll be greeted by your own private local guide and driver. You’ll be whisked straight off into the stunning Costa Rica wilderness for a three night stay at Chayote Lodge. It’s just a 45-minute drive from the city, but you wouldn’t know it. Just check out the view for starters! Day Two – El Toro Waterfall Tour After a luscious breakfast, you’ll head to Los Bajos del Toro, a small village surrounded by rainforest in the slopes of the Poas Volcano. The natural forest surrounding the village is home to the Toro Amarillo Waterfall, one of the most scenic falls in Costa Rica. Your guided tour will lead you to Catarata del Toro, through local plantations of potatoes, cabbage and pasture fields. You’ll be walking for around 30 minutes, descending a jungle path, along which birds, butterflies, hummingbirds – and sometimes armadillos – can be seen. As you make your way through the mesmerising natural forest, you’ll be rewarded with some of Costa Rica’s most scenic views. You’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch before heading back to your lodge in the afternoon.   Day Three – Costa Rica through food tour Here at HA, we never underestimate the value of authentic, local experiences on your travels. Speaking to and learning from the local people in the places you visit, really is one of the most rewarding and eye-opening parts of a holiday. With that in mind, today you’ll enjoy a visit to a local home and learn how Costa Rican food is prepared using traditional ways. Doña Elida will share with you her culinary secrets making “gallo pinto” the national dish of Costa Rica in her wood stove! This experience is as authentic as it is delicious – an absolute must for foodies. After enjoying your local lunch, you’ll head back to your lodge for a spot of relaxation. More local experiences await this afternoon, with a visit to Don Carlos’ coffee farm to learn about his plantations and the history behind a coffee cup.   Day Four – Scenic flight to the Osa Peninsula Today you’ll travel back to the airport for a short and scenic flight to the Osa Peninsula . The weight limit for these flights will be 18kgs (the planes aren’t very big!!), so you’ll need to remember this when packing for your holiday. You’ll spend the next four nights at one of our favourite lodges in the whole of Costa Rica. Read on to find out why we love it so much!   Days Five to Eight – Enjoy real ‘Pura Vida’ in the Osa Peninsula El Remanso lodge is one of our absolute favourite lodges in Costa Rica. It’s exceptionally well run and combines comfortable accommodation, value for money, beautiful setting and exceptional guides. What more could you want?! If there is more, you’re in luck. Because you don’t have to venture far from the lodge to find pristine jungle trails filled with monkeys, sloths and myriad birds. It’s a truly magical place to be. *Disclaimer. With rooms and views like this, you may struggle to leave the lodge!   Day Nine – Travel to Manuel Antonio Today, El Remanso lodge will be transferring you to Puerto Jimenez, where you’ll be met by your private chauffeur-guide for the rest of the journey to your next destination, Manuel Antonio National Park . The journey west takes about four hours, following the scenic central Pacific coast. There will be plenty of time for stops on the way, should you wish to stretch your legs or take some memory snaps of the beautiful country around you. And just look at the magic that awaits you at the end of the drive… Manuel Antonio really is a special national park . The lush emerald green jungle is generously edged with stunning white-sand tropical beaches. They’re so beautifully quiet too, so you won’t be fighting for a spot to laze on! The turquoise water is beautifully clear and perfect to snorkel in right off the beach. Explore the wonderfully colourful coral reefs or exert some energy and test your balance with a spot of surfing!   Day Ten – Mangrove kayaking at Damas Island A change of pace awaits you today, with a half-day tour through the mangroves of Damas Island. Your adventure begins on the Paquita River, with its gentle currents nestled beneath a verdant forest canopy which attracts plentiful birds and lively capuchin monkeys. Your guide will explain the unique ecosystems in the brackish waters and mangroves here as you glide along by kayak for about two hours. You’ll have the option to indulge in a local lunch either before or after your kayaking, depending on whether you fancy a morning or afternoon adventure!   Day Eleven – Wow at whales in the wild Time for a real ‘bucket-list-ticker’ today! This half-day whale watching tour from Punta Uvita Beach will *hopefully* see you wowed and in total awe of these giants of the ocean. You’ll visit the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tail at Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets and Ventana Sea Caves whilst on your search for a glimpse of these magnificent mammals. During your time on the water, your guide will be searching for both humpback and pilot whales, as well as three different species of dolphin who are often seen playing and frolicking in the waters!   If granted the opportunity – we’re crossing all of our fingers and toes for you! –  you might see and hear the humpback whales and or observe the acrobatic displays of the dolphins. As well as searching for these wild wonders, you’ll visit the coral ad rock reefs for a chance to snorkel and take in the varied marine wildlife that call the area home. While cruising along, take in the scenic beauty of the coastline of Costa Ballena; observe the diversity of pelagic birds in the Islets and the amazing caverns of Ventanas Beach. You won’t be short of magic to see on this trip! (Plus, if conditions permit, the experienced captain will navigate the boat through the nearby natural water passages to give you a spectacular view!)     Day Twelve – Enjoy the beaches of Manuel Antonio After an action packed few days of excursions, we always think it’s so important to allow some time to just enjoy your surroundings. So, spend today soaking up all there is to soak up in this absolutely glorious edge of the world. Explore more of the tropical jungles and their wildlife, try your hand at a new water sport or simply treat yourself to a day spent lazing on the dream-like beaches. The choice is always yours! If there are any extra activities you’d like to book in, let us know and we’ll always do our best to make them happen for you! Day Thirteen – Travel back to the airport Today will be a little bittersweet! You’ll be beautifully relaxed, rejuvenated, and full of new Costa Rican memories, but it’s time to make your way back to the airport. Your chauffeur-guide will collect you from Manuel Antonio for your private transfer back to San Jose. The drive can take around two and a half hours, and sometimes Costa Rican traffic can be a little on the heavy side! So, we’d always recommend leaving plenty of time before your flight. Just in case! Day Fourteen – Welcome home And that’s the end of your ‘Pura Vida’ Costa Rica holiday. But with the beautiful sights, stunning memories, and no doubt endless photographs, we hope you’ll relive this magical Costa Rican escape time and time again.   It’s so rare we do offers here at HA as we’re always working our hardest behind the scenes to ensure we’re offering the very best price possible to you. However, due to the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism industry in Costa Rica, we’ve been able to work closely with our ground agents to secure this fantastic Costa Rica holiday offer. The availability is very limited, so we recommend getting in touch as soon as you can to chat to Lou, our Costa Rica specialist, more about this holiday if it tickles your fancy! You can give her a call on 01242 253 073 or email her at [email protected] if you want to chat more about it!    

This romantic winter getaway features cosy 4 and 5* boutique riads and lodges with upgraded rooms, Moroccan culture, stunning scenery and relaxation Highlights: Relax on the coast in Essaouira, unwind at your spa hotel amidst the rolling hills of the Atlas Mountains, sleep under the stars in a lavish tented camp in the Agafay Stone Desert and indulge your senses in Marrakesh before returning to the comfort of your luxury riad. Travel dates: November – December 2021 (selected departures) Duration: 9 nights / 10 days Morocco Holiday Offer price: £2,260 per person (includes saving of £370 per person ) Offer includes: International flights, luggage, accommodation, romantic hammam experience, sunset camel ride, massage and a souk and medina tour   This is just one of many tempting offers we’ve managed to secure for 2021 holidays. See them all here.   Dive in to the adventure that awaits you below…. Day One – Fly to Marrakesh, transfer to Essaouira After landing in Marrakesh, your guide will drive you to your hotel in the charming coastal town of Essaouira . The journey takes around three hours, but this breezy, characterful town is the perfect place to start your romantic Morocco holiday. Picture yourself sipping on a steaming pot of traditional mint tea, looking out over the ocean as locals fish and go about their day. The vibe in Essaouira is exactly what you’d expect from a coastal city: Relaxed, chilled and a much more calming introduction to this exotic country than the bigger, more central cities would be. Plus, the locals are so friendly and welcoming to tourists too, so you’ll be welcomed, soothed and seduced by this place in equal measure. View from Villa Maroc Villa Maroc, Essaouira Villa Maroc is luxurious but still maintains a relaxed energy (a bit like Essaouira itself!) After checking into your room, you’ll enjoy a complimentary dinner, served in the romantically lit courtyard. Soak up the atmosphere, sample flavours of Morocco and ease into your romantic escape. Day Two – Explore Essaouira Explore the medina On your first morning in Morocco, indulge in a leisurely breakfast before heading into the medina to catch the sellers slowly opening up their stalls for business. As you arrive at the old city walls, prepare to be charmed by the white and blue walls of Essaouira’s medina. It’s worth the early alarm as the streets will be quieter in the mornings, giving you more opportunity to browse and brush off your haggling skills! Compared to the hustle and bustle of Morocco’s bigger cities, Essaouira will give you time to find your feet, get the grips with bits of the local lingo and settle in to the Moroccan pace of life. Amble between the towering whitewashed buildings, along the narrow streets lined with stalls blanketed in colourful rugs and wooden crafts and spice stalls selling a rainbow of flavourful powders. If we can give you one tip, put the map away! There’s something truly magical about fully immersing yourself in a new place, and one of the best ways to do this is to get lost, on purpose. It will be good practice for Marrakesh too, you’ll be old hands by then! Essaouira See the fisherman at work in the fishing harbour Once you’ve explored Essaouira’s beautiful little medina, head to the bustling fishing port to walk the ancient ramparts, built in 1506 by the Portuguese. The smell of the ocean will hit you as you stroll along the waterfront, watching the frenzy of activity as the fishermen sort their catches of the day. If photography is your thing, you’ll want your camera handy as you explore this picturesque harbour. The characterful faces of the locals, the beautiful blue fishing boats, the white washed walls of the medina against the (hopefully) blue sky are sure to make for some fantastic holiday snaps.   Scala Du Port Scala du Port is a must-visit during your time in Essaouira. (Particularly if you’re a Game of Thrones fan!) Channel your inner Daenerys and climb the walls of the fort for the best view of the medina that you could hope to get. Here’s one of our Morocco specialists, Rebecca, making full, smiley use of the photo opportunity on one of her many visits to the city. If you’re the sorts to counter your romance with a healthy dollop of active adventure, then there’s plenty of that to be had in Essaouira. Why not go camel riding along the beach or make use of the wind and take to the shores for some watersports? Surf lessons are also available from many of the surf shops along the shoreline (if that floats your board!). Day Three – Learn to cook the local cuisine Here at HA, we truly value local experiences. And what better way to really get under the skin of a country, than to learn how to cook the local food? Not only do you get to meet and interact with locals, but you get a delicious meal, a sense of achievement, and learn something new that you can wow your friends with when you return home. It’s a win all round. Our favourite Essaouira cooking class is located in a former almond warehouse with stone arches, near the entrance of the medina. You will use a combination of modern and traditional kitchen equipment and cooking techniques to prepare a fully authentic Moroccan meal. Your menu for the day could be made up of any of the following: chicken or fish pastilla, lamb tagine with almonds and dates, seabass tagine with vegetables, kefta tagine with eggs, harira soup, and seven vegetable couscous. So, make sure you turn up complete with a big appetite!   Day Four – Transfer to the Atlas Mountains Today you’ll head to the Atlas Mountains where beautiful green rolling hills, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, await you. Nestled within 60 acres of parkland, flower beds, olive trees, orchards and plenty of rose bushes, your hotel is a real treat. La Roseraie is the only spa hotel in the Atlas Mountains and the tranquil pool makes it the perfect place to unwind and relax before exploring the surrounding villages and getting a taste of mountain life. This romantic Morocco holiday offer includes an upgrade to a suite, adding a real touch of elegance to your stay. For a slice of next-level pampering, why not book into the hotel spa and make use of the traditional hammam, jacuzzi and heated indoor pool. We could all use a bit of R&R after the last 18 months! Domaine de la Roseraie, Atlas Mountains The pool at La Roseraie is nothing short of magic. Can’t you just picture yourself lounging on one of those plush seats, taking in your surroundings and looking forward to the adventures still to come?   The Atlas Mountains   Day Five – Guided walk in Ouirgane If you can tear yourself away from the calming oasis of your hotel, we hugely recommend taking off on a guided walk in Ouirgane. In the heart of Berber country, this is the perfect opportunity to get an authentic glimpse into the rural mountain life that the Atlas Mountains are known for. On the fringes of the Toubkal National Park, the Valley of Ouirgane is a place of farmland and dramatic mountain backdrops, threaded through with the Ouirgane Dam reservoir. Your walk will take in all of these sights, including seeing traditional Berber farmers at work in this remarkably fertile hideaway. Today, the Berber people proudly call themselves ‘ amazigh’ (m), ‘ tamazight’ (f) or ‘ imazighen’ (plural), which means ‘free men’ or ‘noble people.’ After a delicious picnic lunch, as you make your way back downhill, you’ll also see an unusual piece of history, a Jewish quarter in the village of Anraz. This full-day guided walk includes five hours of easy-moderate walking in total. (And you could always book back into the hotel spa to sooth your weary limbs once you get back… we know we would be!)   Day Six – A night under the stars in Agafay Stone Desert This morning you’ll transfer into the Agafay Stone Desert to enjoy a completely different, almost otherworldly landscape. What’s more, the White Camel Lodge is the ultimate in decadent desert luxury. You’ll struggle to spend a more opulent night under the stars than here. As if that wasn’t already romantic enough, this evening you have a sunset camel ride included in your stay. Watch the sun sink below the horizon, painting the wide sky all shades of pinks and red as you enjoy this rather unique (and slightly rocky) form of transport. White Camel Lodge, Agafay Stone Desert White Camel Lodge, Agafay Stone Desert The pool at White Camel Lodge really is something to write home about. Taking a dip in the infinity pool, whilst gazing out across the far-reaching plains of the stone desert and Atlas Mountains beyond, is sure to be a stand out memory from your romantic Morocco holiday. Day Seven – Journey to Marrakesh Just a quick one hour transfer today and you’ll find yourself in the buzzing medina of Marrakesh. Quite the contrast to the wide open spaces and starry skies of the stone desert, Marrakesh is one of the jewels in Morocco’s crown. La Maison Arabe is your calming oasis in the midst of the narrow lanes, sounds, smells and choas of the medina. Hidden behind imposing and impressive, carved wooden doors, this riad hotel is almost palatial in style. We think it’s the perfect place to slink back to after a day of exploring the souks and medinas. Plus, being so central, you don’t have far to go either. It’s the perfect riad for your romantic Morocco holiday. We’ve included a complimentary 30 minute massage during your stay, because what romantic escape would be complete without a spot of ultimate pampering?   Day Eight – Half-day souks and me dina tour This morning you’ll enjoy a complimentary medina tour with a knowledgeable, local guide inside the exciting souks of Marrakesh . Prepare yourself for a true feast for the senses here. On your tour, you’ll taste delicious regional produce, smell the heady aromas of spice and oil, be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of colour that surrounds you, all whilst a symphony of sounds surrounds you. We love the madness of Marrakesh. However, when you return to the tranquillity of La Maison Arabe after your day of adventure, you’ll be thankful for the peaceful retreat and calming oasis. The ideal spot to relax before heading back out to explore the electric atmosphere of Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, by night.   Day Nine – Food tasting tour We’re sure you’ll have a real taste for the Moroccan cuisine by now, so we want to ensure you have your fill of it before flying home! With that in mind, for your final afternoon we’ve arranged a food tasting tour with a local guide to show you the delicacies of the city. You’ll visit a traditional bakery, explore a spice souk, peruse the olive, preserved lemons and date stands, and sample some delicious Tangia in the square. After washing all of this tastiness down with an exquisite Moroccan mint tea, your bellies will be happy, and so will you! Sfenj – Moroccan doughnuts/fritters made from a sticky and unsweetened leavened dough. Eat as they come or you can choose to dust with sugar if you have a sweet tooth. Perfect with mint tea!   Day Ten – Time to fly home We predict today will be a sad day, the end of a holiday always is! But, after ten beautiful days of exploring this alluring country, you’ll have plenty to reminisce about on your flight home.   It’s so rare we do offers here at HA as we’re always working our hardest behind the scenes to ensure we’re offering the very best price possible to you. However, due to the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism industry in Morocco, we’ve been able to work closely with our ground agents to secure this fantastic romantic Morocco holiday offer. The availability is very limited, so we recommend getting in touch as soon as you can to chat to Rebecca or Emma, our Morocco specialists, more about this holiday if it tickles your fancy! You can give them a call on 01242 253 073 or email [email protected] if you want to chat more about it!

A note from our founder, Andy  “This week, we marked the 11th birthday of Holiday Architects. Last year, our 10th birthday, was originally planned to be a big celebration of all we’d achieved in the preceding decade – growth, nice new offices, and of course many, many very happy clients with amazing holiday memories. Instead we found ourselves in a battle for survival, along with the rest of the travel industry, dealing with the complete shutdown of international travel, a scenario even the most pessimistic of industry leaders had never planned for. So, whilst we did put out a short note recognising our 10th birthday, I felt it wasn’t really appropriate to be popping champagne corks and breaking out the bunting. A year on, and the picture is much brighter. I think we’ve all seen enough of Covid to know that I’d be foolish to say the travel industry is completely out of the woods yet. But, with the (long-overdue) simplification of travel regulations and the recognition that travel can be undertaken safely, announced last week, there is now a clear light at the end of the tunnel. For the first time since March 2020, I feel we can plan for the future with confidence again. As you’ll have seen in our updates recently, we’ve just had our first set of clients travel since the pandemic hit; I can’t tell you how good that feels. The team here have been incredible over the last 18 months, ensuring we’ve kept in touch with you and postponing holidays to ensure you have had something to look forward to when the situation improves. But, we’ve been unable to do what we all really love: working with you to design new holidays and getting you away on those fantastic trips to experience new cultures, visit new sites, relax in new environments, and build new memories. So we’re all thrilled to be doing that again, and it’s happy serendipity that it coincides with our birthday and the major easing of travel restrictions. Celebrating “round” milestones (, 10th, 20th etc) is all fairly arbitrary – I think that based on our experience of the last two years, I’ll be celebrating 11th anniversaries and birthdays with much more vigour in the future. HA’s 11th birthday does feel like it marks the beginning of our recovery from the pandemic, and I think the next chapter, as we rebuild, will be as exciting and enjoyable as any period since I first opened the doors on 17th September 2010. I can’t wait to see where it takes us, and I’m delighted to have you – our wonderful clients – coming with us on the journey!”   Andy, HA Founder     With recent news sounding much more optimistic for the travel industry (and your holidays), we now have a list of tempting destinations that you can book to travel to right now! So do give us a call on 01242 253 073 to talk all things holidays. In search of some holiday inspiration? Below are a few of the destinations you can book to travel to with HA right now…   * We’re so chuffed that Sri Lanka has been moved to the ‘clear’ list. However, due to current restrictions in the country, we’d recommend looking at departures towards the end of the year.

Oh, what a feeling!  Sound the klaxon… the moment we’ve been waiting so long for is finally here! And, quite frankly, we’re a little beside ourselves about it. After what feels like years, and many a grey hair later, we’ve finally sent our first clients away on holiday since borders closed in March 2020. HA pioneers, the Sussexes, have safely returned from their week-long holiday in Jordan and they’ve been kind enough to send us a selection of fantastic photos from their trip already – as well as valuable feedback on their experience. Receiving our first TrustPilot review from travelling clients in a long while was a serious moment for us!     As we specialise in an exclusive portfolio of long-haul destinations , getting our first clients on holiday again has taken a little while longer to get to than we had hoped. But we’ve made it! We have every confidence that this is the start of a gradual return to normal for HA and your holidays, and we couldn’t be happier.   Pre-departure and at the airport “Here are a couple of pictures at the airport as we wait to get our flight to Jordan. We have been a bit anxious the last few days as we got the PCR test, and completed all the paperwork needed to fly. However, the advice and guidance from HA was perfect and the testing itself was very easy once we got to the testing center. Very professional and we got the results in just 36 hours, plenty of time to print out for our trip! So we have made it through check-in and security with everything going so smoothly, all that planning seems very worthwhile. Now we can get excited about our week in a most amazing country. Here’s looking forward to a great holiday!” The Sussexes   The ancient city of Jerash “Some more from our holiday, the astonishing Jerash , an extremely well preserved Roman city. Our very well read guide, Farud, provided an interesting tour and was very pleased to see tourists coming back to Jordan.” The Sussexes Exploring Wadi Rum “Some photos from the astonishing Wadi Rum and our accomodation at the fabulous Memories Aicha Camp . Wish we could stay longer!” The Sussexes Memories Aicha Camp Experience the otherworldly landscapes of the Wadi Rum – Take me there >   A “dream fulfilled” at Petra “Centrepiece of our holiday, a day spent in Petra. Walked more than 10 km over a long day, including climbing to the monastery which was well worth the effort for the views across the mountains alone.  The locals are polite and very pleased to see tourists return, always helpful and hospitable. The Treasury was magnificent,  a dream fulfilled for me! Last night we had a great time at Petra kitchen, learning to cook Jordanian style and then eating our efforts. A lot of fun, instructive and entertaining ????” The Sussexes   With travel restrictions easing, it’s finally starting to feel like normality is within reach. But, we understand you may have some concerns about getting away on that holiday we all need so much. That’s what we’re here for! We’re at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 to simplify things and put your mind at ease. Get in touch today >

Today is #NationalBookLoversDay . We love a good book here at HA. Books are there for the dreamers, they’re there to allow us an escape to another time, place or world. For many, they’ve been a bit of a salvation this last year or so, allowing us to travel to far of shores during a time when, for once, that wasn’t possible. To mark the occasion, here are 5 travel-related books recommended by our travel-loving team, for those days when you want to kick back, relax, and transport yourself to a far-off world…   1. The Travelling Cat Chronicles – Hiro Arikawa Fenton, our Japan expert, was quick to recommend this book. His review: ‘Melancholy and heart-warming in equal measures, this is the story of a man and his cat that will appeal to even the most die-hard ‘dog person’.  A unique glimpse into modern, rural Japan that will make you want to retreat to the countryside to contemplate life itself.’ Inspired? Check out our Classic Japan sample itinerary here. 2. Arabia – Levison Wood This book follows Levison’s adventures through the heart of the Middle East. Following in the ancient footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, this book is an account of Levison’s 5000-mile journey through the heart of the Middle East. Travelling through 13 countries, crossing the Arabian Peninsula, and learning about the region through the stories and lives of the people he meets, it’s a fascinating insight into a world we don’t often hear about. This book will transport you away from your sofa to a land of epic mystery, history, religious and spiritual adventure. Have an Arabian adventure of your own in Oman . Find out more .   3. Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux Paul Theroux is the father of the iconic interviewer, Louis. This book follows his travels from Cairo to Cape Town in the most authentic way possible, only taking one flight – an impressive feat at 60 years old! Theroux really takes you deep under the skin of Africa, referring to it as a ‘dark star’ as he makes his way through lands that have faced many troubles and adversities over the years. Travelling through Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania , Uganda and South Africa (and more!) this is a tale of unpredictable adventures and the pages give you a window into real Africa. Experience Africa for yourself on this Ultimate Uganda sample itinerary . 4. The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara The Motorcycle Diaries are the diaries of a young Guevara as he embarks on an epic adventure and explores the wonders of South America on the back of a bike. Reading tales written by iconic Che Guevara is never a bore and the pages are crammed full of dramatic adventures and youthful escapades as Che travels from one drink to the next. The adventures in this book would make for an eventful life and full memoir alone, without the epic life he had to come. If you’re more of a film buff than a bookworm, then you’re in luck. Che’s adventures were made into an Oscar-winning film back in 2004, the perfect Sunday film to wake your wanderlust. Inspired? Get off the beaten travel in Argentina on this Northern Off-Road Adventure . 5. Married to a Bedouin – Marguerite van Geldermalsen This is the tale of Marguerite, a New Zealand-born nurse, who met a Bedouin whilst travelling through the Middle East in 1978. Mohammed, a charismatic souvenier-seller, invited her and her friend to stay in his cave and, never ones to turn down an adventure, they said yes. And that was the beginning of their love story. They married and lived together within the 2,000 year old ancient caves of Petra. She worked as the resident nurse and learned to live like the Bedouin. She’d cook traditional dinners over an open fire, collect water using donkeys, and drink sweet black tea. Her story is truly extraordinary and makes for a fantastic read. Explore Petra and other highlights on our Classic Jordan sample itinerary .   We understand that things are still fairly uncertain right now. But we’re at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 or email to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year or next. We can’t wait to get you travelling again! Get in touch today.

Canada is open for travel! A Canada holiday is all about the scenery and the experiences. With more lakes than anywhere else in the world (said to be over 3 million!!), the spectacular snow-capped Rocky Mountains , cosmopolitan cities and more iconic wildlife than you can wave a maple leaf at, we warn you – one visit may not be enough! So, dive in below to… 4 of our favourite Canada holiday itineraries designed to wake your wanderlust 1. Eastern Canada Autumn Odyssey Autumn is the most beautiful time to explore Canada, so this two-week itinerary could be the perfect choice if you’re hoping to get away as soon as possible this year. Towards the end of September and into October, the far-eastern provinces burst to life with a rainbow of magnificent colours. From the forests and heather which cover the rolling hills to the city parks, fiery yellow, orange and red slowly blazes across the landscape, the views will have you pulling over the car to take photos at every turn. Plus, autumn is the end of the main tourist season, so you’re guaranteed a relaxing self-drive itinerary without the hoards of leaf-peepers that New England experiences at this time of year. Highlights include Halifax , Cape Breton and Fredricton … All the beauty, without the crowds! Explore more > 2. Canada Family Road Trip We’re going to hedge our bets that every member of your family is in need of a holiday right now (and fully deserving of one too!). This roadtrip would make the perfect summer Canada holiday with all the family. Get away, reward the kids for their resilience this last year and make new memories together. Your route takes in the diverse scenery of British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains with a bit of adventure thrown in along the way for good measure. Explore the vibrant city of Vancouver , before diving headfirst into the activity centres of Whistler and Banff . Finish your trip in the more laid-back parts of British Columbia such as Sun Peaks and the Okanagan , which also benefit from beautiful summer temperatures. This is a family holiday you won’t forget in a hurry! Explore more > 3. Canadian Icons Canada is home to a seriously impressive number of iconic sights and breathtaking scenery, we’re fairly certain you’ll want to return again and again. But, we have good news! It is possible to experience many of its best bits in one trip. This highlights itinerary starts with a few days in the bustling city of Toronto , including a full-day trip to perhaps the most famous Canadian icon of them all – Niagara Falls. You’ll then take to the skies to fly west to Vancouver and start your breathtaking roadtrip through Whistler and interior British Columbia across to the impressive Rocky Mountains. This is a nicely paced itinerary with some beautiful drives and by the end, you’ll have a real feel for this wonderful country and will have enjoyed some of the best bits it has to offer. Explore more > 4. Eastern Canada 10 day City Break The cities of eastern Canada all offer a wonderfully distinct character and flavour. The sprawling city of Toronto is a cosmopolitan metropolis nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario; Ottawa is the political capital, full to bursting with world-class museums; Canada’s most flamboyant city, Montreal , effortlessly blends traditional French flair with cosmopolitan creativity; and the French, walled city of Quebec is the perfect place to explore the jumble of narrow streets lined with boutique shops, street performers and artisan eateries. As if all that wasn’t enough, swing by the staggering Niagara Falls for a bucket-list worthy experience to remember.  Exploring the Eastern cities can feel a bit like visiting four different countries in one holiday, which we love! Whether you choose to relax and travel by train between the cities or get behind the wheel yourself for a road trip adventure, this Canada holiday come city break won’t disappoint. Explore more > We understand that things are still fairly uncertain right now. But we’re at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 or email to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year or next. We can’t wait to get you travelling again! Get in touch

Fighting the urge to pack your bags pronto and fly to exotic shores? If so, you’re in luck! Morocco is open for travel, ready to welcome you and could well be the perfect place for that post-pandemic getaway. What’s more, if you’re double vaccinated, you don’t have to isolate when you get home! We understand you may not feel ready to take off just yet, but we’re at the end of the phone to chat through the best way to get you away on that much-needed holiday just as soon as the time is right for you. The very mention of Morocco alone somehow manages to conjure up visions of exotic wonder. The country is bursting with ancient traditions, bright colours and sights, sounds and smells just waiting to astound your senses. With energetic cities , bustling souks, imposing mountain landscapes , sweeping deserts and quaint coastal cities , there is so much to explore. What’s more, with so much on offer, there’s something for all the family. We love an excursion that’s just a little out of the ordinary here at HA. Below, one of Moroccan specialists, Rebecca, shares 5 of her favourite quirky things to do in Morocco, that might just surprise you. This is Morocco… but not as you know it. (We know things are still fairly uncertain right now. But our team of experts are at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year).     1. Take to the skies above Marrakesh Don’t miss this chance to see Marrakesh from a completely new perspective! You’ll be pleased you did once you’re floating above the hustle and bustle of the city, powered by flame under a colourful hot air balloon. As long as the weather plays ball, you’ll take to the skies before dawn for the chance to see the sun gradually appear over the horizon, casting a stunning golden light over the beautiful countryside just north of Marrakesh. Take in the view as local villagers go about their morning, and gaze in awe as the stunning desert-like landscapes change colour in the dawn light. After landing you’ll be invited to join a local Berber family for a delicious traditional breakfast. Enjoy this unique excursion and so many more on our Ultimate Morocco holiday itinerary. 2. Go Berber! The ultimate cultural excursion This wonderfully authentic local-living experience is one of my favourites. ‘Go Berber!’ immerses you in the daily life of an authentic mountain community. Nestled in the lush Ourika Valley amid the dramatic Atlas landscape, you’ll meet a local village family. They’ll teach you to bake bread and prepare traditional tagine, before gathering around a pot of traditional mint tea (made by you of course!) for a chance to get to know each other better. Your guide will be there to help with any language barriers, so don’t worry about that! While your lunch is bubbling away, why not get your hands stuck into wet clay in a ceramics workshop? Later, try your hand at weaving a colourful kilim with the local women and walk the farm terraces to see the sweated labour that goes into the ancient farming methods. You’ll also meet the community’s youngest members at the charity pre-school centre where little Berbers learn Arabic in preparation for big school. This day is a real honour to experience, really allowing you a rare glimpse into a wonderfully different way of life. You can experience it on our Best of Morocco holiday. 3. Wine tasting and tree-climbing goats in Essaouira The wilds of Essaouira have a few unexpected treats in store! The land is rich and fertile, home to protected thuya wood forests, grove after grove of argan trees and, completely unexpectedly to me, vineyards! This trip starts with a drive through lovely scenery (keep an eye out for the goats who have a penchant for climbing the argan trees – many thanks to our clients, the Crawleys, for sharing the fantastic image below!) and a visit to a local woman’s collective making argan oil which is fascinating to watch. The end of the tour is the real treat – you’ll enjoy a delicious wine tasting at the locally-owned Val D’Argan estate. Sip wine, meet the locals, and ogle at the fearless goats and more on this Marrakesh, Mountains and Ocean itinerary.   4. Chasing waterfalls in the Rif Mountains Waterfalls aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you think of Morocco, but this might just change that! This adventure starts with a drive along winding mountain roads, through rugged canyons and lush valleys to Akchour village. Then you’ll dust off your hiking shoes to set off on foot following the beautiful footpaths by the river. You’ll be with a local guide, so don’t worry about getting lost! As you climb, prepare to be greeted with dramatic views of majestic peaks and the beauty of the wild natural bridge (God’s Bridge). A gradual uphill walk will lead you to the village to meet the locals and learn about their lives and work farming and herding goats and sheep. This morning ends with an amble downhill to the local restaurant for lunch, before driving along the rushing river back to the blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen.   5. Fez Food Tasting Tour You won’t find a place that feels more Moroccan than the labyrinth of narrow lanes that sprawl through the medinas of Fez . This is such a fun, foodie experience, all about interacting with locals and tasting the various Fez delicacies at vibrant food markets across the city. You’ll be led by an English-speaking guide, sampling Moroccan crepes, traditional breads in a public bakery (so delicious!), dates and olives, preserved meats, and many kinds of honey. Keep your eyes peeled for the ladies making the phyllo used for the preparation of the Pastilla, a famous Moroccan recipe of Andalusian origins. You’ll also visit a traditional mint tea café to see the tea making and try this tasty traditional hot drink for yourself before enjoying a short presentation of the different spices used in Moroccan cooking. But that’s not all! Find out more >  

Happy Freedom Day!  It’s here. The day we’ve all been waiting for. We’ve lived with restrictions on our daily lives for nearly 16 months, so this is a huge milestone in our cautious return to normality. And with restrictions at home lifting, it brings us yet another step closer to being able to travel again. There won’t be too many Monday blues today! ‘Freedom day’ brings back into focus just how important travel is, so we’ve taken the opportunity to remind ourselves why we’re so passionate about travel. For us, travel isn’t just about a fly and flop. It’s not just about a pretty beach or a top-notch hotel, it means so much more. And as friends of HA, we’re guessing you feel the same. So, in light of that and in celebration of today, here are… 8 reasons why we need travel, and why it’s more important now than ever before… (We know things are still fairly uncertain right now. But our team of experts are at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year or next.   1. Travel broadens the mind Our worlds, and our minds, would be very small and limited if we stayed within our own four walls forever more. We’ve had more of a taste of what that might be like this last year than ever before – and we’re not fans! Travel could see you learning about new cultures from the native tribes of North Vietnam , hiking to the top of Roy’s Peak in New Zealand , trying exotic street food in Japan , or simply understanding the world and its rich tapestry of people just a little more than you did before. 2. Time away can reduce stress and increase happiness Do you remember that bright-eyed look of wonder you see whenever you ask anyone how their holiday was? That’s the happiness that getting away can bring and it’s a huge part of why we need travel. Also, did you know that holidays have been said to reduce stress by up to 80%? Something we could all do with after facing a worldwide pandemic for sure. Fancy washing away the stress of the last year on a bright, white sandy beach with your toes in the turquoise blue? The Maldives could be for you…     3. We all deserve a reward, especially the kids The last year or so has been tough on us all, and if ever we deserved a little treat, pick me up or reward for ‘doing life’, it’s now. And if us fully grown humans do, our kids do even more. Having spent so long locked inside with adults, unable to play with their friends, go to school or enjoy the experiences that we all took for granted whilst growing up. So, whether you fancy a family holiday to Morocco or whitewater rafting on and adventure filled getaway to Costa Rica , we’re on the end of the phone to plan the perfect reward for all the family. 4. It can bring moments of inspiration that you never saw coming No creative spark ever came from doing the same thing day in, day out. A change of scenery and a break in routine could be just what you need to reignite those embers of creativity and return to your regular life with a renewed vigour. Travel boosts creativity. So, if you’re feeling in a slump at home, at work, at life in general, a holiday could be just what you need to find your mojo and get back into the swing of things again. Almost like when you stop trying to find something and it miraculously turns up. Few things inspire more than getting up close and personal with our natural world and that’s a huge reason why we need travel. We think seeing the Big-5 in the wild on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park might well do the trick. 5. Local communities in the places you travel need the support of tourism like never before Our travel industry at home has suffered phenomenally this last year (and continues to do so), but communities around the world are feeling it too. These families that rely on a steady stream of tourism to survive and put food on the table need us now more than ever before. So, you know that when you visit that remote village in Cambodia , take a walk with the chief of an indigenous tribe in Sri Lanka , or have lunch with a Bedouin family in Jordan , they’ll be even more grateful and happier to see you than ever before. So why we need travel is as much about others as it is about us! What’s more, it’s rare something is so big that it impacts every single person around the world in one way or another. We have a shared experience now that we’ve never really had before. And we can’t wait to get travelling again and learn what living through the pandemic was like for our friends around the world. 6. Make new memories beyond your own four walls If you’re anything like us, your travel memories will have been a huge comfort of late. Remembering the kindness of a stranger, that stunning sunrise, that time you befriended a local despite the language barrier, the good feeling that comes from supporting a small community, feeling the sunshine on your skin or the sand on your toes. Or perhaps simply sipping an ice cold cocktail excited about the adventure to come? Memories are invaluable, we now that now more than ever. And that’s a huge reason why we need travel, and why we’re so excited to design you memory-making holidays again. 7. Learn, experience and gain a new perspective After the last year of having our freedoms and normality restricted to such an extreme level, our perspectives on life has changed. People smile more, people chat more. A break from routine and the same faces, hobbies and day-to-day, can bring about unexpected inspirations and new perspectives. For example, a simple conversation with a local in Vietnam could teach you things you never expected. Perhaps you’ll be tempted to attend a live music concert and discover a new favourite band, take part in a cooking class and uncover a passion for patisserie or try your hand at an extreme sport and realise it’s what has been missing from your life all along! 8. Perhaps a little self-indulgent, but we’re back together in the office and are so excited to design your most well-deserved holiday yet. We love designing holidays. It’s what gets us going in the morning and why we love our jobs so much! It’s been a long old holiday planning drought and our team are back in full force, beyond excited to plan you the holiday to beat all holidays. Your first holiday post Covid needs to be a really special one. We get that, and we’re so excited to put everything we’ve got into making it a reality. Learn more about us here.

Good news if you’re keen to get away this year!… Double-jabbed UK tourists will be able to visit amber countries without having to quarantine on return “later this summer”.  We’re so happy to hear this. It goes without saying that whenever announcements are made about government plans, we meet them with cautious optimism. But, this really does sound like a positive step in the right direction.   With this exciting change coming later in the Summer, we wanted to whet your appetite with a couple of wonderful amber countries we’re confident you’ll be able to visit with us, *hopefully* without any need to quarantine on return.   So, grab a cuppa (or a Moroccan mint tea!), sit back and allow our Emma and Cat to explain why Morocco or Jordan could be the perfect amber country for a late summer escape for you….   Morocco Emma shares 5 reasons why Morocco is perfect to visit in late Summer… 1) The weather is the absolute best at this time of year! That means the cities aren’t too blisteringly hot, the mountains aren’t cold, and the coast isn’t too windy – it’s a great time to be in Essaouira , for example, when the wind is a cooling breeze and less of a tornado coming off the Atlantic! 2) The hotel rates are great in September because it’s after the summer holidays but just before high season kicks in. So, it’s the perfect time to go! Kasbah Bab Ourika in the Ourika Valley is one of my absolute favourite hotels, with both Riad Fes and Riad Kniza close seconds – these riads tick all the boxes. 3) We’d always recommend visiting around September time as opposed to spring, because you avoid Easter (one of the busiest times of year for travellers to Morocco) and Ramadan, when restaurants open at funny times and towards Eid lots of places close. Even the souks in Marrakesh shut down for a week around Eid, and it would be such a shame to miss those! 4) It’s a great time to visit the north of Morocco for festivals. They are such a great way to really get under the skin of a country. Experience the Festival of Voloubilis , Fantastia Festival in Meknes (which is so very Moroccan!) and the Tanjazz in Tangier if you’re visiting at the right time. They’d be such a great addition to a holiday. 5) Going at this quieter time of year means you get to explore the maze-like souks with less crowds, take your time to sip on delicious fresh mint tea and soak up the calmer atmosphere.   Jordan Cat’s top 5 reasons why Jordan would make a brilliant escape, particularly in late summer/Autumn… 1) In September, the scorching temperatures of the summer are beginning to tail off, making it the perfect time to take to the many hiking trails on offer, such as the cooling water trail of the Wadi Mujib Gorge or the ‘secret back door’ trail from Little Petra to Petra. 2) The clear skies of the Wadi Rum and Dana Nature Reserve are magic. With little chance of a cloud, you will experience a peaceful and perfectly cool night of star gazing and planet watching in the Jordan desert. 3) Petra. There is no wrong time of year to visit this mesmerising UNESCO World Heritage site, but the early morning September sun perfectly lights up the face of the Treasury and is a site not to be missed before the sun moves on and it is casted in shadow for the rest of the day. 4) The Jordanian hospitality. Whenever you visit you’ll always receive a friendly welcome and invitation to sit, relax and drink the famous and refreshing mint tea. You might also receive an invitation or two for dinner, but why not try your hand at cooking your own Jordanian dishes at the renowned Beit Sitti cookery class or Petra Kitchen . 5) With temperatures still in the regions of what we would class as the perfect UK summer, Jordan has the best places from which to cool off. Take a cooling dip in Aqaba or dive deeper to admire the spectacular coral reefs and then simply float away the stresses at the Dead Sea.     (We know things are still fairly uncertain right now. But our team of experts are at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year).