Travel blog

Bank holiday weekends were made for Attenborough  It’s looking like we’re going to finally get some glorious sunshine this weekend! And what with pubs and restaurants being fully open again, it’s set to be a good one that resembles a bit of the normal we’ve all been missing. However, you’ll be needing something to fill that horizontal sofa downtime in between outings! And we’ve got just the thing. Attenborough’s latest nature documentary ‘The Year the Earth Changed’ has just been released on Apple TV (you can nab yourselves a free trial if you don’t have it!). As well as being packed full of staggeringly beautiful animal shots – would we expect anything less?! – the show explores the impact of the global pandemic on our earth and the wildlife we share it with. “From the moment we paused, the earth was able to breath again.” – David Attenborough There are silver linings to be found in what we’ve all been through. Our wonderful World has had a chance to breath, a chance to renew itself and get all the more magical. It’s out there ready for us to start consciously exploring again.  But, we hope this time has provided a valuable lesson that we won’t forget. Humans and the natural world can coexist, just so long as we learn to always respect this incredible planet and all that call it home. As we look forward to enjoying it once more, we must keep taking the time to learn how to properly protect it and enable wildlife to continue to thrive.       Here are a few of our favourite facts from the show – it really is a must-watch!…     Morocco     After three months of lockdown, the water cleanliness of Morocco’s coastline improves dramatically, going from ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’. This is great news for the beaches of Essaouira and El Jadida !     San Francisco With traffic levels in San Francisco at their lowest levels since the 1950s, the silence has allowed for something extraordinary to happen. Researchers have heard new notes in the White-Crowned sparrow’s birdsong. These notes have never been heard before and are expected to lead to the most successful mating season in years. Uganda The endangered Mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park in Uganda have given birth to twice the usual number of babies. There are said to be only around 700 of these incredible animals left on earth, so this increase in newborns is something to celebrate for sure. Canada A reduction in ship traffic in the waters off Vancouver, Canada , has meant killer whales are able to use their sonar more effectively to hunt and feed.     New Zealand The quieter waters around New Zealand have allowed dolphins to communicate with each other three times more frequently and in different ways. (Just like us and our Zoom calls!) India The holy Ganges River in India has seen an incredible 80% increase in oxygen levels since the pandemic began. In the Northern regions of India such as Amritsar and Jalandhar, just 12 days after lockdown, something magical happened. The snow-capped peaks of the Himilayas appeared as if by magic through the smog. It’s said to be the first time the mountains have been visible from these parts in 30 years. Japan Without tourists around to feed them, the local deer in Japan’s Nara have had to adapt – and have shown some serious memory skills in the process! Researchers for the show witnessed the older deer of the group, leading their herd out of the temple grounds purposefully down a main road into the heart of the city. After a fair trek, they came to a halt at a patch of grass to feed. The elders of the group had remembered this as their old feeding ground and found their way back.     Closer to home… Incredible changes have happened all around our beautiful world. But they’re not all far-flung, distant destinations. The waters off our very own Dorset, have seen the rare Spiney seahorse multiply in numbers that haven’t been seen in a decade. Well done old Blighty!  

Since the 1960s the world population of black rhino has reduced from 100,000 to less than 5,630, with 34% of them found in spectacular Namibia. Join Emma, our Namibia specialist here at HA, as she treks on foot towards an encounter she’ll never forget…   A journey to another world As the 4×4 rumbled along the dirt track, I was transfixed on the surreal landscape outside the window, all too happy to lose myself in the vast expanse of open desert stretching off in every direction as far as I could see. As the sun sunk lower in the sky, illuminating the Mars-like plains in various shades of orange and red, my excitement rose. Finally I was going to experience something I’d always dreamed of; seeing the endangered wild, black rhino on foot – if we could find them! Suddenly Johannes, my driver, hit the brakes and stopped the vehicle. “Shhhh! Listen!!” he said. Hearing nothing, I was confused. He was laughing at me now. “That is the magic silence of Namibia,” he said. “Take it in.” I smiled when I realised he was right, the ‘sound’ of the desert really was something very special indeed. The road markings got fainter as we drove further into the Palmwag Nature Reserve, home to the last-known wild population of black rhino. Before long, the safari tents of the remote Desert Rhino Camp emerged on the horizon like a mirage. As I entered this candle-lit desert oasis, the welcome from the staff was so warm, I felt at home immediately. After an indulgent dinner under the brightest canopy of stars I’ve ever seen, our small group was given a briefing by the trackers from the Desert Rhino Trust . We huddled by the warmth of the bonfire as they explained how many of them used to be poachers and had been rehabilitated by the Trust – transforming their lives and now working tirelessly to save the black rhino species. The next morning they would set off early to look for fresh rhino tracks and we would join after a leisurely breakfast. My skin tingled in anticipation, it was suddenly all very real. The day had arrived The very smiley Alex was our guide the next morning. His radio crackled with directions from the trackers as he drove us across dry river beds through the otherworldly terrain. As we drove, Alex pointed out a herd of desert elephant walking slowly towards the horizon. Two of Namibia’s symbolic animal, the Oryx antelope, watched silently as we passed and in the distance, four giraffe ran together as if in slow motion. This would normally be a highlight, however today our focus was on the black rhino we all longed to get a glimpse of. It wasn’t long before we met Joseph, our tracker, and it was time to follow the traces on foot to give us the best chance of getting a glimpse of a rhino. As we trekked over the red hills of the Namibian desert, the African sun beating down on us with its relentless rays, the excitement amongst the group was building. We inched around small rocky outcrops as Joseph explained that the time we would spend with the rhino would be limited. The focus on respecting the boundaries of the wildlife is so important and at HA we always ensure any wildlife excursions we recommend follow the same protocol. An unforgettable encounter Suddenly, Joseph stopped and raised his hand. He turned to us as he smiled and pointed. There, looking right in my direction, just 150 yards from us was a magnificent female black rhino. Joseph signalled to us to stay still and be very silent. “Try not to move too much,” he said, “she’s trying to find your scent.” Rhino have very poor eyesight, but their hearing and sense of smell more than make up for it. Joseph reassured us that, just so long as the wind blew from the opposite direction, it was safe enough to stay. But, with her ears and nose twitching, trying to find a scent, the adrenaline I felt was palpable. It felt as though she was looking right at me, but Joseph assured us we were safe. That didn’t stop my pulse quickening as this spectacular black rhino’s eyes seemed to stare straight into mine. Being on foot in the company of such a rare animal was an awe-inspiring moment I’ll never forget. And then it got even better. As Joseph quietly explained how they’re able to ID each rhino, she took a few steps to the side and we saw it. She had a baby! He was completely oblivious to our presence, happily sniffing rocks and pushing against shrubs. I could have silently watched them for hours, so honoured to be so close to them. But all too soon, Joseph told us it was time to leave them be. I turned back to savour one final glance at the mum and her baby before we slowly backed away. Africa is one of the most enchanting continents on earth. And for me, Namibia is the very special jewel in its crown. Namibia is surreal and almost ethereal in its vastness and beauty. If colossal starry skies, dramatic coastlines, endless sand dunes, far-reaching deserts, incredible wildlife and epic adventure activities are on your wish list for 2021, you won’t go wrong here.   Give Emma a call on 01242 253 073 to hear more about her Namibian adventures and start thinking about one of your own. She’s got all the hints, tips and insider knowledge to ensure it’s a holiday to remember! We know things are still fairly uncertain right now. But, we’re very much here and on hand to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year. Explore more here , request a free quote or ping us an email. We’d be so happy to hear from you.

We’ve all learnt to appreciate wide-open spaces more than ever before this last year. So we thought, what better adventure to consider for your first saunter back into the world of travel, than a self-drive holiday in your own bubble on four wheels, exploring staggeringly beautiful places away from the crowds? Here are.. 4 of our favourite remote self-drive holiday ideas… (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).   Of all Africa’s renowned safari destinations, Namibia unquestionably offers the most diverse range of landscapes, experiences and activities. A vast country with very few inhabitants, the awe inspiring scenery quickly moves from rippling sand dunes and rugged mountains to windswept coast and shimmering salt pans, it’s the perfect choice for a self-drive holiday. There are great volumes of classic Big 5 wildlife and some truly unique, desert adapted rarities. An assortment of indigenous communities provides fascinating cultural interest, while modern conservation operations are among the most successful on the continent. All this goes without mentioning an intriguing colonial history, eerie deserted ghost towns, the world’s second largest canyon and a mini version of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. And to cap it all off, Namibia is safe, clean, welcoming, relatively good value and perfectly suited to a self-drive holiday. Read more >           Canada is a vast country, offering an extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences – everything from beautiful beaches to snow-capped mountains, wild outdoor adventures to gentle lake cruises. Boasting some iconic wildlife, it is also known for the friendly locals and laid-back approach to life. This fantastic self-drive holiday through British Columbia and Alberta takes you through spectacular mountain scenery and rolling winelands so you can enjoy both the natural and man-made delights of Canada. Along the way there are some great opportunities to explore the wilderness and hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives within it. Read more>       This self-drive holiday through New Zealand captures all of the country’s breathtaking highlights in three weeks. This is a fantastic self-drive itinerary that starts in the North Island and journeys all the way down to the bottom of the South Island, taking in sights such as the geothermal centre of Rotorua , the winelands of Hawkes Bay , the wildlife at Kaikoura and beautiful Milford Sound . It also includes a ride on the scenic Tranz Alpine train. Along the way you will experience the diverse, breath-taking scenery and wide-open spaces that make New Zealand so special. The downside? One visit almost certainly won’t be enough… Read more >     This South Africa self-drive holiday is the perfect way to get away from it all, and witness some phenomenal wildlife in the process. Three nights in the Kruger is an excellent way to begin your Safari adventure, spotting all the big and little game that call the park home. There’s something indescribably special about driving yourself through the magnificent park, stopping to allow elephants to cross or to watch lions sun themselves in the long grass. From here you head to the Escarpment for two nights and explore the stunning vistas of the area. Driving into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) you stop here for the night before arriving into the KwaZulu-Natal region and spending three more nights on Safari. Finish your self-drive holiday on the coast, with the opportunity to go in search of the local marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins! Read more >   Inspired? View our full list of 31 destinations , give us a call on 01242 253 073 or simply request a free quote to start your dream holiday planning today.

Let’s face it, we’re all going to need a serious adventure once the world returns to normal. When you book a holiday with Holiday Architects, your journeys are all part of the adventure. Focusing on multi-centre trips, our adventures more often than not include journeys throughout your holiday. Whether you travel by romantic rail, take control of the wheel on a self-drive roadtrip, cruise across exotic waters to far-flung destinations or simply explore destinations unknown on your own two feet, here are nine of the greatest journeys to have around the world. (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. Canada – Travel through the mountains on the rocky mountaineer Travelling by rail is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and nostalgic ways to get from one place to the next. Considered to be one of the most beautiful rail journeys you can make, a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer will keep your eyes busy and wowed. With tracks carved through landscapes where roads can’t take you, you’re gifted the opportunity to sit back, relax and feast your eyes on some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. With tantalising hot food served to your seat as snow-capped mountains fly past the window, and expert hosts on-hand to point out wildlife and share stories throughout your journey, it’s an experience you’ll recall time and time again. Whether you choose the popular two-day option that takes you between Vancouver and either Banff or Jasper, or the slightly longer option that includes Whistler, you won’t be disappointed by this journey. The shimmering lakes, vast canyons, towering mountains and soothing motion of the train on its tracks awaits. Take me there >   2. Uganda – Hike with the endangered mountain gorillas Sometimes a journey you make under your own power is the most rewarding. Lace-up your hiking shoes, muster your energy and sense of adventure and head out into the Ugandan rainforest ready to have an encounter you’ll never forget. As you follow your guide, weaving through dense forest, open glades and steep ravines, making your way deeper and deeper into the humid green, the anticipation of what you may witness is almost palpable. Uganda is one of the only places on earth where you can see the endangered mountain gorilla in the wild. With only 1,000 of them left on this planet, sharing the same air for a whole hour with a family of them as they go about their daily lives, is beyond special. This journey requires effort, but the reward, the memories and the stories will be worth it. Take me there >   3. Japan – Ride the fastest, most efficient railway on earth If you think you know train travel, think again. To ride the Japanese Shinkansen, or bullet train as it’s commonly known, is a new experience entirely. Gone are the delays, the racing for a seat, sipping tepid coffee out of paper cups and munching on a half-stale sandwich. The Japanese know how to travel in style. These trains are immaculate and run on time – always. And we mean to the minute. Japanese rail companies have been known to issue refunds for travellers whose trains have left 30 seconds early. That would be unheard of here in the UK. And the food options available put our trains to shame. Indulge in a tempting bento box, a tantalising mix of fresh sushi and local snacks. A taste sensation awaits you as you speed through the stunning Japanese countryside at 200 miles per hour. Take me there >   4. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia – Embark on a grand tour of Indochina Take the ultimate journey through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, taking in every single one of the major sights and ticking off all of the iconic experiences as you go. There are too many highlights in South East Asia to list, but we’ll try! Bustling capital cities bursting at the seams with bikes dancing around each other. More ancient temples than you can shake a stick at, including the magnificent temples of Angkor. Laos’ laid-back Luang Prabang and Vietnam’s lantern-lit Hoi An. Visiting and learning about the hill tribes of Mai Chau. Overnighting in luxury on a traditional junk in Ha Long Bay. Cruising through the Mekong Delta from Vietnam into Cambodia. If you’ve got more than three weeks to spare, an adventure around Indochina has your name written all over it. Take me there >   5. Namibia – Track the endangered black rhino on foot The 450,000 hectare Palmwag Concession is a remote and very special place, home to Africa’s largest remaining population of endangered black rhino and one of the most unique and exciting things you can do in Southern Africa. Guests at Desert Rhino Camp have the privileged opportunity to track these fabulous animals with a skilled guide, often accompanied by a researcher for the Save The Rhino Trust, a pioneering conservation body in Palmwag for close to 20 years. This will be a journey like no other, getting you as close as you can safely get to these magnificent creatures without causing harm to them or yourself! Take me there >   6. Sri Lanka – Take one of the most scenic train rides on earth The centre of this tear-shaped island is hiding a real treat. Hop on the turquoise and blue painted train at Kandy and prepare for one of the most breathtakingly beautiful journeys you could take. Flying through the high hill country, soaring above row upon row of emerald green tea leaves, spotting the tea pickers dressed in brightly coloured traditional saris peppered amongst the leaves. Sit in the doorways, dangle your legs over the edge, feel the the cool breeze as you take in the beauty this country has to offer. At each local stop, food sellers will get on board and make their way down the aisles, selling all kinds of tasty local morsels. A beautiful train ride enriched with the flavours and smells of the country you’re travelling through is a way to really make this journey come alive. Take me there >   7. Tanzania – Make memories on a luxury safari A journey in the comfort of your private safari vehicle, through the plains of Tanzania as the glowing sun sinks lower in the sky will be a luxurious one, peppered with pinch-yourself moments from start to finish. Whether you come across a couple of loved-up lions bathing in the evening sun or a herd of elephants refreshing themselves at a watering hole, there will be no shortage of memories made. If you time it right, your adventure could perfectly coincide with one of nature’s most spectacular journeys; the wildebeest migration. The ‘confusion’ of wildebeest (a great collective noun!) are best seen in the vast southern plains between January and March, in the western corridor through the months of June and July and the jaw-droppingly beautiful northern sectors from October to November. Chat to our Tanzania specialist, Tim, about your best options to get a glimpse of this wildlife phenomenon as it unfolds. Take me there >   8. Peru – Trek the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is world-renowned as one of the most magical ancient civilisations you can visit, and for good reason. A hike to Machu Picchu will ignite excitement and stir a deep sense of wonder in your soul. Nestled in the postcard-perfect Andes mountains, this iconic site is made even more special by the fact that you must reach it on foot and expel your own precious energy to get there. There are routes of varying difficulties, from a three-day and night camping trek to a train journey followed by a one-day hike. Both options are challenging and require a fair level of fitness due to the high altitude. But, regardless of which you choose, it will be your own two feet that lead you on the journey to this iconic landmark and nothing will raise your heartrate more than the sight of this ancient and mysterious Incan civilisation when you reach the end. Take me there > 9. The Galapagos – Take an expedition cruise around these wildlife-rich islands With the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles and all sorts of marine life or hop on a dingy to explore what wildlife treats each island has in store, this is a journey unlike any other. This archipelago of islands dates back five million years and each one has a different character and unique wildlife inhabitants to discover: from Genovesa Island with its remarkable birdlife (keep your eyes peeled for the infamous blue-footed boobies or the lesser-known red-footed boobies that can be found here!) to Isabela Island with its family of 4,000 giant tortoises. Your expert naturalist guides will be able to teach you all about the islands and their inhabitants as you take in the surroundings that are unlike anywhere else on earth. For nature lovers, this Galapagos cruise is a dream journey. The animals here, having had such little contact with humans, are so inquisitive and often make their way closer to you to have a better look. Conservation is taken very seriously on the islands, with visitor numbers being strictly limited. So, it’s best to book onto one of these journeys early if you want to experience the magic for yourself! Take me there >  

A pat on the back for Team HA  We’ve recently had some news which has made us exceptionally proud. Holiday Architects has been named one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the Financial Times’ ‘FT 1000’ list for 2021. Making it onto this list, said to “provide a snapshot of Europe’s most promising growth businesses in the weeks before coronavirus took hold”, is a real testament to our achievements as a team. And, although the impact of Covid has been huge, this acknowledgment is a humbling reminder of the growing number of people who were entrusting us with their holiday arrangements before the unexpected events of 2020 took hold. Back in January 2020, our team were celebrating a record month of holiday designing, blissfully unaware of the events that were about to unfold and catapult our wonderful world into lockdown. The challenges have been great, but achievements like this, our TrustPilot reviews and other awards really give us a renewed boost. We are very much still here, and we are ready to rebuild. We’re looking forward to the time when all of this is behind us and we can focus on doing what we do best: designing more and more holidays for our fantastic clients to remember forever. Not only that, but thanks to Covid, we believe that what we do – arranging wonderful holidays with meaningful local interactions – will only be more important moving forward. We hope that now we’ve experienced what it’s like to have the world closed off to us, the freedom to travel, experience and explore our world will be appreciated and valued like never before. Holidays are one of the most valuable commodities, and that’s more true now than it ever has been. We understand that and we hope you’ll put your trust in us once you’re ready to travel again. We’re here at the end of the phone, ready to get you away on that holiday you’ve been dreaming of for the last year. We’re ready to fasten our seatbelts and dive right in. It’s very nearly time to embrace the world and all of its wonders once more, and we can’t wait to help make your post-pandemic holiday dream a reality. Andy Hunt, HA Founder  

A message from our founder, Andy  As you’re reading this I’m assuming that like us, you love your travel and were eagerly listening to Boris on Monday to see when you might be able to get away again! What did you make of it? Encouraging or disappointing? We’re very much taking the glass-half-full approach: we’ve been saying for some time that the middle of this year onwards is a good time to aim for if you’re thinking of booking a holiday, and Boris’ roadmap very much makes this a viable timeframe. It’s a real pleasure for us to look forward to all those holidays we’ve been planning for clients with fresh confidence that they will go ahead. Like all travellers and those in the travel industry, I would love there to be certainty around the restarting of travel. However, we all know that the path of the virus is not something we can predict. As travel opens up, we expect there will be a fast-changing global patchwork of regulations and requirements for travel that will be quite bewildering to keep up with. Fortunately, that’s our job, not yours! Throughout the process of planning your holiday, and when the departure date is approaching, we’ll be able to answer all your questions and ensure you’re completely up-to-speed with the entry requirements and any Covid-restrictions for your chosen destination. Just one more way we take all the stress out of planning a holiday – because right now, who needs more on their plate? Whilst the last couple of months have undoubtedly been tough, and there’s still some way to go until we’re out of this, I’ve been hugely encouraged by the vaccine rollout. It gives me confidence that, whilst dates may slip a bit, the government’s roadmap is believable and will see our lives returning (almost) to what they were like pre-pandemic within six months. And the first thing I’ll be doing when that time comes is jumping on a plane for a hard-earned break! The only question is, where should I go?! I’m off to holidayarchitects.co.uk to get some inspiration… Stay well, and here’s wishing you the patience to navigate these final stages of lockdown serenely(ish). Andy Hunt, HA Founder     We’re here to help get you away on that much-needed holiday just as soon as the world opens up again. So, if you have any questions at all about your well-deserved adventure, we’re ready to take your call on 01242 253 073 . In the meantime, here are some holiday ideas to get your travel-toes twitching…  

A message from our founder, Andy, in response to Grant Shapps The past week has been one of our busiest for many months, with lots of people getting in touch to plan their holidays and give themselves something wonderful to look forward to now that there is light at the end of the Coronavirus tunnel. You may have seen comments in the media from Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, that people should not be booking holidays now because it is currently illegal to go on holiday. It’s not often I feel compelled to respond to ministerial pronouncements, but I felt this was worthy of comment. I completely understand the current need to do everything we can to get on top of the virus and protect the remarkable success we’ve had so far with the vaccine rollout: and if it means that, for the time being, we need to tighten our borders, then we’ll just have to knuckle down and live with that. However, it is most certainly not illegal to look forward to a time when we can travel again, and it is not unreasonable to assume this time will come later this year. I’m delighted to say people are still booking holidays with us – and all of those are for the second half of this year, or for 2022. Those people have booked knowing that by then, there is a very good chance their holiday will operate. So, despite what Mr. Shapps has to say, please remember that it’s not illegal to dream of a fantastic holiday, nor is it illegal for us to help you plan that holiday. We’re really enjoying arranging these momentous first holidays after Coronavirus, so if that sounds like something that would brighten your day and give you something to look forward to, please do get in touch. Andy Hunt, HA Founder     We’re here to help get you away on that much-needed holiday just as soon as you’re able. So, if you have any questions at all about your well-deserved adventure, we’re ready to take your call on 01242 253 073.  

South Africa is quite simply magic. With roads to thrill even the most discerning of drivers, unparalleled wildlife experiences, scenery that is pinch-yourself beautiful and bursting with history and culture to uncover at every turn… this 21-day South Africa holiday really does have something for everyone.  (Remember, when you book a holiday with HA it is completely tailor-made to you and your interests. This is just a flavour of what you could hope to see over three weeks…) Your ultimate 21-day South Africa Holiday   Days 1-3: Cape Town Cape Town is considered to be one of the most popular cities on earth, and for good reason. Boasting incredible scenery (we’re looking at you Table Mountain), pristine white-sand beaches and an array of bars and restaurants that could give London a run for its money, it’s the perfect place to start your South Africa holiday. Cape Town is alive with the pulse of culture and adventure. Take the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain for a view of Cape Town you’ll never forget. Amble around the vibrantly coloured streets of Bo-Kaap. Spend a day walking in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps at Robben Island prison . Round it all off with a trip out to Camps Bay to enjoy a sundowner whilst the pastel colours leak across the horizon. The perfect spot to toast the adventures ahead.   Day 4: The Cape Peninsula Your first experience of South Africa’s spellbinding roads winds you around Chapman’s Peak, on the western side of the Cape Peninsula . Often heralded as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, it’s as beautiful as it is exhilarating. Keep your camera handy! And you’re in for a treat as the destination is just as thrilling as the journey… Walk up to Cape Point lighthouse for a view over the jagged rocks below. Standing on top of the world with nothing between you and Antarctica but crashing waves, you’ll really get a sense of how remote and rugged this corner of Africa is. You can’t miss visiting the suited and booted penguins of Boulder’s Beach either… You can even go for a dip with the friendly fellas if it’s warm enough, so pack your swimmers!   Day 5: The Winelands Just over an hour’s drive from the Cape, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a completely different landscape. Nestled in the beautiful valleys, sheltered beneath the steep mountains are the quaint towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek ; oozing with character, cafes, art galleries and – of course – wine. We’d always recommend spending a day exploring the wine estates on your South Africa holiday, taking in three or four different vineyards, learning about the winemaking process and, of course, indulging in the delicious array of tipples on offer. For a quirky experience, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram and enjoy the picturesque transfers between some of the best estates in the area. After this day, you’re sure to emerge relaxed, smiling and potentially with your belt loosened a notch or two.   Day 6: The Overberg We’re so fond of the Overberg region here at HA. All too often missed by those rushing through, on your way to enjoy the famous Garden Route, take the road less travelled and enjoy the beauty that this lesser-known region has to offer. Follow the winding back roads away from the Winelands and explore the beauty of the De Hoop Nature Reserve . You’ll be treated to staggering scenery that changes by the minute and the contrasting beauty of the rolling, grassy hills as they give way to the pristine sandy beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for ostriches, antelopes and the rich birdlife that call this region home – if you’re lucky you may even spot a whale frolicking in the waves beneath the horizon.   Days 7-9: The Garden Route The Garden Route is appropriately named, being all about the wows of nature at every turn. Lagoon-dotted shorelines, expanses of white sandy beach, jagged canyons and emerald forests are all ripe for exploring. Feeling active? Take to the waves for a spot of kayaking or white-water tubing in Mossel Bay. Feeling adventurous? Hike over the low-slung rope suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. Feeling fancy? Explore Plettenberg Bay, often considered the swanky St Tropez of South Africa. However you choose to fill three days on the Garden Route, one thing’s for sure, its natural beauty won’t fail to seduce you.   Day 10: The Crags We’d always recommend spending a day in The Crags on your South Africa holiday, particularly if you’re travelling with children. With an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to get another taste of South African wildlife. Visit the elephant sanctuary or enjoy an afternoon at the Birds of Eden aviary; home to countless species of rescued birds, all flying free. If mischievous primates are more your bag, head to Monkeyland right next door and enjoy the authentic forest habitat that’s been created to house rescued gibbons, spider monkeys and other cheeky chappies from all over the world.   Day 11: Fly to Durban Take a flight to Durban , the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal, and spend a day unwinding in one of the beautiful hotels, sunning yourself on the pristine beaches or indulging in all kinds of aqua-based adventures at uShaka Marine Park.   Days 12-13: The Drakensburg Mountains If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll be in your element with a hike in the Drakensburg Mountains . With mile upon mile of jaw-dropping trails, suitable for all fitness levels, this is the perfect place to really get away from it all and surround yourself with nature. ‘Drakens’ is Afrikaans for ‘dragon’ and ‘berg’ translates to ‘mountain’, and we assure you these dragon mountains are just as magical as their namesake.   Days 14-15: Explore the battlefields So far, your South Africa holiday has wowed you with its cities, scenery, wildlife and wine… now for the ace up its sleeve; lashings of history and culture. Submerse yourself in the history of both the Anglo-Zulu war and the Anglo-Boer wars of the late 19th century. The historical sites you will visit and remarkable stories of heroism and desperation you’ll hear, make this stop-off a must on your South Africa adventure, whether you’re a history buff or not. The guides here are second-to-none, and never fail to bring these phenomenal moments of history to life in the most memorable way.   Days 16-17: Blyde River Canyon Drive north from the battlefields to the Escarpment region and feast your eyes on the spectacular natural vista of Blyde River Canyon . Stretching out for 25 kilometres and plunging 800 metres deep, the beauty really is something to behold. Whether you view the forested slopes from God’s Window or The Three Rondavels, prepare to be astounded by the impressive display of nature rolling out before you. If you want to get more up close and personal with the landscape, lace up your hiking boots and take a walk along the floor of the canyon. From whatever perspective you view this magical landmark, you’re sure to feel dwarfed by the hand and beauty of Mother nature.   Days 18-20: Kruger National Park If you were ever going to end your South Africa holiday adventure on a high, Kruger National Park is the place to do it. Over the next three days you’ll collect more stories of goosepimple inducing animal encounters than you’ll know what to do with. Few experiences are as mesmerising as coming face-to-face with one of the Big Five in its natural habitat. If you’re able, turn the wild adventure up a notch with a guided bush walk. Imagine the invigoration and thrill of coming across a lion track made just a few hours earlier and knowing you’re walking in the very footsteps of the king of cats. Guided safaris, self-drive safaris and walking safaris, however you choose to experience this wild jewel in South Africa’s crown, neither you nor your camera will be disappointed!   Day 21: Time to fly home Time to pack your bags and grab a hankie, as today you fly home. Make sure you take your camera on the flight with you so you can spend the hours looking back on the last 21 days of adventure, experience and awe-inspiring animal encounters with a smile.     Inspired? Contact our resident South Africa holiday experts and ask any questions about tailor-made trips to explore the many wonders South Africa has in store.  

Wishing you a much brighter and adventure-filled 2021 A new year is traditionally a time for new starts, and never has that been more welcome than after making it through the last year! But, whilst there are still hurdles to overcome, the return to a more normal life is thankfully now firmly in sight. The highlights reel of any regular year is heavily weighted towards holidays; in 2020 though – thanks to the chocolate consumption in lockdown – it’s just been heavily weighted! However, 2021 will see a return to those holiday-highlights, and we’re here to help inspire your adventures this year with 8 of our favourite holiday ideas for 2021. (Remember, everything we do is tailor-made to you, so these itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible!)     1. Orangutans and tropical islands in Borneo The perfect Borneo holiday should always include a combination of wildlife safaris along majestic rivers, trekking trails through ancient rainforests in search of wild orangutan and strolling along stretches of white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear waters. This itinerary has it all. Start in Sepilok for your first rainforest encounter and some exciting night walks before heading to a riverside lodge on the Kinabatangan . Cruise in search of Pygmy Elephant and gigantic crocodile before heading deep into the heart of the primary rainforest to stay at the exclusive Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge . Here the magic of Borneo’s famous wildlife comes alive both day and night, creating one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences you will encounter. Continue on to the city of Kota Kinabalu to soak up the local culture and taste delicious street food before heading to Gaya Island for a well-deserved beach break – the ideal end to your Borneo holiday. How long?: 12 days When to go: Year round (May-Sept is high season) Average temperature: Average temp. 29C, rainfall 220mm/month (tropical climate), water temp. 29C Flight time: 16hrs from London   2. Classic self-drive holiday in otherwordly Namibia Namibia is famous for its sweeping desert, wild coastline, rugged mountains and diverse wildlife, all of which await you on this two-week self-drive itinerary . Driving the wide open roads, framed by spectacular scenery and endless horizons, is an integral part of travel in Namibia and could be the perfect holiday idea for 2021. Taking in highlights such as Sossusvlei , Swakopmund , Damaraland and Etosha without ever feeling too rushed, this itinerary is the perfect introduction to this unique country. How long?: 14 days When to go: November-March Average temperature: Average Temp. – 23C, rainfall – 8mm/month (dry season), water temp. – 19C Flight time: 14hrs from London   3. Explore Sri Lanka’s hidden gems over 17 days Our 17-day Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka tour starts by heading directly north to the charming Horathapola Estate converted bungalow , set within a working coconut plantation. Next stop is Anuradhapura , a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Sri Lanka’s original ancient cities. To follow the culture, you’ll enjoy a full day safari in the nearby Wilpattu National Park , a chance to spot elephants, sloth bear, sambar deer, exotic birds and the elusive leopard. Next the trip heads up to Sri Lanka’s far north, Jaffna ; considered to be more like India than Sri Lanka. Not a lot of tourists reach Jaffna so it feels very authentic and exciting. The journey then heads south to the Cultural Triangle to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples . You’ll also climb the lesser-known Pidurangala Rock at sunrise , which is adjacent to Sigiriya and rewards your efforts with stunning 360-degree views of the valleys, jungle and Sigiriya Rock! Next you’ll travel east to Passikudah , a quiet coastal area with the most gorgeous long, sweeping beaches – the best place to completely switch off and relax. Next up you have a visit to Gal Oya National Park , a beautiful and untouched area with the country’s largest inland body of water. Here you can enjoy a boat safari, jeep safari and even meet the local indigenous tribe! You’ll then transfer up to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a Tea Country experience and hillside hikes with stunning views. After all of this, your trip comes to an end with your last night in a traditional Sri Lankan family mansion-come-boutique-hotel surrounded by pineapple estates. How long?: 17 days When to go: Mar-Sept (July & Aug are peak) Average temperature: Average temp. – 29˚C (max / day time), rainfall – 136mm (dry season average / month) Flight time: 11hrs from London   4. A holiday of highlights in South Africa If you’re looking for holiday ideas for 2021 that include history, wine, stunning scenery and oodles of wildlife, this Classic South Africa itinerary could well be it. This 16-day holiday makes the perfect first-time trip to South Africa, covering all the major highlights. Start with the Mother City, Cape Town , a cosmopolitan, relaxing and historic city, before moving onto the Winelands for some great food and wine. Stopping on the way to explore the underrated Overberg area you can visit such places as the De Hoop Nature Reserve , immersing yourself in absolute tranquillity. You’ll also get a flavour of some of the local South African wildlife as the reserve is home to herds of bontebok, eland and zebra, as well as marine life and birding. Spend some time really getting to know the forests, lagoons and beaches of The Garden Route. Then finally, continue to the Eastern Cape for what many regard as the absolute highlight of a South Africa holiday: some time on safari. How long?: 14 days When to go: October-April Average temperature: Average temp. – 14-22C, rainfall – 60mm/month, water temp. – 17C Flight time: 12hrs from London   5. Take a walk through old Japan Perhaps the best holiday ideas for 2021 will be the ones that get you off the beaten track. This Walk Through Old Japan itinerary definitely does that, allowing you to explore a lesser-known side of Japan. There’s no better way to truly appreciate the rich history and stunning scenery of the country than by foot.  This trip is for the rambling wanderers who wish to escape to the rural parts of this beautiful country – walking through the wilderness and sleeping in traditional accommodation. Away from the skyscrapers, robots and 24-hour karaoke bars of Tokyo is a calmer Japan, where age-old temples and monasteries still operate as they did a thousand years ago. This trip will see you exploring Kawaguchiko, the beauty of the Kiso Valley , the mountain haven of Koyasan and Miyajima Family-run ryokan (traditional inns) still welcome guests with humble graciousness and a home-cooked dinner, exactly as it was before Western tourists arrived. Utilising the futuristic wonders of the country’s reliable railways, you can enjoy quieter locales and savour the warmth of Japanese hospitality every step of the way.  Alongside the famous major cities you will get many opportunities to stretch your legs as you hike in the hinterlands of Japan. How long?: 15 days When to go: October-April & July-August (High Season) May-June and September (Low Season) Average temperature: 0°C in January to 30°C in August, average rainfall: 50mm in December to 240mm in June Flight time: 12hrs from London   6. Active Costa Rica: 16 days of adrenaline If you’re looking for active holiday ideas for 2021, our active Costa Rica itinerary could be the perfect antidote to lockdowns and mince pies. Costa Rica’s volcanoes, cloud forests and dramatic river valleys lend themselves to outdoor adventure, and this itinerary has been specifically designed for those who like to be as active as possible whilst on holiday. Three nights are first spent in the Turrialba region , which is the perfect base for sampling some of the best white water rafting in the country, as well as a superb canyoning tour that sees you abseiling down waterfalls. Continue on to Sarapiqui for horseriding, zip lining and rapelling in the setting of tropical forests before you reach Costa Rica’s activity hub, Arenal . A myriad of activities are on offer here – we have suggested paddle-boarding on the lake, mountain biking and a challenging hike to the beautiful Rio Celeste Waterfall but these can be easily adjusted to suit your individual preferences. In Monteverde , you will find some of the best zip lining in the country, before completing your journey in Manuel Antonio . Here you can completely relax on jungle-fringed beaches, but there are also plenty of activities available such as kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and catamaran cruises. How long?: 16 days When to go: November-August Average temperature: Average temp. – 29 C, rainfall – 250 mm per month (dry season) / 450 mm per month (green season) Flight time: 11hrs from London     7. Best of Morocco: History, culture, cities and the Sahara If you want to tick off all of Morocco’s must-dos in just one trip, this is the adventure for you. Taking in history, culture, city life, scenery, and one of Morocco’s greatest draws – the Sahara Desert – this itinerary takes you on a whirlwind around the country and is a true crash-course in all things Morocco. We’ll arrange a driver guide for sections of the trip that cover long distances so you can stop off wherever you please to take in fantastic views and swing by remote villages. There will also be plenty of time to do your own thing and relax too, especially at the end of the trip by the beach! This tailor-made Morocco tour provides the perfect balance. How long?: 14 days When to go: March-June, September-November Average temperature: Average temp. – 4-29C, rainfall. – 30-45mm/month, water temp. – 20C Flight time: 3hrs 40mins from London     8. Peru: Lima, Cusco and a quieter Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru is one of the classic iconic multi-day hikes in the world. What’s more, in 2021 it’s likely to be quieter than ever before. Following this ancient and moderately challenging trail is the ultimate way to reach the spectacular ancient ruins of Machu Picchu . Spend four days following in the footsteps of the Incas, walking alongside the river through a lush valley, over mountain passes and through the tropical cloudforest. There is also plenty of time to explore cosmopolitan Lima and pretty Cusco . Both have fascinating Incan and colonial history and culinary delights to sample! Spending time here will help you to acclimatise to the higher altitude on the Inca Trail too, so it’s definitely worth doing! The Inca Trail has always limited the number of hikers each day, and will do so even more as we move into a post-Covid world. Do check with us first as to whether permits are still available for your preferred travel dates. For any trekking fan, it is a must – a fantastic hike that takes you up to 4,800 metres above sea level. How long?: 11 days When to go: April-November Average temperature: Average temp. – 19 C, rainfall – 40 mm per month (May to Sept) / 200mm per month (Oct – Apr) Flight time: 12.5hrs from London     Fancy getting away ASAP? As bumpy as the road ahead may still be, we’re hopeful we’ll be able to operate holidays to certain destinations before too long in the new year. However, as we know all too well, these things can be unpredictable! So, unless you are happy to be flexible with your plans and postpone your holiday should unforeseen changes mean it isn’t able to go ahead (lockdowns and the like), we’d recommend getting a holiday in the diary from July 1st onwards, for a little more certainty!