Travel blog

Somehow, it’s December and we find ourselves buried in an ever-growing to-do list of Christmas shopping, festive decorating, mince-pie tasting (we don’t mind that bit) and, at the moment, football-score-checking. If you’re anything like us though, you’ll be taking the time to look forward to 2023 and all of the travelling adventures it might bring. To lend a hand with narrowing down your holiday options, here are 5 of the World’s best countries (according to the recent Condé Nast Reader Awards!)     Japan   Japan is a country of contradictions. From robot restaurants to peaceful shrines, high-rise neon-lit cites to snow-capped mountainscapes, from the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world to ancient trails tucked away in hidden valleys, there’s something new and surprising to discover around every turn.   Japan holiday highlights we love Spend a night at a monastery in the beautifully remote temple town of Koyasan. You’ll learn about ancient traditions from Buddhist months and wake up to the sound of morning prayers. Unleash your inner ninja at a workshop designed to teach you the legend, art and history of these traditional warriors. (A great one for kids!) Explore Kyoto’s picturesque backstreets by bike , and keep your eyes peeled for the local Geisha or maiko in the famous Gion neighbourhood.     Morocco   Crumbling kasbahs, ancient mountain villages, bustling cities, maze-like souks bursting with sounds, smells and colours, breezy coastal towns and the golden sands of the Sahara desert. All of that, just a short hop on a flight from the UK. Morocco really does have something for everyone.   Must-have Morocco Moments Taste the flavours of Morocco on a food-tasting tour through the medina of Marrakesh with your local guide. Get a real, authentic taste of Moroccan life by spending a whole day with a local family in Fez Take a camel trip through the Sahara desert to your luxury tented camp , ready to spend a night under the stars. Explore the ancient Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou , boasting more credits than most oscar winners, you’ll feel like Lawrence of Arabia here…     Sri Lanka   From tea plantations and white-sand beaches, to elephant-filled jungle safaris and whale-watching on the Indian Ocean – a Sri Lanka holiday will be packed full of magic moments from start to finish. And that’s before we even mention the food and the smiling locals. If you’re looking for an active outdoor adventure in stunning UNESCO National parks, a bucket-list ticking safari, authentic insights into a rich culture or some lazy time on some seriously beautiful beaches – you can do it all on a Sri Lanka holiday.   Sri Lanka adventures we love Visit a local village and help to prepare lunch before eating with a Sri Lankan family in a traditional home. Experience a different kind of safari: Flying through Colombo on the back of a tuk-tuk sampling the street food delicacies on offer. Hop on a bike and take a ride through rural villages, this cycling tour from Galle will get you off the beaten track. Experience one of the most beautiful train rides on earth through Sri Lanka’s Tea Country.     Israel   Israel has so much history and opportunity for adventure packed into its relatively small space. There are many sites to see, all of which boast their own distinct vibe whilst remaining true to their Israeli roots and culture.   Israel adventures you can’t miss Listen to the prayers as they float around the skies of Jerusalem and enjoy a Shabbat dinner with locals . Soak up the atmosphere in Tel Aviv on a C ity Tour . Explore the Holy Sites of Galilee. Take a tour along Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline.       South Africa   It’s no secret that we’re big fans of South Africa here at HA. Being the first ever country we designed holidays to, we’re chuffed to see it make the Condé Nast list. The Rainbow Nation is a special one in so many ways. Its rich and often troubled history tells a story of strength and resilience, its never-ending safari plains are the places where safari dreams are made, its dramatic roads are some of the best to drive on earth, its cities are home to some world-class restaurants and last – but certainly not least – its wine is delicious. What’s more, the pound is strong against the rand right now, so it’s great value! 2023 could be the year for a holiday in one of the most varied countries on earth.   A handful of South Africa highlights Fly around the stunning roads of the Cape Peninsula in style – by sidecar! Spend an authentic but challenging day with the Uthando group. These philanthropic township tours really get it right – and you’ll leave with a better understanding of these communities, the issues they face and knowing exactly how your contributions are giving hope and opportunity to the people you meet. Hike amidst the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains.     All of our experts are busy designing and locking in stand-out holidays for next year. Have you thought about your 2023 adventures yet? Give us a call on 01242 253 073 to have a chat through all of the options out there. The World is waiting!  

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.

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