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Broadcaster, author and travel writer Mark Cummings is something of a Gloucestershire legend. With more than 40 years in broadcasting (including nearly two decades hosting the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show!), he's somewhat of a familiar voice. Having spent much of his life telling stories that connect people and place, these days, he's swapped the airwaves for adventures and you'll find him writing travel pieces that inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Earlier this year, after the success of his book Glorious Gloucestershire and an appearance at the Cheltenham Travel Festival, Mark came to us with one clear goal: to uncover the real, insider Japan. With the help of our Japan experts, Fenton and Emma, he set off on a tailor-made Japan holiday full of hidden temples, secret bars, friendly locals and those unforgettable waku waku (thrill-and-excitement) moments that only real travel can bring. Here’s what he discovered along the way (don't miss his brilliant videos down the bottom!)… Kyoto Exploring Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple Waku waku is the Japanese way of describing the feeling of being thrilled and excited all at the same time. My first overwhelming experience of “Waku waku” was high up in the hills above Kyoto at the mysterious Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple knowing I had found a hidden gem away from the congested hordes of tourists gathered a couple of miles below. Fenton and Emma from Holiday Architects devised a cunning plan for me to discover ancient temples, cosy tea houses and quiet Zen gardens while spending a few hours slowly descending towards the cacophony of camera clicks and selfie sticks at the famous but frenetic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest . High up amongst the temple’s spooky statues, I enjoyed a lovely feeling of empowerment mixed with a sprinkling of anticipation and a guilty splash of smugness. Keep reading if you’d like to find out more about my hilltop adventure and other top tips that transformed my Japanese adventure. The unique guidance I received took me to mesmerising markets, secret bars, temple rooftops, stunning Zen gardens, and dreamy bohemian districts. If you love travel with a twist, enjoy avoiding the crowds and love to delve deep into the soul of a country then read on. The mossy statues at Otagi The famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is worth a visit but it can be hugely crowded so here’s a great tip for making the most of this area. We took a taxi higher up the Arishiyama hillside to the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and spent a couple of dreamy hours exploring this peaceful Buddhist Temple before slowly walking down the quiet hillside path enjoying enchanting gems that not many tourists get to see. The Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple has hundreds of slightly haunting moss-covered stone statues each with a different face. They have been created by the students of the temple’s head priest Kocho Nishimura who also happened to be a sculptor. He encouraged his students to bring out the character within the stone and the results are fascinating. It’s a magical temple to start off your day. Slowly make your way down the foothills of Mt Ogura following the Hozu Katsura river enjoying the ancient preserved streets, temples, shrines and a real highlight – an alternative bamboo experience that not many people discover. The Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple has its own idyllic bamboo grove that you might just have all to yourself. My final top tip is to visit the Okochi Sanso Garden hidden behind the busy bamboo forest at the bottom. If you love a Zen garden, you’ll be mesmerised by this. The empty bamboo forest The busier bamboo forest Mark exploring Fushimi Inari at dusk Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha at dusk If you don’t want to get up at five in the morning to avoid the crowds, try something a little more relaxing but even more magical. The Fushimi Inari shrine celebrates the Shinto god of rice, agriculture and prosperity and it is a spectacular place to spend a few hours. We climbed to the top of Mt Inari late afternoon so we could be back down to enjoy the main shrine building at dusk. It’s a fun climb through the myriad of orange Tori gates that weave around the mountain path with fox statues and small shrines along the route. There are cracking views across Kyoto , but don’t expect the same at the summit. It’s a bit of an anticlimax, however, you get a real sense of satisfaction having made it to the top. Once back down, we loved the quieter early evening crowds, the even more magical shimmering shrines and the twinkling Japanese lanterns guiding you through this sacred place. Visit Nishiki Market at 10 am I loved my time here in this ancient, mad, bustling corridor of delights with its famous yellow, red and green roof. It has over 100 shops/stalls and restaurants selling beautifully displayed seafood such as squid and sea snails, skewered meat, dried and candied fruit, exotic sweets, local herbs and spices, unusual tofu and locally made ceramics. It’s where the locals go but it does get busy with tourists by lunchtime so go early when the shops are opening up and throw yourself into the madness. I particularly enjoyed the skewered octopus, prawn tempura, spicy nuts and a cold beer in one of the tiny bars you must visit. Better than the Gold Pavilion... A short distance away from the crowded World Heritage Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a little oasis of calm and charm. We spent a very happy day exploring the area around the Nanzenji Temple with its impressive Sanmon entrance gate which we climbed to the top of. This is one of Japan’s most important Zen temples with spacious grounds, a fascinating history and beautiful rock gardens. However, the highlight for me was the garden connected to the Tenjuan Temple next door. I fell in love with this Zen paradise with its huge rock pond, lush verdant garden and teasing stepping stones. Luckily, the bamboo rails will save you sharing a dip with the massive Koi Carp. This dreamy hidden oasis tends not to be crowded so you really can spend as long as you want there. If you want to stretch your legs, nearby is the famous Philosopher’s Path, a waterside path dotted with art galleries and cafés. A short bus ride away is the lively Gion District. Zen Gardens at Tenjuan Temple Tokyo Making friends in Yanaka Ginza Here’s why you must spend a few hours in the delightful and charming district of Yanaka Ginza. Half a day spent here will give you a peaceful break from the madness of the world’s biggest city and introduce you to the calm, relaxing spirit of old Tokyo . In my short visit I made several friends, ate delicious street food, bought authentic handmade gifts, drank excellent beer and whiled away a few hours people watching. The first person to befriend me was Kuni who runs the most incredible Tourist information office. It’s a simple unit nestled between flower shops and Craft Ale bars but boy does it pack a punch. Not only can you find out everything to do culturally in the area Kuni also organises classes on calligraphy, flower arranging, cooking and Kabuki make up. She was an infectious bundle of knowledge and waved to me every time I wandered past with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen and we now follow each on Instagram. I then met my three drinking buddies Tsugurou, Naoya, and Kenji. I was sipping a cold refreshing local beer outside a bar on the main street when these three locals engaged me in conversation for a good twenty minutes. They were delighted and intrigued to test their English on a westerner and I was equally pleased to try my pigeon Japanese in return. I learned a bit about the local area but more about their love of Liverpool FC, The Beatles, Queen and Billy Joel. My new pals then directed me to the famous Yanaka Cemetery where I spent a tranquil hour amongst the pristine paths and elaborately decorated tombs. Here can be found the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last Tokugawa shogun of the Edo Period. If you love rustic charm, good value, friendly people and mixing with the locals, then I highly recommend getting the train to Nippori Station. Be prepared to make some new friends… and by the way, the reason I can remember all the names and spellings of my beer-quaffing mates is because we all also now follow each other on Instagram. Mark making friends at Yanaka Ginza Tokyo's Golden Gai area This exotic area with atmospheric alleyways and tiny bars gave us many memorable moments. Golden Gai is located just behind the lively district of Shinjuku, and if you dive in wholeheartedly, I promise you'll feel like a true traveller. It hasn’t changed much since it began as a black-market zone in the 1950s and still has an authentic atmosphere, hinting that something naughty, risqué, or even bawdy might happen. The Holiday Architects team challenged us to immerse ourselves by visiting several bars, meeting locals, and trying karaoke. You’ll need to watch the videos to see if we succeeded. All I can say is my “Waku waku” level soared. A bar in Golden Gai Thank you Holiday Architects Thanks to Fenton and Emma’s knowledge of Japan we experienced the country in a way that was hugely enriching and meaningful. Please take a look at the videos, they will take you to all the places I have described and introduce you to some of the friends I made along the way. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes that sums up the ethos behind the help I received to squeeze every drop out of my visit to Japan. G.K. Chesterton “The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” Find your own perfect Japan holiday Fancy your own Japan adventure? Get in touch with one of our brilliant experts today. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

Introducing: The International Mountain Awards  Things may have gotten a bit complicated again with travel recently, but we’re here to raise you up with the awards you never knew you needed. So, if you’re looking for summit to read this International Mountain Day… (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves)… Look no further. From elusive peaks through to iconic ones just waiting to be explored, our wonderful world is bursting to the brim with ranges.   1. The Award for the most Elusive Mountain goes to… Mount Fuji, Japan If ever a mountain was to be labelled ‘shy’, it’s Japan’s iconic, cone-shaped Mount Fuji. Keep an eye on the weather when planning your visit, but don’t hedge your bets too much. Even on a sunny day, Mount Fuji has been known to sneak behind cloud or the summer haze that rises off the lakes, often leaving visitors wanting more. There are some public webcams available though, so you can check just how elusive the mountain is feeling before making your day trip to catch a glimpse of this iconic Japanese symbol. Try your luck at seeing it for yourself on this Japan getaway that gives you two nights in nearby Hakone   2. The Award for the most Lively Mountain goes to… Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica Although it’s currently snoozing, Arenal volcano is Costa Rica’s most active mountain. Up until 2010 it was erupting daily offering up an impressive show of bright red lava bubbling over the side of its cone-like crater. Despite being dormant though, Arenal is still Costa Rica’s adventure capital, with countless activities, stunning hiking trails and many natural hot springs to rest your weary adventure limbs in (it has its lively resident to thank for that!) Experience Costa Rica’s adventure capital on this Costa Rica family holiday   3. The Award for the Most Remarkable Mountain goes to… The Remarkables, New Zealand Towering over the lakeside city of Queenstown in New Zealand, these remarkable mountains really do live up to their name. Regardless if you venture up them, they will provide a beautiful backdrop to your time in this part of the country. If you do choose to take a closer look, from the south-side of the mountains you’ll be treated to a staggering view of Queenstown. If you’re visiting New Zealand during the winter, and are a fan of the powdery white stuff, this mountain range is one of the best spots for skiing in the region. Take in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this South Island Scenic adventure   4. The Award for the Most Adventurous Mountain goes to… Torres Del Paine – Chile / Argentina – Andes mountain Wrap up warm when you visit Torres Del Paine, that place is Chile… (We’re not even sorry). The three impressive and towering granite peaks of Torres Del Paine alone are worth a visit to Chile’s most famous national park. But, a hike around this stunning display of natural beauty will see you uncovering lakes the colour of spearmint, This Patagonia holiday will see you taking in the very best of Chile and Argentina   5. The Award for the Most Challenging Mountain goes to… Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania If challenging yourself is top of your travel wish list for 2022, climbing to the top of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro could be the mountain adventure for you. Frequently considered to be one of the greatest outdoor challenges on the planet, conquering Kilimanjaro could be the perfect excursion  if you’re really looking to test yourself (and enjoy the experience of a lifetime of course!) A climb up to the ‘Roof of Africa’ will see you making your way up to 5,895 meters above sea level, take 6 to 8 gruelling days and a fair level of fitness. It’s said that only between 45 and 65% of people who take on the challenge actually make it to the top. But we’re certain that watching the sunrise over the horizon at the summit will be worth every step. Do you fancy your chances? Climb Kilimanjaro on this active Tanzania adventure   6. The Award for the Most Iconic Mountain goes to… El Capitan, Yosemite The iconic, domineering granite wall of El Capitan is without doubt one of Yosemite’s most recognisable landmarks. There’s something truly magical about the light in Yosemite, it wraps around the vertical cliff faces of El Capitan and the Half Dome and is particularly beautiful early in the day when the morning mist gently coats the lush valley in a blue haze. If you really want to explore everything this staggering national park has on offer (including countless imposing mountains, wildflower meadows and plummeting waterfalls), we recommend staying for around three days, there’s just so much to see. Uncover the Yosemite mountains for yourself and so much more on this 13 day National Parks Road Trip itinerary.   7. The Award for the most Bucket-List Ticking Mountain goes to… The Rockies, Canada A visit to the Canadian Rockies will treat you to awe-inspiring mountain valleys, endless icefields, flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers and boundless nature. Plus, this mountain range is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, a train ride that makes it on to almost every travel-lovers bucket list as something to experience at least once in a lifetime. Ride the rails of the Rocky Mountaineer   8. The Award for the Most Wonder-Full Mountain goes to… Andes Mountains, Peru – Machu Picchu The lush, forested peaks of the Andes Mountains were hiding a fairly spectacular secret for quite some time. The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, now one of the seven wonders of the world (quite rightly), wasn’t rediscovered until 1911. Few mountains are home to an archaeological masterpiece quite like this. You can explore this Andes gem either under the steam of your own two feet, taking on the famous Inca trail, or you can opt for the more relaxed route and take the train up! Either way, this mountain’s secret empire is ready to wow. Trek to Machu Picchu and explore Lima and Cusco on this Peru holiday itinerary   9. The Award for the Best Sandy Mountain goes to… Dune 45, Namibia We’re clutching at straws a little here we realise, but the impressive sand dunes of Namibia’s Namib Desert couldn’t not feature on our best mountainous roundup. The elegant curves, glowing colours and monstrous peaks of what some claim to be the world’s largest sand dunes contrast almost perfectly with the almost other-worldly ‘vleis’ that lurk in their shadows. Get there early to hike up the sandy peak before the crowds arrive. Seeing the sun gradually cast its golden glow over the vast plains of Sossusvlei is an experience not to be missed. Uncover this sandy world for yourself on this Classic Namibia Self Drive holiday      

A brand, spanking new year is around the corner. 12 fresh months, 52 weeks, 365 days – all just waiting to be filled with adventures. Travel was well and truly back in 2022 (thank goodness!), and 2023 is set to be bursting with holidays left, right and centre. We’ve been busy designing holidays all over the World, here’s a handy infographic to show where you’re going (so far) over the next 12 months… Have you booked your 2023 holiday yet? If not, now’s the time!   Get inspired…   Wildlife, nature and Pura Vida lifestyle is top of the bill in 2023. Costa Rica is the most popular holiday destination amongst our clients (so far), with 12% of holidays heading to the nature lover’s paradise.   Costa Rica holiday highlights ☑ Visit Arenal , Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and zip line through the canopy, soak in the hot springs, kayak in the shadow of a live volcano and hike over hanging bridges. ☑ Soak up the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula . Reaching this region is a bit of a challenge, but being simply the best place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica, we’d argue it’s more than worth it! ☑ Sun yourself on one of the beautiful beaches along the Northern Pacific Coast . Don’t miss a visit to the tranquil Nicoya Peninsula (and a stay at the incredible Lagarta Lodge , too!) Costa Rica holidays     A county of so much variation and contrast, it’s not tricky to see why Vietnam makes up a huge 10.9% of our 2023 holidays already.   Vietnam holiday highlights ☑ Float amidst the towering limestone rocks of Asia’s most spectacular landscape. A cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must for any Vietnam holiday. ☑ Enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days in the yellow-washed gem that is Hoi An . With cobbled streets that come alive with the light of thousands of lanterns after dark, small tailoring shops, riverside cafes and traditional merchant houses, it’s a special place. ☑ Trek with a local hill tribe through the stunning landscapes around Sapa . Vibrant green valleys, perfectly terraced rice paddies, fast-flowing streams and countless waterfalls await you here. Vietnam holidays     A Jordan holiday is so much more than just a visit to Petra. As 9.9% of our booked clients are set to find out next year…   Jordan holiday highlights ☑ You simply can’t visit Jordan without making a trip to “the rose-red city half as old as time”. Petra is as stunning as it is historic, prepare to pinch yourself once you’ve made your way down the Siq Canyon and are treated to that first glimpse of the famous Treasury Tomb. ☑ Experience the feeling of weightlessness with a bob about in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea . Found at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface (422 metres below sea level, to be exact), it’s a truly unique place to visit – and the health benefits claimed of its waters are worth the trip, too! ☑ Visit the ancient city of Jerash . Found just outside Amman , Jordan’s capital, these ruins are incredibly well preserved and anyone who loves a bit of history in their holiday mix, will be in their element here. Jordan holidays     South Africa is the destination that started HA. It was the very first place we ever sent clients all those many years ago. And, with 8.7% of holidays heading here next year, we’re chuffed that it’s still as popular as ever.   South Africa holiday highlights ☑ Most South Africa holidays we design, start in the incredible capital of Cape Town . And what a welcome. Gorgeous beaches ready for sundowners, fantastic shopping, fascinating history and world-class food and drink – all set against a backdrop of the unmistakable Table Mountain. It’s not hard to see why Cape Town is considered one of the most iconic cities in the World. ☑ Animals, animals, animals. The quest for the Big 5 is at the top of most South Africa holiday wish lists. And, with incredible safari offerings all over the country, wildlife sightings are (almost) guaranteed to be brilliant here. They’re wild animals of course, they go where they please. But, whether you visit Kruger , the Eastern Cape , Limpogo , KwaZulu-Natal , the Kalahari , or one of the many other reserves – we fancy your chances! ☑ Head to the Great Escarpment , to take in some of the very best landscapes South Africa has to offer. With waterfalls, river canyons, forests, wildlife and viewpoints galore (don’t miss God’s Window!) – it’s a great addition to any South Africa holiday. South Africa holidays     It’s finally back! It’s been off the holiday list for far too long, so we couldn’t be happier that 8.5% of the booked travels in 2023 are heading off to this captivating country. Bullet trains, robot cafes, perfect gardens, bamboo forests, ancient walking trails and so much culture awaits.   Japan holiday highlights ☑ We’re not sure you can visit Japan, without experiencing its largest, craziest and most robot-filled cities. Tokyo is often considered the biggest metropolis on the planet – and we love it. For all of its neon lights and progressive technology, its historic soul is very much intact with countless temples, shrines and gardens dotted around the city. ☑ The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with shrines and history. Step back in time with a bike ride down the ancient streets of the Gion neighbourhood (keep your eyes peeled for Geisha!), head to the bright red gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and even test your sword skills at a Ninja workshop . ☑ Experience a different side of Japanese life and culture with some time in Takayama . The perfect base from which to visit to beautiful, rural countryside (the Christmas-card village of Shirakawago is very close by!) – the antique wooden buildings will charm you in no time at all. Japan holidays     Without doubt the must exotic and alluring getaway you can have within a 4-hour flight from the UK, it’s no wonder that Morocco is always a popular one with our clients, snapping up 8.2% of 2023 booking so far.   Morocco holiday highlights ☑ Spend a day or two on the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi. It’s one of only two places in Morocco where you can see the start of the great Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride across the dunes and sleep under the stars. A highlight of any Morocco holiday for sure. ☑ Explore the bohemian streets, pretty medina and blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen . Perfect for photography lovers, this stunning town is set against a backdrop of mountains with so many trails to explore! ☑ For a real slice of authentic Morocco, venture into the High Atlas Mountains and spend some time with the Berbers . There are trails to explore, mountains to climb, fresh mint tea to drink and home-cooked traditional dinners with local families to enjoy. Morocco holidays     Sri Lanka had a bit of a rocky start to the year, but we’re delighted to say it’s fully back on the holiday radar now! With 7% of booked holidays next year visiting this jewel-shaped island, we’re so excited for more of our clients to fall in love with all it has to offer.   Sri Lanka holiday highlights ☑ Take on of the most picturesque train rides on earth up into the rolling tea hills in the middle of the country. Make the most of the slight drop in temperature and take a hike to Lipton’s Seat, enjoy a tour of a local tea factory and indulge in High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. ☑ Dig out your binoculars for a safari at Yala National Park . With a varied ecosystem made up of monsoon forests, grasslands, sandy beaches and wetlands – the animal sightings are brilliant here. Plus, said to be home to one of the highest concentrations of leopard on earth, it’s THE place to go if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the illusive cats. ☑ Spend some time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle to get a taste of the country’s rich history. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and take a bike ride around the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka holiday     Namibia has been having a bit of a moment recently and – quite rightly – growing in popularity as a Southern Africa holiday destination. An impressive 6.6% of HA holidays next year are heading to this otherworldly landscape…   Namibia holiday highlights ☑ One of the big hitters of Namibia holidays, the sand seas of the Namib Desert (the oldest desert on earth don’t you know!) around Sossusvlei are something very special. The graceful curves of the massive glowing dunes stand in stark contrast to the other-worldly white pans “vleis”, with dead trees and cracked mud, that lay in their shadow. ☑ The Skeleton Coast forms a division between mainland Namibia and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Dotted with shipwrecks, without doubt, this coast line is one of Namibia’s most unspoiled and remote areas. Experience it in true style with this ‘Flying the Skeleton Coast’ holiday. ☑ Head to the wide open plains of Etosha National Park to experience one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. Boasting incredible numbers of elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope and big cats, (plus fairly good number of elusive Black rhino!), a safari adventure awaits here. Namibia holidays     Nabbing 6.1% of next year’s holiday bookings so far, the orangutan-filled rainforests of Borneo are looking to be popular over the next 12 months.   Borneo holiday highlights ☑ A nature-lovers dream, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. It’s perfect for wildlife spotting, with orangutan, Pygmy elephant and clouded leopard spotted frequently. The area is strongly protected, and access tightly restricted, so make sure you factor in a stay at the beautiful Borneo Rainforest Lodge to experience it for yourself. ☑ Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in the heart of Sepilok. Set amidst lush rainforest and explored via a series of elevated walkways, this is a brilliant place to come for a taste of Borneo wildlife – with the chance to do good along the way. ☑ The island paradise of Gaya Island is the perfect place to unwind on your Borneo holiday after all of the orangutan-spotting excitement. White-sand beaches, fringed with lush palms on one side and turquoise waters the other. Dive on in. Borneo holidays     Canada is vast, diverse and packed full of extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences. Whether you’re after beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures or a tranquil lake cruise – it’s got you covered. That 5.2% of bookings are in for a real treat…   Canada holiday highlights ☑ Take one of the World’s most iconic journeys, a train ride on the Rocky Mountain Express through the towering snow-capped peaks of the the Rocky Mountains. This two-day rail journey takes you all the way from Vancouver to beautiful Jasper. ☑ Experience the power of Mother Nature at full force with a visit to Niagara Falls . You can take a boat ride right up to the falls, fly over the top of it or even walk right behind the plummeting water. Plus, nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake with its artisan shops, art galleries and cafes is the perfect base. ☑ You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of Canada until you’ve seen Banff with your own eyes. Canada’s very first National Park (created in 1883), the bright blue water set against the backdrop of mountain wilderness, is pinch-yourself perfect.     The charm of the Cambodian smile is ready and waiting to welcome 4% of HA holiday bookings in 2023 (so far, that is!). We have a real soft spot for this country, its beauty, sights, and its warm, resilient people.   Cambodia holiday highlights ☑ Fall in love with the charms of Siem Reap . Obviously you have to spend some time exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat , but there’s so much more on offer here. Take a street food tour by vespa and enjoy some of the many sophisticated restaurants and chic bars popping up all over the town. Don’t miss an evening at the Phare Circus either, such talent! ☑ Sun yourself on the secret islands of the south coast . With powdery white sand beaches, lapped with clear blue waters, these small islands boast dramatic headlands and jungle forests. They’re also home to luxurious hideaways perfect for a slice of well deserved R&R after time spent soaking up the history and culture of Cambodia. ☑ Journey up into the Cardamom Mountains . This remote virgin rainforest is one of the last remaining habitats for Asian elephants, bears, tigers and the Siamese crocodile. With deserted river islands, thundering waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuaries to visit, the Cardamom Mountains would be a great addition to any Cambodia holiday. Cambodia holidays     Oman is such a unique holiday destination – and we can’t wait to send 3.5% of our 2023 clients there. With cities, deserts, rich culture, mountain villages and so much history to explore, it has all the makings of a great adventure for all the family.   Oman holiday highlights ☑ Start your adventure with some time in the capital of Muscat . Old Muscat and Muttrah make up the historical heart of the city, with palaces to explore, forts to walk around, giant chandeliers to be wowed by and old souqs to get lost in. With beach resorts nearby and the option to take a sunset Dhow cruise , too, there’s something for everyone. ☑ It might be just a few hours from Muscat, but the Wahiba Sands feel anything but. Stretching nearly 200 miles from north to south, you’ll find towering golden dunes, deep valleys, local Bedouins and an awful lot of camels here. What’s more, with some beautiful tented camps to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in comfort under the starry desert skies. ☑ Venture up towards the Hajar Mountains and explore the sheer canyons, terraced villages and forts around Nizwa . You’ll feel a million miles away from day-to-day life here – a real insight into rural Omani life. Oman holidays     Whether you visit the North Island, the South Island, or both, New Zealand has all of the makings of an adventure worthy of your 2023 holidays. With 2.4% of booked holidays heading here, we’re already excited to see the travel snaps.     New Zealand holiday highlights ☑ Get away from it all and spend some time in Abel Tasman National Park . All of New Zealand is staggeringly beautiful, but there’s something extra special about this region. With sheltered turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and so many incredible walking trails with a more breathtaking view waiting around every corner – it’s a must. ☑ Be captivated by the marine life playground that is Kaikoura . This is THE place to go to spot giant sperm whales, playful dusky dolphins, seals, sweeping albatross and so much more. ☑ Tucked away in the far south-western corner of the South Island, you’ll find the Fjordland National Park. A boat ride through Milford Sound (or the slightly quieter Doubtful Sound), will certainly make you New Zealand holiday highlights list.   So, where makes your holiday wish list?   Latest posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday