trip
THE WORLD’S GREATEST JOURNEYS SPRING 2020
Inspiration from Holiday Architects
The perfect destination
ANCIENT AND EXOTIC MOROCCO
COVID-19 During these uncertain times we’re here to inform and inspire
The vibrant vs the calm
A BALANCED INDIAN ADVENTURE
FEATURING: FESTIVALS OF THE WORLD • CHILE • CANADA • UGANDA
In uncertain times the world remains a wonderful place.
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ur world is facing new and uncertain times. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for Holiday Architects, the travel industry and indeed you, our clients, to face. At a time where it may be hard to even comprehend travelling, it might seem odd that we would even consider sending out a publication like Trip. But, as a travel company, it’s our role to inform and inspire in equal measure. So, during this period of unrest we hope it might help a little to look ahead and remember our world remains a wonderful place to discover and explore. As we all face up to these new challenges, we continue to receive great reviews from previous clients after their trips around the world. It’s this feedback that reminds us why we do what we do and continues to drive us to design great holidays to far-flung destinations worldwide.
doormat to remind you that our world is full of wonders to explore. So, pop the kettle on, take a deep breath and start thinking about which new and exciting destination you’d like to discover when life gets back to normal! Don’t forget, if you would like to talk to one of the team in person about the current situation or travelling now or in the future, then please do just give us a call on 01242 253 073. Visit our blog at holidayarchitects.co.uk for the most up to date information regarding Covid-19. Thank you for reading and for your ongoing support Team HA
When considering travel plans, during this period of uncertainty and beyond, we’re here to help you make the right choice. We know how important it is to feel comfortable when planning your next holiday. Booking an upcoming trip with Holiday Architects means we take care of all the details, bookings and confusing bits to ensure you have nothing to do or worry about but enjoying yourself when the time comes. There will be a time in the not too distant future, where normality should resume. But in the meantime, we’re landing on your iStock.com/robertsrob Cover: iStock.com/tmprtmpr
4 Let’s Party FESTIVALS OF THE WORLD
6 India
THE VIBRANT VS THE CALM
10 Morocco
8 Torres del Paine National Park CHILE
Why HA?
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ver since Holiday Architects was founded back in 2010, we have focused on one ethos: To really listen to our clients and be there to support them on their adventures. From when you get in touch with a holiday idea, to when you land home with the memories, we’re here. The world can be an unpredictable place, and times like these underline the benefits of booking your holiday through a tour operator. When you book a trip with Holiday Architects, you’ll be speaking with your own dedicated travel professional. They’ll share first-hand knowledge, take care of all the nitty gritty, get to know you, listen to your travel needs and design the perfect holiday to match. What’s more, by booking a holiday through
HA you benefit from our financial protection and your money is completely protected. Over the last ten years, we’re proud to have become one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted tour operators in the UK, all whilst maintaining our strict standards of personal service. Underpinning all of this is the expertise of our fantastic team: each committed to servicing their specialist destination and designing a holiday you’ll never forget. These are hard times, and during hard times it’s important to look to the future and be positive. So, while we may not be able to travel right now, a holiday in the diary to look forward to might just be more necessary than ever.
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SPECIALISTS WITH FIRST-HAND DESTINATION KNOWLEDGE
BRITISH TRAVEL AWARD WINNER
DESTINATIONS
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24 HOUR SUPPORT ALWAYS
12 The world’s greatest journeys
16 Our community
18 Essential Travel Tips
19 Recommend us to a friend
YUKI MATSURI, JAPAN
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FEBRUARY
Ever dreamt of seeing a giant pot noodle carved into ice? Sapporo Snow Festival is the place for you! This impressive spectacle of ice carving and snow structures is a sight to behold and the second snowiest city on earth makes the perfect home for it. The sculptures of famous faces and cultural icons will put the snowman you made last snow season to shame. From small carvings to giant life-sized architectural creations (they’ve even done the Arc de Triomphe!), the skill and time taken to painstakingly carve the ice is unbelievable. As well as taking in the festival, enjoy a ride in a snowmobile, soak in a steaming onsen and sample the delicious Sapporo beer. Just make sure you don’t forget your jacket as it can get a tad chilly!
FESTIVALS of the world
At a time when people are more likely to be social distancing than dancing in the streets together, it’s important to remember what celebrations will be happening worldwide once we find ourselves at the other side of this uncertainty. Nothing enriches a holiday more than really getting under the skin of the culture and different ways of life. And what better way than stumbling across a national festival while on your adventures? So, as we look forward to celebrating together once normality resumes, here are some of the wonderful and wacky events that unfold across the world each year…
INTI RAYMI, PERU The cobbled streets of Cusco come alive with Peruvian music, colourful costumes and vibrant processions during the nine-day-long Inti Raymi Festival every year. Starting on 24th June, Inti Raymi is an ancient Peruvian festival held in honour of Inti, the Inca God of the Sun. As the Peruvians celebrate the Inca Winter Solstice and the Inca New Year, visitors will delight and the sights, sounds and atmosphere. The celebrations end with a vibrant and dramatic re-enactment of the traditional ceremony at the ancient citadel of Sacsayhuaman. Overlooking the city of Cusco, locals dressed in full colourful Inca costumes will dance to the music of panpipes, horns and the beating of sacrificial drums. Spending a few days amidst the celebrations will truly submerge you in Inca culture. Move over Machu Picchu, this might just be your new Peru highlight!
TAPATI, EASTER ISLAND Once a year, the volcanic rock that is Easter Island comes alive with the Tapati festival. Tapati is a tribute to the ancestral traditions of the Rapanui people. Locals dance in stunning, traditional Polynesian costumes throughout the festivities, preserving the rich traditions and cultures of this remarkable corner of the world. A combination of traditional dance, sports competitions and shows, the Tapati festival is one of the most important cultural festivals in all of Polynesia. Sports competitions include the dangerous extreme sport of Haka Pei, where the brave competitors fly down a steep hill on a rustic tree trunk sledge. Imagine tobogganing on land instead of ice… it’s not for the fainthearted! And stand back! They have been known to travel up to 80km per hour.
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FEBRUARY
JULY MONTRÉAL CIRQUE FESTIVAL, CANADA
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When July cartwheels around each year, the city of Montréal bursts into life with the sights, sounds and rhythms of the circus. Each night of the festival, a parade of acrobats and circus performers move through the streets using tricks and movement to delight, wow and astonish the crowds that follow along with them. As the city dances to the beat of the circus, the sidewalks, parks and plazas all come alive with colour and passion. There’s a deeper meaning at work here too: The Cirque Festival acts as a community outreach programme, working to engage, connect and involve local residents in all stages of the celebrations. Great for families and friends alike, this festival is full of magical moments and unexpected surprises – a worthy addition to any Canadian itinerary!
WATER AND MOON FESTIVAL, CAMBODIA
RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, BORNEO In Kuching, Borneo, nestled in the depths of tropical rainforest against a backdrop of towering mountains, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a truly unique festival in an incredible setting. Bringing together sensational acts from all over the world and indigenous musicians from the interiors of exotic Borneo, a clash of cultures and atmosphere awaits you here. With music to listen to, food and drinks stalls to indulge at, craft stalls to browse and informative workshops to learn from, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And all of this unfolds under the thick, luscious canopy of Borneo’s vibrant jungle; it’s a festival unlike any other. If all of that wasn’t enough, round your visit off with a trip to the nearby orangutan sanctuary, partake in a local cooking class or explore local villages by bike!
Every year since the 13th century, an incredible number of Cambodian people flock to Phnom Penh to celebrate Bonn Om Touk. The Water and Moon Festival marks the start of the dry season and the natural phenomenon of the Tonle Sap River as it reverses its flow with the seasons. Celebrating water as a life-giving resource, when the river reverses the Tonle Sap Lake is flooded with fresh water bringing fish and valuable nourishment for the surrounding farmlands. With colourful boat races taking place along the river and local friends and families gathering together all across the country to share Khmer feasts, dances and parties, it’s a fantastic time to soak up the friendly Khmer atmosphere.
CALL US ON 01242 253 073 OR EMAIL INFO@HOLIDAYARCHITECTS.CO.UK TO TALK TO ONE OF OUR SPECIALISTS TODAY SPRING 2020 HOLIDAY ARCHITECTS
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INDIA
An attack on the senses. That’s the way you’ll often hear India being described… and that’s not wrong. The country is alive with sights, sounds, colours and vibrancy. It’ll take hold of you from the moment you arrive and keep your eyes and ears busy until the day you leave. But that’s all part of its charm and appeal. There’s no place quite like it. What it has in energy though, it counters with a healthy balance of lesser-known tranquillity and calm.
theVIBRANT V India has a gravitational pull for the spiritual. Varanasi is the cultural capital of the country and one of the holiest of the seven sacred cities for Hindus and Jains. Every year, it’s the destination of pilgrimage for countless Hindus across the world, who believe that to bath in the holy waters of the Ganges will cleanse them of their sins. It’s an intoxicating place to visit, but one that’s probably best left until you’ve settled into your time in India a little. A visit to the Ghats is guaranteed to be unlike anywhere you’ve ever been. Prepare to move aside for locals carrying bodies covered in colourful material, on their way to be cremated in the open-air fire pits by the river. This is a raw and arresting sight to see, but one that will completely submerge you in the culture and way of life in this miraculous and spiritual place. And prepare to jump out of the path of many a cow. They rule here!
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VARANASI
Experience
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India’s state of Rajasthan is synonymous with vibrant colours, sand, forts, bustling bazaars, kings and castles. One point of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’, Rajasthan’s capital, the pink city of Jaipur, is the perfect place to soak it all in. Movie fans might recognise the pink stucco buildings from the scenes in ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’, a film that gives a real insight into the energy of this city. Studded with ‘must-sees’, this city is worth a good few days if you can spare the time. You can’t visit Jaipur without exploring the imposing Amber Fort and taking in the staggering views. You also need to visit the iconic and symmetrical Hawa Mahal, a stunning example of Indian architecture.
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MUMBAI Mumbai will inspire, intoxicate and confuse you all at the same time. With grand colonial architecture overlooking the famous Dharavi Slum and luxurious five-star high-rise hotels soaring above the busy streets below, it’s a staggering collision of extremes. A metropolis packed full of towering buildings, luxury shops, businessmen with places to go and people to see, Mumbai’s character is Mumbai’s alone. Whether you stay there or not, high tea at the Taj Mahal Hotel is an absolute must. One of the most iconic hotels in the city, it exudes opulence and traditional Indian architecture and is the perfect place to indulge during your time there. Spend a morning visiting the Gateway of India and the port. If you’ve got the time, mix things up a little with a one-hour boat trip to visit the ancient UNESCO heritage caves on Elephanta Island.
JAIPUR
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR INDIA SPECIALIST, HOLLY, WHO CAN DESIGN YOU THE PERFECT, BALANCED INDIAN ADVENTURE. CALL US ON 01242 253 073
Vs the calm DHARAMSHALA
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THE BACKWATERS
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The Kerala region is commonly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, and with one glance at the lush green trees lining the still waterways, it’s not hard to see why. Kerala’s network of 900km of interconnecting canals, tranquil lagoons and hidden lakes have been used by the local people for centuries for transportation, agriculture and fishing. The most beautiful area of backwaters can be found in Alleppey, the perfect place to truly relax with a luxurious private stay on a houseboat. Whether you choose to spend one or two nights in the backwaters, this is a sure-fire way to recharge your batteries and energy levels, ready for your next adventure in this remarkable country.
After spending a bit of time in India’s busier parts, open spaces and cool air might be calling. On the edge of the Himalayas, nestled up high amidst a forest of towering cedar trees, is the city of Dharamshala. Home to the Dalai Lama and a group of exiled Tibetan refugees, for those who are interested in the spiritual, or even just the great outdoors, a visit here makes the perfect addition to an Indian itinerary. Visit the Tsuglakhang temple where the Dalai Lama himself is resident, before exploring the quirky streets of the city. The roads are lined with colourful prayer flags, Tibetan shops and eateries, temples, monasteries and yoga studios. It’s the place to go to learn the art of doing nothing. The beauty of just taking time to breathe in the fresh air, calm your mind and soak up the atmosphere. Not the activities that first come to mind when you think of India, we know, but any peaceful time spent in this Himalayan city won’t be wasted.
WAYANAD Sitting in the peaceful hills of northern Kerala, is one of the most beautiful regions of this luscious state; Wayanad. Soaring hills, endless mountain scenery, plantations as far as the eye can see, caves and waterfalls aplenty and wild elephants calling it home, it’s a unique and special place. Visit the tribal communities who worship in the unique Jain temples and learn about this different way of life. Its natural diversity and far-reaching landscapes make it a perfect contrast to the busier places in India. Those who enjoy getting outdoors and taking in nature will delight in its fantastic walking trails, perfect to spend a day on before resting at your guesthouse and unwinding from the excitement of travel. Treat yourself to a visit to Nagarhole National Park while you’re here for the opportunity to spot tigers and elephants in the wild. SPRING 2020 HOLIDAY ARCHITECTS
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TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE
One for the adventurers...
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hile is a fascinating country packed to the brim with extremes: cosmopolitan cities ready to explore, vast mountain ranges, bright blue glaciers and aweinspiring national parks. The most wow-inducing park of them all, Torres Del Paine, is well worth the long journey south. Nestled in the Patagonia region, the staggering landscapes that fill this 2,400km² national park will make you thank your lucky stars you braved the eight-hour trip from Santiago by plane and bus. A magnificent slice of otherworldly nature and wildlife awaits. The three jagged towers of Torres del Paine are its calling card, but this national park has so much more up its sleeve. For the energetic, take on the very special hike to the base of the towers. A healthy dose of stamina is required but as you walk along the shores of calm, turquoise lakes, pass deep never-ending pine forests and tranquil lagoons you’ll be thankful you made the effort. Pat yourself on the back when you reach the top and allow yourself time to sit and marvel at the view of the three granite peaks. If a long hike isn’t your cup of tea, opt to enjoy these spectacular landscapes by car, boat or even horseback. Whichever way you explore, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to the ends of the earth and beyond. Your expert guides will point out all of the wildlife, from the delightful guanaco (the long-necked, furry cousin of the llama!) that roam the park’s plains to the soaring eagles that fly gracefully overhead. A word of warning now though, the weather conditions can be unpredictable here. Make sure you have the right kit; waterproof and windproof clothing are a must!
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MEGAN AND LOU, OUR CHILE SPECIALISTS, ARE READY TO DESIGN YOUR PERFECT ADVENTURE. TO FIND OUT MORE CALL 01242 253 073 OR EMAIL INFO@HOLIDAYARCHITECTS.CO.UK
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MOROCCO
More than just a city break Chaotic cities, breezy beaches, ancient kasbahs, golden deserts and snow-capped mountains. It would be criminal to try and cram all of that exotic charm into one weekend. Here are eight highlights that prove Morocco is so much more than a city break destination…
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MARRAKESH
RABAT Morocco’s coastal capital Rabat is a breath of fresh sea air. If you’re looking for a fun city with delicious food, stunning palaces and gardens bursting full of flowers, Rabat is the place to be! With wide boulevards to wander down, open spaces to explore, its old medina painted in different shades of blue, it makes a calming contrast to the busier cities of Marrakesh and Fez. The cool breeze gifted from the sea air cooling you down as you explore its streets, the imposing Hassan Tower that dominates the skyline and the haunting mausoleum and medieval city of Chellah are all musts for your time here.
Marrakesh is a city bursting at the seams full of sights, sounds, colours and ALL of the food. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without getting lost in the souks and trying your hand at the local game of haggling. As the seemingly never-ending narrow lanes twist and wind their way through the medina, surrender to the feeling of disorientation. Your taste buds will tingle as you pass bubbling clay tagines full of flavoursome Moroccan dishes. Temptation will call as you amble past the endless stalls of colourful goods and trinkets. Retire to your traditional riad hotel to refresh and savour the calm before a night soaking up the bustling atmosphere of the main square.
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MARRAKESH
ESSAOUIRA This breezy, chilled-out port town is the perfect place to finish your Morocco adventure, or a great place to pop your feet up midtrip! Spend a day strolling along the oceanfront, dining on the freshest fish you can imagine by the harbour and savouring the sunshine and sea air. Soak up the souks and the sunsets. Explore the seafront ramparts that separate the ancient medina from the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy the relaxing clash of Mediterranean and Northern African cultures at play in this charming beach town.
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ESSAOUIRA OUARZAZATE
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CHEFCHAOUEN
Hidden beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a gorgeous maze of turquoise coloured walls and blue-washed buildings. This iconic, bohemian town has had a turbulent history, but with its labyrinth of narrow blue walkways and hidden courtyards, it’s truly beautiful. If you’re prone to taking a photo or two, you’ll be in your element here. Spend a few hours exploring with your camera and you’re guaranteed to be happy with the results. Otherwise, spend the hours sampling traditional food in local rooftop restaurants and browsing the markets. If you’re feeling a little more active, take a walk to the Spanish Mosque for spellbinding views over the charming, blue town.
CHEFCHAOUEN
Where Marrakesh has developed with tourists in mind over the years, Fez is authentic, arresting and chaotic. The crowning glory of the city is without a doubt its sprawling and mammoth medina. Nestled behind ancient crumbling walls is a fortified world of narrow alleyways and wonderful disorder. Dating back to the 12th century, the medina is home to an incredible 300,000 people all going about their daily lives amidst the dust. Visit the tanneries to see locals expertly working with the animal hides, moving them in and out of the many concrete containers filled with dye, sprawled out like trays of watercolours.
THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS Proving that Morocco really does have something for everyone, the snow-capped ridges of the Atlas Mountains form a jagged backbone down the centre of the country. With countless ancient villages looking like they’ve been carved into hillsides, venturing into the High Atlas is your chance to get a real taste of rural, authentic Moroccan life. Drink traditional mint tea and share stories with locals, learn how to cook delicious tagines and learn about how the Berber people live. Whether you take a 4x4 adventure or prefer to explore under the steam of your own two feet, there’s so much adventure to be had in the Atlas Mountains.
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ERG CHEBBI
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ERG CHEBBI
Morocco has beaches, mountains and lively cities. But without doubt, the golden icing on an already tempting cake are the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert. Oh yes, Morocco is a real treat. A few days getting away from it all in the Erg Chebbi is the perfect addition to any Morocco itinerary. Trek through the desert on camelback (slightly uncomfortable but worth it!), simply savour the sound of silence or choose to alight your adrenaline with a quad bike ride over the sandy waves. If romance is the order of the day for your Morocco trip, a night at a secluded tented camp lapping up the luxury and dining under the light of the desert stars has your name written all over it.
OUARZAZATE A perfect stop-off on your way to or from the dunes, Ouarzazate is more than just the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’. Home to Morocco’s answer to Hollywood; the ancient and crumbling kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou can be found just out of town. Unchanged for centuries, film buffs might recognise its sandy walls and staggered rooftops. Blockbusters such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiators and even Game of Thrones have all been brought alive by its ancient streets. If time allows, visit at sunrise before the street sellers set up and other tourists arrive. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as the sun illuminates this forgotten world.
Any of these exotic destinations can be added to your bespoke Morocco itinerary. Talk to Rebecca and Emma about designing your perfect adventure on 01242 253 073. SPRING 2020 HOLIDAY ARCHITECTS
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The World’s JOURNEYS Let’s face it, we’re all going to need a serious adventure once the world returns to normal. And to really travel, isn’t all about where you’re going, it’s about how you get there. 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 eight of the greatest journeys to have around the world.
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GREATEST
THE WORLDS GREATEST JOURNEYS
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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.
UGANDA Hike with the endangered mountain gorillas
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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. SPRING 2020 HOLIDAY ARCHITECTS
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THE WORLDS GREATEST JOURNEYS
SRI LANKA Train journey through the hill country 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.
THE GALAPAGOS Take a cruise around these wildlife-laden islands
PERU Trek the iconic Inca Trail 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. 14
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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!
THE WORLDS GREATEST JOURNEYS
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.
JAPAN Ride the fastest, most efficient railway in the world
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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.
VIETNAM, LAOS AND CAMBODIA Embark on a grand tour of Indochina
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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.
INSPIRED? GIVE US A CALL ON 01242 253 073 AND ASK TO SPEAK ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS OR EMAIL INFO@HOLIDAYARCHITECTS.CO.UK TO FIND OUT MORE… SPRING 2020 HOLIDAY ARCHITECTS
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The Dalys lap up the views on the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town
The Swindells & Rhodes
Celebrate a big 70th birthday with a Wild Coast Walk in South Africa
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OUR COMMUNITY
It’s at times like this where we need to stick together. It’s important to remind ourselves not just of the wonderful world we live in, but the amazing people we share it with. Receiving photographs from our clients enjoying the trips we’ve designed gives us that warm and fuzzy feeling like nothing else. (And everyone needs a bit of that right now!) So, while we continue designing holidays for you to enjoy once life calms down, here are some of our favourite client snaps from a simpler time earlier in the year!
The Knights
Elephant family, South Africa
Have these got you reminiscing about your HA trip? If so, why not share your holiday snaps on social media and tag #HolidayArchitects . Your memories could well inspire someone else’s post-quarantine break! John King attends an Indian Wedding
The Sissons family
During their Elite Glamping experience in Wahiba Sands, Oman
Chris Manville got this cracking shot of a camel in Oman The Frintons pose for a photo after a tough hike to Roy’s Peak, New Zealand
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Pura Vida! The Fairham family are all smiles as they see in 2020 in Costa Rica
Vietnam
Stephen and Angela Hawley explore the My Son temple complex
What a moment!
The Atkinsons enjoy a sunset in Botswana with their new friend
Richard and Julia Meakin take in the wonder of Petra, Jordan
The Rohll Family
Penguins of Boulder Beach, South Africa
The Taylors
Looking out over the view from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka
The Thurstons
Hiking in beautiful Costa Rica
Francesca Graville jumps for joy as the sun sets over the plains of Wahiba Sands, Oman
The Etheridges enjoy a boat trip on the Tonle Sap River in Cambodia
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY. SPEAK TO AN EXPERT ON 01242 253 073 OR EMAIL INFO@HOLIDAYARCHITECTS.CO.UK FIND US ON FACEBOOK @HOLARCHS FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @HOLIDAYARCHITECTS
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Essential Travel Tips from Team HA Our team are a well-travelled bunch. Here they share their top tips and answers to questions they’re asked the most… “ Travelling with a pashmina style scarf is always a great idea. It can be a pillow, blanket, shopping bag, wrap or can be worn as a skirt or headscarf when entering religious buildings.” iStock.com/swissmediavision
RACHEL
“ Change your life with packing cubes! I don’t leave the house anymore without my packing cubes in tow, gone are the days of exploding suitcases and frantically jumping up and down to close it. Additional tip - have a spare for your dirty washing!” HOLLY
“ Take a refillable water bottle so you don’t rely on single use plastic bottles whilst away.” KIRSTY
“ Never buy “ Always try the local food near the beginning of your trip. your foreign A food tour or cooking exchange at class is a great idea. Then the airport you’ll be able to make the as it will cost most of sampling all the you more and delicious delicacies for always (where possible) use the rest of your time in the country.” the ATM at a bank rather than a small shop in case your FENTON card gets eaten. It’s safer!”
“ Take lots of photos! Don’t forget to take photos of where your are, yourself and your family too. Memories and photographs are invaluable, and you’ll be so pleased to have them to look back on in the future!” FIONA
ROD
MEGAN
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“ Always take out travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. As we know, the world can be an unpredictable place and it never hurts to have a little extra peace of mind.” PETE
“ Don’t bring brand new shoes with you! Make sure you break them in before you go. You’ll have so many adventures to go on, you don’t want to be held back by pesky blisters!” DAWN
iStock.com/dimarik
“ Learn a few words of the local language before you travel. Locals will really appreciate you trying, and it will greatly enrich your experience and interactions on your trip.”
Would y recomm ou us to a fr end iend? (There ’s wine in it for you...) We’re s
As a growing business, you – our valued clients – are so important to us, and that will never change. Our entire company ethos is built around really putting our clients at the forefront, listening and providing a tailor-made, personal service at all stages of the booking process. Receiving personal recommendations means the world to us and is a fantastic acknowledgement of all the hard work the team put into designing amazing holidays around the world. So, if you tell a friend about HA and they book a holiday with us as a result, we’ll send you a case of wine as a thank you! Holidays AND wine. That’s a win all round.
iStock.com/MarkSwallow
ur someon e you’ll know o e need f look for ing a trip to ward to ... If you’ve had a experie nce with great Archite cts and Holiday fou service to be of nd our the high standar d w e ’r e striving for, plea always se tell friends about u your s!
How to get your wine... 1
Tell a friend about Holiday Architects.
2
Ensure they mention your name when they book.
3
Grab the bottle opener & enjoy with our gratitude!
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South Africa Vietnam Costa Rica Morocco Oman Sri Lanka Borneo Canada Cambodia Namibia Jordan Botswana India California Galapagos Malaysia Chile Burma Uganda New Zealand Tanzania Laos Argentina Peru Ecuador Zimbabwe Zambia Lebanon Japan
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For tailored travel specific to your needs, speak to an expert on 01242 253 073 Eighth Floor, Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 1TA, Registered in England company number 7261883. ATOL Protected 7352 www.holidayarchitects.co.uk