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When asked to picture their perfect holiday, many people's minds immediately hit the beach; warm white sand between the toes, sparkling azure waters and someone rather good-looking fanning you with a large palm leaf. And who are we to deny such glories? But here at Original Travel we're also…
"It's not the destination, it's the journey" - said every cheesy, road to redemption reality show presenter ever. But they might just be on to something, you know. When the journey involves switch-back turns through epic mountains, cruising along sweeping coastlines or trundling through…
Why do I love India so much? From the rich historic culture to the huge geographical diversity - they have it all from the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains to the deserts in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It doesn't matter how many times you visit India, there is always something new to discover;…
This can be said of many countries but, in my humble opinion, few more so than Kenya - this is a country packed full of diverse landscapes, cultures, and amazing places to stay. I had just 16 days to explore as much of Kenya as possible - I had some serious ground to cover… and boy did I!
Scandinavia is a hugely popular holiday destination right now, and with good reason. We ourselves absolutely love the Nordic region (admittedly, a loose term in this blog including Iceland) and have developed self-diagnosed Scandimania: a love of all things Nordic. In this blog post we are…
Who else was totally enthralled by Joanna Lumley in India and Wild Alaska Live? Both gave fascinating insights into some of the most beautiful corners of our planet, and made us want to immediately grab our passports and head off in search of adventure. But what should we watch on the telly…
My time in the beautifully glamorous Italian Lakes and Tuscany, detailed in Part One of My Italian Odyssey: The Lakes and Tuscany, had sadly come to an end and it was time to pull myself away and 'solidier' on through my Italian road trip on to the seriously under-rated Emilia Romagna…
Whoever said 'failure to prepare is preparation for failure' clearly never experienced the thrill of being spontaneous. While it's all very commendable to plan things months and years in advance, sometimes it's just wonderfully liberating to make a snap decision. Never more so than with…
As we set off from Milan towards the Lakes, waving goodbye to clean eating and preparing ourselves instead for ten days of wining and dining, superb vistas and myriad boutique properties, I hadn't stopped to really think about the variety and richness that this well-travelled country would…
Falafel, mango juice and suprisingly tasty stuffed pigeon! Original Travel Egypt expert Amelia Stewart gives us the low down on her top 10 Egyptian Food and Drink...
When we say Africa, you dig out the binoculars and khaki trousers and begin practising your best David Attenborough voice, right? Wrong! While safaris might hog most of the African holiday limelight, there is so much more to this supremely diverse continent, from mind-blowing scenery to…
We all like to think of ourselves as free spirits, booking with glorious last-minute abandon and able to act on the spur of the spontaneous moment (that's not just us, right?). Well, sorry for being the fun police on this one but when it comes to travel, the impromptu you is missing out. You…
Christmas is over, 2017 is here and so far January is (unfortunately) living up to its reputation as less than a favourite: New Year blues and distinctly British weather. In fact one of the only things it is good for is planning your getaways for the year ahead, and that's where we come in.…
When most people envision a holiday in Cyprus, flopping on the beach or by the pool is generally the first (and last) thought. But, as I found out on my recent research trip, this Mediterranean gem has some wonderful culture, activities and scenery up its sleeve. There is so much to do and…
What do the words 'boutique hotel' mean to you? Perhaps it's the independently owned and run element? Few rooms, bespoke interiors, secluded locations, impeccable and personal service? - They're all on the list. And it has to be said that the place you rest your head at night is a hugely…
India: A cacophony of moments all played in fast forward, with overlaying sounds; loud and jarring. Yes, the beauty lies in the impossible grandeur and elegance of the palaces and forts, but turn to the million rooftops they overlook, with a story beneath each one; each detail that gives…
It is hard to describe my experiences of Zanzibar in so many words. I remember returning to England and explaining to everyone that I had caught the 'Zanzibar bug'. Baffled, and alarmed that I had managed to catch some kind of horrendous stomach bug on my travels, my family and friends, as…
The prospect of travelling to Slovenia was no small feat for a 4ft 11 solo traveller such as myself… what could I eat there (the most important question in any given scenario)? Do they even have proper shops? Will they understand me? Will I be safe? My dad isn't Liam Neeson, after all. What…
Thoughts of Mauritius conjure up hazy images of palm-fringed horizons, sipping from fresh coconuts on vast expanses of white sand, dips in the warm, crystal-clear sea: every sun-worshipper's dream. This Indian Ocean hideaway, however, has a wealth of possibilities on offer those who risk…
Venue - check. Rings - check. Cake - check… What's missing? The honeymoon! Let's be honest (although we may be slightly biased), it's one of the most important parts of the whole wedding process. If you're seeking inspiration for that perfect post-wedding getaway, why not look a little…
My visits to Bali, Lombok and Sumatra had really brought home to me just how different and unique all of the Indonesian islands are. So while heading to Java, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.
Sumatra is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, it's 3 times the size of the UK, and unlike its neighbouring islands of Bali and Java, sees hardly any western visitors. It is also one of the most biodiverse areas on earth, known for its extraordinarily rich flora, fauna and wildlife. I…
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and a mere 250 miles off the coast of mainland Africa but it still remains a largely undiscovered corner of the continent. I've just returned and can really only describe it as the most fascinating and beautiful country I've ever been to.…
Once merely a tourist thoroughfare for those keen to tick off the spectacle that is Angkor Wat, Cambodia is now home to a private island resort that's been likened to the Maldives pre-tourist boom and has made the country's coast a luxury holiday go-to. Discover how we'd spend a week* in…
Asia expert Rachel Bailey went island hopping in Indonesia to uncover the best bits the country has to offer, and discovered that the 18,000-island-strong archipelago really does have something for everyone. Read on to find out what makes Indonesia an ideal luxury holiday destination...
More than anywhere else in Central America, Panama symbolizes a contradictory mixture of old and new, North American and Latin American, rich and poor - making it one of the most dizzyingly exciting and diverse spots to visit. Oh, and beaches are in abundance...
Our particularly well-travelled intern, Tom Surr, has been kind enough to share some of his experiences with us - and this is the second part of his account of a West Coast USA road trip. Having arrived in LA, visited San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, and got the lowdown on the West…
Our particularly well-travelled intern, Tom Surr, has been kind enough to share some of his experiences with us. This is the first part of his account of a USA West Coast road trip.
Most popular during the summer (and quite rightly so), city breaks to the Swedish capital of Stockholm are the perfect mix of culture, restaurants, nightlife, and the beautiful surrounding nature. But the city is just as charming in winter.
Lydia Gard is a freelance writer specialising in luxury family travel, since having two boys she is determined to find truly luxurious places that celebrate rather than simply tolerate young families. In her first of 6 blogs Lydia talks us through the her top 5 toddler holidays...
Sri Lanka has long been a favourite destination of ours here at Original Travel. It's a country that really does have it all; culture, stunning scenery, wildlife, beaches, boutique hotels, sumptuous food and perfect weather. I've just returned from my fifth trip (it's a hard life) and each…
India has long been a favourite amongst Original Travel staff and clients alike. It's the kind of country that inspires a lifelong affinity and, once people catch the India bug, they tend to go back again and again - there is always more to discover. With that in mind, here are eight reasons…
When most people think of travelling to Italy, they picture the rolling hills of Tuscany, the waterways of Venice and the historic sites of Rome. Few would immediately think of Puglia, on the heel of Italy's boot, and yet it too has its fair share of lovely boutique hotels, beautiful…
Fears of driving on uncertain roads melted away in the midday Maniot heat, as we climbed through mountains that tumbled into the crystal blue sea. My reward for braving the hairpin bends from Kalamata to the Mani, was the breathtaking vistas glimpsed in between Cyprus and Olive trees on the…
Have a gander at most people's bucket list and somewhere on there you're likely to find the words 'see the Northern Lights'. And for good reason, this is nature at its rawest and most spectacular; ethereal streams of green, blue, pink and yellow light pierce, swirl and dance across the night…
Welcome to North America: for couples that lust after long open roads and endless adventures. Dive straight in to our favourite suggestions for a luxury honeymoon to North America.
I was lucky enough to spend a week at the fabulous Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives last year, and loved it so much I am going back this year! It really is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The island itself is stunning; the villas are, quite frankly, jaw-dropping, the food…
The little known annual music festival of Fes in Morocco is a gem, not only because it is still relatively unknown (therefore retains its authenticity) but also because of the fantastically high standard of musicianship. In a sea of world music festivals to choose from, this one really…
I first visited Tanzania 13 years ago and it's fair to say the country has upped its luxury safari lodge game in the intervening years. While the term 'luxury' can be defined in myriad ways, whether you have a penchant for opulent gold taps and marble bathrooms or go batty for small,…
If geography was not a barrier, this is how I'd spend a day in Costa Rica…
What would your perfect day entail? Perhaps spending it in a beautiful location, with a dash of adventure, a splash of culture and a decent dollop of sunshine, washed down with some delectable cuisine? Mexico is the perfect place for just such a day and if geography and time were not an…
After a whistle stop tour of the Waterberg, Cape Town and the Winelands I am just catching my breath and reflecting on the experiences I packed into eight glorious days in South Africa. For anyone looking to inject some adventure into a holiday, South Africa is the destination for you.
Indonesia is a destination that generally conjures images of beautiful Balinese beaches and eating, praying and loving à la Julia Roberts. And don't get me wrong that all sounds pretty fantastic but with over 17,000 islands spread across 3,000 miles, there's a fair bit more to explore in the…
Four twenty-somethings with wanderlust in search of sun, fun, culture and gastronomy. One long weekend... Seville was the perfect choice for a Bank Holiday city break.
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and a mere 250 miles off the coast of mainland Africa but it still remains a largely undiscovered corner of the continent. I've just returned and can really only describe it as the most fascinating and beautiful country I've ever been to.…
Brazil is a destination that brings the heat, in every respect of the word. The destination on every cool hunter's radar at the moment? Trancoso. Our Latin America expert Saskia has just returned from a trip to beach idyll and reckons it's the dream luxury break destination...
The English explorer Wilfred Thesiger spent the best part of six years living with Bedouin tribesmen in the Empty Quarter in modern day Oman. If he was alive today, I'd be hugely tempted to suggest going back to the place he loved so much. I know he'd be relieved to find that the beautiful…
Q: The ultimate in unusual holiday destinations? A: Georgia. In the first instalment of our five part blog series about the undiscovered nation, Amelia finds herself falling under the spell of the captivating city of Tbilisi.
It's that time of year again: the time when you realise that Christmas is just 78 short days away but you haven't actually managed to take all of your annual holiday allowance. Something must be done (hint: that's where we come in). Surveys keep coming out claiming that us Brits remain…
Two things have become apparent over the course of this Great British Summer. Number one: the aforementioned "summer" has been deeply underwhelming; one minute we're baking in glorious sunshine and the next we're ducking for cover from torrential rain. Number two: Team GB has had an absolute…
The Olympics are in full swing and that means just one thing: as a nation we're collectively glued to our telly boxes. We're all suddenly experts on fencing ("excellent use of the appel there") and can't tear ourselves away from the table tennis ("did you see that slow spinny topspin?"). And…
When asked to picture their perfect holiday, many people's minds immediately hit the beach; warm white sand between the toes, sparkling azure waters and someone rather good-looking fanning you with a large palm leaf. And who are we to deny such glories? But here at Original Travel we're also…
FOMO. Otherwise known as fear of missing out - a modern-day interpretation of keeping up with the Joneses, if you will. Yep, this is is how trends start, be that donning the latest fashion item, brunching at the newest hotspot or exploring the destination of the moment. And when it comes to…
You know you're officially on holiday when you dive head first (or climb gracefully, or bomb, you get the picture) in to the cool, refreshing water of the hotel's swimming pool. And we're not talking about any old 25m situation, we're talking infinity pools with beautiful views, romantic…
While we regularly spout our merry manifesto about the wonders of the world as seen from dry land, we're also major fans of the ocean and all it has to offer, from (tongue twisters alert) kaleidoscopically colourful coral to magnificent marine life and ludicrously luxurious liveaboard boats.…
Mention of Summer in the Mediterranean generally conjures images of endless stretches of sandy beach, hazy sunny days, olive-scented air and sun-kissed skin. And while this all sounds rather dreamy, there is so much more to this glorious corner of the world than just beaches. The historic…
George Osborne may have declared war on sweets with the introduction of his sugar tax in this year's budget but luckily we get our kicks from the suite (see what I did there?) treats of an altogether different kind. Our suite tooth (sorry, can't help it) is rather partial to the exceptional…
Question: what do the following have in common? Gin & tonic, Rodney & Del Boy, Andy Murray & Wimbledon (and while we're on the subject, strawberries & cream), bacon & eggs and finally, a nice strong wind & Donald Trump's hair. Yes, you got it; they're all cool combos,…
It might seem a little counter-intuitive for a travel company to talk about the difficulties of travelling, but you've been to an airport recently, right? No-one in their right mind could claim that the airport experience is a particularly pleasant one, what with convoluted security checks…
Camping: one of the most divisive words in the travel lexicon. So often associated with cramped tents, dodgy Trangias and the vague whiff of wet dog. The irony is that some of the most luxurious and unique hotels in the world are tented camps; think large canopies, quirky furniture, spacious…
Hillary Clinton once said that 'Europe is a miracle'. She may not have meant it in a strictly luxury travel sense but flattery will get her everywhere, and we at Original Travel most certainly agree. Our expert team has selflessly travelled the length and breadth of the continent in search…
Let's be honest - rugby is not for the faint hearted. It's a game of fervent patriotism, fierce rivalry and tough men running around hitting each other (a highly technical assessment, we think you'll agree). And with the Rugby World Cup gathering pace, it's hard not to get swept up in the…
Talk of Christmas already?!? Before you think we've gone all Argos on you, the majority of great festive season holiday spots do get booked up well in advance and as travel guardian angels we naturally only want the best for you. So, if the thought of doing one of Nigella's coke soaked hams…
Seize the day! The early bird catches the worm!.. you get the picture, and if you can drag yourself from peaceful slumber, here's our top 5 places around the world to watch the sunrise.
Men, beware. Have you been leaving that lovely lady hanging? With a flutter of an eyelash the tables could be turned...
