Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Original Travel Turns 10!
Once upon a time... Our story began back in 2003; a classic 'three friends in a spare bedroom' scenario. The three co-founders Alastair Poulain, Nick Newbury and Tom Barber spotted a niche in the travel industry for high quality short breaks requiring minimal time off work but offering maximum experience. Using their knowledge and passion for travel, the three came up with a portfolio of action-packed long weekends to original destinations, and The Big Short Break was born.
What we've achieved
Hungry to grow, Original Travel went on to launch a successful long-haul portfolio; a range of original family holidays and has published even two books; The Big Short Break and Dive in Style. In addition we've joined forces with the wonderful Tim Best Travel and Simoon Travel teams, launched Original Diving and a home-grown UK travel arm and in the process won a number of highly regarded travel awards. Best of all, though, is that warm and fuzzy feeling we get from the knowledge that we have made a lot of people, from rockstars to royalty and everyone in between, very happy with their precious holidays.
Happy Birthday!
To celebrate our 10 year anniversary we've compiled ten blogs; each a '10 best...' or '10 most...' theme. Clever, no? The blogs will share with you some of the things we've enjoyed, done, learnt and experienced over the past ten years. We hope you enjoy them, and a big warm thank you to all of you have helped us get where we are today. First up? The 10 Best Big Short Breaks. We hope you enjoy them!
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Saudi Arabia’s doors and deserts are now open to curious travellers, thanks to the introduction of tourist visas in 2019, making this the perfect time to discover the ancient oasis city of AlUla in the northwest of the country. With over 200,000 years of history to uncover and ancient tombs still being discovered, you never know what you’ll stumble across in the city’s surrounding. Roam vast sandstone landscapes and spot wonderful wildlife by day, then unwind under star-filled skies come night.
29th June 2026 - Saudi Arabia Travel Inspiration
Not quite ready to face the prospect of summer coming to an end? With crunchy leaves, cosy jumpers and pumpkin-spiced lattes all on the horizon, September is the ideal time for one last hurrah in the European sun – just think of it as topping up your vitamin D reserves before autumn settles in properly, leaving you with a healthy glow (and plenty of holiday memories) to see you through the colder months.
29th June 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Pin drop travel is our portfolio of destinations where silence is golden. With screens, schedules and the general chaos of the world competing for our attention, there’s never been a better time to escape to quiet holiday destinations so still you can (as the name suggests) hear a pin drop. Sometimes, all we need is the chance to slow down, breathe deeply and rediscover the simple joy of hearing… almost nothing at all.
27th May 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
