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
Now that the clocks have gone back and winter has truly set in, it’s no surprise that people are dreaming of next year’s getaway. But where to go? 2026 is set to be a pretty exciting year in travel, from the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA to the lifting of non-essential travel bans in South Mozambique. To help you decide, we’ve crafted a shortlist of the hottest destinations on the map, including two new destinations we’re adding to our roster next year.
17th November 2025 - Travel Inspiration
First emerging in early 20th-century Paris, Art Deco made its world debut at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs, a showcase of the movement’s arts and architecture. Characterised by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, symmetry and verticality, the Art Deco style embodies machine-age modernity. As we mark a century of Art Deco’s enduring influence, it’s time to celebrate its global legacy.
13th November 2025 - Travel Inspiration
Southeast Asia is a favourite for first-time travellers – safe, welcoming and easy to explore. Yet all too often, Cambodia is the casualty of the Indochina loop, with many simply dropping in to see the (admittedly awe-inspiring) Angkor before moving swiftly on. On my first visit, I was guilty as charged. But my return visit changed everything. Cambodia, I realised, has come of age. It’s no longer the ‘add-on’ destination, but a country that demands time, rewards curiosity and offers depth, warmth and discovery at every turn.
29th October 2025 - Cambodia 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 fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
