Life is in the detail

Go to the Himalayas in India to enjoy the stunning scenery, a different pace of life and to meet very special people.

Frances - Original Traveller

Frances Mavor

Original Travel Expert

I have extensive travel experience throughout The Far East and India.

My travels

Travel Things I Want To Do Before I Die

Explore Mongolia while riding on a horse
See as many different animals as humanly possible - I want to see them all!
View the Northern Lights
See a kakapo

Best Moments

Living within a Lepcha community for three months - I really enjoyed not having any electricity and it was extremely refreshing not being contactable
Meeting the Dali Lama in McLeod Ganj
Seeing giant tortoises in the Galapagos
Attempting to cross roads in Hanoi - terrifying but at the same time amusing
Spotting elephants on the side of the road while being driven to my hotel in Sri Lanka

Toughest Travel Moment

Travelling in a leg cast while in Vietnam, trying to get into a kayak in Halong Bay was a definite challenge.

Weirdest Travel Moment

When I was living in a tribal community in India, I joined in with several chicken killing parties - when these took place school was cancelled and the day was spent hacking a chicken and then cooking all parts of it while drinking chee (millet beer)!

Explore my blog posts

How To Eat Your Way Around Sri Lanka

Cooking classes, street food tours and lovely local restaurants - Sri Lanka is one of the best travel destinations for food lovers. Prime for a tasting tour, each region boasts its own unique style of cuisine and flavour combinations making it ideal for anyone who fancies a cross-country…

What it's Like To Stay in a Japanese Ryokan

On my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to experience five different ryokans - traditional Japanese inns - and I can highly recommend the experience. It is completely different to staying in a hotel and you can get a great feel for the original style of Japanese home life.

My Adventures in Myanmar

Myanmar may have been in the news for all the wrong reasons in recent times but looking beyond politics, this small-yet-mighty country has so much to offer. Not to mention that boycotting all travel to a country that relies so heavily on tourism would be disastrous for the vast majority of…

Why I Fell in Love with Sri Lanka

As a real foodie I was extremely excited at the opportunity of travelling to Sri Lanka on my recent research trip to sample first hand some of their culinary delights such as hoppers and curries, and I was not disappointed. Having spent the last fortnight in Sri Lanka I have realised that it…

The Inside Track: India

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;…

Six Reasons Why We Should All Go to China Right Now

China is a fascinating country in which to travel. However, I am not going to lie and say it will ever be my favourite destination; it is a tough country to travel in. There were times that I absolutely loved it and others when I was wondering what on earth I was doing there. However, I do…

Eight Reasons To Go To India Right Now

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…

Part 2: Cambodia and the Lost World

In case you missed my last blog on Cambodia, I basically poured my heart out about this utterly enchanting country. Perhaps the most profound observation I have, though, is that Cambodians remain resolutely cheerful and strong in the face of such a harrowing history. In this article I'm…

Head Over Heels for Cambodia: Part 1

Having been lucky enough to travel the world extensively and develop a strong sense of wanderlust, Asia is where my passion really lies. Which is why, with excitement, I am now able to tell you about a country I have not had the chance to visit... until now - Cambodia.

Tiger Tourism in India

Here at Original Travel, we love to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with what's going on in our favourite destinations. Myself and Milly, representing Team Asia, recently attended the TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers) Wildlife product update talk given by chairman Julian Matthews, which…

A Tiger Safari in India

Asia specialist Miranda is truly passionate about tigers. Here she shares her once in a lifetime tiger safari holiday in India - one of her most memorable travel experiences to date. Originally Published August 2013.

Fun Family Holidays To India

India is a feast for the senses for all, what can be more exciting having read Kipling's Jungle Book than seeing all the animals come to life in the Indian Jungle; ride Colonal Hathi trying to track Sher Khan, if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of Baloo or Bagheera going about their…

Thai Salmon Recipe

Check out this Thai salmon recipe, the perfect meal for a cosy night in whilst planning your next trip to Asia...

Vegetable Samosa Recipe

This vegetable samosa recipe was picked up by our Asia specialist Miranda, during a visit to her favourite hotel in Jaipur, India - Samode Hotels!

Spanish Recipe: Ham Croquettes

Love Spain, Love Tapas? Here is a Spanish recipe for ham croquettes. These are absolutely delicious, but be warned, a bit of a fiddle to make….

Ginger and Honey Tea Recipe

This one is delicious… especially to warm you up on a chilly day after a long trek to Tigers Nest in Bhutan, also delicious after a hot stone bath and amazing massage at the Uma Paro spa. Let me introduce to you all...

Whistler Ski Holidays

Canada is, for many people, the ultimate ski destination. Whether its quantity and quality of snow, the mountainside conditions and facilities, or even the in-resort features and standards; Canadian ski resorts are unbeatable on virtually all fronts. And none more so than Whistler. The…

India: Something for Everyone

Such a vast and vibrant country, India has a huge amount to offer visitors. 2012/13 are certainly no exception to that; with new modes of transport, new accommodation, holy and musical festivals, plus a whole host of other cultural events taking place, India really does have something to…

Tiger Tourism Faces it's Biggest Court Case to Date

A tiger safari is the epitome of a memorable and unique holiday experience. But at the end of July 2012, the Supreme Court in India imposed an interim ban on all tiger tourism within the core areas of the National Parks in India. This ban is due for a hearing tomorrow.

Big Cat Safaris: Go Wild!

After a once in a lifetime holiday? Nothing beats spotting a big cat. Yes, yes, we all love a lumbering elephant or a cute orang-utan, but for the ultimate in wildlife watching it has to be one of the magnificent moggies that prowl around the wilder parts of almost every continent on Earth.…

The Best Exotic Hotels in Rajasthan

An 'absolutely definitely' must see...The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel currently out in the cinema is a heart warming story of a group of Brits from all different walks of life, heading out to India for retirement. Arriving at the hotel, it is not quite as it has been described in the…

80 Senses: #69 - The Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

Into the tiger's den...

80 Senses: #60 - Salvatore Maraschio, Concierge at Hotel de Russie

The man who makes the impossible possible... We at Original Travel send our clients off on city breaks with a detailed dossier containing our recommendations of the best restaurants, bars, places to shops and generally all the info you could need to make for the perfect Big Short Break. We…

80 Senses: #47 - U Bein Bridge, Lake Inle at Sunset

The ultimate photo opportunity. Burma is back, and Inle Lake is a very tranquil and relaxing spot after the hustle and bustle of the cities of Mandalay and Rangoon.