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
If you’re dreaming of a European escape rich in vintage charm, centuries of history and an exuberance of things to see and do, Prague and Budapest should be at the top of your list. The real dilemma, of course, is choosing between them - both capital cities have so much to offer, yet each retains its own special character. Boasting some of Europe’s finest architectural gems, Prague delights with storybook charm while Budapest spreads its appeal far and wide, offering a broader range of experiences and neighbourhoods to explore.
26th January 2026 - Czech Republic Travel Inspiration
March is that tricky month where winter hasn’t fully let go, but spring is starting to peek around the corner. Luckily, Europe has pockets of sunshine where you can shake off the chill, work on your tan and take a dip in the sea, even in March. From the golden sands of Spain’s Canary Islands and the sunlit coasts of Portugal’s Algarve, to the historic harbours of Croatia and the Mediterranean charm of Malta, Cyprus and Rhodes, there’s plenty of sun waiting to be chased.
19th January 2026 - Travel Inspiration
If paradise had a postcode, it would be somewhere on Bali’s coastline. Embraced by the sea on all sides, this Indonesian island is home to a bounty of beautiful beaches. Whether your perfect day means unwinding on the sand with a cocktail and a good book, learning to ride your first wave, exploring Bali’s underwater world, or sampling its lively nightlife, the island offers something for every mood and pace.
29th December 2025 - Indonesia 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
