Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Our wonderful planet is made up of over 70% water, meaning finding the perfect spot for a dip is (understatement of the century alert) something of a challenge. Lucky for you, our team of experts have scoured the globe for the most scenic soaks going. It's time to dig out the swimsuit, dust off the snorkel, sit back and read our list of the planet's most delightful dunks. Just don't forget your pink flamingo float...
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is home to unique, crystal-clear natural limestone sinkholes known as cenotes. These magical pools can be found in cave systems throughout the peninsula, but a great base from which to explore these natural mineral rich swimming pools is Tulum (where the beaches aren't half bad either). Keen divers can explore this underwater world further by exploring the labyrinth of subaquatic caverns from below the surface.
Iceland is home to one of the greatest natural geothermal pools in the world, the Blue Lagoon. This natural spa is set in the middle of a huge lava field and is fed by mineral-rich, geothermal sea water. The uniquely coloured milky-blue warm water has amazing revitalising properties, and to top it off we can arrange for you to have a mud mask, bathrobe, slippers and sparkling wine for a spa-centric soak.
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the beach bum paradise that is Bondi and its infamous Bondi Icebergs pool. This ocean-filled saltwater pool is dramatically perched on the southern end of Bondi Beach's rocks and is continually re-filled by the Pacific waves crashing into the pool. Although it's extremely difficult to become an exclusive 'Iceberg' member, day guest passes are thankfully available to give visitors a chance to experience this iconic soaking spot.
For a truly unique and salty soak, head to the lowest point on Earth's surface in Jordan's Dead Sea. At 1,400 feet below sea level where the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea, the water's extreme salinity (which means nothing can live here - hence the name) allows you to float on its warm and soothing surface with ease. You can even coat yourself in the lake's therapeutic black mud, which is famed for its rejuvenating qualities. Lay back, relax and enjoy this natural phenomenon.
Nestled in the Surat Thani province of southern Thailand is the dramatic scenery of Khao Sok National Park. Home to an abundance of wildlife, rainforest and jagged karst landscapes, this national park is a haven of natural beauty. In terms of having a good soak, the park's central focus is the beautiful 60 square mile man-made Cheow Lan Lake which is surrounded by limestone peaks, rising over 3,000ft in height, and ancient rainforest. Take a dip in the refreshing lake and take in the beautiful surroundings before retreating up a ladder to your floating home.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
When it comes to your holiday, a little planning goes a long way. Recently, we’ve noticed a pattern of both last-minute and long-term bookings, which we’ve named the Concertina Effect. But why are people booking so far in advance? Our co-founder, Tom Barber, thinks ‘anticication’ has something to do with it: ‘in uncertain times, planning something joyful far ahead becomes an act of hope’. Whether admiring cherry blossoms in Japan, celebrating the Holi festival in India, cruising down the Nile on the Steam Ship Sudan, or spotting gorillas in Uganda, some holidays require extra attention.
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Every year, the same story plays out: employees in the UK let holiday days go to waste. One recent survey found that 65% of UK workers don’t use up their allowance – and a whopping 17% leave five or more days unclaimed. Another source concurs: in 2023, 61% of workers reported not using all of their annual leave. This is all especially galling when you compare us to our European neighbours. Across the EU, the average entitlement (including public holidays) is about 34 days per year, whereas in the UK, many of us are left with just 28 days.
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Wedding anniversaries are all about celebrating love, and here at Original Travel, we believe the best way to do that is on holiday. We understand that every couple is different, so whether you two are after bucket-list adventures in Norway or total relaxation in South Africa, we’ve got you covered. Ready to mark the occasion? Read on for our comprehensive list of the best anniversary holidays… First Anniversary:
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