Published 12th Oct. 2023
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Our clients like to keep us on our toes, and long may that last. It seems there are few places you’re not intrigued by, and few experiences you won’t consider, which makes putting together your trips all the more exciting. Our team of destination specialists are passionate about creating truly tailor-made itineraries that inspire, surprise and delight our clients. And the greater the challenge the greater the reward; it’s usually the toughest briefs that result in the most epic escapes (and epic feedback). Read on for a snapshot of some of the most memorable trips you’ve been on so far this year...
While relocating from Hong Kong back to the UK, two adventurous clients decided to make a journey of it by spending six weeks exploring New Zealand. Their trip included a RIB tour of the Coromandel coast; wine touring by bike in Hawke’s Bay, a region famous for its full-bodied reds and complex chardonnays; a multi-day trek along the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds; heli-hiking on a glacier; an overnight cruise in Doubtful sound (the second-longest of the South Island’s fjords); and star gazing in the Oahu Valley.
© Ventura/Fotolia
We’re big believers in sustainable travel so we were delighted when a client approached us to plan a first-time safari in South Africa for his wife and daughter with a sustainable focus. During their trip they stayed in a luxury eco-reserve close to the southern tip of Africa which protects 8,500 acres of pristine wilderness which is home to over 23 mammal species, thousand-year-old milkwood forests and over 100 endangered plant species. They also learnt about community-based projects, went on a whale-watching cruise and experienced the wonderful Winelands region, the source of many legendary Cape wines.
© Olivier Romano
We loved the challenge of putting together a trip across the Andes from Chile to Argentina for some adventurous clients. Highlights of their itinerary included glamping in the desert, stargazing with a renowned astro-photographer, staying in eco-domes on the salt flats and wine tasting in high-altitude vineyards.
© Alix Pardo
Our team are true experts when it comes to planning luxury holidays by train and so it was a pleasure to put together an itinerary for a client who wanted to travel by train from London to Slovenia and Venice. The trip included rafting along the Sava River, beer tasting at a brewery in Ljubljana – Slovenia's colourful capital – and a private tour of the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano to see glass blowers and lacemakers at work. Along the way, they rode some seriously scenic rail routes and indulged in fabulous foodie treats, from a five-course taster menu at a fine-dining restaurant in Ljubljana to traditional dishes in an intimate family-run restaurant in Venice.
© Faustine Poidevin
Written by: Ella Mawson
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Like all continents, North America is vast and varied, but its countries share a key similarity: the sheer size of their landmass. From Canada’s rocky regions to America's plentiful plains and Mexico’s sun-soaked swathes – there’s no shortage of ground to cover. With an abundance of sprawling landscapes and beautiful vistas, the best way to soak it all in is by train travel. But which trips to choose?
7th May 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Meet Jean-Francois Rial, CEO of Voyageurs du Monde – the French tour operator that’s been Original Travel’s parent company since 2017. A passionate advocate for sustainable travel, he’s been proposing ways for the industry to play its part in protecting the planet. Off the clock, he also runs an organic vegetable farm in France’s Orne region, proving that even CEOs can get their hands dirty. Intrigued by the people shaping the future of travel?
27th April 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Just stepped off the Shinkansen, explored the vibrant streets of Tokyo and had your fill of ramen? Then you’ll know Japan is dazzling, and a little hectic at times. That’s where temples come in – and with over 150,000 sacred sites across the country, you’ll see signs for otera (temple) and jinja (shrine), everywhere. Follow them and find peaceful pavilions, meet resident deer bowing for a biscuit or two and even tiptoe through ninja hideouts filled with secret rooms.
27th April 2026 - Japan 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
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