OUR TRAVEL blogs - PAGE Eight

Exploring new countries and getting underneath their skin helps build our knowledge of these destinations so we can share our experiences and insights with you, not only when discussing a potential journey but also through our blog entries. See below for the latest from our returning travellers...

NORTH KOREA - JUSTIN WATERIDGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR (MAY 10)
A roar of laughter and much nodding in amusement from our Korean comrades as Max pointed at the designer tear in his jeans. The smiles and laughter of our carriage were far removed from the drab greyness that was passing by our train window.


AMMAN, JORDAN - SARA HUGHES, COMMERCIAL MANAGER (MAR 10)
A short 4½ hour flight and I was transported from the wind and rain of the UK to the balmy sunshine of Amman. Time spent in this cosmopolitan city, wandering around the souks and visiting the Citadel, Roman amphitheatre and the wonderful school supported by A&K Philanthropy (AKP) completely whetted my appetite.

BUDAPEST - JUSTIN WATERIDGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR (MAR 10)
Budapest is a city of immense visual charm, poised culturally and geographically between East and West, reflecting both the exotic beauty of its past and the fast-forward pulse of today.  With its grand Austro-Hungarian boulevards, Art Nouveau architecture...


LIVING WITH ELEPHANTS - BRIDGET COHEN, REGIONAL MANAGER - AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN (MAR 10)
"Elephants smell of..." "Warmth, friendliness and comfort," Doug interrupted me. I looked up at him. He was smiling wryly. He knew that wasn't what I was asking.


ZAMBIA - JUSTIN WATERIDGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR (FEB 10)
Sussi and Chuma is an exquisite camp. Its raised walkways and twelve beautiful tree houses lend it a quirky, uplifting feel that is enhanced by its simple, light yet chic decor. The friendliness and smiles of the staff complement and add to the refreshing atmosphere.

 
ZAMBIA - JUSTIN WATERIDGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR (FEB 10)
"How did you sleep?"
"Are you serious?" was my disbelieving reply.
For once the otherwise smiling camp manager looked unsure. "Did you not sleep well?"
"The crunching of bones is not conducive to sleep" was my exasperated reply.

MYANMAR - JUSTIN WATERIDGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR (JAN 10)
Bagan is the result of two and half centuries of frenzied religious building resulting in its apogee at the end of the thirteenth century in over 4,400 temples. Today there remain a multitude of temples and pagodas, still thousands by some accounts, some in ruins but many in good repair, stretched over miles of sandy windswept plain.

PERU - MELISSA HOOKWAY, TRAVEL CONSULTANT (DEC 09)
Peru still has plenty of surprises for the most ardent traveller.   Over 5,000 years of civilisation has left a legacy of diverse cultures and stunning archaeological sites throughout this fascinating country.


GUATEMALA - ALISON WHITE, TRAVEL CONSULTANT (NOV 09)
The Sierra Madre stretching from the Mexican border to Guatemala contains beautiful volcanoes - the constantly erupting "Fire" volcano completely lives up to its name and is amazing to see...



BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - JAMES HARRIS, SALES SUPPORT (OCT 09)
The British Virgin Islands are the epitome of Caribbean luxury, leant further exclusivity by the fact that there are no direct flights from either the UK or the US. Although they are more difficult to get to than some of their neighbours, it is definitely worth the extra effort.