With overtourism in the most popular of tourist destinations regularly taking the headlines, maybe it’s worth considering going somewhere you maybe never have thought about…? There is a whole world beyond those we all clamber to go to, stay at and see – including the big-name ‘bucket list’ destinations many of us want to see in our lifetime.
Of course, when you start looking at somewhere less familiar, you’ll need the assistance of a professional who looks after your every need – be it a tailored bespoke itinerary just for you, joining a small group tour, or maybe even a small-ship cruise or river cruise.
Even more, it even better when we have actually been there, lived it and seen it for ourselves – with our rapidly growing collection of destinations or regions we have travelled to that are not on the normal tourist trail.
OUR FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE
Collectively, we have over a hundred years of travel industry experience, and of course, over that time we have done a fair bit of travelling. More recently we have expanded our horizons to new destinations, and other regions of countries we thought we knew. Not only are they extremely rewarding, but by visiting somewhere often overlooked by tourists, you’re also giving to the local community by staying in their hotels, eating in their local restaurants and experiencing their way of life.
UZBEKISTAN
As the gem of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan is a fascinating country full of history (both old and new), and the most fabulous Islamic architecture. A truly stunning country.
RIVER CRUISE
River cruising is a completely different experience from that on the ocean. Much smaller ships carrying less than 200 passengers, usually getting right into the centre of the town or village. There’s often great scenery too!
UNDISCOVERED ITALY
In 2024 we partnered with new escorted tour company, Magari Tours – who offer the very best cultural and experiential tours in the lessor known parts of Italy. We’re one of a small select group of agents where you can book these tours, and we’ve sampled them for ourselves – and they are great!
IRAN
Jackie lived in Iran for a number of years before the revolution in the 70’s. She has long held affiliation to the country, and the wider Middle East, and once Iran is open for western tourists again, we’ll be pleased to arrange it for you.
SLOVENIA
Both Jackie and Ashley have visited Slovenia, a really wonderful summer alternative. You can experience seaside splendour and then head into the mountains, just a couple of hours by road, plus it’s amazingly good value for money.
THE AZORES
These Portuguese islands are truly something different. More akin to the landscape of Wales than the Canary Islands, these islands in the middle of the Atlantic are ideal if you love nature and walking, with a little bit of culture thrown in.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
There is so much more to the Caribbean than just the major islands we fly into. Take another flight and you’ll experience a completely different side to the region. We visited the BVI’s a number of years ago, and it’s really how you imagine small-island Caribbean living to be.
ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL
As we have a base in Portugal, it’s natural for us to explore the country. We have stayed in the Alentejo region with Molly (Cockapoo) for one of our short breaks, and is an easy drive from the Algarve region. Lovely countryside, and small quaint towns along the Atlantic coastline.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
When you book with us, you’re looked after by our small, experienced team. There is no holding on the telephone for hours on end trying to speak to someone, or spending hours trying to do something on the internet – you’re always able to either speak to us during the day or email where we’ll endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
We’re always here for you as well when you’re abroad. If there’s an emergency, you can always contact us on our emergency helpline, or by email – whichever is easier, and we’ll do our very best to help you in collaboration with our partners.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Of course, we’re only able to offer different destinations because of the partners we work with, as they are not always available through mainstream channels. That’s why we work with a collection of niche, specialist travel companies who are often the authority on the region or country to ensure you have the best holiday possible.
This is across the board – cruises, luxury cruises, expedition cruises, yachts, river cruises, small ships, large ships, small-group tours, escorted tours, adventure tours, activity holidays, family holidays, weddings and honeymoons, beach holidays, city breaks, bespoke holidays and so much more. We have all the contacts and all the know-how.
MAGARI TOURS
Not content to just providing food, Silversea also includes excursions on the majority of their cruises. This 5* experience compares very favourably (depending on location), to the equivalent holiday on land.
AUDLEY TRAVEL
Yes, we have a long-held relationship with Audley Travel, one of the best travel companies for tailor-made travel in the UK. Book with us and get the added benefit of a chauffeur transfer to/from home to the airport.
APT & TRAVELMARVEL
We love APT’s excellent value river cruises, with a number available throughout Europe including the Rhine, Danube and Duoro. They also have good offers for singles (depending on availability).
CARIBTOURS
One of the best UK companies operating in the Caribbean, having done so for over forty years. This has now grown to Europe, the Middle East and Indian Ocean as well – with a fabulous collection of hotels and personalised service.
JULES VERNE
Yes, we can book Jules Verne now too, one of the UK’s leading small-group tours company. They cover anywhere you would want to travel – from shorter breaks in Europe, to longer trips in Africa, Asia and South America.
KIRKER HOLIDAYS
Kirker Holdiays are a byword for quality when travelling to Europe on a short break. Nothing is too much of a problem, a superb concierge service and bespoke tailoring of trips make them the best for a short break!
REGENT HOLIDAYS
For more unusual destinations, we have a great relationship with Regent Holidays who have extensive knowledge in destinations such as Central Asia, the Caucasus, Mongolia and The Azores.
AFRICA AND BEYOND
We have worked with Jamie and his team for over twenty years, providing the very best holidays in Southern Africa. Whether you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay in South Africa, or venturing somewhere different like Namibia or Zimbabwe, we’ll have it covered.
SUNVIL
Well known as the aficionados on Greece, we also work with Sunvil on itineraries to Portugal and The Azores, as well as more undiscovered parts of Italy and Albania.
TYPICALLY HOLIDAYS
Kirker Holdiays are a byword for quality when travelling to Europe on a short break. Nothing is too much of a problem, a superb concierge service and bespoke tailoring of trips make them the best for a short break!
ANZCRO
Anzcro are the biggest inbound operator into Australia and New Zealand, and their breadth of product is astounding. So, even if you’re flying into one of the major hubs in Australasia, we’ll still be able to work a unique and interesting itinerary for you, beyond the usual tourist trail.
RAINBOW TOURS
As the sister company to Regent – Rainbow offer holidays to more unusual destinations in Latin America and Africa – including Sao Tome and Principe, and Guyana.
WE LOOK AFTER EVERYTHING…
We’re often asked why I should book through a travel agent, rather than booking on the internet. Some even don’t ask and think the best way to book a holiday is on the internet, but we believe we offer a service like no other, if we have the opportunity.
Many believe that it’s more expensive to book with an agent. That couldn’t be further from the truth, with many of our suppliers offering complete price parity – so you get all the benefits of booking with an agent, for exactly the same price. There are occasions as well when we can even beat a direct price. That’s of course before we start talking about room upgrades or exclusive extras we might be able to add.
Most of all, we can do so much more than what a website can do for you. We’re available 24/7 in the case of an emergency, you can ask us for advise and specific requirements for travel, we’re people so understand your needs – the list really is endless.
CALL US
We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
SEND A MESSAGE
If you wish to send us your requirements by email using the link below, we’ll get back to you. Outside of office hours, we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.
VISIT US
Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.
