WHERE WILL YOU GO IN 2019? OUR LOCAL TEAMS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS.

WHERE WILL YOU GO IN 2019? OUR LOCAL TEAMS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS.

January 2019

Who better to give travel tips than our in-the-know local staff? From Turkey to Ecuador, our teams give their recommendations for travel in 2019.

A baby Grevy's zebra in Samburu National Reserve.
A baby Grevy's zebra in Samburu National Reserve. 

If you visit Kenya this year I would recommend that you...forget about the ‘big five’ and visit Samburu County to see the ‘rare five’ in their natural habitat: the reticulated giraffe, somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and East African oryx. Sambaru County is also home to the nomadic Samburu people. In a Samburu village, you can experience their rich culture through activities such as meeting their morans [warriors], milk goats and make traditional ornaments.  Samburu County is now much more easily accessible as the roads leading there have been fully sealed – meaning a much less bumpy journey! 

                      - Winnie Michara, Finance Assistant, Kenya

Homestay on Floreana Island
A typical house on Floreana Island. 

If you visit Ecuador this year I would recommend that you...do a homestay on Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Floreana is the most remote of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos. Tourism is carefully managed to ensure not only that everyone in the community benefits but also that no harm is done to the environment. The locals are very welcoming and friendly and getting to meet and spend time with them through a homestay is a great experience to have in the Galapagos. 

                     - Pamela Arcos, Sales Manager, Ecuador 

Ankara to Kars train
The Eastern Express is particularly scenic during winter. 

If you visit Turkey this year I would recommend that you...take the Eastern Express overnight passenger train from Ankara to Kars. The train covers 1300 kms over 24 hours, stopping in seven different cities along the way. It’s a great way to see the Turkish countryside, especially in winter, when it is beautiful blanketed in snow.

                      - Salih Cam, Tour Leader, Turkey

Beach in Guanacaste.
Playa Conchal is one of many stunning beaches in Guanacaste province. 

If you visit Costa Rica this year I would recommend that you...go to the province of Guanacaste. It’ the best place – you have nature, culture, people, wildlife and of course beaches. Some of my favourites include Playa Carillo – which is beautiful and quiet; Playa Conchal, where the clear sea water perfectly reflects the blue sky, Playa Tamarindo, where the best nightlife is, and Playa Bahia Pirata, which is hidden and mysterious.

                    - Stephanie Porras, Sales Consultant, Costa Rica 

Street food Osaka
Takoyaki, a Japanese street food first popularised in Osaka.

If you visit Japan this year I would recommend that you...extend your stay after the Rugby World Cup to take in any of the following experiences:  sampling some unique and bizarre street foods in Osaka, visiting the Shingon Buddhist monasteries in Koya-san, exploring hidden art works on Naoshima and the neighbouring 'art islands', being entertained by and perhaps learning the folk dance 'Awa-odori' in Tokushima in Shikoku, relaxing while bathing in some hot springs in Kyushu or experiencing the mysticism of the primeval forests of Yakushima!

                   - Michie Hamaya, Tour Leader, Japan

Thi Lo Su waterfall, Thailand
Thi Lo Su  is the largest waterfall in Thailand.

If you visit Thailand this year, I would recommend that you...visit Thi Lo Su waterfall - not only is it the biggest in Thailand but it's well known for being the most beautiful as well. Adding to the charm is the fact it's off the beaten track so not many tourists go there! 

                        - Pikul Santirodjanakul, Tour Leader, Thailand