18 Jan 2022
Tailor-made tour operator Original Travel reports a trend of clients wanting to visit one destination in depth rather than two or more, due to the ever-changing rules of each country in line with COVID-19 regulations.
This allows for a deeper and richer experience in keeping with Original Travel's Travel Less, Travel Better ethos, with clients coming back feeling well-travelled, even with just a single stamp in their passports.
Co-Founder of Original Travel, Tom Barber, says: 'With more people travelling consciously as an effect of the pandemic and an increased awareness of our carbon footprint, the demand to travel less, but travel better is on the rise. By exploring one country more thoroughly - instead of hopping from one to another - is a great way to embrace that trend. Besides which, some of our favourite destinations offer plenty of variety and changing scenery within their borders.'
From Argentina to Japan, Oman, Malta and Spain, here are some of Original Travel's top picks of all-rounder destinations, where you can enjoy a city break, a beach holiday and plenty of activities all in one trip.
After two days exploring the vibrant Buenos Aires, you'll get up close to the majestic and vast Perito Moreno Glacier. Experience a scenic drive along the shoreline of Lake Nahuel Huapi and enjoy panoramic views of Andean peaks, mountain lakes and of course the city of Bariloche. Next is the heartland of gaucho country - the fertile lowlands of the Pampas, where you can get acquainted with Argentina's famous cowboys and where you'll be taught to ride or even try your hand at polo.
Prices from £5,785 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, some meals, guided tours and activities and 13 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel (originaltravel.co.uk, 020 3582 4990).
On this unforgettable nine-day, self-drive adventure, you'll see the best Oman has to offer. From dolphin-spotting off the coast of Muscat to sleeping out under the stars on an Arabian desert safari, staying in a magical Bedouin camp in Wahiba Sands, this trip is a feast for the senses. Soak up the culture in the heart of the Omani capital of Muscat, including the architectural beauty of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the bustling Muttrah Souq, where you can haggle for amazing souvenirs. Finish the trip at the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Bahla, also known as the 'City of Magic' for its many legends and myths.
Prices from £2,430 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, car hire, some meals, guided tours and activities and 7 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel (originaltravel.co.uk, 020 3582 4990).
Luxury Japan Cultural Adventure
This 13-day Japan adventure takes in some of the country's top spots from the sensory overload that is Tokyo to the green forests of Nikko National Park, a wilderness of undulating hills carpeted in thick, green forests. Board the bullet train before staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan inn with tatami flooring, sliding doors and futon style beds in the Japanese Alps. Enjoy a tantalising tasting tour of Osaka by embarking on the city's best eateries through the hidden alleyways to discover all the local delicacies from fresh okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake) to tasty Takoyaki (savoury ball-shaped cakes) which have featured in the Japan Michelin Guide.
Prices from £4,200 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, some meals, guided tours and activities and 12 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel (originaltravel.co.uk, 020 3582 4990).
A Cultural Road Trip through Cities, Coast and Countryside in Southern Spain
Spend ten days exploring southern Spain on this road trip taking in Granada, Cordoba, Seville and a little bit of the glorious Andalusian countryside. Start off by broadening your knowledge with an expert historian guide for a private tour of the treasures of the Alhambra, a 1,500-year old masterpiece of Moorish and Christian architecture. Next, it's onwards to Cordoba, where you can wander around the old Jewish and Moorish quarters to marvel at the beautiful courtyards. Hunt out the best tapas (and sangria) in Seville by going a tapas tour with an expert foodie guide and pick up your new favourite dance moves at flamenco bars. Finish the trip with some downtime in the glorious Andalusian countryside, best seen from the saddle; we can arrange for private riding lessons for all levels.
Prices from £2,965 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, car hire, some meals, guided tours and activities and 10 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel (originaltravel.co.uk, 020 3582 4990).
Combine the laidback, wild island of Gozo with Malta's capital, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta, on this 10-day adventure. Gozo is a haven for active adventurers of any age, whether hiking around the spectacular, rugged landscapes; taking a boat out to explore the coastline for hidden sandy coves, or enjoying the best diving in the Med. Then uncover Valletta's rich history and baroque architecture. For a real local's-eye-view, our concierge will share the secrets of the city, from the best time to visit Barrakka Gardens to a delectable restaurant in one of Valetta's oldest houses, dating to the 16th Century.
Prices from £2110 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, all overland travel, guided tours and activities, and 10 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Diving (originaldiving.com, 020 7978 0505).
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For more information contact:
020 3582 4990
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Notes to Editors:
Original Travel curates customised itineraries, crafted by destination experts to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Since its launch in 2003, it has created 50,000 itineraries, each unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Original Travel launched a flexible pledge that allows clients to change their dates or destination up to 30 days prior to departure. For new bookings made by 31st March 2022 for departures until 31st December 2022, while you still need to pay a 20% deposit at the time of booking, your final balance is now not due until 30 days before travel (this is usually 60 days). We will also offer you the full flexibility to change the trip up to 30 days prior to departure. You can, for any reason, change your destination to any other, and to any date up until the end of 2022, and there will be no charge. For all bookings where we cannot fulfil the trip due to changes in travel restrictions, we will postpone your trip - again at no charge - to any departure date until the end of 2022, or offer credit against any future departure, or refund all monies paid.
Original Travel is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and who offer a brand new travel insurance policy that includes cover for cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to contracting coronavirus, or through being quarantined or refused permission to travel due to infection or suspected infection. This insurance policy is only valid for travel to countries where there is no FCDO advice against all but essential travel. Full details can be found on a new section on Original Travel's website, entitled 'Coronavirus Confidence'.
Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.
Five of our consultants were recognised in Conde Nast Traveler's 2021 Travel Specialists list, including Founder, Tom Barber as family specialist, Jacqui Brooks as Indonesia specialist and Oliver Rodwell as Mexico specialist, giving an excellent snapshot of our expertise.
Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:
- Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
- A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a long weekend to Seville, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.
- The knowledge that not only will Original Travel offset the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and other flights (even if booked independently).
- The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £800,000 has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.
