04 Jul 2022
Space tourism or 'Astrocations' are set to be the next big trend in travel, but as it will be a while before they enter the mainstream, Original Travel has rounded up those experiences that can emulate that life-changing sensation felt by many astronauts - the Overview Effect - without leaving Earth
The Overview Effect is the state of mental clarity experienced by astronauts when they go into orbit and it's this life-changing sense of perspective that many are chasing in the pursuit of space tourism.
Described as a cognitive shift in awareness after seeing our planet free of borders and boundaries, the Overview Effect is the uncanny sense of understanding the big picture – and Original Travel has endeavoured to find some experiences that can mimic that effect. From diving the depths of our oceans to climbing great heights and losing oneself in remote wilderness, these trips all promise to challenge your perception of yourself, the world and your place within it.
Namibia
Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, so it's entirely feasible to lose yourself (metaphorically) and step outside of the modern world. Travel through the Namib Desert to the Damaraland Region, where you will spend three nights at a remote mountain camp set in the foothills of the Grootberg massif to explore the remote wilderness on foot. With only the basic necessities and an expert local guide to show you the way, it's the ultimate opportunity for a reconnection with the natural world. You'll have the chance to try your hand at ancient bush skills - from learning how to make a fire from scratch to identifying animal tracks. Wildlife spotting opportunities include lions, cheetahs, rare desert-adapted elephants and the black rhino.
Original Travel's 13-day Reconnect in Namibia trip costs from £4,705 pp, based on two sharing. The price includes return flights, car hire, transfers, guided activities and 11 nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk
Ladakh is a hero destination of Original Travel's new Pindrop Travel collection. Designed in response to a growing demand for peace and quiet in the wake of the pandemic, each itinerary focuses on tranquillity and serenity – and none more so than this 12-day trip into the very north of India. Eschewing the almost ever-present noise of modern life for traditional rural life here in stunning mountainous scenery and authentic Tibetan Buddhist communities, highlights of the trip include: A three-day trek and sharing sunrise prayers with the Buddhist monks of Thiksey monastery; learning the basic tenets of Tibetan Buddhism as you meditate with Buddhist monks; joining the locals for a Bhutanese puja (ceremony); and being introduced to a mystical Indian oracle to witness her communicate with the spirits.
Prices from £5,650 pp, based on four sharing and including return flights, all transfers and overland transport and 11 nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.
Antarctica
The fabled white desert of Antarctica offers an alien landscape, the vastness – and evolution – of which is a stark reminder of the earth's fragility. Spend time on an expedition vessel and your captain will expertly pilot your ship along ice-filled fjords and along the coastline of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Every day, you will leave the expedition vessel and make landfall in the dinghies, always accompanied by your expert guides. While no journey to Antarctica is the same and excursions cannot be guaranteed, you will visit spots which show off the best of the Antarctic environment. These include enormous glaciers and ice shelves as well as penguin colonies and beaches covered with elephant seals. Every evening, you will enjoy lectures and presentations from the experts on board, as well as the spectacular views from the ship's lounge.
Original Travel's 12-day Compact Antarctica itinerary costs from £14,355pp, based on two sharing. The price includes all flights, transfers, guided activities, and accommodation (on the ship this is full board). Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.
Tahiti
A pristine coral reef, stretching two miles off the coast of Tahiti, has recently been discovered as part of a global seabed-mapping mission led by UNESCO. At depths of 30 metres, the reef appears to be undamaged by pollution, with the ecosystem better protected from rising sea temperatures than reefs found in shallow waters. The discovery is a reminder of how much lies beneath that has yet to be explored. Original Diving has a 21-day diving adventure which island hops around French Polynesia, declared a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002 and offering protection to 16 different species of whales and dolphins. Snorkel with humpback whales in the waters around Moorea - one of the few spots on earth where this is possible, dive the abundant fish life and coral in Tikehau and dive the Tiputa Pass in Rangiroa, one of the most famous dive sites in the world, home to bottlenose dolphins, eagle rays and great hammerheads. Finish the trip in Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that has been protected for more than 40 years, creating a healthy ecosystem which is home to plentiful marine life, including grey reef sharks in jaw-dropping numbers.
Prices from £7,015 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, all overland travel, guided tours and activities, meals and 19 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Diving (originaldiving.com, 020 7978 0505).
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Notes to Editors:
Original Travel curates tailor-made 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”.
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.
Three of our consultants were recognised in Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Travel Specialists list, including Co-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 absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, 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 £1.5 million 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.
