02 Sep 2021
ORIGINAL TRAVEL'S NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 2021
THE LATEST GREEN LIST ADDITIONS, A UNIQUE WAY TO SEE THE NILE, A NEW SET-JETTING DESTINATION AND OTHER SEPTEMBER NEWS FROM ORIGINAL TRAVEL
HBO'S SMASH HIT WHITE LOTUS SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON HAWAII
White Lotus is a dark satire from HBO, starring Connie Britten, Jennifer Coolidge, Steve Zahn and last but not least, Hawaii in some (but not all) of its glory. The islands' tropical beauty might be lost on the staff and wealthy (in material terms alone) guests as they begin to slowly unravel, but it's certainly not lost on the millions of viewers at home. No doubt shows like this will contribute to a rise in set-jetting as armchair travellers come out of lockdown and destinations open up, and this binge-worthy series currently airing on Sky will have put Hawaii at the top of the list for many. Sadly, US/Hawaii is not open to British travellers currently but when you do go, don't make the same mistake as the show's cast by staying within an increasingly claustrophobic luxury resort; go Island Hopping on Original Travel's 15-day tour of Oahu, Kauai, Big Island and Maui instead. You'll stay in small resorts with fewer guests, have a hire car on each island so you can get out and explore and enjoy activities including a helicopter flight over Kauai Island, guided hikes in Volcano National Park and the largest canyon in the Pacific, Waimea Canyon, kayaking on the protected waters of Kaneohe Bay, snorkelling, diving and of course, surfing.
Prices from £7,600pp, based on two sharing and including all flights, car hire, some activities and 14 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.
The US is currently on the Amber List, but not open to UK travellers. You can keep an eye on open destinations here
GREEN FOR GO - TO CANADA
Canada is opening its borders to Brits on 7 September and has just been added to the Green List, meaning the country will be open just in time for its spectacular Fall colours. See them on one of North America's best road trips (which is saying something), an epic adventure taking in the dramatic scenery of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta before heading into beautiful British Columbia, down to the coast and Vancouver. There'll be opportunities for whale watching trips, river-canoeing, via ferrata, white water rafting and bear tracking.
Prices from £2,715pp, based on four sharing and including return flights, car hire and 12 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.
Canada is currently on the Green List and will open to British travellers on 7 September
TWO WEEK OCTOBER HALF TERM BOOSTS BOOKINGS
From the Isle of Wight to Scotland, more schools than ever before are offering a two-week half-term - rather than the traditional one week - in October, enabling plenty of families to still enjoy a big overseas holiday after the uncertainty of the summer. Original Travel's top pick is its 10-night Moroccan Family Adventure. With its bustling markets, golden beaches and snake charmers, Morocco is the most exotic destination within easy reach of the UK, and so the perfect adventure for all the family. On a ten-night trip combine the vibrant city of Marrakech with a trek through the Atlas Mountains on a family friendly walking adventure (with donkeys carrying your clobber) and camel rides along the beach in Essaouira.
Prices from £1,345pp, based on four sharing and including return flights, all overland transport and 10 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel (originaltravel.co.uk, 020 3582 4990).
Morocco is currently on the Amber List.
A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE NILE
La Flaneuse du Nil, a perfect replica of the dahabiehs which date from the time of the pharaohs, moves from Lake Nasser to the Nile in September, offering a new way to experience the world's most famous river. The slender, flat-bottomed boat is able to visit small villages and islands which other vessels are too big to access, giving a fascinating and exclusive insight into life on the Nile which very few visitors have the privilege to see. The boat has just seven cabins, including a suite with a private balcony at the stern.
Prices from £4,800 per person based on a private charter for 14 passengers. This includes flights, transfers and nine nights' accommodation, including a five-night all-inclusive cruise on La Flaneuse, one night's B&B in Luxor at the Winter Palace and three nights' B&B in Aswan at the Old Cataract. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.
Egypt is currently on the Red List.
ITALY SCRAPS ITS FIVE-DAY INBOUND QUARANTINE
Italy has scrapped its five-day inbound quarantine requirement for fully-vaccinated Brits as of 31 August. Happily, the destination – a perennial favourite for Brits – is also on our Amber list, making it open for those who have been double-jabbed. Original Travel's new Hilltop Hikes and Wildlife Watching in Italy's Hinterland itinerary – part of its recently-launched Near Frontiers collection, designed to showcase Europe's wilderness at a time when people are looking to get away from crowds and busy places, focuses on Abruzzo National Park. Home to approximately 60 mammal species and 300 different bird species, the park is teeming with life. You will have the chance to spot everything from deer and wolves to bears and wild boar. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn about the rewilding efforts in the area and the close connection between the local communities and the natural surroundings. Enjoy an overnight stay in a remote mountain refuge. This is a real highlight with the chance to be at one with nature as you cosy up in the simple yet comfortable lodge, tuck into a delicious dinner with local produce and fall asleep to the sound of howling wolves.
Prices from £2,500pp, based on two sharing and including all flights, transfers, guided activities and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.
Italy is currently on our Amber List
-Ends-
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 and 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.
