Planning your trip of a lifetime

with

www.travelnation.co.uk Contents

Plan a round the world holiday Multi centre holiday ideas

8 14 What is a trip of a lifetime? A LETTER FROM OUR COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Tahiti & Bora Bora Stay somewhere spectacular What is the trip of a lifetime? What a Sometimes I planned the trip of a lifetime, while brilliant question. I know exactly what the other times, it just found me. That’s the best part. There’s no pressure, there are no rules and there’s trip of a lifetime means to me, but what always somewhere new to explore. 16 20 does it mean to anyone else? I think that sums it up - the answer is always a truly So where does Travel Nation come into it? We have an amazing team of widely travelled people personal one. with incredible destination knowledge. We’re all Finding inspiration for your There are no boundaries; the sole aim is to get out passionate about travel and we love turning dreams 4 bucket list trip there and enjoy whatever destinations, experiences into realities. We’ll create your own perfect itinerary, and events make you feel happy. It doesn’t have to wherever and whatever that may be. We’ll help be opulent, it doesn’t need to be expensive and it you to shape your trip of a lifetime, working closely Iconic experiences around even doesn’t even need to be shared. Think of it as with our trusted partners around the world to bring a personal bucket list adventure or simply time to it all together. 6 the world shed your skin. Anything is possible. You’ll work with the same consultant before, during So, what is a trip of a lifetime for me? Curiously, and after your trip. Your consultant will be easy to Planning your round the this is where I find myself torn. I just can’t pin it reach directly by phone and email, and there’s 24- 8 world holiday down to a single answer. Once upon a time, I hour support while you’re away. We offer consumer simply dreamed of freedom and sand between my and financial protection for your peace of mind. toes. Before we got married, I travelled round the In other words, we’ve got you covered. If you’re Country combinations you’ve world with my wife Liz. It was a trip of a lifetime to planning an adventure, you’ve found the right every continent. We spontaneously spent an extra place. 10 never considered month on some idyllic French Polynesian islands, Is it time for your own trip of a lifetime? We’ve swimming with manta rays in turquoise lagoons handpicked some of our favourite places around and losing track of time. How to build the perfect trip the world to inspire you and help you realise your 12 Last year, we took our kids to Tanzania for a safari dreams. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple and Indian Ocean holiday. As a dad, this was or a family it’s about picking your moment. Multi-centre holiday ideas something I’d always dreamed of. Our family will My own travels have given me incredible 14 always cherish the trip as and my kids still talk memories, no regrets and constantly itchy feet. To about it all the time. Not long before that, I had put it bluntly, life is just too short. At some point, Island hopping in Tahiti & a once-in a-lifetime encounter with mountain you just need to hold your nose and jump in. 16 Bora Bora gorillas in beautiful Rwanda. It was a solo trip, but an incredibly powerful and inspiring one. Experience authentic French Looking back, I would describe all these experiences as trips of a lifetime, just in very 18 Polynesia different ways and at different stages of my life. Jonny Goodall, Commercial Director 20 Stay somewhere spectacular 22 We are Travel Nation

2 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 3

Finding Books that inspire us ‘Tell me, what is it you inspiration for plan to do with your one Bryony’s journey through get accidentally entangled with wild and precious life?’ India bandits and riots. Wherever he 1 goes, he seems to attract trouble, Mary Oliver your bucket Bryony’s time in India was influenced with fascinating, inspiring and by Shantaram by Gregory David hilarious consequences, all the while Roberts. In the early 80s, Gregory discovering the natural and cultural list trip David Roberts, an armed robber, wonders of Peru. TRIPS THAT INSPIRE US escaped from an Australian prison to India, where he lived for 10 years. ‘This book paints a weird and Shantaram is his mixture of fiction wonderful picture of Peru. It will and biography that will take you on entertain you and inspire to go to a romping adventure through the South America at the same time. It’s a underworld of India. brilliant book.’ Charlie, Sales Pod Manager ‘I read this book for 24 hours straight Authentic Japan food tour: on a train from Delhi to Goa, and I’ll never forget Prabaker’s smile!’ Susan’s island-hopping Osaka to Tokyo › Bryony, Digital Marketing Manager 4 trip through Thailand Susan’s trip to Thailand was inspired Milly’s Amazon by The Beach by Alex Garland. This is the tale of an intrepid traveller’s A love of travel is always born from passion; whether adventure you love photography, food or learning about other 2 search for a legendary hidden beach. Milly’s travels in Brazil were inspired Upon finding this idyllic escape, he cultures, this is always where true inspiration lies. At enjoys several months of paradise Active Borneo honeymoon Travel Nation, we are just the same. Our interests and by Journey to the River Sea, by Eva Ibbotson. It is 1910 and Maia, before the threat of exposure with Mt Kinabalu climb › hobbies inform our travel, shaping ideas of where to tragically orphaned at 13, has been surfaces the fragility of his new go next. sent from England to start a new community and threatens his new life with distant relatives in Manaus, home. hundreds of miles up the Amazon ‘Even the grisly parts of this book WHERE WE FIND OUR INSPIRATION River. She soon discovers an exotic couldn’t put me off finding my own world bursting with new experiences piece of paradise on my travels!’ in this highly colourful, joyous and Milly, Product Jonny, Commercial Susan, Head of Product award-winning adventure. Selous Safari with paradise Development Director Zanzibar villa stay › Manager In terms of travel, Africa ‘I read this when I was about 10 is where my heart truly I’ve always enjoyed road trips, and I’ve wanted to go to Brazil ever Chris’s cycle across whether I’m driving through the lies. Wildlife encounters here are since. The descriptions of colourful Canada vineyards of Western Australia so extraordinary – whether it’s butterflies, mysterious jungles and 5 meeting the gorillas in secluded or across the deserts of Utah. I traditional native life are so enticing.’ Chris’ Canadian adventure was Rwanda or traversing the wide plains love having the independence to Milly, Product Development Manager inspired by Cycling Home from of Tanzania looking for zebras and stop whenever I want or explore Siberia by Rob Lilwall. In 2004, Rob cheetahs. I especially loved taking somewhere off the beaten track. arrived in Siberia equipped with a Zimbabwe Safari holiday my kids here and watching them bike and a healthy dose of fear. This with Imvelo Lodges › falling in love with Africa too. Charlie’s hike through David, Senior Travel extraordinary book recounts his epic Peru Consultant 3 three and a half year, 30,000-mile Chris, Senior Travel Claire, Senior Travel I can’t travel without my Charlie’s trip to Peru was inspired journey back to England. Along

trusty camera (and a Consultant Consultant by Inca-Kola: A Traveller’s Take the way, he tackles the foreboding Nothing tempts me couple of back up batteries!). I love Being active is a huge of Peru by Matthew Parris. This jungles of Papua New Guinea, more than a holiday of meeting new people and learning part of my daily life, is the totally charming and often survives an Australian cyclone and delicious . Curries in about new cultures. Being able to whether it’s running, hiking or going food and wine laugh-out-loud tale of a roaring encounters Afghanistan’s war-torn Malaysia, ceviche in Mexico, fresh document this in my photography for a bike ride with my family. Since adventure that sees Matthew Parris Hindu Kush. Las Vegas, Monument means I can keep that knowledge cycling across Canada, I’ve always sushi in Japan and cold glasses of Valley & Grand Canyon › ‘This helped to sow the seed for all of alive well after I return home. tried to have an element of active chardonnay in Western Australia – adventure in my travels – including the possibilities are endless. my long cycle journeys.’ climbing Mount Kinabalu on my Chris, Senior Travel Consultant honeymoon! 4 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 5

Where will your journey take you?

From the Grand Canyon to the Sydney Opera House, the world is full of iconic sights and experiences. Which bucket list places will you tick off on your trip of a lifetime?

6 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 7

Planning your Use our consultants’ 5 Travel 3 extensive flight and This is it - make sure destination knowledge you’ve packed your round the passport and head This is our chance to really shine. Our off on your trip of a experienced consultants will use their flight lifetime! world holiday and destination expertise to piece together Define your an itinerary, with all the highlights you’re 2 key elements looking for and some more thrown in for We’ve specialised in complex round good measure. It’s our favourite part of the the world trips for 20 years, so we’re There are a few details we need process; discussing ideas and suggestions masters of our craft. We can include before starting to plan your trip. that complement your own plans, going Approximate dates and time you back and forth until it’s perfect. any mix of destinations in your round want to spend away, what type of the world holiday, no matter how accommodation you are looking for We will create the bizarre the combination may seem. and any special moments you want 4 perfect trip for you to celebrate along the way, like a We love a challenge and relish the Once you’re happy with all the birthday or anniversary. It’s best if we chance to come up with new and details, we’ll take it from here. can talk over the phone, because it We’ll book your flights and exciting routes. helps us to really understand what accommodation, arrange all your you are looking for with your trip. transport and tours, sending your documents over a few weeks before you depart.

Choose your 1 ‘must-haves’ You might be dreaming about the cherry blossom in Japan, taking the train to Machu Picchu or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Let us know your ‘must haves’ – those inspirational ideas that first roused Round the world with your excitement for this trip. Nothing Round the world with wonderful wildlife › is too big or too small, whether it’s mountains and islands › wanting to climb Kilimanjaro or simply taste the perfect beignet in Highlights Round the world with culture New Orleans. Highlights • Enjoy an ethical elephant and beaches › experience in Thailand, including • Drive through the Rocky feeding and washing elephants Mountains in Canada, past snow- Highlights capped peaks and deep lakes • Look out for wild orangutans on a Kinabatangan River cruise in • Find your favourite star on the • Learn about the history of Pearl Borneo Hollywood Walk of Fame Harbour and visit Waikiki beach in • Explore the mysterious island • Snorkel in clear blue lagoons Hawaii of Komodo and see indigenous around the islands of Fiji • Take a classic road trip down the Komodo dragons Pacific coastline of Australia from • Watch cheeky Nagano snow • Take part in a traditional Fijian kava Brisbane to Sydney monkeys taking a dip in the hot drinking ceremony springs of Japan • Visit the iconic Sydney Opera • Meet the locals on the floating House and Harbour Bridge • Hop between islands in Fiji, markets of Bangkok snorkelling with tropical fish in the • Taste spicy dumplings in the street warm ocean • Trek through the hills of Chiang markets of Singapore Mai and meet local tribes • Cruise around the Galapagos • Explore Dubai with a 4WD tour Islands, spotting giant tortoises • Spot wild elephants in Sri Lanka’s across the endless sand dunes and blue-footed boobies Yala National Park

8 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 9

There’s nothing we love more than creating a really unusual trip, full of contrasting destinations. Playing Let your with flights and routes, we have put together some of the most interesting combinations available, taking you from Asia and Africa to the South Pacific. imagination Anything is possible! run wild Borneo and Taipei › Canada, Cuba You’ll remember… Why we love this trip • Your first bite of a soft Taiwanese bao bun full of beef and chillies and Costa Rica › This holiday doesn’t just mix • Coming face to face with the Why we love this trip together some fascinating countries, You’ll remember… endangered Bornean orangutan it’s also a real assortment of types Heading to Borneo to meet the • Seeing the majestic waterfalls at of travel. Explore the city of Toronto • Looking for pygmy elephants orangutans is a classic once-in-a- Niagara independently before enjoying along the Kinabatangan River lifetime experience. Rather than stopping off in Singapore or Hong • Experiencing the real Cuba while a group tour in Cuba, staying in • Relaxing at the luxurious Shangri Kong, why not visit Taipei? This staying in local homestays local homestays. Finish with some La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa relaxation on the beaches of Costa twinkling city is a wonderful mix • Snorkelling with colourful fish in Rica, where you can explore the of modern skyscrapers, delicious Cuba’s clear waters rainforest or simply chill by the street food and artsy boutiques – • Relaxing on the beaches of Manuel water’s edge. the perfect pairing with Borneo’s Antonio National Park natural beauty.

Mauritius, South Why we love this trip Africa and India › If you’re looking for a real mixture of cultures, then you can’t get more Tokyo and New You’ll remember… interesting than this trip to Mauritius, South Africa and India. Explore the Caledonia › Why we love this trip • The dawn light breaking over the spectacular north of India, relax These are two beautiful destinations Golden Temple in Amritsar on the beaches of Mauritius and that you don’t often see paired • Your journey on the toy train in finish your trip with a safari through You’ll remember… together. After the crazy culture Shimla Pilanesberg National Park. • Tasting fresh sushi in Tokyo shock of Tokyo, you’ll have two • Tasting Mauritian rum in the • Driving through the lush New weeks to wind down in laid-back sunshine Caledonian bush New Caledonia. Think beaches, • Spotting wild dogs in Madikwe • Snorkelling with turtles off snorkelling and unique island Game Reserve Amedee Island traditions. What a combination! • Swimming in the bright turquoise waters of l’Île des Pins

10 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 11

A dream trip is different for everyone. Some of us love beaches and others love hiking, while some need a modern city and WIFI to The formula for keep them happy. We work with you to perfect that formula, piecing the perfect trip together all the right elements to create your trip of a lifetime.

Trip snapshot Admire the pink sunsets and majestic wildlife of the Okavango Delta in plus plus plus equals northern Botswana before flying to the Seychelles. Here, you’ll stay on a private island, a haven of white sand Wild safari Quality camera Luxurious Idyllic island Spectacular Seychelles and beaches and colourful marine life. accommodation escape Botswana holiday ›

Trip snapshot Grab dim sum for lunch in Hong Kong, where twinkling skyscrapers light up plus plus plus equals the sky. Fly down to Borneo to meet the orangutans and search for rare pygmy elephants along the river before relaxing on the peaceful sands of Gaya Bustling city Rare wildlife Relaxing Business Luxury Hong Kong and Island. beaches class flights Borneo holiday ›

Trip snapshot Explore Chile, following the Andes as they split South America in plus plus plus equals two. Gaze up at the stars from the Atacama Desert, hike through the vast mountains of Patagonia and marvel at Stunning Hiking boots Snow-capped Iconic sights Chile holiday: Atacama, the Moai statues on Easter Island. desert mountains Patagonia and Easter Island ›

These ideas are just a taste of what your trip of a lifetime could include. When it comes to building the perfect trip, anything is possible…

12 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 13

MORE MULTI-CENTRE From Empire HOLIDAYS

Southeast Asia holiday: State to Halong Bay to Angkor Wat › Why we love this trip In just 3 weeks you can take in the NEW YORK CITY best of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. It’s a real tick list of the Golden Gate Zoom to the Top of the Rock best of south-east Asia – from sailing for views of the Empire State through Halong Bay to watching the Building and Central Park sun rise over Angkor Wat. and, if you have time, take a trip over to Coney Island to SAN FRANCISCO experience the classic New In San Francisco, you’ll find history NATIONAL PARKS Yorker day at the beach. and culture around every corner, ROAD TRIP whether you’re browsing the shelves of City Lights or trying to find the Gaze out over the Grand Canyon, best burrito in the Mission district. where dizzying views over the vast crater will be a highlight of your trip. 2 weeks in Australia: Sydney, rock and reef holiday ›

LAS VEGAS Why we love this trip Stop in at the Aria or the For a first time visitor to Australia, Cosmopolitan for a flutter on the NASHVILLE this trip ticks off three beautiful blackjack tables before heading to Spend each evening learning to line dance spots around the country – the red see a show, whether it’s Celine Dion in one of the dance halls on the Honky rock of Uluru, the majestic Sydney or Cirque du Soleil. Tonk Highway, a street of country music Opera House and the colourful coral bars where legends like Willie Nelson and of the Great Barrier Reef. Gretchen Wilson started their careers.

MIAMI Take a wander through Wynwood, Iconic USA packed with galleries, clubs and street art, before finishing your day with a Cuban sandwich and a few mojitos in multi-centre holiday one of the beachfront bars. Iconic South America holiday: Peru, Argentina & Brazil › Why not plan a multi-centre trip? This means you can tick off your most dreamy ideas whilst also making the most of your Why we love this trip time in one region. This type of travel is perfect for exploring If you’re only going to visit South a huge country like the USA, journeying between cities in Asia America once, then make sure you see the highlights! Take the cable car or hopping between islands in the Pacific. for views over Rio de Janeiro, feel the spray from Iguazu Falls and gaze Explore the highlights of America › down at Machu Picchu – what could be more iconic?

14 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 15

Which French Polynesian Indulge in luxury in island is best for you?

For unparalleled luxury: For snorkelling: BORA BORA MOOREA Bora Bora is well known for its luxury Moorea is one of the best islands in hotels, so if you’re looking for a high-end French Polynesia for snorkelling, thanks Bora Bora experience, then this is the island for you. in large part to the nine ocean passes We love the overwater bungalows at the that draw cold water into the lagoon. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – just settle deep ocean water is rich in oxygen, which Discover the island paradise of French Polynesia, where back and watch the sun set behind Mount helps the corals grow brighter and more the picture-perfect peaks of Bora Bora await. Staying in Otemanu before drifting off to sleep in colourful than anywhere else. your heavenly canopy bed. an overwater bungalow is a truly luxurious experience, Moorea is a great spot to snorkel with but you’ll also find so much more in these pretty islands. Another great option is the Four Seasons stingrays and blacktip reef sharks, who will – gushing waterfalls, pure white sands and sumptuous Resort, where you can stay in an overwater gather around you as you jump into the pool villa and take a relaxing soak between dishes of fresh seafood. lagoon. The reef keeps the water calm and dips in the ocean. No matter where you’re relaxed, so it’s very safe for children to try staying, we can arrange a scenic helicopter snorkelling for the first time. flight or private beach dinner, topping off your trip in style. Other ideas: Huahine is also home to some beautiful snorkelling, especially if Other ideas: Taha’a is home to Le Taha’a you take a lagoon tour to all the best spots Island Resort & Spa, with fabulous views around the island. across the water from its aptly named Bora Bora Overwater Suite. For romantic seclusion: For privacy: HUAHINE TETIAROA Authentic and wild, colourful and beautiful – Huahine is a treat for all the senses. Owned since the 1960s by Marlon Brando The island is lush and verdant, full of life and his family, Tetiaroa has always had a around every corner. You’ll see spindly VIP connection. Centuries ago, it was the palm trees reaching for the sun, locals hideaway of Tahitian royalty, and now rowing close to the coast as they train for this pristine island is home to just one competitions and colourful fish swimming extraordinary hotel. The Brando Resort is lazily in the clear water of the lagoon. a luxurious and super-exclusive eco-hotel that makes the privacy and serenity of its The peaceful atmosphere is so romantic guests a priority. – it’s perfect for a honeymoon or an anniversary celebration. Wide and empty FOR A TOUCH OF LUXURY... Just 30 miles northeast of Tahiti, Tetiaroa beaches, lush mountains to explore on is an atoll composed of a dozen small hikes and small hotels perched right on islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon. the water’s edge. There is no luxurious Stay in a beach villa on the main island accommodation here, but friendly locals and you’ll be able to get away from it all, and pretty hotels make staying in Huahine relaxing on the sands or paddle boarding even sweeter. through the shimmering water. Guests Other ideas: Maupiti is the most far-flung here include the most glittering of royalty of the Society Islands, with only a couple and celebrity, so if you’re searching for star of local guest houses, endless white treatment in a private paradise, you’ve beaches and a peaceful paradise vibe. found it. Classic Tahiti, Moorea and Taha’a and Bora Bora holiday Secluded French Polynesia Bora Bora holiday › with business class flights › honeymoon in luxury › Other ideas: The Tuamotu Islands are small and quiet enough to invoke that Explore more stunning castaway island feeling without the French Polynesian islands › price tag.

16 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 17

Experience authentic

French Polynesia Cruise to the A visit to French Polynesia isn’t just about luxurious hotels and overwater bungalows. The outer Marquesas islands are full of wonder – lush mountains in the Islands with Marquesas Islands, tiny coral atolls in the Tuamotus, and coffee blossoms blowing in the breezes of the Aranui › Austral Islands. Cruising on the Aranui cargo ship is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s Experience the not just a chance to visit the remote Marquesas Islands; it’s about being traditional side of part of the vital delivery of goods to this archipelago and understanding Bora Bora › the lives of the islanders. This Go beyond the tourist trail and castaway group of islands is rich in explore the intriguing and less- history, culture and breathtakingly visited Society Islands of Huahine beautiful landscapes. Wherever you and Raiatea, as well as Bora Bora. go in the Marquesas, the proud and Stay in locally owned Tahitian friendly people will welcome you to guesthouses throughout - you can their homes. live like a local and experience the authentic Polynesian way of life. Indulge all five senses with the fragrance of tropical gardens and vanilla orchids, gaze out over lofty coconut plantations and banana groves, and take the chance to soak in the heavenly waters of a turquoise lagoon. Discover the Austral Islands › South of Tahiti, you’ll find the Austral Islands, where legends and Explore the unique experiences await. This remote archipelago will open your untouched eyes to the secluded world of the South Pacific. Watch whales leap Tuamotu Islands › from the water in Rurutu, hike through untouched jungle and relax Prepare to be captivated by French on white-sand beaches in Raivavae. Polynesia’s more remote islands. Life is calm and quiet on Tubuai, In the Tuamotu archipelago, you which sits inside a blue lagoon with can discover the vast, shimmering coffee and orange trees growing lagoon of Rangiroa and wander along its mountainsides. A lush along countless pink sandy beaches and fertile island tucked away from in Tikehau. In Fakarava, surrender the spotlight, Tubuai has many to the sensation that you’re finally stories to tell, including the tale of ‘off the grid’. Snorkel with manta the Bounty mutineers who tried to rays and colourful parrotfish, smell settle here before moving onwards the fragrance of hibiscus and to Pitcairn Island. These temperate bougainvillaea, and feel the sand islands are full of life, with between your toes. communities that will welcome you to their beautiful shores with open arms and broad smiles.

18 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 19

Nestled deep in the Amazon, Sacha MORE OF OUR FAVOURITE Lodge is an oasis of tranquillity and the perfect place from which to explore the BOUTIQUE PROPERTIES Ecuadorian rainforest. Longitude 131° in Australia We arrived at the lodge in paddle canoes, gliding along a channel through the forest which opened Facing majestic Uluru, Longitude 131° onto a blackwater lake. On the far shore, we saw offers a unique experience of this the palm-roofed lodge that would be our base for Australian icon. Marvel at the desert the next four days. landscape from your luxury tented After freshening up, we met our guides, Luis and pavilion with its own private view of Stay somewhere spectacular Benjy. Benjy’s father was a medicine man, so he the changing colours of Uluru. had a wealth of knowledge about indigenous See this property in our Luxury Sydney, Uluru and plants. Gliding silently through the water, he guided Whitsundays holiday › us on a short canoe ride through the forest by the lake, slipping through tiny openings into a world of green. Within minutes, we’d spotted a sloth nestled in a tree high above us, oblivious to our delight. Luis Spotlight on… pointed out a wide range of birds in the waterside Babylonstoren in South Africa trees, while swallows and swifts hawked insects Situated on a working Cape Dutch over the water. farm, Babylonstoren offers authentic Each evening, we embarked on a night walk farmhouse accommodation, through the jungle. We spotted creature after delicious organic food and a unique creature; a tiny furry tarantula hiding in a crevice, experience within the heart of Sacha Lodge leaf-cutter ants marching in lines alongside the the winelands. Cycle through the path and a butterfly the size of my hand, caught vineyards, watch the ducks waddle around the farm, taste and perfectly preserved in a spider’s web. All the local chenin blanc or relax in the Garden Spa. while, we could hear the quiet hooting of monkeys as they started settling down to sleep. See this property in our Luxury South African honeymoon › Waking the next day to a croaking chorus of frogs and insects, we headed up to the Canopy Walk, a high walkway through the trees that sits just at the top of the canopy. We spotted red macaws soaring overhead, many-banded aracaris chattering on a Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji branch and a white-faced toucan feeding on palm Experience true luxury at Likuliku nuts. Resort in beautiful Fiji. Snorkel That evening we took a night canoe paddle, edging directly off the beach and spot the along the side of the lake in search of nocturnal tropical fish that live in the crystal- birds. On the way, we saw several caimans lurking clear water before indulging in a in the water, eyes gleaming in the torchlight. Being private dinner of fresh, local produce out on the lake at night was spectacular. As we overlooking the ocean. This adults-only resort is designed paddled across the water, I sat back and drank in with maximum seclusion and relaxation in mind. the endless stars in the inky sky. A shooting star streaked across the heavens, the brightest I’ve ever See this property in our Fiji boutique cruise & island stay › seen. After a final breakfast, we loaded our bags into a bigger boat and hopped into the canoe once Wild Coast Tented Lodge in more. On our last paddle, we were still spotting Sri Lanka new things. Luis pointed out the Dragons Blood Tree, with red sap that can cure acne, as well as a You’ll find this spectacular tented magnificent pygmy kingfisher, which paused on an camp on a rugged, empty beach, overhanging branch just long enough for me to get close to Yala National Park, a great a photo. spot to look for leopards. Its unique design means that the lodge blends seamlessly into the Milly, Product landscape. After your leopard safari, sip a G&T in the Ten Development Manager Tuskers bar and enjoy a picnic on the beach, watching the dusk settle over the ocean.

Read more about Milly’s stay at Sacha Lodge › See this property in our Luxury Sri Lanka and Thailand honeymoon ›

20 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 21

‘We were able to plan our dream holiday with the expert assistance of Charlie. Nothing was too much trouble and the answer to any of our requests was always “Yes of course”. She was efficient, knowledgeable and came back to us when she promised. Excellent customer service.’ We are MAUREEN THOMPSON, TRAVEL NATION CUSTOMER

MEET DAVID, ONE OF OUR SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS

I’ve worked in travel for over 22 years now and the hunger and excitement of finding out about new places is still the most thrilling part of my job. We are so well-travelled at Travel Nation – if I haven’t been to a destination then one of Financial protection and my colleagues has, so we all help each other to ensure we can offer you the best itinerary for your trip. 5 reassurance I recommend discussing your initial travel enquiry with me over the phone. This is so that I can get a better For your peace of mind, we’re understanding of your travel plans, as well as hear what’s important to you about your trip of a lifetime. From here, covered by ABTA, ATOL and IATA I can suggest recommendations for you to consider, to make the most of your budget as well as your time. I always joke with my customers that I don’t want them to return home needing another holiday to recover, so it’s important to Based in sunny Brighton, membership, and we include Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance strike the right balance of experiencing each destination and relaxing. we are round the world in every booking. In the unlikely We’re not order-takers at Travel Nation; we don’t just go along with a plan if we know there’s a better alternative. I take experts with decades event that an airline you’re travelling pride in maximising your trip’s potential – where to travel overland instead of flying, when to stay somewhere luxurious of experience putting Deal with one with goes bust, you will be fully and when to keep it simple. It’s those little things that make a big difference. together complex 2 consultant protected. Listening is such a huge part of my job. Taking everything on board, understanding what a trip of a lifetime is to each customer - travel is a luxury and we know it’s important to get it right. bespoke holidays. We You can contact a specific team have a true understanding member or we’ll assign a dedicated Specialist First and of what it takes to make a consultant when you get in touch. Business Class team What’s been your favourite What advice would you give as I can about how other people live, trip extra special. From the outset, you’ll have their 6 trip that you’ve put together someone who thinks their their opinions and their culture. It direct phone number and email Our dedicated Business Class team opens my eyes so much when I’m Our friendly consultants address so you can liaise with the can offer you first-hand advice on for a client? idea is impossible? exploring somewhere new. are knowledgeable and same person throughout your the best premium cabins and the I remember creating a trip for a Anything is possible! I’ve come to booking and travel. extra services provided by each What’s your ‘Trip of a passionate about what couple who wanted to explore learn this at Travel Nation – we can airline, as well as arranging any China. They travelled along the always find a way to make your lifetime’? they do. We’ve been itinerary to include your chosen Yangtze River and down to the dream trip happen. It might involve My trip of a lifetime was my arranging amazing trips Our knowledge and airlines or other quality airlines. mountains in Yangshuo before some tweaking or some creative honeymoon. We hiked to see the for satisfied customers 3 experience exploring South East Asia over six thinking on our part, but we thrive mountain gorillas in Rwanda, took weeks. It was a fantastic trip to plan. on a challenge. a hot air balloon ride over the since 2001 - here are We’re the UK’s leading expert in Experts in the South Serengeti in Tanzania and spent a few reasons why we complex round the world trips. For me, the best kind of itineraries What are your 5 Pacific a week on the white beaches of know our customers love All of our consultants are well- 7 are when customers are passionate recommended packing Zanzibar at the end. It was just trained, well-travelled and highly We’re experts at helping you visit the and enthusiastic about their trip. I to book with us. items? unbelievable. experienced in arranging multi-stop South Pacific as part of your trip of a love to pool my knowledge, learn Definitely a camera (with 2 itineraries. No route will faze us, lifetime. Our in-depth knowledge of new things and create a trip that’s However, a trip of a lifetime doesn’t batteries!), a Lonely Planet, no matter how complicated – any the hotels and experiences offered just right for them. You get out what have to be a one-time thing – suntan lotion, an adapter for your itinerary is possible. in Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands you put in – the more the customer my next adventure would be to electronics and a book on the Join our satisfied means that we can also arrange opens up to me, the more I can give explore the Silk Road. I’d love to destination’s culture and their customers incredible island weddings too. back. I just love to share the joy of visit Iran, Northern Pakistan and 1 Truly independent, no travel. people. I might even read the book Uzbekistan; meeting the people and before I go – I love to know as much Naturally, you want to have hidden loyalties just exploring the mountains and complete confidence in the 4 24 hour emergency countryside. company booking your trip of We guarantee to offer unbiased number when you travel a lifetime. We take pride in our advice because we are not affiliated 8 excellent reputation and customer to any airline or alliance. We can Travel in complete peace of mind, feedback on the independent review plan your flights using any of your knowing that if an emergency crops site Trustpilot, where we are one of preferred airlines and we’ll tailor up, you can reach us 24/7 using our the highest-rated tour operators. your accommodation to include any emergency contact number. We are Click to request a quote hotels you request. on hand to assist at all times.

22 Planning your trip of a lifetime Planning your trip of a lifetime 23

Anything is possible

www.travelnation.co.uk