Shoe shine event raises money for Bolivian charity

Shoe shine charity event at our offices in Witney

The Atrium of our New Mill offices was transformed into a typical South American street scene on Wednesday, as members of our Latin America team took part in a charity fund-raising event. Continue reading »

Historic Naval Journal on display at British Library

Historic naval journal goes on display at the British Library

A rare and historic naval journal charting the explorations of a British sailor and navigator has gone on display in the British Library in London.

The journal, which includes hand-drawn charts, diaries and detailed maps of South America, was written by Sir John Narbrough, who sailed to Latin America in search of gold at the request of James, Duke of York  (who later became King James II) between 1669 and 1671.

The journal was finally secured by the British Library following a large fund-raising effort from a number of organisations and charities.  The acquisition means that this valuable and important piece of British naval history will be kept on home soil and available for all to see.

As a history fan, this sort of news is always of interest to me, and it’s great to hear when an ancient treasure such as this has been saved from private buyers and kept on public display.

You can see Sir John Narbrough’s Naval Journal at the British Library’s permanent exhibition called “Treasures of The British Library“, which is located in the Sir John Ritblat Gallery and open to everyone seven days a week.

Wine competition winner announced

We’re pleased to announce that the winner of our South Africa Winelands competition is Mrs Quayle of Bury St Edmunds.

Mrs Quayle, who was picked at random from a list of several thousand other entrants, answered all three questions correctly and has won a case of hand selected South African wines worth £100. Continue reading »

How to beat jet lag

Jet lag is the bane of long-haul travellers (photo: Steve Craft/Corbis)

My esteemed e-commerce manager has just told me about an interesting programme that aired last night on the BBC. Called ’10 Things You Need To Know About Sleep’ (available to watch on BBC iPlayer), it covered everything from the best way to stop someone from snoring to the secrets of battling jet lag on long-haul flights.

With a two-week fam trip to Thailand on the horizon, and a gruelling 15 hour and 40 minute flight from Heathrow to Bangkok, this sort of advice is right up my street. Apparently the answer is to eat nothing during (and shortly before) the flight, and have breakfast, lunch or dinner when you arrive at your destination – the meal depending on the time that you arrive locally. This tricks your internal body clock and acts as a sort of ‘reset’ button, allowing you to adjust to the local time and a normal meal pattern in your new country.

Whether or not I’ll be able to hold out from eating anything and drinking only water (and if you’re wondering, the fasting includes alcohol as well) for over 15 hours is yet to be seen, but I’m definitely going to give it a go. I’ll report back on my return to the UK to reveal whether or not this jet-lag-busting method works, along with a few of my favourite highlights from Thailand!

Find out more about visiting Thailand with Audley.

Audley cake sale raises money for Pakistan flood victims

Cake sale raises money for Pakistan flood victims

Members of Audley’s Indian Subcontinent team have this week held a cake sale to help raise funds for the devastating flood crisis in Pakistan.

The impressive spread of cakes, bakes and cookies included a lavish looking pavlova, a sumptuous banana and walnut cake and a Dutch apple pie. After the last morsels were cleared and the pounds and pennies counted, the team declared a final tally of £275 in money raised.

This money will be contributed towards aid and disaster relief efforts currently ongoing in the worst hit areas of Pakistan.

Following the country’s biggest flood in 80 years, at least 1,600 people are feared dead and millions left homeless and in need of aid. The growing crisis is exacerbated by reports of further heavy downpours expected over the coming days, with authorities in some areas issuing “extreme” and “imminent” flood warnings.

Find out more about the flood crisis in Pakistan and how you can help support charities working to help people who have been affected – go to www.thebiggive.org.uk.

WildPhotos returns for 2010

WildPhotos 2010 will take place at the Royal Geographical Society on 22-23 October

Exploring, discussing and celebrating the world of wildlife and nature photography, WildPhotos will return this year in a two-day symposium at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Continue reading »

Rare primate spotted in Sri Lanka

Horton Plains slender loris spotted in Sri Lanka (image: ZSL)

One of the world’s rarest primates, the Horton Plains slender loris, has been captured on camera for the first time in over 60 years.

Thought to be extinct, the nocturnal mammal was spotted by scientists from the Zoological Society of London and a team of Sri Lankan researchers whilst on a recent night-time survey.

Recorded in the wild only a handful of times since the 1930s, the slender loris has evaded experts for decades. The dramatic decline in numbers is thought to be caused by deforestation and destruction of its natural habitat to make way for tea plantations in Sri Lanka and southern India.

Roughly 5 – 10 inches (12 – 25 cm) in length, the slender loris is characterised by its short limbs, thick fur and large, saucer-like eyes.

Find out more about visiting Sri Lanka and Responsible Travel in the Indian Subcontinent, or call 01993 838 335 to speak with one of our country specialists.

Audley’s tiger initiative pays off

Audley raises money for TOFT in support of India's wildlife reserves

Audley has received a message of thanks from one of its foremost wildlife charities.

TOFT (Travel Operators For Tigers) aims to drive a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism in India’s wildlife reserves by supporting conservation and local community programmes, along with a range of different initiatives.

As an international tour operator member of TOFT, Audley is dedicated to helping support responsible travel within India’s protected parks. One initiative which has proven to be particularly successful is Audley’s contribution of £15 for each person who books and travels with them to an Indian wildlife reserve where tigers are present. This scheme has raised an impressive £2,745 so far, and this figure is continuing to grow.

To read more about our commitment to responsible travel, or to discover how you could book a tailor-made trip to the wildlife reserves of India, visit the website at www.audleytravel.com or call 01993 838 350.

Rio announces re-opening of Christ the Redeemer statue

Christ the Redeemer statue re-opens in Rio de Janeiro

Following a four-month facelift and £2.7 million in public and private donations, Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue has re-opened to the world. Continue reading »

Trains, planes and busy buses in India

Locals enjoy a bus ride in rural India

With so many incredible places to see and so many miles between them, travelling around India, especially through the more off-the-beaten-track places, can be a challenging (yet surprisingly rewarding) experience.

Continue reading »