Audley’s sales manager for Japan returns to the country

Laura Morris, Regional Sales Manager for the Japan team here at Audley, has just returned from a short but rewarding visit to Japan. Here, she tells us about her latest trip, her first since March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami:

“Having been to Japan many times before, I was expecting it to feel different this time, given the circumstances. However, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima all felt very “normal” and the Japanese people were as welcoming and friendly as ever. As usual, everything ran like clockwork on the trip and served to remind me how fun it is to travel in Japan.

Before the earthquake and tsunami, Japan was booming as a tourist destination and we had seen a huge increase in enquiries compared to last year. We have recently seen interest coming back, with clients now feeling confident in returning to Japan. We had several clients visit Japan in the aftermath of the disaster, who have returned with glowing reports on their trips. You can see more on this on our post ‘Travellers are returning to Japan’.

Now is the perfect time to be booking travel for October and November to see the stunning changing colours of the autumn leaves, or for spring next year to time your visit with the famed cherry blossoms.”

To find out more about tailor-made trips to Japan visit the Japan section of our website, or call on of our Japan specialists on 01993 838 210 to discuss your ideas further.

Into the wilderness in Alaska

A bald eagle in Prince William Sound

As many of our clients will know, Audley’s country specialists return to their chosen areas regularly in order to keep up to date with the latest products and information, but what you may not know is, sometimes, non-sales employees are invited to join them on these research trips. And in May I was given one such opportunity when I was invited to join Lucy, one of Audley’s Alaska specialists, on her latest tour of the U.S’ largest and most remote state.

Having managed the Alaska section on the Audley Travel website for over a year I was aware that Alaska was home to stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, but it wasn’t until I got there that I really began to appreciate all that Alaska has to offer. Continue reading »

A specialist in Morocco

Steve during his trip to Morocco

Steve Howes, one of Audley’s Morocco specialists, recently returned from a trip to the lesser-visited northern region of Morocco, where he spent time exploring the  cosmopolitan cities and quaint fishing villages of this relatively untouched area. Here, he talks about his trip in detail: Continue reading »

Audley SEA Specialist goes on honeymoon to Morocco

Nick on his honeymoon in Morocco

Nick Ghosh, one of Audley’s Southeast Asia specialists recently tied the knot and, working in the travel industry, he was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing a honeymoon destination.

Nick and his new wife decided to visit Morocco and on his return he had this to say about his trip:

I’m just back from a superb honeymoon in Morocco (thanks Natalie!) Never having travelled in this area before I was unsure of what to expect, but absolutely loved it and am already planning a return journey to see the bits we missed. It’s hard to pick highlights from our trip but if I had to it would be the superb Kasbah Tamadot, the excellent trekking in the High Atlas mountains, and mesmerizing Marrakesh.

Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot lived up to our high expectations: gorgeous gardens, superb views and friendly and excellent service. The three days previous spent trekking were the perfect preparation as we hiked through beautiful Berber villages surrounded by lush valleys and stunning views in the High Atlas. We trekked in and out of Toubkal Lodge, perfectly perched with a magnificent vista of the snow-capped mountains and green valleys.

Obviously we were a little apprehensive about visiting Marrakesh after the recent bomb there, but are so glad that we did as we felt completely at ease and loved it. There really is nowhere I have been as atmospheric and vibrant as the Djema El Fna (the main square) as the sun sets. Hundreds of food stalls, street entertainers and hawkers created a riot of amazing sights, sounds and smells each night.

After a hectic wedding Morocco turned out to be the perfect destination for us – just three hours flight away, with a whole host of beautiful riads and kasbahs to choose from and plenty to do once you get itchy feet and want to start exploring the country. I hope I can get back there soon!

For more information on tailor-made holidays to Morocco, visit our website.

Recipe of the month: Keralan fish curry

A traditional Keralan curry uses a delicate blend of herbs and spices

I was speaking with one of our Indian Subcontinent specialists yesterday about his recent trip to Kerala in the south of India.

During his trip, James spent a few days at a rural homestay in Palakkad. In addition to the the warm, friendly service and beautiful surroundings, it was the delicious, home-cooked food that became a highlight of his visit.  Continue reading »

Audley launches India Tiger Safari video

If you’re thinking of booking a safari at one of India’s national parks, or just interested to find out more about the wildlife of this fascinating country, then make sure you take a look at Audley’s latest short movie (click the arrow below to play the video).

The India Tiger Safari with Audley Travel video is a unique glimpse at the amazing wildlife encounters that await visitors in India’s central wildlife parks. The video features footage taken by Harsha Ogale, one of Audley’s Indian Subcontinent specialists, and it was taken during Harsha’s recent trip to the Bandavgarh and Tadoba National Parks in central India.

The clip also includes narration from Harsha, which helps to guide viewers through the video and provide more information on the types of animals that might be spotted and the best ways to plan your wildlife safari of India.

Click the arrow to play the video above, or alternatively visit our Wildlife of India section to find out more about booking a tailor-made trip to India with Audley.

Audley Polar specialists inspect some of the vessels closer to home!

Jon and Phil, two of our Polar Specialists, with the National Geographic Explorer

Over the last few weeks some of our Polar specialists have been travelling around the UK to inspect the boats that we use on Antarctic and Arctic cruises. As Carolyn, our Latin America Programme Manager, reports …

Continue reading »

I’d forgotten how much I liked Windhoek

Last week I was in Windhoek for four days of meetings. After dark, cold, rainy Oxfordshire it was brilliant to spend 4 days under blue skies with temperatures of 30°C and cooling down perfectly in the evening. I stayed in a small guesthouse I hadn’t stayed in before, the Olive Grove, which is in my opinion is currently the best place to stay in Windhoek. Continue reading »

Reflections on my trans-Atlantic crossing

It’s now nearly two months since we arrived into St Lucia, brackish and battered after sailing across the Atlantic. It has to be said that it’s only been in the last fortnight or so that I’ve begun to think of the trip with a degree of fondness and pride. In the immediate aftermath of our arrival I just felt tired and wanted to get home to unwind in my own house. Once back in the UK, I didn’t really speak about the crossing that much, only to let people know how hard I’d found it. Continue reading »

Flying with the Namibian Football Team

Last week Ruth, one of our Africa Regional Managers, and I flew to Windhoek for meetings with our ground agents. We flew down overnight on a Sunday night and back overnight on the Thursday night. The time in Windhoek was great, but pretty tiring with back to back meetings for four days. Ruth somehow managed to get food poisoning on the Wednesday. So by the time we reached Windhoek airport on the Thursday night for our flight home we were both pretty strung out and tired. We looked forward to a quiet 10 hours flying gently back above Africa to the UK. Imagine our delight on getting to the check-in desk to find the plane was taken a diversion – via Accra in Ghana. Continue reading »