Many of you who know me personally will understand that I am obsessed with the healing qualities of water, especially the cold water. Having swum at Tooting Bec lido for the last 14 years throughout the winter months as well as the summer, I am convinced of the healing benefits of cold water. I created retreats by a Scottish Loch so I could share my passion of the water with others. This pastime has opened new doors for me, I have become a swim ambassador and volunteer for Mental Health Swims, I qualified as an open water lifeguard and more importantly I have made some new friendships from the global cold water swimming community.

Karen at the Guinness World Record attempt for under ice swimming in Norway

Amber Fillary is one of those new connections for me. Amber is an individual who too, understands the benefits of the cold water for wellbeing. As a recovered addict and someone who suffered with mental health issues, she is now a motivational speaker who too, wants to share her love for the healing qualities the cold water brings. In autumn 2023, we are partnering together to organise another retreat in Scotland. Amber is also a free diver (don’t try this at home!) and was attempting to break her own Guinness World Record on swimming under ice in a single breathe for over 100 metres. The attempt was in Norway this March.

The river at Kongsberg, Norway

I travelled to Norway to watch her. I flew with Norse Air, a new airline that offers affordable fares on long-haul flights, primarily between Europe and the United States. It has a service to New York from London via Oslo. From Oslo, I headed to Kongsberg by train. There is a train station directly at the airport for ease and an hourly train service to Kongsberg. The town of Kongsberg was very close to being the capital of Norway in the 17th century due to their wealth from the silver they mined. These days, it’s a small town of just over 26,000, lying on the mighty river Numedalslågen.

Amber Fillary by the ice hole, Norway

Amber’s attempted free dive took place just outside of Kongsberg in a lake. With ice holes dug out set 10 metres apart, the ice was over 50 cms in depth. There were scuba divers under the water and judges above as well as below the frozen lake. Sadly, due to a bad infected cut on her knee, which had got worse by the hour with swelling on her shin too, her body was unable to achieve her record attempt. Being under the water for over 3 minutes on a single breath whilst dealing with an infection meant that despite having trained and achieved the distance in the days before, her attempt did not  qualify for the officials. It was disappointing for her. The Guinness World Records are not easy and this extreme sport is dangerous. She is determind to secure her own record and will return to the lake in twelve months to attempt the record again.

After my time in Kongsberg, I returned to Oslo. I had several hours looking around the city by foot. Must see attractions are the harbour, the Akershus Fortress which is a medieval castle built to protect and provide a royal residence for the city, and the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace in Oslo was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the French-born King Charles III John, who reigned as king of Norway and Sweden.

Opera House Oslo, Norway

Oslo has several ski fields around the city. Climbing hills in Norway is a natural thing to do. This seems to apply to a very special building too. The city’s iconic Opera House. You must climb the Opera House roof. Climb for amazing views of the fjord archipelago with small, traditional wooden summer houses. You get a great view of the saunas alongside the waterfront with cold water bathers enjoying a sauna experience with a cold dip in the icy waters of the fjord.

Saunas by the waterfront in Oslo Norway

I caught the 81 bus from Oslo centre to head to my final destination, a hotel that specialises in wellness. The Well is a all singing, all dancing Spa hotel. You can join in the spa rituals for a unique and exciting wellness experience. I participated in the magical sauna rituals, hot and cold baths, and felt the community with others. This can give you a real mood boost and strengthen your body and mind!

 With saunas, hammans, jacuzzis, pools – inside and outside, I could not think of a better place to unwind, to relax and become quite zen- like after the emotional rollercoaster of a weekend. I spent an hour or two dipping in and out of water and heating up my core again in a sauna before chilling off in the cold water. The Well attracts many locals who come to enjoy the spa, however the hotel has hotel rooms for guests wanting to stay overnight. The brasserie serves delicious meals where you can dine in your bath robe – no need to get dressed.  Their Signature rooms have large windows that let in both generous amounts of light, the clean air and the sounds of the forest.

Oslo fjord, Norway

Before you head to Oslo, I recommend downloading the app Ruter on your phone for easy access on the public buses and trams. Norway is a magical country to visit. I didn’t raise my expectations for a sighting of the Northern Lights – best to consider a Northern Lights sighting as an added bonus and not go in search of them. The countryside is naturally so beautiful this time of year– snow laden trees in frozen landscapes. When the sun shone, it is extremely white all around from the snow’s brightness. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses as well as thermals, a hat and gloves.

Karen travelled to Oslo and Kongsberg in Norway to support Amber Fillary – twice Guinness World Record holder for Apnea Swimming.

After two years or travel restrictions we were definitely craving getting away to somewhere a little bit more exotic - with a drastically different landscape, culture and flavours. We have found this and more during our road trip in Mexico.

We knew that the coast wouldn’t provide an authentic experience we were after so our plan for two weeks was a multi centre holiday visiting four different states with two domestic flights in between. 

Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas by Girl in Red Hat on Unsplash

We started our adventure at Cancun airport where we picked up a car for 10 days. Roads in the Yucatan peninsula were generally fantastic, with a choice of paid motorways and paved side roads. 

To get over jet lag we made a decision to treat ourselves to some beach time and luxury boutique hotels. First stop was Playa Del Carmen and the very unique Palmaia, The House of Aia - a secluded sanctuary with oceanfront swim up suites, jungle spa and gourmet restaurants overseen by chefs who have trained in Michelin starred restaurants from around the globe.

We loved that rooms were very modern with state of the art amenities yet outside we were greeted by nature in all its glory - wildlife, abundant greenery and turquoise sea.

Beach at the Palmaia House of Aia

The uniqueness of the resort lies in the fact that it includes several sessions/rituals per day with their Architects of Life. You get healed not only physically with nutritious food and indulgent treatments in their jungle SPA but also on a mental and spiritual level with the activities like Tai Chi, Soul Reading, Pranayama breathing and meditation.

Highly recommended for those busy bees and city mice!

Colourful streets of San Cristobal De Las Casas by Guido Nh on Unsplash

Our second eco boutique resort was beautiful Jashita. With only 30 rooms this gem has an ideal location for exploring Tulum which has become very popular in the recent years. Surrounded by peace and quiet of the Soliman Bay Jashita is only 10-15 min drive from Tulum with its nightlife and trendy restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, the best food we had on our trip was at the Jashita’s famous restaurant Pandano. Best pastas outside of Italy courtesy of the hotels’s Italian owners! But for those craving local food, there is a selection of Mexican dishes also. 

Pool area at the Jashita

We loved our spacious suite and really appreciated our huge terrace with a plunge pool! The hotel never feels busy - even at full occupancy there is plenty of space around its three pools and the beach!

Never able to stay in one place, we then continued on to the less developed island of Holbox famous for its sand banks and opportunity to swim with manta rays and whale sharks as well as to the more known island of Cozumel - part the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier reef in Australia and apparently favourite place for diving of Jacques Yves Cousteau himself!

Cozumel by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash

What holiday to the Yucatan peninsula goes without visiting the legendary Chichen Itza - one of the 7 New Wonders of the World? I highly recommend taking a local guide as otherwise we would have missed some very special sound effects this place is capable of as well as learning fascinating facts about the place. Although Chichen Itza without a doubt is the most known Mayan monument in Mexico, it is not the largest - don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track and explore! 

Chichen Itza by Flip Gielda on Unsplash

After 9 nights it was time to bid good bye to this part of Mexico as we boarded a flight to Chiapas - called by some the most beautiful state of Mexico! Nature is very different here - resembling of Europe even in some places with its mountains and lakes. We even had to put some layers on as temperatures there were noticeably lower than on the coast. Bordering on Guatemala, Chiapas boasts of waterfalls, gorges, lakes and authentic colonial towns with indigenous population. We even took an opportunity to cross into Guatemala for a short wander around - there is no need for passport control and one can cross without a hustle on foot!

Cascada El Chiflon in Chiapas

The highlights of our stay were our trips to Cascada El Chifflon and taking a boat down the river at Sumidero Canyon. Saying that visiting the very colourful town of San Cristóbal de Las Casas was undeniably another one. There are very few places in the world left that managed to retain the level of authenticity that Chiapas offers. We only had three nights in Chiapas and didn’t have a chance to explore all its wonders, including Mayan ruins of Palenque that are far less visited than Chichen Itza.

Lakes of Chiapas

As we were flying back from Mexico City, our next domestic flight was to the capital of the country. Mexico City is the largest Spanish speaking city in the world and the scale of it really is impressive. I was surprised to find out, that it is in the second place in the world by the number of museums after London! We have certainly visited some ourselves - I can particularly recommend Museo Nacional de Antropología housing a large collection of artefacts from various periods of Mexican history. As I have been the biggest fan of Frida Kahlo for years, visiting her Blue House was a must for me. Do book in advance - you simply won’t get in if you show up on the day.

Personal items of Frida Kahlo

And finally if you are into fine art Palacio de Bellas Artes is the place to visit for its fine murals by the likes of Diego Riviera. Also, who knew that my first paintings by Salvador Dali will be seen in Mexico City and not in Spain! 

Mexico City is also a gateway to the ancient city of Tenochtitlan famous for its large pyramids of the sun and the moon. We were supposed to have a hot air balloon flight over this incredible site but sadly it got cancelled due to the weather. Speaking of the weather, Mexico City requires a completely different wardrobe choice than the coast - do bear this in mind if visiting both on one trip. 

And the last but not the least, Mexico City is the place to enjoy food - from unbelievably affordable street food stalls to the restaurants sitting among the top eateries in the world.

This for sure was a trip to remember! And we did not even cover half of the country! I encourage you to explore Mexico - do not just stay in an all-inclusive hotel.

And if you need us to help you planning your trip - do get in touch!

I booked my Walking and Trekking holiday to Northern Cyprus in January 2020, just a couple of months before we were all condemned to travel lockdown. I was offered cash-back for my trip, but I had heard so much about the beauty and fascination of the area that I postponed my trip for a year, and then - for yet another year, until May in 2022. It was definitely well worth the wait and lived up to all my expectations.

I had previously visited Southern Cyprus a couple of times, both in the Paphos region and up in the Troodos Mountains, but had never crossed to the north via the legendary Green Line. Many people, including those who had been in the British forces during the "troubles", had told me that the North of the island, now officially called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, was much more attractive than the South.

My impression of the South, with its many archaeological sites and monuments to Aphrodite, is of a country with a sea such a deep blue that we in more northern climes can only dream of seeing it, a climate that offers a gentle breeze to alleviate the heat, and excellent and not-too-expensive food served by friendly waiters in tavernas on hillsides "with a view". There is, however, such a hangover from the British Empire days that sometimes there is very little feeling of "being abroad". The British ex-pat community live a happy life that is rather like being in Sussex in the sun. Which is wonderful, but sometimes we ask for a little more "exoticism" when we are on holiday. This is what I experienced once I crossed the Green Line.

Of course the history of the island is shared between both the Greek and Turkish "halves" of the island, and I am no expert in politics, but through conversations with people of both sides, it seems that the average person would very much like a reconciliation. In the meantime, to go north, we need to fly into Larnaka in the Greek sector, and travel via the border control on the Green Line in Nicosia for about an hour, in order to enter the Turkish sector. Only planes from Turkey itself are allowed to fly into the comparatively small airport in the north. Nicosia is the only capital city in the world to be divided into two and shared by both the North and South.

Once over the border you do feel like you are in a different country with a more middle eastern feel: narrow streets with pretty little houses, busy markets, more minarets, Turkish coffee (!) and wine, and, once you get outside the city, the landscape is definitely more dramatic and exciting: huge mountains dominating the skyline, covered in thousands of huge trees, and a fertile plain that stretches forever.

My holiday consisted of days mostly spent in clambering up and down the tree covered mountains, through dried up rivers covered in huge boulders and slippery gravel, proving the usefulness of hiking sticks or extremely long legs. A certain level of fitness was definitely necessary, but it was all manageable for older people (like myself).

Not just at the very top, but all the way up and along these forest paths, the views were spectacular. We also visited quite a few castles built high up in the peaks: Kyrenia Crusader Castle, Saint Hilarion Castle, Kantara Castle, Buffavento Castle, the history of which (dating back to Phoenicians, Romans , Byzantines, French etc.) was all related to our small group by our excellent guide, Gizer, accompanied by some interesting little tit-bits as to how a certain queen would drown her lovers before her husband the king got back from his crusades, how Richard the Lion Heart wasted no time in ferociously avenging the kidnapping of his fiancé, and (in the amazing Roman ruins of Salamis) how the men would all sit together in a huge half circle on the wooden toilet seats discussing the problems of the world, or who was likely to win the next major sporting event.

Interesting too are the many huge churches, originally for the Greek Orthodox Church, left in perfect condition, or actually being renovated, which is proof to the fact that, in this part of the world, Islam and Christianity can live peacefully side by side.

My favourite moment was visiting the beautiful 12th century abbey in Bellapais, made famous by Laurence Durrell in his book "Bitter Lemons". Then, walking up the steep road to his house, the renovation of which he describes so vividly, was a magic moment. Incidentally, the house is for sale!

A sadder excursion was to Famagusta, and the "ghost town" of Varasha, closed to civil life since the conflict of 1974. The hotels are all still there, as are the houses, and some say that, locked in underground car parks , there are still dozens of luxury cars. On the beach (said to be one of the best in Europe) where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor once frolicked, a few umbrellas and sun beds are now permitted, but nothing else is open. Apparently the zone is a part of a possible negotiation for re-unification!

The food in both parts of the island is equally good, but a bit cheaper in the north. So, my advice is, take a holiday in both North and South Cyprus!

Our client Patricia Pearson travelled to North Cyprus in May 2022

June has already reached us, but we would like to return to last month and recall an event that we think deserves some reflection.

The week 9–15 May was Mental Health Awareness week, this year focusing on Loneliness.

“In a travel blog post?! Such a weird place to talk about loneliness”, one might think.
But is it such a strange association, really?

Photo by Elisa Spampinato

Loneliness is a real issue for our societies, one that is quite uncomfortable to talk about and mostly hidden inside us, with shame. And, unfortunately, it only grows stronger when not faced and shared.

“Yet while millions of us experience feelings of loneliness, we can still find it hard to talk about. One in five of us hide our feelings of loneliness from others.”

Travel is, overall, perceived as a great source of joy and excitement; therefore, some might say that it is potentially a useful antidote for loneliness.

“Can travel cure loneliness?” We think that this is a false question, more dangerous perhaps than the loneliness itself – if that is possible.

We don’t believe that travel can automatically ‘cure’ anything; however, we do believe that travel carries wonderful seeds, which can grow into a plant whose fruit has healing properties and can lead us to a happier and more fulfilled life.

Photo by MUF-RJ

Let’s see with which soil and under which external conditions those seeds may benefit us, so that a trip can not only give us temporary pleasure and enjoyment – which some may even confuse with ‘happiness’ – but also create deeper changes and long-lasting transformational effects in ourselves and in our communities.

THE BUBBLE WE ARE ALL IN

We can travel with concerns only for ‘having a great time’, ‘having the perfect experience’, ‘doing cool things’ and ‘ticking all the boxes’ of our externally constructed bucket list for a place.

However, this kind of travel, in the same way as when we suffer from feelings of loneliness, makes us feel as though we are drifting miles away from everyone else, on a self-activating conveyor belt.

We are disconnected – not only from the real atmosphere of a place, but also from other enriching human encounters.

 I call this ‘travelling in our own bubble’. 

But we know that travel has such great positive potential at the individual level, including giving us new lenses to ‘see’ the world from a different angle and in different colours too.
In our minds, awesome images are triggered by the word ‘travel’.

Exotic scenery, warm waters, sunny and bright beaches, white peaks, and fresh footprints on immaculate white snow. Green lights in the northern skies, desertic views, volcanic lakes surrounded by green mountains hiding the cities of pre-Columbian civilisations. The list could go on forever. 

And yet, if we travel with the goal of escaping the boredom of our daily reality, to do something very special and memorable so that we can add it to our list of achievements, we are just sweeping more of the dust of discontent under the carpet, which, on our return, will look more like a rough and hilly surface than the flat and comfy floor-covering it is supposed to be.

Photo by Elisa Spampinato

Travel cannot cure loneliness, only temporarily conceal it, perhaps.

And the unfaced and unspoken reasons that led us to ‘escape’ our reality, will carry on accumulating dangerously and perhaps become a Mental Health issue in the future.

CONNECTING

Travel brings joy because it allows us to make new connections, not only in our brains, by taking in new information, learning about other cultures and history; but also, because it allows us to make new human connections.

If we reflect a moment on it, we realise that our travel stories and travel memories are full of people, not just places – isn’t that the case!

Photo by Elisa Spampinato

Those encounters with the local farmers, or with the barman at the hotel, the chat with other travellers in the cosy neighbourhood bar or the untranslated exchanges of smiles and body language we had with the woman that taught us how to weave colourful baskets from grass or banana leaves.
These are the encounters that will populate our hearts on the way back home, and, hopefully, for years to come. 

One definition of empathy is “the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place”. 

Through empathy we can connect on a deeper level with other human beings, and the similarities always overtake the differences we may perceive in each other’s lives, concerns and goals.

But when we travel ‘in our own bubble’ there seems not to be space for many real connections; it is mainly isolation and self-referenced thoughts.

BURSTING THE BUBBLE

What is the difference between being inside and outside the bubble, then?

We believe that the difference lies in the answer to the following questions:
Why do we travel? What is the intention that consciously, and mostly unconsciously, we put into this ‘activity’?

Are we aware of the real reasons behind our desire for travel?

Lack of awareness of those motivations can make the walls of the bubble we are in much thicker, separating us from the beauty and the undiscovered marvels that surround us, and that could also change and transform us.

And our trip will then be just a temporary glowing experience to show off to friends, but a missed opportunity for personal growth.

But if, for example, we decide to allow our mind to switch, we might have a completely other experience next time we travel.

While travelling we are in the perfect place to discover new places and have extra-ordinary experiences  – this is mainly because we are out of our comfort zone, and, according to Simon Sinek, even though a “comfort zone is a sage and beautiful place, no one ever grows there”.

If we want to grow as human beings, rather than just boarding a plane and getting a new stamp in our passport, travelling is a golden opportunity.  

How can we switch our mind, then? 

We can start by simply stretching our arm through the surface of that bubble, so that we can start to burst the bubble we are in.

Bursting the bubble in which we have been travelling is like lifting that carpet and facing what is underneath. We may not like it, but once we acknowledge it we can start the clean-up.

With the gesture of stretching our arm out, we are asking for something new, even if it is still unknown, and undiscovered. And, despite that – or sometimes, just because of that – we are ready to travel, we are finally embarking on a journey.

Photo by Elisa Spampinato

We endorse the definition of ‘Transformational Travel’ given by the Transformational Travel Council (TTC) as: “intentionally travelling to stretch, learn and grow into new ways of being and engaging with the world.” 

The TTC has been a ground breaker in choosing to focus on what travel can give beyond the materialistic and immediate satisfaction of a trip.

However, the most crucial message the TTC brings to the tourism world, we think, is that the real journey starts at home, by wanting to change your mindset, not just by going to places, by while we are visiting those places.

Bursting the bubble is, then, a question of intention.

So, get out of your bubble, ask yourself the important questions, share your experience of personal growth, connect, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey.

This blog has been written by Elisa Spampinato,
a travel writer & Community Storyteller, CEO & Founder at  Traveller Storyteller

‘Let me just see the plane off, Torunn, then I’ll fetch your car, OK?’. We have just touched down at Hasvik airfield on Sørøya island, and in the arrival zone I’m perplexed to hear my name called out by a stranger. I turn around and a person – I’m assuming it’s Oddbjørn – smiles and waves. On Sørøya, Oddbjørn is the equivalent of Hertz and Avis. Together with my nephews Brage (16) and Kristian (11) and my sister Veronica, I have come to the island for the first time, with high hopes for some Big Fish Adventures. 

Sørøya is located north of Alta, west of Hammerfest in Troms & Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county. It’s both the fourth largest island in Norway, and the biggest one to be unconnected to the mainland by road. Its intense summer green colors have given the island the name ‘The green eye in the North’, but this gem of a destination is increasingly known as ‘Storfiskens rike’ – Kingdom of the Big Fish. Surrounded by the deep Norwegian Sea and with more than 1200 freshwater lakes, this is a place full of improbable fishing stories, most of which are actually true. 

The High Road to a True Wilderness

Although we have chosen to arrive by air, Hasvik village can also be reached by car ferry or passenger ferry (LoppaXpressen) from Øksfjord – an embarkation port for Hurtigruten, located one hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Alta. The road from Hasvik (population 831) takes you through Breivikbotn (pop. 307) as far as Sørvær (pop. 239) 21 km away; by contrast, the villages on the island’s northern flank have no road connection to the south. That part of the island can be reached by passenger ferry (MåsøyXpressen) or car ferry from Hammerfest. The lack of road between north and south has prevented extensive (caravan) tourism on the island, helping to preserve the island’s authenticity, not to mention the wilderness at its core. 

Between 2017-20, the two local municipalities initiated a project with the Norwegian Trekking Association which resulted in the creation of a 100 km hiking trail from the mountain Fuglen in Sørvær to Tarhalsen in Akkarfjord (80 inhabitants and two camels). The path is marked with 15,000 red ‘T’s and 5000 ‘varder’ – stone cairns placed on high points in the terrain. The trek can be completed in 15-20 km stretches over a week, and introduces hikers to a rocky, mountainous landscape with steep slopes and rolling countryside, spectacular views, constantly changing weather conditions and temperatures in the neverending summer light. On this trip, however, we are not here to conquer the island on foot. 

Single Resource, Multiple Opportunities

In our chariot for the week, a 4WD Outlander, we drive the 1.4 km to our Sørøya home – a two-storey house by the sea featuring a pair of large terraces, direct harbour access and views reaching far across the sea to the towering peaks on the mainland. Kitted out with modern facilities and within easy walking distance to the town’s only grocery store, Rocky pub & dance bar, and the only restaurant, Håen Cafe & Bistro, we are well set up for the week! Which makes it all the easier to focus on our task for the week: to find out what kind of big fish are lurking underneath the surface of all this water surrounding us... 

We are given a warm welcome by Mona, Oddbjørn’s sister, who runs the local hotel and activity company with her 22 year old son Bilal and former husband Ahmad, who emigrated to Norway from Lebanon when he was 21. Over coffee on the porch, she shares her story and thoughts about the future for her family-run business. Mona does not want to attract huge numbers of guests and anglers to their beloved island; instead she wants to attract a smaller number of the right visitors, and on their terms. To meet the increasing interest in big fish adventures from a high-end clientele, the six units in Molokroken (where we are staying) will soon be supplemented with a new hotel building, designed by the internationally celebrated architects Snøhetta. This facility will be reconstructed from the original wood-framed fish factory on the harbour and will be retrofitted with a quayside sauna, restaurant, cafe and grocery shop.  

From the 1970s to the early 2000s, their hotel mainly catered to professionals from the commercial fishing industry. When three factories went bankrupt in 2002, the hotel lost most of its business and had to seek ‘new gold’ in order to make a living and keep its place on the island. Luckily, the proprietors soon realized that the fish was a resource that could be used in different ways to generate new business opportunities. With the help of professional recreational anglers Michal Simco and Marc von Roie, they set about rebuilding Sørøya’s image as a ‘Kingdom of the Big Fish’. Slowly but surely they succeeded in attracting anglers from all over the world. Today, the multitalented Bilal is the prime mover when it comes to developing their fishing activity business. Together with fellow anglers and marine recreational fishing (MRF) enthusiasts Daniel and Hans Kristian, Bilal has assembled valuable knowledge and insight about the best fishing spots, equipment, species, how to get big fish to bite, and methods that thrill anglers of all sorts, as well as encouraging good fish health and welfare while preventing negative impacts on fish stocks.

Marine Recreational Fishing - A brief introduction 

Norway is Europe’s biggest marine recreational fishing nation. (MRF is defined as ‘fishing for purposes other than meeting a basic nutritional need or for sale/trade’.) Why? It provides many health-promoting and wellbeing benefits, including powerful nature experiences, quality time with friends and family, and positive impact on the environment. The economic impact is also immense: MRF in Europe has been estimated to contribute around 10.5 billion euros while supporting 99,500 full-time jobs.

Because this recreational form of fishing often has limited regulation, it relies on responsible participants using best angling practices in order to minimize any negative impact on fish stocks. The rise of recreational fishing has led to greater awareness of many environmental issues around the ecology of fishing, with knock-on benefits to the local ecosystem. 

Our first Big Fish Adventure 

Daniel, our fishing guide, is well informed about all this research. He is also one of Norway’s best species-fishermen, despite his tender age of just 21. Like all of Big Fish Adventure’s guides, he is certified in coastal fishing, safety and crisis management. Dressed in Teletubby-like survival suits, we head out to sea. Our first mission: to catch pollock which will serve as bait for our main objective: the much larger halibut. 

Whereas national laws permit the landing of all halibut between 80-200 cm, the Big Fish Adventure crew releases all fish sized between 80-130 cm, and limits every guest to a maximum of two halibuts per trip. This is to secure the future halibut population and ensure Sørøya remains a world class fishing destination for future generations. Halibuts bigger than 130 cm – a common catch in these parts – are mostly female, and play an important role in species propagation. 

For those of us born and raised inland, hooking pollock so easily, while watching the breathtaking coastal scenery – the deep green island, turquoise water, coral beaches, small huts scattered across the mountainsides dropping into narrow fjords – is (almost) enough to make this trip worthwhile on its own. Daniel shares his knowledge with a contagious passion, and plays music which adds an entertaining diversion while covering the distances between fishing spots. For me personally, the whole thing is a healthy exercise in patience as we wait and wait for the big fish to bite. Hours pass, and when the halibut is finally hooked, we are in the last minutes of the sixth and final hour of our fishing adventure. 

The excitement onboard is immense and our patience is rewarded straight away. Slowly but surely, and to ecstatic cries, a 143 cm long halibut is coaxed to the surface and carefully lifted into the boat for observation, measurement and two quick trophy pictures, before being released back into the deep sea. Together with researcher Keno Ferter from the Institute of Marine Research, a lot of work has gone into finding the least harmful catch-and-release methods, and we are assured that the hole we’ve pierced through the fish’s skin near the jaw should heal within a week. High on adrenaline, we return to the shore full of experience and newly gained knowledge, inspired to explore further. 

Island Life - Therapy for Busy Minds

It’s not only in the deep sea around the island that fish can be found. More than 900 of Sørøya’s 1200 freshwater lakes are teeming with them. Many of the lakes can be accessed on spectacular hiking trails of varying lengths and levels. We spend our remaining days on leisurely hikes to lakes such as Krokvatnet and Bollevatn. On various occasions we get lost, wade across rivers, and follow forest and mountain paths with no mobile coverage. While fishing, we sit in the midst of impressive natural landscapes totally devoid of other people. Only the reindeer, frequently traversing the more remote areas, watch us like strangers in their domain. 

Sørøya is also known for its war history. Around the island are everal spectacular caves used as bolt-holes in the second world war by honorable northern Norwegians who refused to be deported by the German occupiers. One of these caverns, Kvithellhula, shaped by waves over millennia, was home to 35 refugees over 99 days in the winter of 1944-45. 

Despite the neverending daylight, slow life seems to travel fast, and we discover that one short week on the island is not enough.

Bespoke Travel 

Tailored Sørøya Island adventures can be curated for experienced anglers as well as beginners, or just anyone seeking a slow-paced escape holiday in spectacular surroundings. A week adventure (6 nights) in a harbourside Molokroken unit (6 person capacity), including two guided big fish adventures by boat, 4WD rental car at disposal, one guided island excursion with picnic, and one culinary Taste of Sørøya dinner experience, it priced from XXX USD per person based on 6 guests travelling together. 

Crossing Sørøya by Foot can be done with a private nature guide or as part of a small guided trekking group. Prices on request.

This guest blog was written by Torunn Tronsvang from UP Norway, one of our partners in Norway

A year ago, a Norwegian customer sent us an enquiry asking whether we could plan a journey for her through Reisa National Park. We had to ask her to ‘hold that thought’ for another year, so we could familiarise ourselves with this intriguing and remote part of the country – one of the few areas our team knew little about. 

On a winter trip to the area earlier this year, we were introduced to local insiders – professional activity providers – who were keen to facilitate journeys for our guests. Before I knew it, I had four travel companions booked to accompany me on a combined trekking and pack-rafting adventure, from Kautokeino to Reisa, over four days in summer.

Nordkalotten (The Arctic Trail) – Long distance hiking above the Arctic Circle

The Arctic Trail stretches over 800 km from Sulitjelma in Norway (Nordkalottruta) through Sweden (Nordkalottleden) to Kvikkjokk in Finland (Kalottireitti). Our goal for this year’s summer vacation was to venture along the route inside Reisa National Park, a virtually untouched natural landscape cut through by the Reisa, one of the world’s most bountiful salmon rivers. For me, what made this adventure especially attractive was the added cultural dimension: people of Norwegian, Sami and Kven origins have long used this National Park’s resources, and their unique folk cultures are reflected in the area.

Day 1: Biedjovággi to Reisavannet Lake (11 km / 4 hrs)

After a comfortable night at Kautokeino’s only hotel, where we were warmly greeted by our Sami friends Jon Mikkel and Odd Arne, we set off to the starting point just before Biedjovággi in the sunny morning light. The driver arrived just on (local) time – a Sami half hour late. Somewhere between Kautokeino and the starting point, we lost mobile coverage, and enjoyed the luxury of being disconnected from the world until reaching Reisa four days later. 

Slightly nervous about the notorious Finnmark mosquitos, we had stuffed our rucksacks with items of bite-resistant clothing as well as various repellents. Our fears turned out to have been exaggerated, yet the spray was effective, and the bugs graciously kept their distance. The trail followed reindeer fences and led us through marshland covered in cloudberries so that we could eat our way to our first camp, the summer house of the three-generation Sami Nilut family. 

Happiness can be felt in so many ways, and our stay with the Nilut family was no exception. Imagine a wood-fired sauna and tub in the freshwater lake, Reisavannet. Drinking a cold northern Norwegian beer on the terrace in the summer sun over attentive and humorous conversation, joiks (Sami folksong) and fortune-telling around the fire, a sumptuous meal of bidos (reindeer stew) and cloudberries, rounded off with a spot of fishing under the midnight sun. 

Day 2: Reisavannet to Nedrefoss via Imofossen waterfall (27 km / 10 hours) 

After a sumptuous breakfast with our Sami hosts, we embarked on the greatest challenge of this trip: the long hike from the mountain plateau, through birch and pine forest into the narrow Reisa valley and the narrow canyon surrounding the impressive Imo waterfall. After 23 km of hiking, I was the only one in our group motivated to make the 1 km detour to Imofossen. (Insider tip: this hike can be split in two, with a night at Arthurgamma cabin.) What makes this waterfall unique is the opportunity to gaze down at the 20 m high waterfall as it plunges over a granite cliff into a canyon and is met by a smaller tributary, Spanijohka. Together, these two waterfalls, as well as the surrounding rocky landscape and giant potholes, add up to a powerful sight.

When I reached the Nedrefoss cabin, my fellow hikers had already lit a fire in the rustic cabin managed by the Norwegian trekking association. We cooked our evening meal on the gas stove, and enjoyed a peaceful evening in the cabin, in the glow of candlelight and the unending summer light. Two of us still had enough energy to try out the adjacent river sauna and take a refreshing dip in the Reisa river, one of the clearest watercourses in Norway. It’s so clear that, from the suspension bridge leading to the cabin, you can spot the giant salmon swimming in the river below. 

Day 3: Nedrefoss to Siemma (3 km hiking, 14 km paddling) 

We were all excited by the idea of trying pack-rafting for the first time, and happy to meet up with our guide Steffen. He had brought with him fresh breakfast sandwiches and locally produced blueberry juice. After a brief introduction, we jumped into our single and double pack-rafts and set off downriver, with Steffen keeping an eye out for us from his riverboat. These craft were originally punts; these days they are motorized. 

Floating down the crystal-clear river, navigating through gentle rapids and watching the mountains rising high up on both sides of the canyon was a rewarding experience. We anchored up near the Mollisfossen waterfall – the largest and most popular attraction in Reisa. Only one other group of people (three people in total) were there at the same time as us. The falls here are 269 meters high, with a vertical drop of 140 m. We were able to walk right next to it and feel the ground shaking and the water spraying in our faces. On our return to the riverbank, Steffen had set out lunch on a white tablecloth by the fire, and served reindeer tortilla wraps with lingonberry sour cream and a local rhubarb cordial. For dessert: smoked dried reindeer and fresh cinnamon rolls accompanied by bonfire-brewed coffee from the local beanery.

Upon reaching Siemma we settled into our small wooden cabin and cranked up the heat to dry our clothes. Two of our party had capsized in the pack-rafts and ‘enjoyed’ an involuntary river dip – to gales of laughter. We spent the evening outside by the fire, playing cards, reading, chatting and indulging in the goodie bag of food, drinks and snacks Steffen had left for us. We took the rowing boat across the river to see the rock art dating back to the Bronze Age (1800 BCE). It is believed that the special rock formation where the drawings were made was perceived as a portal through which shamans could connect with the dead. 

Day 4, Siemma to Saraelv (10 km paddling), onwards to Reisastua Lodge

In the morning, Steffen appeared with Kalla, a new guide who would accompany us down the final stretch of the river. We stopped at a beach to grill sausages on the fire, and enjoyed the last day of absolutely perfect hiking and paddling weather: not too warm, not too cold, a little wind to keep the mosquitos away, sunny with a few clouds to prevent sunburn. We were picked up in a white Hummer by the owner of Reisastua Lodge and checked into suites overlooking the river. In Sami-inspired robes we found our way to the rooftop jacuzzi and toasted our trip with glasses of champagne. And then sat down to plan our next adventure... 

This guest blog was written by Torunn Tronsvang from UP Norway, one of our partners in Norway

For many of us our first real taste of freedom was when our parents allowed us to explore the area we grew up in unaccompanied on a bike.

A friend and I were recently reminiscing about the joy of getting around under teenage pedal power. Our memories had a powerful common thread, even though our actual experiences were wildly different. He grew up in Delhi, whereas I grew up in rural Sussex but the joy of unconstrained whizzing about was no different.

Sadly as we get older the car often becomes our default mode of transport. At first it's aspirational; then it wins out on comfort and convenience and eventually we just stop thinking about it; the car is simply how we get about.

Traveling to new places gives us an exciting opportunity to break away from the dominance of the car. We can re-discover the childlike joy of exploring somewhere at a slower pace with fewer barriers between us and the new environment we find ourselves in. Who knows, we may even decide it's worth trying when we get back home.

It is important to note that cycling as part of a holiday doesn't mean you have to commit to a cycling holiday! A few years ago I was staying at the wonderful Hotel Portixol on the Bay of Palma. I was delighted to discover a rack of bikes sat outside the hotel for the use of guests. A 10-minute ride beside the sea took us into the heart of the city. Along the way we discovered delightful beachside cafes invisible from the road.

Cycling can, of course, sit at the heart of a trip. Along with a group of friends, and some strangers, I cycled the C2C route from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Tynemouth. We passed through the northern Lake District before climbing the Pennines and descending into County Durham and then Northumberland. There was a great sense of achievement from having travelled 140 miles under our own power and a genuine feeling of having connected with the beautiful landscape that surrounded us.

In my experience one of the great joys of travelling by bike is that you can always find a way of justifying a tasty treat you stumble across at a refreshment stop. Surely you burned enough calories to warrant a pudding! Working in France in my twenties, the 30km pedal along Brittany’s winding lanes to Cancale allowed me to indulge my desire for a weekly Plateau de Fruits de Mer washed down with local Cider. When us cyclists promote the health benefits of our transport of choice (which are undeniable) we may sometimes overlook these excesses!

There are now thousands of exciting bike routes and trips all around the world. Without exception they allow travellers to engage with their destination in a way that is hard to imagine when sitting in a car. These trips also reduce the environmental impact of tourists on their host destination and make it more likely we will spend money with smaller businesses rooted in the local community. You may travel at a slower pace but you'll get more smiles per mile.

Excitingly, e-bikes are making active travel more and more accessible in destinations around the world. Cycling, whether at home or on holiday, should not be the preserve of lycra clad enthusiasts. E-bikes can usually be rented for short or long periods and are a fantastic way of getting about. Importantly they allow people of varying levels of ability and fitness to enjoy exploring together.

Throughout the period of the Covid-19 pandemic there has been enormous investment in cycling infrastructure as people have chosen active travel. IT has, and continues to be, a period of great change. In towns and cities around the globe it is now easier and safer than ever before to travel by bike.

There is, however, one aspect of cycling infrastructure that is often overlooked; bike security. This is a problem that needs solving in order to give more people the confidence to use bicycles for everyday journeys as well as pedal powered exploration. Hudjo plans to play a key role in tackling this issue.

Chris Thompson is a former tour operator, a travel industry consultant and Co-Founder of bike parking App Hudjo. Find out more at www.hudjo.com

A guest blog written for Travel Matters by Derek Moore, a founder of The Derek Moore Foundation

A few thoughts to take on board as you think about taking an exciting adventure holiday: 

Firstly, if you have any sense at all you will do as much research into who you book the holiday with as you will do on the potential destination. Adventure travel is exciting and addictive, but things can and do sometimes go wrong and you want to know that your holiday operator will look after you if things go wrong. Also, a reputable travel organiser will give you honest advice, rather than try to talk you into a trip that might not be exactly what you want. Pretty obviously, of course, this is where Travel Matters comes in! 

Villagers in Nepal building water-pipe to bring water to the village

When checking out the trip you have chosen, take the time to ensure that the activities you will experience sound as though they are authentic. On some trips the authenticity is staged. (I remember well an evening at a hotel in Greece where we were served an excellent evening meal by waiters casually dressed in jeans and tee-shirts, prior to an evening of Authentic Greek folk dancing. But where were the dancers? As soon as they had cleared away our plates all the waiter suddenly disappeared behind a screen, to emerge five minutes later in traditional Greek clothes, to perform to a tape recorder some traditional Greek dances with obligatory plate smashing). Make sure your itinerary doesn’t include staged authenticity. 

When you are on your trip, let’s say it’s a trekking trip through a mountainous region, be sure to look around you, really look, behind the wonderful views and the bustling markets. Are the people amongst whom you are walking, seemingly struggling, behind their smiles, to live a reasonable life, or do the houses, when you look carefully at them, suggest that the village is pretty much on the poverty line? If they do, make a mental note for when you get home. 

And when you are back home, reflect on what you have seen and ask yourself, have I just taken part in a one-way, or a t wo-way, experience? 

Well Project in Posoli, Nicaragua

All too often, visitors – particularly if visiting a remote region where life is clearly difficult – take part in a one-way experience, a one-way transaction. They visit a village, buy up food in the markets, take pictures of local people and then favour them with a smile before strolling on, and stay with families or in a small hotel, where they use up fuel for heating and water for washing without thinking where any of it came from. They take. Then they depart. They take, but they don’t think about giving something in exchange, about giving something back. Some travellers don’t even think about this need for a two-way transaction.

But some do. I remember one trekker saying, on getting back to the comforts of home, “Oh I had a fabulous time! It was all so fascinating! But oh – those poor people, they were so generous to us but really, they had nothing. If only there was a way to give something back to them!” 

Tree-planting in St James school in Kenya

Well, there is a way to give something back. The Derek Moore Foundation – set up by the one-time owner of adventure company Explore, who saw the need to be able to give something back - funds community Projects in small communities around the world. The sort of small communities that many travellers have passed through and have wanted to help. Projects such as supplying solar lighting to villages in Nepal, providing medical equipment to mid-wives working in the mountains of Guatemala, or supporting an agricultural Project in Costa Rica. These are just three of the 20 projects that the Foundation is currently supporting. 

And the Foundation needs your help – without funds it cannot give something back. The Foundation Projects are all small, the type of projects that bigger charities over-look or feel are too small to be bothered with. So donating, say the cost of an evening meal, can make quite a difference to these projects, which, as the Foundation says, are helping to change lives. 

And that’s what we mean by ‘giving something back’.

The travel landscape is forever changing - and now even more so than ever.  Last year has been tough for many, but we are still here to help you every step of the way. We really enjoy putting your dream holidays together and truly believe that there was no better time to book with a travel agent for your peace of mind. We are the ones keeping on top of all your travel arrangements - be it the updates on travel corridors, entry requirements or any schedule changes your booking might experience. Your booking is secure with us and your money is safe - all our holidays are protected under the holiday package regulations, meaning that if your holiday can't go ahead due to COVID restrictions you will have a chance to either postpone your holiday or get a refund. 

 We care for our clients. Unlike bigger online booking platforms, we are always on hand and you do not need to hold for hours on end to talk to a human being. 

Travel advisors have taken on a much more complex role these days and provide a multitude of services - we make your travel dreams come true, provide an expert concierge service, and fix any issue that may arise. And more importantly we know you and your families and provide personalised service. 

 Most of the time booking with a travel advisor costs the same as booking direct - and often we have access to exclusive deals not available to direct clients. We have personal relationships with hoteliers around the world. We will get you VIPed, for us you are not just a number!

It is important to bear in mind that these advantages are not only reserved for high end clients. We do not just know what the best hotel is, we know what the best hotel is for you and your budget and can help you find the right fit, saving a lot of precious time in the process. Our combined destination knowledge is unparalleled. It is a one stop shop for any occasion - a honeymoon, family holiday, bucket list adventure or a special event that requires meticulous planning.

 We are presenting you with the gift of “experiential travel,” suggesting places, guides and experiences that most people would never have imagined in the first place.

So we have a favour to ask - consider us when booking your next holiday. You’re supporting a small business, and small businesses are the heart and soul of your community.

Images by:

Simon Migaj @simonmigaj on Unsplash

Chris Lawton @chrislawton on Unsplash

Amy Hirschi @amihirschi on Unsplash

As a person who has visited numerous exotic destinations, I understand the importance of nature and authenticity preservation. And the hidden gem of a country we will talk about today has both in heaps.

Located off the coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest country of the continent after Seychelles and its beauty will impress even the most intrepid traveller. This island nation is part of a volcano chain boasting of striking rock and coral formations, rainforests and beaches, not to mention its fascinating history! This unspoilt destination is safe and friendly and ecotourists in particular will find it appealing due to its Jurassic park feel.

Did you know that São Tomé and Príncipe have more endemic species per square kilometre than the Galapagos? In 2012 Príncipe became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve so it’s development, including tourism, is carefully regulated under the Man and Biosphere Programme. The Principeans are proud of their biosphere status and it is something that unites islanders and visitors.

Quite unusually the country enjoys two dry seasons! The first one is between December and February and the second is June through September. Although the best time to bird watch is October to March - don' forget your binoculars - there is a lot to watch! The two primary islands of São Tomé and Príncipe together with several rocky islets are home to just over 215,000 inhabitants. 

So how do you travel to this little piece of paradise? The only way to get there is by flying to Sao Tome where the international airport is located. The airport on Principe is only serviced by domestic flights connecting the two islands sitting 140 km apart with the flight time taking only 35 minutes.

If you come from Europe, you can choose between STR Airways or TAP Portugal both flying from Lisbon. Travelling from Africa, the options are Ghana, Gabon and Angola.

 The official language is Portuguese and the long history of the country goes back to the same time as that of the Americas - the colony of São Tomé was founded in 1493, just a year after Christopher Columbus officially set foot on the continent. Sugar cane was the main commodity at the time and the remnants of historic Portuguese architecture can still be found around the islands in the form of charming colonial buildings, churches and old plantations. Presently Sao Tome is also the place where they produce some of the most exclusive chocolate in the world as well as excellent coffee! Yum!

When it comes to accommodation there is a property that really stands out - we love Sundy Praia, one of the National Geographic unique lodges of the world that is a sustainable tourism project providing unforgettable experiences through interaction with the local community.

 Merging seamlessly with their forest surrounds, their 15 tented villas lie hidden among a scattering of tropical almond and banana trees, each gazing down to the sea and recreating the lifestyle of local people. 

Surrounded by the songs of birds and sounds of clashing waves you will feel free with stress just melting away. 

Activities at the lodge include scenic boat trips, biosphere trails, 4X4 island tours, local fishing village and plantation visits and so much more. Female sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Principe island between September and April and families in particular will be interested to learn about the conservation of this threatened species.

But not everything is about ecotourism here - special events such as weddings and honeymoons will become a treat that you will never forget.

I am getting itchy feet simply from writing about this stunning destination and hope you will too. Get in touch for your tailormade proposal.

Images by @HBD Principe

South Korea, in the heart of East Asia, is one the continent’s economic and cultural leaders. It is visited by millions of Asian tourists yearly, although it is still not as developed for international tourism compared to popular Asians destinations for Westerners such as Thailand or Japan.

Buddhist Temple

I visited South Korea in April 2019. It was my first trip to an Asian country! Why did I choose this destination? That’s easy - Think ancient temples, spotlessly clean streets, cherry blossom, modern skyscrapers, Korean cuisine and a country enriched with history (and let’s not forget premium skincare).

The incredible Gyeongbokgung Palace

One of the first things I noticed in the capital city Seoul, where I spent my hotel stay, was the Koreans’ sense of community. As an English & French native and speaking fluent Spanish, I was quite surprised to find out most Koreans do not speak any European languages! It was a challenge to speak with them but so rewarding, as it was the first time I went to a country where I could not properly communicate with a local community. It is important here to respect Koreans, to be patient in understanding each other and using body language.  

However, the locals are so welcoming and will help you if you get lost in the City. They are not used to seeing Westerners, so they feel privileged to see responsible visitors come to their small, traditional restaurants and are eager to share their culture.  

(Travel Matters Tip: Koreans love their spicy food, so if they tell you that Ramen is not very spicy, watch out, you may need a few glasses of water on the side!)

Seoul Suburbs

A contentious topic that I was determined to understand a little more about was regarding the use of the Hanbok (or Chosŏn-ot - a traditional clothing worn during formal occasions) by tourists -

Do you think international tourists should be given a choice to wear this traditional clothing?

Is it considered as cultural appropriation?

The Hanbok (pictured below) is an ancient traditional attire consisting of the dress, headgear and accessories. I asked locals regarding this subject, and whilst everyone can have their own opinion, Koreans mostly do not mind it. In fact, they encourage travellers to try on the dress as they feel proud it is part of their national culture and they love to share this with foreigners. Indeed, it is very common to pass by small shops that offer a day Hanbok rental!

Hanbok, or Chosŏn-ot

So, is South Korea on your bucket list of responsible travels?

(Sophie travelled to South Korea in April 2019)

Tourists often visit a destination to seek authenticity - something that is genuine and original, to escape from their daily lives. The demand for real and authentic culture can have both positive and negative impacts on the destination.

Think of a time when you travelled abroad and saw a cultural event or activity. Was it authentic? Did you believe the locals genuinely carry out this practice? Or was it simply a performance that was staged for Travellers? This is the concept of Staged Authenticity. One of our Travel Writers, Sophie, visited Morocco to explore its thriving cultural heritage and discovered there could be a negative cultural impact of tourism to these performances.

With foreign influence and the development of Mass Tourism, Moroccans have started to lose their identity and have seen their culture diminish in order to suit the Western traveller, causing some negative socio-cultural impacts as locals copy and adopt tourists’ behaviour patterns & culture. Many Moroccans, especially the younger generation, have started to move out of their homes and migrate from rural to urban areas, developed by Mass Tourism, with the hope of a better job and the demonstrated Western lifestyle.

Staged Authenticity is a common concern in this destination!

Let’s take the example of my group trip to Morocco, which included a visit to a local village in Imlil (Atlas Mountains). A Berber welcomed us to his home, wearing his traditional white ceremonial dress, which is worn for special occasions for their Tea Ceremony. The owner demonstrated the Tea Ceremony and offered mint tea to everyone, a traditional welcoming gift to relatives and friends. Visitors may have been excited to see a local home & meet a villager and have the perception of going ‘behind the scenes’ and away from the touristic city-centre of Marrakesh. However, if the Tea Ceremony is a Moroccan tradition and the attire is typically worn for special events, do you think the experience was authentic? Should this practice be solely exclusive to residents? I came to the conclusion that The Tea Ceremony could have been staged authenticity, since it is developed by the demand for what is perceived as authentic and visitors having a desire to see the daily lives of natives.

Responsible Tourism shouldn’t mean you must question every aspect of your trip. It’s time to consider if your encounters with a local is a genuine engagement, or just a staged superficial one. Culture is ever changing, and tourism brings a renewal and preservation of cultural activities and traditions, as well as an increase in locals’ pride and confidence in their culture. Responsible Tourism is concerned with immersing yourself in a local culture, and sharing experiences and stories between the host and the guest. Locals build pride by sharing their cultural experiences and values, and travellers in return gain that authentic experience, but not necessarily from a traditional practice that is staged for the viewers in a resort or in tourist hotspots.

Next time you are planning a trip abroad, think responsibly and consider staying in local hotels or village houses, and eating out in local restaurants. Be culturally sensitive and encourage respect and interactions between travellers and hosts.

We’re on a mission to promote Responsible & Sustainable Tourism, so we love to discover amazing destinations that are in line with the way we think. If you’re hungry for some travel motivation and need some inspiration, we’re always here to help so don’t be afraid to make an enquiry!

(Sophie travelled to Morocco in March 2019)

Africa specialist tour operators have come together to support African rangers & wildlife by embarking on a cumulative bike ride which is being kick-started with an initial Land’s End to John O’ Groats challenge starting at 9 am on 15th August 2020 where a core peloton of 10 people will be joined by 40+ others, all of whom are combining mileage working towards a 30,000KM total – the equivalent of circumnavigating Africa.

Ride 4 Rangers is an initiative by the UK Africa Travel Industry in aid of Tusk which will see the team ride the 874 miles from Land’s End to John O’ Groats and is inviting hundreds of fellow Africa Travel industry professionals, Africa and wildlife lovers to join them on the way. The ride is part of the wider Wildlife Ranger Challenge, launched to support thousands of wildlife rangers across the African continent to face the threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, every pound donated to Ride 4 Rangers will be matched by the Scheinberg Relief Fund.

We miss our incredible opportunities to connect with nature and animals on an unbelievably intimate level. The African continent has been beyond generous to all its visitors over the past 150 years, hosting us and enchanting us each and every time. This time, it is our chance to give something in return and help support our beloved Wildlife Rangers.

Kenya’s number of elephants have more than doubled since 1989 thanks to a mission to stop poaching. All of these conservation efforts have had positive outcomes over time however, because of a decrease in the number of international tourism, the very animals we’ve been protecting for so long, are now at risk. This is our chance to make a difference and participate in a not only charitable activity, but also an experience that will benefit our mental and physical wellbeing. Cycling has countless proven benefits such as increased cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved joint mobility, decreased stress levels, improved posture and coordination.

Alongside the Land’s End to John O’Groats ride, 15th August also marks the start of a series of global Ride4Rangers events and activities where Africa and wildlife lovers across the UK, Europe and 9 African Nations (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique) are getting involved clocking their own miles and raising vital funds.

The route will journey throughout the UK from Land’s End to John O’Groats via traditional LEJOG routes. For the full map visit:

 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33296734 

Wondering how to get involved?

Visit www.ride4rangers.com

15 Aug–29 Aug Join all or part of the ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats

or

Do your own Ride 4 Rangers at home, in a park, around your garden 5, 10, 20, 50 KM

Ride 10KM, Donate £10, Nominate 3 People

or

Simply donate on our crowdfunding page

Madagascar is a strong contender for offering the most distinctive wildlife holidays on the planet. The island separated from the African mainland some 165 million years ago and much of its fauna and flora have evolved in a unique way - an astonishing 80% is endemic. Madagascar’s almost bizarre array of wildlife echoes the 88 million years the island spent in isolation. Evolution got to work to produce some spectacular species and the island is now one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It’s so unique that the country is sometimes called the eighth continent. The blog post below belongs to our guest writer and beloved client, Sarah Mortimer.

You’ve heard the one about an elephant making a trunk call..? Well, now I have seen lemurs in Madagascar in full talk-back mode!

Walking quietly through the rainforest of Andasibe National Park we and our tour guides were on the lookout for some of the island’s many indigenous species that make Madagascar such a treasure trove of flora and fauna: chameleons, birds, butterflies and any number (and, it seems no exact number established, such is the range of species and sub-species) of lemur.

The birds are beautiful, the chameleons extraordinary, the landscapes amazing… but my own particular quest was to see – and hear – the indri lemurs.

The biggest of the lemur family, with sticky-out ears, a rotund bottom with barely visible tail, these black and white animals look more like a teddy bear – and every bit as cute. But it is their ‘song’ that enchants me: a haunting wailing sound more akin to whale-song in its tuneful cry than a call of the canopy. But having heard their siren call from afar early that morning I was desperate to see these songsters.

Our guide located a small group of these characterful little beings, and I watched them with delight. Then, right there, miles away from urban life and so deep in the Madagascan (I love the ‘taste’ of that word – as much as the taste of their chocolate!) forest, 21st-century phone-tech came in to play.  Our guide took his mobile phone from his pocket, googled YouTube, and relayed a sound recording of an Indri group’s calls. In response to that recording, our own little troop raised their heads, opened their mouths, and sang their baleful siren song to claim loudly (actually, very loudly) that this patch was theirs! I was entranced by this concert performance, albeit prompted by a degree of manipulation – courtesy of Messrs Apple, Google, and YouTube. But our gang didn’t seem too perturbed: they simply rang out their peal of territorial calls.

So…maybe there IS an argument for phones in the forest – but for appropriate on-line connection only. Ocado is a step too far…

Sarah Mortimer visited Madagascar in October 2019. If you’d like to hear more about our trips to the African continent, don’t hesitate to get in touch.