Day: October 4, 2021

If you thought travel during COVID-19 was completely impossible, think again! While a lot of our favorite destinations were closed off to tourists during the height of the pandemic, many have since started to open up again, allowing us to plan some incredible trips for our guests around the globe.

Travel in the current climate can be unpredictable, with the rules and regulations changing on a weekly basis. Thankfully, we’ve been able to successfully plan many once-in-a-lifetime trips by staying on top of COVID-19 protocols, offering guests 24/7 support, and by having expert on-the-ground knowledge of current travel conditions in dozens of different destinations. 

As well as showing you how we can keep you safe when traveling in our new reality, we’ve also got plenty of testimonies from those who have already planned or embarked on trips with us in 2020/2021. If you are almost ready to book a getaway, but you just need a little more reassurance, read these stories from both guests and team members on what it’s like to travel during COVID-19.

Exploring Southern Utah’s National Parks

Janine Hales and her husband first used our travel experts a few years ago to book a family trip to Bali. In 2020, tired of staying home, they got in touch with us once again to plan a vacation in their native USA. 

“This last fall, my husband and I were really tired of staying home with all the COVID restrictions and tried to figure out a way we could take a vacation. We settled on the Southern Utah National Parks and decided to call Enchanting Travels. With very short notice, they put together an amazing trip. We drove ourselves and they planned the trip so we never felt rushed and we had plenty of time to get from park to park. 

We had a trip coordinator who kept in touch with us the whole time. She helped us make restaurant reservations. If there was anything we wanted to change at the last minute or move around, they were extremely flexible. They made our trip an unforgettable experience!”

See the extraordinary National Parks for yourself with our Utah Uncovered road trip. 

Thanksgiving break in sunny Mexico

In November 2020, Vineeta and Parik Laxminarayan (our co-founder and CEO) flew to Mexico City and Cabo for a family vacation with their two girls. Their concerns about COVID-19 safe travel were eased thanks to great sanitization and safety protocols on the plane and in the city itself. The family were able to enjoy a whole range of activities during their Mexico vacation, including a fantastic food tour of Mexico City. 

“During our excursions in Mexico City we noticed that local citizens were taking COVID-19 precautions seriously and wore masks at all times. Restaurants and shops had us step into sanitizing baths for our shoes, tested temperatures and gave us hand sanitizer prior to entry. Even our hotel room had a small care pack, as they called it, with hand sanitizer, wipes and masks for our convenience.

We enjoyed a half day visit to Teotihuacan and also did a street food tour while in Mexico City. Even while traversing the varied and interesting food and vegetable markets in the city on foot, we were completely at ease thanks to the confidence instilled in us by our guide Roderiguez. The people were warm and welcoming and left us with some beautiful memories, not to mention the delicious cuisine.”

Read more about their Mexico travel experience and discover the best time to visit the vibrant nation for a truly memorable vacation. 

An unforgettable honeymoon in Costa Rica

Many guests have left wonderful reviews about their Enchanting Travels experiences over the past year. This includes Mary and her husband who jetted off to Costa Rica for a belated honeymoon.

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We make it easy to navigate delays and postponements 

Can’t wait to get back out into the world? Take a look at our COVID-19 travel FAQ’s and learn more about our Carefree Guarantee. Or get in touch directly with our experts to start planning COVID-19 safe travel to all your dream destinations. 

The post Travel during COVID-19: Guest Stories appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

One of the most memorable holidays you’ll ever go on is your honeymoon! As well as exploring amazing sites and experience extraordinary cultures, it’s also the time to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter with the love of your life. 

For most couples, wedding planning often takes precedence, leaving little time to organize that all-important post-marriage escape. To give you a helping hand, our travel experts have put together a few inspirational trip ideas. From idyllic Pacific Island beaches to glamping trips in the African savannah, we reveal the best honeymoon destinations around the world for every month of the year.

January – Phuket, Thailand

Thailand’s makes it onto our list of best honeymoon destinations thanks to its stunning islands that provide endless opportunities for relaxation. Phuket, the largest, has universal appeal and you’ll find it’s typically blessed with bright blue skies and low humidity in January. 

Embrace a slower pace of life at a low-key beach resort or stay at the centre of the action in lively Phuket Town. Mouthwatering Thai cooking classes, soothing spa treatments and diving expeditions in the glittering Andaman Sea are just some of the incredible activities you can look forward to with your other half. 

February – Costa Rica

A blend of lush rainforests and glorious white-sand beaches makes Costa Rica one of the best honeymoon destinations for nature lovers. If you’re getting married around Valentine’s Day, you’re in luck! February falls in the middle of the dry season and is the best time to admire the country’s diverse landscapes. 

Spend a few days soaking up the vibrant markets and elegant Colonial architecture in the capital, San Jose, before heading into the verdant wildernesses of the surrounding Central Valley. Costa Rica’s vast North Pacific Coast is flecked with picture-perfect beaches where you can snorkel through vibrant coral reefs. Alternatively, head inland to national parks criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with hot springs. 

March – Sri Lanka

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka never fails to entice travellers with its stunning countryside. March is prime time for trips to Sri Lanka’s western and southern regions – both of which provide plenty of things for couples to do.

Immerse yourself in ancient spiritual and cultural traditions in Kandy or revel in the feeling of having golden sand between your toes on the beaches of Galle. Those who want to spot leopards, elephants and Sri Lankan sloth bears in their natural habitats should plan a visit to Yala National Park. The vast area of grasslands is best in the dry season when animals flock to the watering holes. 

April – Charleston and Savannah

With over 88,000 miles of coastline, 400+ national parks and countless fascinating cities, the USA is never a bad place to visit! If you’re searching for a honeymoon location full of character and a romantic atmosphere, consider the country’s south east.

Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah on Georgia’s spectacular coastline are two underrated US cities worth a visit. Both are dripping in history and blessed with charming restaurants serving up wholesome Southern cuisine. 

For the ultimate romantic activity, why not take a horse-drawn carriage around Savannah’s historic neighborhoods or spend a days on the beaches just outside Charleston? These two elegant cities are two hours apart by car, making the perfect honeymoon road trip!

May – Kyoto, Japan

Food obsessed couples will be in heaven on a honeymoon in Japan. It’s a land of dramatic mountain landscapes, intriguing cities and tastebud tingling gastronomy. While Tokyo offers up a chance to experience contemporary Japan, Kyoto is a sublime option for a more romantic getaway.

The former capital has UNESCO World Heritage status and is packed with amazing attractions, from spiritual sites like sacred Shinto shrines to grand royal palaces. May marks the end of the city’s peak tourist season and usually has wonderful weather conditions for strolling hand in hand around tranquil temple gardens.   

June – Fiji 

If two weeks on the beach sounds like your ideal honeymoon, jet off to Fiji. The tropical archipelago in the South Pacific features over 300 islands, from the mesmerising Mamanuca Islands to cosmopolitan Viti Levu.

As well as being one of the most popular months for weddings, June falls within Fiji’s dry season. Look forward to warm yet manageable temperatures and low humidity as you lounge around on blissful beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons and indulge in lazy lie-ins in your luxury hotel. You could also take a trip to a Fijian village to witness local traditions like fire walking and kava ceremonies. 

July – Bali 

Beautiful Bali’s laid back vibe has long made it a destination for those seeking rest and relaxation. If that fits your honeymoon criteria, visit in July during the middle of Indonesia’s dry season. 

For those who want to soak up the island’s colorful culture and creativity, Ubud is a great base. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking Tegenungan Waterfall and verdant Tegalalang rice fields – perfect honeymoon selfie backdrops.

Alternatively, you could venture to Uluwatu, Bali’s serene southern tip which features plush resorts, epic ocean panoramas and some of the best surfing beaches in Asia.  

August – Kenya and Tanzania 

Few wildlife experiences can top seeing huge herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles crossing from one country to another in search of sustenance! Known as the Great Migration, the incredible phenomenon really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The annual event is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and it can happen any time between May and October (the region’s dry season). August is a good bet for seeing the animals cross the Mara River and you can witness it from either Kenya or Tanzania. Combine the spectacle with visits to fascinating Maasai villages or private game drives through the Serengeti. 

September – South Africa

Couples with wildly different honeymoon goals will find common ground in South Africa. Holidays to this diverse country provide a fascinating combination of wonderful wildlife encounters, to jaw-dropping coastlines and culture-packed cities. 

Foodies will find endless exquisite restaurants in trendy Cape Town, while wine tasting and tours of iconic Cape Dutch houses are what’s in store in Stellenbosch. Those seeking the ultimate safari experience can choose between the monumental Kruger National Park or smaller game reserves like Gondwana which offers eco-conscious glamping experiences.

October – Seychelles

A destination on most people’s travel wish lists is Seychelles. Situated off the east coast of Africa, the collection of 112 islands have more than their fair share of gorgeous beaches, beautiful botanical gardens and five star resorts. 

October is one of the best times for a honeymoon in Seychelles thanks to the incredible underwater visibility. Swim with stingray rays and nursing sharks straight off a white sand cove or join an organized diving expedition.

Back on land, why not seek out giant tortoises on lovely La Digue or trek among the tropical flora and fauna in the heavenly Vallee de Mai on Praslin? 

November – Maldives

Always wanted to wake up in an overwater bungalow with views of the azure Indian Ocean? The Maldives ticks all the right boxes!  

The small yet serene island nation is famously one of the best honeymoon destinations on the planet. Its luxurious villas provide the perfect backdrop for your first few days of wedded bliss. November hails the start of the dry season, so you can expect sunny days and plenty of blue skies. 

Activities in the Maldives require very little energy; think leisurely swims alongside shoals of bright trumpetfish and peaceful paddleboarding at sunset. Those craving a little culture could enjoy a day trip to the capital, Male, where you’ll discover lively markets and cafes serving up delicious local cuisine. 

December – Patagonia, Chile

Chile honeymoons couldn’t be a better match for adventurous couples – particularly if you plan an intrepid trip to Patagonia! 

Encompassing a huge area of land in southern Chile (including the legendary Andes Mountains), it’s a playground for hikers, mountain climbers and horseback riders. Torres del Paine is the jewel of Chilean Patagonia and offers enchanting vistas from turquoise lakes to rich forests. 

There’s plenty of scope for relaxation on a honeymoon in Chile, too. Sip on delicious wines at a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley or head for San Pedro de Atacama for an evening of spectacular stargazing in one of the world’s least light-polluted places.

12 of the best honeymoon destinations

You have enough on your plate planning a wedding, so let us handle planning a honeymoon you’ll never forget.

The post Where To Go When: Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

The past year has been challenging for families. People have been separated, and time that could have otherwise been spent having quality time has instead been spent locked down and isolated at home. But now the worst of the pandemic seems to be over, it’s time to reconnect, clean the slate and form positive and happy memories that will linger far longer than those of these difficult few months. There is truly no better way to do this than a good old fashioned family vacation. But where can you go as a family that will appeal to everyone regardless of their age or interests? It turns out that planning the logistics and activities for a diverse group can be really time-consuming. Let our experts show you family vacation ideas that truly live up to the adage, “fun for the whole family.”

South Africa

There is really no country quite like South Africa. It’s gorgeous, expansive landscapes are teeming with life just as vibrant as the country’s bustling cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. In South Africa, animals you might have only seen on television or in zoos roam proudly in their natural habitat. Imagine taking a safari through the country’s bushveld and seeing a pack of cheetah resting or looking for their next hunt. Or glancing up and seeing a Southern Ground-Hornbill, a quintessential bird of the savannah fly overhead.

You can experience this and more in the Mabula Game Lodge. Children will love the Lodge’s Cubz Club where they can learn about all the animals in the surrounding bush, or take part in the club’s fun range of activities such as tug of war, sack races, or even stargazing. While the kids are out enjoying themselves, you can enjoy Mabula’s fantastic wellness spa. Of course the lodge specializes in safaris, which can be taken by car, horseback, quad bike, or even from a hot air balloon.

A classic South Africa itinerary includes time in the cultural hubs of the cities, opportunities to experience the delicious wine and locally grown foods, and plenty on opportunities to observe the singular wildlife. If your family is looking for it’s next great adventure, then South Africa just might be the destination for you.  Take a look at our Safari Magic or Safari and Mauritius Beach itineraries as a starting point!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most beautiful and ecologically conscious countries. Famous for its dense rainforests, wildlife and vibrant culture, it is a wonderfully welcoming and safe country filled with activities that will thrill and entertain people of all ages. 

If you want to get back to nature, stay on a working farm where you and your children will be able to truly connect to the country’s natural wonders in an authentic way. Explore natural wonders on foot by taking a hike through the lush rainforest of the Manuel Antonio National Park or walk over the canopy of the Arenal National Park on hanging suspension bridges. There’s plenty of opportunities for long days on the beach all along the coasts, and we specifically recommend the “Gold Coast” along the northern Pacific coastline for a family vacation. Elder family members looking for a slower pace can unwind and indulge in the warm waters of Costa Rica’s many hot springs and world-class spas. Take a look at our Adventure & Beach itinerary for more family vacation ideas in Costa Rica!

Kenya

To many, being able to explore and experience a new culture is the best thing about travelling. If you agree with this statement, then you are in luck as Kenya is home to dozens of tribes, with many offering rich cultural and heritage experiences. At the Tassia Lodge in Laikipia, your kids can participate in the enjoyable Tassia Olympics, where they can learn or test themselves in spear throwing, archery, shot put and rungu (a throwing club used by Kenya’s legendary Maasai warriors) throwing. These skills that have had a place in Kenya’s cultural heritage for centuries. 

The Maasai people are famous across Africa for their hospitality, if you choose to visit Mukogodo Maasai village, you and your family will be welcomed as friends as you experience a rich and vibrant culture unlike any you may have encountered before. Of course going on a safari is a can’t-miss experience in Kenya. In many safari lodges kids as young as eight can participate in guided drives, and a driving safari is an excellent way for older guests with mobility issues to spot animals in the wild and cover plenty of ground.

Many families ask us about adding a few days at the beach to unwind at the end of their adventure. Kenya has miles upon miles of pristine sand in its beautiful and unspoilt coastline. We particularly recommend Diani Beach, called “Kenya’s finest beach” by The Telegraph. From building sandcastles to sunset cruises, a stay on the coast is the perfect and most relaxing way to spend some quality down time at the end of your exciting trip. Explore our Cultural Encounters & Wildlife Safari or Wings Over Kenya itineraries to see some of our favorite Kenyan experiences.

Japan

Japan has everything any family of discerning travellers could ask for: rich culture, beautiful natural scenery, and all the best in cutting-edge technology and luxury experiences.

Japan’s famous ability to impress even the most hard to please teenager makes it ideal for families. Tokyo’s famous Akihabara neighborhood is a haven for fans of Anime, Manga, and video games with a vibrant atmosphere, comic book shops, arcades, and cool cafes. 

For something more traditional, be sure to visit the stunning city of Kyoto, home to a mind-blowing 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. There you can spend your days walking through tranquil ancient temples and lush green gardens. Don’t miss a family outing to a sumo wrestling exhibition, or learning about Japan’s iconic Samurai culture. 

Japan is a perfect country for all ages, from nine or 90, and is well worth considering for your next family vacation. You can see some ideas for amazing experiences by exploring our Traditions, Onsens and Mount Fuji or Samurai History, Culture and Cuisine itineraries.

More Family Vacation Ideas

These are just a few of the destinations we recommend for families. Our travel experts can develop a completely custom itinerary for any group in more than 70 destinations around the world. We’ve also added a number of private villas to our portfolio so that families can enjoy the same amenities as a hotel, with more communal space. Talk to one of our experts today to start building a trip of a lifetime, together.

The post Family Vacation Ideas: Our picks for multi-generational trips appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

Planet Earth certainly is full of stunning landscapes. However, there’s something particularly intriguing about desert destinations. While they may seem dry and devoid of life from afar, they’re actually some of the most ecologically diverse and environmentally pristine places on earth. 

If you want to explore these beautiful desert regions sometime soon, why not learn more about these incredible landscapes before you go? From the scorched red outback in Australia to lofty dunes in Namibia, let us blow your mind with the following trivia about some of the world’s most famous desert destinations.

1The area around Uluru has been home to aboriginal communities for over 30,000 years

Always wanted to visit Australia’s Red Center? The barren yet beautiful region may seem like an inhospitable place to live. Nevertheless, it’s actually been the home of the country’s indigenous aboriginal people for over 30,000 years! 

Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta form a huge part of the local aboriginal culture, with many believing they were created at the beginning of time by their ancestors. Famously, the first-ever non-native to glimpse the area’s dramatic scenery was Ernest Giles in 1872. Since then, it’s been a source of fascination and a major drawcard for travellers from all over the globe. 

See exactly why the desert region has such high spiritual importance by organizing a vacation there with help from our trip coordinators. You could even choose to stay at Longitude 131°, a luxurious camping lodge where each tent has unrivaled views of Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta.

2For 9 – 10 months of the year, some polar desert destinations have no sunlight

You may have seen photos of ice caps drenched in sunshine in the past. In reality, though, the polar regions’ vast expanses of desert (yes, there are cold desert destinations!) actually experience long periods of darkness. That’s due to their extreme locations at the very ends of the world. Despite their lack of annual sunshine, polar deserts are some of the driest on the planet, seeing very low rainfall. 

Antarctica and the Arctic are on many people’s travel bucket lists and it’s easy to see why! Sheer cliffs, great white plains, glittering glaciers and an array of wonderful wildlife are all major allures. Trips to either region will let you explore breathtaking polar deserts which are blanketed in solid snow and ice.  

For obvious reasons, most polar expeditions occur in those few months when the regions see sunlight. Plan a visit onboard Ultramarine, our brand-new ship which provides guests with a luxury experience as you explore some of the most arid places in Antarctica. 

3The Sahara Desert is almost the same size as China and makes up 8% of the earth’s land area

The Sahara Desert is not only one of the best-known wildernesses on Earth, but it’s also the largest after the polar deserts. Its swathes of golden dunes account for around 8% of the world’s total land area! To put that into perspective, that’s equal to the land size of China and just a little bit more than the USA. 

To see all those miles upon miles of sand (or at least a small section!) with your own eyes, you have a wide varity of destinations to choose from. The Sahara Desert is spread across 10 countries in Africa, although Morocco is one of our favorite places in which to experience its vast expanse. 

Spend some time soaking up the nation’s vibrant culture in cities like Marrakech and Fes before venturing out into the desert for a luxury camping stay like no other. Enjoy a private camping experience at Erg Chigaga Desert Camp or slumber among the sand dunes in traditional tents made from camel hide at Merzouga Luxury Desert Camps. 

4The tallest sand dune in Namibia’s Sossusvlei Desert is 1,066 feet (325m) tall

A sand dune this tall definitely deserves its own name! ‘Big Daddy’ is found close to the Sossusvlei Clay Pan within Namibia’s Namib Desert and recent measurements place it at over 1,000 feet tall.

Despite its magnificent height, it’s actually not the tallest sand dune in the wider Namib desert region. That honor goes to ‘Dune 7’ which is over 1,200 feet. Nevertheless, ‘Big Daddy’ is an impressive landmark and it offers visitors spectacular views across the desolate desert landscape from its peak. 

Incorporate a hike along the sandy ridge up to ‘Big Daddy’s’ summit on a vacation in Namibia. As well as enjoying safari rides through the country’s amazing wildlife parks, you can spend time in the spectacular Sossusvlei Desert and sleep just outside its boundaries at the Desert Homestead or Desert Quiver Camp.

5The Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for astronomy

If stargazing under a canopy of stars is on your bucket list, few places are better for it than the Atacama Desert. The huge area is found in Chile in South America and it stretches out over 990 miles, from the Andes Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

The clear skies in the Atacama are thanks to its high altitude and extremely dry weather conditions. It’s the home of two of the world’s top observatories which are both operated by the European Southern Observatory. They have some of the most advanced technology for monitoring and photographing space. There’s also special equipment that helps scientists seek out new planets millions of miles away! While you can’t stare at the sky from the ESO’s telescopes, you will be able to stargaze from the comfort of your accommodation or book onto a stargazing tour during an Atacama vacation. Stay at Tierra Atacama in San Pedro de Atacama and admire the sparkling night’s sky from your private balcony or during an after-dark excursion into the desert. 

Desert landscapes are transfixing, mysterious and other-wordly. Let our experts plan your trip of a lifetime to discover these desert destinations.

The post Five Surprising Facts About Our Desert Destinations appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

The diverse nations of the African continent are on many people’s bucket lists thanks to their cultures, incredible landscapes and mesmerizing wildlife.

As well as hosting millions of tourists every year in stunning destinations, from safari parks to culture-packed cities, the continent is home to a number of incredible organizations working in the travel industry. Many are run by women who are hoping to change the shape of the industry in Africa in numerous ways, whether that’s by promoting sustainable travel or by boosting opportunities for females in the local communities. 

To give you some insight into these organizations, many of which we partner with regularly, we’d like to shine a light on the following women transforming travel across Africa.

The Black Mambas

It’s no secret that poaching remains a big problem in many African countries. Statistics show that poachers kill thousands of animals every day across the region’s plains and parks. Luckily, those numbers are going down in many areas thanks, in part, to brave anti-poaching units like the Black Mambas.

Unlike other anti-poaching groups, the Black Mambas are mostly all female. These women are transforming travel by protecting Africa’s wonderful wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve. Located within South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the main species at risk from poachers are the park’s elephants, rhinos and lions. They’re often targeted due to the reserve’s lack of fences which are designed to allow the animals free movement across the larger park area. 

The Black Mambas anti-poaching unit has been able to save hundreds of animals from ending up on the black market. The group is currently made up of 23 rangers and seven environmental monitors who not only work to protect the local wildlife, but also educate their communities by running conservation programs in schools. 

Dunia Camp

Nestled in the heart of Tanzania‘s stunning Central Serengeti National Park, Dunia Camp is a sublime base for a safari vacation. Dunia Camp is one of our sustainable travel partners and is unique in the fact that it’s entirely run by women.

Dunia Camp first became an all-female enterprise in 2016 and there are now more than 20 women who work there. The team’s roles vary from maintaining the safari tents to taking guests around on guided game drives.

The camp is not only confirmation of women transforming the travel industry in Africa, but it’s also helping close the gender inequality gap. It is rare in Tanzanian culture to see women working in safari parks, let alone running lodges. According to Dunia Camp’s manager, Angel Vendeline Namshali, the transition to an all-female staff happened organically and is testament to the determination of women in the local community who want to work instead of stay home. 

Why not book a stay at Dunia Camp on a responsible travel safari getaway? The camp is ideally placed to witness the Great Migration, and then relax at the warm and welcoming bar or the seclusion of your own private balcony.

Chobe Game Lodge

If beautiful Botswana is your safari destination of choice, few lodges are better placed than the Chobe Game Lodge. Situated within the Chobe National Park that’s famed for its huge herds of elephants, it’s simultaneously the oldest 5-star safari lodge in the country and the only one to be within the boundaries of the park itself.

Chobe Game Lodge is contributing to responsible travel in Africa by ensuring at least 65% of its staff members are female. What’s more, the venue has an all-female team of safari guides as part of its initiative to increase the number of professionally qualified female guides across Botswana. 

Meet the lodge’s wonderful staff members for yourself by arranging a stay at the Chobe Game Lodge during a vacation with Enchanting Travels. Look forward to staying in luxurious rooms and enjoying game drives in all-electric vehicles driven by knowledgeable female guides.

Are you ready to experience these amazing camps and lodges for yourself? Reach out to our team of travel experts to learn more about responsible travel experiences in Africa.

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