Explore Authentic Morocco with a Local
A Small Group Tour to Explore Authentic Morocco
A small group tour or private escorted tour is the ideal way to discover authentic Morocco. The country lends itself to travelling by train, mini-bus or ferry. A combination of all three is even better. With good road networks, decent rail connections and ferry connections with mainland Europe, Morocco is a great introduction to exploring Northern Africa.
Imagine spending a night in a palace in a charming bustling city, then the next day you go to a breath-taking Kasbah at the heart of the mountains then you get to ride a camel in the desert and spend the night in a tent, with a universe of stars to gaze at. This is what Morocco offers and more.
It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountain interior and a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.
Morocco History
Morocco has a rich and colourful history. A variety of tours offer authentic experiences that lead you through the historical Imperial cities and beautiful landscapes. On these journeys of discovery, you can sleep in charming Riads, step back in time while sightseeing Roman ruins and explore ancient Kasbahs.
Morocco has a history of several dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years, Names that any traveller to the country will come across include the Idrisside dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, the Merinid dynasty, the Saadian dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty. Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with much of its heritage recognised as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, perfect for any traveller fascinated by nature, history, the art of living. It is hard not to fall in love with Moroccan hospitality.
Food in Morocco
For those with an interest in the culinary, then travelling throughout the country offers the opportunity to learn about Moroccan cuisine. The country itself is consistently ranked among the best travel destinations for food lovers. Jit is not surprising to anyone who has been before, but for a first-time traveller to Morocco, the culinary delights include souk tasting trails in Fes and Marrakech, having the chance to eat at a local family’s home in the Atlas Mountains or for those dedicated to learning a new skill, why not take a cooking class with an expert chef out in the countryside.
Authentic Morocco
At Our Local Tour one of our main aims is to help you connect and get closer to the local communities during our immersive small group tours. Morocco is home of the Berber, and you will uncover the daily life in Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains. Here the revolve around the necessities of food, hunting, rug making and taking care of the herds and land. Get involved and experience day to day activities such as jam or bread making cooking using the most basic tools and an outdoors clay oven. When travelling as a group, there are opportunities for light treks or desert safaris. If you are lucky, you may be invited to join with a nomadic tribe as they migrate from one region to another!
There are opportunities to support local craft producers and shop for colourful rugs and handicrafts, many of which are still made in the traditional ways. Explore workshops and meet the local skilled artisans. Here you will discover not only the process of making Moroccan handicrafts but also the rich heritage that the country and its people continue to convey through their artisanship. Brass etching, pottery, weaving, leather & jewellery making, and embroidery. On an authentic tour of Morocco, you can avoid the crowds and fully experience the local specialties and give credit, acknowledgment and direct benefits to all of the underrated artists behind those pieces of art.
Morocco has many different types of traditional dances and music styles rooted in Arab, Berber, and African culture. The Moroccan arts reflect the many cultural backgrounds and ethnicity that have found their home in Morocco. For this reason, Moroccan dance is very diverse and varies from region to region. However, no cultural or historical tour of Morocco would be complete without witnessing a belly dance.
Shikhat is the dance commonly known as the Belly dance and Professional shikat wear colourful costumes with tight, midriff-baring sequined tops and long loose skirts or pants. This dance is characterised by sensual hip movements and often, the women wear a hip scarf to bring attention to the movements of the lower body. These exhibitions are often combined with a folk show which focuses on the culture, heritage, architecture, and rich history of Morocco. According to some, the belly dance is extremely old and traces of it can be found up to 6,000 years ago, in some pagan societies who used to worship a feminine deity, to celebrate women’s fertility as something magic.
Modern Morocco
In the 21st century, Morocco has been able to preserve its traditions and make its cultural heritage prosper through the generations. For example, in Marrakech, the Medina and its magnificent souks envelop you with its traditional side, while Guéliz and Hivernage offer the most modern facilities and infrastructure. Far from being a clash, this combination of modern and traditional Morocco embodies the true essence of the country.
For any traveller wishing to have an authentic group tour in Morocco, then contact Our Local Tour, whose local travel experts can create the perfect itinerary for your journey of discovery.
- Published in Specialist Travel
What is a tailormade holiday?
Are you looking at a trip and want to know what is tailormade holiday?
Is this the right holiday for you?
You may have heard of the term tailormade holiday or tailormade vacation, but then asked yourself, what is a tailormade holiday? When travel agents and tour operators use the term, what exactly is tailormade travel?
Our definition of a tailormade holiday is a trip that is built out of the various elements of flights, hotels, transport, guiding and experiences and is then entirely personalised to you. Of course, this is a simplified breakdown. You will find that many travel companies claim to offer ‘tailormade’ travel experiences, however they are limited to only certain hotels, or package together a range of different ‘modules’ rather than a truly bespoke travel package.
The term ‘Tailormade’ means made to fit the needs or specifications of a particular situation, object, or person—or seeming as though it was made that way. In its most literal sense, tailormade is used to describe a piece of clothing made by a tailor, especially a suit. A tailormade garment like this is made specifically to the measurements of the person that it’s for so that it fits them perfectly. Therefore, a tailormade holiday or vacation should be one that is designed for the person and one that fits them and their needs perfectly.
You may also see the terms bespoke holiday planning or bespoke vacations. This all refers to the same type of travel planning.
So what then are the advantages of a tailormade holiday over an ‘off the peg’ package holiday?
When considering the benefits of bespoke travel arrangements, we have come up with the following list. These are the best reasons to book tailormade travel.
- You can use a local travel expert to make suggestions based on their first-hand knowledge of the destination. Our team will listen and ask questions until they’re happy they have what’s needed to make that bespoke, perfect experience you’re after.
- The departure date and the exact duration of the holiday can be chosen by you. You can make sure that your trip fits in with your schedule and that you spend your time off wisely and doing something you want.
- You can select the style and standard of accommodation and work out the most suitable day to day activities for you. We hand pick our destinations and activities using our first-hand knowledge and our local experts’ experience and then pass this on to you.
- Tailormade means complete choice. You choose the airline that you want to fly with and the class of travel you want. We give you the options and you choose what is best for you.
- We can arrange a private local guide and car at your destination, allowing complete flexibility of timings and activities. If there is a language barrier or you need specific information on a subject, this is the best way to travel. From researching family trees to bird watching and even learning how to cook a specific local dish, we can help.
How does booking work?
To begin with, tell us about your travel ideas and we will use our first hand-hand destination knowledge to work together with to create a holiday itinerary that is unique and works for you.
We will prepare a no-obligation personal holiday proposal for you to consider.
Once we’ve got your feedback about these ideas, we’ll propose one in finer detail. We’ll outline what we suggest you do each day and where to stay but should you not be happy with our suggestions, well we’ll just keep changing and altering things until you are. Or we go back to the drawing board.
The important part is that we work with you to make sure it’s just right, before you book. Although the choice is yours, we are on hand to help with every step of your holiday; from your flights and transfers, accommodation and meals, to your activities and bucket list experiences.
Are Tailormade Holidays more expensive?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. As a rule of thumb, they may be a bit more expensive than a package holidays. However, tailor-made offers great value as it can be designed with a specific budget in mind.
Any extra cost is easily outweighed by the benefits. As we mentioned previously, you get the priceless expert advice of travel professionals, private drivers, your choice of accommodation, knowledgeable guides, and hidden ‘insider’ experiences. Add into the mix that the entire trip is organised for you, and any extra costs seem great value for money.
In addition, you are going to be avoiding some of the worst parts about travelling! There should be no getting lost, reduced chances of missing a transport connection, guides who stop you from falling into a tourist trap, no being overcharged by taxis and the end of searching endlessly for ATMS or legitimate currency exchanges.
To summarise, tailormade holidays offer you choice, flexibility and independence. Using local travel experts such as we do at Our Local Tour means that that dream holiday can be attained and in an ethical and sustainable way. Why not let one of our travel xperts help you put together the perfect tailormade holiday? From Albania to Costa Rica and Kenya to Bangladesh, we can arrange it for you! Get in touch here.
- Published in Specialist Travel
A Guide to Travelling in South Africa
Few countries in the world can offer the diversity of wildlife and culture that travelling in South Africa allows. The southernmost country in the African continent and with a population of almost 60 million people, South Africa has something to satisfy any type of traveller.
South Africa Safari
A safari to South Africa is the most common type of holiday to the country. As safari destinations go, South Africa has it all and the country offers visitors the ‘big five’. These are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. Many of the lodges in South Africa allow you the chance to view these five iconic species but being wildlife, nothing is ever guaranteed.
It is said that the term “Big Five” comes from the old safari hunting days. Many people assume that the name is derived from the size of the animals but this is not true. Rather, these five animals proved to be the most difficult to hunt. These days the hunting is done with cameras and zoom lens.
When considering the different lodges and regions for your safari to South Africa, whether the lodge offers the Big Five is a major consideration. Do not just use these criteria though. Certain areas are much better for rhino. Kruger National Park, and specifically Southern Kruger, is renowned for white rhino. In fact, this park has the largest population of rhino in Africa. Consider what you want to view as this will then direct where you will be travelling in South Africa.
Make a list of the animals and rate them in order of preference. You can then check off what lodges and parks will best meet your needs. A safari to South Africa is often a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure you plan what you want to do.
There are many local tour operators that will gladly share their experience and expertise with you. Many of these local safari operators will be based in the National Parks or at the safari lodges, so have excellent first-hand knowledge of the area. They can also tell you the best time of year to travel and what the wildlife viewing will be like then. Of course, at Our Local Tour, our local travel experts can assist you with this process.
There is more to travelling in South Africa than a Big Five safari. South Africa has a vibrant food and drink scene and a rich and disturbing history to explore.
The Garden Route
For a first time traveller to South Africa, the Garden route is the ideal introduction. Travelling from Cape Town in the west to Port Elizabeth in the east this is a popular self-drive holiday. As well as self-drive, there are bus companies offering regular services along the route and many and shop in quaint towns. Sample fresh oysters or if you are lucky you may get to watch southern right whales at play.
The adventurous can take a boat trip and dive with the mighty Great White shark off the coast of Gansbaai. The Garden route is a great introduction to the country and should be seriously considered by anyone looking at travelling in South Africa.
South African wines are famous throughout the world. For those more interested in the food and drink of the country, then the South African wine lands should be your first port of call. Jump in a car or take an escorted tour just one hour east of Cape Town and you are in South Africa’s Winelands. The town names here read like a ‘best of’ wine collection; Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl create a holy trinity of wine producing regions for you to explore.
There is a wide selection of vineyards here offering guided tours from boutique wineries to sprawling estates. Many of these also offer a wine tasting and food pairing experience with onsite restaurants offering the best of South African produce. If you like to burn off a few of the calories as you are going, then there choose to tour the winelands on bike! Indulge your taste buds with extraordinary tastings and wine pairings and enjoy the beauty of the sprawling vineyards as you pedal your way between farms.
South African History Tours
Travelling in South Africa you will find that the history of the country is hard to miss. The must visit locations such as Robin Island are still raw with the recent past. Led by a local resident, take a tour in one of the townships. They will help you understand the history of the people and you will be supporting people who are seeking to create real change.
Heading further back in history, explore the Zulu battlefields and the infamous Rorke’s Drift. Enhance your experience and bring these historical sites to life by taking a tour led by a local historian. Standing on the wide open plains you can imagine the sight of thousands of Zulu warriors bearing down on your position. The heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift Mission Station was preceded by the massacre at Isandlwana and this is depicted in the film Zulu Dawn starring Burt Lancaster and Peter O’Toole as Lord Chelmsford.
If you plan to continue travelling in South Africa, then leave the plains behind, and head to the coast and the city of Durban. The third most populous city in South Africa, Durban is often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach. Relax on the beach, enjoy shopping in the many malls or take part in the many activities available locally.
A safari to South Africa is most people main reason for visiting the country but there is so much more to see and do. Contact Our Local Tour who can help you plan and offer you insights and ideas you would never normally consider.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Active Holidays and Tours
A guide to active holidays and tours
One of the most popular and increasingly advertised forms of travel is now the Active Holidays section. If you are one of those people who cannot just spend their days laid out on the beach, then you are certainly not alone. There is a growing market for holidays that get you up and about, from horse riding on the plains of Mongolia to yoga with a guru on the banks of the Ganges and everything else in between. Here we list some of the most popular types of active holidays and tours as well as some of the less well known options that you may not have heard about.
Hiking, Walking and Trekking Holidays
When you ask about the different types of active holidays, these are what most people instantly think of. Even within this sub-section of the genre, there are many different types of hikes, walks and treks to consider. From companies that offer you the chance to climb Mount Everest, to ‘slow holidays’ that take you on walking trips through beautiful French countryside, there will be a hiking, walking or trekking holiday for you.
Cycling Holidays
You can take a cycling holiday in almost any country in the world. It can be as simple as jumping on your bike and setting off from home or you can join a group as they travel Africa from north to south. To make things as easy as possible, tour operators can arrange local bike hire, overnight accommodation and even your food and drink stops along the way. Many will accompany you with a back up vehicle in case of puncture or fatigue. Guided and self guided tours are available as are road cycling and mountain biking focussed tours. Whether you are a keen cyclist or just like the idea of exploring on two wheels, then a cycling holiday may be just what you need.
Cultural Holidays
Have you ever been to a famous site but really wanted to know more about it? If so, a cultural holiday is what you need. Often accompanied by a specialist guide, you can explore ancient monuments, interact with local tribes or attend the opera at a famous opera house. Specialist local knowledge is often vital in creating these types of active holidays. Knowing when a local festival is taking place, how to get tickets for the hottest show in town and what the best local restaurant is to try that speciality you wanted, is what local tour operators do best. There are also various different ways you can take you cultural holiday. Private tailor-made holidays can give you the most exclusive and personal experiences, whilst travelling with a small group of like minded travellers, means that you may make friends for life. Just ask your local operator what they can do for you or check with our experienced team.
Winter Sports Holidays
One of the original ‘active holidays’, skiing is more popular than ever. For those with a thirst for the slopes and an unlimited budget, you can ski all year round. From the famous European resorts in the Alps to the southern hemisphere and Queenstown in New Zealand as well as the north American playgrounds, there is always somewhere you can ski. For newcomers, the sport can seem intimidating but there are many excellent operators who will advise you on the best places to learn as well as book you the lessons needed to get started.
Skiing is not the only winter sport holiday. Snowboarding is similar to skiing but you may also want to try alpine skiing, snow shoeing , dog sledding, ski biking and for the bravest of you, how about winter swimming!
Food and Drink Holidays
Spend time on a vineyard in France or learn to cook Vietnamese food in Hanoi. The wide range of food and drink holidays you can now take are a growing part of the active holidays market. Small local businesses in Italy are offering you the chance to learn to make pasta from an original family recipe. Stay in the courtyard of an ancient Belgium brewery as you learn the skills needed to brew your own perfect pint. To get the most out of this type of break, you need to make sure that you are learning directly from a local. Beware though. In recent times more ‘corporate’ events and activities have started to spring up, fitting as many people as possible into a sterile and uniform event prepared just for tourists.
Family Adventure Holidays
If you and the kids are bored after a couple of days by the pool, then you need to look at a family adventure holiday. Designed specifically for families, these holidays encompass the whole of the active holidays market, but adapt the overall experience to be suitable for families. As well as family holidays, you can choose to travel in groups with other like minded families or have the trip tailor-made to your own specification. Most family adventure tour operators are very specialist and have dedicated staff that look specifically after this market.
This is just a brief rundown of the various types of active holidays and tours you can take. Search our Our Local Tour by activity to see if there is something active that you can do on your next trip. Alternatively, get in touch and speak to one of our team about the options available for you.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Small Group Tours to India
Tours to India
Are you looking for a tour to India? If you have already been on to Google and searched for the phrase, the majority of results will be from tour operators based in the country you are based in. We suggest that you should deal with a local operator based in India or through a single agent that will assist you and do this on your behalf.
Here are the three main benefits of arranging your tour to India in this way.
- You are dealing with an expert travel arranger who is based in the place that you are visiting. Their knowledge of local places, customs and culture will be second to none. If you want a true in depth tour of India, then you need to be dealing with a local tour operator.
- There are financial benefits to booking locally. The price that you pay will not have to included commissions and marketing fees from large agencies and outbound tour operators. You can be removing two or three layers of expense and administration that is not required when you book your holiday this way. You can also rest assured that the money you spend is being used to fund jobs in the local economy rather than paying shareholders their annual bonus.
- There is an extra degree of flexibility in your arrangements. You can tailor-make your holiday to exactly how you want. Visiting what you want, when you want and for however long that you want. The choice of hotels and lodges that you can stay at is not limited to the ones that your local agent or tour operator has contracts with. If you see a place you like, it can be booked for you. This is how tours to India should be arranged.
In its article entitled ‘14 Ways to Travel Purposefully & Responsibly’, the World Travel and Tourism Council suggests a number of ways of choosing a good tour operator and what you need to check. At Our Local Tour, we have already done this hard work for you, checking all of the credentials of our local operators. We only deal with locally based tour operators that meet our exacting standards and are also committed to travel being used as a force for good. This applies to tours to India as much as any other country in the world.
So what is the most popular type of tour to explore India?
For the first time visitor to India, the ‘Golden Triangle’ route is one of the most popular tours. This tourist circuit takes you from Delhi, the nation’s capital city, via Agra which is home to the Taj Mahal and on to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The Golden Triangle is so called because of the shape that is formed by the locations when plotted on a map. If you are short on time, this is your first visit to India and you want to get a taste for all that the country offers, then this is a great start.
Of course, with a country as large and diverse as India, you are never going to see it all in one visit.
An increasingly popular activity is to take a tiger safari. There are many national parks in India where the tiger is protected and if lucky, you may get the chance to view in the wild. Tours that include visits to reserves such as Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve are now common. The reserves often have accommodation located within or on the perimeters of the park making it easier than ever to try and catch a glimpse of this elusive predator.
If you like a bit more activity on your holiday, then you need to consider some of the great trekking tours in India that are available. Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is an experience that few ever forget. If you are just a beginner or a seasoned trekker, you will find a route that suites your skill and fitness level. It shouldn’t need to be said, but when booking this type of tour you need to make sure that you are working with a highly experienced operator who knows the terrain and the weather patterns for the area you are visiting. India has many great trekking companies that have operated safely for many years and we are delighted to work with the best.
The other types of tours to India that have become main stream in the last few years are beach holidays. Previously the preserve of hippies and travellers, the beaches of southern India have now opened up to international travellers with large tour operators flying directly in. From the sleepy backwaters of Kerala to the busy tourist beaches of Goa, you can relax in five star luxury or cruise on your own private boat. There is of course more to these areas than the fly and flop holidays. At Our Local Tour, our expert travel advisors along with our local operators can create a unique holiday for you, unlike anything that can be found in the high street brochures.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Sailing Holiday – Family Sailing Destinations
Sailing Holiday
A sailing holiday is one of the most popular activity holidays. Sail in crystal blue seas. Stop at little coves with nobody but you on the beach. It sounds idyllic and it really is.
Surprisingly, this type of holiday is not out of reach with a normal budget. Hiring a boat to sail around the Greek islands is not exclusive to millionaires. There are many small businesses that have been setup to meet the demand for adventurous holidaymakers. At Our Local Tour we know the best.
You do not even have to have any sailing qualifications. Local sailing operators can provide you with an experienced crew to help you learn the ropes as you sail.
There are plenty of options for the novice sailor. The most popular sailing holiday is the flotilla style. Many of these holidays are designed for the complete beginner and you can learn new skills in a fun and relaxed way.
Some sailing companies will also include accreditation with your holiday so that you come back with a new qualification. With an experienced skipper on board, learning the basics of sailing becomes a fun hands on part of the holiday.
You travel together in a group of sometimes 10-12 yachts, guided by a lead boat. The flotilla lead has a Skipper and often an engineer and hostess on board. It is the fun of the sailing holiday with novice sailor stress removed!
The more experienced sailor
For the more experienced sailor, there are also plenty of exciting options. You can chart your own yacht and set off in to the sunset.
Known as bareboat charter, this is the most flexible option and gives you complete freedom to explore. You can also hire a skipper, a chef and follow a fixed route. This is a sailing holiday that you control.
A skippered sailing holiday combines the freedom of the bareboat charter with the easy of the flotilla holidays. You can charter your yacht and include the skipper when you want.
This means you can have a skipper onboard to start the holiday, but after a few days as you grow in confidence, you take over and sail. There is the option to have a skipper for the full charter also.
Where to take a sailing holiday?
Put simply, you can take a sailing holiday anywhere that you can sail. The most popular destinations are in the Mediterranean, with Greece, Turkey, the Balearic Islands and Croatia all being in demand. With most of these destinations served by low cost airlines and a plentiful supply of yachts, prices are very competitive.
Local charter operators will know the best routes, special places to anchor and the best restaurants for the evening if in harbour.
For a more exotic sailing holiday, you can head to Thailand and Andaman Sea. Here you can sail in the beautiful waters and explore the islands off the Thai coast. You will also find world-class diving and snorkelling, excellent sport fishing and unspoilt beaches.
The welcome in Thailand is always a good one and the food excellent.
A worldwide sailing destination, the Caribbean has plenty of great sailing available. With many Caribbean islands having multiple sailing holiday operators, there is plenty of choice. Sail in the British Virgin Islands or Martinique and anchor off your own white sandy beach.
It won’t be a dream as you dive into warm turquoise seas to snorkel among the rainbow colours of a coral reef. Finish the day with a rum punch on the deck of your yacht. The Caribbean islands have a sophistication that few other places in the world can match.
Who takes a sailing holiday?
There are options for all when it comes to sailing holidays. If you are young you may want to look at the options to join a crew. A working holiday on a yacht sailing the Greek islands is a great addition to your CV.
For families, the time spent on board, working together to sail a ship is a fantastic way to for a family bond. Don’t worry too much about the routes and technicalities of sailing. Take a flotilla holiday or a skippered charter and the stress is taken away, allowing you to enjoy the time with your family.
If you are travelling solo or as a couple, there are many options depending on your confidence and experience. All of the above can be suitable and sailing holidays are a great way to meet new people and make lifelong friends.
As for experienced sailors, the world is truly your oyster. Bareboat charters allow you to sail the world, with a freedom that few other types of holiday offer. The challenges can be as tough as you wish, with options to join crews all over the world.
Sail in some of the most remote and demanding destinations possible from the Arctic to the South Pacific.
Whatever your interest in sailing holidays, Our Local Tour will have a local travel partner who can help you in putting together the dream holiday.
- Published in Specialist Travel
From eco tours to responsible travel and beyond…
Eco tours and responsible travel – a blog about environmental travel
Traveling is an amazing experience; it can change your perspective of humanity and make you see the world in a whole new way. But many people don’t know how to travel ethically, nor do they take actions necessary to make responsible travel successful. Before we share with you how to travel ethically, we want to define what we think ethical travel is, so you have a better understanding of what it means to us here at Our Local Tour.
There is a small but persistent stream of opinion, mostly among environmentalists, that travel is unethical. It encourages luxury, it encourages environmental degradation, it encourages selfishness, and to a point this is correct.
The UNTWO publish the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) which is a comprehensive set of principles designed to guide key-players in tourism development. The 10 articles of the code make for a comprehensive blue print for any organisation wishing to offer responsible travel and ethical vacations. We strongly recommend anyone interested in this area of tourism visit the UNTWO website on their Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Our definition of ethical or responsible travel is to take a much deeper look at where you’re going and what you’re doing. Look at how it’s affecting the environment and your fellow travellers. In order to be ethical, travelling shouldn’t involve depriving local environments of their natural resources. In fact, it should even involve making a point to minimize your carbon footprint in the process and contribute to the places and communities that you visit.
So, how do you travel ethically?
- Be sure to research where you want to travel and what issues can affect your experience.
- Understand the issues facing the places you want to visit, and what impact your presence there can have on them.
- If you take a small group tour, the way you’re travelling will have a minimal impact on the local environment. Make sure that the tour operator and their tours adhere to the highest environmental, fair trade and human rights standards. (we do!)
- You will need to acknowledge that there will be a conflict of interest between your travelling and your environmental responsibilities. Consider not flying to your destination if possible and use local transport. Make your trips longer but less frequent, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint.
- When travelling, it is important to obey local laws and regulations. You should not commit any crime or offense against the country’s regulations, and you must avoid engaging in any activity that is deemed offensive or injurious by the indigenous people.
- Nature tourism and ecotourism are recognised as being particularly conducive to enriching and enhancing the standing of tourism in destinations. This is true provided that the operators respect local populations and that there is not an overburden on the natural resources. Ask your tour operator how many people are travelling and how local natural resources are consumed.
- It’s important to make sure that the financial resources derived from visits to cultural sites and monuments are used for the upkeep, safeguard, development and embellishment of this heritage.
- How does your responsible tour operator treat their staff and freelance employees? Workers in the tourism industry and related activities have the right to acquire appropriate initial and continuous training, they have a duty to acquire such training, and there employers should ensure that they are given adequate social protection.
- A tour operator has a responsibility to the travellers on the tour or holiday. Tourists and visitors have the responsibility to acquaint themselves with the characteristics of a country before leaving home. They must be aware of the health and security risks inherent in any travel outside their usual environment and behave in such a way as to minimize those risks. The tour operator should be leading this through pre-departure information and guidance.
The best advice we can give comes not from us but from Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary-General who said ” Tourism is a genuine driver of solidarity and development. Let us all fully harness its power to bring people and communities together. This way tourism can keep delivering better opportunities and sustainable development for millions across the globe. ”
In the end, the only way to insure that your tour adheres to a policy of responsible travel and that it goes off without a hitch is to research and plan thoroughly beforehand.
Using a reputable tour operator such as Our Local Tour, who maintains long-term relationships with their local partners while maintaining a high standard of excellence for their tours is a good first step.
- Published in Responsible Travel
Costa Rica Eco Tourism Holiday
Eco Tourism Holidays in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the place to visit for eco tourism. The country has one of the most diverse ecologies in the world, with more than 50% of its territory protected by parks and reserves. Costa Rica’s ecotourism industry has developed around these natural treasures, creating economic opportunities for rural communities while protecting them from potential harm. Ecotourism has been able to actively contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage and natural environment of a country. It is one of the most forward thinking, sustainable tourism destinations in the world and that is why at Our Local Tour we LOVE Costa Rica. Here is our list of the best places to visit while on a tour to Costa Rica.
Papagayo
Papagayo is a peninsula on the Pacific coast, northwest of Liberia. It stretches from Ollieres on the south to Playa Herradura on the north, for about 30 km. It has ten beaches with turquoise water and consistent surf, making surfing a popular pastime. Public security is not a problem in Papagayo. Papagayo was named after a local tree called the Guacamaya or ‘Papagallo’ bird by Spanish explorers.
Manuel Antonio
There are 5 parks in Costa Rica, but Manuel Antonio National Park is the most famous because it has the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. You can see why it’s called the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica, with its amazing turquoise water, white sand and gorgeous views. The best part? It’s home to black tailed deer, howler monkeys, sloths and tons of other wildlife! All the trails throughout this entire park are paved or lined with stairs, so you never need to wear hiking shoes. You can even do the entire trail on your flip-flops.
Arenal Volcano
Be sure to visit Arenal Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal, located in northwestern Costa Rica and towering above the town of La Fortuna. Travellers from around the world come to admire and study the volcano, hike on lava from previous eruptions and if lucky, glimpse some volcanic activity.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde is a well-known, popular destination for ecotourism in Costa Rica and the best place to explore one of the countries famous cloud forests. The clouds over a cloud forest are a type of fog that forms when the warm, moist air from lower elevations rises and meets the cool, humid air from the coast. Lonely Planet describes the cloud forest as “a true wonder of nature.”
Tamarindo Beach
The beach of Tamarindo is located in Guanacaste Province, along the Pacific Coast. It’s not far from the capital San Jose, and is popular with surfers of all levels. When you visit Tamarindo Beach, you will find that the surfers create the laid-back vibe while the beach lovers delight in the crystal blue waters. The perfectly shaped coastline framed by magnificent palm trees is truly beautiful.
Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano is one of the most well-known active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling attractions, especially the bubbling crater lagoon, which has a variety of colours, from aquamarine to green. Looking down in to the crater is truly inspiring.
Tortuguero National Park
The Tortuguero National Park protects one of the largest remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. A journey along the river will introduce you to howler monkey and toucans in the tree tops and crocodiles bathing on the shore. At the coast, the park offers vast, protected beaches from which you can enjoy endless vistas of the stunning Caribbean Sea.
There is so much more that you can see and do in Costa Rica. Why not get in touch with us here at Our Local Tour and let us put together the perfect tour of Costa Rica. We have a great Costa Rica on a budget tour or even offer an ebike tour of Costa Rica !Alternatively, why not have a look at our small group departure tours?
- Published in Responsible Travel
Things to consider when looking for a family safari holiday?
Taking a Safari holiday with the family
Are you looking for a family safari holiday? If so, you will find an often overwhelming and sometime confusing selection of countries and wildlife experiences available. The good news is that there will be a safari available for your family if you have a realistic budget.
Below we have listed the five most important things to consider when planning your family safari holiday.
Safety while on your safari.
This is obviously the number one priority when planning any type of family trip and a safari is no exception. Look for safari operators who are accredited and display their licences prominently. If needed, check with the local government office that issues licences to make sure they are correctly registered. This can usually be done online or via email.
Ask about the vehicles that the safari operator uses. How old are they? How often are they serviced? Ask for photos of the vehicles and if it is possible for them to provide a photo or video of the actual vehicle you will be travelling in. Check for working seatbelts, a clean tidy vehicle and ask how many people will be in each jeep.
Find out about your guide. How experienced are they and how long have they worked for the company? Bear in mind that many safari guides are free lance and will work for multiple companies. Some tour operators will send you details of the guide before you meet them and you can talk to them about any concerns that you may have.
Set yourself a realistic safari budget
When looking at safaris and you see something that looks like a great bargain, then the phrase ‘if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is’, should be your first thought. There is no denying that a family safari holiday is an expensive purchase. Our advice would be to set yourself a budget and discuss with local tour operators to see what you can get for that. Make a list of what it is you really want from your holiday and take it from there.
Always approach any negotiations with a friendly attitude, a bit of flexibility and be ready to compromise. You will be surprised what you can actually achieve. If the budget will not stretch to what you want, then consider having less time on safari and break the time up with a beach break.
Make it an educational family safari experience
Yes, a safari holiday is an amazing and exciting experience. But it can also be a very educational one for children and adults. Don’t worry though as we are not talking about being sat in a classroom learning the Latin names of species. Make sure that your safari operator and your guide have the correct licences and qualifications and you will find you are learning whilst having fun.
Habitat management, climate change, local customs and much more all come in to the mix when a great safari guide is speaking to you. Speak to your children’s teachers before you go away and see if any of what you are doing will fit in with their syllabus. You can then ask your guide to focus on topics that will be relevant. You won’t need to do any homework as these lessons will stick with you for long after you have arrived home.
What country should we visit for our safari?
This question is not as simple as it may seem at first and we could type a full blog just on this (in fact, we probably will soon). One of the most important considerations is whether any vaccinations or anti-malarial tablets are needed in the destination you are visiting. This can vary from region to region even within a country.
If you are travelling with young children then we would suggest avoiding any areas that require them to take anti-malarial tablets. You should consult with your local health advisors before making any reservations and there are some great resources available online including NHS Fit to Travel – https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations
Next, do you need a visa to visit the country? Many African countries require a visa but the ease at which these can be obtained varies dramatically. Depending on the country, you may not require a visa for your length of stay, you may be able to get a short stay or tourist visa on arrival or you may need to apply to an embassy before you travel to gain a visa to enter the country.
Another consideration when choosing the country to visit is whether you can see the ‘Big 5’. These are the African leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant and rhinoceros. Ask your safari operator what the likelihood of seeing each animal is. Remember that these are wild animals and there is never a certainty that you will see what you have come to see!
Accommodation, food and drink
When travelling with a young family, where you will be staying is a key factor. Look for hotels and lodges that either state that they are family friendly or have family friendly facilities. If you can get a family room, then you can save money and this is vital if you are travelling with very young children that need to be in the same room as you at night. Even if you are not travelling in a malarial zone, you will want to make sure that all beds come with mosquito nets. These need to be in good condition and easy to setup and remove in the mornings.
African wildlife does not follow a 9 to 5 and early starts are a given if you want to get the best out of your safari holiday. You may not be able to do much about having tired children (hopefully they will be so excited that a 5am start is no problem) however having tired and hungry children can be a nightmare for you and other guests. Check with your local safari operator what food and drink is available before you set off and what is offered during any game drives that you take.
If you or your children have any specific allergies or requirements, let your tour operator know in plenty of time. Most operators hotels and lodges will go out of their way accommodate families. By giving advance notice of any special requirements or needs then you can make your holiday run much smoother.
So those are or five most important factors to consider when looking for an African family safari. We have not covered every aspect here but would encourage you to contact and speak to your tour operator. Alternatively, you can contact us at Our Local Tour and one of our experienced team will be able to run through all the options with you and help put together your dream holiday.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Iceland and the Northern Lights
Iceland – The Northern Lights
Travelling to Iceland to see the Northern lights is on the top of many people’s bucket lists. The high latitude and long dark nights make Iceland one of the premier destinations in the world for viewing the aurora borealis.
There are plenty of options for travellers as in recent years Iceland has become a well developed tourist destination. At Our Local Tour we can tailor-make a trip to Iceland using our specialist local partner.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights also known as aurora borealis is nature’s most incredible light show. This incredible phenomenon, dancing in ribbon-like waves of purple, green, and gold, must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
The show begins when electrically charged particles travelling from the sun reach Earth and then collide with oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere. The varieties of colours that can be seen depend on the type of gas particles that are colliding.
The most common colour to be seen in the Northern Lights is green. This colour effect occurs when the suns particles collide with oxygen molecules at an altitude of about 60 miles.
Much rarer is when the suns particles collide with oxygen at high altitude, usually 200 miles above the earth, and produce a red aurora. A blue or purple colour is made when nitrogen collides with the suns particles.
Why Iceland?
You may not believe it, but Iceland is a year round destination. With so many attractions and each at it best at varies times of year, it is not surprising that the country has become one of the world’s tourist hotspots.
A safe and welcoming country, many travellers are able to hire a car and explore for themselves. If you do not want to drive, you will find regular bus services as well as options for cycling and walking.
There are also plenty of good local tour operators that can arrange trips and expeditions from the capital, Reykjavik.
Good, clean and comfortable accommodation is available in most areas of Iceland and travellers will find that most of the population will speak good English.
Of course, what we are really asking is why travel to Iceland to see the Northern lights? There are many other countries that offer great views, including Norway and Finland, but Iceland can offer so much more.
The dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields instantly makes it feel like you are on the set of a Hollywood film. You can explore Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks (even if you cannot pronounce them!) which are home to massive glaciers.
As well as the incredible scenery and geographic features, Iceland is a wonderful wildlife destination.
Whale watching is a must for any keen wildlife enthusiast visiting Iceland. Over twenty species call the Icelandic coastal waters home, ranging from the small harbor porpoises to the earth’s largest animals, blue whales. Wild mammals that can be found in Iceland include the Arctic Fox, mink, mice, rats, rabbits and reindeer.
Polar bears occasionally visit the island, travelling on icebergs from Greenland.
When is best to visit Iceland for the Northern lights?
Winter in Iceland is the best time, when the nights are long and dark. The best time to view the Northern Lights would require travelling to Iceland between September through to March. You could get between 10 to 20 hours of darkness depending on the exact month that you visit, considerably increasing your chances of a great light show.
In addition to the time of year, there are actually better years than others for viewing the northern lights. The sun runs through approximately 11-year cycles and at the height of these cycles, known as the solar maximum, the aurora borealis becomes bolder and brighter. Then, a few years later, the sun relaxes into what is known as the solar minimum.
The Northern Lights still sparkle during this period, but not quite as much. Solar minimums can actually make the Northern Lights much easier to predict, so you’ll be able to find them with greater success.
There are some great websites available to help you predict when the aurora borealis will be on show. One of the best of these focussing on Iceland is https://auroraforecast.is/
Whenever you decide to visit Iceland to see the Northern Lights, contact Our Local Tour. Our partners knowledge and understanding of the local conditions will ensure that you get the best possible chance to see the aurora borealis on your trip.
- Published in Specialist Travel
How to book the perfect yoga retreat
Is there such a thing as the perfect Yoga retreat?
Taking a break on a Yoga retreat is growing in popularity and becoming part of the mainstream holiday sector. They are no longer the domain of hippy travellers or similarly, stressed out city workers. The range of destinations and types of retreat that you can now attend is very varied and moreover there is always something to suit anyone and all abilities. Our Local Tour work closely with a range of quality professional and locally based retreat providers. To answer the question, we don’t think there is the perfect yoga retreat, as everyone’s needs are different. However, there will be a yoga retreat that is perfect for you!
Domestic and international yoga retreats
You don’t have to travel abroad to attend a yoga retreat. There are many hotels and spas offering weekend breaks and local yoga instructors organising their own local retreats. If you attend a regular yoga class ask your instructor or other members for suggestions of locally organised events.
Travelling abroad to attend a yoga retreat requires a bit of research and planning. Firstly, you need to decide whether you want the whole trip to centre on yoga. For example, it is possible to attend an ashram for just a few days while travelling in India.
On the other hand, the opposite is to have your holiday focus entirely on the yoga with multiple lessons throughout the day. Holidays with a dedicated focus on yoga will often have other elements of well-being included, for instance ayurveda treatments.
Popular countries for a yoga holiday include India, Indonesia especially Bali and Sri Lanka. Other destinations that are up and coming and should be considered include Costa Rica and Morocco.
Cultural Influence
Each country has its own culture that will influence the type of retreat that you stay at. Indian and Sri Lankan holidays often have a core structure revolving around ayurveda and veganism. In Bali the Balinese Hindu-Buddhist religion dominates. This creates a different style to the yoga and the retreats on the island. There is much more focus on the traditional Balinese music and dance.
In Costa Rica you will find that many of the yoga retreats are based on eco-resorts and lodges. The ‘feel’ of the retreats is a lot more western. You will find that many of the instructors and lodge owners come from the USA and California in particular.
The types of Yoga
Whatever type of yoga you already practice, or would like to try; there will be a yoga retreat for that style. The most popular styles that you will find are;
Ashtanga yoga
A style of yoga as exercise often promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. In Mysore, India, people gather to practice this form of yoga together at their own pace.
Vinyasa yoga
Teachers lead classes that flow from one pose to the next without stopping. Students will come away with a good workout as well as a yoga experience. However, many types of yoga can also be considered vinyasa flows such as ashtanga, power yoga, and prana.
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is usually a slower-paced practice where poses (asana) are held for a few breaths. A Hatha class will usually include breathing techniques and meditation as well as asana.
Iyengar yoga
The Iyengar style of yoga has a particular emphasis on body alignment and is characterised by its precision and attention to detail. Iyengar yoga requires you to keep the pose for a slightly longer period of time, which increases the way a particular pose is performed thereby improving confidence, weight-loss and strength.
Hot Yoga (formally known as Bikram yoga)
Originally named after Bikram Choudhury and features a sequence of set poses in a sauna-like room. This is typically set to 105 degrees and 40% humidity. As a result of this, it is said to improve balance, lower body strength and range of motion for both the upper and lower body.In addition, it might even help improve arterial stiffness and metabolic measures like glucose tolerance and cholesterol levels.
There are many other types and styles of yoga. Certainly, you will find that many cross over into the styles of each other. If you are unsure of the style you want to practice on your retreat, try a few before booking anything. Many classes near you will offer taster sessions. These are perfect for deciding what’s the right style for you.
How to book your yoga retreat?
You have decided that you want to go on a yoga holiday and therefore know the style of yoga that you want. Likewise, it is going to be an overseas holiday and you want it to focus on the yoga. How do you go about booking this?
The first thing that you should do is contact us at Our Local Tour. For instance, we can help you decide on the best destination for you. Our local specialists will be able to give you exact details on what is available and where. Most importantly, they will have local knowledge and be able to speak to retreats and lodges in their area.
In conclusion, a yoga retreat is a specialist holiday. Let our team of travel experts arrange everything for you allowing you to focus on the important aspects of the holiday – you.
- Published in Specialist Travel