Christmas Crackers
What's top of the Exceptional Travel team's wish list this Christmas?
- 18th December 2019
Share this article
Toby – Norway
For a traditional Christmas escape I can think of nothing better than packing up the family and taking them to Norway. Getting cosy by the fire while the snow falls outside is a pretty idyllic picture but when the predictable sugar rush hits there are plenty of options to burn off energy outside from dog sledding to sleigh rides not to mention the inevitable snowball fights. This is also the best time of year for viewing the Northern Lights as well as spotting killer whales breaching in the fjords.
Louise – Sri Lanka
Having lived in Sri Lanka, I can thoroughly recommend taking a catered villa on the south coast, with family and friends for Christmas. A variety of villas are available for anything from two couples to a large family group. Al fresco dining, games in the pool, strolls along the beach and plenty of time to relax together is my idea of the perfect getaway.
Lukey – Colombia
Living in a colder climate, I’m not one to hang around at Christmas, so heading off to somewhere completely different is top of my agenda. This year I’m heading to Colombia over the festive period, follow our Instagram page to see some snaps and stories of my trip. Still considered to be an emerging destination, now is the time to visit and I can’t wait to see what this country has to offer, from rain-forests to mountain peaks and dramatic coastlines to grasslands teaming with rare and wonderful wildlife.
Alexandra – Kenya
The perfect Christmas morning for me? Gathering up the children with their stockings for a game drive at dawn, stopping by a watering hole for breakfast where the little ones can open their haul. December is a great time for a safari in Kenya and there are some fantastic camps for families complete with child friendly activities from fishing to bug safari’s and animal tracking.
Susanna – Tasmania
Often overlooked for the mainland, Tasmania has so much to offer from remote beaches, picturesque hikes fantastic wildlife including wallabies, pademellons, wombats, quolls and even the devils. Most importantly, however, at Christmas – fantastic food. With a handful of sensational hotels, Tasmania is on my wish list for next year’s festive break.
To find out more or to talk to a member of the team about planning a festive escape please get in touch.
Posts from the past
ZAMBIA – A Wildlife Lovers Paradise
Zambia is often overlooked as a safari destination which, for the cognoscenti, adds to it’s appeal… Zambia holds unique appeal for the discerning safari afficionato. It excels in delivering classic safari experiences, with a focus on wildlife and exceptional...
Read more
Conservation: Behind the Scenes
A unique hands on conservation insight on one of South Africa’s largest Private Game Reserves. Discover what it takes to sustain and conserve a Private Wilderness area in South Africa on a once in a lifetime opportunity. Join leading...
Read more
WHATS NEW FOR 2024?
Whilst we do not believe “new” means “better”, we naturally keep an eye on the movers and shakers in The Exceptional Travel world. We are delighted to see a number of exclusive use properties opening up in some of...
Read more
Colours of Morocco
With vibrant landscapes, diverse communities and a rich history, Morocco is a tapestry of colours. From the fish markets of Tangier in the north to the arid Sahara Desert in the south, the bustling markets of Marrakech to the...
Read more
Beyond the Tourism Map
Our planet is blessed with many beautiful, wildlife rich islands that have been embraced by travellers far beyond their shorelines; The Maldives, Barbados, Bali and even the remote Galapagos. We know and love them too! However, there are also...
Read more
Safari Hides
Hides are a fantastic addition to a safari experience. Whether they are in camp or in the bush, hides enable you to sit quietly, in exhilarating proximity to the wildlife, completely undetected. Strategically placed to gain the best sightings...
Read more
Exclusive Use Properties Around The World
“Exclusive Use” accommodation does not have to mean self-catered. In fact, it can be opposite! The joy of Exclusive Use is the ability to take all your favourite elements from a hotel stay, including the expert team, then close...
Read more
Featured in The Telegraph: Meet the 2022 finalists of the Tusk Award for Conservation
Meet the 3 chosen finalists for the Tusk Conservation Award in this powerful article by Sarah Marshall in The Telegraph on the lead up to the Tusk Conservation Awards on November 1 2022. David Daballen – on a mission...
Read more
Featured in The Telegraph: Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Winner, 2022
As Travel Partner to Tusk, Exceptional Travel is delighted to showcase the dedicated work of Neddy Mulimo, this years winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. Extract from The Telegraph: Meet the 66-year-old ranger still battling poachers in Zambia....
Read more
6 Luxury Hotels that take Farm to Fork Dining Seriously
“Farm to Fork” is an increasingly fashionable trend amongst luxury hotels, but many can fall short on delivery. So, we have curated a small collection of some of our favourite properties around the world that incorporate local cuisine as...
Read more
Featured in The Times
We are delighted to have been featured in The Times highlighting Elephant Watch Camp, Kenya, as one of the best Boho Safari Camps to visit. A well loved camp in the arid Samburu area, rich in culture and home...
Read more
End of Year Reflections
Dear friends, As we approach the end of another year dominated by Covid, which has admittedly continued to test our industry’s resilience to the max, we are choosing to reflect on the positives and are, as ever, looking optimistically...
Read more
Kenya Is Open For Business Again
Further to last Friday’s news that Kenya has been taken off the Red List, the Kenyan government has followed suit by lifting mandatory isolation for all travellers arriving from the UK. Travellers from a total of 206 countries can...
Read more
It’s Been A While…
Dear friends, You may or may not have noticed that we have been a little quiet of late. This is not because we have disappeared into our own sunset, but against a backdrop of an ever-changing travel landscape not...
Read more
Red List Removals
Buckle up… we finally have some news worthy of dusting off our keyboard and posting about! On 22nd September, five of our destination countries will be moved off the UK government’s red list. These are: Kenya, The Maldives, Egypt,...
Read more
Ride4Rangers
DONATE | TAKE PART We are so proud to be involved in this fantastic Ride4Rangers initiative to help protect African wildlife. Naturally a subject very close to our heart, the halting of tourism has had a devastating economic impact...
Read more
On your bike
DONATE | TAKE PART The Africa travel industry is coming together to protect African rangers and wildlife by riding the equivalent of circumnavigating Africa, 30,000km in a cumulative bike ride. On 15th August 2020, members and supporters of the...
Read more
Leaving lockdown…
Dear Friends, Following the recent removal of the blanket FCO advice against all non-essential travel, there at last appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of the COVID travel tunnel. The effect of the coronavirus has...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Mexico
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Thailand
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Rajasthan
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Australia
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Run Wild at Home for Tusk 2021
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to Tusk‘s annual Safari Marathon and each year supporters from all over the world come to run alongside some of Africa’s most iconic species such as elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra and lion! This...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Oman
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Peru
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Kenya
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Norway
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – The Seychelles
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Cuba
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Cambodia
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
ISOLATION ESCAPISM – SRI LANKA
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – New Zealand
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times,...
Read more
ISOLATION ESCAPISM – Jordan
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will act as a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Northern Argentina
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will act as a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary...
Read more
Living with Wildlife
With limited sources of food or income, some people lay traps in the hope of catching bushmeat to feed their families, and sell in the local markets. But traps are indiscriminate and wildlife such as the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe...
Read more
Isolation Escapism – Namibia
Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will act as a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary...
Read more
Weathering the Storm
Dear Friends, These are extraordinary times. Like so many industries, the world of travel has been knocked sideways and we are in uncharted waters. With the situation seemingly changing hourly, and with countries closing their borders like dominos, there...
Read more
Get on your high horse
Whether you’re in search of a lengthy trek, sleeping under the stars and saddling up your steed at sunrise, would like to learn how to play polo, or simply appreciate the opportunity to explore your chosen destination by horseback,...
Read more
‘We’re Not Sharing!’
While hotels have their obvious advantages, if you prefer a more private holiday experience, a catered house on an exclusive basis could well be the right choice for you and your party. Eschewing endless restaurant choices for personalised menus,...
Read more
Do nothing…
You may know us as specialists in multi-centre itineraries; but that’s not all Exceptional Travel are about. We also have a wealth of knowledge on single centre destinations, those ‘fly & flop’ hotspots intended to instigate rest, sooth the...
Read more
Exceptional Ladies
Ahead of International Women’s Day this Sunday we’d like to thank and celebrate the great ladies in the Exceptional Travel team. The team, plus our MD Toby are pictured above at the 2019 Exceptional Travel Christmas lunch in London,...
Read more
India and its Arts
For hundreds of years, India has been tempting travellers from around the globe to its vibrant art scene, colour-popping temples, time-honoured and fiercely respected traditions and unbridled energy. Every corner of India is gifted with artistic and cultural inspiration...
Read more
Up, up and away……
With nothing but the gentle roar of a burner for company, a hot air balloon is a tranquil way to take in your destination from an alternative perspective. From the first flights in the 1800’s to the advancements we...
Read more
Pilates in Paradise
There are still a few places remaining on Why House’s upcoming physio-led Pilates Retreat – a 7-day program that starts on 27th March 2020. Hosted by Serendipity Pilates Retreats, the focus is on conditioning the body and mind in...
Read more
GIVEAWAY with Wick & Tallow
We’re thrilled to collaborate with Wick & Tallow on an exciting Instagram competition to win one of their delicious Bold Collection scented candles alongside one of our vouchers worth up to £500 toward your next escape with Exceptional Travel. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀...
Read more
Come and see us at Cocklebarrow races
This Sunday 26th January we are delighted to be exhibiting once again at Cocklebarrow Races in Gloucestershire, set to be a fantastic day out for all the family. We’d love to see past and new Exceptional Travellers, so do...
Read more
South Africa with the Children
South Africa is well known as a the perfect destination for a family escape – be it February or October half-term, or the Christmas or Easter holidays. At the end of 2019, our Senior Sales Consultant, Alex Bellew, packed...
Read more
Myanmar’s Top Ten
Rudyard Kipling said ‘This is Burma. It will be quite unlike any land you know about.’ Just over a century later, the exotic and enthralling country of Myanmar offers travellers a blend of cultural influences and a traditional way...
Read more
GenerationTusk
Exceptional Travel and GenerationTusk invite you to celebrate the festive season whilst also supporting progressive conservation efforts across Africa. Join us for Christmas Drinks Gone Wild at the Maddox Gallery Westbourne Grove, showcasing the superb David Yarrow “Pride Rock”...
Read more
Oman’s Top Ten
With an impressive variety of luxury hotels and just 7.5 hours from London, Oman is an attractive option for that winter sun escape. Step outside the your chosen resort and you’ll discover far more than just world class hospitality....
Read more
Introducing the NEW Pods at The Lindis
The pods at New Zealand‘s The Lindis offer guests a truly unique accommodation experience. Nestled gently into the landscape — out of sight but only a stone’s throw from the main lodge, these cosy, compact structures bring the environment...
Read more
Dont forget your khakis
Exceptional Travel are delighted to partner with The Safari Store to prepare you for your holiday in the wild. The Safari Store is the brain child of African, Steve Adams. Created for travellers, by travellers, it specialises in providing safari clothing, luggage, and...
Read more
Rhino Relocation
As part of the efforts to repopulate the Serengeti with the critically endangered species, nine black rhino have recently been flown into Tanzania from a game farm in South Africa. Hunted and killed by poachers for their horn, prized...
Read more
Half Term not Half Time
From Mexico to The Maldives, we all need a little winter warmer to keep us going ’til spring. Here, we’ve picked some of our favourite family friendly holidays, perfect for your half term escape from the murky month of...
Read more
An adrenaline fuelled adventure in Namibia
Having been lucky enough to travel extensively throughout Africa, Namibia has always been one country that I’ve been keen to return to and see more of, in particular. When Ultimate Safaris kindly invited me to experience their exclusive guided...
Read more
Exceptional Journeys
We are delighted to announce that Exceptional Travel have teamed up with world-class photographer, Paul Joynson-Hicks, to lead an exclusive wildlife photography tour to Brazil’s Pantanal. The Pantanal is home to one of the largest and, thanks to dedicated conservation teams, thriving jaguar...
Read more
An Exceptional Journey to Zambia and Malawi
Alex Bellew, one of our Senior Sales Consultants, along with her friend George, has just returned from an exceptional journey, and here she tells us about their amazing trip. We’ve just returned from a fantastic journey to Zambia and...
Read more
Feature in The Telegraph
We are delighted to have been featured in The Telegraph‘s encouraging article regarding the lifted FCO restrictions on travel to Sri Lanka earlier this year, and the fantastic opportunities available to travellers which wont be around for long. Read...
Read more
The First Decade of Exceptional Travel
This month Exceptional Travel is celebrating its 10th birthday, and we are extremely proud of how far we have come in our first decade, and as always we are extremely grateful to you, our trusted clients. Exceptional Travel began...
Read more
Our Favourite Tree Houses
Here is a look at two of the most exceptional tree houses in South Africa and Costa Rica, click on the property name to take you to it’s dedicated page and find out more: The Kingston Treehouse, Lion Sands,...
Read more
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Whether it be nearing the summit of a mountain, feeling the might of surrounding peaks, making your way through hidden rain forests or listening to the calls from animals echoing all around, there is nothing quite like the thrill...
Read more
Our Favourite Luxury Tented Camps
Here is a look at some of the most exceptional tented camps around the world, click on the camp name to take you to it’s dedicated page and find out more: Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia This new camp opened...
Read more
The Myriad Landscapes of Latin America
With Spring starting to peep its head above the cold earth and the days getting longer, we are turning our attention to the other side of the world, where the bright colours of Autumn are in full display. Let...
Read more
Welcoming the newest member of our Exceptional team
We are very excited to welcome a new member to our Exceptional team this week, as Louise Russell-Pavier joins us as Marketing Manager. Louise joins us having returned last year from just over a year living in Sri Lanka...
Read more
An Exceptional Adventure in Sri Lanka
We have just returned from a spectacular journey to Sri Lanka with a group of eight, wonderful guests. The journey took us from Colombo up to the plains of Anuradhapura; by train through rolling hills draped in tea plantations...
Read more
Ice-Breaking News!
Almost unheard of at this time of year but news has it that a few cabins are now available on one of our favourite boats in the Antarctic. If you’ve finally had enough of Brexit and you’re looking for...
Read more
See The World For Less
As we kick off 2019 with U.K Parliament still in deadlock and amidst talk of ‘deal or no deal’, we thought we would reach for our tin hats early in preparation of what may lie ahead. With European holiday...
Read more
Private Villa in Mexico
Our first treat for 2019 is to let you know about a fantastic private villa on Mexico’s Caribbean coast that is (amazingly) still available for February half term. This delightful beach-front home is offering a complimentary chef and butler...
Read more
Our Top Destinations for 2019
If you’re feeling like you’ve gorged on a year’s worth of decadent food over Christmas and you need a plan to burn it off – look no further than Bhutan. This achingly beautiful country is next on our hot...
Read more
Our Top Destinations for 2019
Number three on our hot list for 2019 is Namibia. This wild and rugged land is one of the least populated places on earth and its vast expanses of deserts, dunes and deltas are teeming with wildlife. Exceptional Travel...
Read more
Our Top Destinations for 2019
Next up on our hot list for 2019 is Antarctica. However high your expectations, we can be pretty certain this white continent will exceed them beyond your wildest dreams. Want to combine two of the driest and most spectacular...
Read more
Our Top Destinations for 2019
The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe is the first on our list of top travel destinations for 2019. Dropped into the Atlantic off the west coast of Africa, these little lost worlds are swathed in UNESCO protected...
Read more
Launching our new website
After a year of hard work from our dedicated team, who bravely took on hours of research, writing new content for each region and carefully choosing and resizing over 7,000 images, today we are proud to launch our brand...
Read more
Gorillas On Your List?
Nothing can prepare you for the surge of emotion that takes over when you see a mountain gorilla for the first time. It is an experience that lasts for a lifetime and will, in some way, change you. As...
Read more
Don’t get left out in the cold…
The summer is officially over. If your memories of long, lazy days soaking up the sunshine are fading rapidly, below we have gathered a list of our suggested top five winter escapes.
Read more
A happy guest returns from Zambia
Renowned wildlife photographer Paul Joynson Hicks lead a small group of four guests to Zambia's South Luangwa National Park recently, and they sent in some examples of the fantastic shots they took whilst on safari.
Read more
The First Lady of Kenya starts 2018 Lewa Marathon
We were again delighted to work with Tusk and be involved with the Lewa Marathon, organising the travel arrangements for most of the international runners attending.
Read more
New Nasca Lines Discovered in Peru
Armed with satellites and drones, archaeologists discover new Nasca lines and dozens of other enigmatic geoglyphs carved into the earth.
Read more
October Half Term
You may well be all set for the summer, whether you are planning to make your way to The Maldives, settle in Scotland, pop over the pond or wind your way down to the West Country, but have you...
Read more
Astonishing Arabia!
Exceptional Travel's Susanna Reynolds returns to Oman, visiting Muscat, the desert, the mountains and the tropical shores of Salalah. Read her full trip report here.
Read more
Beautiful Botswana
Head of African sales Lukey Bourne returns from Botswana where she visited a selection of the best camps in the Okvanago Delta. Read her full trip report here.
Read more
+44 (0) 1608 638777
Get in touch
