Experience Travel Group

Journey through Sri Lanka with National Geographic Traveller UK 🇱🇰

Lorna Parkes, Commissioning Editor at National Geographic Traveller (UK), recently explored Sri Lanka the ETG way—immersed in local culture and staying in our hand-picked hotels.

📸 Her adventure, captured beautifully by photographer Simon Urwin, is now featured online and in print. Scroll through for snippets of the article and examples of Simon’s phenomenal photography from the trip ➡️

From a dramatic pooja ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy to trekking with a Vedda elder in Gal Oya, Lorna’s story is all about the magic of Sri Lanka ✨

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/eastern-sri-lanka-jungle-wilderness

Feel inspired? Have any q’s? We’re here to chat all things Sri Lanka (and beyond). Drop us a message on here, or at [email protected] 📩

📷 Simon Urwin

📢 Breaking News From Colombo:

🇱🇰✨ Starting 1 October 2024, travellers from 35 countries – including the UK & US – can enter Sri Lanka visa-free!

(This game-changing scheme will be in effect for 6 months, and we're campaigning for this to be extended).

🌴 So, if you've been daydreaming about the island's balmy beaches and picturesque tea-lined hills, or want to climb every mountain (or rock), now's the time to go for it!

💬 Speak to one of our Sri Lanka specialists on 02038 085 877 to get your holiday plans in motion.

Hot off the press: – Winter Sun Edition 🌞

Tempted to trade the dreaded drizzle at home for glorious sunshine, this autumn/winter? Us, too!

With the help of our trusty , Melissa has rounded up 5 of the hottest hotels, where you can feel the heat... and cool off with a refreshing dip in the sea (or in your private pool).

1️⃣ Soneva Kiri, Thailand:
This tropical hideaway is Koh Kood’s most luxurious hotel. You even get an extra hour of sunshine here, as this remote resort runs in its own time zone (an hour behind the rest of the country) to maximise daylight hours. But the real showstopper? Dining in a Treepod, high in the jungle canopy. Pretty damn special.

👀 Keep an eye out for the rest of our recommendations for . Coming soon.

ETG Reviews 🖊️

🐥☀️ We're so glad that Claire and her family were early birds and reaped the rewards during their adventure in with us. (It's ALWAYS worth it – and you can snooze on a sunlit shore or under a leafy palm as much as you like, afterwards)!

🇮🇩👩‍👦‍👦 Curious to see how a holiday here could be tailored to your own family? Check out our new-and-improved inspiration: www.experiencetravelgroup.com/indonesia/family

👣📞If you're tempted to follow in the footsteps of these happy ETG travellers, we're ready for action. Call or email us, whenever suits you best.

Wishing everyone a Happy Indian Independence Day from the ETG team! 🇮🇳

➡️ Swipe to explore some of our favourite images of India.

To explore our complete India country guide, click here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/india

📷 These breathtaking photos were captured by Becky Grainer during her honeymoon in India last year, featuring a stay at the wonderful The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra ❤️

Let us know in the comments if you can guess all the destinations we've covered...

Here at ETG, we ❤️ elephants.

Majestic, intelligent and playful, these gentle giants inspire awe and wonder in people of all ages and from all walks of life 🐘

Today is World Elephant Day, which raises awareness about the threats to their welfare and the importance of their protection.

Naturally, we’re fully committed to this cause and only support pioneering projects across Asia that prioritise the well-being and rescue of elephants.

We know that you will be eager to experience the thrill of seeing elephants, especially when visiting Thailand, but may not be sure of the most ethical ways to do so.

That's why we've recently refreshed our guide to ethical elephant encounters in Thailand, helping you find the best options and see what suits you best.

Read the full guide here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/blog/guide-to-elephants-in-thailand/

📸 These adorable images are by Mahouts Elephant Foundation, one of our highly recommended Elephant Camps in Thailand 🇹🇭

Travelling with a B Corp 🌎

We were really happy to be featured in Country & Town House Magazine as part of Olivia Emily's article "10 Reasons you should travel with a B Corp Brand."

💫 Our GiveBack program was highlighted, alongside many other incredible companies and their initiatives.

In 2022, we introduced our Give Back range, supporting a wide array of projects aligned with the Envision 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Whatever the project, we thoughtfully choose and work with the best local partners to create a fun, immersive, and mutually rewarding experience that seamlessly integrates into your trip.

To read more about our Give Back Experiences, click here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/inspire/giveback

ETG reviews 💬

🍯🌙 Wonderful words from a wonderful couple who entrusted us with their :

"My husband and I wanted our honeymoon to be full of culture, experiences, and relaxation. ETG exceed our expectations to say the least! We travelled to Sri Lanka for 10 days and The Maldives for 5 days. We were completely blown away during our entire trip. We worked with Lola who gave us extreme peace of mind during uncertain times, and was very thoughtful... she combined lush jungles and tropical paradise settings with off-grid adventures thrown in. This was EXACTLY what we wanted!" Ashley H.

🗺️ 👉 If you – or a travel-curious couple you know – are mulling over where to go for a romantic getaway, explore our ETG honeymoon ideas here: www.experiencetravelgroup.com/inspire/honeymoons-with-etg

❤️ 📞 Talk to our trusty travel team for personalised recommendations, which promise R&R with a dash of adventure (as well as unexpected magical moments that turn into life-long memories).

ETG Reviews 🖊️

🇱🇰 We were thrilled to receive this review from our ETG traveller Lisa who explored Sri Lanka with her family and sent us some fab photos too!

"Holiday of a lifetime - 5 years in the waiting!

Amazing from start to finish! We stayed in a variety of unique hotels; our itinerary was the perfect combination of animals, culture and relaxation for 2 adults and tricky teenagers, but our guide was undoubtedly the highlight, going the extra mile and beyond, not to mention the home cooked cake and games of cricket - a truly uniquely tailored once-in-a-lifetime experience."

All of our holidays are completely unique and custom-made for you and our team will always be on call if you need support throughout your trip. 🌏

View more Sri Lanka inspiration:
www.experiencetravelgroup.com/sri_lanka/holidays

Did you know that we've been nominated for not just one...
..but THREE British Travel awards 🎉

🌊 Best Travel Company to the Indian Ocean
🌏 Best Travel Company to Southern Asia
🌴 Best Travel Company to Southeast Asia

When you vote, you’re automatically entered into a prize draw and have the chance to win a number of fantastic travel prizes (think luxury villa holidays, boat journeys and fun family holidays!)

We'd really appreciate it if you took 2 minutes of your time to vote for us 🗳️

You can vote now here - https://britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=212

THANK YOU 🙏🏽

Great to see our partner SeaTrek Sailing Adventures in the Telegraph this week – and what a wonderful piece it is! If you'd like to set sail on a proper adventure on one of their boats in & , please do get in touch.

Read about the extraordinary experience here-

Dragons, sharks and giant fruit bats: In search of Indonesia’s breathtaking wildlife A journey through Borneo offers a chance to encounter some of the planet’s most spellbinding creatures

With World Conservation Day being celebrated on Sunday and World Tiger Day coming up on Monday, we thought what better time to talk about the conservation of tigers in India? 🐅🇮🇳

Tigers are a symbol of strength and beauty, but they are also endangered. Efforts to protect these magnificent creatures are more important than ever.

🖊️ Our latest blog features an insightful interview with Amit Sankhala, who stands at the forefront of protecting India’s tigers.

As a trustee of the Tiger Trust organisation and overseer of three wildlife lodges in Madhya Pradesh—one of the best places to spot tigers in India—Amit shares his work and inspiring optimism in the face of one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time.

Curious to learn more? 🐅

Read the full story here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/blog/a-conversation-about-conservation-protecting-indias-tigers/

This is the Goldilocks of the Thai islands 🏝️

“Not too big, not too small”, could be the fairytale ending you’re looking for if you’re struggling to find the right-sized island in . 🇹🇭

It’s a blissful, lesser-visited alternative to the touristy hotspots nearby. 🩵

No one paints a better picture of this special island - or the glorious Pimalai Resort and Spa luxury hotel - than travel writer (and friend of ETG), Abigail Flanagan 🖊️

Read her informative & inspirational piece here: www.experiencetravelgroup.com/blog/guide-to-koh-lanta-thailand

Oh, and, give us thumbs up if you're tempted to go! 👍

Sara's exhilarating Nepal adventure and ETG's newest destination... unveiled🇳🇵

Whether it's the majestic snow-capped mountains, the vibrant local markets, or the serene temples, Nepal promises an adventure filled with remarkably memorable moments 🗻

Nothing captures the warmth of people better than a community homestay.

Lovely hosts invite you into their homes, sharing their way of life and (patiently!) teaching you about their culture and handicrafts 💚

ETG's Sara was lucky enough to stay at two in the Kathmandu Valley (one in Nagarkot and one in Panauti) and has come back with so many special memories ✨

Intrigued about Nepal?

Dive into Sara's experience and discover how you too can enjoy this extraordinary destination.

Read her blog here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/blog/saras-travel-story-connecting-with-communities-in-nepal/

Introducing our latest India itinerary: The Golden Triangle & The Himalayas 🇮🇳

👍 Oh this is a good'un alright...

Continuing our theme of 'The Seen & The Unseen', this journey leads you from the riches of Rajasthan to the hidden gems of the Himalayas, delving into the off-the-beaten-path Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Highlights include:

⭐ Seeing the best of Rajasthan (think the Taj, tigers and terrific forts, palaces and handicrafts) 🕌

⭐ Staying in haveli hotels and warm and welcoming luxury homestays with intriguing histories (such as & ) 🏡

⭐ Ending the holiday on a (literal) high in the Himalayas, venturing into the Kumaon region that most tourists miss 🏔️

And of course with all of our suggested itineraries, we can adapt this holiday to your tastes, your terms, and your timescale.

📞 Give our India specialists a call to start planning on 020 7924 7133, or click here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/make-enq?src=blog_nav

📸 &

The most exhilarating way to explore Indonesia... ⛵

Imagine the wind in your hair 🌬️ ...

💦 ... the spray of the sea on your skin and the warmth of the sun on your back ☀️
..as you glide through the wide-open, bright blue waters of Indonesia 💙

And that's just the beginning! Indonesia's waters offer endless unique experiences...

🐬 Catch glimpses of dolphins playing in the waves
🪸 Dive among untouched coral reefs
🤿 Snorkel in the best spots (according to our local guides) to up your chances of discovering your favourite animals such as turtles, mardarin fish or even manta rays! 🐢🐠

🌅 And not to mention the sunsets, where you can watch the golden glow give way to star-studded skies 🌌

ETG can arrange this all for you, making sure part of your trip to Indonesia includes a stay on a luxury boat.

Give our experts a call on 020 7924 7133 📞

🇮🇩 Need more inspiration? Check out our Java and Lesser Sunda Sands trip - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/indonesia/itinerary/java-the-lesser-sunda-islands

⭐ Vote for ETG at the British Travel Awards! ⭐

The British Travel Awards is the UK’s biggest travel awards program. Last year there was a whopping 1.5 million votes cast!

This year we are nominated in the following categories...

🏆 Best Travel Company to the Indian Ocean
🏆 Best Travel Company to Southern Asia
🏆 Best Travel Company to Southeast Asia

❤️ Your support means everything to us and we'd really appreciate it if you took the time to vote here - https://britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=212

Spotting leopards sustainably amidst over-tourism challenges 🐆

🇱🇰 Yala National Park, in the south-east region of Sri Lanka, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, but over-tourism currently threatens its fragile ecosystem.

In our latest blog, ETG co-founder Sam explores Yala's transformation over the past two decades, the impact of tourism, and crucially, how we can support the park through mindful travel.

Discover how to experience the thrill of spotting leopards while protecting this beautiful sanctuary for future generations here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/blog/tackling-over-tourism-in-sri-lankas-yala-national-park/

📷 Ceylon Wild Safaris

With the summer solstice on the horizon... 🌅
..it's the perfect time to explore an intriguing link between Stonehenge and the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India 🇮🇳

🪨 Instead of heading to Stonehenge, many are drawn to Uttarakhand, home to the Kasar Devi temple—a spiritual haven said to share the same unique energy as Stonehenge.

Both Kasar Devi and Stonehenge are believed to sit under the Van Allen Belt, a highly charged magnetic field thought to have a calming effect on visitors.

This energy has attracted many famous creatives, including Bob Dylan, who sought respite from the stresses of life here.

Beyond the magnetic pull, there’s a lot about being so high in the Himalayas that’s thrilling and adds to the charm of this lesser-known destination.

That's why our founder, Sam, recently visited Uttarakhand, and we can't wait to share more of his trip with you.

📸 Swipe for a sneak peak of Sam's trip, and if you'd like to learn more about this enchanting region of India, click here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/india/info/uttarakhand

Our complete guide to ethical elephant experiences in Thailand 🐘

✨ When travelling to Thailand, an experience with elephants is often at the top of visitors' wish lists...
..but we understand that the topic of wildlife tourism and animal welfare in Asia is emotive and complicated.

In celebration of Animal Awareness Week (which starts today), we wanted to share one of our recent blog articles: A Guide to Elephants in Thailand 🇹🇭

This guide includes...

🐘 A brief history of elephants in Thailand
🐘 Wild & Captive Elephants
🐘 Elephant Camps - The Basics
🐘 Common concerns at Elephant Camps
🐘 Positives & Negatives of Elephant Camps
🐘 Our recommended elephants camps in Thailand

Read the full blog here - https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/blog/guide-to-elephants-in-thailand/

ChangChill , Elephant Rescue Park, Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary - Thailand, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Somboon Legacy Foundation, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Elephant Hills, Mahouts Elephant Foundation, Following Giants

Happy World Oceans Day! 🌊

Did you know a healthy ocean is vital for a balanced climate? 💙

That’s why we partner with Sea Trees 🌴, a non-profit program regenerating ocean health by planting and protecting coastal ecosystems worldwide 🌎

Each year we ask them to calculate the carbon footprint of our staff and client flights, and then make an equivalent investment in their projects in Southeast Asia.

Importantly for us, these projects not only capture carbon but they also protect biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism 🌱
..AND exciting news! SeaTrees will be featured in the upcoming BBC series, Blue Horizons, showcasing their mangrove project in Mida Creek, Kenya 🇰🇪

We'll definitely be watching! If you'd like to read more about our partnership with SeaTrees, and why we work with them, click here - https://info.experiencetravelgroup.com/seatrees

Guess the country❓

ETG's Holly and Sara have recently visited this stunning country, and we love the first few images they've sent over ❤️

Any guesses where they are? Swipe for some clues and vote in the comments ⬇️

Guess the country ❓

ETG’s Holly and Sara have recently visited this stunning country, and we love the first few images they’ve sent over ❤️

Any guesses where they are? Swipe for some clues and vote in the comments ⬇️