Philly Baines

There’s a strange quiet after the kids are gone. Whilst it’s nice not to have the added washing and noise, at the same time, it’s easy to miss that too.…

Thinking of heading overseas this summer? You’re not alone. Despite the weakened pound, finder.com/uk has forecast that Brits will be taking more than 15 million trips abroad this summer alone. The travel bug might not be diminished in travellers, but there are still concerns over what Brexit has done to the value of the pound. And these aren’t invalid concerns – on average, the pound has fallen by 11.95% across 44 of the 48 countries that Brits travel to, which means you’re likely to be paying a little extra when transferring your pounds over to a foreign currency.

Tipping is fairly common practice in tourist hotspots in Indonesia, particularly Bali. Base salaries are often quite low so any tokens of appreciation for service will be gratefully received. You’ll notice tipping is not common amongst local people and is very much an import from western culture. If you feel though people should be rewarded for good service, it’s a nice token of appreciation.

Tipping in Vietnam is very much a western import. In certain places however, it’s becoming an important supplementary form of income. You might find a difference between the North and South of the country: Saigon’s exposure to US culture has made tipping more of a thing although, to be honest, exposure to the tourist industry has meant the practice is now countrywide. Although tips are not expected, they are very much appreciated but it can sometimes be challenging working out how much to tip and when it’s appropriate to do so. Here we provide an insider’s guide:

On return from a travel writing trip to Vietnam with Experience Travel Group, Andy Mossack kindly shared his favourite moments from his time in the country. In our first ever travel podcast, exclusive insights are shared on experiences you could have on your own tailor-made holiday.

Join renowned environmentalist and ocean conservation champion Jean-Michel Cousteau on a river journey with luxurious Aqua Expeditions. Travelling along the Mekong, you’ll get an incredibly insightful experience of this famous…

We’re incredibly excited to share a sneak peek of Koyao Island Resort’s new luxury tented accommodation. Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning, island-dotted Andaman sea, it’s an awe-inspiring place to relax. The tents will be opening later this year; a potential place to stay for Christmas 2017 at the latest.

Some people may be surprised to discover that one of the most famous films of all time, The Bridge On the River Kwai was filmed almost entirely in Sri Lanka, and not in the bridge’s actual location in Thailand. And now, with the opening of the Sir David Lean Bungalow (named after the Director of the film) by the boutique hotel group, Elephant Stables, it’s possible to stay in one of the beautiful spots that feature in this classic film.

Many people planning a trip to Asia find the budgeting process tricky. There’s a big misconception that everything is priced low when really it’s just very good value compared to a European holiday equivalent, but not necessarily ‘cheap.’ Here, we share our top suggestions on planning a luxury family holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia.

Booking a holiday is a big commitment of time and money. Whilst we can all swoon over pictures of beaches and sunsets, there can be a gap between what you’re promised and what you actually experience. Whether you’re considering ‘DIY’ing or booking with a travel company, here’s our ‘elevator pitch’ as to why you should book with Experience Travel Group and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.

Being a single parent really shouldn’t restrict your travel horizons. But the process of organising a holiday can seem that more daunting, so we’ve put a top 10 list of things to do to make sure you’re prepared and confident before the off.

The term ‘tailor-made’ is being used more and more within travel, it can be a difficult phrase to pin down and you may wonder whether it’s right for you. Here we’re…

Myanmar is brimful of ancient temples, stunning landscapes and historic towns. There’s so much on offer it can be challenging to choose what to do. Here’s our list of top…

India is a vast country encompassing everything imaginable from the mountainous Himalayas in the north to the tropical coastal beaches of the south. It can be very daunting planning a trip to the country, as there is so much to see and it is home to so many different ways of life. Here, we’re sharing our expert tips on how best to start planning.

Debating whether to travel with an escorted group or on a private tailor-made holiday? Here we weigh up the pros and cons of each type, to help you make the…

For those considering how they’ll get around the vast country of Myanmar (Burma), you may be wondering whether it’s worth hiring a driver and guide for parts of your trip. We believe they help you to maximise your experience in the country and are great value for money; they’ll really get you under the surface, providing an insider’s perspective on all the things you see.

Rajasthan has an abundance of heritage and offers some fabulous cities to visit including: Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodshpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Jaisalmer. Here’s a short guide by local Rajasthan enthusiast, Rohit, about the top things to experience in the state.

ETG travellers John and Lesley recently visited, Chiang Mai where they enjoyed our ‘Thai for a day’ experience. Joining a local family for a tour of their stilted teak Ruen…

Our Belmond insider Clare shares her top tips for making an Eastern and Oriental train ride extra special. The carriages journey from Bangkok to Singapore and back and it’s a fantastic way to experience the countryside, villages and towns through Southeast Asia. Over to Clare:

For most, opportunities to travel to Southeast Asia don’t come every month and so it’s important you make the most of your time in the region. As part of maximising your experience, we’d certainly recommend hiring a guide in Cambodia. Here are two key reasons why:

The Datai’s resident naturalist, Irshad Mobarak, shares his thoughts on the benefits of nature. A tradition of Mandi Embun runs through Malay culture, this describes a walk through forests to soak up the atmosphere and unwind. The luxurious rainforest resort The Datai is the perfect place to try it out for yourself; indulge in some low-tech relaxation and marvel in the magnificence of the surrounding thousand-year-old rainforest.

We’re very excited to launch a new range of carefully curated experiences in Southern India. This is an in-depth expansion of our original portfolio and suits travellers wanting to experience the region with a difference and get under the surface of the destination in comfort.

Ait, one of our in country partners in Laos shares his latest experience for nature lovers. Involving some moderate level treks and spending night in the trees in your very own hanging spherical basket, it’s an unusual experience of a lifetime.

Our in-country partner Kelly uprooted from her native Yorkshire to develop and deliver our Vietnam experiences with travel loving locals. Here she shares her story and insider insights into life in this intriguing destination.