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.

Renowned travel photographer and writer Damon Wilder was this year’s judge of our photo competition. It was a tough job to whittle the entrants down to just one winner, but the best has been chosen. Here, we’re incredibly excited to announce the results.

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.

India is a vast country, with a colourful and sometimes chaotic way of life. For even the most well-travelled visitor, exploring the country can seem a little daunting. This is where the benefit of a guide (and driver!) becomes clear.

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.

Planning a family holiday to Sri Lanka can seem challenging, certainly for those wanting to make sure they get the best value for money. Here, travel expert Becky shares her top tips for keeping the costs down and getting ‘bang for your buck’.

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.

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.

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.

Sophie sheds light on her special art tours through Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. They help discerning travellers gain insight into Vietnam’s fascinating history through the lives of local artists.

Kevin, owner of Jim’s Farm, between Dambulla and Kandy shares stories about his life on the property. From the annual cultivation and harvest of coconuts, spices, pepper, cinnamon and mangoes, to the welcoming of calves and chicks, staying here lets you get an unprecedented insight into a rural way of life.

We’re incredibly proud to announce we won Best Small Tour Operator to Southeast Asia in the 2016 British Travel Awards.

More and more travellers want to get under the surface of a destination but keep a sense of independence and freedom whilst exploring. To combine the best of both worlds, we strongly suggest getting a private guide. Here’s three reasons why: