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.

Business class is the sensible way to travel – if we disregard the cost. The leg space, ability to sleep in a horizontal position, delicious food and champagne on tap all make for a very civilised experience. Unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees. But fear not, you can sometimes swindle a fantastic deal on business class seats. Here is how:

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.

It is customary to tip in India. Staff will happily to accept and appreciate it. Small tips (anything between 20 and 100 rupees) for small services, such as looking after shoes, carrying bags etc… are appreciated and bar staff also expect small tips. However, please do not feel obliged to tip every time, or to give more than a small note.

Matt recently visited Soneva Fushi and Jani, two luxurious resorts in The Maldives. On returning to the office, we found it interesting to think about the various kinds of ‘luxury’ available, and also what the word actually means.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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…

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…

Having relatively recently opened up to the world, Myanmar can still pose challenges for travellers wanting to navigate the country. It encompasses a vast landmass, so getting about can be problematic as can be experiencing the highlights away from crowds and reaching undiscovered spots. This short guide will briefly outline how best to plan your trip.

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.

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…

Aman is a brand of exceptional quality. It’s regarded as one of the leading hotel groups within the travel industry and their residences are always in spectacular locations, offer oodles…

If you’ve ever had the pleasure to experience the charms of Malaysia’s Pangkor Laut Resort, chances are you would have dined at its Chinese restaurant known simply as Uncle Lim’s Kitchen. Celebrating his auspicious 80th birthday-milestone in 2014, the talent (and name) behind Uncle Lim’s Kitchen shares his story.

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.

Our in-country expert, Richard, shares his insider suggestions for a day’s exploration of UNESCO heritage George Town in Penang. Sampling the best street food and art the old quarter has to offer, he makes some fantastic suggestions to help you plan your trip to Malaysia.