Our Travel Specialists’ Insider Experiences

Lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses are what people usually think of when they think of Africa and wildlife. For those who wish for a different type of safari experience, I'd recommend trying to spot the Big Five of the sea – sharks, whales, seals, penguins and dolphins. Not many people associate penguins with South Africa but you can find them at Boulder's Bay or at Betty's Bay which tends to be less crowded.

- Gwen Ho, Africa Travel Specialist, Singapore Office

Want to get away from it all? Nestled in the Sri Lankan jungle is an eco-hotel where time slows down. Singing cicadas, rainforest showers and flickering oil lamps. True paradise for nature lovers.

- Rikki Poynton, Asia Travel Specialist, UK Office

Visiting Capri? I highly recommend staying for a night. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, it gets pretty touristy and crowded in the day so arrive in the afternoon and as night falls, the crowds of tourists leave and you'll get to enjoy an exclusive and magical atmosphere as the island starts to light up. There are many places and terraces to enjoy a good aperitif, while taking in a breathtaking sunset view.

- Geraleine Yap, Europe Travel Specialist, Singapore Office

Your daughter wants to become a marine biologist? The Maldives are nature’s underwater playgrounds. Coral in every colour of the rainbow, tiny stripey fish, great olive-skinned Loggerhead turtles and sweeping rays. Turn your holiday into the most exciting family field trip. 

- Ying Ying Koo, Travel Specialist, Singapore office

A popular way of travelling through Japan is via a bullet train or shinkansen. Before you board, grab an Ekiben (railway bento), these delightful boxes are packed with delicious, high-quality meals made with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the local region.

- Lucien Lau, Asia Travel Specialist, Singapore Office

Are you a wildlife enthusiast? My favourite species to spot in the Galapagos is the giant tortoise. Living for over a hundred years, they slowly roam the islands in great numbers, without batting an eyelid at the human visitors a few feet away. This feels like the closest thing to walking with dinosaurs that you could possibly experience.

- Simon Hunt, Latin America Team Leader, UK Office

For thrill-seekers, if Antarctica isn’t on your bucket list then it should be! Wait with bated breath as a humpback whale splashes its huge tail through the surface of the water mere meters away from your small Zodiac boat.

- Renata Da Silva, Polar and Latin America Travel Specialist, US Office

Fascinated by big cats? The Namiri Plains in the Serengeti National Park is big cat country, where cheetahs, lions and wild cats prowl. After a busy day of game drives in search of these feline predators, nothing beats coming home to soak in a bubble bath on your private deck.

- Matt Shock, Africa Senior Travel Specialist, UK Office

While in Oman, schedule in a visit to a turtle reserve. It's a surreal experience watching turtles make their way up the beach to lay their eggs. Remember to be mindful and give the nesting creatures their space, flash photography is also not allowed. You can choose the night or dawn guided walk but I would recommend the latter, as you will also be able to catch a beautiful sunrise.

- Odele Seah, Travel Specialist, Singapore Office