…with Gaynor, Julia and Alex In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our fabulous Business Development team of Gaynor Atherton and Julia Ross plus travel specialist Alex Wessely talk us through their experiences in the incredible Avenue of Volcanoes and charming neighbouring cities of Otavalo and Quito. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Gaynor, Alex and Julia: Quito, Otavalo and Cotopaxi in the Avenue of Volcanoes. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? Gaynor: Flew with KLM via Amsterdam to Quito in business class. Alex: Flew with KLM to Quito via Amsterdam. Julia: KLM – We went via Amsterdam. Very easy flight as we stayed overnight in Amsterdam, before waking up in the morning and heading back to the same terminal. KLM offer some of the best service I have experienced in economy, I was very impressed. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? Gaynor: First time! Alex: My second time in Ecuador but…
…with Marketing Manager, Laura In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our marketing manager Laura Radford tells us about the super relaxing side of Belize’s many charms, from its golden beaches to the aquatic wonders of the dazzling reef wildlife. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Belize – Hopkins, Placencia, Caye Caulker, San Pedro/Ambergris Caye. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with BA to Miami, and then American Airlines from Miami direct to Belize City. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? This was my first time visiting Belize. I’ve always been a little bit fascinated by this small Caribbean, English-speaking nation, in the heart of Central America, since I watched Levison Wood Walking the Americas. FAVOURITE LOCATION? My visit very much focused on the reefs & cayes of which Belize is so famous. I really liked the laid-back atmosphere and vibe of Caye Caulker, and the opportunities for lots of…
…with Paul, Oliver and Mihaela In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our Senior Sales Manager, Paul Nolan , Senior Travel Specialist, Oliver Pryse, and Marketing Executive, Mihaela Enasoae, take us on a tour through Colombia. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the lush Coffee Region, the innovative city of Medellín, and the coastal charm of Cartagena, their first-hand insights offer a deep dive into Colombia’s diverse culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? We spent one day in the capital city, Bogotá, two days in the Coffee Region including Santa Rosa, Cocora Valley, Filandia and Salento. Further up, we went for two days in Medellín and Guatapé , and spent the last four days in Cartagena. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? We took a direct flight from London Gatwick to Bogotá El Dorado with Avianca. All domestic flights were with Avianca, too. FIRST TIME…
…with Product Executive, Hannah In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our product executive Hannah Finch takes us on a tour of the mysterious Maya archaeological site of Uxmal, colonial city of Mérida, the charming pueblos mágicos of Izamal and Valladolid, and discusses the many culinary delights she sampled on her trip through the Yucatán Peninsula. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Mérida, Izamal, Uxmal and Valladolid. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with AeroMexico from Heathrow, via Mexico City to Mérida. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? It was my first time, but I’m looking forward to going back to discover more of this amazing country! FAVOURITE LOCATION? I was based in Mérida, which I loved, but Izamal was also stunning. Izamal was designated a pueblo mágico (magical village) for preserving its original architecture, traditions, and history. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Seeing Uxmal Mayan pyramid. We went late in the…
…with Senior Product Manager, Cat In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our senior product manager Cat Davies explains how her trip to this Caribbean gem included an all-time highlight in travel after discovering Belize’s Great Blue Hole, plus what other wonders await those lucky enough to take a trip to this magical country. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? San Ignacio/Cayo District, Placencia, Ambergris Caye. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with United Airlines via Houston – an overnight stay on the outbound journey is usually necessary but the timings work very well with an early morning flight to Belize City the following day, so no time is really lost from the itinerary in Belize. Sleeping in a proper bed also actually means you are already starting to adjust to a new body clock, and you arrive in Belize feeling much more refreshed! FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?…
…with Travel Specialist, Julia In the next instalment of Our Routes series, our travel specialist Julia Ross walks us through a fantastic trip through Costa Rica, focusing on her favourite area, Manuel Antonio, with its wildlife-abundant national park backing onto glorious sandy shores and a stunning array of quality hotels set in gorgeous grounds. WHERE DID YOU GO & WHY IS THIS PLACE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA? Manuel Antonio is by far one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! This is due to its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a range of activities and attractions. The combination of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery creates a picturesque and scenic environment make Manuel Antonio a MUST in your itinerary. Whether you’re hiking through the rainforest, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or admiring the panoramic views from elevated viewpoints, the natural beauty…
…with Head of Trade Sales, Gaynor With its i-conical volcano, forest canopies, thundering waterfall, and thermal springs, Arenal was a true adventure for our team as they hiked through its pathways and crossed the lake by boat through the region. Our Head of Trade Sales Gaynor Atherton shared with us why this was her favourite part of the trip to Costa Rica. YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA? Arenal – the hotels and town of La Fortuna, sit under the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano with stunning scenery all around this area and lots to see and do. We had a mix of wildlife which is in abundance in Costa Rica, so no area disappoints with this. It really is a beautiful area with lots of Hot Springs to choose from, stunning scenery, hikes and lots of amazing activities to suit the whole family with the added bonus of…
…with Product Executive, Hannah In the next instalment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, Product Executive, Hannah Finch describes her amazing journey to Ecuador. From Quito’s historical marvels and Otavalo’s colourful markets to the natural wonder of the Ecuadorian Amazon and rich wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, her adventure was a mosaic of experiences. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Ecuadorian Amazon, Quito, Otavalo and the Galápagos Islands. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? From London to Quito, via Miami – with American Airlines/British Airways. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? (IF REPEAT, WHAT WAS DIFFERENT THIS TIME?) First time, it’s somewhere I’ve wanted to go for years and was so magical to be able to take my son. FAVOURITE LOCATION? The Galápagos Islands, they are just so unique and so well protected it’s incredible. It felt like we’d gone back in time, everything – the terrain,…
…with Senior Product Manager, Catrin In the next instalment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, Senior Product Manager, Catrin Davies describes her unforgettable escapade in Argentina. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the pristine wilderness of Patagonia, her adventure is a captivating tale of culture, nature, and the unmissable experiences that define this beautiful corner of the world. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Puerto Madryn, Gaiman, El Calafate, El Chalten HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I took the direct flight from London to Buenos Aires with British Airways, and domestic flights with Aerolineas Argentinas. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? (IF REPEAT, WHAT WAS DIFFERENT THIS TIME?) A repeat trip to Buenos Aires and Iguazu, but my first time to everywhere else. FAVOURITE LOCATION? This is a really hard question to answer as everywhere was so different! Even though…
…with Senior Marketing Executive, Laura In the next instalment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, Senior Marketing Executive Laura Radford explored the savannahs and rainforests of mysterious and magical Guyana. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Guyana – Georgetown & the interior (the Rupununi Savannah & the Iwokrama Rainforest). HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew direct from Gatwick Airport on British Airways, with a brief touchdown in St. Lucia. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? This was my first time visiting Guyana, but it has ALWAYS been high on my list. Ever since I watched Lost Land of the Jaguar on BBC, I have been intrigued to visit this country rich in culture and biodiversity. FAVOURITE LOCATION? It’s a tough one to choose, as I loved both the Rupununi region and its vast savannahs and wildlife, plus INCREDIBLE sunsets, but I’d have to say the…
