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Tailor-Made Itineraries
Stories, guides, and inspiration from the road. Reading about a destination is only the first step. If a particular dispatch, chronicle, or archive has captured your imagination, our travel concierges are ready to translate that inspiration into a flawlessly executed, custom-made itinerary for you.
If your inbox could use a little more dust from the trail and a little less corporate fluff, you belong on our list. Straight from David’s desk to your screen, our weekly dispatches deliver field notes, breakthroughs, and a reminder that the world is still waiting to be explored.
Algeria’s best experiences lie beyond standard guidebooks. To make the best of your trip, trade rushed coastal loops and one-night desert add-ons for full days exploring Djemila’s mountain ruins, walking Constantine’s suspension bridges, camping deep in the Tadrart Rouge, discovering Tassili n'Ajjer’s ancient rock art, and exploring the M'Zab Valley. Algeria is finally shedding its […]
Angola covers 1,246,700 square kilometres, making it the seventh-largest country in Africa, yet it remains one of the continent's least-explored destinations. Portugal ruled the territory for close to 500 years, until independence arrived on 11 November 1975. A 27-year civil war followed, ending in 2002, and Angola has spent the decades since reopening the roads, […]
Quick Summary Solo travel isn’t about escaping. It’s about expanding. From safety to social connection, planning to personal growth, Forward Travel’s definitive guide explores how Australians can go it alone with confidence. Learn practical preparation, mindset shifts, and field-tested strategies to travel smarter, safer, and more freely anywhere in the world. Download this checklist for free (no details needed) Table of Contents The Art of Flying Solo The Pleasure of Your Own Company Why Australians Are Built for It How to Plan Without Killing the Magic The Archetypes of Solo Travel Settling Into the Unknown Safety, Connection, and Serendipity When
Algeria’s best experiences lie beyond standard guidebooks. To make the best of your trip, trade rushed coastal loops and one-night desert add-ons for full days exploring Djemila’s mountain ruins, walking Constantine’s suspension bridges, camping deep in the Tadrart Rouge, discovering Tassili n'Ajjer’s ancient rock art, and exploring the M'Zab Valley. Algeria is finally shedding its […]
Botswana covers roughly 581,730 square kilometres, close to the size of France, yet holds a population of just 2.7 million, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth. The Kalahari Desert spreads across nearly 70% of that land, though water still defines much of what travellers come to see. Diamond mining has […]
Angola covers 1,246,700 square kilometres, making it the seventh-largest country in Africa, yet it remains one of the continent's least-explored destinations. Portugal ruled the territory for close to 500 years, until independence arrived on 11 November 1975. A 27-year civil war followed, ending in 2002, and Angola has spent the decades since reopening the roads, […]
Penguins are the poster animals of cold oceans, but they’re also famously one-hemisphere creatures. You won’t find wild penguins at the North Pole. There are no penguins in the Arctic. They live naturally in the Southern Hemisphere, from subantarctic islands up to the coasts of South America, Africa, and New Zealand, and all the way down to Antarctica. This article looks at the Antarctic and subantarctic penguin species travellers most commonly encounter on expedition voyages. For each one, we’ll cover what it looks like, where it breeds, when you’re most likely to see it, how it behaves in colonies, what
Embarking on a journey to Antarctica, a traditional expedition involving at least two days of sailing across the challenging Drake Passage holds the promise of educational and inspiring adventures. The excitement of an Antarctica cruise typically begins once leaving the South American shores and navigating the notorious turbulent waters of the infamous Drake Passage, situated between the southern tip of Argentina and the Antarctic Peninsula. Nevertheless, the idea of crossing some of the planet\'s roughest seas is not universally appealing. While some aim to reach Antarctica quickly, others relish the opportunity to follow the paths of past explorers, embracing potential
Day 11 – From Trains to Tranquility, Da Nang to Hoi An After an unforgettable day in Hue, I was eager to continue my journey south. We boarded the train to Da Nang, a comfortable ride that snaked through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside. The train tracks hugged the coastline for much of the journey, giving us some incredible views of white sand beaches and the South China Sea on one side, with lush, forested hills on the other. The changing landscape was truly beautiful, and it was one of those moments where I just let myself sink into the rhythm
Day 6 – From Tracks to Tides, Hanoi to Ha Long Bay There’s something oddly soothing about waking up on a train. The rhythm of the rails, the muffled chatter from the corridor, the smell of instant coffee being prepared in the dining car. We rolled into Hanoi just after sunrise, hazy golden light spreading across the city as it slowly came to life. Bleary-eyed but content, we disembarked and made our way through the soft chaos of morning Hanoi where we stopped for a quick Banh Mi. There was no time to linger this time, we had another journey
Day 1 – A Rocky Landing and a Warm Welcome Well, I didn’t exactly glide into Vietnam in style. After a long-haul flight and an unexpected delay in Saigon, I finally landed in Hanoi feeling a bit like forgotten luggage; crumpled, slightly disoriented, and very ready for a hot shower. The connection through Ho Chi Minh was classic Southeast Asia chaos: snaking queues, unexpected gate changes, and a mad dash through the terminal, all under flickering fluorescent lights and an eye on the clock. But that’s travel, isn’t it? The hiccups become part of the story. And after all that,
Algeria is the largest country in Africa. It spans 2,381,741 square kilometres from a Mediterranean coastline to the deep Sahara. It's also one of the continent's least-visited countries, which means the sites below rarely see a queue. It has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are the ruins of the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, […]
The Arctic and Antarctica sit at opposite ends of the Earth, yet they are often mistakenly viewed as similar destinations. In reality, they offer profoundly different landscapes, wildlife encounters, climates, and travel experiences. Understanding these differences is key when deciding which polar region best aligns with your interests, comfort levels, and sense of adventure. Landscapes: A World Shaped by Geography The Arctic is defined by ocean surrounded by land. It spans several countries, including Norway (Svalbard), Greenland, Canada, Russia, and Alaska. Its scenery is varied and layered: • Vast sea ice and drifting ice floes • Fjords, glaciers, and rugged
Penguins are the poster animals of cold oceans, but they’re also famously one-hemisphere creatures. You won’t find wild penguins at the North Pole. There are no penguins in the Arctic. They live naturally in the Southern Hemisphere, from subantarctic islands up to the coasts of South America, Africa, and New Zealand, and all the way down to Antarctica. This article looks at the Antarctic and subantarctic penguin species travellers most commonly encounter on expedition voyages. For each one, we’ll cover what it looks like, where it breeds, when you’re most likely to see it, how it behaves in colonies, what
Algeria’s best experiences lie beyond standard guidebooks. To make the best of your trip, trade rushed coastal loops and one-night desert add-ons for full days exploring Djemila’s mountain ruins, walking Constantine’s suspension bridges, camping deep in the Tadrart Rouge, discovering Tassili n'Ajjer’s ancient rock art, and exploring the M'Zab Valley. Algeria is finally shedding its […]
Botswana covers roughly 581,730 square kilometres, close to the size of France, yet holds a population of just 2.7 million, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth. The Kalahari Desert spreads across nearly 70% of that land, though water still defines much of what travellers come to see. Diamond mining has […]
Algeria is the largest country in Africa. It spans 2,381,741 square kilometres from a Mediterranean coastline to the deep Sahara. It's also one of the continent's least-visited countries, which means the sites below rarely see a queue. It has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are the ruins of the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, […]
Staying connected on international trips requires matching your communication technology to your destination's terrain. While travel eSIMs and local SIMs offer high-speed data for urban and rural travel, remote expeditions require dedicated satellite messengers or satphones to maintain emergency SOS capabilities where cellular towers fail. When stepping off an international flight or venturing beyond the […]
Choosing whether to pre-book meals in your travel itinerary depends on destination infrastructure and food culture. Isolated safari lodges or desert expeditions require Full Board plans for survival and logistics, while culinary capitals like Italy or Vietnam demand meal exclusion (Bed & Breakfast) to experience authentic, spontaneous dining. When planning an expedition or multi-stop journey, […]
Losing access to ATMs and digital payments while traveling off-grid can derail your trip. To navigate cash-only destinations safely, carry pristine hard currency (USD/EUR) with a 30% emergency buffer, practice strategic bill-breaking, employ a three-tier cash stash system, and master off-grid contingencies like peer-to-peer money transfers before reaching the void. In London, New York, or […]
Quick Summary Cycle tourism is reshaping the way travellers see the world: slower, deeper, cleaner. Forward Travel’s Cycle Puglia tour captures the essence of it: eight days through olive groves, Trulli villages, and UNESCO marvels. A celebration of pace, culture, and the quiet joy of earning every view on two wheels. Table of Contents The Opening Ride Why Bicycles Belong Back in the Story of Travel A Brief Spin Through History Why Cycle in Puglia? What the Ride Feels Like, Not Just Where It Goes Why Bicycle Tourism Works (and Keeps Growing) The Many Lanes of Bicycle Tourism Infrastructure, Inclusion,
Botswana covers roughly 581,730 square kilometres, close to the size of France, yet holds a population of just 2.7 million, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth. The Kalahari Desert spreads across nearly 70% of that land, though water still defines much of what travellers come to see. Diamond mining has […]
Angola covers 1,246,700 square kilometres, making it the seventh-largest country in Africa, yet it remains one of the continent's least-explored destinations. Portugal ruled the territory for close to 500 years, until independence arrived on 11 November 1975. A 27-year civil war followed, ending in 2002, and Angola has spent the decades since reopening the roads, […]
Algeria is the largest country in Africa. It spans 2,381,741 square kilometres from a Mediterranean coastline to the deep Sahara. It's also one of the continent's least-visited countries, which means the sites below rarely see a queue. It has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are the ruins of the Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, […]
Algeria’s best experiences lie beyond standard guidebooks. To make the best of your trip, trade rushed coastal loops and one-night desert add-ons for full days exploring Djemila’s mountain ruins, walking Constantine’s suspension bridges, camping deep in the Tadrart Rouge, discovering Tassili n'Ajjer’s ancient rock art, and exploring the M'Zab Valley. Algeria is finally shedding its […]
November unlocks unique travel experiences worldwide with vibrant Day of the Dead vigils and monarch migrations in Mexico, Bhutan’s Black-Necked Crane Festival, Rajasthan’s Pushkar Camel Fair, Alba white truffle hunting in Italy, whale shark snorkelling in Djibouti, Zambia’s massive fruit bat migration, and southern spring wildlife encounters from Patagonia to Antarctica. November opens with candlelight. […]
October is globally for ideal shoulder-season travel. Experience clear Himalayan skies while trekking in Nepal, participate in harvest festivals in Georgia, Morocco, and Italy, optimise your wildlife viewing sessions in Kenya, Namibia, and Zambia, and catch the beginning of opening seasons in the Sahara, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Patagonia, and South Georgia. North of the […]
Embarking on a journey through Saudi Arabia, a land of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes? In this introductory guide, we\'ll provide you with information you need to plan your trip and explore the diverse charms of this captivating kingdom. Visa Requirements and Entry Procedures Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, ensure you have the necessary visa. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may apply for a tourist visa, business visa, or pilgrimage visa. Check the requirements at https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ and apply through the official channels well in advance of your trip. Upon arrival, you\'ll undergo
Climate Classification and its Impact on Travel Trends for Australian Tourists 55+ Country Rise in Popularity Köppen Climate Classification Maldives 257% Af (Tropical Rainforest) Bangladesh 165% Am (Tropical Monsoon) Aw (Tropical Savanna) Colombia 145% Af (Tropical Rainforest) Am (Tropical Monsoon) Cfb (Oceanic) Congo 145% Af (Tropical Rainforest) Aw (Tropical Savanna) Scotland 65% Cfb (Oceanic) Saudi Arabia 65% BWh (Hot Desert) BWk (Cold Desert) Kuwait 58% BWh (Hot Desert) Kosovo 58% Cfb (Oceanic) Dfb (Humid Continental) Grenada 47% Af (Tropical Rainforest) Ethiopia 46% Aw (Tropical Savanna) Cwb (Subtropical Highland) Turkey 39% Csa (Mediterranean) Dfa/Dfb (Humid Continental) BSk (Semi-arid) India 37% Aw
Najaf and Karbala – Spiritual Oases Embarking on a westward heading, our path leads us to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, each standing as profound symbols of religious significance and historical resonance. These sacred destinations beckon pilgrims and travellers to delve into the spiritual and cultural tapestry that has woven the fabric of the region for ages past. In Najaf, our exploration centres around the breathtaking architecture of the Imam Ali Shrine, a magnificent testament to Islamic artistry and devotion. This sacred site holds deep spiritual importance for Shia Muslims, as it is believed to be the final
Embarking on a journey to Antarctica, a traditional expedition involving at least two days of sailing across the challenging Drake Passage holds the promise of educational and inspiring adventures. The excitement of an Antarctica cruise typically begins once leaving the South American shores and navigating the notorious turbulent waters of the infamous Drake Passage, situated between the southern tip of Argentina and the Antarctic Peninsula. Nevertheless, the idea of crossing some of the planet\'s roughest seas is not universally appealing. While some aim to reach Antarctica quickly, others relish the opportunity to follow the paths of past explorers, embracing potential
Travel is often seen as a means of escaping the routine of daily life, a chance to relax and unwind. While the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal, travel offers more than just leisure and enjoyment. Beyond the picturesque landscapes and cultural experiences, travel serves as a powerful tool for education, offering valuable lessons that extend far beyond the boundaries of a classroom. I wanted to write this article to explore why travel is as much about education as it is about happiness. Cultural Immersion One of the most profound educational aspects of travel is cultural immersion. Experiencing
You don’t arrive in Guyana with an itinerary so much as a heightened sense of attention. The rainforest doesn’t perform for you. It just is. And if you’re quiet enough, still enough, it might reveal itself. What You Hear First Before you see the blood-coloured woodpecker, you hear it. A sharp tap, two trees away. Before you spot the black caiman’s eyes, you register the ripple in dark water. Guyana’s Rupununi region, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, isn’t something you \”do.\” It’s something you tune into. The volume knob on your senses gets turned up. And
The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most extraordinary and diverse regions on Earth, representing a significant portion of the Amazon Rainforest, which spans several South American countries. Covering almost 60% of Peru\'s land area, this region is not only vast but also one of the most biologically rich areas in the world. The Peruvian Amazon is home to thousands of species of plants, animals, and insects, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. This biodiversity makes the region a crucial area for global conservation efforts. The region is defined by its complex network of rivers, including
A Patagonian Vision From its towering mountains to its crystal clear lakes, Chilean Patagonia has always been a number one choice for travellers who are after a true taste of adventure. Behind the scenes, two of those travellers were actively working to protect the country’s bounty of flora and fauna and making huge leaps in conservation. Now, after nearly 30 years, it has all come to a stunning conclusion. Thanks to the biggest private land donation in history from Tompkins Conservation, Chile has just acquired over four million hectares of national parkland. This new protected area is called La Ruta
November unlocks unique travel experiences worldwide with vibrant Day of the Dead vigils and monarch migrations in Mexico, Bhutan’s Black-Necked Crane Festival, Rajasthan’s Pushkar Camel Fair, Alba white truffle hunting in Italy, whale shark snorkelling in Djibouti, Zambia’s massive fruit bat migration, and southern spring wildlife encounters from Patagonia to Antarctica. November opens with candlelight. […]
Botswana covers roughly 581,730 square kilometres, close to the size of France, yet holds a population of just 2.7 million, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth. The Kalahari Desert spreads across nearly 70% of that land, though water still defines much of what travellers come to see. Diamond mining has […]
October is globally for ideal shoulder-season travel. Experience clear Himalayan skies while trekking in Nepal, participate in harvest festivals in Georgia, Morocco, and Italy, optimise your wildlife viewing sessions in Kenya, Namibia, and Zambia, and catch the beginning of opening seasons in the Sahara, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Patagonia, and South Georgia. North of the […]
November unlocks unique travel experiences worldwide with vibrant Day of the Dead vigils and monarch migrations in Mexico, Bhutan’s Black-Necked Crane Festival, Rajasthan’s Pushkar Camel Fair, Alba white truffle hunting in Italy, whale shark snorkelling in Djibouti, Zambia’s massive fruit bat migration, and southern spring wildlife encounters from Patagonia to Antarctica. November opens with candlelight. […]
October is globally for ideal shoulder-season travel. Experience clear Himalayan skies while trekking in Nepal, participate in harvest festivals in Georgia, Morocco, and Italy, optimise your wildlife viewing sessions in Kenya, Namibia, and Zambia, and catch the beginning of opening seasons in the Sahara, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Patagonia, and South Georgia. North of the […]
Penguins are the poster animals of cold oceans, but they’re also famously one-hemisphere creatures. You won’t find wild penguins at the North Pole. There are no penguins in the Arctic. They live naturally in the Southern Hemisphere, from subantarctic islands up to the coasts of South America, Africa, and New Zealand, and all the way down to Antarctica. This article looks at the Antarctic and subantarctic penguin species travellers most commonly encounter on expedition voyages. For each one, we’ll cover what it looks like, where it breeds, when you’re most likely to see it, how it behaves in colonies, what
A New Kind of Safari Experience While traditional safari destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are well-known, the Republic of Congo remains a best-kept secret, offering a truly untamed wildlife experience in the heart of Central Africa. Tucked within the vast Congo Basin, this small nation is home to some of the most pristine rainforests, unique wildlife, and low-impact, conservation-led tourism anywhere in Africa. For those looking to go beyond the classic safari, Congo delivers an experience that is raw, remote, and remarkably rewarding. Welcome to the Congo Basin The Congo Basin is the second-largest tropical rainforest on Earth
You don’t arrive in Guyana with an itinerary so much as a heightened sense of attention. The rainforest doesn’t perform for you. It just is. And if you’re quiet enough, still enough, it might reveal itself. What You Hear First Before you see the blood-coloured woodpecker, you hear it. A sharp tap, two trees away. Before you spot the black caiman’s eyes, you register the ripple in dark water. Guyana’s Rupununi region, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, isn’t something you \”do.\” It’s something you tune into. The volume knob on your senses gets turned up. And
