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Destination

25 articles in this category.

Asia

A Journey Through Vietnam “ 15 Days of Soulful Discovery “ Part Two

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

by David Smyth14 May 2025

Asia

A Journey Through Vietnam “ 15 Days of Soulful Discovery “ Part One

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,

by David Smyth14 April 2025

Africa

Gonarezhou National Park – Zimbabwe's Last Great Wilderness

Gonarezhou National Park is one of Zimbabwe\'s largest and most remote national parks, renowned for its rugged wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and significant wildlife populations. The name \”Gonarezhou\” translates to \”Place of Elephants,\” reflecting the park\'s substantial elephant population. Location Gonarezhou National Park is located in southeastern Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique. It covers an area of approximately 5,053 square kilometres, making it the second-largest national park in Zimbabwe. Gonarezhou is a key component of the Great Limpopo Trans frontier Park, a vast conservation area that includes Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. This transboundary park allows

by David Smyth9 September 2024

Destination

Everyone Knows Machu Picchu. Few Know Peru's Greatest Treasure

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

by David Smyth15 August 2024

Asia

Discovering Sri Lanka ” A 7 Day Adventure ” Part Two

Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Leaving Kandy behind, I set off for Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as \”Little England\” due to its colonial architecture and cool, misty climate. The drive was nothing short of captivating, with the road winding through lush, emerald-green tea plantations. The neatly trimmed tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with colourful sari-clad tea pickers skilfully harvesting the leaves. The rolling hills, interspersed with gushing waterfalls and serene streams, created a picturesque landscape that seemed straight out of a storybook. Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, the town\'s unique charm became immediately

by David Smyth1 August 2024

Asia

Discovering Sri Lanka ” A 7 Day Adventure ” Part One

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo After a smooth landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, I made my way to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The drive into the city was a feast for the senses, with colourful tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, the scent of spices in the air, and the occasional glimpse of the ocean. I checked into the Galle Face Hotel, a historic colonial gem that dates to 1864. The hotel\'s grand architecture, combined with its stunning ocean views, immediately transported me to a bygone era of elegance and charm. Eager to start exploring, I headed to the

by David Smyth11 July 2024

Destination

A Guide to Travelling Through Saudi Arabia

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

by David Smyth24 April 2024

Africa

Embarking on an Unforgettable Adventure – A Botswana Safari Experience

The vast, untamed landscapes of Botswana offer a unique safari experience. Unique both in its beauty and diversity, Botswana is known for pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and welcoming local culture. A Botswana safari promises an adventure like no other. In this blog, we will delve into the wonders of Botswana and what to expect from a Botswana safari. We’ll explore its captivating landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the unique safari experiences that make this African gem a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The Enchanting Okavango Delta – A Symphony of Life in Botswana\'s Heartland In the heart of Botswana, the Okavango

by David Smyth29 January 2024

Africa

Travels through the land of the Pharaohs – Where Ancient meets Modern Part Four

Day 11: Alexandria – Gem of the Mediterranean My final day in Egypt dawned with a mix of excitement and a tinge of nostalgia. It was to be my last day, my last adventure in this captivating and ancient land. Although I had explored the most iconic historical sites Egypt had to offer, there was one destination that beckoned me as a devoted book lover and a fervent history enthusiast – Alexandria. The mere thought of standing on the soil where the once magnificent Library of Alexandria, a beacon of knowledge, had thrived was enough to set my heart racing.

by David Smyth13 December 2023

Africa

Travels through the land of the Pharaohs – Where Ancient meets Modern Part Three

Day 7: Edfu and Kom Ombo After a peaceful overnight sail down the timeless Nile River, my journey took me to Edfu. Nestled on the west bank of the river Nile, is the exceptionally well-preserved Edfu Temple, dedicated to the mighty falcon god Horus. As I approached the temple, its grandeur and aura of sacredness were overwhelming. The massive sandstone walls seemed to whisper of an age when gods and pharaohs roamed the land. As I wandered the temple\'s grounds, I was greeted by an enchanting courtyard adorned with towering columns and intricately detailed hieroglyphics. It wasn’t hard to lose

by David Smyth21 November 2023

Asia

Enchanting Bhutan – A Journey into Happiness and Natures Splendour

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, is Bhutan. Standing as a testament to untouched beauty and a unique cultural identity Bhutan should be a must on any serious travellers list. Journey with Forward Travel as we explore this enchanting kingdom, where happiness is not just a goal but a way of life. The Land of Gross National Happiness Stepping into Bhutan, you\'re welcomed not just by breathtaking landscapes but by the pervasive sense of joy that seems to fill the air. Bhutan, known for measuring its success in terms of Gross National Happiness, offers a rare glimpse into

by David Smyth17 November 2023

Africa

Travels through the land of the Pharaohs – Where Ancient meets Modern Part Two

Day 4: Cruising the Nile Today marked the beginning of a captivating journey along the world\'s longest river, the Nile. While Cairo, with its magnetic allure and endless array of sights, had its own unique charm, I knew that the true odyssey through history would unfold once I stepped aboard a cruise along this legendary river. With a quick flight from Cairo to Luxor, I found myself in a new world of exploration and adventure. Joining my boat in Luxor, the gateway to a treasure trove of ancient wonders, was a thrilling experience. The cruise between Luxor and Aswan promised

by David Smyth27 October 2023

Showing 13–24 of 25 articles

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One thoughtful email a month — new itineraries, on-the-ground stories, and quiet recommendations from David and the team.

Destination

25 articles in this category.

Asia

Newsletter

Travel stories, in your inbox.

One thoughtful email a month — new itineraries, on-the-ground stories, and quiet recommendations from David and the team.