Sometimes the best way to travel is with a guide. Escorted tours offer security, structure, organization and freedom to intrepid explorers looking for something different to a standard resort-based holiday. Whether you want to discover ancient kingdoms, hidden waterfalls, authentic culture and cuisine, or you simply want to step off the beaten path, an escorted tour holiday is perfect.
There are many places in the world where you can join up with other like-minded travellers and uncover the secrets of the locals via a guided tour, but here are our top three destinations you won’t want to miss.
Thailand
Rich with historical, religious and natural beauty, stunning landscapes and exquisite cuisine, Thailand is well worth touring. From playing with rescued elephants in Chiang Mai to haggling for delicious treats in the vibrant markets of Bangkok, there is both relaxation and excitement on a magical level to be found here.
The many beaches of Thailand are nothing if not picturesque, with majestic cliffs surrounding bays of azure waters, which lap gently onto chalk-white sands. But inland there is just as much beauty waiting to be explored, and travelling with a tour group can give you access to some hidden gems you may not have otherwise seen.
Jungle trekking is a must for any traveller in Northern Thailand, with amazing wildlife and cool waterfalls to be found amidst larger-than-life plants. Don’t forget also to spend some time visiting the ancient Siamese kingdoms, where you’ll see the remains of complex cities with structures built with skills far exceeding the technologies of the time.
Madagascar
With a coastline of over 5,000 km, composed of ethereal beaches and thriving coral reefs, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. This is a very unique island, home to hundreds of endemic species of mammals and reptiles, plus over 10,000 plants exclusive to Madagascar, such as the baobab tree. From the dense rainforests to the volcanic mountains, this island encompasses all types of landscapes with dramatic style.
Although there is a lot to see here, the country is impoverished and suffers from low-quality roads and passages that can often become impassable. To avoid frustration, exploring Madagascar with an escorted tour is a great way to travel safely, with a local guide who knows the area and how best to manage the diverse terrain.
Seychelles
It’s hard to dispute that the archipelago of Seychelles is a collection of the most beautiful islands on earth. Unspoilt and largely untouched by humans, the islands are home to hundreds of unique species found nowhere else in the world, including the largest population of giant sea tortoises. The biodiversity of marine life is abundant in the colourful coral reefs, with parrotfish, rockfish, turtles, groupers, clownfish, triggerfish and sharks all taking refuge in the nature reserves and idyllic waters.
Naturally, the only way to explore these spectacular waterways and islands is by boat. Escorted tours with an experienced guide offer the best opportunity to visit the area, with many tours including diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Stress-Free Travel
By using an escorted tour service to explore these magnificently unique places, you’ll be able to get the most out of your trip. With accommodation, food and activities organized for you, all you have to do is turn up, make friends and soak in the wonders of the world.
