Sustainable Travel
My clients are more conscious about sustainable travel than ever with concerns including their carbon footprint, over-tourism, animal welfare and plastic pollution. We are here to help guide clients to make more sustainable choices and to support local communities whenever possible.
Managing your carbon footprint...
There’s no getting around the fact that taking a flight affects our individual carbon footprint. However, there are ways to ensure that we make our transport choices as sustainable as possible:
- Fly less but stay longer!
- Choose the most fuel-efficient airline and aircraft;
- Consider travelling by train and boat where possible;
- And when you’re away why not explore more by foot or bike, or hire an electric car or moped.
Whatever your means of transport, you can choose to offset your journey by buying credits that go toward a project that either avoids the emissions of greenhouse gases or helps sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Avoiding overtourism
If you do choose to visit crowded and popular destinations, consider doing so outside peak summer months and stay longer if you can, taking the time to find local activities that give back to residents, instead of the most popular activities, which can also often be tourist traps. And if you’re visiting a coast, chose one with a Marine Protected Area.
Supporting animal welfare
Getting up close with wildlife in its natural habitat can be extraordinary – but how do you know that what you are doing has the very best interests of the wildlife at heart?
We work with suppliers that take animal welfare seriously, and support an outright ban of certain wildlife experiences, such as elephant riding and other activities which may harm or involve cruelty to animals.
We actively seek out organisations and guides that are at the cutting edge of conservation and sustainability. What’s more, we provide clients with detailed guidelines for getting the most out of any wildlife spotting opportunities without compromising the animals’ welfare.
Reducing plastic usage
One of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic and consumption of single-use products is to pack a reusable water bottle when you travel.
Also pack a reusable straw. Plastic straws are known to harm wildlife and pollute the oceans, and in recent years have increasingly been replaced with alternatives, and in some cases, banned entirely.
So why not consider bringing your own stainless steel or collapsible straw?
Think Local...
We love working with suppliers who promote small family-run hotels and those properties that retain a strong connection with their local community. Plus, partners that actively source excursions and activities that put local people at the centre and spread the economic benefits of tourism around the community.
In this way, local people are empowered by the opportunities created for employment, development and conservation, while visitors have an opportunity to take part in high quality, often unique experiences safe in the knowledge that they are having a direct and positive impact.
Why not get in touch to start planning your sustainable adventure?
Seven great reasons to make Mauritius top of your travel list...
Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its beaches with snow white sand, coconut trees and turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see, but there is so much more to this truly beautiful island with its mountainous interior with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox.
You can fly direct with Air Mauritius or BA from London. Or for us guys that live nearer to Birmingham I would recommend the indirect Emirates’ flight, via Dubai, with each leg taking less than 7 hours.
Whether you’re looking for sun, sea and spa getaways or an action-packed holiday that’s fun for all the family, Mauritius really has it all. Still not convinced?
Then here are 7 reasons to visit Mauritius!
1. The Rich Culture
Unlike other island holidays such as the Maldives or Seychelles which are very much about sun, sea and sand, Mauritius offers so much more than that with its rich and diverse culture. With no native population, Mauritians are all descendants of immigrants, which may explain the racial and religious harmony which is a cornerstone of the Mauritian society. There is a huge variety of ways visitors can explore and embrace the island’s culture, from colourful markets and vibrant festivals to temples and shrines.
2. The Nature
Hiking and trekking are the best ways to discover Le Pouce Mountain with its breath-taking view of Port Louis; Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site; or the Black River Gorges ecosystem. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is undoubtedly one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. Created over 300 years ago by the famous French botanist Pierre Poivre, the garden is the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere and boasts a plethora of indigenous plants.
The island’s geological marvel in the Chamarel highlands caused by mineral oxygenation, is the multi-coloured lunar-like dunes of mineral rich volcanic sand – shades of pink, green, brick red, orange, purple and grey. The Chamarel Falls is also a sight to behold as one of Mauritius’ most beautiful waterfalls.
3. The Perfect weather
Those who like to holiday in the Caribbean but want to try something a little different this year should opt for Mauritius. Because they have opposite seasons, Mauritius offers a lovely hot climate while the Caribbean is experiencing their hurricane season, so this is a great alternative.
Weather remains deliciously warm all year round though, with their hottest months being between January and April where temperatures tend to sit in the low thirties. May to August is a little cooler with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees which can be a lot nicer for families with children.
4. Discover marine life
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is home to an array of marine life. As well as many different species of tropical fish, Mauritius is known for its sea turtles that nest on the island between November and March.
5. Great value for money
Believe it or not, Mauritius is great value for money. It can offer better value than the Maldives and the Caribbean and it’s just as, if not more luxurious. When you choose one of the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, drink and activities which often makes it much better value for money than a family trip to Europe!
6. Deliciously exotic food and drink
The cuisine of Mauritius is a delicious fusion of Chinese, Indian and European, so if you like spices and a variety of flavours, you’ll certainly enjoy trying everything Mauritius has to offer.
In addition, you’ll be able to try some authentic Mauritian rum during your stay and learn a bit more about the history of the drink.
7. Friendly locals
Mauritius is a paradise island, but what makes it that little bit nicer is that the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. You can expect exceptional service within the resorts and if you’re out exploring the island you won’t be short of friendly advice.
Take a look at our offers page, there are some incredible deals at Beachcomber Resorts and we're taking bookings up to October 2024, which allows you to plan ahead!
Why not get in touch to start planning your dream holiday in Mauritius.
Discover South Africa – City, seaside and sunshine… the perfect combination
My first visit to South Africa was in November 2018, with my husband Brian, and it certainly won’t be my last. It was a destination I had wanted to visit for many years, with a Safari right at the top of my bucket list. We had the most amazing adventure, and now it’s a destination I love to recommend to my clients, and they’re never disappointed!
We started our adventure in Cape Town – the city is just stunning. It’s a place like no other where cultures, cuisines, and landscapes come-together, under the gaze of the majestic Table Mountain. My top three highlights in Cape Town were a visit to Table Mountain (via the cable car) where we enjoyed clear views and a wonderful walk marvelling at the scenery below; a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; and a timelessly indulgent afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel.
Getting around Cape Town is very easy, and Uber is the way to go, as it’s cheap and reliable. We also had a hire car and drove to the beautiful enclave of Camps Bay, just 10 minutes’ from our central Cape Town hotel. You will not be disappointed by the white sand beaches, hiking trails, and beachfront restaurants serving seafood and local wines, best enjoyed at sunset!
Gilly Bachelor
A drive to Cape Point National Park, around 60kms from Cape Town, is also a must with its rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres above the sea. I recommend going via Boulders Beach, as you’ll get to meet the African Penguins, one of the real highlights of our trip.
Next stop was the winelands - Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl – my personal favourite is Franschoek, with its French history, and its famous Wine Tram. It’s also the perfect destination for food lovers, as it has a renowned reputation for being a ‘foodies’ paradise… and I couldn’t agree more!
If you’re travelling between June and December, a few days in Hermanus is highly recommended as it’s during the whale watching season. Our hotel had stunning sea views, where we sat on the balcony with a glass of wine (local of course!) and watched the whales dance for us… unbelievable.
Leaving Hermanus behind us (reluctantly) we drove the Garden Route – the 300-kilometre stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa. We stayed in a country lodge, set on the edge of an indigenous forest with breath-taking views of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma Mountains. From here, it was an easy walk to The Crags Elephant Sanctuary where we were guided through an unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures.
Our final destination was a secluded corner of the Amakhala Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa, where we had three unbelievable days on safari. We stayed in an intimate family-run lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman’s River with its breath-taking vista of rolling African plains. We stayed in a ‘tent’ but this certainly wasn’t camping, or even glamping it was simply luxurious.
Why not get in touch to start planning your South African adventure?
Cruising
Here’s the reasons I love to cruise!
I believe there is a cruise for everyone as ships come in all shapes and sizes, from vast floating cities with every amenity you could imagine, to smaller ultra-luxurious ships known for their intuitive and impeccable service.
Gilly Bachelor
- It’s an easy way to explore new places, I love the idea of waking up somewhere new every morning, without having to pack (and repack) my suitcase! With some port visits you’ll only have a couple of hours to get a taster, however, there’s a trend now for longer overnight stays so guests can get a more immersive local experience;
- The service for me comes right at the top of my list – from housekeeping to the restaurant teams to the spa staff – I’ve never had such consistently good service, and that’s not just from the 6* ultra-luxury cruise lines where it would be expected, but it’s been my experience with P&O and Princess too;
- The entertainment – there’s always something to take part in (or not) from daytime quizzes and shuffleboard competitions to West End quality performances. And if you choose a megaship, like the Symphony of the Seas, you’ll never run out of things to do with its glow-in-the-dark laser tag face-off in Battle for Planet Z℠, or you can catch a wave on the FlowRider® surf simulator and race down The Perfect Storm℠ triple-threat waterslides.
- So much is included! Most cruise prices include your accommodation, meals in the main restaurant(s) and entertainment. However, after this it does get a little confusing, so it’s important to be sure of what is, and isn’t included as it varies between every cruise line. For example, on a Seabourn cruise everything listed below is included in the fare, and if you’re cruising with Princess and upgrade to their Princess Plus package it includes drinks, tips and Wi-Fi which personally I think is great value.
- It feels safe! I was lucky enough to take a 3 day ‘cruise to nowhere’ on the Sky Princess in September 2021, and then a two-week Caribbean cruise on the Seabourn Odyssey, the following December. I was so impressed with the safety protocols around covid, with an impressive screening and cleaning regime in place and systematically applied, better than anything I’ve witnessed on land so far.
What's included in your cruise?
We regularly see fares on mainstream cruise lines for under £100 per person, per night, which is great value when compared to what you’d spend at a resort for accommodation, dinner and a show.
It’s important to check what’s included as some fares may/may not include the following:
- Soft drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities/tips
- Wifi
- Speciality dining restaurants
- Port Transport
- Excursions
The ‘skill’ to booking a successful cruise is to find something perfect just for you (cruising is a great option for solo travellers) or you and your travelling companions. In our experience finding the right cruise itinerary is only the first step as it’s also essential to find the perfect balance of the ship’s size, amenities, and level of luxury, to create the perfect cruise experience.
Why not get in touch to start planning your next cruise.
The Body Holiday Live Resort Tour - 18th May, 6.45pm
***LOTS OF INTEREST IN THIS EVENT - PLEASE CONFIRM WHETHER YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US AT OUR OFFICES IN BREWOOD FOR DRINKS & SNACKS, OR VIA ZOOM***
I am so excited to share with you that we are hosting an event with The Body Holiday in St Lucia with an exclusive 'live' tour of this incredible resort!
I've been visiting The Body Holiday since 2005 - it's a fabulous option for active solos, couples and families (with older children).
There are TWO ways to join this very special event!
If you are local (ST19 9LT) you can join Stephanie and I at our offices in Brewood, where we will join the live link to the resort with a welcome from the resort's General Manager Yhasmine Remy-Hylton, followed by a live virtual tour... and we'll be serving authentic St Lucian Rum (or fruit!) cocktails and nibbles! If you are not able to join us in person you can join via a Zoom link.
The event will start at 6.45pm (UK time) and last around one hour, or a little longer if you're joining us in person!
To register for this event please email [email protected].
Brian's bucket list adventure: The Panama Canal
On December 3rd we will be setting off for Brian's 'Bucket List' adventure, on Silverseas's stunning Silver Moon sailing from Barbados to Lima, via the Panama Canal.
A Panama Canal crossing is quite unlike any other seafaring experience available. From the moment the ship glides into the narrow lock to cross from one ocean to another, it becomes clear that the most dramatic way to experience the Panama Canal is on the water.
The construction of the Panama Canal took more than a decade and cost nearly $400 million. By the time it was completed in 1914, the Panama Canal had created a shorter and more economical shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, dissecting Central America to simplify the transportation of goods. Today, ships pass through the 48-mile-long waterway about 11,000 times each year without the need to navigate around Cape Horn or the Straight of Magellan. It was a bold project made possible by ground-breaking engineering, and there’s still nothing else like it on earth, making it a bucket list experience for so many.
The Panama Canal works by moving ships from one ocean to another through inland waterways. However, as these waterways lead down to sea level, six lock chambers (three on the Pacific side and three on the Atlantic side) each work as elevators. Gatun Lake holds the massive amounts of water needed to operate this system that raises and lowers ships from sea level up to the level of this reservoir and then back down again.
We will cross the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific on December 14th, the crossing will take around 8 to 10 hours, and I will be going live on Facebook to share this amazing experience with you!
Traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific, our ship, the Silver Moon, will first enter the three Gatun Locks, which will raise us 85 feet (26 metres) from sea level to reach the level of Gatun Lake. The process will be slow and smooth that it will feel like nothing at all is happening, but we will be watching the walls of the lock, to measure our ship’s steady progress. After navigating across Gatun Lake Silver Moon will enter the Pedro Miguel Lock, where it will be lowered 31 feet (9.5 metres). The two Miraflores Locks do the rest of the work, moving our ship 54 feet (16.5 metres) back down to sea level. This process reverses when traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic, though we will be flying home from Lima!
As Silver Moon enters each lock during our Panama Canal cruise, it will seem like a tight fit, but these ships are built precisely to lock dimensions that leave just inches between the sides of the ship and the massive concrete walls of the locks, so we're expecting it to be incident free!
Brian Bachelor, commented:
'Each Panama Canal crossing brings history and physics to life, and this really is a bucket list trip for me and I'm excited to see this engineering marvel. It's incredible to think that this waterway is more than 100 years old, and much of the infrastructure is original. It's wonderful to be able to do this incredible crossing in six star luxury on the Silver Moon, enjoying the passage with a glass of champagne in hand, and Gilly by my side.'
Get in touch to start planning your bucket list adventure!