Escape Edition 90

The Road Less Travelled

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The Road Less Travelled

It’s here, Escape Edition 90. We are edging ever closer to our 100th edition of this email! This week, we’re focusing on destinations and adventures you may not have considered, from an African safari in Namibia and a self-drive through lesser-known southern British Columbia to island hopping in the Seychelles. And don’t miss our top tips for exploring the ever-majestic New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

Similar in size to the UK, New Zealand packs a huge amount into its borders, from beaches and cities to volcanoes and vineyards. There’s so much to see and do on holiday here – the hardest part is deciding where to go and what to do.

The North Island is packed with varied landscapes, vibrant cities, and loads of opportunities to experience authentic Maori culture. You’ll likely start in Auckland, which has great shops, bars, restaurants, and fantastic ocean views. But the City of Sails isn’t the only place to enjoy an urban adventure. The capital city, Wellington, has a real artsy vibe and excellent coffee and craft beer scenes.

Show Less

If you want volcanic thrills, head to Rotorua in the North Island’s centre. This geothermal wonderland is full of bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam and natural hot springs. You can’t leave the North Island without visiting Taupō, home to New Zealand’s largest lake, which occupies the collapsed crater of a super volcano. Taupō is also the gateway to Tongariro National Park, where you can enjoy some of the world’s best hikes or ski down the slopes of Mount Ruapehu - an active stratovolcano.

Show Less

Few places on earth are as dramatic as New Zealand's South Island. Staggeringly beautiful, this place has epic views around every corner. Discover mountains and glaciers, forests and vineyards, lakes and beaches, and more. See the Southern Alps reflected in the serene waters of Lake Tekapo, wander the laid-back streets of Omarama, or explore the Edinburgh-inspired alleyways and grand castles of Dunedin. You’ll journey through dramatic mountain passes and sail among dolphins at Milford Sound - if you’re a thrill seeker, a South Island holiday will never disappoint. Nicknamed ‘the adventure capital of the world’, Queenstown has everything from skydiving and bungee jumping to white water rafting and zip-lining. Why not finish your trip with a visit to the phenomenal Franz Josef Glacier or travel coast to coast with a ride on the TranzAlpine Train? One of the world’s most scenic railways!

Take me there

Show Less

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

Diverse and untamed, Namibia really does put the ‘wild’ into wilderness. Whether you’re drawn to its picture-perfect landscapes or the variety of animals, Namibia makes for an action-packed and mesmerising getaway.

Namibia’s expanse of uninhabited desert, encompassing both the Namib and the Kalahari, is home to some of the world’s oldest sand dunes. Rust-coloured sands provide a stark contrast against the clear blue skies, while dramatic canyons give way to granite rock formations and hidden coves. It’s a daredevil’s playground where you can try dune climbing, hiking, sandboarding, and skydiving. A scenic flight is the best way to take it all in, as a bird’s-eye view allows you to admire every inch of the sprawling desert.

Show Less

For most, the country’s landscapes and culture are the main draws of a holiday to Namibia. Wildlife, though, can be found, and Etosha National Park boasts an abundance of animals – you can search for them on either a self-drive trip or a guided safari. Whichever you choose, you’ll have the chance to see cheetahs, zebra, ostrich, and flamingos, not forgetting lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants.

Show Less

After your safari, why not head to the coast? Stretching for nearly 1,000 miles, continue your wildlife search by dolphin-watching or trying your hand at kitesurfing and windsurfing. Head to Swakopmund, a laidback coastal town with an adventurous spirit. Alternatively, spend a few days discovering the cultural highlights of Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Visit the historical church of Christuskirche, stroll around the lush Parliament Gardens, and admire exhibitions in the National Art Gallery of Namibia. Plus, Windhoek’s many markets are the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.

Take me there

Show Less

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

If you’re looking for a Canadian adventure with stunning scenery, delicious food, and new activities, then this Rainforest to Rockies self-drive is the perfect choice.

Start in the coastal city of Vancouver, where you’ll have a full day to explore. There’s no better way to see the city than from above, so why not head to the harbour and enjoy a floatplane ride over Downtown, Stanley Park, and parts of Vancouver Island? At Granville Island, wander around the hundreds of food stalls, sampling local delights as you go, or join a foodie tour and hear about the market’s history.

Show Less

Next, you’ll drive inland, stopping at Harrison Hot Springs for a night, a small town in the Fraser Valley. Then, head for the gorgeous mountain resort of Sun Peaks. Base yourself here for a few days to enjoy the mountain activities and explore the surrounding area. Home to 41 waterfalls, Wells Grey Provincial Park is a great place to spend a day. We’d recommend visiting - Helmcken Falls, Spahats Creek Falls, and Dawson Falls.

Show Less

The next stop on this self-drive is Revelstoke. Best known as a ski resort, during the summer, you can enjoy hiking and biking on the mountain or use the gondola to get halfway up and then ride the pipe coasters back down. Leave Revelstoke, travel through Glacier National Park, and spend a night in Golden, a small mountain town. Whilst you’re there, go to Golden Skybridge, an attraction offering spectacular views and fun activities for all ages.

The final stop on this Canadian adventure is Banff. To get here, you will drive through Yoho National Park; make sure you have your camera ready, as it’s a beautiful drive. Banff has a lively atmosphere and plenty of bars and restaurants to try. Book a cruise on Lake Minnewanka or join a ‘Discover Banff and its wildlife’ tour. Over 10 days, you’ll have travelled just over 600 miles on one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada.

Take me there

Show Less

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

Similar in size to the UK, New Zealand packs a huge amount into its borders, from beaches and cities to volcanoes and vineyards. There’s so much to see and do on holiday here – the hardest part is deciding where to go and what to do.

The North Island is packed with varied landscapes, vibrant cities, and loads of opportunities to experience authentic Maori culture. You’ll likely start in Auckland, which has great shops, bars, restaurants, and fantastic ocean views. But the City of Sails isn’t the only place to enjoy an urban adventure. The capital city, Wellington, has a real artsy vibe and excellent coffee and craft beer scenes.

Show Less

If you want volcanic thrills, head to Rotorua in the North Island’s centre. This geothermal wonderland is full of bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam and natural hot springs. You can’t leave the North Island without visiting Taupō, home to New Zealand’s largest lake, which occupies the collapsed crater of a super volcano. Taupō is also the gateway to Tongariro National Park, where you can enjoy some of the world’s best hikes or ski down the slopes of Mount Ruapehu - an active stratovolcano.

Show Less

Few places on earth are as dramatic as New Zealand's South Island. Staggeringly beautiful, this place has epic views around every corner. Discover mountains and glaciers, forests and vineyards, lakes and beaches, and more. See the Southern Alps reflected in the serene waters of Lake Tekapo, wander the laid-back streets of Omarama, or explore the Edinburgh-inspired alleyways and grand castles of Dunedin. You’ll journey through dramatic mountain passes and sail among dolphins at Milford Sound - if you’re a thrill seeker, a South Island holiday will never disappoint. Nicknamed ‘the adventure capital of the world’, Queenstown has everything from skydiving and bungee jumping to white water rafting and zip-lining. Why not finish your trip with a visit to the phenomenal Franz Josef Glacier or travel coast to coast with a ride on the TranzAlpine Train? One of the world’s most scenic railways!

Take me there

Show Less

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

Diverse and untamed, Namibia really does put the ‘wild’ into wilderness. Whether you’re drawn to its picture-perfect landscapes or the variety of animals, Namibia makes for an action-packed and mesmerising getaway.

Namibia’s expanse of uninhabited desert, encompassing both the Namib and the Kalahari, is home to some of the world’s oldest sand dunes. Rust-coloured sands provide a stark contrast against the clear blue skies, while dramatic canyons give way to granite rock formations and hidden coves. It’s a daredevil’s playground where you can try dune climbing, hiking, sandboarding, and skydiving. A scenic flight is the best way to take it all in, as a bird’s-eye view allows you to admire every inch of the sprawling desert.

Show Less

For most, the country’s landscapes and culture are the main draws of a holiday to Namibia. Wildlife, though, can be found, and Etosha National Park boasts an abundance of animals – you can search for them on either a self-drive trip or a guided safari. Whichever you choose, you’ll have the chance to see cheetahs, zebra, ostrich, and flamingos, not forgetting lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants.

Show Less

After your safari, why not head to the coast? Stretching for nearly 1,000 miles, continue your wildlife search by dolphin-watching or trying your hand at kitesurfing and windsurfing. Head to Swakopmund, a laidback coastal town with an adventurous spirit. Alternatively, spend a few days discovering the cultural highlights of Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Visit the historical church of Christuskirche, stroll around the lush Parliament Gardens, and admire exhibitions in the National Art Gallery of Namibia. Plus, Windhoek’s many markets are the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.

Take me there

Show Less

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

If you’re looking for a Canadian adventure with stunning scenery, delicious food, and new activities, then this Rainforest to Rockies self-drive is the perfect choice.

Start in the coastal city of Vancouver, where you’ll have a full day to explore. There’s no better way to see the city than from above, so why not head to the harbour and enjoy a floatplane ride over Downtown, Stanley Park, and parts of Vancouver Island? At Granville Island, wander around the hundreds of food stalls, sampling local delights as you go, or join a foodie tour and hear about the market’s history.

Show Less

Next, you’ll drive inland, stopping at Harrison Hot Springs for a night, a small town in the Fraser Valley. Then, head for the gorgeous mountain resort of Sun Peaks. Base yourself here for a few days to enjoy the mountain activities and explore the surrounding area. Home to 41 waterfalls, Wells Grey Provincial Park is a great place to spend a day. We’d recommend visiting - Helmcken Falls, Spahats Creek Falls, and Dawson Falls.

Show Less

The next stop on this self-drive is Revelstoke. Best known as a ski resort, during the summer, you can enjoy hiking and biking on the mountain or use the gondola to get halfway up and then ride the pipe coasters back down. Leave Revelstoke, travel through Glacier National Park, and spend a night in Golden, a small mountain town. Whilst you’re there, go to Golden Skybridge, an attraction offering spectacular views and fun activities for all ages.

The final stop on this Canadian adventure is Banff. To get here, you will drive through Yoho National Park; make sure you have your camera ready, as it’s a beautiful drive. Banff has a lively atmosphere and plenty of bars and restaurants to try. Book a cruise on Lake Minnewanka or join a ‘Discover Banff and its wildlife’ tour. Over 10 days, you’ll have travelled just over 600 miles on one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada.

Take me there

Show Less

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

SEYCHELLES ISLAND HOPPING

Choosing just one island in the Seychelles can be hard – so if time allows, we’d recommend visiting a few. Each island within this beautiful archipelago is unique, with its own attractions, character, and ambience. Explore the main island of Mahé with its mountainous landscape and bustling capital, Victoria. Take time out on tranquil Praslin Island, where you’ll find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally, step back in time in La Digue, where ox carts are the main form of transport and beaches are peppered with shacks selling coconuts and local rum – a truly authentic Seychelles experience.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

LESS TRAVELLED TRAILS

When it comes to indulgence, you can’t beat rolling between vineyards, tasting small-batch wine and Michelin-worthy food as blue skies turn into spellbinding sunsets. As you drive through the Pacific Northwest Wine Trail, you’ll sip and sample your way around the lush green valleys. Tour vineyards in St. Helena and Oakville, taste Michelin star food in Rutherford and explore the wineries of the Silverado Trail. See geysers at hot springs in Calistoga, spend time in the riverside town of Redding, and graze your way through Rogue Valley’s estates. Then, enjoy Crater Lake’s serene beauty before wandering the markets and museums of Eugene.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

One of the best ways to explore Vietnam is by joining our 11-day fully escorted small group tour. You’ll get to grips with the country’s rich history in Hanoi whilst visiting the mausoleum of the revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. There’ll be a chance to learn new skills along the way! Learn how to cook like a local in Hoi An and try your hand at calligraphy in Hue. You’ll spend some time on the Mekong Delta. Soak in your surroundings as you cruise along the Ham Luong River within the Ben Tre Province, stopping at traditional handicraft vendors along the way. Your trip will conclude in Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, where you’ll visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and stand in the shadows of dazzling skyscrapers.

FIND THESE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON OUR TRIPS

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Escape Edition 90

The Road Less Travelled

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

NEW ZEALAND TRIP? TICK.

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

NAMIBIA TRIP? NO TROUBLE

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

SEYCHELLES ISLAND HOPPING

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

LESS TRAVELLED TRAILS

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

FIND THESE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON OUR TRIPS

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

8 Day Discover Sri Lanka

Palm Island

Aruba

9 days Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?

SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST

Out There Made Easy

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Part of the Dnata family

Good Housekeeping

ATOL Protected

Rated Excellent