The Travel Company Edinburgh

Cruising - There's nothing quite like it!

9/13/2019

There’s a whole host of incredible destinations around the world, so why go on holiday to just one? On a cruise, you’ve got the choice of exploring a number of cultural cities, picturesque villages and bustling towns in one trip, which sounds great to us! There’s plenty of other pros to cruising too. Take a look below and we’re sure you’ll be swayed.

CRUISING OFFERS GREAT VALUE
Almost everything’s included when you take a cruise: food, accommodation, daytime and evening entertainment, transportation between destinations…and often much more, making it far better value than other holiday styles. On some cruise lines, kids even sale for free or at discounted rates when sharing with two adults. And even better, sometimes drinks packages, shore excursions and even flights are thrown in too!

ONLY UNPACK ONCE
There’s no need to mess around with train schedules, ferries or lugging your suitcase around city streets when on a cruise. And every morning, you’ll wake up in a new destination, waiting to be explored. So, if you can’t decide where to go, why choose?

CRUISE SHIPS ARE FAMILY FRIENDLY
Cruises are fun are all ages – from kids’ clubs for the tots up to the teens, play areas and cool hangouts to the ultimate family restaurants everyone will be looked after. There’s even the opportunity for some romantic adult alone time on many cruise ships – as often, kids’ clubs run late into the night!

THEY COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
Whilst everyone thinks of cruise ships as huge vessels – it’s not always the case. Ships vary in size, from minimalist sailing ships to those carrying thousands of passengers and all that’s in-between. So, whether you prefer to get to know every onboard or would like something on a bigger scale – it’s all available – and we can help you choose!

A RANGE OF ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Everything you can think of is available on a cruise. Whether it’s pampering yourself in the spa, hitting the basketball court, going to an educational lecture or dining at a fancy restaurant – you name it, it’ll be onboard. It’s often all about the evening entertainment too; from song and dance shows, comedy performances or a live music performance, you bet it’ll be onboard.

FIND OUT MORE
If you’re a cruise fanatic or you’re yet to take the plunge, give us a call today or email us – and we’ll tell you everything we know. We’re certain there will be a cruise to suit you.

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TOURING: WHY IT'S BECOME SO POPULAR

8/29/2019

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See more in one holiday
Over the years, getting a deeper understanding for the destination we visit has become more and more important; meeting the locals, seeing the historic sights and picturesque scenery are all things that are becoming more important on the priority list. Whilst we all love some relaxation time, holidays are now often about far more than that – immersing into the destination and culture around us. We love exploring on holiday and want you to as much as we do! So, take a look below at some of the top reasons for taking a tour for your next holiday, as well as two of our top touring destinations.
Rather than visit one place on holiday, on a tour you can see three, four, five (or more) different cities, towns and rural villages. And what’s more, you’ll have an expert with you to tell you everything you need to know – so not only will you get taken to the best spots, you’ll also get the insider knowledge and any tips about where the locals go. You won’t miss a thing!

It’s easy!
Another big plus about joining a tour is…all you need to do it turn up! It takes away all of the hard work for you. That means there’s no planning to worry about; from booking your internal transport, hotels, restaurants and entrance fees to the must-see attractions – it’ll either be included in the price or can easily be added on so all you need to worry about is enjoying your holiday.

Meet new people
As well as immersing into the local cultures of the destination, joining a group tour means you’ll also get to know the like-minded people you’ll be travelling with. From our experience, life-long friendships are often made – and sometimes, people even re-book together for future holidays. But don’t worry, there’s often free time scheduled in too, should you be craving a little bit of alone time!

Our favourite touring destinations
There are so many not-to-be-missed destinations out there, but there are two that stand out for us: North America and China. Both so vast, with plenty of not-to-be-missed sights – we believe there’s that there’s no other option than a tour to experience both these destinations!

North America
It’s difficult to know where to start, right? Well, we recommend killing two birds with one stone on a USA and Canada tour. There’s plenty of incredible cities in the USA, however Boston’s one of our favourites. One of the oldest cities in the USA, there’s an array of museums that’ll keep you busy for hours upon end. The food here is worth the trip too! You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to top-notch restaurants as well as ice-cream shops…so be sure to try as many as you can.
A stop in Canada’s French region is also well worth it; with an enticing blend of winding cobbled streets, ancient churches and Norman-style houses, you’ll be surprised by the amount of history there is here. And not to forget Canada’s most iconic natural wonder, Niagara Falls. You can even choose to take a helicopter ride over them – an experience that’s hard to beat!

New England and Canada in the Fall
Starting in Boston and making your way through Vermont, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Niagara Falls and much more, Travelsphere offers a tour that encompasses the very best of this part of the world at a time of the year where the leaves are golden, for picturesque views wherever you go. What’s more, you’ll be accompanied by an expert Tour Manager throughout, who will share their knowledge and add to your experience.

China
A country bursting with history and a unique culture, there’s so much to see in China. From walking the mighty Great Wall, standing in front of the ancient Terracotta Warriors, meeting the adorable Giant Pandas and exploring vibrant Shanghai for starters, to admiring picturesque scenery in Guilin and cruising along the mighty Yangtze River, there’s so much to see! Even a two-week tour just touches the surface.
Each and every city and town will offer a brand-new take on what China has to offer – with differing traditions, cuisines and cultures wherever you go, you’ll feel like you’re visiting a different country at every stop!

Find out more
To find out more about the North America, China or any other touring holiday contact us today by emailing us or giving us a call – and we’ll share our expertise and advice to find you the perfect touring adventure.

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SAILING ON THE MAJESTIC MEKONG RIVER

7/22/2019

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Winding its way through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the majestic Mekong River covers an incredible 2,703 miles! But don’t worry, we don’t expect you to cover it all. We’re focussing on the section that goes through Vietnam and Cambodia, where the beautiful landscapes and its rich, local culture will astonish you.

Life by the water’s edge
What’s great about river cruising is you can access areas that are often not reachable by land, and as a result, experience Vietnamese and Cambodian life just as it should be – genuine and authentic.
Day excursions are often available and included within your cruise, which are worth taking advantage of. Often, you’ll be greeted by smiling children, eager to meet their visitors, and who will share their stories with you. As you sail, keep your eyes peeled for local villages, many of which are floating on the water – the children will be calling and waving to you, so be ready to wave back!
Time to relax
The pace of life slows right down on the Mekong River, where taking in the scenery and sounds is the top priority. You’ll pass lush trees that tower over you and hear exotic birdsong daily…the perfect ingredients to help you relax and unwind. Whilst shore excursions are a must, there are plenty of opportunities to sit back and simply soak up your surrounds on a Mekong River cruise with the sun’s warmth on your face. You’re on holiday after all.

EXPLORE MORE OF VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
There’s so much to see in Vietnam and Cambodia, so in our eyes, combining a river cruise with an escorted tour is the perfect holiday choice. And as a dream destination for many travellers, keep reading to find out more about our favourite places to visit in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Halong Bay, Vietnam
A designated World Heritage Site, Halong Bay’s towering limestone pillars and tiny islets are scattered through the water, so it’s no wonder it’s Vietnam’s most popular tourist spot, but with small boats, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the views, wave eroded grottos and clear turquoise waters. There’s nothing quite like waking up to sunrise on Halong Bay, so we recommend opting for an overnight stay onboard.

Hoi An, Vietnam
Life slows down in atmospheric, graceful and delightful Hoi An. Full of architectural influences, a warm atmosphere and Chinese temples – as well as an array of incredible eateries and markets, this is the place to leisurely wander and explore. Tailors are at every turn too – so if you’re looking for a bespoke item, save yourself for your visit here.

Saigon, Vietnam
In contrast, Saigon (otherwise known as Ho Chi Minh City) is a wonderful whirlwind of chaos. The energy, culture and commerce are leaning towards the modern world, where sipping coffee and eating out is a huge way of life. From the classiest restaurants to tasty street stalls and everything in-between, as well as the finest hotels to low-budget guest houses, Saigon caters for everyone, so get out there and explore it!

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Be prepared for an assault on all the senses on a visit to Cambodia’s capital. Glimmering palaces, super-fast motorbikes, traditional monks and markets selling pungent delicacies are all what make it what it is today. Representing a big part of Cambodia’s history, and once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh is rising back from the ashes and making a name for itself as the hip capital of Southeast Asia, now home to buzzing bars, a vibrant café culture and a top-notch food scene.

Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, Cambodia
Small in size, but large in character and visitor numbers, Cambodia’s Siem Reap is fast becoming the ultimate destination for adventure, culture and cuisine! There are plenty of stylish restaurants, hotels and buzzing bar culture to get stuck into. For culture vultures, check out the galleries, boutiques and craft shops – as well as learning about traditional Khmer arts. And of course, it’s just a short hop away from the Temples of Angkor.
Whilst there’s a whole complex of temples and history to indulge in Angkor Wat takes centre stage – and has even become the symbol of Cambodia, so don’t miss it! The symmetrical beauty, intricate detail and uniqueness will take your breath away. We’d even go as far to say its one of the world’s greatest structures, but don’t take our word for, go and see it for yourself!

MEKONG EXPLORER TOUR
The brand-new Mekong Explorer tour, by touring experts Wendy Wu Tours, covers the very best of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong River – and what’s more, you’ll cruise on a brand-new river cruise boat, not available with anyone else. With cultural experiences, unique sights and an exceptional service throughout, this 22-day tour will be one that lasts in your memory. Since their very first tour departed over 20 years ago, Wendy Wu Tours has been perfecting the art of touring, bringing together extraordinary experiences, incredible destinations and exceptional value. Today, they’re an award-winning tour specialist with some of the best guides in the industry, whose unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise will astound you. What’s more, your flights, entrance fees, accommodation, food and internal transfers are included in the price, meaning you can concentrate on what’s important – enjoying your holiday.

To plan your next Asian Adventure contact us on 0131 4677000 .

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Solo? Don't despair!

4/16/2018

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Fed up trying to find a solo holiday without surcharges for single rooms? Ever want to go on holiday to meet, or make, new friends?

Everyone who has ever travelled solo know the pain of bitterly paying out extra due to the “hefty single supplement”. It feels as though you are being discriminated against because of your lack of a willing accomplice.

Yet, you know that, in all honestly, people sharing is cheaper and more profitable for hotels. But just because you’re travelling alone doesn’t mean that it can’t be a once in a lifetime experience.

The Travel Company Edinburgh have over ten years of experience in providing trips for the single traveller, offering a comprehensive range of travel choices over the seven continents. Whether you want you want a bustling city break, a quiet and relaxing country break, a luxurious cruise or something a bit different, we have you at the forefront of our minds.

We’ve got hundreds of spaces available for the solo traveller with a multitude of themes and activities. Walking tours! Cooking in Tuscany! The far-east adventure! America for solos!

Instead of booking everything individually yourself, booking a solo trip through us means that everything is covered: hotels, breakfast, flights, transfers, but most of all, like minded company. We offer group trips, where you will be surrounded by fellow solo travellers, so making new friends will be easy.

But just because you’re grouped together, doesn’t mean you can’t also utilise your spare time for much needed “you-time”. So, it’s the best of both worlds! Make new friends, learn news skills, have fun and relax, all without that pesky single supplement!

Why wait? Book your “Just You” holiday today!

Written by Tom Morton

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Far East Adventures

2/4/2016

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The Land of Smiles has so much to offer, lush jungles, famed beaches, a rich cultural history and incredible food.

Thailand suits all budgets with basic guest houses starting at just £10 per night ranging to the most luxurious of retreats.

Getting out and about is easy with the unique experience of a Tuk Tuk. You’ll find these on nearly every street corner. Why not sample some street food for just a few pennies.

Top things to do in Thailand
With so many things to take your pick from, it’s hard to narrow down what exactly to do, so I’ve taken some top ideas from recent visitors to Thailand which I hope gives you a brief overview of this special country.

Enjoy a short stay in Bangkok
Yes you’ve guessed it - Bangkok is famous for its temples. The Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew have been home to Thai Kings and the Royal Court for over 150 years, walk through the sacred grounds and note the intricate architectural detail. No visit is to Bangkok is complete without the must-see stunning Wat Arun with its towering spires, probably the most photographed silhouette in Southeast Asia.
Don’t miss an early morning visit to the bustling floating markets, small wooden canoes heaped full with fresh vegetable, flowers and fruits.

Relax on a tropical Island
With many to choose from, take your pick of the many tropical islands Thailand has to offer. Perhaps one of the lesser known islands, such as Ko Chang. Located near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand. It is a mountainous island boasting several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs, rainforests and long white sandy beaches.
Kho Tao is also fast becoming a favourite destination for visitors looking for more than just beaches. The island offers scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking. In fact, some 7000 new divers get certified on Koh Tao each year.

Exploring Chang Mai
Whether you are backpacking or a luxury connoisseur you should include Chang Mai on your itinerary. Famed for its verdant jungle and many temples the area offers visitors the opportunity to do so much – perhaps jungle trekking, a visit to the elephant nature park. A cruise along the Mekong River or even the chance to visit the long neck tribes and hill tribes and of course yet more markets.

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Shopping, Adventure and Sight Seeing in Dubai

1/14/2016

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Luxury is one of the first words that pops into people’s heads when they think of Dubai. With its iconic sky scrapers and its magnificent range of hotels to choose from, it’s no wonder that it is classed as a top tourist destination and is becoming more and more popular each year.

Don’t let the term luxury put you off, there are plenty of fantastic hotels to choose from, even though it would be everyone’s dream to stay at the Burj Al Arab. Being Dubai’s only 7* hotel, you can imagine how popular this place is so if you don’t fancy forking out $2,000 a night on a room, then make sure you go and get a glimpse of the inside before you leave.

Here are some of our top tips for visiting Dubai:

Shop Till You Drop…
We’ve had customers say Dubai Mall is the ultimate shopping destination if you need some retail therapy. It’s the world’s largest shopping mall with an entertainment complex with over 1,200 shops to explore – the variety of shops on offer is 100 times more than those found in Oxford Street in London.

The Gold Souk is where to head if bling is your thing. Its narrow lanes are packed with retailers all selling gold, making it a great place to try out your bartering skills to bag that timeless, glittering souvenir of the city.

If that isn’t your taste then Global Village might suit you better; its carnival-like atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world so if you go there to people watch then I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

For The Adventurous Types…
You’ll find some form of activity around every corner in Dubai. Being located in the desert makes it a popular place for desert safaris. You can choose between morning, afternoon or evening and whilst out you can enjoy Arabic coffee, sand skiing, sunset photography and dune bashing. Many visitors will spend the day on the dunes spotting oryx and gazelles and then sleeping out under the stars in a Bedouin camp for a truly memorable experience.

If you want an activity to help cool you down then you could always take a trip to the waterpark. It’s located at Atlantis, the Palm and it is the number one waterpark in the Middle East. You and the family can get the adrenaline pumping with record breaking rides and slides, get up close and personal with sharks or relax on the 700m of private beach. You also won’t be at a loss when choosing where to eat – there is a huge choice of cuisines!

Sight-Seeing Souls…
You would have definitely heard of the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world! Not only is it the tallest, it breaks a number of world records and is a top landmark to visit. The elevator in the Burj Khalifa travels the longest distance in the world and the weight of its concrete is equivalent to 100,000 elephants.

Another main highlight here is the Dubai Fountains, set on the 24-acre Burj Lake the water in the fountains jets as high as 450ft, which is the equivalent to a 45- storey building. It has over 25 colour projectors that create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. It really is a sight that has to be seen.

If these highlights have whet your appetite for Dubai then why don’t you get in touch with us and we can see what offers we have available for your travel dates. If there’s something missing that you would usually look for in a holiday and we haven’t mentioned it above, then don’t worry we’ll find it for you!

Enjoy planning your 2016 Holiday Hotspot and don’t forget to let us know if you want us to help you plan it!

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Cruising - There's nothing quite like it!

TOURING: WHY IT'S BECOME SO POPULAR

SAILING ON THE MAJESTIC MEKONG RIVER

Solo? Don't despair!

Far East Adventures ﻿

Shopping, Adventure and Sight Seeing in Dubai

Far East Adventures