As mass market tourism fatigue sets in, buzz phrases such as ”slow tourism”, “responsible tourism” and ”ethical travel” have recently begun to pick up greater momentum. Conscious travellers are nudging the tourism industry for better value in the form of ethical practice. And what better place to turn than the local communities…
Traveling as it should be…
With this call for better practice mostly ignored by larger tour operators, TravelLocal, founded by Tom Stapleton and Huw Owen, steps in to empower the responsible traveller. By connecting them with local experts in over 40 destinations around the world the company has succeed in achieving the admirable balance of offering a great travel experiences that benefit local communities.
With bespoke itineraries responsibly considered and planned with vetted, knowledgable local experts, TravelLocal has succeeded in creating authentic experiences to suit every budget. Book your next tailor made experience via TravelLocal with confidence under the financial protection of ABTA.
Here are our favourite picks:
Budget
Experience rural Morocco and enjoy a twin centre holiday.
Soak in picture perfect Morocco, it’s culture and traditions through two-centre rural experience in Marrakech and Essaouira.
The first stop in Marrakech will be a visit to Les jardins Majorelle and a traditional hammam (bath house). A half-day guided tour will take you through the sensory explosion that is medina Djemaa el Fna square. Stroll through the medina and find tempting local produce ranging from spices and carpets to gold and silver jewellery.
The next stop in the coastal town of Essaouira you will have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and join in with the centuries old Moroccan tradition of making Argan oil. You will meet an Argan oil cooperative, meet the workers and see the harvest of hand picked Argan nuts.
https://www.travellocal.com/countries/morocco
This wonderful experience costs from as little as £620 pp. Price includes 7 nights’ B&B and transfers between Marrakech and Essaouira.
Enjoy the best of Bejing and become a master at traditional Chinese cookery.
This historic 5 day journey, in China’s ancient city of Beijing, will take you through Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the colossal Great Wall.
As you travel through Beijing, you will experience Chinese food culture, cooking techniques and regional cuisine by attending 3 local professional cookery classes. You will learn to prepare up to 9 traditional dishes and take home authentic recipes to practice your skills.
The central location of your hotel will be the perfect base for exploring this heritage city. This trip promises to be every foodie’s delight!
https://www.travellocal.com/itinerary/easy-tour-china-cooking-tour-in-beijing
This culinary tour starts from £640 pp, including 5 nights’ B&B. Flights not included.
Mid Range
Take the road less travelled in Ghana and dip your toes in the Atlantic ocean.
Rice fields, banana plantations and waterfalls will be the order of the day in this “once in a life time” journey as trusted guides navigate you through the villages and riverbanks of Ghana.
Bread making, cloth weaving and meeting village elders will turn you in to the greatest story teller on your return. Sleep in a local style lodge and mingle with the people of Atsiekpoe and share in their daily routines.
This will only be surpassed as you hike up to Mount Gemi and enjoy the breath taking views from the summit. Visit the monkey sanctuary as well as the UNESCO world heritage site of Cape Castle. Then relax and soak your feet in the Atlantic ocean or walk along the quiet soft sandy beach of KO-SA resort as you end your wonderful eco journey.
https://www.travellocal.com/itinerary/jolinaiko-eco-tours-nature-art-and-village-life
This eco experience costs from £1,140 pp, including 11 nights’ B&B. Flights not included.
Break bread with a calligraphy master in Uzbekistan and visit the fortress of Alexander the Great.
This wonderfully unique experience is tailored for the eclectic traveller in you. You can watch a pre-booked performance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and visit monuments of medieval Islam.
Accept an invitation to lunch at the home of a local tapestry maker and visit his work shop. Eat dinner at the home of Uzbekistan’s master of calligraphy. If you feel up to it, you may even join in and create your own calligraphy patterns. Continue your creative journey and visit the workshop of the famous potter usto Alisher Narzullaev. Participate in his master class of pottery making.
See the remains of the fortress founded by Alexander The Great at Nurata. Marvel at the strange but beautiful lake Aydarkul. Encounter the glorious Chimgan Mountains and end your journey with a light trek.
https://www.travellocal.com/itinerary/icts-adventure-and-crafts-in-uzbekistan
This rare experience costs from £1,440 pp. Includes 10 nights’ B&B and internal flights. International flights not included.
Walk the path of ancient kings of Sri Lanka and take a memorable train journey.
Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most important heritage cities and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Kandyan family. Walk the paths of ancient kings and practice painting the city’s most iconic sites with guidance from your hosts.
Take one of the most popular and scenic train journeys from Kandy to Ella. See for yourself the Nine Arches Bridge before visiting Yala National Park. The park is home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, peacocks and crocodiles. A deliciously prepared BBQ dinner as you exchange stories will round up your safari.
End this cultural tour with a visit to the Dutch Fort in the coastal town of Galle. Walk around the Fort and visit the old Dutch Reformed Church or the local library all situated within the Fort.
https://www.travellocal.com/itinerary/sri-lankan-expeditions-sri-lanka-in-a-painting-eye
This cultural trip costs from £1,490 pp. Includes nine nights’ B&B, lunch and dinner where specified. International flights not included.
Luxury
Join desert nomads in Mongolia and hunt with golden eagles.
Attend the inimitable Golden Eagle Festival (16 – 17 September and 7 – 8 October 2017) and experience the pageantry of it’s opening ceremony. Watch as participants parade on horse back with their eagles, best hunting outfits and accessories. Judge for yourself the agility of these majestic birds as their nomadic keepers compete to earn the highest honour. Join in with the celebratory dinner in the evening.
Visit a Kazakh hunter and his family and learn the techniques of hunting with golden eagles. Enjoy the warmth of a traditional meal prepared only for the most important guests as you end your desert adventure!
https://www.travellocal.com/itinerary/tour-mongolia-golden-eagle-festival
This nomadic experience costs rom £1,710 pp. Includes six nights’ B&B. International flights not included.
A photo journey of Laos and it’s people.
This ultimate tailor made itinerary offers an opportunity to learn “on location” travel photography. You will journey through picturesque and remote Laos. Take wildlife photographs and capture sunsets under the expert tuition of a local professional photographer.
Your adventure starts with blessings in a traditional Baci ceremony. You will then photogrpaph the Kuang Si waterfalls and end the day watching the sunset over Mekong river. In between, you will take a tuk tuk to a Buddhist alms giving, embark on a slow boat and arrive at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Furthermore, you will visit the ”watermelon stupa” on bike and (time permitting) take a refreshing swim in the Blue Lagoon. Most of all, there will be an orchid trek and cruise through 4000 islands (yes, 4,000!)
The end of this journey will not only leave you with captivating images but will also etch the beauty of Laos in your memory forever.
https://www.travellocal.com/itinerary/laos-mood-photography-tour-in-laos
This photography tour starts from £4,380 pp. Includes 12 nights’ B&B, services of a professional photographer for the duration of the trip.
For more information, call TravelLocal on +44 (0)117 325 7898 or visit www.travellocal.com.
* All trips based on two adults sharing. Includes transfers, excursions and services of local guides. International flights not included.
