In honour of clients of Becketts receiving exclusive discounts from Abercrombie & Kent, we thought we’d compile a Christmas “bonus blog” and reflect on our highlights upon seeing their brochure for the first time!
We should also reinforce that Becketts passes on 100% of the savings made as part of our partnership with Abercrombie & Kent to you, our clients. We want to ensure clients have access to the best – and Abercrombie & Kent meet this high mark!
Some of their itineraries are incredible –the locations, the tours, the luxury – we recommend you make a big pot of tea and settle down before pouring over their brochure. The photos alone will have you checking your passport validity and sun cream supplies.
So spreading out across the continents, here’s a rundown of our top five – all either based on experience or still on the dream list ourselves!
Japan
Japan doesn’t waste any time in letting you know you’re there – vending machines dispensing almost anything under the sun, hopping on a Shinkansen or your first sit on a Japanese toilet. Japan throws a lot at you historically, culturally, technologically and all very efficiently. Becketts also employs the Japanese hospitality philosophy of Omotenasi, where unobtrusive and heartfelt service permeates everyday life in Japan.
Top tip: Give Kyoto the time it deserves! As it’s not the current capital, it’s easy to underestimate the amount of time you might want to spend here. In my opinion it’s more than an equal to Tokyo so please give it the itinerary time!
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/destinations/asia/japan/discover-japan
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/destinations/asia/japan/kyoto
Bhutan & India
Rich in everything! Sights, sounds, smells… India can divide travellers but having lived there, yes it can appear (and is) chaotic. This is where the most obscure can happen all within a day – breakfast with monkeys, an elephant in the traffic or asked to bat for England in front of dozens of children – India excites and amazes!
Bhutan is a nation that measures happiness above GDP. It is certainly a final frontier when it comes to the impact of global tourism. Take small treks up to mountain-clinging temples or around the many dzongs throughout the countryside to get an authentic view into the way of Buddhist life.
Top tip: Go with the flow and accept whatever happen! Like a river, the more you move with the flow of the Indian streets and culture, the easier it gets.
Istanbul
As the archetypal “East meets West” city, due to it straddling the Bosporus strait between Europe and Asia, very few cities in the world can offer as much history to devour as Istanbul. For that reason, navigating a city full of treasures that are perhaps lesser known than other European heavyweight cities (despite being Europe’s largest city!), having a local expert guide on hand could transform a trip to Istanbul from good to unforgettable! You wouldn’t want to miss any gems here…
Top tip: Base yourself in the Sultanahmet district – the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia will be on your doorstep!
Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia
Our first stop on the dream list takes in southern Argentina and Chile. With some incredible treks and scenery to take in, a guide to steer you through this region is invaluable. Abercrombie & Kent also extend trips out to Antarctica from Ushuaia, so if you want to see the seventh continent up close (and perhaps complete your “all continents” list!), this is the way to do it… and that’s why it makes our list too!
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/destinations/south-america/argentina/patagonia-explored
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/destinations/antarctica-and-arctic/antarctica
African safari
The final stop on our dream list and where the foundations of A&K lie –the African safari. The range of countries and parks on offer is incredible and if you have time, exploring more of South Africa, using Cape Town as a base or combining with some relaxing time afterwards in Mauritius on the way home (loosely!), that’d be some holiday!
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/holiday-ideas/safari-holidays
A final reminder that all of Abercrombie & Kent’s itineraries listed can be tailored to meet your needs – if you want to add or drop destinations on your tour, the A&K team will create your holiday just for you! Happy browsing and bon voyage!
