WORLD CLASS ADVENTURES NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2023

Happy New Year - I hope you got some rest over the Christmas period, and are surviving a very grey January!
January is traditionally a very busy month for holiday sales, and 2023 is proving no exception with demand far outstripping pre-covid 2019 levels, which is fantastic for everyone!  So glad to see confidence in travel returning despite the financial worries we are all experiencing.  High demand does mean lower availability though, so if you are considering a holiday this year, book early to avoid disappointment - last-minute deals are largely a thing of the past.

This month I'm sharing a quick round-up of some of the fabulous discounts I can offer, and a spotlight on Vietnam as a destination:

• Save £500 with Havila Voyages' early booking savings.  The sale applies to nine-, 10-, and 11-day voyages booked by March 31, 2023
• Up to £300 off EasyJet holidays for bookings confirmed prior to 31st January 2023
• 20% off meal and seat upgrades with Jet2 (agent exclusive not available directly with Jet2)
• SunExpress FLights Offer: FREE 20kg hold bag per person
• £150 off Olympic holidays to Greece
• Free flights when you book an Avalon or Cosmos Italian tour 
• Up to 25% discount at 5* Elounda Bay Palace, Maldives - plus FREE Room Upgrade from Reef Villa to Sunset Reef Villa,  and 2 FREE Excursions per person per stay
• 50% off 2023 European cruises, plus free cabin upgrades on APT River crises
• Explore Travel
  • 🐋 Save a massive 20% off several expeditions in our Big Blue Sale 
  • 🐻‍ Enjoy zero single supplement on selected Arctic voyages 
  • 🐧 Get up to 40% off selected Antarctica voyages departing before 31 March 2023
  • 🚣‍♂️ Receive £500 air credit or free sea kayaking on selected Arctic voyages 
  • 🇦🇶 Experience complimentary cabin upgrades on selected Antarctica voyages
• G adventures - up to 25% off small group tours
• Plus many many more!  get in touch for more info

My Top 10 Places to visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very diverse and beautiful country, from picturesque rice fields and relaxing beaches to bustling cities.  The sights, sounds and smells are something to behold, and the people are just so welcoming and hospitable.  I loved my last trip there, where I travelled from South to North exploring the diverse landscapes and waterways, and the startling contrast between city and countryside - some of my favourite places are listed below - why not visit for yourself?  I can arrange guided tours - group, private or solo, as well as independent travel itineraries  - tailor-made to make sure you get to visit everything you want to see, and nothing you don't!

• Halong Bay

Emerald waters dotted with forested islands.  North of Hanoi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is both majestic and mysterious, with thousands of small islands rising from turquoise waters, dotted with beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves. Halong Bay is a unique and beautiful location, where the stunning islands are named after their shapes, like Stone Dog and Teapot! Cruise companies offer day trips as well as two and three-day cruises through this incredible area of Vietnam.

• Hanoi

Hanoi is a vibrant capital city that is full of history and life!  Those looking for history, a colonial legacy and a modern outlook can find it all in Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, Hanoi. Stroll along some of the many boulevards stopping off in the social coffee houses and sampling the delicious street food on offer. Bicycle rickshaws are a popular and exciting way to explore the Old French Quarter, with many locals weaving between the rickshaws on their nippy motorbikes. There are numerous iconic sites to visit in Hanoi, including the complex that houses the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s humble home. Elsewhere, you will find many interesting museums including the Vietnam Military History Museum, Ethnology Museum, Women’s Museum and the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison. A great way to gain a good insight into Vietnamese arts is by attending a traditional water puppet show. There are plenty of excellent foodie options available in Hanoi, from high-end restaurants to local street-side eateries and everything in between.
 

• Ho Chi Minh City

A bustling city with a fascinating history
This vibrant city where recent development blends past and present, still maintains its colonial charm. Discover cultural sights, designer boutiques, vibrant markets, world-class cuisine, and delicious street food. Popular day excursions include the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and the picturesque Mekong Delta. The Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum offer insights into Vietnam’s turbulent history.

• Ba Be National Park

National park, biosphere reserve, Ramsar site - flooded forest on limestone mountains, ASEAN heritage park, Ba Be lake is one of the 20 largest natural freshwater lakes in the world that need to be protected. It is also home to flora, fauna, ethnic minorities…and more!  An area of rich biodiversity and unique landscapes.  Immerse yourself in this region's diverse wildlife and distinctive landforms. Ba Be was given the national park designation in 1992. 
 

• Nha Trang

Deemed as the seafood capital of Vietnam. Enjoy a sun-kissed day on this wonderful coastal town.  Sandy beaches, scuba-diving and snorkelling
A sweeping crescent beach with long stretches of pristine sand lie adjacent to this bustling resort town. Nha Trang is one of the best spots in Vietnam for scuba diving and snorkelling due to the wonderful variety of sea life and the colourful coral reef. It is also an area renowned for its hot springs and mud baths. If you head inland for a day you will discover the Po Nagar Cham Towers which provide a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s history.

• Ha Giang

Remote towns with beautiful landscapes.  Experience some of Vietnam's most untamed and majestic scenery while taking a tour across the outlying settlements. Ha Giang lies in the remote far northern region of the country. To visit this province is to journey back in time and encounter some of Vietnam’s most rugged and grand landscapes. Ha Giang is best experienced as a road trip on two wheels, soaking up the majesty of the landscape and the atmosphere of the remote towns and minority villages.

•  Hue

An historic and exotic city, Hue in central Vietnam was the national capital from 1802-1945 and is still known as the 'Imperial City' today. Located on the banks of picturesque Song Huong (Perfume River), Hue is brimming history and exotic cultures. Popular attractions include Tomb of Minh Mang, The Citadel and the royal tombs. After visiting the sites spend time relaxing on the white sand of nearby Lang Co Beach or Thuan An. With its long history, Hue is recognised for its distinctive dishes, spices, and local beer. You can travel to Hue via plane or for the more adventurous, an overnight train from Hanoi a journey of about 700 kilometers.

• Hoi An

A charming port town with picturesque streets and waterways
As one of Southeast Asia’s former major ports, this charming town retains a sense of history in its pretty streets and narrow canals. Enjoy a walking tour of the town centre where you will visit the beautiful 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, former merchants’ houses and vibrant markets. Spend time relaxing on the stretches of white sand beaches that are close by. In the evenings many restaurants, lounge bars, and boutique shops can be visited with the stunning backdrop of the Bon River illuminated by traditional lanterns.

• The Mekong Delta

A UNESCO-listed scenic landscape, known as Vietnam’s rice bowl, it produces more than a third of the country’s annual food crop, and as a result, is a watery landscape of green fields and sleepy villages. Lined with lush rice paddy fields and fish farms, the Delta’s main attractions are the colourful river life and floating markets. Day tours from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho are a popular way to see this fascinating part of Vietnam. From My Tho, you will take a boat trip to Can Tho, the delta’s biggest settlement. Situated on the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a popular place for boat trips and famous for its nearby floating markets. To get the best out of these, an overnight stay in Can Tho is recommended.

• Phu Quoc

An idyllic paradise off the Mekong Delta's west coast, this stunning island is made up of national forest land and beautiful beaches. The majority of beach resorts are located on the palm-lined southwest coast. It is the perfect place for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, walking, wildlife tours and total relaxation. To get to this beautiful island you board a 55-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh.

If you’ve been inspired by my offers or the destination information, Please do contact me to me today. I understand that everyone is different, so tell me what you need and I’ll go above and beyond to tailor-make the perfect family holiday for you!

Look forward to speaking to you soon

Bridget