Get Some Inspiration For Your Next Trip From Travel Experts
As we welcome schools back to another new school year, we look back over the summer holidays where our very own tour experts explored some amazing destinations across world on their personal summer breaks. From popular school ski trip destinations in the Italian Dolomites, to a dream long haul journey to the Bahamas, we really covered all bases.
If working in the school travel industry, you can almost guarantee a passion for exploration in seeing new places, or revisiting old memorabilia for a sense of nostalgia from family holidays. This passion for travel means that we are always learning more about new and old destinations first hand, making us true travel experts on not only the places that we currently offer but also potential new locations for any ski, sport or cultural tour of the future.
We asked our team of experts about their stays, and where they might find themselves on their next adventure.
Mike - Douro Valley, Portugal
A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its exquisite wine and stunning terraced vineyards, the Douro Valley had been on Mike’s must-see list for quite some time.
“An amazing visit, beautiful landscapes, great people, affordable and so much to do!”
My next trip is to Morocco and the Sahara Desert, exploring North Africa ahead of our schools arriving later this year.
Asha - Caribbean Cruise to The Bahamas
This was my first time on a cruise, and I loved all of it! The food was incredible, lots of entertainment for all ages and of course the port days spending time on picturesque beaches and exploring little Caribbean villages.
Next up is a trip to explore Florida’s west coast, finishing off with a week on Anna Maria Island.
Ally - Brussels, Belgium
This summer I made my way on the Eurostar to Brussels to compete in a top quality athletics meeting. Racing late on a Saturday night meant I could explore the city on some of my easy runs in the days before the race. I feel lucky that my athletics takes me further afield to some cool destinations that I can look forward to exploring again.
My next trip will hopefully be to Calp, Spain to get some December sun and escape the miserable weather in the UK!
Oli - Val Gardena, Italian Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mecca for skiing in the winter, but things get even better in the summer! There are incredible panoramas everywhere you look, filled with alpine wildflower meadows and mountain lakes tucked amongst jagged peaks.
We did a bit of everything, with hikes across Alpe di Siusi and the Seceda ridgeline, we rode the grueling Sellaronda Bike Day event, with over 2,000m of vertical ascent in just 40 miles on the bike, and of course made the most of our hotel's spa facilities afterwards!
The food & hospitality is second to none, lots of cosy huts for afternoon snacks, some excellent restaurants in the town, and everyone you meet is happy & relaxed, a real escape!
Up next for me is skiing in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. After all this heat, I'm quite ready for some snow!
Madonna di Campiglio is one of my favourite ski resorts anywhere in the world. There's much more on offer than just the skiing, which itself is excellent. There's an abundance of relaxed cafes for chilled après ski, a picturesque high street for a little souvenir shopping, and enough restaurants to fill a dozen ski trips with delicious Italian delicacies.
Steph - Copenhagen & Malmö
With the multiple heatwaves in the UK this summer, I really enjoyed my ‘coolcation’ in the Danish capital – it was the perfect temperature for walking around and exploring all the sights. Being a huge fan of the Danish series Borgen and The Bridge, it was great to see the Christiansborg Palace and travel over the impressive Öresund Bridge to Malmö. We tried lots of different delicious pastries and smørrebrød, and spent a really enjoyable few hours at Tivoli Gardens – what better way to see the city centre than from the top of a rollercoaster or ferris wheel!
Next up, I’m hoping to squeeze in a little trip to the south of France later in the autumn.
Nicki - Protaras, Cyprus
I visited Protaras in Cyprus in August this year. The resort itself is very family-oriented, with plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area. We hired a car, which allowed us to explore much more of the island, including trips to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, which is divided between the North and South.
We also visited Famagusta, including the deserted city of Varosha, alongside other small villages and towns off the beaten track. We saw numerous stunning Blue Flag beaches and coves and a boat trip which offered the opportunity to snorkel alongside turtles.
I’m hoping to travel to a few different destinations next year, including Belfast and Berlin, as well as Skiathos for my summer holiday.
Camari - Turks & Caicos
This summer, I visited Turks & Caicos, and one of the highlights of my trip was taking a boat tour to explore different parts of the islands.
For my next adventure, I’d love to visit Brazil - either to experience the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Copacabana Beach or to see the parades in the Rio Carnival.
Hannah - Ibiza, Spain
This summer, we headed to Ibiza with my three teenage children, staying in the lovely resort of Santa Eulalia. We always hire a car when we visit, as we love exploring the island, discovering new coves and beachside chiringuitos.
It was the perfect mix of quality family time and catching up with friends and family who were also staying in the resort. A highlight is always watching the sun set at Cala Comte on the west coast of the island, where live music and a DJ play as the sun sets, and everyone gets up to dance.
Ibiza is a fantastic destination for families with teenagers, offering beautiful beaches, great food and plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main resorts.
Hopefully, my next trip will be back to Sardinia. We visited in May this year and fell in love with the island. Whether it's discovering more of the north or taking the ferry across to neighbouring Corsica, there's so much more I'd love to see.
It’s the beginning of a new school year and now that we are all back from our own adventures, we are ready to help you plan and build your schools next dream tour.
Send a quick and easy enquiry here, or give us a call today!