Articles in the '2009 Spring' Category

Travel Icon: The Nile

Andrew Hunt, Audley’s North Africa & Arabia Programme Manager, describes why he thinks the Nile is the most famous river in the world.

Responsible Travel News: Trekking for Charity

In October 2008, 21 people struggled over mountains and dried river basins on a five day trek to the historic site of Petra in Jordan. £7890 was raised by the trek through sponsorship which is being divided between two charities: Friends of Conservation’s project in Costa Rica and the Al-Hussein Society in Jordan.

Real Rajasthan

Rajasthan is India’s most visited state and for good reasons: not only is it home to some of the most iconic monuments but the state is full of colour and life. Whether you want to explore the bustling streets of its famous cities or escape the crowds for a more relaxed pace of life in the countryside, Rajasthan has it all.

A Tale of Three Cities

Three of Asia’s most exciting cities, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo lie within striking distance of one another, conveniently connected by quick and efficient flights. A visit to all three on one trip may seem like city overload but each has its own distinctive personality and attractions. Only a short drive or train ride from each brings you into stunning countryside, mountain or coastal scenery and a breath of fresh air. Laura Morris explores the three metropolises.

Iran: In the Footsteps of Shah Abbas

Shah Abbas was one of the formative rulers of Iran, consolidating the position of the country as one of the great powers of the day. Iranians regard his rule as a golden era in the arts and in architecture. With a new exhibition at the British Museum detailing the legacy of the Shah, Henrietta Chapman explores some of the sites associated with one of the greatest rulers of his time, as well as the other travel possibilities available in this endlessly fascinating country.

Following Frederick

Sir Frederick Selous is an important figure in the history of Tanzania. Bronwen Pearson, one of Audley’s Tanzania specialists, follows in his footsteps and explores the area that was eventually named in his honour - the Selous Game Reserve.

Cruise Alaska

The dramatic Alaskan coastline is rich with wildlife and natural beauty; Audley’s Elizabeth Beeson explores the coast and describes the various types of cruise ships available on this wonderful journey.

Melbourne in Spring Time

Australia is widely portrayed as a land of amazing diversity and, thanks to the recent screening of the ‘Australia’ blockbuster movie, the country’s rugged landscapes and vast outback scenery have been the recipients of a bag of well-deserved plaudits. Whilst cinemas and tourism campaigns have been filled with a glossy and romantic portrayal of the Aussie outback dream, Australia’s ‘second city’ sits patiently in the state of Victoria, ready to be discovered. Here there is a stark contrast to the roughly hewn cattle-drover and dusty outback image portrayed on screen.

Snow in New Zealand

Dan Snow, TV presenter and respected historian, travelled to New Zealand with Audley. His trip was created to combine breathtaking scenery, exhilarating experiences, and of course an insight into the surprisingly rich history of this relatively young country. Dan’s account of his trip brings to life many of the reasons to visit this amazing country, whilst demonstrating that you don’t have to be an ancient country to have a culturally rich past.

What a Performance

Audley’s specialists pick out some of their favourite music, dance and drama performances from around the world.

Meet the Guide

As Cuba celebrates 50 years since the Revolution, Martha Perez, one of Audley’s guides in Cuba, discusses becoming a guide, Cuban life and her views on the future of her country.

Polar Opposites

Polar Bears are one of the world’s iconic wildlife sights and a must see for any visitor to Canada and the Arctic. James Butler, Audley’s Canada & Alaska Manager, explains how and where to see these wonderful animals.

Travel Briefing South Africa

It’s a happy coincidence that many of South Africa’s highlights lie upon a clearly defined, easily navigable route, a coincidence that makes it a great destination for first-time visitors. Here is a bit of an introduction to those highlights and how to stitch them all together.

Cambodia Thirty Years On

On 7th January 1979 the Vietnamese Army rolled into Phnom Penh, freeing the country from the barbaric rule of the Khmer Rouge. They found a country that had been dragged back to the Stone Age. The subsequent road to recovery has been long and hard but Cambodia is finally emerging into a fascinating tourist destination. As the country marks this sombre anniversary we look at the major role tourism has played in its rehabilitation.