Meet the Operators
Here at Africa & Beyond we don’t just sell Africa we live and breathe Africa. We work exceptionally hard to provide excellent service and we believe we are the best in the industry for going that extra mile and providing unique, hands on experience within the Africa Tour Operator division. In October 2019 we were the proud recipients of the TTG award for Best Specialist Operator in the UK.
We pride ourselves on not only sending clients to the more well-known areas of Africa like South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, but also to more “off the beaten track” areas, such as Uganda and Malawi.
My name is Katie and I first visited Africa in year 2000 and that was it, I was hooked, 19 years on I still love Africa, probably even more so. I have been lucky enough to visit various countries within Africa every year sometimes twice a year.
I love stepping from the aircraft in Botswana and feeling a sense of wonder and oneness with nature, sipping gin and tonics while watching the sunset and hearing the lions roar in the distance. I love coming into land in Cape Town and seeing the beautiful Table Mountain again and feeling a sense of excitement
for my trip ahead.
I am very much looking forward to attending the Holiday Show and talking about Africa. I have recently visited to Uganda, a truly beautiful country which I am very passionate about you will soon realise how much I love Africa by coming to talk to me and hopefully I can encourage you to visit this magical continent.
AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising with: enriching theme cruises; an enhanced active discovery programme offering hiking and biking tours; a luxury golf programme; and unique complimentary Chef’s Table and La Chaîne de Rotisseurs dining experience. AmaWaterways boasts the ‘highest rated fleet in Europe’, as rated by the latest Berlitz Guide to River Cruising and really is a river cruise experience like no other: the first river cruise company to introduce an exclusive twin balcony design in the majority of staterooms and now offering the latest innovation in river cruising with the double-width AmaMagna sailing the Danube, with more personal space and boasting the largest suite on the rivers at 710 sq. ft. With cruises travelling throughout Europe, Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia, AmaWaterways redefines luxury river cruising and gives you the opportunity to see the world in unparalleled comfort.
I’m Maria, and I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Holiday Show this year. I’ve worked within the cruise industry for 8 years and I can’t wait to share all things AmaWaterways and luxury river cruising with you during my presentation. From wine cruises to historical hike and bike tours, I’ll be there to tell you about everything AmaWaterways has to offer and tailor your perfect trip; whether you’re in to food, wine, Wellness or all of the above!
Back-Roads Touring
With more than 30 years’ experience in premium small group tours across the UK, Europe, Asia & the USA, Back-Roads Touring is truly the original Small Group Touring company.
Catering for the mature traveller, Back-Roads Touring has built up a brand rooted in expert local knowledge, sustainable tourism, culinary excellence and boutique accommodation.
With Back-Roads Touring you’ll enjoy a more personalised touring experience with a like-minded group of travellers delving into new places whilst discovering new cultures and new flavours.
You’ll venture off the tourist trail and get to the heart of each destination with genuine local experiences led by our passionate and knowledgeable Tour Leaders who understand what it takes to make your trip truly special.
It’s all done at a leisurely pace so there’s plenty of time to enjoy each step of the journey.
My name is Lockie Kerr and I’ve been working at Back-Roads Touring for 4 years. What I love most about our small group tours is that with our premium mini-coaches, we have the ability to create itineraries that will take you off the typical tourist trail giving you an experience like no other. Please come and visit my stand at the Holiday show so I can share some of my personal Back-Roads Touring experiences.
Caribtours has been arranging luxury holidays for over 40 years. They craft holidays bespoke to the individual, so whether you’re dreaming of a multi-centre island-hopping holiday, or simply looking for a week-long all-inclusive beach break, you can trust them to create something perfectly suited to your needs.
Holidays with Caribtours all include accommodation, flights, private transfers and departure airport lounge access as standard, but they do much more than book generic off-the-shelf holidays. They’ve selected every hotel in the Caribtours collection with great care, only featuring properties that live up to the highest standards of hospitality. Plus, they provide 24-hour support and assistance, ensuring everything runs smoothly, from flights and transfers to in-resort experience.
Caribtours arranges holidays to destinations spanning the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Arabia, Europe and more. And they’ve travelled to every destination they cover, so whether you’re looking for a hotel, restaurant or daytrip recommendation, at least one of them has been there and done it. They can even arrange multi-centre holidays, with island hopping in the Caribbean or Greece popular options, or even an ocean cruise combined with a luxury hotel stay.
As well as booking holidays, Caribtours can make sure all the little extras are organised, too. Their complete Caribtours Concierge service comes as standard; from the simple things, such as booking a great restaurant or organising an excursion or candlelit dinner on the beach, to the grand gestures such as planning a wedding or chartering a private helicopter, Caribtours will ensure your holiday is absolutely perfect.
Crystal Cruises has been voted the World’s Best Cruise Line for over 25 years, the luxurious Crystal Cruises fleet offers guests the most choice with a huge array of destinations, facilities and activities on offer across Ocean, River & Yacht cruising. We are very proud that in 2019 we were awarded by the readers of Conde Nast Travellers , Best Cruise Line, Best River Cruise Line and Best Small Ship for our Yacht Esprit. In 2020 we launch our brand-new Expedition Ship – Crystal Endevor, giving guests the opportunity to explore the remotest destinations on the planet, whilst enjoy the awarded winning service and elegance that Crystal offers.
With new innovations and ships being built, working for Crystal is extremely exciting, there is never a dull moment. Every time I visit or travel on one of our beautiful ships there is always a new restaurant to enjoy, or simply just a chance to discover new destinations. This is the joy of cruising and I have been lucky enough to work for Crystal for 10 years. I am especially looking forward to the launch of expedition as the destinations that we will be exploring really excite me. My name is Natalie and I very much look forward to chatting with you in March.
Exodus Travels are the UK’s longest established Adventure tour operator, with a 45-year history of specialising in small group walking tours, cycling holidays, wildlife trips & cultural itineraries to all seven continents.
We have forged a strong reputation for our focus on responsible tourism, supporting the local communities our small group tours visit, and employing specialist, mainly local, tour guides.
One of our biggest selling destinations is Peru where our local guides are some of the very best in the business. With their vast experience of trekking the Inca Trail, bringing to life the magic & mystery of the lost city of Macchu Pichu and wildlife spotting in the Amazon rainforest they receive consistently outstanding feedback from very satisfied Exodus clients
Our constant search to innovate and improve our tours has meant we have a new fleet of superior yachts and catamarans on our Galapagos cruising programme which can be combined with Peru to comprise the trip of a lifetime
My name is Dan and I have worked for Exodus for 19 years. In my time with Exodus I have been very fortunate to travel to many parts of the world, on foot & by bike, both wildlife and cultural tours travelling with our loyal clients.
In partnership with Ashdown Travel, I would be delighted to discuss your Travel plans and look forward to meeting you at the holiday show to hopefully inspire you to travel with Exodus very soon to one of the 90 countries we operate in on one of our 400 different holidays…!
Hand Picked Hotels is a privately-owned collection of 19 country house and spa hotels across the UK and Channel Islands. Many are listed buildings of historical significance with stunning original features, fascinating stories and extensive grounds to explore, while its hotels in Jersey and Guernsey have a more Mediterranean feel, positioned in prime coastal or countryside locations. Each is one of a kind and attracts a range of customers, whether they’re looking for a good night’s sleep, a unique dining experience or a magical wedding venue.
Genuine, authentic dining experiences are at the very heart of Hand Picked Hotels’ offering, with a focus on modern British dishes that reflect seasonality and provenance. Afternoon tea is also a popular choice across the collection, combining an old tradition with a contemporary twist. Ten of the hotels have a have health club and spa facilities offering spa days, spa breaks and treatments from top product houses including Elemis, Comfort Zone and Ishga.
With such varied character and design, each Hand Picked Hotel offers a completely different experience; yet uniting them is a shared sense of pride and a meticulous attention to detail to ensure their guests feel special. Over the years, they have worked hard to create an environment that invites their guests to kick off their shoes, read a best-seller, set off on a good stroll, enjoy a wonderful meal, sip an exceptional glass of wine and above all, feel relaxed and at home.
InsideAsia Tours Ltd is an award-winning travel company that offers unique group tours, tailored travel and cultural experiences in Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Our customers tell us that our service and expertise exceed their expectations time and again.
Travellers love the insight, the experiences and the sense of adventure they get from our tours, as well as the chance to see the cultures and customs of our destination countries for themselves. We help people with a passion for Asian culture to combine some of the world’s best locations with some of the most unusual – resulting in unique, enjoyable and truly memorable holidays.
Xin Chao! My name is Andrew Tait and I have spent the last 12 years living, breathing and loving Asia. No corner of the world offers such colour, sound and vibrancy of life. And Vietnam is a destination which encompasses the best of what Asia has to offer. Whether you are cruising through the picturesque Ha Long Bay, strolling through the palaces of Imperial Hue, or catching up with a local in Hanoi over a steaming bowl of Pho. Vietnam offers something for everyone.
Join me as I talk about this fascinating nation, from its breath-taking mountains and national parks to its electric modern cities and arguably the best street food in the world. Plus most importantly, some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, the Vietnamese.
Inspired by Australasia are a holiday and tour company specialising in affordable luxury holidays to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. We are ABTA and ATOL bonded and offer complete peace of mind with your travel arrangements.
When it comes to choosing and planning your Australasia holiday, you need to deal with people who know the destination inside out. At Inspired by Australasia we have in-depth expertise that makes all the difference. Our team has travelled extensively throughout the region to ensure you receive first-hand advice, suggestions and tips from those who have really “been there and done that.”
Let us tailor-make the perfect luxury holiday for you, but at an affordable price.
My name is Helen and I have been working for Inspired by Australasia since 2013, but have visited Australia regularly since 1998, and have always worked for companies specialising in this amazing continent. As well as Australia, during this time I have also been lucky enough to visit New Zealand numerous times and the fantastic South Pacific Islands of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and Tahiti in French Polynesia.
On my last trip down under I swam with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (Australia’s second reef!) in Western Australia which was a truly humbling experience.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or have visited before, a solo traveller or a family, a foodie or a wildlife enthusiast, Australia has something for everybody. Please come along to see me and find out more about my favourite country in the world.
Latin Routes is a leading independent tour operator specialising in tailor-made travel to Latin America. We make it our mission to deliver outstanding Truly Individual holidays that are created to your exact requirements. We’ve recently launched our Escorted Small Group Tours, giving you another outstanding option for discovering this incredible continent – this time in the company of other like-minded individuals.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, as a group looking for a unique experience or as honeymooners wanting the ultimate romantic getaway, we can tailor the perfect trip for you.
From the range of destinations, the different styles of accommodation and the incredible variety of tours, excursions and activities we can build into your trip, we guarantee we’ll be able to meet all of your preferences, expectations and needs.
Our award-winning team is caring, friendly and wildly enthusiastic. Every single team member has extensive first-hand knowledge of the destinations we’re offering, and a great passion for this magnificent part of the world. They strive to give the best while making sure your holiday is unforgettable.
My name is Charlie and I was lucky enough to travel extensively in South America for 8 months, working my way around this fantastic continent. Whilst travelling, I never would of thought I would end up with a career in travel which allows me to talk all about my experiences and offer advice to anyone who is thinking of going. I hope to meet you at the Ashdown travel show and talk all things South American!
Mason Rose is a Sales & PR representation agency based in Knightsbridge, London and was founded by Tanya Rose who launched the company over 25 years ago after seeing a gap in the market for international luxury hotel representation based in the UK. Today Mason Rose represents some of the world’s most iconic properties and wellness clients across the fields of sales, marketing, digital marketing and PR servicing UK, US and European markets.
We represent hotels in all parts of the globe including Europe, Indian Ocean, USA & India. All of which are independently owned, boutique in size and luxurious throughout. Our hotels benefit from the very best locations and highest levels of service.
My name is Brydie and I’m extremely proud to work for a company that is truly passionate about travel and I feel lucky to work with some of the very best hotels in the world which I look forward to sharing with you.
Established in 1974, the Inspiring Travel Company pioneered the concept of luxury travel in the UK. Over 40 years later, we remain privately owned and are very proud of our unrivalled experience and close relationships with the world’s finest hotels, resorts and airlines. Every Inspiring Travel Company holiday offers the utmost in personalised luxury and will be created personally by an Inspiring Travel Specialist. So, whether it’s arranging for your favourite tipple to be waiting in your room or making the perfect dinner reservation in-resort, the Inspiring team take care of every luxurious element of your dream holiday.
My name is Nikhil, and I developed my love for travel at an early age, travelling around my home country of India with my family. I’ve worked in the travel industry both in India and here in the UK, and for me it isn’t just about selling a holiday – it’s always all about winning and converting hearts to make all my clients fans and ambassadors of India. I’m very proud to now be considered one of the world’s leading experts in luxury travel to India, and I pride myself on using my insider’s knowledge to hand-craft each and every holiday.
A tour of India can be done in so many different ways – I use my years of experience, contacts, and passion for the country to help each of my clients build a custom tour that suits them, and that’s not about box-ticking or spending the whole time on the road. I make sure every tour is about variety and that each destination is showcased in unconventional ways and through unique experiences.
Prestige Holidays are an award winning, independent tour operator offering incredible holiday experiences to this fabulous country. We were voted as the ‘Best Tour Operator’ recently at the British Canada Travel Awards and have decades of experience in finding the perfect Canada trip for our clients. Our first-hand knowledge ensures that your visit to Canada is one that will provide memories that last a lifetime. Whether you want to take a trip on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer Train, join an escorted tour around Ontario and Quebec, a City Break to Toronto or a self-drive journey in Atlantic Canada we look forward to helping with your plans to this spectacular part of the World.
My name is Jonathan and I am incredibly fortunate to have specialised in composing bespoke holidays to Canada for over 25 years. I have travelled throughout Canada in that time and have been privileged to travel on board each of the Rocky Mountaineer rail routes, view the Polar Bears of Churchill, take a helicopter trip over Niagara Falls, Snowboard in Whistler and drive around Nova Scotia. We have worked closely with Ashdown Travel for many years and invite you to my presentation on Canada and Alaska at the Holiday Show. It will hopefully put the scale of this huge country into perspective and inspire you to take your first (or next) trip to Canada and Alaska.
At Regent Holidays, we’re coming up to our 50th birthday, and we couldn’t be more proud and excited to have been pioneering holidays to unique and unusual destinations for almost five decades.
It all began in 1971, when we took our first group tour to the then-communist state of Albania. Since then, we’ve been one of the first companies to operate tours to Russia – or the USSR, as it was when we first took travellers there – along with Ukraine, the ‘Stans, Greenland, and even North Korea.
The types of people who book a Regent holiday tend to be those who like to do things a little differently. Even if you’re travelling to one of our more popular destinations like Iceland or Lapland, we’ll do our best to help you find alternative experiences to get you off the well-trodden tourist routes.
With over 100 trips to Russia under our belts, we are the UK’s leading specialist in Russian travel and we pride ourselves on offering unique and authentic experiences. Any holiday to Russia should include icons like Moscow’s Red Square with its towering Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral and the ornate and extravagant palaces of St Petersburg. But our Russia holidays are far more than just visits to these popular, grandiose cities.
A trip to Russia with Regent Holidays could include river cruises aboard hand-picked vessels that gently carry you through the countryside and stop at small river-side villages. Or it could be an epic railroad journey, clattering across deepest Siberia aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway. Other Russia tour options include exploring Russia’s furthest frontiers, from the easterly Kamchatka peninsula to the northern lights-spying town of Murmansk in the north.