The number 13 is typically associated with bad luck. Buildings are often constructed without a 13th floor; hotels, hospitals and airports (plus our boat the Steam Ship Sudan) avoid using the number on rooms or gates and Friday the 13th is considered the unluckiest day of the year. There’s even a medical term for the fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia, in case you were wondering). But we have a newfound appreciation for the number because this week Conde Nast Traveler (the US version, hence the single ‘l’) have included no fewer than 13 of our specialists in their annual list of the Top Travel Specialists - their little black book of the industry’s finest experts on a destination or type of travel. It’s always lovely to receive recognition from the wider travel industry, and while Conde Nast Traveler were spoilt for choice with the talent across the Original Travel team, the final list gives an excellent snapshot of our expertise. Continue reading to find out more about the lucky 13 and what makes these specialists so, well, special…
- Tom Barber - Co-Founder and Family Specialist
- Oliver Rodwell - Mexico Specialist
- Isabel de Galleani - Morocco Specialist
- Holly Barber - Cambodia Specialist
- Ben Williams - Egypt Specialist
- Jacqui Brooks - Indonesia Specialist
- Harriet Harford - European Wine Regions Specialist
- Paul Tyler - Botswana Specialist
- Frances Mavor - Sri Lanka Specialist
- Kate Little - Romania Specialist
- Lucy Bailey - Oman Specialist
- Abigail Harness - Canada Specialist
- James Back - Tanzania Specialist
Tom Barber
Family and Sabbaticals Specialist
‘I have four children (the oldest two of whom are now teenagers) so when it comes to family holidays, I have a pretty good understanding of what and where works for families with children of all ages. My children aren’t backwards in coming forwards, so I get plenty of feedback, and that’s helped Original Travel refine our family trips over the years. I believe that travel is important for children because it broadens a child’s mind every bit as much as academic learning. The type of trip is crucial, of course – they won’t learn much about Greece from staying in a villa, for example – but a well thought out and immaculately planned trip that includes elements of adventure, context and cultural immersion can really open a child’s eyes to the wider world. I also have a good deal of knowledge when it comes to planning sabbaticals. We organised an epic two-year sabbatical for a client who had sold his business (and even built a website so friends could track his progress) and literally wrote the guide on how, why and obviously where to take a sabbatical.’
Oliver Rodwell
Mexico Specialist
‘My first trip to Mexico was in 2010 for my now sister-in-law’s wedding. Aside from dancing the night away at the wedding (which was in a historic hacienda), we visited the ruins and white sand beaches of Tulum, some gorgeous colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende and the wild and jungle-clad beaches of the Pacific coast. I was in love! One of my all-time favourite places is the jungle-clad ruins at Yaxchillan in Chiapas. Only accessible by boat and gradually being taken over by the jungle, climbing one of the pyramids here to be greeted by a howler monkey is quite unforgettable.’
Isabel de Galleani
Morocco Specialist
'I first visited Morocco in 2007 and I’ve felt such a buzz on every trip since. I love how vibrant and varied the country is, with its striking contrast of chaos and calm. You can easily combine the hustle and bustle of one of the imperial cities with visits to the coast, mountains and desert, all without too much travel. As well as the culture and history, I adore Moroccan interiors. I love discovering new beautifully designed Riads or returning to old favourites and over the years I have collected many carpets, cushions, candle holders and tea sets, plus a very comfy pair of Moroccan leather slippers.'
Holly Barber
Cambodia Specialist
‘My first visit to Cambodia was in 1997, when I visited on a backpacking trip. The Angkor temples were almost deserted back then and the atmosphere of mystery wandering through these largely unexplored sites was incredible. Of course, experiences like that are rare now – at least at Angkor – but the temples still have an amazing vibe that no-one can be immune to. I went on to live in Cambodia for four years, so it’s safe to say I know the country pretty well! As a keen photographer, one of my most rewarding experiences in Cambodia was having the opportunity to visit and revisit so many of the more unusual ancient sites, and many a morning was spent zipping through the pre-dawn countryside to photograph temples before anyone else arrived. Everything I learned can be used to better tailor your own experience whether the aim is photographic or otherwise.’
Ben Williams
Egypt Specialist
‘My introduction to Egypt was an epic three-week trip in 2010, starting in Hurghada and ending in Cairo. I saw a country bristling with energy – proud of its famous history and ready to forge a new future. This is a great destination for every type of traveller. Families will appreciate the fantastical stories, and for newlyweds, a holiday combining the Great Pyramids, a cruise on the Nile and snorkelling in the Red Sea, makes for a magical honeymoon. My top tip for anyone visiting Egypt is to take your time. It’s tempting to tick off all the sites from your list without ever truly experiencing the country. An extra day to visit a local market or go on a food tour around Cairo (the street food is excellent) will restore your energy for the next history lesson.'
Jacqui Brooks
Indonesia Specialist
‘My first trip to Indonesia was in 2010, backpacking with a friend. We arrived into Jakarta, promptly got ourselves on an overnight train to Yogyakarta, and woke up in Java’s cultural capital for our first full day in Indonesia. What I love most about Indonesia is the sheer variety of experiences – you can hike up to the crater rim of an active volcano and working sulphur mine at the crack of dawn in Eastern Java and be snorkelling or diving the colourful reefs of Menjangan Island in Bali by the late afternoon. The archipelago is paradise for wildlife lovers too. Seeing orangutans in their natural habitat is an absolute privilege.’
Harriet Harford
European Wine Regions Specialist
‘My favourite wine region to visit is Burgundy in France. It is very accessible from the UK for a long weekend and is home to my favorite white wine – a white burgundy – and my favorite vineyards, all of which are still family run and owned. I have been fortunate enough to meet many wine producers in person and I love seeing their passion and expertise. My top tip for wine lovers would be to not always go for the big labels; it’s often the smaller vineyards and tucked away cellars that you’ll remember the most and it might also help your money go a bit further too! Don’t try to cram in too much either. Four tastings in one day is a lot and I personally feel that three in one day is the optimum, since you can then take your time to enjoy every one.’
Paul Tyler
Botswana Specialist
‘I was born and raised in South Africa and my first taste of a Botswana safari was 20 years ago. We visited the busier eastern side of the Chobe, but it left a mark and I couldn’t wait to head back to the more remote areas. Since that trip in 2002, I have been back three times and have visited most of the camps in the Okavango, Linyanti and Savuti. For my next visit, I'd love to explore the Central Kalahari Desert. This is about as remote as it gets, with only two permanent camps in an area of over 20,000 square miles. Despite the harsh semi-desert environment, wildlife is surprisingly plentiful here and the park is home to good numbers of cheetahs, lions, leopards, ostriches and oryx.’
Frances Mavor
Sri Lanka Specialist
‘I went to Sri Lanka for the first time about five years ago and I have since been obsessed. There is an incredible diversity of landscapes (from tea plantations to beautiful beaches) and I am yet to speak to anyone who travels to Sri Lanka and doesn’t mention just how amazingly kind, welcoming and smiley Sri Lankan people are. One of my fondest memories is taking a tuk tuk up to Lipton’s Seat for sunrise. The views from this spot go on for miles and the tea plantations are so green and lush. I also like the journey down — you can walk along the road and watch children heading off to school, smell breakfast being cooked and generally soak in the incredible atmosphere.’
Kate Little
Romania Specialist
‘I love how different Romania is to the rest of Europe. On my first visit there, I was totally blown away by the unique cultural history, authenticity and untouched nature of the country. It’s a place where you can really disconnect and take it all in; it feels wild, free and a world away from modern life. I particularly love the Transylvanian villages with their colourful ramshackle houses, laidback locals and traditional guesthouses which make for a fantastically original and engaging stay. The mountains around Fagaras are really spectacular too, with beautiful passes and remote trails which you can enjoy all to yourself.’
Lucy Bailey
Oman Specialist
‘The great thing about Oman is that is has something for every kind of traveller. It’s a super destination for families, as you can have some gentle adventures without having to travel too far, and there’s plenty of fun to be had in the mountains – mountain biking, trekking, via ferrata, canyoning and more. It’s also a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some solitude, and one of my most memorable experiences was staying in a private camp in the desert. Watching the sun set across the dunes, enjoying a delicious candlelit dinner, then sipping mint tea under a blanket of stars was truly unforgettable.’
Abigail Harness
Canada Specialist
‘I first visited Canada when I moved there to study at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario – and this is where my love for the country and its people began. I used every moment possible to explore – with lots weekend trips to nearby cities and national parks and bigger road trips in the summer holidays. My most memorable experience so far was visiting the Yukon. I was lucky enough to go on a trip just before the pandemic and was blown away by the landscapes, rich cultural heritage, wildlife and people. A moment that particularly stood out was flying above the vast Kluane National Park and seeing the glaciers below. Kluane is home to 17 of Canada’s top 20 peaks and the largest non-polar icefield in the world.’
James Back
Tanzania Specialist
‘I’m a native of South Africa, but also love East Africa. My first trip to Tanzania was in October 2004, and I was immediately taken by the people, the wildlife and immense beauty of this country. Back then, Tanzania was largely unknown in terms of specialist safari experiences and the food served definitely had some room for improvement! Since then, the country, the camps, professionalism in hosting and the all round quality has come on so much that some of their camps lead the way in terms of contemporary design, yet still keep a hold of that authentic feel. I have had the good fortune to visit Tanzania, including the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, eight times now. My favourite places to visit are the quieter, more remote spots like East Serengeti, Rubondo Island, Ruaha National Park and Mafia Island.’