We spend a lot of time on the road. As we close out our 20th year, research trips remain an essential part of the job, because it’s only through first-hand experience of our glorious planet that we can then create truly tailor-made holidays for you, our clients. This year, the team have been far and wide, exploring – among others – the wilds of Chilean Patagonia and the cities of Northern Morocco. They’ve sought out new places, revisited old favourites, touched base with our wonderful Concierges and test-driven new experiences that bring destinations even more to life. Read on for a roundup of the year’s most memorable research trips...
- Izzy’s trip to Norway
- Frances’ trip to Thailand
- Issy’s trip to Morocco
- Oliver’s trip to Chile & Bolivia
Izzy’s trip to Norway
On a research trip to Norway, Europe specialist Izzy got a taste of the country’s spellbinding scenery. She went boating along a fjord, rode the fabulous Flåm Railway (arguably one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe) and visited Geilo and Voss, ski resorts during winter and outdoor playgrounds come summer. Her most memorable moment was kayaking along a fjord. ‘The water was so still that it felt like I was cutting it with a knife, and I had the strange sensation of being swallowed by the surrounding mountains.’
View a similar sample itinerary to Norway.
Frances’ trip to Thailand
During her research trip, Asia specialist and Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist Frances visited the four corners of Thailand, from the city of Chiang Mai in the North to the islands of Koh Yao Noi and Phuket in the south. Along the way, she sampled some memorable Thai experiences, staying on a working farm in the mountains, learning how to plant rice and enjoying pottery and cookery classes. She even tried out a ‘chicken coop’ sauna. ‘It’s essentially a dome-shaped pen, once used for keeping chickens, with a hole cut in the top for your head to pop out of. It felt weirdly wonderful with my body sweating inside and head out in the open.’
Read more about Frances’ trip to Thailand.
© Olivier Romano
Issy’s trip to Morocco
Issy, our Head of Africa and another of our Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists, was in Morocco when the September earthquake struck. She was safe, thankfully, but witnessed the devastating impact and joined in the post-quake relief efforts. ‘I helped out a team securing food and supplies for those affected in Marrakech and more remote areas. After that, I carried on with my trip as I know the importance of sustaining tourism after a disaster.’ She travelled on to Fez and Chefchaouen and went on a wonderful walking tour of Tangier with her Moroccan guide, Guillaume, who took her from rooftop to rooftop for delicious drinks, nibbles and an incredible view of the white buildings against the ocean. ‘I came back relieved that so much of Morocco was unaffected, and determined to encourage everyone to visit this very special place as a show of support.’
Read more about Issy’s trip to Morocco.
© Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Oliver’s trip to Chile & Bolivia
On a recent research trip to Chile and Bolivia, our Head of Americas and Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist Oliver headed for the areas away from the crowds, with the help of our expert guides on the ground. The Aysen region of Chile certainly fitted the brief. ‘Aysen has such incredible natural beauty, and you have a strong sense of being truly away from it.’ Some memorable moments from his trip included a high-altitude hike (over 16,000ft above sea level), joining in with a local folk dance (very badly, according to him) in Bolivia, and coming face-to-face with a puma outside his hotel room in Chilean Patagonia.
View a similar sample itinerary to Chile & Bolivia.
Written by Ella Mawson