North Star Cruises, the company that takes you to adventurous and exciting destinations and in style, have refined the above cruise to ensure that you experience of the highest quality.
This is a wonderful opportunity to cruise on their True North Cruise for between 5 and 13 nights to diverse destinations and daily changing adventures. The cruise takes you in to parts of the world that are untouched by modern life and you will receive a very warm welcome from the Melanesians where ever you go.
Depending on your interest, you could be swimming with whale sharks, flying over an active volcanoe in the helicopter that is part of the cruise experience, exploring rain forests and the advantage of having an expert on board to explain what you are seeing and doing.
Add in all those tropical island and coral reefs to be explored and snorkelled over and you will wish that you had booked a longer trip.
True North have cruises around Australia that take you to the wild and scenic places that are difficult to get and all with the luxury of their onboard life. Explore the Kimberley Wilderness, sail north from Perth on the Montes Cruise or take the Southern Safari as an add to your trip to Australia.
It truly is a different, exciting and unique way to see Australia, West Papua and Papua New Guinea.
For more details or to book call us on 01323 446550 or email  info@experienceholidays.co.uk

We have just heard that Tijara Beach has just won a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor. As this is an award that is solely in the hands of their clients, it reflects the outstanding service and location of one of our favourite places on the Kenya Coast.
There is an belief that the Kenya Coast is all about big hotels and busy beaches, but Tijara (and others we know about) can give you an experience second to none for a tropical beach holiday.
If you like wildlife and have been on a safari, then a few days unwinding at Tijara will be the perfect end to a holiday to remember. It is not just lazying on the beach as you can join a guide to show you the colourful coral and fish on the reef and explore the caves on the coral headlands.
A day trip to Mombasa is always interesting and if you need to top up your wildlife viewing, then a day or two at the Shimba Hills National Park will give you another chance to see the animals, birds and flora of the region.
With only 4 double rooms, Tijara fills quickly, so get in touch now on Tel: 01232 446550 or Email:  info@experienceholidays.co.uk

Over the next few weeks we are putting together ideas each week to help you decide on possibly the most important holiday you will ever plan – and we’d like to help you plan it!!

If you fancy a romantic beach holiday where you can relax in paradise and enjoy spending time chilling in the tropical sun than why not consider ………..

Maldives, with an amazing collection of coral islands within the heart of the Indian Ocean the Maldives are a visual spectacle to behold. Brilliant beaches simply melt into the sea. This amazing place is a wonderment of nature and perfect for relaxation
and water based pursuits such as coral reef diving and snorkelling. It is the perfect place to sit on a perfect beach and watch a perfect sunset with a cocktail balanced in your hand, whilst just a few feet away, a thousand fish swim around the vivid corals.  Here, you can experience an extraordinary journey to your chosen island where you’ll encounter natural beauty like nowhere on the planet.

Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian  Ocean, this island will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday.  Enjoy an unparalleled view of the setting sun over the Indian Ocean before heading to one of the island’s trendy bars, restaurants and clubs, all of which buzz with life. From there, contemplate how to fill tomorrow: a walk in one of the stunning nature reserves, perhaps, or a day relaxing at a spa. Life is full of pleasant decisions on Mauritius.

Here, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury: a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that on offer in other tropical holiday destinations. Here, you will discover the true meaning of ‘beauty’ – a realisation that will compel you to return toMauritius’ shores time and again…

Malaysia, with 48,000 km of coastline, Malaysia boasts some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in Asia with the straits of Malacca on the west, the South China Sea to the east and the Andaman Sea to the Northwest. An amazing number of these natural treasures lay nestled in tranquil bays and coves. Beneath the aquamarine waters lies a fascinating world of coral and marine life waiting to be discovered.

A bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Their multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It’s no wonder that they love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly.  One of Malaysia’s key attractions is its extreme contrasts which further add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering skyscrapers
look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just metres away from ancient reefs.

Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

For the perfect holiday full of surprises.

So if any of these wonderful islands sounds like your perfect honeymoon location or you would like more ideas for your perfect bespoke beach holiday please contact us on 01323 446550 or email  info@experienceholidays.co.uk

If you have an interest in Solar Eclipses and/or mountain gorillas, then the early part of November gives you the chance to see both. On the 3rd of November there will be a rare Hybrid Solar Eclipse (when an annular eclipse transits in to a total eclipse) visible in parts of Equatorial Africa. Perhaps one of the best, and safest, places to see this is Uganda.
This gives you the opportunity to spend time in one of the country’s National Parks to view the spectacle and to have game drives through the Park to see the big 5. The best option would be Murchison Falls National Park with its big herds of buffalo and the Nile riverbank covered with crocs and hippo. It will be well worth your while to visit the actual Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before thundering over the Falls. A spectacle on earth with another in the skies on the 3rd.
Add in a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to trek in to the forest to see the famous mountain gorillas. In addition Kibale National Park will give you the chance to see our nearest relatives – the chimpanzees.
Think of booking soon as accommodation will become scarse in all the key eclipse viewing locations and the chance will be gone or the price rocketed!

So as not to miss this great experience give us a call on 01323 446550 or email  info@experienceholidays.co.uk

For a fantastic far-flung destination to consider this summer, consider a trip down under to Australia, and more specifically to northern Queensland. This region is tropical with two seasons – wet and dry, with the dry season falling between May and September – making it an ideal destination for the UK’s summer holidays.

The temperatures are warm, but the humidity is low and the beaches stunning! The sea is also safer to swim in during the dry season, as the box jellyfish frequent the waters in the wet season. Explore the incredible Great Barrier Reef (from the water, from a boat or from the air), relax on one of the plentiful pristine sandy beaches, or discover the Daintree Rainforest – with hiking trails, canopy walks and a plethora of flora and fauna.

Enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting on the Tully River, visit Kuranda by skyrail or train, or venture inland to the outback region of the Atherton Tablelands, the Undara lava tubes at Undara Volcanic National Park. Cairns is the gateway to the region and is easily reached by road, air or by rail.

To immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef, consider a stay on an island situated within the reef – walk the reef at low tide, take a trip on a glass bottom boat, or simply walk in from beach and snorkel.

For further information on this beautiful region and how it can be incorporated into a wider Australian bespoke holiday, please call our office on 01323 446550 or email us at  info@experienceholidays.co.uk and we can work with you to put together a tailor made itinerary to suit your preferences and requirements.

Pictures courtesy of Tourism Australia

If you were thinking of trying a cruise for the first time and would like a short cruise as a taster or if you love the the elegance and beauty of the Star Clipper vessels, then read on.
They are putting on a mini cruise on the 18th. September on the Star Flyer starting from Malaga in Spain. Your 3 day cruise visits Tangier and then on to Gibraltar before sailing back to Malaga. This is true sailing (with the chance to be involved) and very much a small ship experience. A great short break or make more of it by adding a tour on Andalucia.
The 3 night cruise, return flights and transfers is at a price of £709 per person. A great price for an adventurous cruise in a very special full rigged ship. Places will go quickly (as there are not many to start with) so do get in touch soon to book your place.

Please call us on Tel: 01323 446550 or Email:  peter@experienceholidays.co.uk

Pictures courtesy of Star Clippers

This is the biggest and best gathering on hot air balloons in the world – and you can be part of it.  For 9 days every October, the crisp, clear desert skies or New Mexico are painted with a kaleidoscope of colour as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park.

Balloon Fiesta is an amazingly diverse event that brings together huge numbers of balloons and pilots from all over the world.  The days begin with beautiful Dawn Patrol Show when pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see the landing sites. Then Mass ascensions fill the sky with balloons as far as the eye can see.

In the evening, just before dusk, balloons are inflated and tethered; wander through the glowing balloons and then enjoy a fabulous fireworks show.

Albuquerque is located in the high altitude desert with the Rio Grande running through the middle of the town.  To the east lie the spectacular Sandia Mountains, to the west ancient volcanic cones.  This unique geography creates perfect conditions for balloon pilots.

Albuquerque and the wonderful state of New Mexico has much more to offer; the area boasts 310 days of sunshine a year and the state is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways (including 8 of the 126 America’s Byways), making it the perfect Road Trip destination; discover mountains, rivers, caverns, varied wildlife, national monuments and parks, lakes, forests, unspoiled wilderness, diverse cultures and a rich and fascinating history.

This year’s Balloon Fiesta will run from 5 – 13 October; contact us to see you can make this part of your holiday

See the Southwest USA itinerary on our website for more ideas

Photographs courtesy of New Mexico Tourism

Are you still looking for exciting summer holiday ideas? Canada’s North is a unique destination that offers unforgettable scenery, wildlife viewing and photography opportunities!

Churchill, Manitoba is the beluga whale capital of the world! Ice break-up in spring brings over 3,000 beluga whales to the Churchill River. The whales enjoy the summer months of July and August in the Churchill River where the river water is warmer than the ocean water and the whales are able to feed on crustaceans. Summer is the perfect time to visit Churchill and we are able to offer exciting itineraries including beluga whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and area tours. The best way to experience magnificent summer wildlife including caribou, arctic fox, and ptarmigan is on an authentic Tundra Buggy®. The Buggy meanders over a system of established trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and take photos of the lush flora of this subarctic region. As well, you’ll have time to enjoy other attractions in Churchill such as the Eskimo Museum, Parks  Canada Interpretive Centre and the town complex.

See our website for more details of these exciting tours and then contact us for how you can incorporate this into your summer holiday.

Photographs by kind permission of Frontiers North Adventures

Its that time of year again when we are preparing our stand for the 2013 South of England Show.
The show this year opens on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June and if you are planning to come along and visit us, and all the other wonderful stalls, animals and shows this year why not get in early and buy your tickets from us!! This will not only save you money but you can avoid the crowds and queing.

Tickets start at:-
Family of 4 £36.00
Adult £18.00
Senior Citizen & Students £16.00
Children 5 – 16  £5.00
Under 5`s are Free

So to purchase your tickets early either pop in to our offices in Hailsham Mon – Fri 09:00 til 17:30, or call us on 01323 446550 or email  info@experienceholidays.co.uk to pre book before collection.  PLEASE NOTE: Cash only for all tickets.

The most popular time for visitors to New Zealand is most definitely their summer – being located in the southern hemisphere, that means approximately from December to February. With generally warmer and sunnier weather, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular time of year to explore the varied and beautiful country. However, there are also advantages of travelling outside of the summer -

1. Fewer crowds – by travelling in the ‘shoulder’ season either in October/November or March/April, you’ll find that the roads are emptier (not that they are often busy in the first place!) and that visitor attractions are much quieter – offering a more leisurely and peaceful experience of this stunning country.
2. Better prices – often by travelling outside of the peak period, there can be better fares to be found for flights, and reasonably priced accommodation with good availability – ideal for the budget conscious traveller.
3. Different attractions – consider travelling in New Zealand’s winter (June/July/August) for a different perspective and equally beautiful scenery. Much of the landscape at higher altitude becomes transformed by the snow and ice, and makes for fantastic photographic opportunities. There are plenty of ski slopes for winter activities too.

So why not consider a holiday to New Zealand for later this year? There is something to suit everyone year round, and we can help you to plan the right itinerary for you – just give us a call on 01323 446550, or email us at  info@experienceholidays.co.uk and we can discuss your holiday plans in detail.