Picture courtesey of our customer Mike Ogilvie

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

Hardy Reef; Great Barrier Reef

Kuranda Skyrail

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

Airlie Beach

Star Flyer

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

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

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

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.

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.

A road made in heaven - South Island - copyright New Zealand Tourism

Immortalised in song by Jackson Browne and the Eagles, every year thousands of people stand on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, to have their photo taken. Well I just had to do it on my recent trip to Western USA.

Just one of the highlights of a fabulous road trip encompassing some of the best parts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

On the back of the trip, we have put together a new itinerary, perfect for a late summer or spring road trip.

Road Trip through the iconic South West

Chilcotin Ranch

Chilcotin Holidays – Spruce Lake

We have just had Chilcotin Holidays newsletter in and thought we would like to share with you all the exciting things happening out there now…….

You can feel the change of season all around. Temperatures are rising, the snow is melting, the creeks are getting bigger day by day and the bears are waking up. Soon all of the bears will have come out of their winter hibernation and roam the trails again.

The horses are full of energy and getting ready to go up in the mountains.

The first group to participate in the Guide School arrive at the end of April. During their two weeks they will be learning how to shoe, pack horses and improve leadership skills. They will also gain knowledge about wildlife habits and many other skills necessary for being a professional guide.

If you also feel the call of adventure and haven’t planned your next vacation yet, Chilcotin Holidays have some exciting adventures waiting for you. Besides riding to the top of the beautiful Chilcotin Mountains you will be able to explore nature by hiking or mountain biking or viewing Grizzly Bears.

No matter what interests you have, the team at Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch will be able to customize exactly the right package to meet your interests. Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch will guarantee you an unforgettable experience in the Wilderness of Canada.

Adventures in Spring and Summer

Horse Pack Trip – from mid June to October, 4,7 or 10 days trip

Grizzly Viewing – in May, June & September, 4 and 7 days trip

Wildlife viewing – Their grizzly bear viewing and game safaris offer you wildlife viewing at its best. With your guides you will not only be able to view Wolf, Mountain Lions, Moose or Eagles but also Bighorn Sheep, Grizzly Bears and Black Bears.

Camp based Wildlife Viewing – from mid June to October, 7 days trip

Hiking Trip – from mid May to October, 4 and 7 days trip

Fishing Trip – from April to October, 4 day trip

Ranch Mountain Biking – from May to October

Interested in a Ranch Stay combined with the adventure of seeing the Chilcotin Mountains Wildlife?

For more information please contact us on 01323 446550 or email  info@experienceholidays.co.uk – this is an experience you will never forget.

Pictures courtesy of Chilcotin Guest Ranch.

Grizzly and 4 Cubs - Chilcotin Holidays

Monticello home of President Thomas Jefferson

US Capital at dusk

For anyone with more than a passing interest in US history, the “Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area” is a must. This 180 mile long, 75 mile wide area which stretches from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Virginia, is recognized as holding more American history than any other region in the country. With literally 1000’s of historical sites including 9 Presidential Homes, 18 National and State Parks, 57 Historic Towns and Villages and 100’s of Civil War Battlefields, you will have the chance to walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, abolitionists and freedom seekers, passing through scenic landscapes.

Historical highlights of the area include:-

• Gettysburg National Military Park
• Antietam National Military Park
• Harpers FerryNational Historical Park
• Manassas National Battlefield
• President James Madison’s home in  Montpelier
• President Thomas Jefferson’s home in  Monticello

Contact us on 01323 446550 or email info@experienceholidays.co.uk for  information about how to make this historically rich journey a part of your holiday to the Capital Regions of the States;  encompassing Washington DC and the states of Maryland and Virginia, a road trip to this area makes for a perfect late summer or autumn holiday.

View our sample itinerary to the area

Blue Ridge Parkway

Manassas National Battlefield