Imaginative Traveller's blog
Welcome to the Imaginative Traveller Blog! This is a brilliant means for us to communicate directly with you. We will be able to keep you updated on the latest Imaginative Traveller news, events, trips, fascinating snippets of info from life on the tour leader front, how our overseas Destinations Managers spend their average day, humorous tales from tours, staff trip reports and just general Imaginative Traveller gossip. So check it out and let us know what you think!
Kerala backwaters 'a tropical paradise'
Travelling to the Kerala backwaters in southern India, you will find yourself in a southern paradise.
Solange Hando of Suite101.com notes that this region is an example of lush rural India - and that there is a wealth of things to explore and do away from the cities.
Recommending travelling down the lakes and rivers in a local houseboat, Mr Hando enthuses about the views during a trip, such as passing "traditional villages where time seems to stand still".
Adventures 'are part of a good holiday'
Adventures are an important part of a good holiday, according to new research.
And while I've always thought that, it's nice to see some research backing it up. A survey from Travel Alberta shows that 28 per cent of recipients think doing something you thought you wouldn't be able to is a marker of a good holiday.
Travel journalist and Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave thinks so too, commenting: "It's important that you experience everything you can out of life. Life is short and there are an awful lot of things out there."
Travellers should choose "shocking and exhilarating" destinations
Sometimes it seems easier to travel to destinations you find familiar, but one TV presenter has been extolling the benefits of going somewhere a bit more adventurous.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Chris Packham comments that people should go somewhere they find "shocking and exhilarating" - and that you shouldn't be afraid to travel to poorer countries.
I think he's right there - with so many places to see, it's well worth exploring those that are most different to where you live.
See a new culture and stunning landscapes in Ethiopia
If you want a truly unique holiday that will introduce you to a different way of life then you might want to follow in the footsteps of one travel writer.
Gill Charlton headed off on a walking trip in Ethiopia and discovered beautiful landscapes and welcoming as well as friendly communities.
As far as adventure travel goes, there's nothing better than visiting countries that few other people have had the privilege to see and Ethiopia certainly falls into this category.
China top of John Thompson's holiday wish list
China top of John Thompson's holiday wish list
Comedian and actor John Thompson has been talking about his holiday habits and revealed that China is one of the countries that he'd like to visit.
He told the Daily Telegraph that he's "fascinated" by the nation - and the Far East as a whole.
Head to Peru to discover weird and wonderful creatures
If, like me, you're a bit of a nature geek then you're sure to want to seek out some of the more unusual creatures that can be found around the world.
One location that could be a good choice for animal lovers with a penchant for the weird and wonderful is Peru, where you could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some bizarre wildlife.
The Daily Telegraph compiled a list of some of the most unusual creatures all over the globe and two of these can be found in Peru.
Delve into the past on a holiday to Tokyo
Visitors to the Japanese capital need to take the time to explore some of its more unusual and historical districts.
Well, that's the advice of journalist Pico Iyer, who lives in Japan, and wrote in the Guardian that travellers should make more of what the city has to offer.
She urged people to look beyond the quirky shops of Harajuku and head on a journey to see some of Tokyo's other attractions.
Combine natural beauty with history on a trip to Israel
Israel is full of historical sights that you'll probably want to visit if you take a holiday there but one place that you certainly shouldn't miss is the Masada fortress.
Located atop a mountain looking over the Dead Sea, the sunrise from its summit is worth making the climb to see.
Ella Ide recently returned from a trip to the country and her account of her journey to Masada won the Daily Telegraph's weekly travel writing competition Just Back.
Hike to a glacier in Argentina for "a great experience"
If you're looking for a bit of a challenge on your trip to South America but don't want to undertake anything too taxing then one publication could have the solution for you.
Adam Seper, a writer for Boots n All magazine, has compiled a list of some of the best hikes in the world that anyone can do – and it features walks to a glacier in Argentina.
I've always been one for exploring the natural scenery of any country I visit and what better way to see some of the mountainous terrain in Argentina than by hiking to one of its glaciers?
Namibia is 'a thrilling country'
If you want to travel to Africa but are thinking about heading off on roads less travelled then Namibia could be for you.
According to one journalist, you could find that the country is more diverse than you imagine, with desert, bushland and a rugged coastline all waiting to be discovered.
