Stories, Guides & Encounters

My Travel Encounters

Field notes from the road, destination guides written by people who have been there, and the kind of travel inspiration that makes you want to pack a bag tomorrow.

Tonga Humpback Whale Season: When to Go and What a Swim Is Really Like

Tonga’s whale-swimming season runs from mid-July to mid-October. Here’s when to travel, what actually happens once you enter the water, and how confident a swimmer you need to be.

By Martin Hosie

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Travel Inspiration

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Travel Inspiration • 4 min read

June 29, 2017

Best time to visit Nepal

Nestled between India and Tibet, Nepal is commonly referred to as the 'roof of the world' as it's the highest country on the plane...

Travel Inspiration • 4 min read

November 23, 2012

Beauty survival in the jungle

Now on month 13, I'm exploring the last continent on my world trip itinerary.

Travel Inspiration • 2 min read

September 28, 2021

4 Egyptian attractions to visit in 2022

Planning on experiencing the beauty of Egypt in 2022? Add these four attractions to your itinerary!

Travel Inspiration • 7 min read

January 25, 2016

20 Most Surprising Things about Egypt

Booking a journey to an iconic location, like Egypt, can be an interesting process to say the least.

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Destination Guides

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Best Month to Visit Lebanon: A Complete Seasonal Guide

Destination Guides • 9 min read

August 24, 2026

Best Month to Visit Lebanon: A Complete Seasonal Guide

Find the best month to visit Lebanon with a practical seasonal guide to Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek, mountain walks, wine ha...

How to Travel to Bhutan: A Cultural Traveller's Guide to the Last Himalayan Kingdom

Destination Guides • 11 min read

August 21, 2026

How to Travel to Bhutan: A Cultural Traveller's Guide to the Last Himalayan Kingdom

Learn how to travel to Bhutan with clear advice on flights, visas, local transport, cultural etiquette, the Tiger's Nest hike, foo...

Namibia Travel Guide: How to Explore Africa's Wildest Country on a Budget

Destination Guides • 10 min read

August 14, 2026

Namibia Travel Guide: How to Explore Africa's Wildest Country on a Budget

Use this Namibia travel guide to plan a richer journey through Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, the Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park an...

Things to Do in Marrakech: A Cultural Traveller's Guide to Morocco's Red City

Destination Guides • 9 min read

August 12, 2026

Things to Do in Marrakech: A Cultural Traveller's Guide to Morocco's Red City

Discover the best things to do in Marrakech beyond a quick souk visit, from Koutoubia and Bahia Palace to Majorelle Garden, artisa...

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Travel Encounters

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Meet Rosemary Brown - An 8-time Encounters Traveller

Travel Encounters • 22 min read

February 3, 2021

Meet Rosemary Brown - An 8-time Encounters Traveller

Rosemary Brown has travelled with us 8 times - we find out about all her travel experiences and why she keeps coming back.

Meet the Team: Ant's Role at Encounters Travel

Travel Encounters • 4 min read

February 24, 2020

Meet the Team: Ant's Role at Encounters Travel

Anthony Horrobin, better known as Ant, is the Sales Manager at Encounters Travel. If you've travelled with us, you would have more...

Why Our Expedition Trucks Are the Ultimate Way to Overland

Travel Encounters • 3 min read

April 16, 2025

Why Our Expedition Trucks Are the Ultimate Way to Overland

Discover why our expedition trucks are more than just transport — they're your ticket to true overland adventure. Designed f...

Taking the leap: My bungee jumping adventure with Face Adrenalin at the Bloukrans Bridge

Travel Encounters • 2 min read

January 12, 2024

Taking the leap: My bungee jumping adventure with Face Adrenalin at the Bloukrans Bridge

Recently, I had the exhilarating opportunity to conquer one of the world's highest bungee jumps at Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma...

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Travel News

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Travel News • 9 min read

January 5, 2016

Egypt itinerary changes

Many people considering booking a holiday to Egypt may have some concerns and questions about visiting the country at the moment....

Early bird specials! Get 10% off all of our 2018 tours!

Travel News • 2 min read

July 3, 2017

Early bird specials! Get 10% off all of our 2018 tours!

We've just released the majority of our 2018 tours and we're offering all our travellers 10% off all departures scheduled for next...

Travel News • 2 min read

February 12, 2012

Destinations Show 2012

Last weekend Encounters Travel was at the Destinations Travel Show in London. It was a fantastic weekend with a huge turn out of i...

Travel News • 3 min read

November 5, 2021

It's our 10th birthday!

It's 10 full years this month since Encounters Travel took its first traveller on holiday! Find out more about our journey & f...

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Travel Cuisine

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How To Make Koshary: Egypt's National Dish

Travel Cuisine • 6 min read

February 11, 2025

How To Make Koshary: Egypt's National Dish

Discover how to make Koshary, Egypt’s national dish! This hearty Egyptian street food combines lentils, rice, pasta, and cri...

The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Laos

Travel Cuisine • 8 min read

October 2, 2024

The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Laos

In this guide, we’ll explore the best dishes and drinks in Laos, offering you a taste of what makes the Laotian dining exper...

The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Ecuador

Travel Cuisine • 9 min read

September 20, 2024

The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Ecuador

This article explores the best things to eat and drink in Ecuador, offering a culinary journey that highlights traditional dishes,...

Turkish Food Guide: The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Turkey - Where to Eat in Turkey

Travel Cuisine • 13 min read

January 31, 2024

Turkish Food Guide: The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Turkey - Where to Eat in Turkey

Discover the essence of Turkish cuisine while visiting Istanbul. Indulge in authentic Turkish food, including doner kebab and bore...

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Travel Tips

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Travel Tips • 7 min read

July 16, 2019

Visiting Cambodia: Visa Information

Visas are required for most nationalities of travellers to Cambodia. Only nationals of a few countries are exempt. Several options...

Travel Tips • 6 min read

August 27, 2013

Unusual laws and customs

There are many unusual reasons why people have found themselves faced with hefty fines or in some cases arrested or detained abroa...

8 products for less stressful travelling

Travel Tips • 4 min read

May 21, 2012

8 products for less stressful travelling

The most experienced travel gurus know that the key to smart travelling is efficiency. Packing lightweight, compact items that hel...

FAQs About Travelling to Nepal with Encounters Travel

Travel Tips • 13 min read

September 17, 2026

FAQs About Travelling to Nepal with Encounters Travel

Planning a journey to Nepal? This in-depth guide answers key questions about travelling with Encounters Travel, from trekking to E...

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Other

Other • 6 min read

August 29, 2022

What to pack for your Turkey holiday

Packing for your Turkey holiday can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country. Here’...

Archaeologists Unearth ‘Ancient Egyptian Pompeii’

Other • 5 min read

April 21, 2021

Archaeologists Unearth ‘Ancient Egyptian Pompeii’

Find out more about Egypt's latest discovery!

Top five destinations to visit in February

Other • 6 min read

February 2, 2021

Top five destinations to visit in February

Wondering where to travel to in February? Here is a list of the best destinations to visit during the month of love.

Other • 4 min read

November 11, 2020

Essential experiences in Cairo

Planning a trip to Egypt? Here are some essential things to do in Cairo.

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