The Howard Travel Blog
Need your outdoor adventure fix? With most events/gatherings being cancelled due to COVID-19, the organisers of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour are rescheduling their UK screenings but have made ALL their films free to view for our quarantine viewing pleasure.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings fearless explorers and intrepid film-makers onto the big screen as they venture deep in the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes. The below free list, curated by Lianne Caron, features movies starring climbers, skiers, mountain bikers, sailors, kayakers, high-wire walkers and much more. Enjoy your stay in!
With cases of Coronavirus being reported in specific locations in a number of countries throughout the world, it is very important that travellers are aware of affected areas and stay up to date with Foreign Office travel advice.
- The FCO currently advises against all but essential travel.
- Travellers are advised to stay up to date with the UK Foreign Office travel advice which is updated regularly here.
- This is a very Fluid changing situation and you should check with our teams on any specific destination.
Norad Travel Group are constantly in contact with all major representatives of the industry and working on several innitiatives to assist in the restart of travel.
Please follow links to World mapping and updates of Countries Data on the pandemic. The interactive service provides you with the information you need to start planning your next business trip or vacation, as we all start to open up for business.
If you have any questions regarding Coronavirus travel advice, are travelling near affected areas, or have a specific question regarding your holiday booking, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Travellers should also keep up to date on local advice during their visit.
CORONAVIRUS FAQ
Q:What happens if my travel plans are affected?
A: Your travel plans may be affected in different ways, depending on Foreign Office advice. If the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against travel to a destination and your holiday arrangements have been affected, your travel provider will get in touch and advise you of the options open to you. Travellers are advised to read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for the country they are travelling to, which includes a link through to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) TravelHealthPro website that provides specific travel health advice for countries. The Foreign Office also has a specific page with more information on Coronavirus.
Where the Foreign Office advises against travel to a country or a specific resort or area of a country the following applies:
Q: Does my tour operator have to refund the full package or only the parts of my holiday that are cancelled?
A: Tour operators can offer alternative holidays if they are able to. If these mean a significant change to the original arrangements, for example spending the whole or part of the holiday in a different country, you aren’t obliged to accept the alternative and will be entitled to a full refund of the package price.
Q: When am I not entitled to a full refund?
A: If you have booked a package and are not due to travel imminently, tour operators will decide on an ongoing basis how far in advance they’ll begin offering alternative arrangements or providing refunds. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice is in relation to imminent departures and it is too early to say that your holiday can’t go ahead as planned. Therefore, customers with future departure dates will be required to wait to find out whether the advice changes and their holiday can continue as planned. If you cancel early you may have to pay cancellation charges.
Q: If I cannot follow my initial travel plans due to the Coronavirus outbreak, am I entitled to compensation?
A: You won’t be entitled to any compensation, as the reason for the holiday not continuing is outside the control of the tour operator.
Q: I’ve booked a flight to a country where the Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to a country or a specific resort or area of the country, what are my rights?
A: Speak to your airline or travel provider to check what the airline’s policy is. You should also check your travel insurance to see if this will cover any additional costs.
Q: What if I'm unsure about going on my holiday?
A: Most destinations do not have any British Government advice against travel. If there is no advice against travel to your destination, if you don't want to go, you’re free to make that choice, but there's no obligation on your holiday company to give you a refund. Normal cancellation charges will apply. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to claim any cancellation charge on your insurance as there isn’t normally cover for disinclination to travel but you can check the terms of your policy.
If you have any questions regarding Coronavirus travel advice, are travelling near affected areas, or have a specific question regarding your holiday booking, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In December, our travel expert Hannah visited South Africa on a luxury small group tour, where she experienced some of the wonderful sights and sounds the country has to offer. Throughout her trip, Hannah kept a travel diary, showing the amazing activities she got up to during her 9 day stay.
As another busy year in travel draws to a close, we have taken a moment to look back and review 2019 at Howard Travel - and what a year it was! 2019 saw new faces, ‘excellent’ customer service, awards, fam trips across the globe and a whole lot of summer holidays!
We have collated the best offers this Black Friday from a host of different operators. Hurry though, Deals will be departing soon! Call our holiday experts today to find out more about any of the below offers - 01225 777 227 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
⚫Mauritius - Stay for 7 & pay for 5!
⚫ From £1,090pp
Save £452 per couple
- 7 nights staying at Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa
- Emirates flights from Gatwick £1,090pp, Heathrow £1,115pp
- Half Board Choice of free land & water sports
- Airport transfers in Mauritius
- Departs 18 May 2020
- £150 Deposit
- Book by 6th December
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 sharing.
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⚫ 7 nights 3* Orlando
⚫ From £459pp
- Return flights from Gatwick
- Valid for travel 07 May – 04 June 20
- 7 nights at 3* Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista a Rosen Hotel B&B
*Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing
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⚫ 9 Day Classic Peru
⚫ From £1,829
- Return flights from Gatwick
- 20 March 2020
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- English speaking guide
- Selected sightseeing & transfers
Lima | Cuzco | Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu | Puno | Lake Titicaca
Highlights
- • See Spanish colonial architecture in Lima
- • Discover Aymara and Quechuan Indian cultures of Puno
- • Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Inca city of Machu Picchu
- • Explore beautiful Cuzco or relax and take in mountain views
- • Take a boat tour on the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake
Titicaca and stay with a local family
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⚫ 7 nights 4* Phuket
⚫ From £799pp
⚫ Save up to £505pp
- Return flights from Heathrow
- 7th May 2020
- 4* OZO Kata Phuket B&B
- Return Transfers
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⚫ Sri Lanka from £799
⚫ Save up to £470pp
- 7 nights at 4* Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal, all inclusive
- Return flights from Heathrow
- 4th May 2020
- Return private transfers
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Florence - 3 nights from £391pp ‼️
- Departing 27th March 2020
✈️Fly from Bristol Airport
- Staying at the 3* Hotel Rosso 23
- Includes breakfast
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 sharing.
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☀️5* Tenerife ☀️
‼️7 nights from £979pp
✔️SAVE £680 PER COUPLE
?Departing 14th April 2020
✈️Fly from London Gatwick
?Staying at 5* Vincci Seleccion la Plantacion Del Sur
?️Bed & Breakfast in a Twin/double room
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 sharing.
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☀️10 Nights Australia Multi-centre
⚫ from £1,399pp
✔️SAVE UP TO £360pp
‼️Includes one FREE night in Sydney, FREE breakfast in Brisbane & one FREE night in Surfers Paradise
⚫ Departing 9th August 2020
✈️Fly from London Heathrow
⚫ 3 nights 4* Rendezvous Hotel Sydney Central
⚫ 3 nights 4* Novotel Brisbane with Breakfast
⚫ 4 nights Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing
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⚫ Malaysia Summer School Holiday
‼️10 nights from £749pp
✔️SAVE UP TO £110pp
⚫ Departing 20th August 2020
⚫INCLUDES 4 FREE NIGHTS
✈️Fly from London Heathrow
⚫ Staying at 4.5* DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.
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☀️4* Barbados
⚫ From £1,499pp
⚫ Departing 1st June 2020
✔️SAVE UP TO £580pp
✈️Fly from London Gatwick
⚫ Staying at 4* Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels
⚫ Return flights
⚫ 7 nights in a Garden View One Bedroom Suite
⚫ Bed & breakfast
⚫ Return Transfers
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 sharing.
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☀️5* Mauritius☀️
⚫ 7 nights all inclusive
⚫ From £1529pp
✔️SAVE UP TO £2333PP
⚫ Book by 6th December 2019
⚫ Junior Suite
✈️Fly from London Heathrow
*Subject to availability, price based on 2 sharing.
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⚫ Azores, Madeira & Portuguese Highlights Cruise
Discover lovely Madeira, the ‘floating garden of the Atlantic’, plus the historic and colourful cities of La Coruña and Lisbon, bringing contrasts to this wonderful cruise.
⚫ Ship - Marco Polo
❌WAS - £2129pp
✔️NOW FROM £885 – 70% OFF!
⚫ Departing Tuesday 24TH March 2020
⚫ 7 night cruise
⚫ Departing Bristol Avonmouth
*Prices shown are per person based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings
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⚫ Easter River Seine Experience Cruise
Cruise the beautiful River Seine with its panoramic vistas across the Normandy countryside.
⚫ Marco Polo
❌WAS £1069
✔️NOW £471 – 65% OFF!
⚫ Departing Tuesday 7th April 2020
⚫ 7 night cruise
⚫ Departing Bristol Avonmouth
*Prices shown are per person based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings
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⚫ Iceland & Northern Isles Cruise
Home to one of the world’s most dynamic landscapes, Iceland is the legendary ‘Land of Fire and Ice’! Vast ice caps, active volcanoes, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and geothermal hot springs are all part of the exciting nature you may experience on this extraordinary island.
❌WAS £1079pp
✔️NOW £917pp – 60% OFF
⚫ Departing Sunday 9th August 2020
⚫ 12 Night cruise
⚫ Departing London Tilbury
*Prices shown are per person based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings
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Howard travel expert Kimara has returned from her trip exploring some of the finest sights Italy has to offer. During her 4-night stay, she came across some of the world’s most famous sights such as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Colosseum. From a tour of the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, to trying a metre-long pizza, have a read about Kimara’s action packed time in Italy through her daily travel diary.
Christmas is already just around the corner, which also means that the stressful Christmas shopping period is nearly here. If you're stuck for gift ideas and you know someone who just loves to travel, this is the perfect list for inspiration. From cheap to pricey and essential to fun, this list covers all areas of what you need to inspire someone to explore somewhere new!
Earlier in the year, our Travel expert Hannah went to explore some of the fascinating landscapes Uzbekistan has to offer. Read her travel diary to see what she got up to on her trip, from the glittering Turquoise Domes of Registan Square to the amazing roof top views of Bukhara.
Join us on our Exclusive Small Group Tour to Borneo
Led by our very own Sarah Tichacek
After the success of our previous Norad/Howard led tours to Vietnam & India, Join Sarah on our exclusive and fully escorted Norad Travel 'Sights & Sounds of the Borneo Jungle' group tour, packed full of tailor-made wildlife and jungle experiences. From a once in lifetime Orangutan experience in Sandakan, to a traditional lunch cooked by Sukau villagers, this bespoke tour is certainly not one to miss.
Howard Travel is part of the Norad Travel Group
Key Details
£2,875 per person
- Departing 2nd October 2020
- Flights from London Heathrow
- 9 nights, exclusive and bespoke Norad guided tour
- Led by Norad Senior Manager, Sarah Tichecek
- Escorted by experienced local Borneo guide
- Packed full of tailor-made wildlife experiences
- Secure your place for just £350 Deposit
Explore the amazing sights of Borneo
The exclusive tour will be led by Norad Travel Senior Manager, Sarah Tichacek and escorted by an experienced local Borneo guide. The Sights & Sounds of Borneo tour will depart on Friday 2nd October and return Monday 12th October, allowing you time to explore the very best Borneo has to offer.
Call our holiday expert and Norad tour leader, Sarah today to find out more on 01730 892298 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Itinerary
Friday 2nd October:
Flight from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur. Overnight on-board flight.
Day 1 - Saturday 3rd October: Sandakan
Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan (13:25 arrival)
- Private transfer from the airport to the hotel with lunch and dinner served at the hotel.
- Flying squirrel platforms to see these incredible animals
- Accommodation: My Nature Resort
Day 2 - Sunday 4th October: Sandakan
- Labuk Bay Monkey Sanctuary
- Rainforest Discovery Centre
- Return to resort for dinner
Accommodation: My Nature Resort
Day 3 - Monday 5th October: Sandakan
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary
Accommodation: Abai Jungle Lodge, includes lunch and dinner
Day 4 - Tuesday 6th October: Sukau
- River trip to Pitas Oxbow Lake to observe wildlife
- Breakfast at Abai Jungle Platform
- Lunch with the villagers at Abai Village which has been specially cooked by them
- River cruise to Sukau village
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Day 5 - Wednesday 7th October: Sukau
- River trip to experience the longest river of Sabah
- Explore the Gomantong Bird nest caves on Sakau Lodge
- Transfer back to lodge and lunch at Sukau Villager's house or at Sukau Lodge
- Afternoon river cruise
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Day 6 - Thursday 8th October: Sukau
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport
- After breakfast, a private transfer from the lodge to the airport
- Flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, includes private transfers
Accommodation: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, 3 nights bed & breakfast
Day 6,7,8 - Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
With a private beach, views of the coral islands and just five minutes drive from the centre of Kota Kinabalu and ten minutes drive from the airport, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru offers luxury and relaxation in a great location.
Facilities include an infinity and lap pool, health club, CHI Spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, nine-hole golf course, tennis, bike hire, watersports and choice of bars and restaurants.
Day 9 - Sunday 11th October
Flights from Kota Kinabalu to Kula Lumpur and then onwards to London Heathrow returning Monday 12th October
*Limited to 17 people with a minimum of 10 bookings required for the tour to go ahead.The above price is guaranteed subject to a minimum of 10 people in economy class. Priced at £2,875 per person based on a twin double room and economy flights, business class upgrades and extensions that can be quoted upon request.
