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!
Enjoy a journey of discovery in Peru
Peru is home to some amazing sights, aside from the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, and you'd be well advised to take your time exploring the country.
Writing for Xinhua news agency, travel journalist Richard Meng has picked out a few spots that you will certainly enjoy discovering if you travel to the South American nation.
Possibly one of the most intriguing is the Nazca Township, where you can see one of the most astonishing reminders of the country's Incan past in the form of the Nazca Lines.
Head to the Isaan region for a taste of 'old Thailand'
Thailand is well-known as a haven for backpackers and it's regarded as one of the more accessible nations in south east Asia, but despite its mass appeal, there are still plenty of places to go to get off the beaten track.
And the Isaan region is one of them, especially if you want to see some stunning Khmer temples.
Discover the exotic on a trip to Madagascar
If you're desperate to jet off somewhere exotic next year but can't decide between a host of exciting destinations then maybe some tips from a top travel writer will help you make up your mind.
Writing for the Metro, Tom Hall, travel editor for Lonely Planet, has suggested heading off to Madagascar for a truly different break and I think he could be on to something.
Especially if you're a nature lover, with so many unique species on the islands you can't fail to be tempted.
Enjoy a rich cultural mix on the Lamu Archipelago
Travellers looking for somewhere new to explore during their African holidays may find that a stop on the Kenyan islands of the Lamu Archipelago provide the perfect destination.
According to Shane Mitchell, writing for Travel+Leisure magazine, anyone who ventures here will be greeted by "a rich layering of cultures, cuisines and languages".
He noted that sailors from a host of nations visited the islands in its history, which has helped create the atmosphere on Lamu.
Get a bird's eye view of Shanghai
People travelling to China to experience the country's urban centres as well as its natural wonders may want to get a bird's eye view of some of its cities.
Shanghai in particular is a good place to go if you are looking for some great vistas over the city - with Travel+Leisure magazine naming two of its towers among the world's top observation decks.
Vietnam 'is vibrant'
An actress has named Vietnam as one of her top holiday destinations.
Tara Fitzgerald told the Daily Telegraph that she found that the country was "really vibrant" when she visited it on holiday with her partner.
During their stay, they visited Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and the island of Phu Quoc, with Ms Fitzgerald particularly recommending a trip to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum because it is "fascinating".
New nature reserve in Chile 'is great for hikers'
Adventure travellers looking to visit South America for a trekking holiday may want to consider one of the newest nature reserves in Chile.
Writing for the Financial Times, Collin Barraclough explained that the newly-formed Patagonia Park in the south of the country will be a good place for hikers to head to from next year.
Responsible tourism initiatives in Kerala 'benefiting communities'
Local communities are becoming increasingly involved in responsible tourism initiatives in the Indian state of Kerala, it has been reported.
News agency Asian Lite revealed that farmers, craftsmen, fishermen and many of the women in the area have all benefited from sustainable tourism projects.
The drive for more responsible tourism in Kerala started three years ago and now sees a number of the hotels and resorts in the area sourcing items such as vegetables, fish, milk and rice from local farmers and fishermen.
Sail away to the Galapagos Islands
Travellers who want the chance to see - and photograph - some unusual wildlife should certainly consider booking a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
Located off the coast of Ecuador, two recent visitors noted that one of the best ways to see the islands is by boat.
Nepal to open new trekking routes
Adventure travellers heading off to Nepal for a hiking holiday may be pleased to hear that four new trekking routes are set to open in the country.
From 2011, walkers will be able to follow a new trail through the Annapurna Conservation Area, take the Limi Valley trekking route in Homla, tackle the Dudhkunda Trek in Soulukumbu or stride out on the Panchpokharai Bharirav Kunda Trek.
The Nepal Tourist Board (NTB) also revealed that work has been carried out to connect the various sections of the Great Himalayan Trail.
