Our aim is for you to be exposed to sights, sounds, smells and scenes very different from home.

As much as possible, we encourage our clients to learn about, and take the time to experience, the way of life and traditions that make each place so unique.

Travelling away from the most popular destinations is one of the best ways to really immerse yourself in the country. We actively encourage our clients - even those with just a few days to spare - to spend at least some of their time off the beaten track.

Please consider the following when choosing to travel to a developing country:

Road conditions: even sealed roads are often bumpy. Driving skills (of other drivers, not ours!) vary from "asleep at the wheel" to "homicidal maniac".

Noise: Chickens, threshing machines and wedding ceremonies often seem to be competing with each other! Even in the countryside, complete silence cannot be guaranteed.

Local markets: markets are a great place to immerse yourself in daily local life. They can also be overcrowded, smelly, and somewhat lacking in hygiene.

Local food: Your tour leader can recommend a range of places with high hygiene standards. However, the change of diet may still result in the occasional dose of "holiday tummy".

Homestays: expect modest living conditions and lack of public facilities. Most families sleep altogether in one room, and their "shower" may be the village pump. Your hosts are unlikely to speak English - but your local tour leader will always be on hand to translate!

This way of life continues whether or not you choose to enrich your trip with less-visited places. Even if you stay in a 3* or 4* hotel, the roads are still bad, things often don't happen as or when expected, and cultures and customs are very different from "back home".

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.