When customers book through a travel agent, they expect to receive an itinerary specifically tailored to them. This doesn’t have to be an impossible request with the help of Sky Bird Travel & Tours. We narrowed down the best monuments, tours, and activities around England to prevent you from falling into tourist traps! Read on to discover experiences curated specifically for photographers, foodies, film fans, artists, and architects in England!
England is one of Sky Bird’s most frequently booked travel locations, and it’s securing the number one spot on our list of the Top 2022 Travel Destinations. However, there are so many activities to pick from, that travel agents can struggle to select the perfect one for their clients. The country offers beautiful art, historical monuments, unique dining experiences, and much more. To help travel consultants find a unique tour for any client, we created this two-part guide that describes our favorite activities for each type of traveler!
If you’re unsatisfied with how much (or how little) your current commissions are, you should consider working with an airline consolidator. The great deals they provide on airfare gives travel agents the power to mark up commissions. Imagine being handed a blank check on which to write your desired amount of commissions! If you’re ready to give your business a boost, tune in to this monthly series on airline consolidation throughout 2018.
This garden has been well-loved by South Africans for nearly 200 years. It began as a private residence in the 1840s. Ralph Henry Arderne was a timber merchant living in the area and his unique position allowed him to acquire dozens of exotic seeds. On his land he built a house known as “The Hill.”
Garden of Champions
Gardens on the estate became a favorite spot for local residents to stroll and enjoy nature. When Arderne died in 1917, the property was divided and The Hill was demolished. Eventually the city government purchased the land and continued to make this place a relaxing spot to enjoy nature.
Today, the park is known for its trees, of which there are over 300; a koi pond, and the sprawling green lawns. Six of the trees have been designated as Champion Trees, meaning they are the largest tree of a species based on trunk circumference, height, and average crown spread. The Moreton Bay Fig is one of the largest trees in the country. The Arderne Gardens are popular for weddings, leisure seekers, and botany enthusiasts.
Moreton Bay Fig – a Champion Tree of Arderne Gardens. Photo Credit: By Marie Frei – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42543661
How to Get There
By car from Cape Town, it’s only 12.4 km south. To fly to Cape Town, we’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to South Africa. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
For over a thousand years, sultans and kings have maintained a palace in Rabat, the nation’s capital. The current palace was built in 1864. The sultan chose the French architects Louis-Paul Pertuzio and Félix-Joseph Pertuzio to design the palace.
A City Within a City
In addition to housing the royal family, there are other buildings situation on the complex as well including: a small mosque, a mechouar for public ceremonies, living space for the royal family and Moroccan Royal Guard, a college, a cooking school, and a library.
Tour the palace for an up-close look at Moroccan history. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the Morocco of centuries past and the Morocco that’s adapting to the 21st century. Don’t miss the Arabic motifs and local horticulture when exploring the extensive gardens.
Front of Royal Palace. Photo Credit: By Bernard Gagnon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5392259
How to Get There
Dar al-Makhzen is located in the city proper of Rabat. To fly to Morocco, we’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to Morocco. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
This impressive structure was constructed quickly – only a five-month period from 1701-1702. It is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity, Siddha Laxmi, and located in Bhaktapur – about 40 minutes outside of Kathmandu. The name means “City of Devotees” and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes buildings of cultural and natural value.
The Nyatapola Temple is considered one of the tallest pagodas in the country – standing at over 30 meters high. The temple is so structurally sound that it managed to survive a 8.3 magnitude earthquake in 1934.
Front of Nyatapola Temple. Photo Credit: By Varuna 20001 – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8875114
Religious Figures
While the temple is primarily dedicated to Siddha Laxmi, there are other religious figures in the temple architecture as well, mostly those that pertain to the legend surrounding it.
The legend goes that an angry god, Bhairab, was causing destruction. To counteract this, Parvati the goddess took the form of Siddha Laxmi and carried Bhairab away. The king ordered a temple with guardians be built on the site. Guardians included two elephants, two lions, two griffons, and a tiger and lion goddesses. According to tradition, Laxmi’s image is kept hidden within the temple and only priests are allowed to see it.
Idol Sardul in front fo Nyatapola Temple. Photo Credit: By Krish Dulal – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28681449
Visiting
Climbing the steps of the temple affords visitors an up-close look at traditional Nepalese architecture and sculpture. It’s not as well-known as other temples located within the city of Kathmandu, which makes it the perfect place to see the religious history of Nepal without all the tourists.
How to Get There:
Nyatapola Temple is only about 40 minutes east of Kathmandu. To fly to Nepal, we’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to Nepal. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
This park offers a variety of activities. Ice climbing on the waterfalls is a popular activity in the winter. Experts claim this is the best spot in South America for this activity. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can trek 9 hours to La Paloma Glacier. If the full hike is not feasible, there are many valleys along the way where you can camp for the night and head back. Or you can go horseback riding! Horse rentals are available for the day or multi-day walks and are relatively inexpensive.
Ice climbing. Photo Credit: By Bernhard – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36837
Flora and Fauna
Over 500 species of plants live here, as well as foxes, rabbits, hares, and birds. Rodents are the main inhabitants of the park, however, including the coruro and degu. In the highest reaches of the park, it is possible to observe eagles, condors, and other predatory birds.
A degu, one of the many rodents who make their home in the park. Photo Credit: Degu – By Markus – NagerUploaded by snowmanradio, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17632214
Fundo Yerba Loca Archaeology
There are over 100 archaeological sites scattered throughout the park. These sites include ancient workshops, stone walls, and tacit stones. Artifacts found indicate a human presence as far back as 6,000 years ago. However, due to the climate conditions, the people here likely did not establish permanent roots, but instead used this area as a temporary dwelling place.
One culture that lived here were the Chiquillanes. They inhabited the area after 1500 AD. This culture was nomadic hunter gatherers who survived on fruits, tubers, and animals.
The culture with the most impact on the area were undoubtedly the Incas. For them, this land was sacred. Human sacrifice victims have been found fully persevered, due to the cold climate. One of the most famous examples, and one that happened to be found in the park, was the Plomo Mummy. This mummy was that of a boy who was left in the cold as a sacrifice to the sun god, Inti. The practice of human sacrifice was called qhapaq hucha in the Incan language. This was done to stop natural disasters or during major festivals at ceremonial sites.
Plomo Mummy (replica on display at the National Museum of Natural History– By Jason Quinn – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6859937
HOW TO GET THERE
By car, the park is accessed by Route G-21, the road to Farellones, and then exit 15 where you’ll find the entrance to the reserve. It’s about two hours east of Santiago. For flights to Chile, trust Sky Bird Travel & Tours. We’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to Chile. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
The mission of this museum is to preserve ancestral weaving traditions and Andean textiles. Working with local villagers, the museum aims to keep the tradition alive.
History of Andean Textiles
For thousands of years, weaving has been an integral part of the Peruvian culture and the dominant art form. Weavers developed original styles and designs, some of which are unique to the Pre-Columbian cultures who first inhabited the Andes.
Unfortunately, with the arrival of the Spanish, weaving was nearly lost completely. When the Inca state fell in 1533, the infrastructure – including textiles – also fell. The Spanish shut down the weaving centers because they did not want competition for weavers back home in Spain. During this period, the quality of Andean textiles decreased dramatically without the oversight of Inca weavers. Some indigenous people still produced traditional clothing and wore them out of loyalty to their Incan heritage. This small act of defiance to the Spanish government would help fan the flames of the later revolution that granted Peru its independence in 1826.
Weaving Classes
Classes on weaving, spinning, knitting, and braiding are available. The classes will instruct you on techniques that the Incan ancestors would have used. Visitors work side by side with indigenous weavers and learn not only about weaving but also about their culture and tradition. Classes are taught in Quechua and Spanish, but the instructors know some English and English instruction packets are provided. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in another culture, make new friends, and learn a new skill!
Weaving Museum and Shop
In addition, the museum documents important aspects of the art. The finest textiles from the Cusco region are on display there. It’s truly amazing to see how the tradition has thrived despite the major cultural upheaval 500 years ago. The shop sells handmade crafts for visitors to purchase including shoulder bags, ponchos, and hats. This is a true hands-on Peruvian experience!
An Indigenous weaver making items to sell. Photo credit: http://www.textilescusco.org/index.php/museum-shops/
HOW TO GET THERE
The museum and shop are located in Cusco itself. Weaving demonstrations and classes are taught in Chinchero, about 45 minutes from Cusco. Whichever aspect of the center you choose to visit, it’s easy to reach by car. When it’s time to book a flight to Peru, trust Sky Bird Travel & Tours. We’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to Peru. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
There are a variety of places to see the diverse flora and fauna, including:
Spot La Cage – Great for camping, hiking, and boat excursion
Spot La Mangas – Location of a wharf, walking trail, and gazebo
One of the park’s great attractions are the large lily pads called Irupés. These aquatic plants are unique to South America. Though not as large as their cousins in Brazil, these plants are more resilient to lower temperatures. For this reason, the Irupé has been cultivated in manmade ponds for centuries. Its ability to withstand a substantial amount of weight and its purple and white flowers are its claim to fame.
The Victoria Cruziana flower that grows on the lily pads. Photo Credit: De USDA – http://www.usna.usda.gov/graphics/usna/home/adv101202.jpg, Dominio público, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1001857
Animals of the park include a large number of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Kingfishers, capybaras, catfish, otters, frogs, and 182 species of fish all make their home here. Everywhere you look, nature is brimming with activity.
Green-headed Tanager – a common bird species in the Pre-Delta. Photo Credit: By Lars Falkdalen Lindahl (User:Njaelkies Lea) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14528500
HOW TO GET THERE
The Parque Nacional Pre-Delta is about 2 hr. and 11 min. north of Rosario by car. When it’s time to book a flight to Argentina, trust Sky Bird Travel & Tours. We’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to Argentina. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
This museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of southern India. The architecture of the museum itself has historical significance. It is a mixture of 17th-20th century traditional design. Inside, over 4,000 artifacts capture the spirit of the region. For those wishing to do more than browse displays, special live performances are available, as well as an on-site café that features traditional cuisine. All facets of anthropology are represented here, from linguistic to sociocultural, archaeology to physical anthropology. It truly is the best place to soak up the flavor of southern India.
Models of men from different castes and tribes wearing traditional face painting and head coverings. Photo Credit: http://keralafolkloremuseum.org/anthraGallerys.php?id=19
History of Kerala Folklore Museum
The Kerala Folklore Museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala and documents over 1,000 years of history. Its founder, George J. Thaliath, had 35 years of experience in antiquities and interactions with different tribes, castes, and indigenous peoples. He developed an appreciation for all walks of life and made his dream of opening the Folklore Museum a reality. As such, the museum endeavors to bring this love of humanity and reverence of culture into its exhibits.
Photograph on display at the museum. Photo Credit: http://keralafolkloremuseum.org/anthraGallerys.php?id=19
Traditional Dancing. Photo Credit: http://keralafolkloremuseum.org/anthraGallerys.php?id=19
HOW TO GET THERE
The Kerala Folklore Museum is located in Kochi itself. A six-minute car ride or 4 km walk will take you there. To book a flight to Kochi, India, trust Sky Bird Travel & Tours. We’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to India. Call or email us today to get started!
Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!
