Life is in the detail

The people in Colombia are unbelievably friendly – you get a very different reception here compared to elsewhere in South America.

Emily - Original Traveller

Emily Dundas

Original Travel Expert

I have extensive travel experience throughout South America and South Africa.

My travels

Travel Things I Want To Do Before I Die

Go surfing in Indonesia
Visit New Orleans
Explore Argentina - particularly Buenos Aires and Patagonia
Spend time on a game reserve in Laikipia, Kenya

Best Moments

Skydiving over Plettenberg Bay in South Africa - completely terrifying up until the moment the parachute opened (when I no longer felt like I was plummeting to my death) and I could enjoy the incredible views of the coast.
Being in Seville for the Semana Santa - a totally crazy religious festival in the build up to Easter that involves huge, elaborate floats from various churches being carried around the city. It's even more amazing at night when the whole thing is candle-lit.
Stargazing in the Salt Flats of Bolivia - the sheer number of stars you could see made it worth lying outside in the sub-zero temperatures.
Staying in Coffee Bay in South Africa, which is around two-hundred miles from the nearest city, and surfing on a completely deserted beach every day.

Toughest Travel Moment

The Lost City Trek in Colombia - five days trekking in the intense heat of the Colombian jungle with a guide who spoke virtually no English. But it was all made entirely worth it when we reached the incredible, and almost completely deserted, ruins of the Lost City, which pre-date Machu Picchu but have a fraction of the visitors.

Weirdest Travel Moment

Being served guinea pig in Peru, which arrived cooked but still completely whole (feet and all). Not sure it's something I would order again.

Explore my blog posts

Our Favourite European Walking Holidays

We're all about embracing a slower pace of life here at Original Travel, and what better way to do that than on a walking holiday. Venture into the great outdoors and spend your days ambling (or marching, depending on your chosen walking pace) through some of Europe's most beautiful scenery…

Capital Idea - the Best Capital Cities Around the World

Does your ideal holiday involve spending your days weaving through winding streets, coiffing coffee and local eats at hidden restaurants and immersing yourself in a completely new city? Then you've come to the right place. Here is our definitive list, which took much refining, of our…

Our Favourite Alternative Summer 2020 Destinations

This summer, swap your usual European beach break for an alternative holiday with the inevitable braggability factor that comes with going somewhere a little more niche. Whether you're temped by a traditionally 'winter' destination such as Swedish Lapland or fancy exploring a lesser-visited…

Late Summer Sun on the Turkish Coast

It's safe to say that the 'wellness' trend has slightly taken over the world of late, and while we're certainly not opposed to a detox-style holiday, we're also partial to a slightly more indulgent one. In the spirit of inclusion, we say why not do both with a 'detox-retox' holiday? After a…

Born To Run - Where to Run Around the World

The idea of going for a run on holiday might sound like your idea of a living nightmare, but hear us out. Running can be the perfect way to explore a new place while gaining a totally new perspective of your surroundings. Getting up bright and early and heading out for a run can give you the…

Namibia Five Ways

To quote our co-founder Tom Barber, 'if Original Travel were a country, we would be Namibia'. And in a country with such diverse and otherworldly landscapes, the word 'original' is particularly apt. Along with its sensational scenery, the country boasts exceptional wildlife spotting and a…

Undertourism: Breaking Away from the Masses

Where 'overtourists' elbow for selfie space at honeypot destinations, 'undertourists' (we may have just made these words up) break away from the masses and discover beautiful but lesser-visited places that they can have all to themselves. Why visit The Beach in Thailand (which has had to…

An Open Letter to Top Gear: The Best Roads In The World

Dear Top Gear producers, we couldn't help but notice you've been to some pretty cool locations over the years, most recently across the mountains and desert plains of Ethiopia (while we're on the subject, kudos to you on the new series, we're big fans). But this got us to thinking of a few…

Choc-tastic: Our Favourite Chocolate Based Experiences around the World

In the build-up to Easter we've been enjoying more than our fair share of Mini Eggs here at Original Travel HQ, which got us thinking a little bit more about chocolate and the origins of our favourite afternoon snack. So we've come up with a list of our best chocolate-based experiences…

Get Organised for 2020

We may only be three months into 2019, and most of us are still probably writing the date wrong at least once a day, but alarmingly it is also time to start looking ahead to 2020. Certain destinations and experiences book up incredibly early, so now is the chance to get your organisational…

The Road Less Travelled: Four Off the Beaten Track Road Trips

Everyone knows the classics: California's Highway One, South Africa's Garden Route and New Zealand's South Island circuit. And they're all popular road trips for a reason. However, some of our favourites are those that slip under the radar, so read on for four of our favourite road trips…

Take Flight: the Best New Flight Routes for 2019

If you're looking to fly away to pastures new in 2019, we have compiled a list of the most exciting new flight routes from around the world to give you some inspiration. While some are opening up new destinations previously hard to reach, others are creating the opportunity for some cool…

The Best Destinations for February 2019

Let's face it, February is like the Tuesday of the year. The motivation of January and all its 'New Year new me' glory has faded, but we're still a long way off from the warm days of summer. So we reckon that as a reward for getting through the bleakest month of the year (especially if…

Our Top Three Italian Road Trips

The beauty of an Italian road trip is that the relatively small size of the country means journey times are kept to manageable lengths (meaning the risk of map-related arguments is, critically, also kept to a minimum). The other beauty is, well, the beauty. Few countries offer such stunning…

Picture Perfect: Europe's Most Photogenic Views

Europe is a treasure trove of distinctive and diverse landscapes, cultural curiosities and world class architecture; all of which happen to be tremendously photogenic and Insta-worthy. From dramatic glacial rock formations to pristine pastel beaches, get your cameras at the ready to witness…

Top Five Best Experiences: South Africa

South Africa is hands-down one of our favourite destinations. Whether exploring the Cape and the surrounding winelands on your honeymoon or taking your little ones on their first ever safari, the Rainbow Nation has something for everyone. There is always more to be discovered in South…

Top Seven Experiences in Southeast Asia

Often synonymous with backpackers on their 'gap yahs', Southeast Asia is so much more than full moon parties and white sand beaches. This region is brimming with history, culture and delicious foodie delicacies, and we have put together a list of our number one experiences in each of our…

Five Reasons You Should Go to Turkey Right Now

Turkey may have had a tough time of it recently but it is very much open for business and remains one of our favourite European destinations with its beguiling mix of culture, history, scenery and incredible hospitality. In need of convincing? Here are five reasons why Turkey should be your…

Argentina vs. Brazil: Battle of the Latin American Heavyweights

They may have a long standing rivalry in football, but they also happen to be two of our favourite Latin American vacation destinations, so how do Argentina and Brazil measure up alongside each other off the football pitch?

Going off Grid in Australia

Are you in desperate need of some time away from screens, social media and emails? Then Australia might just be the answer. Heading to the other side of the world will give you the chance to be in a completely different time zone to everyone on the other end of those emails and calls, and,…

Top Five Best Experiences: Sweden

Sweden brings far more to the table than just the delights of Ikea and Abba, with its culture, nature and cuisine all providing some unforgettable experiences, be it during winter in Lapland or summer in Stockholm. So, start working your way through our top five experiences in Sweden as an…

(Super)Market Sweep: the Best Markets in the World

Sometimes the best way to really get to the heart of a place is by heading to a local market for a spot of shopping. Witnessing the various ways that locals try and bag themselves the best deals, with frantic arm waving and price haggling, is often something quite extraordinary. So, here are…

Top Five Best Experiences: Spain

There is far more to Spain than package-holidays and sangria; it has so many different elements to its culture, from the Moorish influence in the South, to the Basque country of the North, where you'll find some of the best food in Europe. Because we're so fascinated by this country, we've…

Top Five Best Experiences: Greece

Greece has long been a favourite destination of ours, equally brilliant both for honeymooners looking for a tranquil escape, and for families looking for a summer vacation. So, we have put together a list of our top five best experiences in Greece, ranging from monasteries on the mainland to…