Ampersand's Travels...

Welcome to Ampersand's travel blog. This is where you'll find out all the latest goings on from our travels across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

Our motto is that luxury is in the experience: watching tigers padding through the Kanha jungle in the company of an expert guide; camping out under the Ladakh stars wrapped in cashmere blankets; exploring the art galleries and fine dining restaurants in Cape Town... these are the things we adore.

All over Asia and Southern Africa – from Bhutan to Bali, Cape Town to Victoria Falls – we know the most charming privately-owned hotels, the best secret beaches, the prettiest temples, and the most exclusive safari trails in the untouched wilderness. Our Little Black Book contains the best textile buffs, the keenest foodies, the wittiest maharajas, the most expert guides and the loveliest spots to drink champagne in the moonlight.

But what we love most of all is revealing these treasures to our clients. In our blog we hope to inspire and inform you by providing the latest travel news, hotel openings and luxury holiday ideas across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

A Tailormade Tour of West Bengal with Ampersand Founder James Jayasundera

A Tailormade Tour of West Bengal with Ampersand Founder James Jayasundera

Our Founder James has recently returned from another extraordinary trip to India. Here, he shares his highlights of West Bengal, from sipping tea in the Himalayan foothills to pandal hopping through the busy streets of Kolkata during Durga Puja Festival.

South Asia’s Life Changing Spiritual Destinations

South Asia’s Life Changing Spiritual Destinations

The heady horizons of South Asia is undeniably the world’s leading destination for those seeking a spiritual reset. From the goddess rivers of India, laden with flowers, singing and candles as the sun

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Tours for 2019

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Tours for 2019

Nothing creates a bond than experiencing an unfamiliar setting and culture in the spirit of adventure and fun. As the world gets increasingly more digitally connected people are in fact seeking

The 10 Best Long Haul Holidays for 2019

The 10 Best Long Haul Holidays for 2019

Our collection of long-haul destinations combine culture, history, wildlife, sumptuous cuisine, a dose of tropical sunshine, and a truly luxurious flair. Explore the cultural delights of Vietnam or

The Ultimate Travel Calendar: Every Festival Around the World in 2019

The Ultimate Travel Calendar: Every Festival Around the World in 2019

The new year is almost here, meaning it’s time to start planning your travels in 2019. To give you a hand, we have compiled the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about what’s happening

14 Incredible Festivals to Visit in Asia

14 Incredible Festivals to Visit in Asia

Thousands and thousands of festivals take place every single year. From music and performance to art and dance, food and gastronomy to wine and beer, religious ceremonies to street parades, historical

The Most LGBT-Friendly Cities in the UK

The Most LGBT-Friendly Cities in the UK

June is LGBT Pride Month, and to mark the occasion we have created a guide to the most LGBT-friendly cities in the UK.In our newly released Rainbow Cities Index, we have analysed multiple factors

Scotland: Festivals and Events

Scotland: Festivals and Events

Scotland has plenty to offer, including several annual events that we absolutely love. Read on to learn which ones we recommend, as well as a few of our personal favourite haunts and must-do activities.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

See how to say Merry Christmas in 26 different languages so you can spread the Christmas wishes and cheer to your friends and family around the world...

Ampersand’s mini-guide to Laos

Ampersand’s mini-guide to Laos

"Despite all of the transformation, much about Vientiane remains the same: the monks sweeping their temple grounds at dusk, the joys of a Beer Lao on the riverfront at sunset, the baguette vendors


Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

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