Stubborn Mule Travel

19/06/2024

Out this week in Hello! magazine – Chemmy Alcott and her family recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a Stubborn Mule trip to Tanzania. Head to the article below to read more or call us on 01728 752751 to speak to one of our Africa specialists who would love to help you craft your very own tailor-made trip.

The ski racer tied the knot with Dougie Crawford in 2014

31/05/2024

Guyana, whose name translates as ‘land of many waters’ is one of the most unexplored and most sparsely populated nations on the planet. Just 4,000 tourists visit each year, less than visit Machu Picchu in a day, and with a population of 800,000, about the same size as Leeds, most of whom live in the capital and along the coast. 85% of the country is untouched rainforest with indigenous tribes who still live in the way that they have for centuries, and any lodges in the interior are owned and run by the local tribes. You don’t have to travel far to find peace and adventure.

My trip involved flights on small planes across miles of rainforest, down to the miles of empty savannah in the south west of the country right on the border with Brazil, where we encountered Vaqueros (cowboys), cattle ranches, giant anteaters, capybaras, the largest rodent in the world, amazing birds (I recorded aver 150 different species) and beautiful, stunning and empty scenery. Watching jaguars, anteaters, and a wide variety of other mammals on camera traps was a highlight of one afternoon trip, followed by a swim in a local lake whilst the sun set on the plains. Being alone in such awe-inspiring wilderness was just incredible, there wasn’t another soul outside the lodge for a bumpy three-hour drive on gravel roads.

Spending time in Karanambu Lodge on the great Rupununi river was a very special highlight. The home of the late great conservationist Diane Turk and now run by members of her family, we encountered the giant river otters which she made her life’s work to save. I was following in the footsteps of Gerald Durrell, who managed to capture a giant anteater whilst staying at the lodge, and the great Sir David Attenborough who came here to film his earliest series Zoo Quest in 1955. The area hadn’t changed in the 65 years since. Karanambu is also known for its giant Amazonian six-foot waterlilies, which trap beetles overnight when they close. A rum punch sundowner on a boat on a lake watching them close was very special!

Kaieteur Falls, the longest drop single fall in the world at four times the height of Niagara was another place I witnessed alone. Such an incredible spectacle with a viewing of the unique Guyana bright orange cock-of-the-rock bird, a final highlight of my trip into the interior. My last day in the capital Georgetown allowed a great foodie trip with Delvin Adams visiting the Bourda market where we selected fresh ingredients which we then took back to his Back yard café where they were used to prepare a delicious meal. BA direct flights to Guyana from Gatwick, (10 hours with a brief touch down in St Lucia) have made this peaceful and incredible country so much more accessible. My final three night of my trip, in a beautiful hotel in St Lucia staying overlooking the Pitons doing lots of exciting activities, was a perfect end to a totally unique and fabulous two weeks - Claire.

24/05/2024

There's just three days left to vote for Stubborn Mule as 2024's Best Adventure Tour Operator in the USA TODAY awards. Voting closes on Monday and you can vote once a day... any votes much appreciated, thank you!

Stubborn Mule Travel: Vote for your favorite adventure tour operator!!

17/05/2024

Stubborn Mule's Lee and Emma M are currently having the most wonderful time exploring Ecuador. Whilst those of us left behind are green with envy, they are wandering through indigenous markets, learning the secrets of Andean cuisine in a cookery class, visiting 'the middle of the world', trekking through the cloud forest to remote waterfalls, riding horses in the shadow of Cotopaxi volcano and hiking around remote lagoons. They also appear at one point to have covered their face in a thick and sticky unguent and we are awaiting an explanation for this, but assume it must be a miracle cure to make them look 20 years younger!

Whilst we await their return to the office looking like teenagers, they have in the meantime just arrived in the Galapagos Islands so watch this space for further updates..

And for those of you who are heading to Ecuador this summer, lucky you!!

10/05/2024

May half term is creeping up and will be on us before you know it!

If you are struggling for inspiration, it’s not too late to arrange a last-minute quick break in the Peloponnese in Greece. This spectacular region is much less visited than Greece’s many islands and offers hidden coves perfect for a spot of sea-kayaking, quiet mountain villages connected by spectacular hiking paths, picture perfect sea-side towns and ever-present tavernas serving up mouth-watering dishes.

Give us a call to find out more!

30/04/2024

Exciting news... we've just learnt that we've been nominated by USA Today for the title of Best Adventure Tour Operator!

Whilst we're absolutely thrilled to be recognized among the best in the industry, we need your help!

You can cast your vote for us once a day, and each vote brings us closer to claiming the top spot.

Vote for us here:

Stubborn Mule Travel: Vote for your favorite adventure tour operator!!

08/04/2024

Fresh back from her recce of Albania, Molly is full of tales from her adventures:

"Albania is absolutely stunning, having no idea what to expect I was shocked to find the spectacular scenery; from mountains to golden beaches with everything in between! It certainly is a hidden gem of the Balkans, in just under a 3-hour flight away too! With so much to offer I just had to explore all the adventure activities I could; mountain hiking, ziplining, gorge rafting and 4x4 excursions you name it, Albania has it. It's not short on cultural and wildlife experiences either, with Ancient Greek and Roman ruins, traditional dancing, vast lagoons, family visits and historical deep dives into Albania's communist past. Being in the Balkans it would be remiss of me not to mention the food, the Albanian hospitality and its people are second to none - plates piled high of delicious farm-to-table or homemade cooking are never far away. It's well and truly a contender for a top trip for me!"

08/03/2024

Share the love on a once-in-a-lifetime trip for all the family to a special place such as South Africa, Oman, India and Vietnam, a surefire hit with all ages.

Find the best grandparent holidays & multigenerational holidays. Why not reconnect on a holiday of a lifetime with the people you love best?

26/02/2024

Stubborn Mule's Liddy is just back from a short half term break in Iceland, with Granny and two children in tow. She says:

"Well, Iceland has blown me away! It's the perfect destination for a short break - just a 2.5 hour flight away and so much excitement that you can pack in. With just five nights to play with, we still managed to tick off snow-mobiling, waterfall hikes, building black-sand castles, bathing in a lagoon, exploring a lava tube, watching the Northern Lights and so much more.

The main thing we learned was that our highlights were the places that we'd never heard of before; yes the famous waterfalls and scenic spots were nice, but the crowds detracted from our enjoyment. But we found some incredible alternatives - a totally deserted black-sand diamond beach (studded with ice diamonds), a massive waterfall with no-one else there, and some stunning little-used roads across the highlands. Combined with some gorgeous countryside hotels, this was the perfect short trip!"

02/02/2024

On this grey February day in Suffolk, Robyn recalls last November, when she set off to explore the wonders of Costa Rica.

“How could I refuse the chance to visit Costa Rica, somewhere that Stubborn Mule knows inside out, but I hadn’t experienced myself? Visions of lush rainforest, palm tree-fringed beaches, fun outdoor activities, and not to forget colourful wildlife, flooded into my head. Of course, I said yes to the offer from our MD!! And I was delighted that my colleague Kelly was to come along too to share the love.

So, off we headed to Gatwick for our 11-hour flight, which wasn’t that bad in reality, and well worth it for the wonderland we were about to experience. I would still be writing well into 2025 if I regaled our entire trip here, but from the moment we arrived I knew it was going to be an epic adventure. On my first day, I was treated to sightings of sloths, capsicum monkeys, howler monkeys, lizards, snakes, and so many different insects. I could hardly believe that butterflies could be so big, some the size of a small frying pan.

Before I left the UK, I had a wish list in my head; a selfie with a sloth, seeing monkeys in the wild, and trying something completely new. On the first day two out of three were achieved; unfortunately, my tree-climbing skills left a lot to be desired for the ultimate selfie with a sloth! The replica sloth will have to do!

After Manuel Antonio, we continued our journey up the coast, staying at the laid-back towns on the Pacific Coast, watching surfers tackle the huge swells, sipping a well-deserved cocktail as the sun set, and indulging in some heavenly food (it's not all rice and beans!). One of my most memorable moments was watching turtles nesting on the beach, and seeing the guides get so excited. You just can’t help but be as thrilled as them! It’s a truly special moment.

On to some adventure! Our trip was ramped up as we headed to the mountains and La Fortuna to experience those famed adrenaline-filled activities. Colleagues had told me all about the thrills and spills I could look forward to. I did indeed laugh my way down a river on a tube, shrieked loudly whilst horse riding, puffed my way through several stunning hikes, and eased my aching muscles in some glorious hot springs! Not to mention more wildlife spotting than I ever thought was possible!

Costa Rica will spoil you with its mix of breath taking views, abundant wildlife, exotic food, and thrilling adventures. We decided that it has got it all, and not to forget probably the most hospitable and friendly people on earth! The country motto of ‘Pura Vida’ really does sum up the country and its way of life.”

18/01/2024

Norway is such an exciting destination and the perfect location for a Stubborn Mule family holiday, with its blend of sensational scenery and exciting activities.

We're excited to have developed a brand new overnight kayaking / camping expedition on the shores of Lake Aardal which can be included in our summer programmes. Head out by kayak on the sensationally beautiful fjord, flanked by steep mountains. Spend the night in a wild camp (inaccessible except by kayak or boat), cooking dinner over the open fire as the stars come out. Bliss.

Note that our Norway holidays deliberately take place in an area with limited tourist infrastructure (so that you can get away from it all) and a limited number of hotels. Many are already almost completely full for July and August so if you are considering a Norway summer holiday for 2024, please contact us as soon as possible.

12/01/2024

We just love these teen photos sent to us by our Stubborn Mule families, and think they deserve another look, especially if you missed our Holidays with Teenager blog. So be inspired by some of our favourite 'family togetherness' photos where sunny days have blown away the storm of teenage moods.

05/01/2024

Wondering where to take those tricky but rewarding travel companions, the turbulent teens? Exotic locations outside their comfort zone can create a situation ripe for some rewarding family bonding. So check out our newly updated blog post on holidays with teenagers for twenty-two inspirational ideas. They’ll thank you for it!

Ideas for holidays with teenagers. Exotic locations outside their comfort zone create a situation ripe for family bonding. Family Specialist.

18/12/2023

Recently, one of our Mulette's, Sinead, embarked on a whirlwind tour of Japan with her son, read all about their adventure below:

"Japan is a country of contrasts. On our first day in Tokyo we were exploring Akihabara, aka Electric Town, with its multi-storey arcades and anime shops. Then a quick metro ride away we were awestruck by the ancient Sensoji Temple. Shaking the Omikuji boxes for sticks to read our fortunes, the air filled with heady incense.

The bullet train was our ticket to explore the country, the mountain onsens of Hakone, where we tried the famous black eggs cooked in geothermal pools! Onward we travelled to the modern city of Hiroshima and its moving Peace Memorial.

Kyoto fired our imagination, visiting Nijo Castle (home to the last Sh**un of Japan), exploring the winding streets of shops leading up to stunning Kiyomizudera Temple, and then souvenir shopping in the 100-yen stores.

Osaka was the last stop, and time to eat! Famous for its street food, we tried traditional Takoyaki (Octopus dumplings), Kushikatsu (deep fried everything!) and Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) all in the ultra busy, bustling Dotonbori district, with its huge billboards and street art. Japan is wonderfully eclectic and beautiful, just brilliant!"

11/12/2023

Working in the travel industry, every time you tick something off the Bucket List, you read or hear something new, and have to add another three places! It's a long list that gets ever longer.

As an example.....Raja Ampat. It may not be on your list quite yet, but you absolutely must add it, as these pictures from Stubborn Mule's Liddy attest! Raja Ampat is a remote archipelago in eastern Indonesia, close to Papua New Guinea. It takes forever to get there (36 hours) but is soooo worth it. World class snorkelling, with vast coral gardens and an aquarium's-worth of iridescent fish, Manta Rays, Grey-Tipped Reef Sharks, turtles and so much more.

And that's just below the surface of the sea. Above there are thousands of tiny jungle covered islets that stretch as far as the eye can see, with ancient rock paintings, early morning visits to see Birds of Paradise, friendly villages and unbelievably beautiful beaches.

The best way to visit is by boat, and nothing is better than a re-purposed traditional Indonesian phinisi (or schooner). A typical day might include an early morning swim or SUP, a morning of snorkelling, lavish lobster lunch, afternoon beach visit (totally deserted, not another soul to be seen), and sensational fresh fish dinner. Absolute bliss, and a definite contender for the top spot on the Bucket List!

04/12/2023

‘Hima-laydies’ – Helene and her brave mini mule Lily, successfully completed the 7 day P**n Hill/Mardi Himal trek in Nepal. Beating Lily’s previous altitude record on Mount Toubkal!

Along with crazy fun rickshaw rides through the chaotic markets of Thamel in Kathmandu, lunch at a monastery, making over 50 momo dumplings in Pokhara (yummy!) and spotting seven (yes, SEVEN!) rhino in Chitwan National Park - this is Nepal at its best.

Whoop whoop Everest scenic flight too! Exactly twenty years ago, Helene got engaged at Everest Base Camp and Nepal still holds a unique place in her ‘geographic’ heart. Great value, great food, great souvenirs and even greater mountain scenery.

Most heart-warming moments? A sunrise Tik Tok with their guide at 4,170m and playing endless card rounds of Dobble with their porter in the teahouses every evening. Special memories. Namaste indeed!

If you want to see some more holiday inspiration, head over to our Instagram page!

15/11/2023

As daylight becomes a rarity and high-speed winds swirl up and down the country, why grit your teeth and wait for the return of Spring? The first half term of the year can bring a dose of winter warmth or a chance to conquer snowy climes. Whatever you choose, it’s all in our guide to February half term holidays.

Find family February half-term holidays, both winter sun or snowy activities. From Belize, Morocco & Mexico to Norway, Iceland & Canada.

09/11/2023

This Stubborn Mule may never win a starring role in a Colgate ad, but he's got a seriously happy vibe going on. I think this may just be our TOP FAVOURITE PICTURE EVER?!

03/11/2023

Just back from a reconnaissance trip to the Zimbabwean bush, Charlotte hasn't stopped regaling us all with tales of her thrilling safari adventure:

"What an incredible time I had! Getting the chance to be so close to the huge herds of elephants and see the mothers taking care of their young amongst the jostling crowd at the waterhole. No two days are the same - from flying over Victoria Falls, shadowing the brave Cobra rangers (protecting the white rhino) and dropping off our school donations (thanks to the SMT team for their generous contributions). Kids will love all the little moments here; staying quiet in the hide, washing under bucket showers and driving the Elephant Express train! One of the most genuine and heart-warming trips I have had the pleasure of doing with Stubborn Mule."

18/10/2023

Stubborn Mule's Lee was in Bali and Lombok earlier this year with her son on a post-GCSE celebration trip. These lovely pictures are warming us up on a cold, blustery day with Babet approaching closer by the hour!

20/09/2023

September is one of our favourite times of the year. The craziness of summer has abated but we are getting in lots of lovely feedback emails from those who went away in July and August.

This email from a family who went to Jordan is one that we have particularly enjoyed...

"I’m so sorry that it’s taken me a few weeks to get this to you but nevertheless I had to write and say the most enormous thank you on this planet for planning our incredible Jordan trip. WOW, what can we say except - WOW. The whole trip completely exceeded every one of our expectations - it was beyond incredible - we really did have the best time.

My husband has a super stressful job and finds it hard to wind down. He remarked that that it was the most relaxed he’d felt in ‘about a decade’ and I really do think it was. It was so special for us to have made these memories as a family.

You have found some clients for life! We have raved about Stubborn Mule Travel to everyone who will listen and will continue to recommend you. But certainly for us at least I cannot imagine we would ever book anywhere else. Your expertise and also your patience with all the many re-hashings of the itinerary due to all the delays - you went over and above and we really cannot thank you enough. You have done an incredible job for us Caroline - it was so much more than a holiday - it’s given us memories we will never, ever forget."

01/09/2023

Wondering what a family safari holiday in Botswana and Victoria Falls could look like? These pictures from a family who travelled in May give you a great taste of what life on safari is like. Call us if you'd like to chat to a family safari expert about what would work best for your family.

22/08/2023

We love these pictures from the talented Lily Ambrose, drawn on her recent Stubborn Mule trip to Borneo with her family. As a wildlife lover, Lily also noted down all of the different species that were spotted during the trip, which makes for an impressive list! I think we may have a zoologist in the making?!

15/08/2023

Is it too early to start thinking about October half term? It kind of feels wrong, with summer only just getting going, but time flies and it will be here before long. If you are looking for inspiration, check out our 'Top ten things to do with kids in Oman' blog.

Find out about holidays in Oman with kids. Packed with activities for kids of all ages, perfect for Oct and Feb half-terms & Easter break.

25/07/2023

We're loving these pictures and this review from a family freshly back from India!

"Charlotte, I can’t thank you enough for your meticulous planning and sound recommendations. You communicated quickly and efficiently throughout the planning stages and I really valued your honest guidance and suggestions. Whilst in India, everything worked seamlessly and we were able to truly relax, having full confidence that Stubborn mule had us covered. I will be recommending you to my friends and I look forward to planning another trip with you soon! Thanks for everything."

18/07/2023

Wondering what to pack for your holiday? Check out our packing list for tips.

For comprehensive tips on making the family packing process as stress-free as possible, see the Stubborn Mule family holiday packing list.

10/07/2023

Greece has been one of our most popular destinations this summer, with many families imminently heading to either the Cyclades Islands and Crete. Never ones to pass up the opportunity for a recce, Liddy and family have just got back from a week in Crete, full of tales of the most exquisitely clear water, blissful relaxation and wonderful activities. To all of you heading off to Crete this summer, to go cycling in the White Mountains, learning the secrets of Greek cuisine, sea kayaking, gorge hiking and cliff jumping, these pictures will give you a taste of adventures to come!

29/06/2023

"The Arctic..Svalbard..Spitsbergen. For once, I am lost for words. So I will let the photos do (most of) the talking. Utterly unique. Totally unforgettable. Mesmerising, magical and hugely moving. Pack ice, walrus and blue whale. Kayaking past glaciers, crunching through ice floes. Huskies, seals, puffins and reindeer. Oh and a polar bear. And a polar plunge. The Arctic casts a spell over you – in the bright glow of the Midnight Sun. Both Antarctica and the Arctic are incredibly special places that I am privileged to have experienced – poles apart, but both completely overwhelming. Please go….."
Helene

23/06/2023

We're loving these pictures of Stubborn Mule's Charlotte gallivanting around Vietnam with her daughter. Kayaking in Halong Bay, making offerings at local temples, exploring markets, cycling around the outskirts of Hanoi, squeezing through the Cu Chi tunnels, wandering around the lantern lit streets of Hoi An, travelling by boat, cyclo, overnight train and more. What a wonderful family adventure!

13/06/2023

From Stubborn Mule's Claire;

Few countries have surprised us as much as Oman. We saw more turtles there than any other country we have visited. We crouched next to females laying eggs, witnessed hundreds of baby turtles break through sand and frantically crawl between our legs to the foam, and watched turtles haul themselves back into the sea after an exhausting night’s egg laying.

There are also superbly preserved forts, sited in palm-fringed oases along centuries-old trade routes. We had them to ourselves. While we were expecting to be awed by the rugged beauty of the mountains, we had no idea that we would go on one of our best ever walks - along the ridge of a canyon that is almost one kilometre deep in places. Few countries are as Instagramable as Oman. The photos we took at dawn from the top of a large sand dune at one of the luxurious desert camps are among all all-time favourites. We enjoyed a true Omani feast in one of the most unusual of venues - a carpet on a beach right next to our very own tent which had been pitched specially for us, just metres from the sea.

And, perhaps this is the most surprising thing of all, we really enjoyed all the driving ourselves. The roads are superb, and outside the capital, Muscat, they are really empty. Driving is a delight and the country is one of the safest imaginable. You can walk around souks and alleys feeling totally safe. And, no surprises, the weather in October is just perfect for a family adventure with pricing that is very favourable compared to other destinations.