Every journey we design begins with the simple belief that no two trips should ever feel the same. Each itinerary is shaped around the traveler, taking into consideration their pace, passions, and the moments they hope to remember long after returning home.
To make that possible, we don’t rely on secondhand recommendations to learn about destinations. Instead, we experience them ourselves. That means testing accommodations, activities, and routes so we can offer insight that’s grounded in reality. In 2025, our travel experts ventured across the globe on a series of discovery trips, uncovering places, experiences, and details that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.
These three stories, inspired by those journeys, highlight all you could experience, why it felt special, and how thoughtful travel design makes all the difference.
Argentina: Immersed in Patagonia’s Wild Beauty
Argentina leaves a strong impression through scale and contrast, pairing vibrant city life with some of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the world. Travelling through Buenos Aires and deep into Patagonia, we experienced how seamlessly culture and wilderness can shape a journey.
Buenos Aires offered an engaging introduction, where European-influenced architecture, neighbourhood cafés, and a lively street culture set the tone. An evening tango performance captured the city’s spirit, providing a window into Argentina’s cultural identity before the focus shifted south.
In Patagonia, distance and remoteness became part of the experience. Ushuaia, often described as the southernmost city in the world, feels poised at the edge of the map. Surrounded by rugged mountains and windswept channels, it serves as a compelling gateway to the vast landscapes of the region.
El Chaltén revealed Patagonia at its most active. Time on the trails, particularly the hike to Laguna de los Tres, delivered a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The final ascent opens onto views of Mount Fitz Roy reflected in striking blue water, a moment that feels earned through effort and immersion in the landscape.
The journey concluded in El Calafate with a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier. Standing close to the ice, listening as massive sections crack and collapse into the water below, brought the scale and power of Patagonia into sharp focus. It is an experience that feels both humbling and unforgettable.
Argentina rewards travellers who embrace its contrasts. With the right pacing, a journey here balances culture, adventure, and reflection, creating moments that feel as expansive as the landscapes themselves.
South Africa: Many Safaris, Many Stories
South Africa proves that a safari is never a single experience, but a collection of distinct moments. Travelling through different reserves and regions, we experienced how greatly each setting influences the feel of a journey.
In smaller, intimate camps, the focus was on immersion. Game drives with just a few guests, quiet afternoons watching elephants gather at a nearby waterhole, and evenings defined by the sounds of the bush created a strong sense of connection to the environment. These are the kinds of stays that appeal to travellers seeking privacy and atmosphere alongside wildlife encounters.
Larger lodges offered a contrasting experience. Here, exceptional service paired with reliable wildlife sightings made comfort part of the adventure. Watching giraffes or rhinos pass by from a terrace, then returning from a game drive to a beautifully prepared meal, showed how a safari can feel both effortless and indulgent.
Beyond the reserves, Cape Town added a dynamic shift in rhythm. Riding the cable car up Table Mountain, exploring the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, and enjoying waterfront dining created a vibrant urban balance to time spent in nature. A stop in the winelands, particularly around Franschhoek, slowed things down again with scenic drives and relaxed lunches set against mountain backdrops.
What makes South Africa unforgettable is choice. With the right balance, a journey here can feel immersive, comfortable, and perfectly aligned with how you want to experience safaris and more.
Japan: Finding the Extraordinary in the Everyday
Japan often leaves its strongest impressions in quieter settings, where daily life unfolds with intention and tradition is woven into ordinary moments. Travelling through lesser-visited regions of central Japan, we experienced how meaningful encounters emerge when the pace allows for participation rather than observation.
In towns known for their craft traditions, time spent in small workshops offered hands-on insight into skills passed down for generations. Trying washi papermaking firsthand transformed an abstract cultural idea into something tangible, creating a deeper connection to the place and people.
Stays in towns such as Inuyama and Gujo Hachiman offered a more intimate pace of travel. In Inuyama, the original wooden castle provides a sense of history, but it was everyday moments—sampling street food or joining a matcha ceremony—that brought the town to life. Gujo Hachiman felt especially personal, with uncrowded streets, scenic views, and small discoveries that happened naturally rather than by design.
Moving into the mountains added a reflective dimension to the experience. Snow-dusted landscapes formed the backdrop for quiet, resonant moments, from attending a Buddhist fire ceremony to practising zazen meditation. Here, we found space for stillness and insight into Japan’s spiritual foundations.
Hospitality in the mountain towns felt deeply personal. Sharing a home-cooked meal prepared alongside a local grandmother or exploring the area with a resident who knew every corner created genuine human connection. Today, those memories are some of the most lasting from the entire journey.
Japan rewards travellers who engage with it directly. For those seeking cultural depth, personal connection, and moments of quiet discovery, this route offers an experience that feels both accessible and profoundly meaningful.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The common thread through all these journeys isn’t luxury or the idea of travelling somewhere ‘far-flung’. It’s intention. When holidays are created with care and tested firsthand, they allow space for discovery, connection, and moments that feel uniquely your own.
Whether you’re dreaming of Patagonia’s wild landscapes, a safari shaped around your preferences, or a quieter journey through Japan’s countryside, the possibilities are wide open. Whatever you imagine doing next, we’re here to help turn that vision into a journey worth remembering.
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Written by: The Hayes & Jarvis Team
Posted in: Travel Tips
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