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We were thrilled to spot armadillo, toucans, capybara and the largest heron in the world – the Jaibaru Stork!  

LAURA TOUR MANAGED THE 15 DAY ESCORTED JOURNEY 'NATURAL WONDERS OF BRAZIL'

In my opinion, the best way to experience a country is by going as a Tour Manager – not only do you get to enjoy everything offered on the tour, but you carry out a lot of research prior to the trip on the various places, so that you are able to anticipate any questions the clients may have.

Brazil is a truly beautiful country, with so much variety. I began my trip in Rio de Janeiro, a city which has always been on the top of my list. It did not disappoint – the buzz and general beauty of the city was clearly evident. It was fascinating to watch from my window the large numbers of people up and about at 6.30am – power-walking, jogging, cycling and skating all along Copacabana Beach. They certainly are an active population.

The trip also included a visit to Iguassu Falls. I had seen so many photos of the falls prior to my visit, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. I was lucky enough to view these from the Brazilian and Argentinian side, and I can honestly say it is difficult to decide on the best side, but the Argentinian side just about wins! The power and size of these falls is just unimaginable – a photo cannot capture them in their entirety - and due to the humid climate at Iguassu, you are usually lucky enough to spot a rainbow stretching over the falls, offering a spectacular photo moment!

The tour included stays in the Amazon, the Pantanal, and Chapada dos Guimaraes, where all activities are taken care of for you by excellent trained guides. These range from caiman spotting by paddle boats, visits to the local Indian villages, a jeep safari in search of the virtually-extinct Hyacinth Macaw, and horse-trekking. We were thrilled to spot armadillo, toucans, capybara and the largest heron in the world – the Jaibaru Stork!

Brazil has a lot to offer for all ages, although it would only suit those with an interest in the wildlife, and those who have a genuine sense of adventure. It is certainly an active tour, taking in some of the most magical highlights of the country.

Guyana 'The Land of Many Rivers'

NEIL WENT ON A FAMILIARISATION TRIP TO GUYANA TO EXPERIENCE WHAT THE COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER

Pristine Rainforest – Stunning Savannah – Majestic Waterfalls – Tree Covered Mountains – Afro Guyanese culture – Guyanese Amerindian Communities – The Jaguar, the national animal -– The intelligent Giant River Otters – The cute but ugly Manatees - Multi Coloured Flora – Giant Amazonica Lilies – Black Caiman – Iguanas – Monkies – Sloths – Giant Anteaters – Armadillos – Hammocks – Lots of Rum Punch – Hot Pepper Sauce - A bird watchers paradise - A Natural World seemingly untouched - This is Guyana “The Land of Many Rivers”

This is a truly unique and exclusive country. Unfortunately due to ignorance, the country if often confused with the country of Ghana in Africa. The main draw is to explore the country’s beautiful and wildlife full interior. It is a fact that the country boasts more flora and fauna than Costa Rica yet has nowhere near the same levels of tourism.

If you are adventurous and love your wildlife, and wish to travel somewhere REALLY special then Guyana is an excellent choice. Its unspoilt beauty demonstrates to you just how stunning the world once was. After a day swimming with otters in the warm waters of the Rupununi River and then drinking ice cold rum punch whilst lazing on your boat watching the sunset over the surrounding savannah, it has such an isolated and exclusive feel that you simply forget the rest of the world exists.

The Colours of India

POLLY WENT ON A FAMILIARISATION TRIP IN NORTHERN INDIA

Having spent several months a few years ago being gloriously assaulted by the wonderful sights, smells and sounds of South India, I had braced myself for my visit to North India as I had imagined Delhi to be dusty and dirty and horrendously polluted. I could not have been more wrong. The city of New Delhi is surprisingly green and the air surprisingly unpolluted and I enjoyed visiting the cities major sights.

From Delhi, my always smiling driver took me to Agra where I made a long awaited visit to the majestic and ethereal Taj Mahal. Being a visitor in June, the off-season, I was fortunate enough to be one of a relatively small number of tourists. My guide not only kept me transfixed with his history of the Taj but also shared with me stories of his childhood playing hide and seek in the beautiful grounds. I dragged myself away from this wonder of the modern world only to be impressed further by the imposing and spectacular Agra Fort.

Already all expectations of north India had been exceeded so I was excited about what was to come next. My journey took me to Jaipur, the Pink City and the third point of the Golden Triangle. Here I found myself riding an elephant up to the resplendent Amber Fort, hanging on tightly! My reward at the end of this short but slightly hair-raising journey was the amazing Amber Palace.

From pink my next destination was blue, in the shape of the Blue City of Jodhpur. Yet another fort greeted me, but it had its own personality and set high above a sea of blue painted houses a wonderful sight to behold. A highlight for me here was a walk through the colourful local market where I found myself inspecting fabulous Rajasthani patchwork textiles in an emporium previously visited by none other than Prince Charles, and by Brad Pitt! Soon I was heading into the Rajasthani desert on my way to the Golden City of Jaislamer. The desert heat didn’t prevent me from enjoying the sand castle-like Jaisalmer Fort and the medieval old town with its spectacularly carved old mansion houses called ‘havelis’. One evening I asked my driver to take me into the desert, as I wanted to see the dunes. We were ‘gently’ persuaded by an elderly gentleman with a huge powder blue turban to take a ride on his camel. Marvellous!

The desert landscape gave way to a rural one as we journeyed to a village called Luni, where, that afternoon I took a village safari by 4WD. First I met an ancient Rajasthani couple who lived in a small, thatched mud hut, but had a battery powered wireless telephone! They belonged to an unusual caste who looked after trees and antelopes. They were wonderfully dressed, he all in white with a giant turban, and she head to toe in glorious reds with so much nose jewellery it was a wonder she could hold her head upright! I then met another family where another weathered gentleman in white demonstrated a traditional opium ceremony, before six of the nine sisters who lived there dressed me up as a Rajasthani woman!

Soon we took to the road again but unfortunately the monsoon rains were travelling in the same direction. The roads soon became flooded yet some of the sights were wonderful to behold: five men in turbans knee deep in water carrying umbrellas, a lady dripping wet in a colourful sari stoically riding a scooter, children soaked and splashing and screaming with excitement.

The rains subsided as I made my final port of call, which was Udaipur, cited by many as India's most romantic city, the Venice of the East. Situated around three lakes and surrounded by hills there is no other city like Udaipur in India. A walk through the old town seeing the locals bathing and washing their clothes on the steps, called ‘ghats’, and visiting a stunningly carved Vishnu temple where a man sang in worship, was a really special experience.

Two weeks passed and I left India happily overwhelmed and wanting to return. Being there in July and having to put my umbrella up a couple of times in no way marred my enjoyment of this confounding, contrasting and most colourful of countries.

p.s. Here are my tips on staying healthy in India:

1. Brush your teeth with bottled water

2. Wash your hands after handling money

3. Drink lots of water!!!