The mother of all holidays
Our dear mothers, they deserve a break don’t they? They spend years bringing us up, taking care of our every whim, and even when we finally fly the nest, we still keep our mums close. We need them; at the end of the phone for that good old motherly advice; for that Sunday dinner that no-one does better. Some of us even continue to take a pile of washing home at weekends. The shame of it!
So this year should be the year that we give our mums a break; let them fly the nest. According to holiday trend forecasters, 2012 is the year of the parent gap; the year they take that extended holiday they’ve always dreamed of, and explore the world. For Mother’s Day, give your mum the gift of your blessing to head off on the mother of all holidays.
Children, if you no longer live at home, it’s time to let go. They shall return (although there’s no guarantee) feeling happier and revitalised, looking more bronzed, and, if it’s even possible, just a little bit wiser about the world.
The Mother of all Safari Holidays: Kruger to Coast Adventure
This spectacular adventure combines three countries in just four weeks, taking in the best that Southern Africa has to offer. Travellers will experience wildlife, people, culture and beaches as they intrepidly venture through South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. This all-encompassing tour takes travellers to the world famous Kruger National Park in South Africa, camping under the stars and taking part in game drives, bush walks and night drives over 5 days. Back in Swaziland, where the trip starts with a full orientation, clients can spend time at community projects that Inspired Breaks have developed extremely worthwhile relationships with. Inspired Breaks help to ensure that each of the projects remain sustainable in their own right. And when recently, food supplies were cut off from the village, Inspired Breaks helped to develop and create a working vegetable patch to ensure that the neighbourhood care project was not solely reliant on outside sources for food.
After hard and rewarding work volunteering, Mozambique and its glittering coastline is the next stop. The idyllic beaches of Tofo are the perfect place to relax and have a bit of downtime, before heading out in to the Indian Ocean on a sea safari. Whether diving under the water or gliding over it on a sea kayak, the magnificent marine life will be plane to see, including whale sharks and dolphins.
Prices start from £1,969 per person land only. Includes all accommodation, all meals, airport transfers, in-country orientation, daily and night drives in Kruger, Ocean safari, kayaking trip, project stay, excursions and activities as per itinerary, tour guide and 24-hour support.
The Mother of all Nature Holidays: Galapagos Explorer
On this 20 day trip with Inspired Breaks, travellers will have the chance to volunteer in one of the most bio-diverse and stunning destinations in the world. Cut adrift in the Pacific Ocean 1000 kms off the coast of Ecuador, volcanic forces deep under the sea have thrown up a unique wildlife paradise that’s so popular, the Ecuadorian government are about to limit the number of visitors dropping anchor on its unique shores. Time on this trip is spent hopping across three beautiful and amazingly varied Islands; Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela, learning about each of the local traditions and culture. It also includes two nights in Ecuador’s capital city Quito.
Volunteers will be living and working on a reserve in a rural and tranquil part of the islands San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, helping to improve the natural habitat. With the help of the volunteers, the projects are able to carry on doing their day to day work such as eradicating invasive species, reforesting the Galapagos forest, keeping up an organic agriculture project and more. It would not be possible for the project to reach its goals work without the help of the volunteers, since they do not have the funds to hire paid staff for these activities: their resources are limited and the amount of work to be done is huge.
The reserve is located on a 200 hectares site in the stunning highlands of the island, 45 minutes by truck from the capital of the Galapagos Province, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where there is still local native vegetation. The reserve is mainly an organic agricultural and habitat restoration project.
The last week is spent exploring the wonders of the Galapagos, in such magnificent destination this is the ideal opportunity to make the most of the many tours and extra activities locally including the amazing Giant Tortoises, snorkelling in saltwater lagoons and discover the mangroves.
Prices start from £1,699 per person land only for 20 days. Accommodation is provided in a combination of hostels, a research station, volunteer houses and family hostels. The trip also includes some meals, airport pick-up, boat transfers, in-country orientation and 24 hour support.
The Mother of all Adventure Holidays: Total New Zealand
Want to explore New Zealand’s North and South Island in just 20 days? Some would say ‘impossible’, others would say ‘you’re mad’, Inspired Breaks say ‘we’ve got what you need’. Soaking up the Maori culture, witnessing New Zealand’s marine life, admiring its oldest national park and marvelling at the majestic Franz Josef Glacier are all just a sample of the highlights on Inspired Break’s Total New Zealand trip.
This trip sounds exhausting, but for anyone with an appetite for travel and a bundle of energy, it’s the ideal Autralasian adventure. Just a few of the highlights on this trip include a visit to Cathedral Cove to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach, learning to Haka and Poi, whilst sampling the delights of a traditional Hangi meal and concert, and a trek across the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s best walk (according to our very reliable sources).
Prices start from £2299 per person for 20 days land only and includes: All accommodation (lodges, camps, hotels); some meals; airport transfers; experienced guide and 24 hour support.
The Mother of all Family Holidays (for those mums who want the adventure but want to take the kids too): Swaziland Family Volunteering and Safari
Full family volunteering, followed by camping under the stars on an African safari. For many, this new and unique 2 week (or more) volunteering trip from Inspired Breaks will be a dream holiday for 2012.
Each member of the family will have the opportunity to get involved at one of the small care centres in Swaziland that Inspired Breaks partners with. Orphaned and vulnerable children thrive in the company of other children and teens who can teach them skills (such as reading, writing and playing games), all of which wouldn’t be possible if it were not for the care centres. Mums and Dads can also play an important role, lending a helping hand at meal times, in the classroom, developing facilities and spending quality time with the children, including their own.
Inspired Breaks help to ensure that each of the projects remain sustainable in their own right and when recently, food supplies were cut off from the village, Inspired Breaks helped to develop and create a working vegetable patch to ensure that the neighbourhood care project was not solely reliant on outside sources for food.
Africa’s famous wildlife will not be lost on this trip either, as families also have the opportunity to take part in a camping safari to South Africa’s world famous Kruger National Park. Bonding by the campfire at night and gawping over the big 5 by day is altogether an unmissable experience.
Prices start from £4356 for a family of four (£889 per child and £1,289 per adult) for 2 weeks land only. Trip includes in-country transport, accommodation (lodge and tents), all meals, 3 day Kruger tour and 24 hour support.
The Mother of all Volunteering Holidays: Himalaya Community Volunteers
Based in a beautiful region of Northern India, volunteers can work with experienced organisations within this Himachal Pradesh, providing extremely rewarding and worthwhile help to the local community. Volunteers can either teach or help provide childcare to local children, with the aim of ensuring that they have the best possible start in life. India is a rapidly developing country, but despite its prosperity and economic importance, it is a country of great inequalities. With 330 million people living in poverty, surviving in extremely basic living conditions, it is a country that truly benefits from voluntary help.
This programme provides the perfect balance between cultural excursions, the opportunity to work with children in schools, day care centres and orphanages, as well as free time to relax and explore the surrounding area.
Prices start from £1399 per person for 4 weeks land only and include: Accommodation in a homestay (private room); all meals whilst volunteering (breakfast during excursions); transfers, Workshop programmes (Yoga, cooking, massage & Hindi); visit to Taj Mahal; orientation in Jaipur.
For more information visit inspiredbreaks.co.uk.
