Audley Travel launches flexible trips to the Caribbean

Operator also pledges a ‘trip of a lifetime’ to an essential service worker, to be nominated by the public.

Tailor-made tour operator Audley Travel has launched trips to six Caribbean countries enabling travelers to enjoy the quality and service of a custom Audley trip in even more destinations close to home: Saint Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

Alex Bentley, Head of Product for Audley, said: “We’ve offered trips to the Caribbean for several years to our British clients, and the unexpected events of this year have inspired us to bring these launches forward for our North American travelers. We’re specifically featuring properties and experiences that meet health and safety criteria to make clients feel comfortable in these uncertain times. That may mean hiring a private boat and captain for a day instead of joining small group snorkel excursions, hiking in the mountains instead of food tours through populous cities, or staying in a private villa or cottage.

Audley is also introducing special terms to its Flexibility Promise allowing a 7-day ‘no questions asked’ cancellation policy for trips departing before May 2021 to the Caribbean and US destinations.

“Our partners in the Caribbean give us every reason to believe these countries will be open to US and Canadian visitors in advance of this year’s November travel season. However, we know there is no escaping the uncertainty of the situation at home and abroad. Our special 7-day cancellation policy allows our clients to plan a trip to look forward to, with the security of knowing they can wait until just before departure to make the best judgement on whether they feel comfortable traveling”, explained Commercial Director Alex Shattuck.

Highlights of the Caribbean

• Take a boat trip to Tobago Cays for an unmissable snorkeling experience
• Visit the Rabot Estate for a chocolate making experience on Saint Lucia’s Bean to Bar Tour
• Hike high into the mountains of Grenada’s tropical interior in the Grand Etang national park
• Watching the sun set between the Pitons from your pool at Ladera resort
• Unplug on Petit St Vincent island in one of just 22 individual cottages separated by trails through the inland rainforest. With no Wi-Fi or TVs, you won’t have to see a soul unless you hoist your cottage’s flag for room service.

A sample 12-day custom trip to St. Lucia starts at $1,995 per person, including lodging, excursions and local transfers. More information is available at www.audleytravel.com/us/the-caribbean.

A trip of a lifetime for an essential worker

Audley is showing its appreciation for essential workers by offering a trip of a lifetime to an individual nominated by members of the public. Through the end of August, essential workers can be nominated for going above and beyond their usual duties or making significant sacrifices to their work or home life in response to Covid-19. The selected winner will receive a trip for two people to Cambodia with a 2-night stopover in South Korea**. The itinerary will be a typical Audley trip with unique experiences and cultural immersion, with a focus on properties and experiences that support local communities. More information as well as the terms and conditions are available here.

Note for editors

**The itinerary for the winning essential worker is:

Day 1 – Economy flight to Seoul, South Korea.

Day 2 – Connect through Seoul and land in Phnom Penh for a private sunset river cruise on the Mekong River. Overnight in Villa Langka.

Day 3 – Morning tour of Phnom Penh, including The Royal Palace and National Museum. Optional afternoon visit to the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh and to the genocide museum. Overnight in Villa Langka.

Day 4 – Morning visit to lively local markets before flying to Siem Reap. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.

Day 5 – Visit to Roluos Group temples and Kompong Pluk floating village. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.

Day 6 – Morning visit to Kulen Elephant Experience, a conservation initiative established to provide a sustainable retirement for the working elephants of Angkor. Afternoon at Beng Mealea – a temple first opened to visitors in 2002 after centuries consumed by the jungle. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.

Day 7 – Hidden Trails of Angkor including lunch at Sala Kdei and visit to Banteay Srei Temple and Cambodia Landmine Museum. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.

Day 8 – Angkor Wat at sunrise with monks blessing. Transfer to airport for flight to Seoul and overnight in Lotte L7 Myeongdong.

Day 9 – Private morning city tour of Seoul. Overnight in Lotte L7 Myeongdong.

Day 10 – Private transfer to the airport for flight home.