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How We “Wowed” the “Un-Wowable!”, Part 2

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 06:01:39 +0000

How We Wow'd the "Un-Wowables" Part II: The Execution

2 MARCH 2021

In Part 1, we were hired by a group of extremely well-traveled captains of industry to put together a once-in-a-lifetime trip, begging the question – how do you “wow” the un-wowables?

The Concept

A million thoughts raced through our minds as we worked to nail down a theme for the trip, an angle of attack, a concept that would leave jaws on the floor. What are we trying to do? What is the group who’ve hired us come to expect? In fact, let’s go further. What is Smiling Albino’s reason for being? What exactly is our purpose, anyway? How do we fulfill that early mission to “transform lives through meaningful travel”?

We didn’t have a simple answer to these questions at that moment in time. Neither did the guests. After a short list of preferences, they simplified the brief and challenged us with a mission request that was both frightfully simple and maddeningly complex: “surprise us”.

What unfolded over the next couple of months is one of the greatest stories in the twenty-year history of Smiling Albino.

"We went back to our roots. I mean 1999 roots, where theatre-of-the-absurd was a business model and Bond films inspired trip ideas. Our singular mission was to start a company to deliver the ultimate commodity: joy."

The Inspiration

As we thought more about it, it became apparent that it had nothing to do with the canvas. The location. The destination. How could we have momentarily forgotten our purpose on earth? Nothing we ever did was about the destination. It is about value. The journey. The pleasant surprise. The spontaneity. Our journeys have always been a metaphor for life.

We went back to our roots. I mean 1999 roots, where theatre-of-the-absurd was a business model and Bond films inspired trip ideas. Our singular mission was to start a company to deliver the ultimate commodity: joy. To this day, it has nothing to do with destinations. At its most basic level, travel is merely about dates and destinations – but for us travel is the medium through which we create joy.

We zoomed in on innovation and Imagination. We needed to gain this group’s trust from day one, flight one, meal one, evening one. We had to send a message that we were about to unfurl the world as we see it with only them in mind.

The Experience

We conceived a bold cocktail of firsts. From a private train party in a Gatsby-esque pageantry of locomotive fun, to a soulful Lanna-inspired cultural evening with heritage crafts and preservation projects. We concocted an armed-forces style themed dance party in the forest (think of that crazy scene in Apocalypse Now, and yep, that was pretty much what we did), and biking, hiking, rafting, painting, picnic and BBQ adventures. We met artists and ancient text experts, chatted with foodies and took textiles workshops.

The soul of what we created had nothing to do with destinations. It never does.

From individualized nightly pillow cards for each guest, written from none other than their pets back home, to customized menus, personalized historical overviews of each region, bottles, face masks (damn you, Covid!), personalized indigo robes and more, we stopped at nothing to remind everyone (ourselves included) how lucky we are to be in a business like this.

Joy is the commodity, not the destination.

Surprise & Self-Discovery

The trip was peppered with raw pranks, wholesome touches, raunchy gimmicks, and meaningful moments sprinkled liberally throughout. One evening we presented a painted portrait of the host couple done as a “Whisper of Love” rendition from a famous mural painting in Nan. There were twists, both whimsical and thoughtful, sometimes absurd and sometimes charming. We focused intently on the brief, “surprise us”, and ensured we delivered that departure from normalcy. After all, isn’t that what travel – and by extension, a meaningful life – is all about?

Unexpectedly, the trip became one of surprise and self-discovery for both the guests and the Smiling Albino team. Instead of fear of failure, we were driven by the mission to impress. Our viewpoints changed from being “the last trip we ever do”, to “this feels like the first trip we’ve ever done”. We achieved a mind shift from the end zone to the starting blocks. It reminds me of the simple potency of Jeff Bezos’ “day one” reference in his annual reports. Never lose sight of this. We had to prove it to ourselves as much as the guests.

This amazing adventure rekindled the essence of what Smiling Albino is all about. It shined a light on some metaphors for life we’ve built our business around. Those being:

The journey is the experience.
If you’re not adding value, your brand is slowly dying.
If you're not being bold, you’ll quickly be replaceable.
If you’re not madly obsessed with every step of the customer experience, then you’ve got a vulnerable business model.

We bring that sense of duty to impress on all of our trips. This feeling re-kindled our 1999 mantra: Do it differently, do it better, seek to wow.

Covid isn’t over. But we’re back.

The final verdict

Smiling Albino has exceeded our expectations in every way shape and form. Our two-week tour from the south to the north of Thailand was exceptionally coordinated with one great surprise after another. There is not even one tiny thing that Dan + Team could have done better. Thank you Smiling Albino!

-Bill & Jirachai bensley

Looking for more?

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The post How We “Wowed” the “Un-Wowable!”, Part 2 first appeared on Smiling Albino.

How We “Wow-ed” the “Un-Wowables!”

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 05:12:04 +0000

How We Wow'd the Un-Wowables
Part I: The Plan

7 february 2021

This is a reflection on a trip that took us on a soul-searching journey where we re-discovered ourselves and our mission.

Question: What do you do when the opportunity of a lifetime arrives at your most dire moment?

Answer: You go back to your roots.

The Opportunity

COVID-19 has been anything but predictable for a travel firm like ours. With the light at the end of the tunnel still an unnervingly long way off, 2020 – and, increasingly likely, at least the first half of 2021 – has been a soul-searching, punching bag of hardship. Like every company, we’ve tried to aggressively innovate while radically scaling back just to keep our heads above water. Now, a year into the pandemic, even small bits of business cause us to leap at the opportunity, almost surprised at what it feels like to design and host experiences again.

One unique opportunity happened late in 2020, and it turned out to be bigger than anything we’d done before. The irony was not lost on us – in the middle of a once-in-a-generation global slowdown that’s caused our entire industry to grind to a halt and put millions out of work, we were being asked to craft an experience that would have pushed us to our limit even if we were firing on all cylinders.

“Putting this experience together was a risk - the ultimate risk. We were doing something we had never done before, in places we had rarely been before for a group of Thailand’s most influential people. This was a monumental gamble. The cards were stacked against us with daunting expectations and pressure.”

A Journey to the Unknown

A well known and well-to-do group of locals invited Smiling Albino to design an epic cross-country honeymoon adventure for 15 people just before Christmas. The areas they wanted to explore were some lesser-visited parts of Northern Thailand – areas that even well-traveled scallywags like us had scant experience with. This was going to be a challenge.

The group in question knew of the zany imagination and stubborn perfectionism Smiling Albino was known for. Like a deer stunned by oncoming headlights, we nervously took it on with a gut-wrenching feeling that it might just be the last trip we’d ever do. COVID has made every job in travel feel like this – shrouding the future like an opaque curtain. But COVID be damned – if this was to be our last trip, we were going to go out with a bang.

The Un-Wowables

The guests joining this trip were mostly Thai, or long-term established expats – an eclectic group of cultured and brilliantly traveled success stories. Some were professors, writers, or owners of flagship corporations. Others were designers and experts in the fields of arts, history, and all things Thailand, and a few were known for their work on palaces for Saudi Princes and mansions for Wall Street billionaires. They go fly fishing in Mongolia, charter helicopters in Patagonia, and get side-door access to the finest private galleries in Europe.

While ecstatic at the prospects, we couldn’t help but wonder what the group would expect. These were the people at the top of their game, who had seen everything, been everywhere, and knew everyone. We called them simply “the un-wowables”.

So how in the heck do you “wow” the un-wowables?

continue reading

Part II, The Execution

Looking for more?

featured posts

Bangkok, Where Every Meal Becomes an Experience

Beyond Phuket: Discovering Thailand's Emerging Coastal Alternatives

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The post How We “Wow-ed” the “Un-Wowables!” first appeared on Smiling Albino.

We Ended 2020 with the Most Epic Train Party Thailand has Ever Seen

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 04:34:49 +0000

We Ended 2020 with the Most Epic Train Party Thailand has Ever Seen

2 february 2021

On the 10th of December 2020, Lamphun Station, in the small Northern Thai province of Lamphun, was morphed from a sleepy railway stop into a vibrant platform of sparkling performers, colorful accessories, choreographed photos, and locally-inspired cocktails. And that was before the group even boarded the train.

While we did our best to keep the experience a surprise for our guests [who, unsurprisingly, are huge train enthusiasts], once word got out and rumors spread about the journey, the buzz was unstoppable. Guests began flying in friends from other cities and provinces to join the event. Hopes were high, and we were up for the challenge!

The Experience

The day’s mood was sensuality, joy, sin, indulgence, pride, and theatrics. For four hours, guests aboard ‘The Curious Carriage’ indulged, danced, ate, imbibed, and were transported into a journey of escapism. As many commented, “we were transported into another world.”

The onboard entertainment, a journey-long revue show with 7 performers, glitter, music, magic, and engagement. The cast for the day was an eclectic group including acrobatics, drag stars, dancers, theatrics, singing, and a runaway train of other fun surprises.

“We wanted this to be a loco-emotive experience that’s two parts wild, two parts raunchy, and a dash of whimsy for the ages, and we pulled that off.”

-daniel fraser, smiling albino ceo & co-founder

The Challenge of All Challenges

Logistically it was one of the most challenging missions we’d ever executed. With less than an hour to transform two railway cars into a glittering mobile fantasyland, then cue numerous performers, caterers, bartenders and fixers, all while choreographing guest arrival antics and mobilizing friends-of-guests boarding the train at different stations, the journey into escapism was a synchronous effort across multiple provinces and teams.

“Putting this experience together, it was a massive risk. An almost absurd and foolish risk considering the moving parts and need for perfection. We were doing something we had never done before, in places we had never hosted trips before, for a group of Thailand’s most influential people. This was a once-in-a-century gamble with so many elements beyond our control. To pull off the ultimate surprise in Bond-film like fashion, the cards were stacked against us with daunting expectations and pressure.”

There are often no dress rehearsals for our most important performances in life.

While we tried to play forward the tape and map out how each minute would progress, mobilizing a moving militia of surprises, the truth is that our entire team was operating on instinct, and a desire to impress.

"This trip is the result of a few great minds thinking about what is possible, not what has been done. This has been the ultimate effort from our team at Smiling Albino.

Often transforming rural town infrastructure into a world-class experience that has blown the minds of some of the country’s most influential and successful people."

As “experience designers” who curate moments that we hope will live on in the memory banks of our guests for decades to come, we live for impression points. On this four-hour high-speed carriage of fun, we’ve received some of our best compliments which speak to our vision. Words like imagination, bold, daring, electric, unexpected were offered generously. Many of the guests are still talking about the experience, sharing it on social media, and dreaming of their next adventure. For us this is the ultimate reward. Happy guests buzzing about our “all hands on deck” pursuit to bring a wild concept to life.

More to Come

“This trip was just beginning for us as Thailand’s epic train adventure curators.” We’re already planning a custom journey in December with plans for more wild escapades to come.

“We want to transform events while taking guests on a wild journey. Journeys, where the path to get there, is just as great (or maybe greater) than the destination. Whether it’s an upscale product launch, a corporate event, a milestone occasion, or just a ‘why not, it’s Thursday’ hoorah, we’re here for it. For us, the sky is the limit.”

Learn more about our epic Train Journeys in Thailand

Want to know more about Smiling Albino?

Travel is more than a luxury for most of us. For us, it’s a lifestyle. An adrenaline rush that you feel when you step off an airplane in a new country. It’s the euphoria and “wind in your hair” freedom that you feel driving through winding lanes in an open-air tuk tuk. It’s the giddy feeling you get when you see a golden-clad temple for the first time – or one-hundredth! For many of us, travel is living, and we’re ready to start living again!

Looking for more?

featured thailand posts

Bangkok, Where Every Meal Becomes an Experience

Beyond Phuket: Discovering Thailand's Emerging Coastal Alternatives

Turning 3 Stars into 5

ready for more?

Start planning your next adventure.
Get in touch with us or keep exploring.

The post We Ended 2020 with the Most Epic Train Party Thailand has Ever Seen first appeared on Smiling Albino.

Thailand’s Top 10 Villas for Post-COVID Travel Privacy

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 03:42:19 +0000

Smiling Albino's Top 10 Thailand Villas

12 january 2021

Privacy and seclusion are 2021 buzz words. What better way to avoid the crowds than with your own oasis? We've put together a list of our favorite villas around Thailand to highlight the best of the best of where to stay in Thailand.

Villas are the ultimate travel experience. Resort facilities meet your own private space.

When most people think of villas and Thailand, the first thought is usually a beach villa. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that! But, we kick off the list with two of the country’s most unique luxury villas, and they are located in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai!

Pa Sak Tong | Chiang Rai

A secluded luxury estate set among acres of sprawling gardens, ponds, and rice fields in Chiang Rai town, Pa Sak Tong offers privacy and world-class service in the picturesque heart of northern Thailand. A host of amenities, including a private chef, butlers, private pools, gym, and spa await you.

Well-appointed and with tasteful decor involving Thai and Burmese antiques, this stunning estate provides ample opportunities for fun, romance, relaxation and exploring.

Fun Fact: Pa Sak Tong is the home of Northern Thai fine-dining sensation “Locus Food Lab.” For foodie travelers, this will absolutely be a highlight. People fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai just to have dinner there, so staying at the property and having the restaurant just outside the door is pretty special.

Villa Mahabhirom | Chiang Mai

Villa Mahabhirom, or “a villa of great pleasure,” as it translates in Thai, was conceived with the simple imagination of creating a place where friends, couples and families can come and enjoy their time together. The property is a sophisticated, comfortable setting that threads history, culture, community, art, craft, and a sense of peace and well-being.

Each villa offers a garden, courtyard plunge pool, and views of the main swimming pool or surrounding mountains. Some villas feature a covered, open-air living room on the ground level decorated with objet d’arts and antiques from the owner’s Private Collection.

Location: Villa Mahabhirom is located on the road to the historic Wat U Mong Temple, against the mountains of Doi Suthep. It is a mere 10-15 minute drive to downtown Chiang Mai and the chic Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood.

Moving on to beach beach villas, travellers are spoilt for choice in Thailand and it’s often hard to decide. We’ve spotlighted our favorite villas that have a unique edge and dynamic personality. These are the kind of places people usually wouldn’t think of themselves, and thank us for the recommendation later!

Iniala Beach House | Phuket

Iniala is an exclusive luxury beach experience on quiet Natai Beach. Stunning, creative villas have been exclusively designed by an impressive host of internationally-acclaimed designers and craftsmen. Each villa is unique in style, boasting decorations ranging from futurist living to Thai living, to East & West infusion and eclectic living.

The property’s restaurant is overseen by Eneko Atxa, whose latest restaurant in Spain received three Michelin stars. Plus, there’s even a Kid’s Hotel designed especially for younger guests with plenty of structured activities and interactive stories to be told under the watchful eye of the Iniala children’s butlers.

A stay in these exclusive villas comes with a driver, butler, chef, spa therapist, and housekeeper. Iniala represents a new class of ultra-luxury retreats. Each villa has a dedicated team including 24-hour assistance from the residence’s fully staffed reception and concierge, a driver, butler, chef, spa therapist, and a housekeeper.

Location: Iniala Beach House is situated on the golden sands of Natai beach in Phang Nga, approximately 30 minutes’ drive north of Phuket Airport. Taking an excursion to the Similan or Surin islands is convenient from here.

The Resort Villa | Rayong

With 14,000 square meters of tropical property and 60 full-time staff located a 5-minute walk from the beach, The Resort Villa is a secret paradise that offers unforgettable experiences for those that seek a luxurious private getaway. Located in the non-commercial region of Rayong, Thailand, The Resort Villa boasts infinity saltwater pools totaling 1,000 square meters. The property’s 7 individual villas, 9 dining areas, 4 bars, a fully equipped gym, a full-service spa, a home cinema, and much more, make it the perfect property to keep your whole crew entertained.

There are a total of 8 individual villas and the property is only sold on a buyout basis. So it is best for big groups, (it can accommodate up to 16 guests), such as multi-generation families or groups of friends.

Andara Resort Villas | Phuket

Nestled amidst lush tropical surrounds overlooking the Andaman Sea on the Central West Coast of Phuket. Created by Allan Zeman’s Hong Kong-based Lan Kwai Fong Group, Andara Resort is an ideal luxury getaway. Stunning sea views, private infinity pools with resort facilities second to none, and a range of accommodation options ensure an unforgettable stay. Nearby, guests will find a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, golf courses, and other island activities.

Location: Andara Resort & Villas is approximately 28 kilometers from Phuket international airport.

Trisara | Phuket

Trisara is a handful of luxury villas and residences artfully arranged in old growth trees and gardens. Here you will find true privacy, rare for Phuket. The property oozes luxury with a boutique feel. All guest rooms have their own pool and stunning sea views.

Full amenities such as tennis courts, kayaking, jet skis, and an amazing spa offer great activity options, and yachts are available for charter. The resort’s private beach is compact, but the 45-meter saltwater pool with loungers and daybeds are quite inviting for those looking to leave the privacy of their villas.

Location: Situated on Phuket’s northwestern coastline, Trisara is located approximately 15 minutes drive from Phuket Airport. Location is absolutely secluded and provides total privacy.

The Slate | Phuket

A combination property that offers both hotel rooms and villas, The Slate was born from the creative genius of Bill Bensley, who infused his [non] traditional styles with the theme of all things steel, conjured from the owner’s personal history. The expansive property is recluse from the nearby beach with plenty of space to unwind.

The property’s most secluded spaces are found within its on-site villas. One, two and three-bedroom pavilions offer guests a personal oasis. The walled villas are complemented by large pools and separate living and sleep areas. The Slate’s multiple connecting villas are perfect for groups.

Location: Situated on Phuket’s northwestern coastline, The Slate is located approximately 15 minutes drive from Phuket Airport.

Good to know: The Slate’s connecting villas are perfect for groups.

Six Senses Samui | Koh Samui

Six Senses Samui offers outstanding tropical luxury accommodation with an often-photographed infinity pool. The hotel has a very natural feeling – all woods, bamboo, and natrually-inspired decor. It’s quiet and unique with nice sitting and dining areas.

Lose yourself while gazing out to the sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand. Laze, graze and refresh by a vast infinity pool, which blends seamlessly with the distant horizon.

Location: The resort is just a 15-minute drive from Samui Airport and located on a secluded beach.

We include Six Senses Samui in our top ten because we’re excited by their new two-bedroom villa “The Beach Reserve” which checks all the boxes for a luxurious villa with direct beach access for families.

Having covered the best of the best in top luxury villas, we also want to note our two favorite “remote” island villa destinations. While they take more time to get to, it is absolutely worth it and guests feel that they have their own slice of undiscovered paradise.

These are not “top luxury” but are a great option for those seeking barefoot luxury, off-the-trail, secluded islands and beaches, at an affordable price

Koh Jum Beach Villas | Krabi

Koh Jum Beach Villas is a hidden gem where nature, relaxation and comfort combine. This boutique eco-chic resort offers individually designed villas directly located on a seven-hundred-meter-long beach or in lush tropical gardens. Beautiful sunset views overlooking the Phi Phi National Park in the distance and Koh Phu Mountain in the foreground can be relished from many vantage points.

In the villas you can expect open architecture, natural ventilation, locally-inspired art and antiques, open-air showers, spaciousness, privacy, and access to lush gardens all around. While creature comforts of all sorts are available, there are no televisions, and guests are encouraged to fully embrace the natural feeling of seclusion. The resort excels at reducing its eco-footprint and supporting the local community.

Location: Koh Jum is just one hour away from Krabi International Airport. It is one of few easily accessible islands where overdevelopment has been kept at bay, so it is ideal for those looking for a castaway feel while also offering a base for exploring Krabi’s amazing natural beauty.

Award! Koh Jum Beach Villas recently was awarded the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Responsible Thailand Awards for 2020 in the Eco Lodge / Hotel Category.

BABA Ecolodge | Koh Phra Thong

If you despair of the rampant developments found on better-known Thai islands like Phuket or Samui, then Ko Phra Thong is the right location for you. Away from the tourist crowds, this remote island remains barely inhabited and gloriously unspoilt. Built on the edge of the national park, BABA Ecolodge is a collection of 28 wooden houses, carefully designed in a traditional style, and generously dotted along the shoreline. The resort is happily located on two seas, the sheltered bay and a beautiful and deserted 12-kilometre beach, fringed by coconut trees.

BABA Ecolodge’s villas are built of wood and follow a traditional Thai design, which allows optimal air circulation, and creates generous lounging areas both inside and outside. Electricity is running at the resort 24 hours per day. In addition to which some of the houses have their own solar installations with the benefit of hot water.

While there is no air conditioning at the resort, all the houses are fitted with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. With no WiFi in the homes, this is the perfect place for a detox from the hustle and bustle of modern living elsewhere

We complete our list with one of the most unique villa offerings in Thailand, including a property exclusively available to Smiling Albino guests: the luxurious private home of highly acclaimed Hotel Designer Bill Bensley and husband Jirachai.

Rose Cottage at Baan Botanica | Bangkok

BONUS VILLA! Bill Bensley’s Bangkok home is lovingly named Baan Botanica in tribute to the more than 15,000 species of plants growing in the gardens. There, Bill and his partner, designer and horticulturist Jirachai Rengthong retreat from the bustle of a busy studio with their 6 Jack Russell Terriers, amidst exotic objects and mementos from travels all around the world.

The property is the test canvas for Bill’s funkiest design ideas, and on the weekend, the property is often found welcoming friends or hosting wild parties in the garden oasis.

Read a great article about this one-of-a-kind property here.

There is only one-bedroom available for use so this is ideal for couples that want an intimate experience at the private home of Bensley. It works fantastic in an itinerary if combined with stays at Bensley designed hotels in the region — Four Seasons Tented Camp, The Slate, Shinta Mani Wild, The Siam, to name a few.

Are you ready?

Travel is more than a luxury for most of us. For many of us, it’s a lifestyle. An adrenaline rush that you feel when you step off an airplane in a new country. It’s the euphoria and “wind in your hair” freedom that you feel driving through winding lanes in an open-air tuk tuk. It’s the giddy feeling you get when you see a golden-clad temple for the first time – or one-hundredth! For many of us, travel is living, and we’re ready to start living again!

Ready to start planning private villa getaway?

Looking for more?

featured thailand posts

Bangkok, Where Every Meal Becomes an Experience

Beyond Phuket: Discovering Thailand's Emerging Coastal Alternatives

Turning 3 Stars into 5

what are you waiting for?

Ready to planning your next adventure?
Get in touch with us or keep exploring.

The post Thailand’s Top 10 Villas for Post-COVID Travel Privacy first appeared on Smiling Albino.

Why you should start thinking about 2021 & 2022 travel

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 01:52:34 +0000

Why you should start planning your 2021 and 2022 travel

12 november 2020

With 2020 nearing its end, we're starting to see the world recover from a year of turbulence - and not the kind that's felt in an aircraft!

A vaccine is in the works, travel bubbles are opening, some countries are welcoming back international tourists and others are tirelessly working on how to reopen safely.

With light at the end of the tunnel, we’re thinking ahead to all the reasons why 2021 and 2022 travel will be some of the world’s best! Read along, share your travel dreams, get in touch with us, and star planning!

It's time to travel like it's 1999!

As the world’s borders have remained shuttered and cities have found themselves in lockdowns, the once widely-recognized concept of overtourism has seemingly disappeared overnight. Beaches that were once jam-packed with tourists are once again idyllic, deserted havens.

What does that mean for you? Some of the world’s most sought-after landmarks are now tourist-free. Angkor Wat without the crowds? Yes, please!

The early bird will get the worm a.k.a. the best deals

For the first time this century we’ve seen many hotels shutter their doors temporarily to stay alive. Now that many are reopening with open arms and socially distant hugs, they’re (more than) ready to get travelers through their doors and into those plush comfy beds we’ve all come to miss.

Eager to get travelers to stay and enjoy their property, we’re seeing unprecedented savings from some of the region’s top properties. Complimentary room nights, resort credits and super-special prices are just a few of the offers we’re seeing across the boards.

What does that mean for you? There’s no doubt that these deals will wane as the tourists return in numbers, but the ones to lock in their reservations early will be rewarded; not only with great deals but also with less-than-full resorts.

Non-refundable is a thing of the past

We’re seeing that flexibility is all the rage. With the uncertainty that 2020 has brought, travelers, experience designers, hoteliers, and airlines, we’ve all learned that nothing is guaranteed. Bookings are now becoming more flexible. The removal of change fees is becoming the new norm.

As travel drives forward, the overall sentiment is for guests to feel confident in their future plans. To know you’re covered when you need to be and that your travel designer has your best interest at heart.

What does that mean for you? At the end of the day, we want a win, win, win situation, and to be able to resume doing what we do best; providing memorable experiences that live on well after you return home.

There's the new "new" to explore

While you’ve been away, we’ve been “going local”! Shuttered borders have meant our travel-loving team has been digging deep into our own backyard.

We’ve spent 2020 unearthing a treasure trove of hidden gems. We’ve gone off the normal travel trail to see the remote beaches, unvisited towns, boutique resorts and have been interacting with local friends to put together a new range of experiences that are different than what most travel companies have on offer.

What does that mean for you? When you return there’s more to see than ever! And the best part is that you’ll likely have the destinations all to yourself.

With our teams unable to travel internationally, our focus has been on digging deeper locally. We’re excited to share some truly local adventures we’ve been able to unearth. These are the latest “insider secrets”.

Destinations are better than ever

Every now and then we all need a good recharge. Time to reset, refresh, and get back to our best self. COVID’s halt on travel has been just that for Mother Earth.

With once-busied locales now practically vacant, nature has had time to replenish, the skies time to breathe. We’ve seen bluer skies in Bangkok than we’ve seen in years and animals returning to their natural habitats in droves.

This halt on travel will lead to positive practices; Thailand’s National Parks closing annually to allow the wildlife a break from the humans and stricter limits on tourist numbers to specific spaces.

What does that mean for you? When you return, the world’s destinations that have had time to “breathe” are revitalized with new life, ready to welcome you back.

Are you ready?

Ready to start planning your 2021 or 2022 getaway?

Looking for more?

featured thailand posts

Bangkok, Where Every Meal Becomes an Experience

Beyond Phuket: Discovering Thailand's Emerging Coastal Alternatives

Turning 3 Stars into 5

what are you waiting for?

Ready to planning your next adventure?
Get in touch with us or keep exploring.

The post Why you should start thinking about 2021 & 2022 travel first appeared on Smiling Albino.