Ampersand's Travels...

Welcome to Ampersand's travel blog. This is where you'll find out all the latest goings on from our travels across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

Our motto is that luxury is in the experience: watching tigers padding through the Kanha jungle in the company of an expert guide; camping out under the Ladakh stars wrapped in cashmere blankets; exploring the art galleries and fine dining restaurants in Cape Town... these are the things we adore.

All over Asia and Southern Africa – from Bhutan to Bali, Cape Town to Victoria Falls – we know the most charming privately-owned hotels, the best secret beaches, the prettiest temples, and the most exclusive safari trails in the untouched wilderness. Our Little Black Book contains the best textile buffs, the keenest foodies, the wittiest maharajas, the most expert guides and the loveliest spots to drink champagne in the moonlight.

But what we love most of all is revealing these treasures to our clients. In our blog we hope to inspire and inform you by providing the latest travel news, hotel openings and luxury holiday ideas across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

When and where can you see the Cherry Blossom in Japan?

When and where can you see the Cherry Blossom in Japan?

Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the most iconic times of year to visit, often cited as a symbol of the transient nature of life. Here you can read about the best hotspots in the height of the season, and the more unusual spots which will see you dodging the crowds…

James' Perfect Introduction to Japan

James' Perfect Introduction to Japan

By James Jayasundera, MD & Founder of Ampersand Travel: Japan is the first country I ever fell in love with. I remember the day it happened – I was 7, I was living in Rome and it was a scorching hot

Foodie Hotspot: Mumbai

Foodie Hotspot: Mumbai

Whether it be the scent of turmeric and cardamom slowly frying in ghee, or the sight of a bulky hessian sack in the bazaar topped with a precarious pyramid of precious saffron: India is all about the food. Or, more precisely, about the countless blends of exotic flavours that has captivated our taste buds.

Ampersand's mini-guide to China

Ampersand's mini-guide to China

WHAT TO DO IN CHINA China is whatever you want it to be! The endlessly varied landscapes, fascinating antiquities, buzzing cities, exciting activities and unique culture can cater for all interests.

Wildlife Colourscapes

Wildlife Colourscapes

Wildlife travel is one of the most popular travel trends currently, with wildlife travel haven proven more popular than beach holidays last year. At Ampersand Travel, wildlife travel is a huge part of

14 Fabulous Foods You Have to Try on a Tour of Asia

14 Fabulous Foods You Have to Try on a Tour of Asia

Food in Asia is both exotic and exciting; if you’ve travelled through Asia before, you’ll have experienced an explosion of flavours and the ying and yang of fresh aromas which tease the nose before

Ampersand's Little Black Book: A Design Tour of South Africa

Ampersand's Little Black Book: A Design Tour of South Africa

South Africa is a country in the midst of one of the most exciting design evolutions on earth. Having languished for many years as a cultural backwater due to the political and socio-economic

Top 20 Most Visited Cities in Asia

Top 20 Most Visited Cities in Asia

When you picture an Asian city, what evocative scenes waft through your mind? Camels nonchalantly striding alongside honking traffic… Hawkers competing with one another's shouts in smoky bazaars…

18 of the Best Surfing Locations in Asia

18 of the Best Surfing Locations in Asia

Asia; home to noisy, vibrant cities, exciting markets, ancient cultures and some of the best beaches in the world. The dreamlike beach backdrops provide a landscape where old meets new, where cultures clash and where expert and budding surfers alike can grab their boards and head to one of these top surf spots in Asia...

Great Safaris of Southern Africa

Great Safaris of Southern Africa

Safaris in Southern Africa have changed from all recognition from decades ago when one visited a National Park in the school holidays as a family in your own sedan vehicle. Once the car had bumped


Client Testimonials

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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