Not In The Guidebooks

It’s World Animal Day 🐘🦜🐳

From cute monkey encounters to penguins on beaches, some of our favourite travel memories involve seeing animals in the wild. So, we asked our team to share a few of the encounters they’ll never forget.

But loving animals also means giving them the space and respect they deserve.

That’s why we carefully consider the wildlife experiences we include in our trips, working working with local partners who share our approach: observing wildlife responsibly, supporting conservation and creating experiences where the animals’ welfare comes first.

As a B Corp, we’re committed to making more thoughtful choices about the trips we create 🌿

Every cup has a story ☕🤎

It’s International Coffee Day, so we’re celebrating the journey from berry to brew at a local coffee farm in Costa Rica.

Our Product Manager, Huw, tells his story of meeting Don Carlos, Doña María and their family, and getting to know more about their farm and the coffee they grow there.

At around 1,600 metres above sea level, coffee grows amongst banana plants, citrus trees and native vegetation, with the altitude, volcanic soil and climate all playing their part.

Huw followed the process from the very beginning but the real highlight was getting to spend time with the family behind the coffee, learning from them and seeing the care that goes into what they grow.

These are the authentic experiences that we love to build into your itineraries, truly bringing a destination to life! 🇨🇷

There’s something about coming back to your own little hideaway after a day out in the Arctic ❄️

Boots off. Sauna on. Maybe a dip in the hot tub, or straight under the covers with the sky above you through a glass roof.

From cosy cabins hidden among snow-laden trees to panorama huts made for watching the Northern Lights, where you stay can be just as memorable as what you do.

And wherever you choose to explore in Finland, we’ll help you find a stay that feels like part of the adventure.

Did you know December is one of the busiest times of year to visit Finnish Lapland?

We get it. Christmas magic, snowy landscapes, reindeer, huskies… December is pretty special. But hear us out…

Come in January for deep winter and days spent snowmobiling through frozen landscapes. Wait until February or March (our personal fave) and you’ll still have plenty of snow, but with longer days, fewer crowds and brilliant opportunities to see the Northern Lights.

There isn’t really one “best” time to visit Finland. It’s more about deciding which version of it you want to experience.

Which month are you heading to Finland? ❄️🦌💫

Your Sri Lanka itinerary, but made a little more interesting 🌴🇱🇰

Tick off the big ones: climb Sigiriya Rock at sunrise, spot elephants in Gal Oya, take the scenic train to Ella and explore the historic streets of Galle Fort.

Then go a little deeper. Watch a local toddy tapper climb into the coconut palms. Cook with ingredients grown metres from where you’re standing. Eat your way through Kandy with a local who knows all the best spots.

Because we think the best trips combine the must-see highlights with the local experiences that give you a real feel for a place.

And that’s exactly how we like to do Sri Lanka at Not In The Guidebooks ✈️