There’s nothing like diving into a refreshing pool of water when the weather warms up. Summer calls for chilled cocktails, colorful swimsuits, and blazing sunsets enjoyed poolside. We’ve got a list of some of the world’s must-see unique pools that will make any journey go swimmingly. Oberoi Udaivilas – Udaipur, India Feel like royalty lounging in the pool here. Surrounded by lush gardens and the s...

We are getting a kick out of watching the World Cup soccer (or football) teams. This year’s global assembly of contenders hail from countries that we have excitedly added to our travel bucket lists. Make it your goal to see these places too. Egypt Egypt is just one of those countries that never grows old. We could go there time and time again and still discover a new take on an ancient monument or...

With a diversity of city life and superb safaris, South Africa is a must on any African travel bucket list. Camps and properties are taking impressive strides to ensure eco-friendly practices are common practice to preserve the gorgeous landscape. Ker & Downey shares our favorites of the top sustainable properties in South Africa. Grootbos Garden Lodge Established in 2004, the Grootbos Private Nat...

At Ker & Downey, we are firm believers that any day is a good day for a safari. We have yet to experience one that didn’t live up to (or surpass) expectations, but there are definitely some game drives that stick out as extra special. Ker & Downey’s luxury travel designer Nicole Porto had one such experience on her recent trip to Tswalu Kalahari. At over 27,000 acres, the Tswalu Kalahari Private G...

Family travel is one of our passions at Ker & Downey. There is no better way to share the world with the ones you love than by embarking on a journey designed for the whole family. While there are many family-friendly destinations to choose from, the British Isles present perhaps one of the best options for families in search of fun and adventure. A Scotland and Ireland family adventure with Ker &...

Taste buds rejoice! From Bombay to Bangkok, casual street eats are essentials for locals. Dig in with Ker & Downey and experience the wonder of the world’s street food. You will get an insider peek at the local culinary heritage and the sights and sounds of everyday life, escorted by a guide who knows just where to go—and what to avoid. Let us take you on a foodie journey across the globe in searc...

Although Carnival is celebrated in many places, Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the world. Go once and you might just want to come back every year! Here are Ker & Downey’s top tips for experiencing Carnival in Rio: the world’s flashiest party. Plan Ahead Carnival will take place from March 1 through March 9 in 2019, but some people celebrate it during the whole wee...

The Big Five found on an African safari make up some of the most coveted wildlife sightings on the planet. Lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant provide unforgettable “wow” moments to anyone lucky enough to encounter them. But true wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to know of an altogether different Big Five roaming the southern Patagonian terrain of South America. Almost 500 species of ...

Kenya’s natural diversity has always attracted safari seekers, so it makes perfect sense that luxury properties are working hard to ensure that the pristine landscape remains preserved for years to come. Ker & Downey’s luxury travel expert Michelle Nicholson recently embarked on a journey to eco-friendly Kenya and shares some of the environmentally-conscious practices she learned about at Ol Pejet...

Michelle Sole, a former safari guide for Marataba Safari Lodge, is spending a year traveling the world and sharing her experiences with Ker & Downey. Today she recounts the magic of her Antarctica tour. To read about more of her travels, click here. Antarctica, also known as the frozen continent, or the last continent, is the driest, coldest, and windiest continent. It is the last true wilderness ...

Environmentally conscious travelers rejoice in this selection of Kenya’s sustainable camps and lodges that pair luxury with conservation. Enjoy an eco-friendly journey to East Africa with sustainable properties in mind. Ol Jogi Kenyan kids practically shake hands with majestic elephants during visits to the Old Jogi Private Wildlife Conservancy, nestled in the shadow of snow-capped mountains. For ...

A visit to Greece’s Thessaloniki uncovers a city with layers of history, each as sweet as the indulgent honey-drizzled baklava piled up in the city’s many buzzing cafes. Ker & Downey’s Marketing and Content Assistant, Rina Chandarana, traveled to this Macedonian city, the second largest in Greece, to dig into its delectable cuisine and unearth some spectacular stories of the past. “Yamas, welcome ...

In 2011 when Kate Middleton married Prince William, I actually moved my mattress into my living room to get a little shut eye, then wake up while it was still dark to watch the Royal wedding and all of the before and after coverage from the comfort of my “bed.” I was obsessed and child-free so a sleepless night wasn’t so much of a big deal then as it is now. I can safely say that I will not be mov...

Uganda is sometimes overlooked by those searching for a safari experience. But Ker & Downey travel designer Cherie Tann says it’s an east African country worth exploring for its spectacular landscapes, gorilla and chimp treks, and friendly people. She shares the top spots to visit on a journey to Uganda.  As told to Rina Chandarana. Murchison Falls National Park After flying into the bustling capi...

We are very excited to share the news that Ker & Downey has been accepted into the Virtuoso travel consortium as a Preferred Tour Operator Partner. Check out our announcement below, and contact us with any inquiries about this new partnership. Ker & Downey Named a Virtuoso Preferred Partner Acceptance to the by-invitation-only organization enhances the custom Ker & Downey experience with exclusive...

Sometimes the best way to see Africa’s raw beauty is to get as close as you can to it. Our look at the top walking safaris in Africa highlights some of the wildest places to march on foot. South Africa Trek through five ecosystems that cover a beautiful variety of eye-catching landscapes. Walk along the sand on the Oystercatcher Trail, following the green coastline of the Western Cape’s Garden Rou...

Opulent, bustling and bold — Dubai, the jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is not to be outshined. By Rina Chandarana. Dubai rises above the golden desert and the hazy waters of the Persian Gulf. Beyond its shiny façade, the decidedly global city is an inviting combination of both eastern traditions and western modernity worthy of exploration. Aim for the Sky The Dubai skyline tells the story of b...

Ker & Downey’s Nicole Porto travels to the land of sun and sea to sample its rich culinary scene on a unique Malta culinary tour. South of Sicily and north of Libya, the country of Malta sits at a fascinating crossroads of history and culture. Early settlers left their mysterious Neolithic temples and tombs; invading Arabs brought their language; St. Paul ushered in Christianity, and France sent N...

Responsible tourism in Africa – these six luxe safari lodges offer dream vacations with purpose. – By Rina Chandarana. Lodges and camps that host conservation programs are a safari bonus, allowing guests to get up close to magnificent endangered species as part of their journey. These are our favorite places to embrace responsible tourism. Ol Jogi Kenyan kids practically shake hands with majestic ...

Nicky Brandon, Ker & Downey’s Director of Marketing and Sales, embarks on a journey to the country of her childhood and discovers a modern safari wonderland. As told to Rina Chandarana I still vividly remember the road trips I enjoyed as a child. My parents would pile their three daughters and a bunch of supplies into a Land Rover and set off from our home in Dar es Salaam. My first foray took pla...

A pair of adventurous newlyweds travel to the edge of the earth on an Antarctica honeymoon. Introduction by Haley Beham | Words & Photography by Austin Mann and Esther Havens Mann When you think of a luxury honeymoon destination, does Antarctica spring to mind? Probably not. Remote, rugged and cold, it’s not exactly the stuff luxury honeymoon dreams are made of. Or is it? For photographers Austin ...

Travel to Egypt to marvel at all of her antiquities and soak up some of her best-kept secrets. Ker & Downey President David Marek shares his thoughts on why you should travel to Egypt. Egypt is one of those places where history comes alive. Cruising down the Nile, seeing the ancient temples in person, and gazing upon the pyramids of Giza – the last remaining wonder of the ancient world – allows yo...

In the remote reaches of Northern Kenya, where the Matthews Mountain Range meets the savannah plains of the desert, you’ll find Sarara Camp. Located on the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, it’s the only camp for hundreds of miles. It’s six luxury tents sit perched overlooking the dramatic Mathews Mountain Range. The camp shares space on community-owned land in an area where wildlife and cattle farme...

Egypt prepares to welcome new visitors with the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum later this year. By Haley Beham In 2013 I visited Egypt with my family. Tourists were slow to return after the Arab Spring (which proved to be a fantastic time for us to travel without the crowds). At 3:00pm on a Saturday afternoon, we found ourselves standing alone in the middle of the Museum of Egyptian Anti...

Just a short drive from Adelaide, there exists a bounty of culinary curiosities to keep you sated amidst vineyard-blanketed hills. Barossa Valley culinary excursions balance fresh foods, vintage wines, and plenty of laid back sun-basking. The Barossa Valley is an ideal corner of Australia where epicurean culture is celebrated and savored. With Ker & Downey, you can wind your way through the villag...

Wine, dine, and explore to experience all of the literary and artistic history in London. By Elizabeth Frels Virginia Woolf, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso are known not only for their groundbreaking work in the creative canon, but also for their membership in two distinct circles — London’s Bloomsbury Group and Paris’ Lost Generation. Fortunately, for all stripes of explorer...

It might have a reputation as simply a pleasant preamble to its iconic neighbors, Cusco and Machu Picchu, but Peru’s Sacred Valley is ready for its moment in the international spotlight. Nestled within the Andes Mountains along the convergence of the Rio Sagrado, Peru’s Sacred Valley represents the geographical and spiritual heart of the country. It is here where centuries-old traditions reside wi...

Follow the footsteps of literary and artistic icons on an itinerary that traces Paris’ most storied streets. We’ll tell you the best places to experience literary and artistic history in Paris; from Hemingway to Picasso and beyond. By Elizabeth Frels Following World War I, some of America’s now-famous authors and artists migrated to Paris, France to escape expensive costs of living and Prohibition...