Every YellowWood destination has been tried and tested by at least one member of our team; so between us we have firsthand country experience and knowledge that helps to craft and shape our trips.
While each country has something special to offer, it's only natural that we each lean more toward one than the other. Here's the inside scoop on all our faves to spark a sense of adventure and curiosity for your next YellowWood trip:
Patagonia with Sarah, Content Director
Big cats have drawn me to multiple destinations across the globe. But no backdrop to a sighting can match the soaring, snow-coated peaks of the Andes. Argentina isn’t the easiest place to find pumas – largely because shooting them is still legal – but watching these cats move through the raw beauty of Patagonia National Park is unbeatable. I first met former gaucho Facundo four years ago. His passion for the species led him to create a thrilling puma tracking experience which we now sell as part of a tour. I recall sitting with him in an abandoned estancia as two pumas walked past the window. We could barely speak. In that moment, I belonged to a far, far bigger picture.
Costa Rica with Camilla, Head of Marketing
On a two-week tour of Costa Rica, I was in the middle of a tropical storm with the threat of an incoming hurricane with a planned cooking lesson at the home of a local family. I tried to cancel - thinking they had far more important things to worry about - but they refused. And so I had the most welcoming, heart-warming experience cooking traditional vegetarian Costa Rican dishes using fruit and vegetables grown in the family garden. Despite my lack of Spanish and their lack of English, we cooked, dined, shared broken stories and reassurances that hurricanes come and go along the coastline but very rarely land. It was a special evening - despite the raging storm outside. This lovely family made me feel safe and treated me like a long-lost friend.
Slovenia with Alanna, Adventure & Product Specialist
I stopped off in Slovenia as part of an interrailing adventure. I loved the feel of the country and the friendliness of the people. Ljubljana is a great city for people watching, with cafes and bars along the river. Leaving the urban environment behind, I travelled to Lake Bled and stayed in a cosy hostel with incredible views across the lake. One of my highlights was visiting Vintgar Gorge, following the path that crosses over the emerald waters and around the sheer rock faces. The whole place feels like you're part of a Tolkien novel.
The Canary Islands with Rachael, Head of Operations
Our family home on Lanzarote has given me the chance to discover how wonderfully different the Canary Islands are from the preconceptions I once had. I’ve fallen in love with the beautiful coastlines, varied landscapes, fascinating history, fantastic food and wine, and endless opportunities for active adventures.
Kenya with Sam, Founder
I have been to Kenya many times and working with our local partners, we have put together a really different kind of safari itinerary that keeps you away from the masses in the Mara; focussing on the lesser-travelled Northern province of Laikipia before travelling out to the coast to explore the amazing beaches around Lamu. This is Kenya done right. Africa increasingly needs to be navigated sustainably in order to get the tourist dollar to the communities and ecosystems that really need and benefit from them properly without becoming victims of their own success.
Iceland with Emma, Head of Systems
Travelling in the low season meant we were lucky enough to have some of Iceland’s wildest landscapes almost entirely to ourselves - although we certainly experienced the weather that comes with it. One mountain hike had us battling through wind, snow and hail in ski goggles, past bubbling pools and steaming valleys that genuinely felt like they belonged to another planet. As we reached the top, the sun came out and we found a hot river surrounded by snow. We climbed in and got chatting to a group of Spanish travellers who had come prepared with a bottle of whisky. Sitting in the warm river surrounded by snow while sharing whisky with people we'd only just met is one of those wonderfully unexpected travel memories that has stayed with me ever since.
Georgia with Saxon, Adventure & Product Specialist
The 2.5 years I spent living in Georgia was one of the greatest chapters in my life. Working in various wildlife conservation projects allowed me to explore several regions of the country: characterful mountains, volcanic plateaus, remote lakes, deep rainforests, vast semi-deserts. When I flick through memories, my time in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti stands out. I recall arriving at Lake Tabatskuri, the country's largest lake in volume, completely frozen solid.
Finland with Brittany, Adventure Sales Specialist
I had the immense pleasure of travelling to Finland at the end of the summer, and I absolutely fell in love with the country. From the moment you arrive, you are gently invited into the Finnish way of life: farm-and-lake-to-table eating; foraging for seasonal ingredients; daily nature bathing in stunning forests; and, of course, a relaxing dip after a sauna.
Morocco with Marysia, Operations Manager
My husband and I visited Morocco in October, and it was the perfect blend of discovery, relaxation and adventure. We started our trip in Marrakech, where exploring the souks and breathing in the endless mix of scents was overwhelming in the best possible way. One of the standout highlights of the trip was the Atlas Mountains. Even the drive to our hotel was unforgettable, winding through dramatic landscapes that seemed to get more beautiful around every corner. When we finally arrived, the views were simply breathtaking. We spent one day hiking through the mountains and another relaxing by the pool before ending the evening watching a movie under the stars. We finished our trip with a few days by the beach, which in October was a little chilly for me, but it meant our time spent in Marrakech and the Mountains was the ideal temperature for exploring.
The French Alps with Sally, Digital Marketing Specialist
I took my three daughters on a Christmas pilgrimage to the mountains after a difficult break-up and it was a game changer. There was so much beauty in the sunsets, moonrises and snowy mountains. The enormity of it all put things into perspective, and I've never been more present and blown away by the scenery day after day. What a magical and healing place.
Our passion for travel is matched by first-hand experience of every destination we offer, so you can count on honest advice and genuine insight when planning your adventure.
Join one of our small group tours or let us shape a tailor-made journey around the way you love to travel.
Whenever you’re ready, simply get in touch and we’ll help turn that first spark of inspiration into an unforgettable trip.
In the meantime, happy exploring!
The YellowWood Team
