Travel's Next Big Thing Has Just Jumped the Pond

But this year, the UK is exporting its biggest travel innovation yet: Audley Travel. A simple concept at its core, Audley creates tailor-made experiences for clients, in destinations around the globe, using a team of in-house, deep experts. They aren't a travel agent. They aren't a tour operator. They are something altogether new, and after almost two decades servicing European travelers (more than 50,000 of them), they've launched their first US office (instigated in large part by the number of American's who were calling the UK to book with them.)

Here's the thing about TripAdvisor and Online Booking: they rely on the consumer to do all the work. To sort through a tremendous amount of data, and they aren't really helpful if you want to explore more exotic destinations; to get off the beaten path in Thailand or explore rural Patagonia. Travel agents are working on commission; tour operators are dealing in bulk and not incentivized to customize anything. Audley offers custom-designed private departures for independent travelers.

Torres Del Paine sunrise

What separates Audley from their competition is their use of ‘Country Specialists' – Each of Audley's Country Specialists has spent a lifetime gaining first-hand knowledge of the best routes, guides, food, lodging, and local secrets in one specific corner of the world. Audley travelers work with a Specialist from start to finish to plan completely custom trips tailored to travelers' interests. They travel at their own pace, but use Country Specialists' knowledge to open eyes and doors to travel opportunities typically experienced by locals and repeat visitors. Audley's CEO recognizes that the company is only as good as the people you work with so therefore spends an inordinate amount of time recruiting and retaining people who are passionate about travel, their counties and have a great service ethic.

Gorah Elephant Camp