As you know, we’re all about working with the DMCs with the most authentic and immersive itineraries, the ones whose deep knowledge and love of their locales result in truly memorable, life-affirming trips designed to exceed even the most formidable of expectations.

So, when we were looking for a way to get a true taste of the real Vietnam, we turned to our friends at Realistic Asia, Vietnam DMC for their top take.

Mysterious and magical is equal measure, Vietnam is packed with must-sees, from the bustling colonial alleys of Hanoi to the vibrant buzz of Ho Chi Minh; the cultural charm of Hoi An to the natural wonder of Halong Bay.

There is so much more to Portugal than the Algarve, beautiful though the dramatic, rocky beaches of the southern coastline may be.

Portugal’s cities offer the perfect European blend of old-world charm and cosmopolitan vibes; the vitality of Spain but without the crowds. Its diverse landscapes drop from scenic, unspoilt mountains through rolling plains and lush, fertile valleys to meet mile upon mile of stunning Atlantic coastline.

With its breathtaking landscape of dramatic mountains, enchanting villages and scenic lakes, it’s little wonder that Switzerland’s rich arts and crafts heritage has thrived for centuries.

From traditional crafts rooted in ancient artisan skills to the impeccable precision for which the Swiss are renowned, this inspirational land has an enormous wealth of artistic traditions just waiting to be explored.

And, given no exploration of Switzerland would be complete without generous helpings of its spectacular food and fine wines, we were delighted when our Swiss experts, Watch and Cow , shared a particularly exceptional experience with us - a quintessential taste of traditional Switzerland, with a decidedly luxurious twist.

If you’re looking for an operator who does Kilimanjaro right, Adventure International are the ones.

Founded a decade ago by two climbers, this passion project rooted in ethical travel that does good, gives back and leaves no trace has evolved into something much more. This is a company that really cares about its people, its community and its environment.

Today, as well as being the mountain’s most experienced operator, they employ a dedicated team of more than 300 local people. With heavy investment and deep, holistic training from Adventure International , this brilliant community crew bring their unique energy, knowledge and love of the landscape to every trip, and help ensure the protection of this incredible natural wonder for future generations.

What makes Slovenia the dreamiest of destinations for those longing to retreat into nature and switch off from the pressures of everyday life?

With its lush, pristine forests, crystal-clear rivers, jagged Alpine mountains and abundant natural hot springs, Slovenia is tiny but perfectly formed - and the ideal place to restore yourself, mind, body and soul.

For couples who don’t want to spend their honeymoon sunbathing on a beach, this Nepal adventure is an exhilarating alternative. Fascinating culture, charming people, and some of the world’s most spellbinding mountain scenery make a trip to Nepal one to remember.

Responsible Adventures knows Nepal inside and out and have crafted honeymoons that combine adventure, relaxation, gastronomy, indulgent hotels and endless beautiful scenery - perfect for couples in search of something special to celebrate their commitment.

This 16-day itinerary idea showcases the best of Nepal for a honeymooning couple and takes them on safari, a helicopter expedition, a wellness retreat, luxury accommodations and a wealth of cultural experiences.

Breathtaking lake views and towns crammed with culture and rich history, the Swiss Riveria is delightfully cosmopolitan and undeniably glamorous. Watch and Cow, Swiss DMC are experts in uncovering why this stretch of shore is so very special. From Lausanne through Vevey and on to Montreux, the Swiss Riviera and diverse landscape of Romandy is utterly breathtaking.

Meander through pretty villages, stroll the lakeside promenades, sip coffee in the jazz cafes and glide across glittering lakes in a belle époque steamboat. There is a reason the Swiss Riveria has been a haven to artists, actors and the rich and famous for so long. Let Watch & Cow take your guests on a tour through unforgettable natural beauty and discover unique cultural moments with their carefully curated experiences through this french-speaking region.

You may not know, but Switzerland is divided into 26 ‘cantons’ or regions and not all the cantons speak the same language! Not only do different cantons speak different languages, but each has its own unique history and atmosphere.

Take a trip with Watch and Cow, Swiss DMC to explore the beautiful and often overlooked Suisse Romande, the French-speaking side of Switzerland and discover that whilst this region is French-speaking - the people, the culture, and the traditions are all very much Swiss!

An often overlooked archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, The Azores are packed with natural wonders.

Verdant countryside, dramatic hilly landscapes, tea plantations, vineyards, volcanic lakes and one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world are just the beginning.

Croatian food is wonderfully varied and distinctive, largely because the country blends many culinary cultures: the seafood-dominated flavours of the Mediterranean with Italian, Middle Eastern and Ottoman influences, all mingled with Croatia’s Balkan staples.

Let Roundabout Experiences luxury DMC escort your guests down Croatia's long, stunning coastline, eating and drinking their way from Zagreb to Dubrovnik in a series of boutique and private experiences, all focused on the country's gastronomic delights.

With rich culinary histories, influenced over the years by many of its neighbours, Slovenia is a dream destination for food lovers and wine connoisseurs.

From private wine safaris and picnics in secret vineyards to scenic helicopter rides over the alps, truffle hunting and foodie tours around ancient towns, guests can immerse themselves in the rich history, discover the diverse landscape and sample Michelin star food, perfectly paired with locally grown wines. Roundabout Experiences luxury, hand-crafted culinary itineraries have a truly boutique feel.

Move beyond Peru’s bucket-list highlights with Tanit Trails, Peru DMC and choose a slow-travel experience and more sustainable adventure through three different Amazon areas of Peru. Tanit Trails Peru DMC are passionate about taking guests off the beaten track and into the changing landscapes of ‘real’ Peru.

They love to persuade travelers to explore the Amazon region of Peru and have hand-crafted experiences and itineraries that explore the Amazon in three really different ways. Whatever the ‘travel style’ of your clients, Tanit will deliver a very unique Amazon experience that exceeds expectations every time.

Help your clients kickstart their 2023 travel plans with our quick guide to the travel themes dominating the headlines and our current favourite products that your clients will want to hear about.

For most people, travel is on the top of our new-years resolutions list. Last year saw clients travel and travel big, but 2023 is set to be bigger and bolder. During covid, we dreamt of escaping, exploring and adventuring; we created bucket lists and imagined multi-centre trips lasting weeks and months. These post-pandemic months have seen the world hanker over travelling the globe again with a reimagined sense of wanderlust.

Discover authentic Portugal, reconnect and create forever memories with this inspiring family-friendly adventure through Portugal with Travel Tailors.

Explore, educate and inspire your whole family with Portugal Travel Tailors’ unique adventure itinerary. There is something for everyone on this trip - gastronomy and cooking workshops, unlimited cultural delights - explore ancient villages, castles and palaces, immerse yourself in nature, soak up the incredible coastal scenery and beaches or simply breathe and relax in beautiful hand-picked, family-friendly hotels.

Travel Trade Shows, whether online or in person, are always a significant investment for suppliers and we always want to make sure we extract the maximum positive impact from every encounter. We all want maximum ROI "Return on Investment".

One issue I see time and time again in the industry however is that suppliers often expect too much "Magic!" and want to see sales flood in as soon as possible after their meetings at a Travel Trade Show. Sometimes is the case but often having the meeting is just the start of your marketing and sales development journey.

My personal take on the sales support or business development process that typically needs to happen in a B2B business relationship once you have initially made contact. We also employ this process in our work with clients at Travel Kinship business consultancy and representation for the travel industry.

Are you a DMC or local operator looking to convert more sales, quickly and delight your B2B clients in the process?

If so, one of the most important processes and systems to perfect is that of your quotation process and how your sales team communicate throughout that process with your client. Your objective is to streamline this process - making it as effective and efficient as possible.

Struggling to prioritise work and implement your Business Strategy? OKRs can help. More and more companies are using the simple framework known as OKRs to achieve this, “Objectives and Key Results.

At Travel Kinship we love the OKR process. It’s a straightforward system and structure to help organisations of all sizes to implement their strategy. A way to work out the best way to achieve the organisation’s top-level objectives and overall vision.

Do you have clients that might be interested in, "A Week of Wine" in Switzerland? If so you might be interested in this Luxury Food and Wine Itinerary by Watch and Cow.

Watch and Cow’s speciality is showing your guests the secret corners of Switzerland - and this week-long wine tour is no exception. Perfect for oenophiles, foodies, and those searching for a trip with a difference, this itinerary brings you the best of Switzerland’s wineries through Geneva, Vaud and Valais.

Switzerland is an awesome destination for families, whether you’re here for the Alpine summers or the winter powder. In summer, there are epic adventures to be had in the mountains and at ground level - boredom isn’t an option. As the snow falls, it becomes a classic winter wonderland, with epic ski runs, picture-perfect villages and snow as far as the eye can see.

Whether travelling with restless youngsters or tough-to-please teens, Watch and Cow have you covered with this Alpine summer adventure.