At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey is your Travel Concierge. The ultimate destination experts, they offer flawless service 24/7, ensuring your tour is tailored to you. 

For this month’s Travel Concierge spotlight, we sat down with Travel Concierge Michael to find out more about the delights that await you on the Castles & Kingdoms luxury tour, and how he makes this tour exceptional.

Sharing the stories of the UK and Ireland

Born and bred in Ireland, Michael is proud to show people around his homeland. “I like to tell stories about the old way and take our guests on a journey to discover what these islands are all about,” says Michael.

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Iconic experiences taken to the next level

One of the best parts of a Luxury Gold tour is how we elevate even the most classic travel experiences. “For example, we visit the Giant’s Causeway but we have a specialized local guide who’s a cut above the rest,” says Michael. “We get one of the rangers there to come and talk to us. With that level of depth, our guests get a feel for the country, the people, the culture and history. And they take a little bit of that back home with them in their heart, or leave a little bit of their heart over here.”

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Bringing back the golden age of travel

When you ask Michael what he loves about being a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge, he says it’s getting to look after our guests the old-fashioned way. “It’s like the golden age of travel,” says Michael. “The hotels are fantastic, the food and dining are the best, and the itinerary is well thought out. It’s the way we look after people. We listen to what the guests have said and it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s an absolute dream. It’s a pleasure to be out there.”

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Going above and beyond

Michael says being a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge goes far beyond being a travel guide. “It’s a lot more than guiding,” says Michael. “I take care of people’s needs. I’m like their personal butler. With small group numbers, you can offer more personalized service and you can really look after people. It’s all in the little details. I take care of everything for them and fulfil special requests with the utmost discretion.”

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Special touches

Michael also likes to add special extra touches to each tour, such as arranging surprise treats. It all adds to the unique, personalized experience for his guests. “I’m so proud to be conducting these tours, they really are the best. I can’t say this enough,” says Michael.

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Michael’s highlights

As a Travel Concierge on our Castles & Kingdoms luxury tour, we asked Michael for his insider tips on the very best places and experiences in England. These are his top picks:

Staying at The Rubens at the Palace in London

Located directly opposite the royal residence of Buckingham Palace, five-star Rubens is a truly extraordinary stay. Michael says it certainly lives up to its reputation, from the red tail-coated doormen to the regal bedrooms. 

The dining is also fantastic here, with traditional afternoon teas in the Palace Lounge and dinners at the lavish English Grill Restaurant, one of the most renowned restaurants in London. Guests will enjoy a Welcome Dinner here prepared by executive chef Ben Kelliher using the same suppliers who serve the King’s kitchen. 

When staying at The Rubens, Michael also likes to take his guests for a round of drinks nearby at The Albert, an ornate Victorian pub.

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An exclusive after-hours visit to the Tower of London 

Michael says the private tour of the Tower of London is one of the most remarkable experiences on any tour. We arrange a special after-hours visit to the iconic fortress, once the crowds have gone home. A Yeoman Warder greets you at the regal tower and you’ll then bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practised military ceremony in the world, carried out every night for the past 700 years. 

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After-hours tour of Castle Howard

The exclusive experiences don’t end there. You’ll also enjoy a private after-hours tour of Castle Howard, an 18th-century mansion that will have you feeling like Queen Charlotte or a star in Bridgerton.

Read more: The Bridgerton effect: How to vacation like the aristocracy in the UK

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Meeting the Duchess of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle

When Michael says we offer experiences that are a cut above the rest, he means it. When you travel on a Founder’s Collection departure of our Castles & Kingdoms tour, you’ll meet Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland as she personally welcomes you for a private tour of Alnwick Castle Gardens. You’ll also meet the Head Gardener who will take you deeper into the gardens as you hear the fascinating story of how the Duchess restored the gardens to their former 18th-century glory over the last 20 years. From the lush labyrinth to the serpent garden and ornate fountains, the gardens are spectacular.

Read more: Introducing the Duchess of Northumberland

Scenic adventures in the British countryside

“It’s a pleasure to experience the beauty and majesty of the British countryside,” says Michael. He takes our guests on a scenic journey through England, from the fairytale villages of the Cotswolds to the Tudor cottages of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Step back into the past in medieval York or wander through the Georgian city of Bath. Roam through rolling green hills, emerald valleys, ancient cobbled streets, and traditional tearooms. 

These experiences only skim the surface of the extraordinary experiences you’ll encounter on our luxury tours in the UK. Discover more by taking a look at our Castles & Kingdoms luxury tour and enjoy the exceptional personal service of your Travel Concierge.

When it comes to luxury travel, the difference is in the details. It’s the little things, like priority access, door-to-door transfers, special surprises, and personalized service that elevate your tour and give you the full royal treatment.

From unparalleled attention to detail from your Travel Concierge to exclusive curated experiences, here are all the ways we make your trip exceptional. 

Personalized service from your Travel Concierge

At the heart of every Luxury Gold tour is your dedicated Travel Concierge. As masters of anticipating your needs and identifying your preferences, they ensure you receive personalized attention throughout your journey. From making restaurant reservations to offering local recommendations and fulfilling special requests, the Travel Concierge goes the extra mile to tailor every detail to your individual preferences. 

Read more: Cape Expectations: How Travel Concierge Jameel Makes South Africa Sing

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Private door-to-door transfers

Forget frantic trips to the airport. The royal treatment starts as soon as you step out your door. Your bespoke Luxury Gold experience begins with private door-to-door transfers. You’ll enjoy a seamless transfer from your home to your local airport with a private car and driver. That also includes door-to-door porterage. We take care of your luggage with the utmost care and attention, with hassle-free transfers and convenient door-to-door porterage between every destination. 

Special surprises

While you can count on unwavering support and service on your Luxury Gold tour, you can expect the unexpected when we surprise you with special treats or experiences throughout your journey. It’s just one of the ways we add a touch of magic to your trip. 

Read more: 5 of the best Passport Moments you’ll enjoy with Luxury Gold

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Priority access

Avoid long queues and enjoy priority access and reserved seating at all the popular attractions and events you visit on your tour. 

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

Exclusive VIP experiences

The standout highlights of any Luxury Gold tour are the exclusive VIP experiences. These unique opportunities allow you to access venues or events that are typically off-limits to the general public. 

Tour castle gardens with a Duchess, meet an Austrian princess, or have lunch with an iconic Peruvian politician. Set off on a private tour of a renowned art gallery after hours, dine in a historic castle, or enjoy an exclusive wine tasting with a world-class sommelier. Our curated experiences take you beyond the velvet rope to create unforgettable moments and a truly royal treatment. 

Read more: Exclusive travel encounters: Founder’s Collection

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Exceptional dining experiences

Fine dining is a key part of the Luxury Gold experience and our team goes above and beyond to provide remarkable dining experiences. We take you to the impossible-to-get-into Michelin-star restaurants and arrange private culinary events where you can savor gourmet meals and local flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning tastes. 

Read more: What to expect when dining at a Michelin starred restaurant

Unique stays

An exceptional tour isn’t simply about luxury stays. We handpick each accommodation to ensure you experience not only luxurious comfort but also authentic and unique stays. From historic mansions and castles to opulent properties that are loved by royals themselves, you’ll explore some of the most extraordinary establishments in the world.

Read more: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

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Luxury transport

A truly remarkable trip understands that every stage of your journey needs to be outstanding – including your transport. From private transfers to first-class train carriages, we ensure your transport is just as enjoyable as the destination. Our spacious luxury coaches come with comforts like complimentary Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and refreshments and snacks on board.

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Small group journeys

Another one of the ways we make your trip extraordinary is by limiting our luxury small group tours to an average of 20 guests. This ensures an intimate and more personal travel experience. With fewer guests, you’ll have a more relaxed pace of travel, better access to attractions, and richer encounters with locals. 

Read more: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

Expert local guides

We partner with knowledgeable local guides who provide expert insights into each destination’s history and culture. These passionate guides share their personal stories and insider perspectives, bringing each location to life in the most unique way.

Explore our luxury tours and find out more about how we give you the royal treatment when you travel with Luxury Gold.

If you’re about to head off on a safari to Africa’s extraordinary destinations, you’re probably wondering what to wear and what to pack. From game drives to bush walks and sundowners, you’ll want to be prepared for everything on your safari. Our expert team know exactly what you do and don’t need on safari, from your luggage to your clothing and accessories. We’ve put together the ultimate packing guide so you can go on safari in style.

Experience it: Spectacular South Africa

Luggage

Before you start packing, you need to choose the right luggage. For a safari in Africa, a soft-sided suitcase or duffel bag is the best choice. Most luxury safari camps and lodges have strict luggage restrictions, particularly if you’re flying on small domestic flights between destinations. A lightweight, soft-sided bag can be easily stowed in small storage spaces.

Daytime clothing

If you want to safari in style, you’ve got to choose the right clothing. Here are our tips on how to dress comfortably and appropriately on safari:

• Wear long trousers and long-sleeve shirts to protect against the elements and insects. It’s appropriate to dress conservatively in many African countries, so bring clothing that can cover your shoulders, chest and midriff, even outside the national parks.
• Bring shorts, t-shirts, sun-dresses or casual wear for downtime around the lodge.
• Wear clothing options that are easy to layer up, as morning and evening game drives can be cold, while the daytime drives can be hot. You’ll need a warm jacket and a waterproof coat in case of rain.
• Choose moisture-wicking materials to stay comfortable and cut down on clothes washing in remote safari camps and lodges.
• Wear clothes in neutral colors such as brown, beige, khaki and dark green. This helps you blend in with the landscape and increases your chance of spotting wildlife. Avoid white and brightly colored clothing. You should also avoid military-style camouflage clothing as it’s illegal in many African countries such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda.
• Swimwear: Most luxury safari lodges have a pool so bring your swimwear.
• Sleepwear: Pack some comfortable sleepwear in breathable materials
• Underwear and socks: Go for moisture-wicking underwear and socks to help you stay comfortable all day.

Read more: Cape expectations: how Travel Concierge Jameel makes South Africa sing

Footwear

Bring comfortable walking shoes that have been worn-in, to avoid blisters. If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll need sturdy hiking boots.

You should also bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the lodge or by the pool.

Evening wear

Depending on your safari and lodge, you may like to bring a more formal outfit for dinners or evening events. Check with your personal Travel Concierge to find out if you need to bring evening wear on your tour.

Accessories

Bring a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses to protect you from harsh UV rays.

You should also bring one or two lightweight scarves or bandanas. These come in handy for protecting your face from dust, shielding your neck from the sun, cleaning lenses on your camera or glasses, or wrapping around yourself on chilly mornings.

Read more: 5 of the best Passport Moments you’ll enjoy with Luxury Gold

Travel gear

Camera and accessories: Capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes with a good camera, protective cases, extra memory cards, and spare batteries or a portable charger. If you plan to take photos with your phone, bring a dustproof and waterproof case plus extra memory cards.

Binoculars: Good quality binoculars are highly recommended.

Torch or head flashlight: These are essential for navigating around the lodge at night or if you plan to go on night game drives. A solar-powered torch or flashlight is a great eco-friendly alternative.

Portable chargers and adaptors: Portable chargers are one of the handiest gadgets you can bring on safari. You’ll also need to check the plug type for your destination to determine which power adaptors you need. If you’re visiting multiple countries, a universal power adaptor might be the best option.

Waterproof bags: Bring waterproof bags for all your important equipment. If you plan to go kayaking or do water sports, bring a dry bag.

Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and limit single-use plastic waste by bringing a reusable water bottle. You can refill it at your safari lodge or during game drives. You may also like to bring a water bottle with an in-built filtration system.

E-reader: If you love to relax with a good book in the afternoons when travelling, bring an e-reader such as a Kindle or Kobo with some good books preloaded. It’s easier than hauling around heavy books and you can download dozens of books at a time. Ask your personal Travel Concierge for recommended reading about your safari destination before you go.

Read more: The personal touch: our top 5 curated luxury travel experiences for 2023

Toiletries

• High-SPF sunscreen
• After sun cream
• Mosquito repellent
• Bite relief cream
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Eco-friendly toiletries such as solid shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste tabs.
• Basic first aid kit including band-aids, pain relievers, antihistamines, gastro relievers, and any personal medications. Check with your doctor about whether you need to bring malaria prophylactics.

Documents and essentials

Keep your passport, visas, travel insurance information, and any necessary vaccination certificates in a secure, waterproof document holder.

What not to bring

Plastic bags: These are banned in many African countries including Kenya and Rwanda. All visitors are required to discard any plastic bags before entering the country including ziplock bags and duty-free plastic bags. There are penalties for those found in possession of them, so be sure to use alternatives such as cotton totes or silicone bags.

Camouflage clothing: It’s illegal in many countries and unnecessary on safari.

Drones: These are illegal in East Africa.

If you want to know more about what to pack for your safari, be sure to speak to yourTravel Concierge. They are experts on your destination and are there to offer guidance and personal service every step of the way so you can safari in style.