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About us

At Distant Journeys, we believe life’s greatest journeys deserve to be done properly. We create once in a lifetime tours that inspire, connect and stay with you forever. Each itinerary is carefully designed to reveal the world’s most iconic destinations, brought to life by expert tour managers and local partners who understand every detail matters. Our customers enjoy more than a holiday. They experience meaningful travel that builds connections, celebrates discovery and leaves lasting memories. From thoughtful itineraries to Freedom Days that let you explore at your own pace, everything we do is shaped by care, passion and experience.

Our Story

Back in 2014, Simon Whittle, Andrew Laycock and Richard Hanson founded Distant Journeys with a simple belief: escorted touring could be done better. More flexible, more leisurely and far more rewarding. Right from the beginning, the guiding principle was to improve the quality of the experience - slowing the pace, adding choice and giving customers the very best of each destination, done properly from start to finish.

Today, those values and beliefs remain unchanged. They are the reason we continue to exist, and the thread that runs through everything we do. Our customers trust us with the greatest journeys of their lives, those once in a lifetime adventures that they have always dreamed of to destinations around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, China, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam & Cambodia, Borneo, South America, Costa Rica, Canada & Alaska and the USA.

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Escorted Touring Experience

Are you ready to embark on a Distant Journey, creating memories that last a lifetime with like-minded individuals? 

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So Much Included

When you travel with Distant Journeys, we will provide you with the opportunity to discover a destination in comfort and style.

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Freedom & Flexibility

No tour would be complete without the freedom and flexibility to travel how you want to.

Meet the Team

At Distant Journeys, we believe that a great holiday is not just about visiting beautiful destinations, but also about having an exceptional travel experience. This is why we’ve assembled a team of travel professionals who are passionate about making your holiday an unforgettable experience.

Get to know our team of travel experts, all working tirelessly behind the scenes to help you plan the holiday of a lifetime. From our knowledgeable managers to our passionate consultants, each member plays a unique role in helping you experience the trip of a lifetime. Click here to find out more.

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Award-winning Customer Service

Great customer service at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to providing our valued customers with the highest standards of customer service, which has won us 23 British Travel Awards, celebrating everything from the quality of our escorted tours to the exceptional service our team provides. These honours mean a great deal to us because they are voted for by the people who matter most – our customers. Alongside our Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, they reflect the care, expertise and attention to detail that define every journey we create. It is our mission to exceed expectations throughout your experience with Distant Journeys.

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Dedicated Travel Experts

Our Travel Experts are friendly, well-travelled individuals with a passion for the destinations we visit.

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Platinum Trusted Service

Distant Journeys are proud to have been awarded Feefo’s Platinum Trusted Service award every year since its inception in 2019.

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Travel with Award-winners

For seven years in a row, we have received multiple British Travel Awards.

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Platinum Trusted Service Award 2025 - Badge - 1x1

Registered office: 8 Hattersley Court, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 2AY, United Kingdom
© 2025 Distant Journeys
Registered in England: 08994196

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