Experience led travel Crafted by locals Curated by us

Local Voices, Local Stories – Discover Green horizons

Not an Ordinary Holiday – Not for the Average Tourist

3 Night Romantic Aurora Adventure in Saariselkä

The ultimate escapist getaway for two, this adventurous, romantic destination is breathtaking in its isolation and beaut[..]

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3 Night Romantic Aurora Adventure in Saariselkä

3 Night Romantic Aurora Adventure in Saariselkä image

Discover Mauritius in 10 Days

This 10 day holiday will leave you wanting to re-live it. Relax and enjoy luxury accommodation, immerse yourself in crys[..]

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Discover Mauritius in 10 Days

Discover Mauritius in 10 Days image

Costa Rica East to West

Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultura[..]

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Costa Rica East to West

Costa Rica East to West image

Iceland Fire & Ice Experience

Discover the land of fire & ice on an unforgettable journey that crosses glaciers, snakes through lava tubes, spans volc[..]

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Iceland Fire & Ice Experience

Iceland Fire & Ice Experience image

The Ultimate Family Thailand Experience

Discover Thailand in all its glory! Explore Waterfalls in Erawan National Park and stay on your own jungle raft on the R[..]

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The Ultimate Family Thailand Experience

The Ultimate Family Thailand Experience image

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh – Ultimate Vietnam in 14 days

This once in a lifetime trip takes you to the real Vietnam. See Hanoi like a local, cruise beautiful Ha Long Bay, visit [..]

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Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh – Ultimate Vietnam in 14 days

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh – Ultimate Vietnam in 14 days image

Not your Usual Holiday Collections

Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica Image

Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica

Family Lapland Holidays Image

Family Lapland Holidays

Painting Holidays Image

Painting Holidays

Wellness Holidays Image

Wellness Holidays

Language Holidays & Courses Image

Language Holidays & Courses

Cooking Holidays Image

Cooking Holidays

2025/26 promotion

£99pp low deposit

on selected products

Discover Lapland

2025/26 promotion

£99pp low deposit

on selected products

.

Discover Lapland

Why choose us...

Experience-led

Whether it's a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica, a family adventure in Lapland or a cooking holiday in Italy, all our experiences are all about the activities you will enjoy that are unique to the destination you are visiting.

Experience Collections

Crafted by locals

No one knows a destination and its hidden gems better than those who live there. Each of our holidays are put created and managed by locals, meaning that you can get off the beaten track and discover a truly authentic experience.

About Us

Committed to sustainability

At Not In The Guidebooks, we are distinctly aware of tourism's role in the fight against climate change. We aim to not only protect the destinations that our customers visit, but to also leave a positive impact wherever you go.

Our Sustainability Commitments

Life's too short to miss local experiences when you travel

Always fast to reply, understanding and actually wanting to help the customers. ...you have been flexible and so understanding that I have been reassured enormously. Personally I feel lucky to have booked this holiday through NITGB so thanks again!

Catherine

This trip was amazing. If you want to experience a ‘local’ trip and see some stunning parts of northern Vietnam which not many travellers have seen, then this is perfect for you.

Jonty - UK

Their refund policy was super clear and personally we were convinced and reassured. Due to Covid we had to cancel everything. They within an hour with total reassurance that every cent would come back. It was in our account 24 hours later. There is no doubt that we will book all our future international adventures through NITGB.

Sarah - Cape Town

Have been to Rome many times and this was completely new, exciting and different! Marco was wonderful and everything we did enhanced our experience for the day!

Melville - New York

It is easy to write a good review when a holiday has been enjoyed or when a small issue has been resolved. However, when a serious issue arises then an extremely capable agent is needed to provide support. This happened to me. I knew I was safe in her hands and my trust was not displaced. I would not consider going elsewhere for a holiday booking. I am just grateful that I chose what I consider to be the very best agency available.

Elaine Wilkins

From the magazine...

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NITGB Launch Green Horizons

“Exclusive interviews are covered with tourism pioneers revolutionising sustainable practices in their regions, as well as practical case studies” – TTG magazine At Not in the Guidebooks we’re always looking for ways we can travel more responsibly. Mostly, that has involved creating holiday itineraries that better serve local communities and... Read More »

Lapland 2025 Promotion

Your dream destination just got better. Lapland is open for 2025, if you’re thinking of visiting next year now is the time to start booking. We wanted to offer a little help for anyone thinking of visiting, so we’ve lowered the booking deposit to just £99 per person across a... Read More »

Lapland’s Best Kept Secret: Nellim

New Christmas destination unlocked! Hey! We know you’ve been looking for your next 2024 family Christmas holiday destination and we’ve got you covered. We’ve created some amazing activity holidays for you to experience the very best of Lapland, avoiding those heavy crowds. Nellim is our new northernmost destination in Lapland,... Read More »

The Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Wondering what the best beach in Costa Rica is? Well, at Not in the Guidebooks, we have some strong opinions on beaches and, more specifically, which beach is the best. As Not in the Guidebooks tourists, we prefer adventure and excitement to lounging around and getting a tan (though, if... Read More »

Fjords: What are they & why do we love them?

Fjords have captivated the hearts and imaginations of travellers for centuries, winding their way through the dramatic landscapes of Norway. Fjords are deep, narrow inlets carved by glaciers offer a breathtaking glimpse into the power of nature and the rich cultural heritage of the Nordic countries. As a sustainable travel... Read More »

When to Travel: Dodge the Crowds, Save the Planet (and Your Wallet)

Now, if you’re juggling school schedules, we get it – peak travel might be your only option. But for the rest of us; singles, couples, adult families, or anyone not bound by school calendars, it’s time for some tough love. Travelling at peak times? It’s just not the smart choice... Read More »

Last-Minute Summer Holidays 2024

Looking for last-minute summer holidays for 2024? Here at NITGB we’ve put together a collection of our best last-minute summer holidays so you can take in the last of those summer rays. For all those couples and solo travellers who are looking for one final escape this summer, our list contains... Read More »

NITGB Achieve B Corp Certification

At Not In The Guidebooks, we believe that travel has the power to transform lives and communities for the better. Founded on the principle of providing travellers with off-the-beaten-path experiences led by local experts, we have always prioritized sustainability and ethical business practices. From supporting small-scale local operations and businesses,... Read More »

The Best Months to Witness the Northern Lights in Lapland

Lapland, nestled in the northern reaches of Europe, is a magical destination renowned for its pristine landscapes and the breathtaking natural light show known as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. On a Northern Lights holiday in Lapland, you can head out on viewings on a heated sleigh in the... Read More »

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