‘I was drawn to the thrill of the unknown, It’s rare these days to travel somewhere that still feels largely undiscovered.’
Saudi Arabia is our newest destination and one of the most exciting. It’s so compelling that even Kim, our GM for EXO Thailand and a seasoned travel professional, chose it for his own holiday. He explored the Kingdom alongside our expert team, with EXO Saudi using the trip to sharpen their knowledge and get creative with new ideas. The result was a journey that blended personal discovery with local expertise — and showed just how rewarding travel in Saudi can be.
That sense of discovery quickly proved well-founded. Over the course of a week, Kim journeyed across the country, from the ancient alleyways of Jeddah’s Al-Balad to the silent sandstone cathedrals of Hegra in AlUla. The latter was a highlight. ‘I’d always pictured Hegra in my mind alongside Petra in Jordan,’ he said. ‘So finally seeing it in person was incredible.’
And it’s not just about the monuments. The landscapes alone are reason enough to go – jagged volcanic peaks, red rock canyons, hidden oases and golden valleys where palm trees sway beside freshwater streams. In a single trip, travellers can take in some of the most visually arresting terrain in the region.
One of the things that makes Saudi Arabia such a fascinating destination is that it’s still relatively new to tourism. That freshness means visitors often feel like they’re arriving before the crowds. ‘This trip reminded me why I work in travel,’ Kim reflected. ‘To chase awe, discover the unexpected, and connect with the world’s most incredible places before everyone else gets there.’
Another unexpected surprise? The camaraderie. Although it was a personal holiday, Kim was joined by EXO colleagues on parts of the journey. ‘Being surrounded by like-minded EXO teammates really added to the experience. We packed a lot into each day, and the group’s energy made the pace feel totally worth it.’
After exploring places like AlUla, Wadi Disah and the ancient mud-brick settlements of Diriyah, Kim continued his journey across the border into Jordan to visit Petra – a reminder that Saudi Arabia can easily be combined with other iconic destinations in the region.
Saudi Arabia may not yet be top of mind for many holidaymakers, but perhaps that’s exactly why it should be. For those craving something different – something raw, beautiful and full of stories waiting to be told – it might just be the perfect choice.
About EXO Travel:
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognised penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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