James Monro
As great as they are, there is so much more to Spain than paella, sangría and beachside resorts!! So often the stereotypical images of a country remain just at that and bear little resemblance to everyday life for locals. It didn't take me long to realise this on arrival in Andalucia, some 11 years ago and I fell for the most authentic version of Spain with its focus on quality of life & personal bonds, its stunning landscapes and its pride in its own traditions and culture.
Travel, as a means of recreation or even as a hobby has so much we can learn from, whatever our travel 'style' is and however we prefer to 'get out there and explore'. It should clearly never just be a matter of ticking boxes and I believe that the most worthwhile experiences are those with which we feel we've seen, done or experienced something novel, eye-opening and authentic. This is where I hope to lend a helping hand!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialise in custom making complete itineraries including accommodation and private transport for couples, families and small groups around Spain. We incorporate private tours and excursions with a guide for you to get the absolute most out of your visit, however long it may be. Tell us what you're interested in and we'll do our best to organise it, be it a flamenco jamming session or a culinary tour of the White Villages! "
How did you get involved in travel?
"While growing up in the UK, I was lucky enough to visit a number of European countries and the US from a young age and so I always knew that once I had the chance, I would jump at the chance of broadening my horizons. And this I did before, during and after studying my degree in Spanish & Geography at Leeds University, and thereby develop my enthusiasm for thinking up and planning trips to a whole range of destinations.
This, combined with the local knowledge of southern Spain gained from living and working here means that creating travel itineraries for other visitors was a natural progression and a real pleasure. I truly believe that Spain, and Andalucía in particular have so much to offer as a destination and I love the challenge of creating the ideal trip for each & every visitor."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One moment stands out among the many while travelling with friends and living in Argentina for 6 months before going to University. Thanks to some contacts, we were never short of ideas or recommendations. It was while staying with local friends (of friends!) in a small mountain village in the foothills of the Andes. We were warmly taken into their home and shown the authentic (and very active!) local life in a beautiful natural setting including how to prepare the real Asado barbecue and play the complex card game of Truco. More than anything, it was ideal for that particular moment for its authenticity and sense of discovery and has left lasting memories for these same reasons."
James's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
This 8-day itinerary is pure holiday bliss on the Mediterranean. Kick off the trip in Barcelona, an enchanting European city that needs no introduction, where you'll have a few...
Check off Spain's three most exciting cities for a weeklong adventure you won't soon forget. The trip starts in Seville where you'll explore the best rooftops, tapas, and...
This weeklong adventure combines a mix of private tours and free time for the ultimate introduction to Spain's Catalonia region. Kick off the week in cosmopolitan Barcelona for...
Recent trip reviews for James
The trip was wonderful. The Azores and the A...
Portugal
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Sep 4 - Sep 14, 2024
Hi Melinda, Thank you very much for taking the time to write the review and for sharing your experiences of the trip to the wild and rugged beauty of the Azores & the Algarve. We appreciate you highlighting the points on the hotels and tours and have taken note of these for future reference, which help us to grow and improve. Thanks again for travelling with us and it was a pleasure to host you! With best regards, The Tailormade team
James the trip was truly amazing, Mark and I ...
Portugal
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Sep 4 - Sep 14, 2024
James the trip was truly amazing, Mark and I enjoyed everything about it . It was a pleasure to work with you .
Dear Loriann & Mark,
Thank you for taking the time to post the review and we're so pleased that it all came together well, for an enjoyable trip! I hope you've taken some wonderful memories of these wonderful locations home with you!
With very best wishes from us all,
The Tailormade Team
James and Kimkim were incredible. Our 3 week ...
Spain
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Oct 13 - Oct 29, 2022
James and Kimkim were incredible. Our 3 week trip throughout Spain and a short 3 days in Lisbon went seamlessly. I am in the process of booking another trip through them. . Cannot say enough good!
Dear Katherine, Many thanks for your kind words and I'm thrilled you had a such a great time :)
Cook and Taste cooking school in Barcelona wa...
Spain
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May 21 - Jun 1, 2023
Hi Chris,
Great to hear you enjoyed the cooking and hiking especially, and so thanks for your comments! We'll be sure to update the info for this specific ebike activity. Thanks and best, James
Great Family Vacation
Spain
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May 21 - Jun 1, 2023
Hi Julie,
Many thanks for the detailed and complete comments about your trip. I'm so pleased it was an enriching experience overall and that you will be returning to explore more of the country, at some point. We take note of the moments where it could have run a little more smoothely and so many thanks for this. It was a pleasure to have you travelling with us at long last, after the Covid postponement!! Saludos, James
Amazing Road Trip in Portugal
Portugal
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Mar 17 - Apr 2, 2023
Hi there Tina, Wonderful to hear this and thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to plan it all out with you and especially such a long time in advance, which gave us plenty of time to fit all together nicely. We're thrilled you enjoyed seeing some classic and 'other' parts of Portugal! Un abrazo, James
Amazing, Carefree and Worry Free! and WOW.
Portugal
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Mar 17 - Apr 2, 2023
Hi Jim, many thanks for taking the time to write and for your kind words. It was a real pleasure to organise it with you and Tina and of course to host you while travelling. We're thrilled you had such a wonderful trip and it's comments like this that really make our day! It's really useful to hear which parts you enjoyed most and we'll be sure to pass on your comments. All the best from the Tailormade team!
Great trip to central /northern Portugal!
Portugal
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Mar 18 - Mar 26, 2023
Hi Laurie, many thanks for taking the time to review your trip in detail and it's great to get your feedback about all the different elements that went into the trip. Of course, we're also thrilled that you enjoyed the trip and that it was an enriching experience overall! As you say there is so much to see and do, it can be tough to squeeze it all in and keep it to a reasonable pace! I hope there will be a next time for you. With v best wishes from Chaima, myself and the Tailormade team
Thanksgiving trip to Spain
Spain
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Nov 20 - Nov 26, 2022
Hi Tamara! Many thanks for your review, we're thrilled you had such a fantastic time. Lots of happy memories created, I'm sure! It was a pleasure to plan and arrange this 'go-go-go' trip for and with you, and I'm pleased it all worked out well. Thanks again and un abrazo! James
An amazing trip in Andalucia Spain!
Spain
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Oct 16 - Oct 26, 2022
Hi there Ariana, Thanks very much for your comments and great news you loved it! It was a pleasure to plan it out with you too! All the best and I hope you'll be back sometime soon. Best wishes, James and the Tailormade Andalucia team
