Ian Coates

Travel has always been a big part of my life and the mould was set on my first Cub Scout camp when I was 8 years old. Just 4 miles down the road, if felt like an epic journey into the unknown… and it was; with midnight feasts, jungle treks, and secret raids on islands fortresses! In my late teens, and before we all had a personal computer, I was organising trips around the UK and across Europe for groups of friends, using nothing more than a notepad and photocopier.

My great grandfather, grandfather and father were all butchers, so it seemed that my life was already mapped out before me. By the time I was 14, I was working with my father in his butcher’s shop and there wasn’t much need for an education. But I always dreamed of another life and found my escape through books, magazines, and Private Eye. Stepping away from the family business, I started to travel the world, initially for a 6 month stint, then a year and then for 4 years.

The journey that lead me to Archipelago Choice has been full of challenges, adventures, fun, and stories to tell. I’m now married with two children and a company that, at times, feels like a third. Running your own business, for me, is one of life’s great pleasures. We have a fantastic team and a strong ethos to do the “right thing” by protecting the environment, creating inspiring jobs, looking after our clients and helping our friends and colleagues to prosper on their island Archipelagos.

So let’s go travelling! ian@archipelagochoice.com