2021 - you are done!
As an independent travel consultant, the last two years in my beloved industry have been turbulent, to say the least.
However, it’s such a great personal feeling when clients get to travel, and especially so during these complicated times. The last holidays are seemingly always the best ones and those that have managed to get away, along with many now equally keen to resume their travels, are looking to explore more memory making with me.
The start of the year is historically a busy time with people seeking recommendations for their holiday adventures to come. I spend the year researching, reading, asking, and experiencing all things travel to stay informed and be able to find those perfect suggestions and solutions for my clients.
So where in the world should you go?
With caution, ease of travel, and safety very much at the forefront of priorities, countries where rules and testing are relatively straightforward are in demand.
Lots of family groups are wanting to spend quality time together in the sunshine with great facilities and great food.
Mauritius is proving popular with its tropical climate making it a perfect year-round destination. It is amazing value, especially in our summer months when it can be more cost effective than Europe.
There are wonderful resorts that work for both families, and couples seeking romance and relaxation, but why not rent a car and explore this gem of an island. Try the local food and rum (but not while driving) and meet the amazingly hospitable Mauritians. Bonus… they drive on the same side of the road as the UK.
Want to take in more than one destination?
Many of you know about my love for Thailand and food. When my brother moved to its capital, it was the perfect excuse for me to return and explore further. City lights, temples, palaces, street food and shopping - and that’s just Bangkok.
Visit the rainforests in the north, take an overnight trip to the historical River Kwai, swim in the Andaman Sea, watch the magnificent sunsets from palm fringed white sands or visit elephants in their natural habitats - there are many options for magnificent adventures.
Food, food, and more food. Stalls with delectable delicacies wherever you go, the sound of clanging utensils against metal pans and the mouth-watering smells are guaranteed to get tummies rumbling. Value for money here is simply incredible.
Dubai has incredible family friendly hotels with impeccable service, and in the Caribbean, Sandals and Beaches offer 5* luxury all-inclusive options with Bahamas and Jamaica particular favourites of mine and exciting new openings for 2022 that include Sandals Royal Curaçao, the group's 16th resort and first in the Dutch Caribbean region in the southern Caribbean Sea.
A little closer to home, Greece, and her islands tick so many boxes.
I fell in love with Crete last summer. The whitewashed buildings and picture postcard views are perfect for Instagram feeds, the history is incredible and who doesn’t love fresh Mediterranean fayre? Handpicked olives, feta cheese and lamb chops on the grill, not to mention sweet baklava to finish a meal are just a small taster of the incredible food on offer.
Kos, Halkidiki and Corfu are popular family choices, and you can island-hop to see much more than the blue flag beaches that Greece has to offer.
With many having missed milestone birthdays and special anniversaries, I am also seeing lots of family groups wanting to travel together to celebrate, whether that's for swimming in the summer sunshine or skiing and sledding in the winter snow.
The paradise islands of the Maldives remain high on the list of romantic destinations and there are two exciting new resorts from the wonderful Atmosphere Hotel Group which will be opening shortly at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.
Other issues raised by the last couple of Covid years have been the desire to bring forward plans for the very special once-in-a-lifetime type of experience and the importance of supporting a destination by immersing yourself in authentic experiences, meeting local residents and trying the cuisine.
Wherever you would like to head in 2022 and beyond, I am keeping on top of any regulation changes and provide the security and peace of mind provided by an experienced travel expert.
I can't wait to help make your dream trip a reality. And a final tip - don’t forget your packing cubes.
Please contact me for a chat to discuss your plans.
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