The latest trends for summer holidays this year
The latest trends for summer holidays this year
It’s been a strange few years for travel.
First we had 2020, where it came to an abrupt halt for some time. Then, last year, tentatively some juggled vaccine passports, opening and closing borders and changing plans to get away.
However, things look very promising for 2022, with people having more flexibility and savings for their summer holiday. According to their recent report, The World Travel & Tourism Council expects this year to be busier than ever.
So, what’s hot this year and what kind of holidays will be on trend for the summer? We’ve taken a look.
Safari Holidays
Going on safari is a bucket list item for many people, and there is no point in waiting any longer. If you haven’t been away in two years, you may have saved enough to splurge.
This type of holiday is appealing for a number of reasons:
- Getting away from it all – no tech, no TV, just connecting with nature. In the bush, you can really switch off.
- Seeing rare animals – the fact is, you’ve probably only seen cats and dogs over the past couple of years. Imagine lions and lemurs!
- Time – many safari experiences involve a good bit of travel – a long haul flight, then a shuttle bus. If you have saved up annual leave, you can spend it on safari.
Safari holidays are great for families, as well as groups and even solo travel. There’s the educational element for children, and it’s a wonderful bonding experience for friends.
Being close to nature is a highlight if you’ve been city-dwelling for the past few years.
Yachting Holidays
Something that has changed for many is the idea of crowded tourist destinations. Being crushed up against 30 other people in a guided tour is disconcerting when you’ve had space.
For those who want to travel only with their friends or family, they can book a yacht to travel together. Companies such as borrowaboat allow you to charter a yacht, plan your own itinerary and have a tailor made holiday.
Usually seen as an expensive way to holiday, in fact chartering a yacht can work out less than a hotel. This is particularly true if you have more than one family.
Here are some hot destinations for yacht breaks this year:
- Croatia – over 1,000 islands and nearly 6,000 kilometres of coastline make this country a great choice for yacht charter. Check out pretty port towns steeped in history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and amazing seafood.
- Balearic Islands – get off the well-trod trail of Ibiza and Mallorca and see the other gorgeous islands in this archipelago. Go scuba-diving off Formentera and see Port Mahon in Menorca.
- The Bahamas – truly exotic, with pink sands and crystal clear waters, there are so many islands to see. Visit the swimming pigs in Exuma, or snorkel the incredible coral reefs.
The privacy and space aboard a yacht will be a dream. Drop anchor at pristine coves that are inaccessible by road.
Immersive Cultural Trips
We’ve missed connection over the past two years, so it’s high on our list of priorities now. That means getting involved with the communities we visit and learning more about them.
People are seeking authentic experiences that give back to the communities they visit. Some of these include learning a craft with indigenous tribes or taking part in a Pachamama ritual.
For foodies, taking a street food tour of Delhi or Naples with a local will be a tasty immersion. Find out how huskies are vital to life in the Arctic Circle.
Caring for our communities is definitely one thing that will impact our travel in 2022.
Luxury Rail Tours
For those that have the time, or perhaps can combine work with pleasure, luxury rail tours are the ticket. This is a way to cover many miles and see dramatic scenery that once you may have flown over.
This is a form of slower travel, which appeals to people, but it has many lovely perks. The journey becomes part of the experience, not simply a means of getting from A to B.
A Good Night Sleep
You have to get out of a car to sleep properly, and planes aren’t ideal, unless you’re flying first class. A train gently lulls you to sleep, plus you’ll wake up to incredible scenery.
Dining
Practically every luxury train company is rated for its food. World class chefs serve up gourmet cuisine, with a side show of dramatic landscape.
Some of the top rated train tours include:
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (from Venice to London)
- Golden Eagle Russia (From Moscow to Vladivostok)
- Seven Stars (travelling Kyushu island, Japan)
Trains never get stuck in traffic and you can even travel in a Wes Anderson designed carriage now.
Sun, Mountains or Desert
Wherever you’re planning to travel in 2022, it’s likely you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Places that rely on tourism will be eager to see new faces, and less visited destinations are popping up.
Make the most of your escape whether it’s to the Canadian Rockies, South African bush or Mediterranean islands.
