Friday, February 9, 2018

TRAVEL SPECIAL2018: ......The Year of Experiences


2018: The Year of Experiences

There’s every reason you must make plans to explore new horizons, thanks to 17 long weekends of 2018

Travel trends in 2018 are slated to be a lot about experiences. Indian families will begin to take short breaks multiple times and indulge in unique offerings that are experiential in a destination. ET-Panache Travel’s in-house survey revealed leading trends including:

GLAMOUROUS CAMPING (GLAMPING) & VOLUNTOURISM WITH PURPOSE:
Corporate professionals will agree that the 17 long weekends of 2018 have stirred up a great appetite for short breaks at quick getaways from their city. Glamourous camping or Glamping as it is popularly known offers off-site camping with many luxurious settings. Voluntary Tourism has picked up steam with families who like their children to add a sense of purpose in their lives. Ecological conservation is a UN-driven initiative and voluntourism options by various standardised agencies are a big hit with students too. Participating in community-driven activities with a native tends to add greater perspective for volunteering individuals. Top Spots:Voluntary sessions to teach English, bring medical aid, spread sustainable ways of forest and animal conservation are amazing bets. Immersive experiences of camping in the famed Safari lodges amidst the forests of Masaai Mara, Igloo pods to watch the Northern Lights or Floating cabins on the coast of Cambodia are big on the wishlist.

WOMEN TRAVEL GROUPS & SOLO TRAVEL:
As more and more women climb the corporate ladder, their travel habits too will be evidently visible. Adding some days of leisure to an official tour will be a trend where family members can join in and then move together as a family group. Learning a new adventure activity typically offered at the destination will be a prime attraction. Solo travel will also see a significant spike. Top Spots: USA and Canada’s familyfriendly offerings will be a big draw.

CULINARY TOURS WITH A CULTURAL TWIST:
What better way to understand the traditional rituals of a destination than through its festival food. Muchneeded twist to a mundane culinary tour is finally here with a festive bang. Real food adventure guided tours, which offer participatory festival dish preparation sessions, food and wine pairings and local market visits to check out seasonal goods that are apt for a family gathering is up on the charts. Make way for the Gourmet TravellerTop Spots: Local chefs in Fiji, Seychelles and Spain for hands-on cooking lessons are big. Farm tours in Kelowna, Israel and Bhutan shall pave way to learn about the fresh produces.

REJUVENATION WITH ACTIVE WELLNESS
Mental health wellness is gaining momentum where stress-busting rejuvenation programmes that aid in chakra balancing, weight loss or an overall glow are welcomed. Hot springs and wellness retreats that extend active outdoorsy activities will emerge as people focus improving their physical and emotional well-beingTop Spots: Travellers will take detox breaks in the foothills of Himalayas, indulge in spa treatments in Thailand or Bali or check into a retreats of Austria.

EXTREME ADVENTURE:
As travellers are spreading into the last unexplored corners of the globe, the demand for bigger, better, and more adventurous experiences is skyrocketing. Pushing your travel boundaries with extreme adventure is in vogue. Sky diving, bungee jumping, wingsuit jumping, mountain expeditions and challenging traditional games will be a preferred choice. Top Spots: Ice cycling in Mongolia, Trekking to spot Snow Leopards in Tibet, Cruising in Antarctica, Everest Basecamp jumping, Rafting in Rotorua rapids, taking advanced open water courses in Philippines and tough terrain hikes in Argentina.

CRUISING, DESTINATIONCENTRIC CELEBRATIONS & ROMANTIC GETAWAYS:
Trust us when we say that you will make time for love. Long distance relationships will survive, thanks to greater accessibility and technologically advanced gadgets making it easier to stay connected. You will find reasons to accept invitations from relatives who invite you overseas for their 25th wedding anniversary and you will effortlessly attend your daughter’s graduation in her international university. Cruising abroad with elderly parents will seem like a more comfortable option. Romantic dates on a cruise will be a pleasant way to visit multiple destinations at a stretch. This will also bring joy for big groups as cruising will become possible from smaller Indian port towns too. Travelling hassle-free with your pets will be an option worth considering.



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