An experience of a lifetime
Dive deep into the heart and soul of
a new travel destination
Experiential travel is easily the most exciting (and biggest)
trend taking the travel scene by storm. There's been an expressive shift from
the beaten-familiarpath towards an authentic travel experience to holidays
dedicated to sports, a favourite recreation or indulging in pure luxury. Here
are a few themes popular internationally that focus on history, culture, or
people of the local community you are visiting.
WONDERS OF RED SEA
SHIP WRECK DIVE AND MUMMIFICATION WORKSHOP
Region: Red Sea
The Red Sea has some fantastic wreck diving. Of note is
the SS Thistlegorm, a 125
meter long British army freighter, which ranks second in the list of the
world's best wreck dives. The ship, sitting in the Straits of Gubal, northern
part of the Red Sea sank just 18 months after launch in April 1940. The SS
Thistlegorm is a war grave, an underwater
museum, and a unique piece of military history all rolled into one. The
ship set on its last voyage in June, 1941 as it sailed to Alexandria loaded
with wartime supplies during World
War II. During the start of October, 1941, the Thistlegorm was split in
two and sank almost instantly after being hit by two bombs from a German long
range bomber. The hit not only blew a hole in the vessel but also ignited the
cargo tank ammunition, causing the bulk of the damage. A long list of its
inventory includes tanks, aircraft, armoured vehicles, jeeps and Bedford trucks
which sit entwined with corals. You can explore these wrecks as day dives
from Sharm El-Sheikh.
However, the best way is by liveaboard - either from Hurghada or Sharm.
Mummies are one of the most important Egyptian legacies the pharaohs
have us with. The mummification process was a long, intricate procedure. The
Program Officer for Culture at UNESCO’s Regional Office in Cairo, Tatiana
Zamora organises workshops, which elaborate the lifestyle of ancient Egyptians and the mummification process.
Lectures by professors about the genetics of royal mummies, a visit to Egypt’s
biggest mummies’ restoration lab, which is the very first specialised lab
in renovating mummies remains
using Nitrogen is also included. While this is an elaborate workshop reserved to
train participants, basic workshops allow you to learn about the wrappings,
amulets, and even coffin styles that saw several changes through the years.
KNOW A NEW CULTURE
VISIT A PERUVIAN AMAZON INDIGENOUS TRIBE
Region: Peru
While you’re visiting the Amazon Basin near Iquitos, you have the chance to encounter one of Amazon's native
tribes–the Yagua. With a handful of 4,000 to 6,000 members left, meeting
the Yagua is a rare
opportunity to enjoy a glimpse into an important aspect of life in Amazon.
Their fascinating attire, the first thing that catches the eye, calls for a
clear distinction. Grass skirts and a red dye made from berries that are
painted on the skin serves as a garb to help camouflage themselves in the
jungle. Visitors are fascinated by many aspects of the tribes; the Yagua’s
use blow darts to hunt
for their meals from the jungle. The tribal also perform stunts with blow darts
to demonstrate their skills to visitors. You also have the opportunity to see
atunas, a traditional dance performed to a drum beat that has reverberated
throughout the Amazon for many generations. Many members of the tribe still
wear traditional clothing made of palm fiber. Further, you can purchase blow
darts, jewellery, dolls, colourful
masks and other wood carvings to take back as souvenirs.
RIDE THE WAVES
LIVE ABOARD IN HIGH SEAS
Pegged as live aboard, dive safari or dive charter, the
experience allows you to ride the high seas on a luxury yacht. The vessel is
purpose built for scuba diving that supports longer diving trips. Live aboard
is considered by many experienced divers as one of the best way to enjoy dive
vacations. Sometimes jumping aboard a dive safari is the only way to reach
remote areas like Cocos Islands in Costa Rica or the Similan Islands
in Thailand. Other times, dive charters allow you to explore vast areas and
dive different parts of a country. From the Bahamas to the Galapagos to Raja Ampat to the Philippines, there's a fulfiling
experience awaiting you. Snorkelling with calving and mating humpback whales
in Tonga or the Dominican Republic will simply
have you astonished at the grace and gentleness these massive mammals possess.
REKINDLE ROMANCE
AN INDULGENT ESCAPE ON A PRIVATE JET
Region: Maldives
The Maldives offers the height of tranquillity and an incredible
tropical climate, making it the ideal place to unwind and recharge your
batteries in absolute privacy. Add a signature touch to your romantic escape by
chartering a private jet, a perfect way to kick start a vacation to the
Maldives. After your private charter flight to the Maldives arrives at a
commercial airport, book a luxury
yacht, helicopter or seaplane to transport you to your preferred
resort or island. Unwind at two of the region’s most spectacular desert-island escapes, along with a two-night
cruise aboard an ultra-luxurious yacht. Throughout the exclusive adventure,
butler service, freshly-prepared gourmet cuisine and the chance to explore some
of the world's most pristine coral reefs adds the necessary frills to
this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In terms of stay options, Maldives is sure to leave you spoilt for choice. Take
your pick from floating villas to luxurious villa with a private pool, just a
few steps away from a tranquil white-sand beach. Nature-inspired villas features an en suite bedroom, open-air
garden bathroom are a popular choice amongst Indian travellers.
TRAVEL TO EXPERIENCE A SPORT
CYCLING FOR FUN AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES
Region: United Kingdom
For those cycling enthusiasts, The Monsal Trait allows you an
unforgettable experience. The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers,
cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s
most spectacular limestone dales.
The route is stretched within the Peak District -UK’s first National Park, following
part of the former Midland Railway Line that once linked London and Manchester.
The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between
Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. The flat topography
of Monsal Trail is perfect even if you are by no means an expert cyclist. This route is sure to
leave your senses refreshed; traversing through nine miles of river gorges, a
meandering river, mills and limestone villages...the scenic landscape serves as
the perfect motivating factor. The four tunnels and the two viaducts en route
serve as highlight.
Compiled by Shireen Kanchwala
ETTR 28JUN18
ETTR 28JUN18
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