14 Nov 2017
New flight routes, historical anniversaries and appearances on the silver screen are set to put an exciting set of destinations on the radar of tourists in 2018. ITC Travel Group – the parent company of tour operators including Inspiring Travel Company, Western & Oriental, Rainbow Tours and Regent Holidays – here presents ten destinations it believes will create a buzz next year, along with the reasons why and how travellers can experience them in 2018.
Contents:
- South Africa
- The Seychelles
- India
- Abu Dhabi
- Buenos Aires
- St Helena
- Mauritius
- South Korea
- The Caribbean
- Republic of Congo
Where?
South Africa
Why?
July 2018 marks 100 since the birth of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary who became the nation's first black president and is affectionately regarded as the founding father of the country's democracy. This will be a great time to visit Mandela's South Africa, to discover more about the man, his rise from prisoner to president, and his legacy.
How?
Western & Oriental has launched a new itinerary for travel in 2018 – Following the footsteps to Freedom – Nelson Mandela's South Africa. This seven-night trip includes visits to places of interest connected to Mandela's story. Beginning with three nights in Cape Town, travellers will visit Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and take a walking tour of the city, unveiling its role in the release of Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC. The following two nights are spent on Rovos Rail travelling to Johannesburg and once in Johannesburg, a half day apartheid tour and a half day tour of Soweto are included. The Soweto tour covers all the major points of interest, including Vilikazi Street to visit not only the home of Nelson Mandela – now a museum – but also the former home of Bishop Desmond Tutu. There is also time to stop at a local craft brewery for a tour and tasting. This seven-night trip costs from £3,550 per person based on two adults sharing, including direct flights with British Airways, accommodation (three nights B&B at Cape Grace in Cape Town, two nights on board the Rovos Rail on an all-inclusive basis and two nights B&B at the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg), transfers and the tours and excursions as listed. Book with Western & Oriental (020 3588 6130, www.westernoriental.com)
Where?
The Seychelles
Why?
British Airways launches a twice-weekly flight from London Heathrow to Mahé from 24th March 2018. This direct service will make the Seychelles more accessible and appealing to travellers. Without the need to change flights en route, it might also encourage more visitors to island-hop around the archipelago, which consists of more than 100 islands.
How?
Seven nights at Constance Ephelia on Mahé start from £2,409 per person based on two adults staying on a half board basis. This price includes a 30% discount on accommodation for bookings made a minimum of 45 days before travel, an offer valid for stays completed between 24th March and 31st July and 24th August and 22nd December 2018.
Alternatively, continue the journey from Mahé by helicopter to spend five nights on the private North Island on an all-inclusive basis before returning for two final nights at Banyan Tree Seychelles (bed and breakfast). Prices for this option start from £17,025 per person based on two adults travelling between 24th March and 15th December 2018.
Both of these packages include return economy flights with British Airways using the new direct service and also include resort transfers. Book with Inspiring Travel Company (01244 355527, www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk)
Where?
India
Why?
Hollywood loves a remake and one of the big movies slated for autumn 2018 is the latest adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. Andy Serkis directs this live-action version, with motion capture performances by Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hollander and Cate Blanchett as just some of the animal characters encountered by Mowgli. Talking animals is a stretch of the imagination, but the story does bring to light the wide variety of species that can be seen on an Indian safari, including tigers such as Shere Khan, sloth bears like Balloo and snakes like Kaa.
How?
Wildlife and nature specialist Rainbow Tours has recently added India to its portfolio and amongst the new itineraries for travel in 2018 is the week-long Experience the Jungle Book trip. The first three days are spent in Tadoba, one of the best places to spot Bengal tigers alongside leopards, hyenas, deer, cobras and sloth bears. This is followed by time at Pench, the real-life inspiration for The Jungle Book, where guests will stay in a luxury tented camp and take further morning and evening safari drives. This eight-day trip costs from £2,499 per person based on two travelling, including flights, transfers and wildlife watching. Book with Rainbow Tours (020 7666 1266, www.rainbowtours.co.uk)
Where?
Abu Dhabi
Why?
One of the most iconic names in culture arrives in the Middle East with the long-awaited opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in November 2017. The museum will house a permanent collection as well as hosting four major exhibitions per year through a partnership with 17 of France's most renowned cultural institutions. As well as the artefacts and artworks contained within, the building is set to be an attraction in itself. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi sits on Saadiyat Island and is a complex of 55 detached buildings topped by a vast metallic dome, the latticed design of which is inspired by woven palm leaves. The museum's first exhibition, 'From One Louvre to Another', opens on 21st December 2017.
How?
Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi during a stay at the nearby St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Five nights at this resort start from £1,025 per person, based on two adults sharing a King Superior room on a half board basis, including economy flights from London Heathrow with BA and private transfers. This price includes a 25% discount on the accommodation price plus complimentary half board, valid for travel completed between 13th May and 30th September 2018 and representing a saving of up to £355 per person. Book with Inspiring Travel Company (01244 355527, www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk). Entry to Louvre Abu Dhabi is 60 AED – approximately £12.50 - for adults. Entry is free for children aged 12 and under.
Where?
Buenos Aires
Why?
Curious explorers have become tuned into low-cost route launches from no-frills carrier Norwegian in recent years and the airline adds a new country to its roster in February 2018 when it begins a direct service to the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires. There's plenty of personality in this vibrant city to entice visitors for a short city break – the colourful (read: Instagram-friendly!) neighbourhood of La Boca; the impressive structures of Recoleta cemetery; the drama of the tango halls; and of course the delectable flavours of Argentinian steak and Malbec. From Buenos Aires, travellers can also begin a more in-depth Argentine adventure, touring the wineries of Mendoza, experiencing a gaucho's life on the pampas or exploring the stunning landscapes of Patagonia or Iguazu Falls.
How?
Western & Oriental offers tailor-made trips to Argentina. A five-night short break in Buenos Aires, using the new direct flights with Norwegian beginning in February 2018, costs from £1,495 per person based on two adults sharing. This price includes flights, five nights at the four-star Recoleta Grand hotel, private airport transfers, a half-day private city tour and a tango show with dinner on one night. Book with Western & Oriental (020 3588 6130, www.westernoriental.com)
Where?
St Helena
Why?
Approximately 4,000km east of Rio de Janeiro and 2,000km west of northern Namibia, the British Overseas Territory of St Helena is a volcanic tropical island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Until recently, the island could only be reached via a Royal Mail ship on a five-day voyage from Cape Town, however an airport was constructed in recent years and the island has just begun receiving commercial flights from Johannesburg. The weekly service can take 78 passengers, so potential travellers are advised to book well in advance if they're interested in visiting during 2018. The island is perhaps best known as the place where Napoleon spent the final six years of his life in exile. Local tour companies will introduce visitors to the island's history and geology and the marine attractions are also a key draw, with whale sharks present in the waters from around November to April.
How?
Rainbow Tours (020 7666 1266, www.rainbowtours.co.uk) is now taking enquiries for tailor-made travel to Saint Helena in 2018.
Where?
Mauritius
Why?
There are several reasons this small Indian Ocean island will stand in the spotlight in 2018. Firstly, 12th March 2018 marks 50 years of independence in Mauritius, following more than 300 years of colonial rule by the Dutch, the French and most recently the British. This history, mixed with strong indigenous, Creole and Asian influences, has resulted in a rich and varied culture today. Mauritius will also be seen on screen in the forthcoming Matthew McConaughey-Anne Hathaway movie Serenity, plus it will mark the re-opening of luxury resort One&Only Le Saint Géran following an extensive $200m renovation.
How?
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa was the base for Serenity cast members who filmed on location in Mauritius over the summer of 2017. Seven nights at the resort start from £1,575 per person, based on two adults sharing a Junior Suite on a bed and breakfast basis, including return flights and private transfers. This price includes a 20% saving on accommodation, available for bookings made a minimum of 60 days before arrive and travel completed by 31st October 2018. Book with Western & Oriental (020 3588 6130, www.westernoriental.com)
Alternatively, discover the results of the transformation at Mauritius' grand-dame hotel, One&Only Le Saint Géran. Book more than 90 days in advance to receive 30% off accommodation plus complimentary half board – an offer saving up to £1,140 per person. Prices start from £2,125 per person based on two adults sharing a Lagoon Room on a half board basis for seven nights, including flights and private transfers. This offer is valid for travel completed between 8th April and 30th September 2018. Book with Inspiring Travel Company (01244 355527, www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk)
Where?
South Korea
Why?
All eyes will turn to South Korea in February as the eastern county of PyeongChang hosts the XXII Olympic Winter Games. An estimated 90 nations will take part, bringing the landscapes, traditions and culture of South Korea to TV audiences around the globe.
How?
Regent Holidays offers escorted coach tours of South Korea including Highlights of South Korea, an eight-day trip departing from Seoul. Travellers will explore the capital's Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namdaemun Market, travel to Gyeongju to explore the 8th century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Seokguram Grotto, discover one of the world's earliest-known existing observatories, enjoy the scenic coastal drive to Guryongpo Port and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Busan's Jagalchi Fish Market. This tour has two departures in February 2018 for Winter Olympics spectators wanting to combine a tour with their existing travel plans, or fortnightly departures throughout the year for those inspired by the sporting event to visit later in 2018. The eight-day tour costs from £1,315 per person including accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, all transportation during the tour, sight-seeing with English speaking guides and entrance fees. The price excludes international flights, but these can also be booked with Regent Holidays to fit the required departure date. Book with Regent Holidays (020 7666 1293, www.regent-holidays.co.uk)*
Where?
The Caribbean
Why?
The Caribbean was hit this year with its most destructive hurricane season since records began, but in a region so reliant on tourism, it is important to stress that it's 'business as usual' for many islands, including Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. For the islands that suffered damage – amongst them Anguilla, St Barths and the British Virgin Islands – work is being undertaken now to have resorts ready to re-open over the course of 2018. With rebuilding comes the chance for renovation, so the message to visitors is that not only will tourism be essential to the economic recovery of these islands, but that guests may find themselves staying in hotels that are even better than before.
How?
The Caribbean is the Inspiring Travel Company's biggest selling region and the majority of hotels and destinations are ready to receive guests as normal over the peak winter season. On islands where hotel repairs are still underway, guests are still urged to visit in 2018 and to consider alternative accommodation options – villas and yachts, for example.
Where?
Republic of Congo
Why?
The wildcard entry on this list, Republic of Congo is the ideal choice for intrepid types looking for somewhere unusual and adventurous to travel in 2018, to satisfy their wanderlust and earn themselves some serious 'cool traveller' credentials. Not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo in central Africa contains the second largest expanse of tropical rainforest in Africa and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna including three habituated groups of Western lowland gorillas within the Odzala National Park.
How?
Rainbow Tours has recently launched Congo Explorer and Gorillas, a 10-day trip including seven nights in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Encountering the Western lowland gorillas will be an obvious highlight of the stay, however the park is also home to another 11 species of primate along with forest elephant, forest buffalo and over 400 species of bird. Guests will stay at three different lodges within the park, each built from locally-sourced materials and creatively designed to blend with their environment. These camps are small, so visitors enjoy a sense of exclusivity and intimacy with the surrounding nature. Prices for this trip start from £7,770 per person, based on two sharing and travel before 31st March 2018. This price includes international and domestic flights, ground transportation, accommodation (two nights bed and breakfast and seven nights on a full board basis) and wildlife activities as stated in the itinerary, including gorilla tracking. Book with Rainbow Tours (020 7666 1266, www.rainbowtours.co.uk)
-Ends-
For further information or images, please contact Kate Popham, Group Head of PR, ITC Travel Group on 020 7666 1259 or email katepopham@itc-uk.com
*For further information on Regent Holidays, please contact Four Corners PR - carole@fourcornerspr.co.uk / 0117 942 3818
