Audley's specialists reveal the destinations they believe will be popular in 2014.

Laos – Audley think Laos will prove very popular in 2014 as clients look for an alternative to Burma which is getting more and more expensive and where availability is often a problem.  A trip to Laos is about half the price of Burma but with many similarities including the same strong focus on Buddhism, stunning natural beauty, friendly people and fascinating cities.  

With more remote regions and new boutique hotels opening up it is now easy to spend a good two weeks just touring Laos.   Audley suggest a ‘Hidden Heart of Laos’ tour which takes in Luang Prabang and Vientiane but also travels by road into less visited areas and includes the Plain of Jars; time in the scenic 4,000 Islands region; the hidden caves of Kong Lor and also the temple complex of Wat Phou. This 16 day itinerary costs from £3,315 per person.

Off-beat India – Audley have been researching some less explored areas of India and, as a result, have put together new itineraries in Gujarat and the Deccan Plateau.  

Gujarat is in India’s northeast, near the border with Pakistan. Audley suggest a Widlife Treasures of Gujarat trip that tracks down some of India’s most unique wildlife including the Asiatic lion, striped hyenas, blackbuck and Asiatic wild ass.  It also includes time in Ahmedabad, the sixth biggest city in India yet barely visited by travellers.  

The Deccan Plateau region is in the heartland of south India and far from the well-trodden path.  The principal city of Hyderabad has a rich history thanks to its former position as India’s wealthiest princely state and the Deccan countryside includes some superb archaeological sites with Muslim monuments, forts and Hindu temples.  Audley’s Deccan Plateau itinerary also takes in the coffee plantations of Coorg before heading south to Kerala for a few days on the beach.   This 16 day trip costs from £2,770 per person.

Fujian province, China – Audley have focused on finding less explored areas of China where you can experience something very different and still see the more traditional side of this fast developing country.  

They have put together a new tour that takes in the impressive Fujian province. Flying to Xiamen you explore its old colonial buildings before going inland to Yongding, heartland of the Hakka people and their astonishing earthen Toulou houses. Built only from mud, rice and bamboo strips between the 12th and 20th centuries, there are 20,000 of these structures still in existence, protected by UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The trip also visits Gulangyu Island, a relaxing retreat of meandering, maze-like lanes, colonial villas and attractive gardens.  A 14 day tour of China including five nights in Fujian province costs from £3,755 per person.  

Kafue National Park, Zambia – Kafue National Park is one of the biggest parks in Africa and yet relatively unknown,  with the majority of visitors to Zambia going to the South Luangwa. Although Kafue is not necessarily for the first time safari-goer wanting to tick off all the big game, it is wild and unspoilt and at the moment guests pretty much have it to themselves!  It is excellent for walking and boat safaris and has some lovely small camps. It also has the advantage of being accessible by road, thereby saving the cost of light aircraft transfers.  Audley have put together an 11 day Secrets of the Kafue itinerary from £4,100.

Active New Zealand – New Zealand’s diverse landscapes have ensured its place as one of the world’s foremost outdoor activity destinations.  Audley have created a new 19 day Active New Zealand itinerary that combines walking, glacier hiking, a train journey through the Southern Alps, whale watching, sailing and jet boating.  

With the growing interest in cycling Audley are also offering a variety of biking tours in New Zealand ranging from a gourmet cycling day in Christchurch to a choice of more challenging trails which are graded and with options to cycle for just one day or for multiple days.

Ecuador – Audley have put together an exciting 14 day itinerary that combines one of the new rail options in Ecuador with a four night cruise through the Amazon on board the new MV Anakonda boat. This luxury boat has just 18 suites, a large observation deck, two outdoor Jacuzzis and an al fresco lounge. There are four specialist nature guides on board and four local guides.

During 2013 the Ecuadorian government completed extensive refubishment of the railwaysand this trip includes the four day Tren Crucero rail journey from the Andes to the coast,stopping to see a variety of sights along the way including the Cotaxpi Volcano and the famous Devil’s Nose. The Ecuador by River and Rail itinerary costs from £3,670 per person.    

Family Canada – Canada is an ideal destination for families and Audley have found some exciting new activities to include as part of an itinerary.  For example they are offering multi-day horseback camping trips in British Columbia as well as the option to take a three night survival and bushcraft course, learning how to build a shelter, source water, track animals, build traps, identify trees, plants and funghi and gain new navigational skills.    

These can be added to a huge variety of other outdoor activities such as biking, rafting, hiking and canoeing as well as suggested ranch stays and wildlife trips including whale watching and bear viewing.

Further details from Audley on 01993 838 000 www.audleytravel.com

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Issued on behalf of Audley by:

Jemma Hewlett PR

Tel: 01491 614660

Jemma.hewlett@btinternet.com ​​​