Travel Trends For 2018
When it comes to jetting away, we’re always on the lookout for somewhere different to go. So, what will be the top travel trends for 2018? Writes Tracy Hargreaves
TV programmes can actually have an impact on where we decide to spend our holidays and the latest is Blue Planet. According to Travelbag, David Attenborough’s masterpiece Blue Planet II is doing anything but floundering as bookings are on the increase to Borneo to encounter gentle green turtles and to Tanzania for a jaw-dropping look at whalesharks in their natural habitat. Since the programme aired, Travelbag has also experienced a spike in website traffic to its Australia packages from holiday makers keen to explore Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef on the planet.
There also seems to be an interest in tailor made self drive tours to long haul destinations such as South Africa, Australia and the USA, especially for the more discerning foodie looking to travel to all ends to taste the next culinary craze. These travellers know exactly where they want to travel, and what they want to eat, but they want the expertise of a travel expert to handle the logistics, such as flights, car hire and multiple hotel bookings, and to also provide the all-important support and booking protections.
2018 sees a year of special events around the world. With Chile’s 200th year of independence, New Orleans’ tricentennial, the Winter Olympics in South Korea and Mauritius’s 50-year anniversary, this year proves to be an exciting one! Chile was voted the best place to go in 2018 by Lonely Planet, as it has so much to offer with South Korea close behind.
For places nearer to home, both Malta and Portugal make it into the top five. Malta has history, arts and culture and most importantly 300 days of sunshine and Portugal is out of the shadow of Spain and making a comeback. Its appeal is its affordability and its natural wonders. In 2016, more than 300 beaches earned the coveted Blue Flag rating and two new biosphere reserves were named.
If you don’t want to hop on a plane, then there’s plenty to see in the UK. Hull was the capital of culture in 2017 but there’s still lots to do in 2018. All the city’s museums are free, including the fascinating Maritime Museum or take things at your own pace on the famous fish trail. Brighton has it all, a traditional seaside town known for its nightlife, shopping and festivals, 2018 also marks the five year anniversary since gay marriage became legal in the UK and Brighton Pride is an event like no other and Edinburgh is great for all the family, with its comedy, Royal Yacht Britannia and castle.
Get travelling!
