With the New Year fast approaching, we’ve had some exclusive tip offs as to what’s hot in the world of travel, but what good is a scoop if you can’t share it? Want to be setting the trends in 2015? Listen up travellers!
Perhaps one of the greatest up and comers of the past few years, Turkey is flourishing. Firstly, there’s Istanbul: the sprawling city of bazaars, spices and style that’s packed with history and full to the brim with culture. There are so many enthralling corners and luxury hotels springing up in this fascinating city - including the new Raffles Istanbul - that no visitor could ever finish exploring. Further south, Turkey’s Aegean coast is home to some alluring coastal towns and beachfronts. Authentic Alaçati is a hot favourite among the windsurfing crowd, who gave it some style and managed to keep it to themselves for all this time. Meanwhile, Bodram has been undergoing its own stylish makeover; this bohemian hotspot is a new hit among writers and artists who retreat to its secluded boutique resorts and private beaches.
Japan makes our list because its splendour never gets old. Leading the way in modern technology and yet still fabulously traditional, this curious juxtaposition of eras is truly fascinating. A holiday in Kyoto showcases beautiful temples and the famous cherry blossom walkways, while a trip east to Tokyo is where you’ll unearth Japan’s space-age innovation and full gamut of history. Why go in 2015? Because the exchange rate is fantastic right now.
Thanks to its mountainous terrain and snowy climate, we all know Canada as the skiing mecca, but this scenically gifted country is curiously overlooked as a summer destination. With the province of Alberta tipped as one of the world’s summer adventure spots, Canada is very much on the map for 2015. Go into the wild in this outdoorsy wonderland that’s fit to burst with national parks, wildlife retreats, low lying prairies and soaring coastlines, each beckoning adventure at every turn. You could be sleeping among polar bears, cycling through vineyards, cruising with whales, or flying over peaks. And with a whole host of isolated lodges cultivating the lands, a 10km trek to reach your retreat takes ‘off-the-beaten-track’ to a whole new level.
The wildlife destination that trumps all has been exploring its luxury side of late, and has been busy expanding its collection of lavish boats and cruises. The locals recommend boating tours as the best way to explore the fascinating Galapagos, but fear not, for there is no need to cut back on luxury. New plush catamarans, such as Petrel and Cormorant, promise stable cruising, five-star dining, sleekly designed cabins, top-deck Jacuzzis, and plentiful wildlife spotting opportunities; look out for endemic species such as the blue-footed booby, the iconic giant tortoise and the marine iguana roaming the shorelines, along with whales and dolphins frolicking as you pass.
Looking for that once-in-a-lifetime safari you’ve always dreamed of? A multi-centre trip to Africa will offer you the best shot at spotting the Big Five. With game prowling much of the land across the continent, look beyond the usual go-to destinations and opt for the up-and-coming alternatives in 2015. Botswana promises remarkable wildlife opportunities, with a whole host of reserves and national parks that have managed to remain uninterrupted by the hordes. Meanwhile, neighbour Zimbabwe has been hotting up too. If you you haven't managed to spot elephant or buffalo until this point, here’s your next shot; Zimbabwe has some fantastic wildlife areas, home to the Big Five and a number of rare species of its own. Furthermore, you’ll get the chance to top off your trip with a visit to the truly mesmerizing Victoria Falls – one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Want to hear more about what’s hot for the year ahead? Give our experts a call on 020 7337 9010 to get all the insider tips.
