As the pace of life quickens with increasing connectivity, so is the demand for long trips rising. “People are wanting to slow down and unwind,†says Alex Malcolm, founder of luxury travel outfit Jacada Travel. The company, which has offi ces in Hong Kong, London, Capetown and Santiago, expects requests for “achievement trips†involving trekking or hiking to remote destinations to double next year. Retreats that last more than two weeks or “slow travel†are also expected to see a similar increase. And we are not talking about cruising. Here are some trips of a lifetime – until you reach the next milestone, that is.
01 TREKKING 10.0
Tasmanian Expeditions, specialising in treks around the island state, recently offered its longest expedition to date: a 39-day journey that takes one to remote beaches and mountainous terrains. Most nights will be spent at campsites, and participants (this expedition limits the number to eight) are advised to train for the trip. “Trekkers will feel a real sense of adventure, the sense of getting somewhere while being active,†says general manager Mark Bennic on the Traverse route which starts next February.
TRAVEL IN VOGUE
What are the hottest places to explore next year? Jacada Travel weighs in.
ENTERTAINMENT ON ICE
More travellers are looking for icy experiences, such as those in Iceland and Norway that offer adrenalin-pumping activities such as race-car driving over frozen lakes, or horse-sledging.
Victoria Falls
IN TUNE WITH THE LAND
Luxury properties and destinations are upping the green stakes, whether it’s running vineyards using biodynamic means or using natural and recycled materials. Think using elephant dung and cans in the building of luxury hotel Baines Camp in Botswana.
REMOTE SAFARIS
South Africa may be the hot spot for safaris, but travellers are choosing traditionally add-on countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia as their primary destinations. These nations have placed increased focus on animal conservation, and better infrastructure such as airports and hotels. Most importantly, they offer crowd-free safaris.
