The Maldives, Seychelles, Antigua, Sri Lanka, Bali and Thailand all make the long-haul wish list for 2021, with Italy and Greece the short-haul favourites, according to Kuoni’s Travel Forecast 2021 report.
The luxury travel operator predicts the big overseas trip will be back for 2021, with advance bookings gathering pace, no doubt bolstered by optimism for the vaccine roll-out.
Apparently upgrading is a big trend as we all look to make 2021 holidays extra special. The average spend per booking rose by £683 from £8,549 in 2019 to £9,231 for 2021, based on advance bookings so far.
Kuoni says more people are upgrading to business class, adding helicopter transfers and extra experiences such as hot air balloon flights.
The Maldives tops the list of long-haul destinations in demand, buoyed by more direct flights and the appeal of isolated retreats with private pool villas.
Kuoni says more people are upgrading to business class, adding helicopter transfers and extra experiences…
Pimp your safari with a balloon trip
The Seychelles are a top choice for couples looking for a castaway vibe – the islands (there are 115 in total) boast not one but two World Heritage Sites – and safari trips are also in demand. Kenya remains a perennial favourite, but Botswana enquiries are also building. It’s one of Africa’s best kept secrets, says the operator.
Looking ahead, Kuoni expects strong demand for Thailand, particularly winter next year. ‘Offering exceptional value for money and diverse experiences it is a great long-haul choice for families and couples and one that works equally well for some serious and stylish upgrading.’ it notes.
The Caribbean is proving a hit, with Antigua trending as the top island of choice.
Bali also makes the list, particularly for couples planning summer weddings. It’s one of the few long-haul destinations whose peak weather dovetails with the British summer, making it ideal for honeymoons.
Sri Lanka on track to be a Top Ten luxury destination in 2021
Japan rounds out the top ten. Although the country has yet to re-open to visitors, there are early signs that it is set to return as a favourite buck-list choice. ‘Next year we expect strong demand for our Japanese Alps itinerary which combines spectacular alpine scenery with a stay at a hot-spring hideaway and visits to off the beaten track towns.’
“We’re seeing two types of travellers emerge, those who are prepared to book and travel at short notice and those who are planning much further ahead, aiming to travel in a year’s time or more,” says Kuoni CEO Derek Jones. “They’re enjoying making plans and are excited about the idea of heading off to see the world again.”
The first of Taiwan’s new generation of high-speed trains has left Japan, marking the latest chapter in a rail partnership inspired by the world’s original bullet train. Built by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, the first 12-car trainset has been shipped from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan ahead of testing and eventual passenger service. It’s…
Overlooking the Bay of Palma, from the edge of the historic Calatrava district, this delightful adults-only boutique hotel only opened in 2019 but already feels established as one of Palma’s finest places to stay – its design reflecting the history of Majorca’s capital. Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland has put his mark on the hotel, but…
Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo has expanded its innovative SL range with the new SL80A, a sub-24-metre motor yacht that brings the Italian builder’s distinctive asymmetric architecture to its most compact platform yet. Designed by Zuccon International Project, the yacht combines the space, comfort and speed of a larger vessel with the practical advantages of a smaller…
The Luxe Review 
The Maldives, Seychelles, Antigua, Sri Lanka, Bali and Thailand all make the long-haul wish list for 2021, with Italy and Greece the short-haul favourites, according to Kuoni’s Travel Forecast 2021 report.
The luxury travel operator predicts the big overseas trip will be back for 2021, with advance bookings gathering pace, no doubt bolstered by optimism for the vaccine roll-out.
Apparently upgrading is a big trend as we all look to make 2021 holidays extra special. The average spend per booking rose by £683 from £8,549 in 2019 to £9,231 for 2021, based on advance bookings so far.
Kuoni says more people are upgrading to business class, adding helicopter transfers and extra experiences such as hot air balloon flights.
The Maldives tops the list of long-haul destinations in demand, buoyed by more direct flights and the appeal of isolated retreats with private pool villas.
The Seychelles are a top choice for couples looking for a castaway vibe – the islands (there are 115 in total) boast not one but two World Heritage Sites – and safari trips are also in demand. Kenya remains a perennial favourite, but Botswana enquiries are also building. It’s one of Africa’s best kept secrets, says the operator.
Looking ahead, Kuoni expects strong demand for Thailand, particularly winter next year. ‘Offering exceptional value for money and diverse experiences it is a great long-haul choice for families and couples and one that works equally well for some serious and stylish upgrading.’ it notes.
The Caribbean is proving a hit, with Antigua trending as the top island of choice.
Bali also makes the list, particularly for couples planning summer weddings. It’s one of the few long-haul destinations whose peak weather dovetails with the British summer, making it ideal for honeymoons.
Japan rounds out the top ten. Although the country has yet to re-open to visitors, there are early signs that it is set to return as a favourite buck-list choice. ‘Next year we expect strong demand for our Japanese Alps itinerary which combines spectacular alpine scenery with a stay at a hot-spring hideaway and visits to off the beaten track towns.’
“We’re seeing two types of travellers emerge, those who are prepared to book and travel at short notice and those who are planning much further ahead, aiming to travel in a year’s time or more,” says Kuoni CEO Derek Jones. “They’re enjoying making plans and are excited about the idea of heading off to see the world again.”
Top destinations for holiday travel in 2021
Taiwan’s next-generation bullet trains begin their journey from Japan
The first of Taiwan’s new generation of high-speed trains has left Japan, marking the latest chapter in a rail partnership inspired by the world’s original bullet train. Built by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, the first 12-car trainset has been shipped from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan ahead of testing and eventual passenger service. It’s…
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel review: A delightful designer retreat in historic Palma
Overlooking the Bay of Palma, from the edge of the historic Calatrava district, this delightful adults-only boutique hotel only opened in 2019 but already feels established as one of Palma’s finest places to stay – its design reflecting the history of Majorca’s capital. Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland has put his mark on the hotel, but…
Sanlorenzo SL80A first look: The luxury yacht that suggests smaller may be smarter
Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo has expanded its innovative SL range with the new SL80A, a sub-24-metre motor yacht that brings the Italian builder’s distinctive asymmetric architecture to its most compact platform yet. Designed by Zuccon International Project, the yacht combines the space, comfort and speed of a larger vessel with the practical advantages of a smaller…
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