Cook with a chef, take pottery classes, visit thrift stores: Personal, curated travel experience a hit with millennials
The see-everything, do-everything approach is steadily giving way to a do-something different attitude.
By ET Bureau |
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Some are taking the notion of curated travel further with themed travel itineraries.
Gone are the days when the definition of travelling was ticking items off a must-do list. It’s the opposite now. Eschew the touristy traps and eat and travel like a local instead for a more authentic experience. Bragging rights for travel stories rest in bespoke, immersive travel experiences rather than mass itineraries.
According to an online travel aggregator, experiential categories such as skip-the-line historical experiences, food tours, and cooking classes have grown exponentially over the past few years. This is because the see-everything, do-everything approach is steadily giving way to a do-something different attitude.
Hyper-local experiences
When your time is scheduled to the last minute, with several dashes across the city planned in a day, travel seems more like a chore, less like a leisure activity. Enter the need for a more personal and curated travel experience. So rather than queuing up with the rest of the world to catch a glimpse of that painting you didn’t know existed till date, opt for a private dinner at an art historian’s home instead. It will be a more enlightening experience. Rather than eating at the restaurant with the most ratings, opt for a guided food tour of the local spots. You will learn more about the cuisine and see more of the neighbourhood. Double win.
Tourists are now taking art classes for a more personal experience. Several online aggregators have lined up unique experiences for visitors. Cooking classes with a local chef, pottery and art classes, a guided tour of the thrift stores (known only to the locals) for the best deals or maybe even a trendy exercise class, there are plenty of options to choose from. And in case a group experience is not your scene, fret not, for there are plenty of exclusive options too. Meet up with a designer duo for your own behind-the-scenes couture experience or schedule a photo shoot with a celebrity photographer, with the iconic monuments of the city forming a picturesque backdrop.
Themed events
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Some are taking the notion of curated travel further with themed travel itineraries. Rather than a diffused plan, featuring a little of everything, there is a sharper focus to the visit. And for these trips, no ordinary local guide who rattles off material from the back of an information booklet will do. Only a field expert with intimate knowledge of the subject makes the cut. Try going for a safari with a wildlife photographer and learning to capture nature in all its glory. Or perhaps exploring sites associated with landmark events (like world wars) with a historian. Or literary tours, following in the footsteps of your favourite characters with a local author. The possibilities are endless.
From Jodhpur To San Juan, Here Are Top 10 Travel Destinations You Ought To Visit In 2020
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All the travel junkies out there, if there is one listicle you must focus on, it’s this one. With 2019 travel goals (hopefully) met, it’s time to start planning for the 2020 holidays. Booking.com has delved into global booking trends to reveal 10 of the top emerging travel destinations for 2020.
Jodhpur from India has found its spot among the top 10 list, alongside some lesser known spots in Eastern Europe to under-the-radar spots in Asia. Commenting on the study, Ritu Mehrotra, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives for Booking.com said, “As we proceed towards a new decade, we will see travel becoming more and more sustainable and technologically-advanced, further aided by enhanced services and offerings that enable the modern day inquisitive traveller to experience the world.
81% of Indian travellers say that in 2020 they want to go somewhere that offers experiences they’ve never had before. From catering to their peaked interest in lesser known destinations to counter over-tourism, to customised travel recommendations, we want to ensure that the travellers have the most diverse selection of places to stay at as we help them prepare and plan their travel in 2020 and beyond.”
Here’s where you should be headed to satiate the wanderbug in you.
All the travel junkies out there, if there is one listicle you must focus on, it’s this one. With 2019 travel goals (hopefully) met, it’s time to start planning for the 2020 holidays. Booking.com h..
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For travellers looking to take a cultural beach trip in 2020, Il Gzira is located on the north eastern coast of Malta and lies in direct view of the walled city of Valletta. This stunning seaside destination takes its name from the Maltese word for “island” and with the city’s sweeping Marsamxett harbor overlooking Manoel Island, it’s not hard to see why.
Fort Manoel, which was built in 1726 on Manoel Island adjacent to the town itself, makes a great day trip for travellers to learn more about the town’s history and the island’s past as a hospital quarantine. After exploring, travellers can enjoy local cuisine with incredible views as they relax at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor.
For travellers looking to take a cultural beach trip in 2020, Il Gzira is located on the north eastern coast of Malta and lies in direct view of the walled city of Valletta. This stunning seaside des..
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Thanks to its breath-taking scenery, Ninh Binh is often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land” as the dense greenery of the landscape surrounding the city emerges from land rather than water. Quieter than its nearby namesake, Ninh Binh offers travellers a scenic escape just a few hours away from bustling Hanoi.
Outside the city itself, Ninh Binh province is a medley of mountains, rivers, caves, rice fields and pagodas. Taking a boat tour in this picturesque natural area may look like something from a movie, especially given its starring role on the big screen in the past.
Thanks to its breath-taking scenery, Ninh Binh is often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land” as the dense greenery of the landscape surrounding the city emerges from land rather than water. Quiet..
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Bright colonial architecture with colorful and unique landscapes nearby, Salta is located in the heart of the Argentine Andes and is a great ‘best of both worlds’ destination for the one- in-five (19%) of global travellers who want to visit Argentina in 2020.
Whether taking in the colorful cityscape with a visit to 9 de Julio Plaza, a lush public square in the heart of the city, San Francisco Church, a historic church and monastery that dates back to the 1600s or exploring the nearby colorful landscape of The Hill of Seven Colors and Salinas Grandes (salt flats), a trip to this beautiful part of the world will leave a colorful impression.
Bright colonial architecture with colorful and unique landscapes nearby, Salta is located in the heart of the Argentine Andes and is a great ‘best of both worlds’ destination for the one- in-five (19..
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The second largest city in South Korea’s Jeju Island, Seogwipo, is a bustling coastal city surrounded by natural wonders of the volcanic coastline. Ideal for active travellers, Seogwipo’s clear blue waters will prove popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts, while nearby Mount Hallasan is a great option for those looking to lace up their boots and take a hike.
Seogwipo is also the perfect base to visit the nearby waterfalls - Cheonjiyeon Falls and Jeongbang. To refuel after a day of adventuring, the Seogwipo Olle Market offers tastes of the region with various street food and fresh produce stalls, while downtown Seogwipo is home to many traditional Korean restaurants and BBQ spots.
The second largest city in South Korea’s Jeju Island, Seogwipo, is a bustling coastal city surrounded by natural wonders of the volcanic coastline. Ideal for active travellers, Seogwipo’s clear blue ..
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The stunning city of Jodhpur is known as one of the most colorful cities in the world, with thousands of blue houses transforming the urban landscape into a sea of ocean-colored buildings.
Aside from its vibrant setting, Jodhpur is home to the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Mandore Gardens, ideal for culture vultures interested in architecture and museums. Foodies and shopaholics will also love exploring the winding medieval streets of Jodhpur and sampling authentic Indian food and spices at one of the many bazaars.
The stunning city of Jodhpur is known as one of the most colorful cities in the world, with thousands of blue houses transforming the urban landscape into a sea of ocean-colored buildings. Aside from..
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Located in northwest Poland, Swinoujscie is a beautiful port town on the Baltic Sea that’s a perfect destination for water lovers. Travellers can immerse themselves in the town’s history and visit the Museum of Sea Fishery, which features model vessels and astonishing sea creatures, before continuing the sea theme and taking a walk to the 19th Century Lighthouse for panoramic scenery of the harbor from the observation deck.
Adrenaline junkies can dive into even more aquatic experiences, spending the day doing water sports on Swinoujscie Beach, one of the widest beaches in Poland.
Located in northwest Poland, Swinoujscie is a beautiful port town on the Baltic Sea that’s a perfect destination for water lovers. Travellers can immerse themselves in the town’s history and visit th..
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Takamatsu, also known as Udon Kingdom and the Gateway of Shikoku, is a port town that’s the perfect vacation for travellers interested in vibrant food scenes and scenic backdrops. Once you have finished feasting on noodles, a must-visit is the picturesque Ritsurin Park.
The park is a Japanese national treasure and is home to many tea houses where travellers can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony; plus the Engetsu-kyo (moon crossing) bridge and iconic lotus ponds.
Takamatsu, also known as Udon Kingdom and the Gateway of Shikoku, is a port town that’s the perfect vacation for travellers interested in vibrant food scenes and scenic backdrops. Once you have finis..
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Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan is an extraordinary Caribbean destination boasting vibrant culture and architecture. Walk the cobbled streets of Old San Juan to see the colorful Spanish colonial buildings; explore Fortaleza Street, also known as umbrella street and discover roads full of lush greenery surrounding the houses nearby.
The flora isn’t the only picture opportunity for travellers, with a thriving art scene, San Juan’s streets are adorned with street art while more architecturally-minded travellers can enjoy El Morro, Castillo de San Cristobal and Paseo de la Princesa. A trip to San Juan will also aid in Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts following the effects of Hurricane Maria back in 2017.
Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan is an extraordinary Caribbean destination boasting vibrant culture and architecture. Walk the cobbled streets of Old San Juan to see the colorful Spanish colonial build..
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Travellers looking to go off-grid with their 2020 travels should head for the mountains in Zabljak, a small town in northern Montenegro and at the center of the Durmitor mountain region. Whether traveling in winter for an adrenaline-packed trip on the snowy slopes or during the warmer months to experience thrilling water sports on the lakes and rivers and hiking trails nearby, this destination appeals all year round.
The must-see list includes Durmitor National Park, Black Lake and the Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, a concrete bridge that was once the biggest concrete arch bridge for vehicles in Europe.
Travellers looking to go off-grid with their 2020 travels should head for the mountains in Zabljak, a small town in northern Montenegro and at the center of the Durmitor mountain region. Whether trav..
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