Whether it’s experiential travel or quality time you are after, here are some recommended trends for Southeast Asian-based travellers.
1. ASTROTOURISM
Reflecting on the continuous rise in popularity of astrotourism, Scott Dunn is offering eclipse itineraries in Argentina to make the most of the eclipse that’s slated to envelope part of the region in total darkness on July 2 this year.
For better views of the eclipse, head to Estancia Los Potreros in Cordoba, Southern Spain. The tour operator also organises stargazing experiences across the globe from Portugal to Chile, working with world renowned astronomers and observatories that scope the night sky, like the Sao LourenÁo do Barrocal in Portugal. This is a protected area with no light pollution and a huge telescope for observing the night sky. With an expert, travellers learn about astronomy and the world beyond.
2. THE ‘QT’ BREAK
Standing for “quality time” break, Scott Dunn is seeing a rise in parents or grandparents taking one child at a time on a one-on-one adventure, as time together continues to be a precious commodity. Travel experts at the luxury tour operator can
organise exhilarating and activity-focused short breaks to create bonding moments where the adults and children are having equally as much fun.
For the ultimate parent and child bonding experience, Scott Dunn recommends a short getaway to Nepalto explore bustling Kathmandu and the more relaxed city of Pokhara, with its array of adrenaline pumping activities.
Parents will love the cultural aspect and introduction to the history of Nepal, while children will love putting the parents through their paces with zip lining, some of the world’s best paragliding and hiking trails.
3. OUT OF HOURS
As travellers continue to seek out the most unique experiences, Scott Dunn is offering more and more out of hours encounters, with exclusive access to some of the world’s most sought after sites and museums including a sunrise picnic at Christ the Redeemer, access to the Vatican before it opens to the crowds and late access to Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha after it shuts to the public.
4. TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL
Scott Dunn has seenarise in “transformative” travel. Experiential travel has been the buzzword for the last few years, but travellers are now asking for more than this, they are looking for experiences that can transform them, the communities and landscapes they visit.
Travellers are not only making memories, but also a global difference. Scott Dunn’s “Make A Difference”’ collection of experiences around the world inspires travellers with ways to help give back and gain a broader understanding of the cultures and communities they are visiting. The tour operator also works closely with ME to WE, an immersive voluntourism programme found in Rajasthan, Kenya and Ecuador that travellers can include as part of an India itinerary.
5. LUXURY TRAVELLERS
As the luxury traveller seeks fulfilling, activity led holidays, Scott Dunn’s own villas in the South of France and Mallorca will expand with a range of activities including: olive oil sampling, vintage car drives and yoga combined with wine-tasting.
6. AWAY FROM THE CROWD
With islands like Santorini putting a limit on tourists, and Venice struggling with the numbers of visitors, Scott Dunn is avoiding overcrowded destinations during the peak seasons and takes its travellers to less populated, lesser-known secondary places such as Ljubljana in Slovenia, Alesund in Norway and Porto in Portugal.
FAST FACTS
INTERNATIONAL tour operator Scott Dunn’s travel specialists have curated a list of trends they anticipate to be on the rise for Southeast Asian-based travellers. These include the hottest and most sought-after destinations such as Slovenia, Chile, Northern Peru and Rwanda. Visit https://www.scottdunn.com/ for more details