Northstar

TRENDS www.travelweeklyweb.com Chan Brothers Travel unveils 2014 trend forecast The travel agency predicts likely travel trends for the year ahead. SINGAPORE – Looking ahead to the new horizon, what upcoming travel trends lay ahead to define 2014? Here is the Chan Brothers Travel's selection of top travel trends for 2014: Awesome Aussie makes a comeback. Demand for destinations wax and wane with time just as fads do and 2014 sees Australia making a comeback, especially with the Australian dollar at an all-time low since 2010. Demand for travel to Australia has seen a 25 percent jump in 2013 over 2012. A new mode of travel in the form of self-drive convoys have also emerged that bridges Group Inclusive Tour (GIT) and Free and Independent Travel (FIT); typically comprising 70 and 30 percent of demand downunder respectively. Self-drive convoys target first-time or repeat travellers who want the best of both worlds i.e. individualistic and fluid approach to travel with autonomy and freedom, as well as hassle-free organised independent travel. One can choose to do as much or as little from venturing out to discover first hand, food, culture, history or sights of each place, to simply sticking to the inclusive attractions or activities and whiling rest of the time away in a local café – the holiday is all about choice. All-in cruise tours. Escorted cruise tour is a relatively new concept that has a seasoned tour manager on hand to ensure confirmed flights, cruise arrangements, pre- or post-cruise accommodation, land tours and transfers are in sync for a hassle-free experience. Another plus point of a cruise tour is the inclusion of all port taxes, cruise and land tour tipping costs in one price so that one does not get a nasty shock at the end of the trip. These escorted cruise tours sail to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, America and Europe. Rail holidays. Rail holidays are definitely up and coming with an average 20 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Rail holidays in Europe feature European high-speed trains conveniently operating from city centre to city centre, allowing travellers to make the most of their trip with the flexibility of extension in each city. Other popular package tours that feature rail expeditions include Tibet with the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, South Africa with the Royal Livingstone Express or New Zealand with the Taieri Gorge Railway among others. Brazilian World Cup fever. With the growing anticipation of the 2014 FIFA World Cup lending spotlight to Brazil and its The Celebrity Solstice cruise liner 14 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | JANUARY 2014 Brazil's Christ the Redeemer in Corcovado neighbours, increased awareness of and interest in South America in the lead up to and post FIFA 2014 World Cup could overcome travellers' apprehension for travel to South America due to its steep pricing and long flight duration. Burgeoning Burma. Offering an authentic piece of Asia, fairly untouched since British colonial times and yet to be overwhelmed by tourism, Myanmar is the best location and your best bet for checking in to gain some social cred. With over 9 Flexi Holiday tours on offer for a fairly new tourist destination, you can contemplate the sacred stupas, be in awe at the Golden Rock or simply soak up the simple pleasures. Off the beaten track. Arctic Circle. Check. Bhutan. Check. Czech. Check. Exotic is no longer enough for the well-heeled globetrotting travellers. Romania, a dynamic country steeped in history, arts and scenic beauty is piped to be the next big thing for repeat Europe travellers. Journey from Bucharest - Romania's capital city to Dracula's Castle in Transylvania to authentic, century-old, folkloric villages. www.travelweeklyweb.com

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