Algarve, Portugal
Planning travel in 2023 has come with a set of challenges never seen before. Traditionally the world of Luxury Travel was defined by seasons. In Europe, the summers were spent by the coast, and the winters on ski slopes. The Migration was the only time to visit Kenya, and for Japan, it was Cherry Blossom or bust. But in a post-pandemic world, it's time to not just blur those lines, but completely erase them.
At the start of the millennium, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers in the 1999-2000 FY on its fleet of 32 aircraft. In 2022-23 this number has exploded to 43.6 million passengers on 269 aircraft, an almost 10x increase.
In addition to the incredible rise in passenger capacity, is the ever-changing global weather. Summer heatwaves swelter Europe each year, while festive skiers in 2022 didn't get a white Christmas at most ski resorts, something that was pretty much a given in prior years. Moreso, multiple regions of Europe broke 40 degrees Celsius in 2023, in what's been the hottest year on record in a long time.
Last but not least, is the incredible rise in prices in the world's most popular destinations, with rates being more than double of pre-pandemic rates. Nobody wants to pay 3000 EUR for a small room with no view, only to be met with crowds, heat and traffic.
How to beat the challenges of travel in a post-pandemic world? Just follow our new rules, and beat the crowds, heat and prices, while having the experience of a lifetime.
Embrace The Offseason
From famous European Monuments without the crowds to special sightings in the Masai Mara all to yourself, travelling in the off-season has a lot to offer. Some destinations work better for offseason travel than others, so it’s important to choose carefully, and not end up in a ghost town, or in pouring rain.
Embrace the “Second” Option
Paris may be crowded and expensive, but Lyon is not. The world is full of second cities, national parks and beaches, with all the charm and beauty of the hotspots without the crowds and extreme prices. Case in point, India’s lesser-known national parks — all host amazing wildlife, without the Ranthambore wild rush of jeeps.
The LUNGMĀR Remote Camp, Ladakh
Don't be under the influence
Instagram isn't reality, as a lot of people realised this summer. For every picture-perfect Cinque shot, there's probably a throng of people just out of view. Yet, the Ligurian coast remains beautiful, and for those willing to ditch the Instagram famous villages and explore further, offers a wealth of treasures.
Connect with Nature
In a post-pandemic world, the desire to reconnect with nature has grown stronger than ever. Remote, unspoiled places like Patagonia and Raja Ampat beckon with their untouched beauty. From the jagged peaks of the Andes to the serene beauty of glacial fjords, Patagonia offers a glimpse into the pristine natural beauty that can still be found on our planet. Raja Ampat’s crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, and the lush, untouched rainforests on its islands make it a paradise for eco-conscious travellers.
Patagonia, South America
Rely on an Expert
When it comes to post-pandemic travel, it's a whole new ballgame. An expert travel advisor will give you real-world nuggets of wisdom to make your journey wholesome and unforgettable. From the best seasons to lesser-known gems, they will also steer you clear of tourist traps so you can have carefree, authentic experiences. In a world where travel mistakes can be costly, having an expert by your side is your best insurance for smooth, memorable journeys.
In our upcoming newsletters, we will dedicate individual features to all of the rules mentioned above to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of post-pandemic travel with ease. Stay tuned for expert advice, destination highlights, and captivating stories that will inspire your wanderlust and make your travels safer and more rewarding than ever before. The world is changing, but our passion for exploration remains unperturbed, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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As destinations adapt, we’re witnessing a new form of travel emerge — one where itineraries are crafted around daily doubles and designer sneakers, where resorts court you with spa menus and match schedules. It’s athleticism draped in Hermès. Playing Pickleball and Padel in exclusive courts has become the new common language of the elite. And it’s just beginning.
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Soneva, one of the finest luxury and sustainable hospitality brands, has been secretly curating the next big destination that is sure to be everyone’s bucket list and is straight out of our dreams. We've been led to this long-kept secret by none other than the man himself, Sonu Shivdasani. Who wants the tea?
Consider this my open book moment—here I am, sharing my ultimate travel aspirations with you, spilling the beans on the destinations and adventures that have captured my imagination and inspired me to explore the world in style and with no bounds, whatsoever.
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In this very insightful interview, the wellness experts at Ananda shared profound Ayurvedic practices aimed at fortifying the body against the deleterious effects of pollution, providing a roadmap to face the umpteen environmental challenges.
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