LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE ADVENTURES Plan that longed-for trip
Everything has changed this year, in every area of our lives, thanks to an unseen enemy – a virus that may not be visible to the human eye, but one that has left an indelible mark on so much we hold dear and so many key areas of the economy. Travel is one sector that has been hit particularly hard, with aircraft grounded, cruise ships in dock and resorts closed.
Perhaps it’s because we’re an island nation, or perhaps it’s because we have exploration in our history, but travelling is something most of us have grown up to crave – almost as if it’s part of our DNA. We’ve tended to take it for granted that, as long as we save hard enough, we’ll be able to go anywhere and indulge in the destinations and travel experiences that appeal to us most. So, among the myriad challenges that lockdown has brought us recently, one that feels especially painful is seeing holidays cancelled and trips put on ice.
With that in mind, you may feel it’s an odd time for us to be bringing you this travel special. But in every bit of reader research we’ve carried out in recent years, you’ve told us that travel is one of your very greatest pleasures and arguably the most important category when it comes to your discretionary spending. The joy of seeing new places, experiencing cultures and creating fantastic memories is something you’ve talked about again and again as being the thing you most look forward to.
So, while it may still be too early to pick up the phone or go online to book your next getaway, we do think that it’s a very good time to be an armchair traveller and to plot and plan for when the current situation comes to an end. Let your eyes drink in fabulous photos of far-off places and read about how you’ll feel when you get there (not to mention the experience of the journey), and let your mind wander and mull over where in the world you’d like to go.
This eight-page travel section is designed to help you do just that, and provide lots to inspire and delight. Mark the pages, fold the corners and keep them safe – it won’t be too long before you’ll be able to use the information for real. Bring it on…
Who doesn’t dream of travel to exotic, faraway places? To see the maharaja palaces of India, to gawp at the Grand Canyon or to snorkel Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. But, slightly closer to home, the Mediterranean also makes a strong case for a perfect holiday. The weather is at its prime, the flights are relatively short, the food and culture are excitingly different and there’s a broad range of places to stay, from villas to grand hotels. Take a peek at our top picks…
CROATIA’S island of vitality
Talk to anyone who has visited Croatia and you can guarantee three things. First, they will rave about the crystal-clear sea. In the next breath, they will enthuse about the warmth of the people. And finally, they will say how much they are looking forward to going back.
Within minutes of our arrival on the Croatian island of Lošinj, two of those boxes were ticked. As we checked into the super-stylish Boutique Hotel Alhambra, the smiling desk staff could not have been more charming, but the iridescent blue of the Adriatic Sea beckoned. Set on the water’s edge, the Alhambra overlooks the beautiful Čikat Bay, and the hotel’s private ‘beach’ (in reality, a chic private sundeck with loungers and parasols) is the perfect spot to soak up the warmth of the sunshine and admire the view.
Once the favourite winter holiday resort of Austrian high society, Lošinj is one of the biggest (around 20 miles by two miles in size) of the 700-plus islands that make up the Croatian archipelago. The microclimate, of sunny days and mild winters, coupled with clean air and a carpet of thick pine forests has led to it being dubbed the ‘island of vitality’. Relaxed and unspoilt, Lošinj is a gentle reminder of how holidays used to be; the ideal getaway for anyone seeking a break from the frenetic pace of modern life.
Our week’s stay flew by, ending with a speedboat trip around the island, with lunch on the neighbouring Ilovik island; fresh fish, simply grilled with olive oil and salt. A perfect finale to a memorable trip. And, just like every other visitor, we vow to return to Croatia very soon. By Karen Swayne
IN THE KNOW The Museum of Apoxyomenos is home to a breathtaking ancient bronze statue of a Greek athlete, which was found on the seabed and lovingly restored.
GO WITH destinology.co.uk