The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Now is the time to plan ahead and make that big trip happen
We might be going nowhere for a while – but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of adventures to come
In your calmer moments, it could pay real dividends to turn your mind to the future
TNICK TREND
CONSUMER EXPERT he short-term news may be getting gloomier by the day and the whole world of travel may be temporarily on hold, but should we stop dreaming and planning? I don’t think so. The world’s most exciting destinations, most alluring and fascinating sights, its most inspiring journeys, are not going away.
The chance to see penguins skidding across the Antarctic ice, to drink in the views of the South Island fjords while walking the Milford Track, to come face to face with the Rwandan gorillas or watch the sun rising over the Venetian lagoon will always be precious, unique experiences. And – except during the current few weeks of crisis – they will always be in extremely high demand.
You may feel preoccupied with other things just now, but in your calmer moments, it could pay real dividends to turn your mind to the future. Most predictions seem to suggest that coronavirus will peak in the early summer and by then, life will start to return to normal. Certainly, large numbers of people will have recovered (and presumably enjoy immunity) and our appetite for travel will surely have returned. So this is the moment to plan ahead and to make sure that you don’t miss out.
We’ve picked 25 outstanding trips – some with only very limited availability, some looking ahead to specific dates when we know demand will be high. Departures vary from late autumn until well into 2021, so you can be confident that the world will be back on its feet again. So whether you want to cruise around the world, or treat the children to a visit to Father Christmas in Lapland, here are some holidays to think about now.
Cruising isn’t just about lying back on the sunbed and tucking into unlimited buffets. Smaller, more robust ships are now putting some of the world’s most exciting and inaccessible destinations on the map, especially the polar regions. But there aren’t many of these expedition cruises, and demand is strong. It seems certain that bookings for these adventurous types of holiday will pick up quickly as confidence begins to return. Book yours now.
1 ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
Given the short season (November to March), the small size of the vessels, the limited numbers allowed to disembark on to the pristine ice floes, and growing demand, early planning is essential if you want to bag the best dates and cabins.
Explore (explore.co.uk) is offering a Classic Antarctica Expedition trip from £4,621 for 10 nights full-board. Flights and transfers are not included.
Departs November to March.
2 WILD GALAPAGOS
Plenty of larger ships explore this stunning Pacific archipelago and its unique wildlife, but it is the smaller motor-yachts that give the best access and experience – so you need to book these well in advance. One of the most sought-after cruisers is the 16-berth MY Grace (named after Princess Grace of Monaco, who honeymooned on board).
Journey Latin America ( journeylatinamerica.co.uk) offers an 11-day Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands cruise with seven nights on MY Grace. From £7,783 until February 2021 including meals on board. Excludes flights.
3 ARCTIC ADVENTURE
Expedition voyages depart for the Arctic from mid-May to October when the weather is at its warmest and wildlife, including polar bears, walrus and arctic fox, are at their most active. Demand is high for the most sophisticated polar vessels fitted with comfortable cabins, lecture theatres and spa facilities. You should be planning for 2021.
Noble Caledonia (noblecaledonia.co.uk) offers In the Realm of the Polar Bear from £5,495 for eight nights including flights, transfers and all meals on board. Departs July 5 2021.