With travellers looking for ways to get the most out of their holidays this year, the best value isn't necessarily the cheapest. From less crowded destinations to unusual places to sleep and opportunities to give back, we’ve compiled suggestions for how to get more out of this year's break.
TAKE PART IN RESEARCH
Contribute to Global Biodiversity Conservation through the eBioAtlas
Travellers can now join the effort to conserve global biodiversity by participating in one of Exodus Travels' Citizen Science departures. As part of the tour, travellers will collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from freshwater sources and contribute to the creation of the eBioAtlas, a joint initiative of IUCN and NatureMetrics. The eBioAtlas uses cutting-edge technology and genetic analysis to map the distribution of various species and their migration habits, providing valuable insights into the world's ecosystems. The collected water samples will be analysed in the NatureMetrics' laboratory in the UK, and travellers will receive a report outlining the species found in their sample area. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travellers to make a difference and support informed world policy making for biodiversity conservation.
Exodus Travels’ eight-day tour The Zambezi Valley is priced from £2,699 per person and includes flights, all accommodation, all breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners, all transport and listed activities and tour leader throughout.
Find out more about Citizen Science departures during 2023 here or at 0203 1312 785.
SLEEP SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT
Escape to a secluded Grecian cave
For travellers looking to break from accommodation convention and maximise their stay experience, TravelStaytion offers a curated selection of holiday rentals in over 700 destinations worldwide for stays in properties like no other. The secluded, luxury Villa Ioli in Santorini’s Firostefani village blends into the natural beauty of a white-washed Grecian cave and features a luxurious king-size bed, fine linens, and a sea-facing terrace with an infinity pool for stunning views of the island’s famous caldera.
Find out more here. Prices start from £356 per night.
JOURNEY TO LESS CROWDED PLACES
Discover the deserted beaches of Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Travellers seeking a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience can visit the serene and sparsely populated beaches of Sai Kung, Hong Kong. With Hong Kong Free Tours, travellers can discover the homes, lands and beached long abandoned by local villagers in the 1970s, and marvel at the stunning views of the coastlines and tropical vegetation of Sai Kung East Country Park. The tour also passes through captivating Hakka villages and woodlands that were once nurtured by farmers for feng shui purposes, which now provide a great breeding environment for native species.
Find out more about Hong Kong here
FULLY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A DESTINATION
Discover Spain in a better and more sustainable manner
Travellers looking to see Spain in a whole new light can participate in Paradores’ new ecotourism programme, “Naturaleza para los Sentidos”, to delve deeper into the country's history, culture and stunning natural landscapes while leaving a positive impact on the community, environment and economy where its hotels are located.
Of the experiences available, guests can learn about the rural life and cultural landscape of Asturias at a cow farm, discover ancient natural remedies in Catalonia's Val d’Arun, stargaze under the clear, unpolluted skies of the Pyrenees or pedal through La Mancha's picturesque landscapes on an electric bike to learn about the history of the area and its inhabitants.
Paradores Spain’s state-run network of cultural and historic hotels, offers the “Naturaleza para los Sentidos ” for guests staying at 11 of its hotels across Spain. This includes Paradores Almagro and Parador Manzanares located in Castilla La Mancha, Parador Cazorla in Andalusia and Paradores Vic, Arties and Vielha in Catalonia.
Find out more about Paradores here.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Master the Art of Coffee Brewing in Lincoln, UK
Travellers looking to discover a new passion and experience in the UK can immerse themselves in a world of coffee and take a hands-on approach with a variety of coffee experiences in Stokes in Lincoln. This includes roastery tours, full sensory tasting sessions, and workshops to learn all the skills required to become a coffee connoisseur. There’s even an introductory experience which covers everything from bean to cup for those just starting out. With over 120 years of brewing expertise, Stokes is the perfect place to learn, grow and appreciate the art of coffee brewing.
Find out more about barista training here.
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Give back while exploring the Himalayas
Travellers looking to give back can journey to the stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan peaks with local expert Vimal, who leads responsible tours where every penny spent benefits local schools and future guide training programs. This six-day adventure offers travellers the chance to explore iconic mountains, interact with locals, and experience traditional cuisine. Along the way, travellers will stay in community eco-lodges to reduce impact on the environment for future generations.
ToursByLocals offers a two-day tour, priced at £1,670 for a two-person tour with a maximum group size of four. The tour includes private guiding services, transportation, porter services, meals during treks, and eco-friendly accommodations.
Find out more about ToursbyLocals here.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
Protect yourself and support a community development project with World Nomads
Travellers looking to travel more responsibly can do so in two ways with World Nomads. Aside from taking out travel insurance to protect themselves abroad, travellers can also add a small donation to fund a community development project of their choice. World Nomads partners with reputable charities and NGOs – such as Water Aid, Oxfam and Sea Turtle Conservancy - and they absorb the administration costs so 100% of travellers' donation goes to the cause.
World Nomads offers travel insurance to UK travellers, providing 24/7 emergency assistance for injury or illness abroad and coverage for over 200 sports and activities.
Find out more about World Nomads here.
TRUST AN EXPERT
Skip the stress of holiday planning with Sovereign
Managing the administration of a holiday can be time-consuming and stressful and often takes the fun out of getting ready for a trip away. Sovereign Luxury Travel’s own team of Personal Travel Planners will not only organise flights, complimentary lounge access at the airport and a private transfer straight from the airport to the hotel, but will also advise and curate a tailored itinerary to ensure travellers maximise their annual leave, including a break from paperwork. The dedicated travel planner will also be on hand in case of any last-minute queries pre-departure or on arrival to the hotel allowing guests to relax and enjoy the excitement of the holiday.
Sovereign offers a seven-night stay at the Domes of Corfu priced from £1,095 per person, based on two adults sharing. This is on ana full board basis and includes flights from London Luton and private transfers, based on 10 May departure.
Find out more here.
