Tag: travel guide

Where’s everyone travelling to this winter from Australia?

As the Australian summer approaches, many families are planning their long-awaited getaways, seeking both domestic escapes and international adventures. According to Booking.com’s latest search data, Bali has emerged as the favourite destination, recording a remarkable 75% year-over-year (YoY) increase in flight searches. This volcanic island, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, also ranks highly in accommodation searches with three out of the top ten winter destinations, spurred by the desire to escape the recent rainy weather. Beyond Bali, Japan remains a top choice for Australian travellers, with Tokyo rising to the second most searched destination for accommodations, climbing three spots from last year. The allure of the 2024 Olympics is further driving Aussies to major European cities like London and Paris, which claim the third and ninth spots respectively in accommodation searches. In a striking trend, China has witnessed an astounding 95% YoY increase in flight searches, highlighting its growing appeal. Closer to home, the Gold Coast continues to reign supreme as the most popular domestic destination. Other notable domestic hotspots include Mooloolaba, which has seen a 25% YoY increase, and Adelaide, with a 20% YoY increase in accommodation searches. These trends underscore Australians’ favour for coastal and metropolitan locations during the summer months. Interestingly, technology is also shaping travel plans, with a recent study by Booking.com revealing that nearly a third of Millennials (31%) and Gen Z (30%) are likely to use AI in their travel planning this winter. This contrasts with Gen X (19%) and a mere 6% of Boomers showing… Read More

UN Tourism Opens Calls for Best Tourism Villages 2024

The fourth edition of the highly coveted UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages initiative is now accepting applications. Established under the new moniker “UN Tourism” (previously known as UNWTO), the initiative has grown significantly in the past three years, attracting nearly 600 applications from almost 100 countries. The initiative currently unites 186 members in a global network, including 129 Best Tourism Villages and 57 villages participating in the Upgrade Programme. These member villages span 55 countries across five different world regions, a testament to the initiative’s global reach and impact. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states, “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism recognises rural destinations that effectively incorporate tourism as a tool for sustainable growth, opportunity and preservation of unique cultural and natural heritage. We eagerly anticipate more examples of tourism being a force for good in the 2024 edition.” Applications are now open until 24 April 2024 for UN Tourism Member States to propose up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs). The chosen villages will be announced in the third quarter of the year. Applications will be assessed by an independent Advisory Board with expertise spanning various fields. They will evaluate villages based on nine key areas: Cultural and Natural Resources, Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration, Governance and Prioritisation of Tourism, Infrastructure and Connectivity, and Health, Safety and Security. The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative, introduced in 2021, is a pioneering program designed to transform tourism… Read More

Surprising ways you can travel while protecting the environment

If your 2020 travel plans have been put on hold, don’t worry. It simply means you have more time to plan your next set of adventures in 2021! You may already have a destination in mind and have your flights rebooked, but have you considered how you could introduce some sustainability into your trip? International travel and air travel, in particular, are one of the biggest polluters, releasing high levels of greenhouse gases into the environment. Not forgetting large numbers of tourists using additional energy in hotels, increasing the use of single-use plastics, food waste and not forgetting further forms of transport when they arrive and travel around their destinations. Of course, tourists aren’t entirely to blame for the environmental crises we’re facing, however, if everyone (including tourists) does their bit to help the planet, we will all benefit. Here we’ll explore some surprising ways you can travel and protect the environment. Choose sustainable fashion Making simple changes can have a big impact on the environment. So, whilst packing for your trip, consider investing in pieces that have been created with sustainability in mind. For instance, Szade sunglasses stock stylish eyewear made from recycled sunglasses. Perfect for protecting your eyes in those sunnier climes, but without adding to landfill or fast fashion practices. By choosing sustainable brands and fashion, you can help protect the planet, reduce waste and save money at the same time! Reduce your meat consumption when travelling The meat industry is incredibly destructive, so reducing your meat consumption can have a profound… Read More

Why Australia’s your next top-three travel destination

First came Petra in Jordan, then the Galapagos Islands, followed closely thereafter by Australia’s spiritual heartland, Kata Tjuta and Uluru. The Lonely Planet ranking comes in an unprecedented 2020 that’s limiting international travel and impacting domestic visitation. Uluru is being acknowledged for its sustainable practices and ability to connect travellers with Aboriginal culture. Uluru climbed in the rankings from 33 in 2019, to three in 2020, making it the best-performing Australian ‘must see’! Not surprising really, given its history shadows most of the items on the list we all prize over it until now, like the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and the rest of Europe! Get booking now!