Beat the January blues by booking a trip inspired by one of these new travel trends …
All products featured on thegloss.ie are selected by our editors. If you buy something through affiliate links on our site we may earn a commission.
Trailblazer Hotels
Our appetite for interesting boutique hotels has increased exponentially to the point that they are now often the reason for planning trips, often to lesser-known destinations. Examples include the Reverb Hamburg, housed in a Second World War bunker, the upcoming Maris International’s Edition Lake Como in Italy and Ardbeg House. The latter in The Inner Hebrides, Scotland opens this summer and promises to be very exciting, having been designed by Russell Sage Studio, who were responsible for The Fife Arms in the Cairngorms.
Try: Brach Madrid – starchitect Philippe Starck’s newest hotel opening this month on the Gran Via in Madrid – is in a prime position for enjoying the city’s cultural delights. Expect to find mismatched antiques, mood lighting and some of Starck’s signature humour in the design details. www.brachmadrid.com
The Asia Uplift
After years of restricted travel, China is opening its doors to millions by expanding visa-free travel, while Thailand’s new digital nomad visas and broader visa-free programme for 93 countries are set to attract a global audience. Pop culture is also driving interest, with the upcoming season of The White Lotus set in Thailand, Squid Game season two expected to boost travel to South Korea, and renewed curiosity about Japan’s history inspired by the TV series Shogun.
Try: For bespoke tours of Japan, try Dublin-based Oomi Travel, for expert advice and tailor-made itineraries created according to enthusiasms from gardening to art. www.oomitravel.com
Shoulder Season
A recent survey (by Virtuoso) has revealed that over 75 per cent of travellers prefer to travel off-season, often because it is more economical, less crowded and more temperate in terms of climate. As a result, many hotels in Greece and Spain are now staying open until late October and November to meet demand. Spend shoulder season in Portugal where temperatures range from 17°C to 24°C during April to June and September to November.
Try: Anantara Vilamoura Algarve, which includes swim-up family rooms and suites, a wide range of family-friendly restaurants, kids and teen clubs, plus a resident golf guru. www.anantara.com
Detour destinations
Last year was all about “destination dupes” – swapping overcrowded spots for lesser known alternatives, such as Venice for Genoa. Now, it’s about detour destinations such as Reims as a detour from Paris, Fukuoka as a detour from Tokyo and Abu Dhabi as a detour from Dubai.
Try: Château de Sacy, Reims – the picture perfect hotel among the rolling vineyards of Champagne is a great base for exploring the region. www.chateaudesacy-reims.fr
New Heydays
Travel experts say that this nostalgia trend, for visiting places that are personally significant such as childhood holiday spots and road trips, appeals to people who are tired of political, economic and social uncertainties. It’s a yearning for simpler times also reflected in certain hotel decor, for instance, Marshall radios, retro telephones and room keys rather than cards, and old-fashioned comfort food on menus rather than flashier dishes.
Try: Page8 Hotel, Trafalgar Square, London which has embraced the nostalgia trend. Located opposite the National Portrait Gallery and close to Covent Garden, explore Trafalgar Square’s iconic landmarks, browse records at Sister Ray in Soho or wander Cecil Court’s antiquarian book sellers. Nearby, visit Gordon’s Wine Bar or enjoy live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s. End your day at the Page8’s new rooftop restaurant Kitty Hawk, offering panoramic views over London. www.pagehotels.com
SEE MORE: The Trends That Are In & Out This Year