On the Trail of Discovery
Fifteen years ago, the prospect of visiting far-flung corners of the world seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime dream, with our thoughts focussed on destinations where only the rich and famous or scruffy backpackers went.
Nowadays, the rich and famous still abound, and the backpackers have grown up and finally got jobs. But more importantly, airfares are about the same price as they were in the late 1980s. The world really is a smaller place. Australia, Thailand, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have become as popular and accessible as Greece or Spain. Shopping trips to Chicago or New York add variety to what used to be exclusive to Europe.
So where next? At Trailfinders, our customers, colleagues and friends are always on the lookout for somewhere new or different: quad-biking or dune boarding on the red sands of Namibia; diving or snorkelling in the waters off the Galapagos Islands; exploring the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia; or simply relaxing onboard a cruise ship in Alaska. Of course, it's a little cold in Alaska, but at least there is space by the pool and the scenery and wildlife are definitely worth an extra jumper.
Word of mouth is how we find out about these relatively new, fascinating destinations. Just a couple of months ago, a customer came into our Newcastle travel centre wanting flights to the Norwegian region of Svalbard. He wanted to spend his 30th birthday there, so we sorted out his flights and he was happy. His unusual request whetted our appetite. What was so good about this place? We typed Longyearben into the net and discovered one could fish in an ice hole, see the northern lights (at the right time of year), go husky sledging and maybe even see a polar bear or two. It is also the world's most northerly permanent settlement, with an average temperature of minus 20 degrees. We are excited; we book our flights and eagerly await the chance to educate others on the place. Somewhere different? Certainly sir.
Two-centre holidays are a great way to check out two destinations in one holiday. My favourite to date was a colleague's holiday last year. He flew from Newcastle via London to Uganda, to embark on a trek to visit the gorillas. His next stop was Beirut, where he hired a car and driver to have a look around Lebanon. These two destinations were not an obvious combination, but were definitely interesting.
Popular destinations with colleagues for the coming year and therefore likely to become popular with clients are Chile, Belize, Senegal, Argentina, Cambodia, Laos, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Sabah in Borneo. But don't get me wrong. We all still love Thailand, Australia, Kenya and Dubai. The world has everything. There is somewhere for every budget, activity, scenery, and wildlife. It's a great world and first-hand knowledge is invaluable, so go and see it.
As the pioneers of tailormade travel, Trailfinders is recognised as the UK's leading independent travel company. We have a worldwide reputation for tailormade itineraries and the widest range of flights, tours, hotels, cruises, car & motorhome hire across the globe priced among the lowest you will find anywhere.
With Trailfinders, the price you pay is the price you are quoted. We have no hidden extras: no premium rate phone numbers, no charge for airline failure, no credit card surcharges and no postal fees, as well as all the appropriate bonds through ABTA, IATA and ATOL.
Our highly trained travel consultants provide a friendly and professional service; all have travelled extensively and have firsthand knowledge of most worldwide destinations. Offering a breadth of service unrivalled within the travel industry, we proudly uphold our claim to be 'The Travel Experts'.
To order your copy of the Trailfinder magazine, request one of our brochures or let us help plan your perfect holiday just call Trailfinders Oxford on 01865 261 000, drop in and see us at 105/106 St Aldate's, OX1 1BU, or visit our website
www.trailfinders.com
Paul Anthony
is the manager of
Trailfinders Oxford
27th May 2004