Adventure Travel
6 of The Most Important Travel Trends for 2019
As travel – both arranging and embarking on it – has become easier, the number of holidayers has unsurprisingly increased. In 2017 alone, over four billion people went on airborne journeys – and the travel and tourism sector aims to almost double that yearly tally to 7.8 billion by 2036.
All the same, the industry could struggle to meet that goal ifeven easier travel is not facilitated. Travellers anticipate fast, authentic, personalised, seamless and secure experiences – but these can be realised with the use of technology, the World Economic Forum indicates.
Reassuring, both Millennials and Generation Z treat technology as second nature in a way that would have been alien to members of previous generations. Therefore, multiple developments in tandem are helping to fuel the following trends that look set to especially blossom in 2019.
Using virtual and augmented reality to recreate travel experiences
In the world of technology, there are currently some amazing projects that bode well for the future of travel and its possibilities. Today, you can join an expedition-style vessel to see cold reaches of the Arctic, while space tourism is on the horizon as Virgin Galactic prepares to start flights this year.
However, given that such luxury sojourns often come with premium price tags attached, you could be reticent about acting on these opportunities. Alternatively, you might just want cost-effective options to “try before you buy” – and virtual and augmented reality can enable those.
Virtual reality can give users an idea of what it would be like to fly within an active volcano or watch a high-profile sports fixture from front-row seating. VR could even take people back in time – for example, to Ancient Egypt or Shakespearean Britain.
Travelling to improve physical fitness
Prior to the Millennial generation, travel tended to be seen as a luxurious break from the usual day-to-day pursuits of life back home. However, we can learn from the rather different way in which Millennials often see travel: as a necessity due to the valuable opportunities it affords for growth.
This can include mental growth; perhaps a young adult is uncertain about what path to next take in life, but hopes that taking time out to travel can ease their self-discovery. However, growth opportunities can also allow for better physical fitness on the traveller’s part.
You might already have considered hiking up a particular, well-known mountain or cycling a specific route that has been strongly recommended to you by avid cyclists. According to one survey cited by The Motivated Millennial, sailing and island hopping are both popular travel activities among Millennials. Certain places are especially suitable for kayaking or skiing.
Exploring relatively unorthodox and unique destinations.
Yes, there might be certain parts of the world that are especially commonly recommended by travel gurus. However, you aren’t obliged to stick just to those recommendations – and, indeed, Millennial holidayers are fond of heading off the beaten track for a little further exploration.
Examples of places that tend to get overlooked – though less so by adventurous Millennials – include Italy, Portugal, Thailand, New Zealand, Peru and Costa Rica. Still, even if you choose a more traditionally popular destination, you could unearth a few gems, so to say, slightly further afield.
Pororari River. Image credit – New Zealand Trails
What if your travels take you to the Floridan city of Orlando? It’s an obvious choice of destination for a family holiday due to the many local theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. However, from there, you wouldn’t have to leave the Sunshine State to visit the comparatively sleepy community of Navarre, where you could wind down after a busy week.
Looking online for holiday inspiration
This might not initially strike you as the most modern trend. If you are still relatively young, you might not even remember a time when you didn’t use the Internet to inform your itineraries. However, what has changed is the number of information sources that are used for research.
In 2002, that number was three for each main trip; however, the tally has steadily grown to nudge past 10 by 2017, says Travel Agent Central. These two numbers still account for offline sources such as friends and family, but social media has much grown as a pivotal research source since 2012.
Young travellers have also flocked to online travel agencies. This is a marked change from a decade ago, when more than 70% of youth travel bookings were made through physical travel agent offices.Ocean Florida is one online agency that lets users quickly book various facets of a Florida holiday.
Sharing travel experiences online
This is yet another telling reflection of the social media age. Many Millennials are attracted to social media due to the range of modern ways in which it lets them report their experiences. These means include sharing photographs, streaming video and, of course, posting snippet-like textual reports.
Even if you are thoroughly familiar with the extent to which social media has flourished in functionality, you could still be stunned to learn that 97% of Millennials share travel highlights online.You could find social media as useful as TripAdvisor for helping you to plan your travels.
The emergence of the “digital nomad”
Today, many members of the Millennial and Gen Z demographics would still, when on the go, deem themselves “backpackers” or “travellers”. However, one survey from 2017 has hinted at the increasing prominence of another, more modern label: “digital nomad”.
This is the label that 0.6% of Millennial and Gen Z travellers chose for themselves in that 2017 survey. Yes, 0.6% seems like a tiny proportion; however, it translates into 1.8 million trips.
These days, there are various ways of maintaining a digital nomadic lifestyle – with, for example, 56% of travellers in this category having used Airbnb on their previous main journey. Compared to other travellers, digital nomads are thrice as likely to utilise a co-working space, too.
For 55% of them, using an online travel agency – like Ocean Florida, which is aimed at holidayers set to depart from the UK – is often their favoured way of booking accommodation.
Adventure Travel
A Beginner’s Guide to Yacht Charters: How to Choose the Right Yacht and Plan the Perfect Trip
Yacht charters offer a unique and luxurious way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re looking to spend a week exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, or you want to take a romantic trip to the Mediterranean, a yacht charter is an excellent option. Phuket is an excellent location to charter a yacht and is one of the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the world.
However, choosing the right yacht and planning the perfect trip can be a daunting task for those who are new to yacht charters. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your yacht charter experience a success.
Consider the Size of the Yacht Needed
Yachts come in a variety of sizes, from small sailing boats to large motor yachts. Consider how many people will be traveling with you, and how much space you’ll need for your trip. You’ll also want to think about the type of activities you want to do on your trip. If you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, a smaller sailing yacht may be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more luxurious and spacious experience, a larger motor yacht may be a better choice.
- Small Sailing Yachts: These are typically 30-50 feet in length and are ideal for more intimate and adventurous trips.
- Mid-Size Motor Yachts: These yachts are typically 50-80 feet in length and offer more space and amenities than small sailing yachts.
- Large Motor Yachts: These yachts are typically 80 feet or longer and offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
- Superyachts: These are the largest yachts, typically over 100 feet in length, and are often custom built to the highest standards.
Consider a Place to Discover
Yacht charters are available all over the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, so choose a location that appeals to you and your travel companions. Research the destinations you’re interested in, and find out what the weather will be like during your trip. You’ll also want to consider the time of year that you’re traveling, as some destinations may be more expensive during peak season.
Here are some popular yacht destinations:
Mediterranean: The Mediterranean region is a top destination for yacht charters, with its turquoise waters, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Some popular destinations include the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and the Greek islands.
Caribbean: The Caribbean is a popular yacht charter destination for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. Some popular islands include the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, and Antigua.
Bahamas: The Bahamas are another popular yacht charter destination, known for its stunning crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and tropical landscapes.
Maldives: The Maldives is a group of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant sea life.
Thailand: Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, vibrant local culture, and rich history. Some popular destinations for yacht charters in Thailand include the Andaman Sea, Phuket, and Koh Samui
beautiful beach view Koh Chang island and Tour boat for tourists seascape at Trad province Eastern of Thailand on blue sky background , Sea island of Thailand landscape
Plan Ahead
When it comes to planning the perfect trip, timing is everything. Booking your yacht charter early is key to ensuring that you get the yacht and destination that you want. Don’t wait until the last minute to book, as yachts can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It’s also a good idea to book well in advance if you’re traveling during the holidays, as yachts tend to be in high demand during these times.
Yacht Charter Cost
Another important factor to consider when planning your yacht charter is the cost. Yacht charters can be expensive, so you’ll want to budget for your trip carefully. Consider the cost of the yacht, fuel, food, and other expenses. Some yacht charters may include some or all of these expenses, so be sure to ask about what’s included when you’re booking. You may also want to look for yacht charter deals or discounts to help save money on your trip.
Think About the Crew
Finally, you’ll want to consider the crew. Yacht charters typically come with a crew that includes a captain, chef, and other members. Consider the size of the crew, and make sure that they have the experience and skills you need for your trip. You’ll also want to make sure that the crew is friendly and professional, and that they can accommodate any special requests or needs you may have.
Final Thoughts
A yacht charter is an excellent way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations in style and comfort. With a little bit of planning and research, you can choose the right yacht and plan the perfect trip for you and your travel companions. So start exploring your options today, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Adventure Travel
Medieval Towns with German Castles Near Munich & Frankfurt
Our favorite castles in Germany near Frankfurt and Munich:
Neuschwanstein Castle is there somewhere amongst all the fog!
We were crazy enough to visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a public holiday. This meant that along with all the Asian tourists, there were an awful lot of Germans. Plus, even though we arrived by 11 am, the soonest tickets we could buy were for the German tour at 2.30 pm, as the terms in English were sold out until 4 pm. So, if you don’t have German friends at hand to translate the tour for you, we recommend booking in advance online. The castle was impressive, and the time was undoubtedly fascinating! Don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans, but the manmade Grotto room made my jaw drop!
Mespelbrunn Castle
Mespelbrunn Castle is located on a pond between Frankfurt and Wurzburg. Unfortunately, we arrived 30 minutes after its closing time of 5 pm, but it looked cool from behind the fence!
Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is located on a clifftop near Stuttgart and costs 6 euros per person for a tour in German; however, they did give us a very informative written guide in English. This castle is small compared to Hohenzollern castle, but its story is fascinating. Tanks shelled it in World War II, and today you can still see the cracked mirror from where a small fragment of a tank grenade ricocheted!
Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is not too far from Lichtenstein Castle. It is located on a hilltop near Hechingen, and we enjoyed the guided tour. Along with getting to wear GIANT slippers, make sure you explore the casemates and secret passages. One sign made me want to learn more. It read, “Exactly where these steps lead to is unknown. More casemates and secret passageways are likely waiting to be discovered in the heart of the mountain”!
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle was a lot larger than we expected! Unfortunately, we had spent far too much time at the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim, so we did not have time to explore this castle. But if we get the chance, we will explore the town and its castle next time in Germany.
On our drive from Munich to Frankfurt, we also loved:
Andechs Monastery
The beer garden at Andechs Monastery was just like Oktoberfest but amongst trees and more family-friendly. The beer was cheaper, and the food was great, including the giant pork knuckle, which Moss could not finish. It was also fun walking up multiple flights of stairs to the tower’s very top.
River surfing in Munich
Rothenburg
Three hours in Rothenburg was not enough to explore this wonderful medieval town! We recommend getting your hands on a city map from the tourist information office. We enjoyed Roder Gate, walking along the wall and exploring the 17th-century spital bastion, plus Moss lost me in the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop for over half an hour, and I didn’t even buy anything!
Bamberg was a neat town with old buildings in the center of the river and had a famous smoked beer which Moss just had to try!
I’m not the hugest car or plane fanatic, but even I enjoyed the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim. A highlight for me was sliding out of an airplane (from the museum’s roof)!
Don’t go out of your way to see it, but the world’s narrowest street in Reutlingen is worth a photo if you are passing through.
In Frankfurt, go to the old part of town for an apfelwein and see the Frau Rauscher statue – watch out, she spits about every 12 seconds!
The average person would Google Munich to Frankfurt and see that it only takes about 3 ½ hours depending on how fast you wish to drive on the autobahn! However, we are NOT typical. We took one look at train prices and decided that hiring a car wouldn’t cost too much more.
Suppose you’re interested in traveling to Germany for a damn good deal. In that case, plenty of tour companies have some pretty unique and affordable vacation packages to Berlin, Munich, and Bavaria.
It may be small, but this building on Trappensee Lake is classed as a water castle!
We aren’t going to tell you our exact route. Still, after surviving Oktoberfest in Munich, we did a giant zigzag to see as many castles and medieval towns as possible. So to save you doing so much driving, we have picked our favorite cities and castles. First of all, ‘Ausfahrt’ is not a destination accessible from every off-ramp! It means ‘Exit’! Another word of wisdom to keep in mind is that the autobahns with speed limits do have speed cameras… and the flash is blinding!
Adventure Travel
Running with the Bulls Video
Our shaky Running with the Bulls Video footage from the Festival de San Fermin in 2012. Experience it first hand in Pamplona. Enjoy.
We recently wrote about our life or death experience of Running with the Bulls this year at the Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona. On that run, I carried along with our GoPro video camera and tried to shoot some footage for our running with the video of the bull.
Running with the Bulls
All our travel video shooting techniques went out the window when the bulls’ hooves started to shake the ground beneath our feet.
Once we had lined up for the running with the bulls, there was no escape from it as we were walled in by apartment blocks, shopfront windows, and 3-meter high wooden barriers packed with photographers along the entire length. At one end lay the relative safety of the bull ring pulsating with the cheers of the crowd who were still partying from the night before. Behind me, a dozen wild bulls pawed the stony ground looking for freedom.
Unfortunately, I was standing in their path.
What we ended up with is below. However, I think what we filmed for our running with the bull video captures the chaos, craziness, and complete madness a lot better than if I had stood my ground.
Enjoy it and watch for the guy that nearly gets trampled to death near the beginning!
Running with the Bulls Video
Would you ever consider running with the bulls?
While we are very aware that not all people agree that the San Fermin Festival should be allowed to go ahead mainly due to animal cruelty, we think there are two sides to every story. We wrote a post about the controversy surrounding Bullfighting in Spain and the Festival de San Fermin.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the Festival de San Fermin and whether you would ever consider running with the bulls.
If you want to join the next Festival of San Fermin or any other wild festivals in Europe, such as Sail Turkey, book with our partners Busabout.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
