Going on holiday is a special occasion and something we all look forward to. For that reason we also want to ensure that it’s going to be the best holiday ever. Whilst we all have our favourite places, it’s always nice to be one step ahead of the crowds. To make sure that you get to the next big destination and pick up a t-shirt before anyone else, we’ve come up with a few predictions for 2015’s travel trends.
The travel grapevine has been generating all kinds of excitement about up and coming destinations, new styles of accommodation and the best way to get that ‘local’ experience. So without further ado, let me introduce you to Economy Car Hire’s top travel trends for 2015!
1. Nicaragua is the Next Big Thing!
Eco-tourism took off in 2014. Many governments in countries worldwide invested money in the renovation and conservation of national parks and protected areas of wildlife. Eco-resorts caught the attention of many holidaymakers as they were offered the opportunity to get up close and personal with exotic natural surroundings, without forgoing their own creature comforts.
This year, the eco-tourist trade has set its sights for Nicaragua. This Central American country has already coined the nickname ‘New Costa Rica’, as its growing popularity begins to outweigh that of its neighbour. The country is a unique natural playground and an absolute haven for nature lovers. Visitors can experience everything from hiking through the cloud forests of Isla de Ometepe and surf boarding down an active volcano.
Nicaragua is a green dream and has a price tag to match. Having slipped beneath the tourism radar for so long, prices are more than affordable. Beat the crowds and make sure you visit Nicaragua whilst it still reigns in all of its natural splendour.
2. Pitch up in a Poshtel
Last summer glamping- glamourous camping, took the tourism trade by storm. Country and coastal resorts across Europe introduced a range of unusual accommodation such as tree houses and tipis! Whilst charmingly rustic on the outside, they come complete with 5* fixtures on the inside. Holidaymakers therefore were able to get all of the outdoorsy experience of a camping trip, without compromising on comfort.
In 2015 the latest holiday hybrid to grace the accommodation charts is the Poshtel. Whilst hostels are ever popular for those travelling on a budget, the introduction of money saving websites and apps such as lastminute.com has meant that many have been bagging bargains elsewhere. Travellers now look for the latest design and modern facilities usually found in posh hotels for budget prices.
In order to keep up appearances, many hostels have reintroduced themselves as Poshtels- Posh hostels. Offering all the perks of a hotel such as twin rooms, en-suites, free wi-fi, and restaurants, Poshtels are set to give boutique hotels a run for their money as they catch the eye of style and cost conscious travellers.
3. Remember Mykonos?
The Greek islands always have been, and likely always will be a favourite travel destination. However, when the recession hit a few years ago both Greece and the Greek Islands took a hit in terms of tourism. Despite their paradisiacal setting, the hefty economic downturn that Greece suffered and the consequent social unrest put off many tourists.
Over the last few years, the Greek Islands have undergone a staggering revival and Mykonos has led the way. Thanks to famous visitors such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christiano Ronaldo, Mykonos has been placed firmly on the must-visit map and is this year’s come-back kid. Holiday makers can relax in luxurious coastal resorts, the likes of which are usually found in the French Rivera and enjoy a lively nightlife scene that rivals Ibiza.
The best bit of it all? It’s been touted as one of Europe’s most affordable destinations! Top all that with pristine white beaches, sparkling blue sea, and mouth-watering cuisine, and you wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking you’d found heaven on earth in Mykonos.
4. Eat like a local
Authenticity is something most people look for when it comes to travel. To see, hear and try new things are the novel aspects of experiencing an entirely new or different culture. Thanks to the influences of mass tourism, many ‘cultural’ attractions are not only expensive but have been somewhat modified to make them more holiday friendly.
New peer-to-peer dining offerings are also available alongside the recently evolved sharing economy. This has sprouted alternative accommodation services such as Airbnb, a website that enables home owners to rent out their properties to travellers.
Websites such as Eatwith.com pair travellers with local hosts. They open their homes and prepare a meal in the true style of their national or regional cuisine. This scheme has hit the ground running. It looks to enjoy its best success yet in 2015 as travellers seek value for money together with more authentic experiences on their holidays.
5. Catch that curve ball!
This year’s most unlikely candidate is Romania. Indeed, upon first glance it very much feels like the travel industry has thrown us a curveball with this one, however on further inspection Romania’s charm becomes all too clear.
Eastern European destinations have begun to pique the interest of many culture vultures looking to escape the crowds and broaden their sightseeing horizons. For this reason Romania has begun to make a name for itself.
The region of Transylvania is perhaps best known for being the home of Dracula. At its heart lies Romania’s cultural gem- Sibiu. This city is instantly charming. Cobbled streets, baroque squares, and medieval architecture all combine to make Sibiu a fairytale like destination.
Motoring enthusiasts will also be pleased to know that Top Gear have rated Romania’s Transfăgărășan highway the best driving road in the world. It’s certainly one way to test your driving skills; it reminds us of a helter skelter!
If you’re still pondering over where you should travel to this year why not take our travel quiz? Or follow us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our newsletter. Stay one step ahead of the holiday game with all our travel news, reviews and recommendations.
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Written by Jessica Langlands from Economy Car Hire
