In the first full year of travelling without restrictions, Original Travel looks at how, where and why we will be travelling in 2023 

Travel has changed since the pandemic, and mostly for the better. No longer taken for granted, holidays have become more meaningful and the appetite to be out in the big wide world, visiting new places and trying new things is greater than ever. 

With that in mind, and based on current bookings and enquiries, Original Travel predicts the travel trends for next year. From airships to concepts such as 'Dolce Far Niente', trips in memoriam to Beta Destinations and Type 2 Fun, read on for how we'll be travelling in 2023, where we'll be going and why we'll be going there. 

The How? 

Rail, steamship and airship – the return to the Golden Age of travel  

Just as the Roaring Twenties followed the Spanish Flu, Original Travel predicts that we will see a return to a golden age of travel in the wake of the pandemic with rail, boat and even airships soaring in popularity. Original Travel's flagship, the Steam Ship Sudan - the last remaining paddle steamer from the golden age of Nile travel in the 20s and 30s, and the very ship on which Agatha Christie sailed – is currently its best-selling holiday; to meet demand, fellow luxury operator, the Orient Express is launching new destinations (in 2022 Rome and Florence joined last year's new destinations of Brussels, Amsterdam and Geneva) and new routes - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita routes start in 2023 with six trains operating several iconic itineraries from Northern to Southern Italy and beyond; lastly, Original Travel is eagerly watching the return of airships with the likes of OceanSky and Hybrid Air Vehicles reimagining what was the most exciting travel innovation from the 20s and 30s for the modern era. Ocean Sky's North Pole expedition is already open for bookings and promises to offer the level of opulence and sense of adventure you'd expect. 

Sample Package:  

Original Travel's 10-day Taste of the Nile trip costs from £4,500 pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, all transfers, four nights' B&B hotel accommodation, five nights' all-inclusive accommodation onboard the SS Sudan and guided tours throughout. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

Tour Operator is King 

Original Travel reports that 62% of its 2022 bookings are from new clients, up from 40% on the same period pre-pandemic. Anecdotally, many of these new clients are not just new to Original Travel, but new to tour operators entirely, corroborated by trade body ABTA, which also recently reported that 54% of families were choosing to book through a travel professional – up from 36% in 2019. Original Travel attributes the increase to travellers seeking the safety net of a tour operator after an uncertain time – and splurging on bigger, more adventurous trips with many elements to plan. In response to the trend, the tour operator is launching a 2023 campaign to highlight how it goes above and beyond for clients, from its network of Concierges - local, on-the-ground contacts who facilitate any last-minute changes – to its airport services that mean fast-track through check-in and security and lounge access for all clients, plus ways that the tour operator has responded to emergencies from lost passports to missed flights. 

Click here for more information. 

Sloooooowly and freely 

The slow travel movement is picking up pace (not literally, obviously), with more people opting for rail travel or road trips than ever before. After navigating an ever-changing landscape of Covid rules and regulations – not to mention lockdown – it's fair to say that people are now craving unfettered freedom to explore. Original Travel's network of Concierges has been busier than ever facilitating last-minute requests and spontaneous change of plans and such is the appetite for a more relaxed type of holiday that the travel specialist has been promoting trips that embrace the concept of 'Dolce Far Niente'.  The Italian art of finding pleasure in doing very little and embracing the simple pleasures is all about living in the moment, from gazing out of a train window as the countryside unfurls, to watching waves endlessly lap your toes. Original Travel also applauds other industry initiatives – its favourite being boutique hotel brand, Postcards Hotels which has done away with set check-in and check-out times - and watches with interest to see what other industry firsts we will start to see. 

Click here for more slow travel ideas and here for road trips. 

The Big Short Break is Back 

A UK-wide, four-day working week pilot programme took place in April-November 2022, which looks set to usher in a pivotal change in work/life balance and making three-day weekends far more commonplace. Proven to enhance productivity and improve work/life balance, a four-day week could be the next step change in the working week, not seen since the typical working week switched from six days to five more than 100 years ago. As such, Original Travel is bringing its collection of Big Short Breaks out of retirement, having mothballed them during the pandemic when enquiries for weekend trips were negligible.  

Sample package: 

Experience the best Croatia has to offer with everything from sea kayaking and oyster-eating to UNESCO tours and ancient towns on this Big Short Break to Dubrovnik. Sip white wine at sundown, learn about silk making and paddle through crystal waters. Prices from £1,970pp, including flights,  transfers and four nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990 www.originaltravel.co.uk. 

Bootiquing 

What do you call it when keen hikers want to kick their walking boots off at the end of a long day on the trail at a boutique hotel? 'Bootiquing', of course! Original Travel is getting more and more requests from keen hikers who want to combine a walking holiday with boutique hotel accommodation and enjoy comfort and even some luxury at the end of the day. The industry has been quick to respond to the trend with a slew of new openings and refurbishments at properties with immediate access to national parks and walking trails: These include Oasyhotel in Tuscany's San Marcello Piteglio nature reserve, Hotel de Len in the Dolomites National Park, Wildflower Farm in New York's Hudson Valley, offering miles of scenic walking trails and 300 climbing routes on the storied crags of Shawangunk Ridge, Ambiente Sedona which has which owns amazing trailhead access to some of the most premier hiking and mountain biking in Sedona and  Union Oye, which reopened in the Fjords this year after a huge refurb and is the staging post for many of the most iconic mountain hikes and trails in Norway.   

Sample package: 

Four night's B&B at Oasyhotel costs from £3,605, based on two sharing and including transfers and flights. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/   

The Where? 

Guyana 

The most exciting new flight route to launch next year (in our humble opinion) is British Airways' Gatwick to Georgetown, Guyana service, taking off from March 2023. This opens up one of our favourite destinations, which is not only fantastic for wildlife (85% of the country is still pristine rainforest), but is also an exemplary destination for one of our predictions for why we'll be travelling – Community-Based Tourism (CBT). CBT is all about choosing accommodation and experiences run and owned by the local community, so your visit directly benefits local people.  

Original Travel's 14-day Wildlife Wandering in Guyana itinerary costs from £3,395pp based on two sharing and including all flights, transfers and accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.  

Albania (and other Beta Destinations) 

Beta destinations are those that are still under the radar, whose charms have yet to be discovered by the masses - and Albania is a fantastic example. It has the soft adventure appeal of Montenegro, a coastline to rival Croatia and archaeological sites every bit as fascinating as those of Greece. As an added bonus, it offers far greater value than those more established tourism destinations, with the pound going further against the Albanian LEK than the Euro. 

Original Travel's 10-day tour of Albania costs from £2,410pp, based on two sharing and including  return flights, private transfers, guided tours throughout and nine nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.  

The Secret Series, starting with Secret France 

Across the next few months and years Original Travel will be launching its new Secret Series, a portfolio of under-the-radar destinations and experiences in the most popular destinations. These will be places more often than not reached from the same airports as regions affected by overtourism, but with a handful of the visitor numbers, and yet with the same culture, same cuisine and same allure that makes these such popular countries in the first place. The sorts of places that the locals go on holiday. What better place to start than France, the most visited country on Earth? 

Secret France 

All eyes will be on France in 2024 when it hosts the first Olympics to include all the pomp and ceremony since the pandemic, so get in before the crowds with a trip next year. Brits tend to play it safe with France, sticking to the same well-trodden path, which means that bizarrely, there's still so much of our neighbouring country to discover. Take Nouvelle Aquitaine; as a gateway to many of France's most beautiful sites, from Cognac to the Loire and the Île de Ré; most Brits travel on through, but there's much to recommend it and now one more very good reason to linger. Hotel Esencia - Château de Curzay is from the visionary behind Mexico's much-loved Hotel Esencia will open in 2023. The 500 year-old Château will offer guests innovative health and wellness concept, equestrian centre, impressive art collection and secret gardens. 

Original Travel can combine a two-night stay at Château de Curzay with two nights in Paris and two nights in Versailles for a journey through royal history and the elegance of the French way of life. Prices from £4,000 pp, based on two sharing and including six nights' B&B, return Eurostar and car hire. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk. 

 
West Sweden 

There's an exciting new trip which opens up West Sweden's Bohuslän archipelago (in the province of the same name) was previously only accessible either by road, or by a limited public ferry service. The new four-day private boat trip onboard Granit, a boat for six passengers that runs exclusively on fossil free fuel, departs from Gothenburg and includes three overnight stops on an itinerary that focuses on the region's incredible seafood and takes in some of its best restaurants, villages and hotels. Firstly, you will disembark in Marstrand, a long-time favourite among Sweden's elite and unexpected outpost of contemporary art and boutique shops; next, you will visit Klädesholmen, the island that lives, breathes and loves herring and where you'll stay at a floating – yes, floating – hotel (or 'floatel'?); your final overnight stop is at Käringön, one of the archipelago's most westerly points. Wild, barren and car-free, Käringön is well revered for its fresh sea air and relaxed atmosphere, which had the island declared a health resort in the 19th century.  

A private charter costs from £3,095pp. There are also set departure dates (leaving daily from June 18 – 29 and August 19-25 2023) which cost from £2,135pp based on two sharing. All prices include three nights' full board hotel accommodation, all boat transfers and activities daily. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk. 

 
Kyushu 

The new Shinkansen bullet train network extension to Nagasaki makes visiting Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's main islands, even easier. In a way, it's a shame as its long been one of Original Travel's top tips of how to get off the beaten track in this wonderful country. Still, it's only right that more people should get to explore this island, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery Japan has to offer. Visit the fun city of Fukuoka, the volcanoes of Aso and Kirishima National Park, Kumamoto Castle, Kagoshima city and finally the sub-tropical paradise island of Yakushima. The journey will be a joy too, with views of Mount Fuji 45 minutes into the journey (we'll make sure you're sitting on the right for the best views) and consistently gorgeous coastline views. 

Original Travel's 13-day Kyushu in Style itinerary costs from £6,280pp based on two sharing and including 11 nights' B&B accommodation, return flights, private transfers and rail travel. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk. 

The Why? 

Travelling for the greater good 

A significant percentage of Original Travel clients want their travels to support destinations dependent on tourism and ensure their tourist dollar directly benefits the local community. As such, the travel company is shining a light on Community Based Tourism (CBT), those properties and experiences that are owned and run by the local community, which not only immerse the visitor into the area in which they're staying, but enables them to support its very infrastructure. One such example is the Surama Eco-lodge, Guyana. Located close to the Pakaraima Mountains, Surama Eco-lodge is managed and conserved by the local Makushi Amerindian community. The lodge's cooks, farmers, drivers, fishermen, construction and maintenance workers are all recruited locally. The small village welcomes visitors and offers more than a place to stay. Children and local guides from the Makushi Amerindian community can show guests around the village, neighbouring wildlife, forest and grasslands. Along with accompanying guests on hikes, river canoe expeditions and visits to community schools and traditional events.  

Prices from £3,055 per person, based on 2 sharing and including flights, transfers, 13 nights' B&B accommodation and guided activities. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.  

Sabbaticals 

Sabbaticals were a significant part of our business at Original Travel pre-covid, and they are starting to  come back again. A recent newsletter we sent on the subject had our highest open rate ever, with over 200 orders for our sabbatical guide. With clients prioritising travel after the hiatus in holidays and having the flexibility with remote working to base themselves overseas for a while, this trend extends to families, with parents seeing the benefits of non-traditional learning following the extended periods of homeschooling.  

Click here for sample packages and an entire guide on sabbaticals 

Type 2 Fun 

Fun? Too obvious. It's all about Type II Fun now, where the actual act might not feel like fun (climbing a mountain, cliff jumping) but the aftermath is pure exhilaration and sense of achievement. Original Travel has found that demand for Type II fun has risen as a result of the pandemic, which focused minds like never before - our time on Earth is precious, and we need to make the most of it. Climbing, diving, rafting, via ferrate and, trekking, going off-grid and via ferrata are all particularly popular. 

Memorial trips 

Original Travel is taking an increasing number of bookings from clients wanting to take a trip in memory of a loved one. Whether that's taking a trip down memory lane of a holiday previously enjoyed together, a pilgrimage to a place of significance or finally taking that trip that was a shared dream, these trips are meaningful and an absolute privilege to organise. This is where a travel specialist really comes into their own – you are not trawling a website for ideas; you are talking to a human being who understands the importance of the trips and will go above and beyond to make it special and memorable. 

-Ends- 

Follow us on instagram @originaltravel for more travel inspiration and for more information contact: press@originaltravel.co.uk; 020 3582 4990  

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Notes to Editors: 

Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Since its launch in 2003, it has created 50,000 itineraries, each unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”. 

Original Travel is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and who offer a travel insurance policy that includes cover for cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to contracting coronavirus, or through being quarantined or refused permission to travel due to infection or suspected infection. This insurance policy is only valid for travel to countries where there is no FCDO advice against all but essential travel. Full details can be found on a new section on Original Travel's website, entitled 'Coronavirus Confidence'. 

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit. 

Three of our consultants were recognised in Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Travel Specialists list, including Co-founder Tom Barber as family specialist, Jacqui Brooks as Indonesia specialist and Oliver Rodwell as Mexico specialist, giving an excellent snapshot of our expertise. 

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including: 

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a long weekend to Seville, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.
• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently).
• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.