12 Jan 2017
-THE ONLINE PLATFORM WHICH CONNECTS TRAVELLERS DIRECTLY WITH LOCAL AGENTS
LISTS ITS TOP TEN DESTINATIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD -
After an eventful 2016, the travel industry is looking ahead to 2017 to see which destinations will emerge as the 'ones to watch' for UK travellers. Looking at incoming enquiries, travel products and key events taking place across the globe next year, here Evaneos Travel offers its top ten holiday destinations for 2017, with sample tours* put together by Evaneos Travel's hand-picked partner agents based in each destination…
- Highlights tour of Chile
With Chile set to welcome its first direct flight from the UK on 3rd January 2017, this South American country takes the top spot on the hotlist for destinations to visit in 2017! As the longest country in the world, home to 17 different climates, Chile's diverse landscapes attract adventure enthusiasts from around the world. This combined with award-winning food and wine, a range of wildlife species, and a wealth of adventure activities on offer, Chile is certainly not to be missed. Evaneos Travel's local Chile agent has created a 14-day package from £1,250 per person to showcase the best of Chile and Argentina which visits Chile's Puerto Varas where travellers can take in the breath-taking views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes, as well as visits to Perito Moreno Glacier and El Calafate in southern Patagonia. www.evaneos-travel.com/argentina/tour/12692-highlights-tour-buenos-aires-chile-and-puerto-natales/
- Rwanda: Meet the Gorillas
As one of the smallest countries in Africa, Rwanda is awash with incredible rainforests and stunning volcanic landscapes and the east African country is one of the best places in the world to see eastern gorillas. The world's largest living primate is now critically endangered and funds generated through tourism provide a valuable contribution towards protecting the species. Evaneos Travel's local agent in Rwanda offers a Rwanda Highlights six-day package which includes a rainforest hike in Volcanoes National Park with a two-day Gorilla trekking experience from £2,040 per person including full-board accommodation, private vehicle, an experienced English-speaking driver and guide. www.evaneos-travel.com/rwanda/tour/12395-meet-the-gorillas/
- Oman: Beaches, Villages and Mountains
Evaneos Travel was recently awarded Bronze in the Best Tour Operator to the Middle East (small company) category at the British Travel Awards, and of the Middle Eastern countries the website sells, Oman is one of the most popular destinations for next year. Known for its beautiful beaches, desert valleys and stunning architecture, Oman is fast emerging as a bucket list destination for UK travellers. With upcoming new luxury hotel openings, a futuristic theme park for families set to debut in 2017 and more flights than ever before, this fascinating country is a must-visit destination. Evaneos Travel's local Oman agent offers an 11-day package which includes a visit to the Grand Mosque, guided trips to the beaches and beautiful landscapes of Sur via Qurayat and Wadi Shab, and a tour of UNESCO world heritage site, Bahla city. Highlights include a 4x4 drive down Bilad Sayt mountain and stop off at Ain Arzat the most beautiful oasis in Salalah. The package includes Land Cruiser excursions and an English-speaking local guide, with prices starting from £1,310 per person. www.evaneos-travel.com/oman/tour/9809-beaches-villages-and-mountains/
- Nepal: Kongde Everest Trek in Luxury
While the earthquake of 2015 caused devastating damage to many areas of Nepal, whole swathes of the country – Including most of its popular trekking trails – emerged unscathed. As one of the best value destinations to visit next year according to Lonely Planet, Nepal is tipped to be a popular choice amongst adventure travellers for next year. Evaneos Travel's local agent in Nepal offers a 13-day trip to explore the heart of Nepal's stunning landscapes and its culture heritage. The journey starts in Kathmandu city, followed by a two-day trekking experience to Namche with views of Mount Everest. Highlights include an ascent to Farak Ri (5,000m), from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Khumbu Valley, and a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple which is considered by Hindus as the holiest temple in Nepal. The package includes accommodation, English-speaking guides, and transportation, and starts from £1,750 per person. www.evaneos-travel.com/nepal/tour/9827-kongde-everest-trek-in-luxury
- Uzbekistan: Highlights of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan's Western Tien-Shan was granted UNESCO World Heritage site status this year placing the country firmly on the travel bucket list for 2017. Evaneos Travel's local agent offers a 16-day Highlights of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan trip which departs from Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital city, where travellers can visit the Hasan Imam Complex and the Sheikh Gold Mosque, which houses one of the oldest existing manuscripts from the Quran. The tour also offers excursions to the red-sand Kizil Kum desert and a trip to Liabi-Hauz where travellers can explore a former Jewish district and visit the synagogue. Highlights include visits to Samarkand city, the pearl of the Orient, and hiking in the Tien Shan mountain range whilst admiring the stunning landscapes. The package includes accommodation, English-speaking guides, and breakfast, and prices start from £1,790 per person. www.evaneos-travel.com/uzbekistan/tour/14549-highlights-of-uzbekistan-kyrgyzstan-and-kazakhstan
- Colombia: Biking, Hiking, And Rafting
From rainforests to wildlife to beaches, Colombia has it all. With Pope Francis set to visit in 2017 – the country's first papal visit in 30 years – Colombia is moreover set to be a hot destination for next year. Evaneos Travel's Colombia local agent has the perfect tour for outdoor enthusiasts which includes a visit to the colourful and artistic Bogota city followed by a hiking trip through rainforests and the mountain scenery of 'Paramo' to the legendary lake of Iguaque which lies at 3,700m. Highlights include white water rafting in the rapids of San Gil, a bike tour in Barichara, and paragliding in Chicamocha National Park over the Andes. This 12-day package includes accommodation, professional local guides and local transport with prices starting from £1,110 per person. www.evaneos-travel.com/colombia/tour/11835-biking-hiking-and-rafting
- Japan: Classic Tour
2017 will mark 20 years since Arthur Golden's best-selling Memoirs of a Geisha was published, the famous book which brought Japan to life for readers across the world, and the country continues to fascinate travellers with its unique culture and beautiful scenery. Evaneos Travel's local agent in Japan offers a two-week trip which includes a visit to Tokyo's hotspots, tasting local dishes in Osaka, exploring the ancient capital of Kyoto and hiking in the bamboo forest near the Tenryuji Temple. The package includes accommodation, transport, and an English speaking local guide, and prices start from £2,800 per person. www.evaneos-travel.com/japan/tour/14459-classic-tour
- Jordan: The Hidden Treasures of Jordan
This small country packs a large range of experiences for travellers and with more and more operators starting to sell Jordan, it's never been easier to visit from the UK. Evaneos Travel's local agent in Jordan offers an eight-day package which begins with a Dead Sea excursion, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, and includes a full-day hike through the staggering archaeological site of Petra. Further highlights include an optional snorkelling day in the Red Sea and a relaxing stroll in Jordan's capital, Amman, a city full of contrasts with a unique blend of old and new. The package includes accommodation, transfers and an English-speaking local guide from just £630 per person. www.evaneos-travel.com/jordan/tour/9433-the-hidden-treasures-of-jordan
- Philippines: The Best Beaches in the World
Located in the western Pacific Ocean, the alluring island country of the Philippines consists of approximately 7,641 islands which are home to some of the best beaches in the world! Evaneos Travel's local Philippines agent has created a 21-day tour through which travellers can truly discover the country's must-see beaches and stunning coastline. The trip includes a two-day visit to the seaside paradise of Bohol followed by six days on the beautiful island of Boracay where an abundance of watersports await. This package starts from £5,010 per person and includes bed and breakfast accommodation and transfers. www.evaneos-travel.com/philippines/tour/13830-the-best-beaches-in-the-world
- Norway: A Family Fjord Adventure
Scandinavian destinations are more popular than ever, and Norway is leading the way for winter destinations which combine majestic scenery with adventure activities. Evaneos Travel's local travel agent in Norway offers a family fjord adventure and self-drive package featuring a selection of natural attractions and exciting activities such as kayaking in the UNESCO-listed fjord of Geiranger and hiking to glaciers. Highlights include driving the 'Panorama Road' along the Nordfjord as well as a visit to the fishing village of Kalvåg and a drive through the scenic Strynefjell Mountain pass, where travellers can spot wild reindeer along the way! This 12-day tour starts from £910 per person and includes accommodation, guided excursions and some meals. www.evaneos-travel.com/norway/tour/13037-a-family-fjord-adventure
For further information and to book a tailor-made Evaneos Travel holiday call 0117 205 0264 or visit: www.evaneos-travel.com
-Ends-
Note to editors:
Evaneos Travel is a secure online travel platform which connects travellers directly with a 'local expert', one of 900 on-the-ground travel agents on the ground in over 160 destinations worldwide, who is on hand to offer their insider knowledge to ensure travellers get the very most out of their trip. Evaneos' direct-to-local-agent approach cuts out the middle man saving travellers money and enabling them to benefit from the local expertise of an expert agent who can create a tailormade itinerary to suit their budget.
*All sample package prices exclude international flights
For press information, packages, images or to speak to an Evaneos Travel local agent please contact:
Daniela Resenterra, Senior PR Account Manager - danielar@hillsbalfour.com / 020 7593 1771
Josie Self, PR Account Manager - josies@hillsbalfour.com / 020 7593 1758
Annabel Jenkins, PR Account Executive – annabelj@hillsbalfour.com / 020 7593 1770
