January 2021 UPDATE.
Vaccines are beginning to be rolled out and I am optimistic trips will be able to go ahead as planned from September.
There are 4 amazing trips in the second half of 2021, Peru, Bhutan and Nepal, Cambodia and Laos, and Laos and Northern Thailand.
My Travel TIP for 2021
2021 is all about Luang Prabang (Laos) This UNESCO treasure is truly delightful, and 2 of the trips this year are timed to be there during the "Festival of the fire boat" (which we went to in 2019 and it is amazing). This year is probably the last chance to see this wonderful old royal city as it is, before China's "belt and road" fast rail, opens in December 2021. Believe me when I say, try and see it this year.
"Have your say" on which "Dream adventures" you would like to see in the future.
Register interest for as many trips as you like the sound of participating in over the next few years (Your bucket list). When there is enough interest (6 people plus), I will schedule a departure date for the next "Best" season and invite those who have expressed interest first, giving them priority before opening the trip up to everyone else.
This is your chance to create a future “wish list.” No obligation, no deposit, no risk, just your dream list.
What will international travel look like when things start to open again? I can only make an educated guess here, but here are some of my thoughts.
So yes the future is bright, there will be a new normal, and nothing will be as before, but there will be less crowds, locals will be delighted even more than before to see us. The environment will get some breathing space, mass package tourism will be gone for a few years, and the adventurous will get to enjoy unique experiences.
All OTS trips represent high value, as so much more of the participation fee goes into the accommodation and inclusions than commercial companies are able to do. I have dispensed with the real budget options over the years as, our demographic 40s+ like a certain level of comfort. Accommodation is always comfortable with the only exception of our Nepal mountain hiking where we use the local tea houses.
Please take a moment (2 min) to fill out this quick survey to help me with planning.
"We travel not to escape life but to live it"
Richard
Vaccines are beginning to be rolled out and I am optimistic trips will be able to go ahead as planned from September.
There are 4 amazing trips in the second half of 2021, Peru, Bhutan and Nepal, Cambodia and Laos, and Laos and Northern Thailand.
My Travel TIP for 2021
2021 is all about Luang Prabang (Laos) This UNESCO treasure is truly delightful, and 2 of the trips this year are timed to be there during the "Festival of the fire boat" (which we went to in 2019 and it is amazing). This year is probably the last chance to see this wonderful old royal city as it is, before China's "belt and road" fast rail, opens in December 2021. Believe me when I say, try and see it this year.
"Have your say" on which "Dream adventures" you would like to see in the future.
Register interest for as many trips as you like the sound of participating in over the next few years (Your bucket list). When there is enough interest (6 people plus), I will schedule a departure date for the next "Best" season and invite those who have expressed interest first, giving them priority before opening the trip up to everyone else.
This is your chance to create a future “wish list.” No obligation, no deposit, no risk, just your dream list.
What will international travel look like when things start to open again? I can only make an educated guess here, but here are some of my thoughts.
- There will be fewer airlines, operating more limited routes, and at less frequency. Fares are likely to be higher and trips with connections will take longer.
- Travel insurance will be rewritten to include the new world with Covid 19, insurance is essential to join our trips.
- Temperature checks and some form of fast testing will be introduced at airports, vaccination passports may be introduced.
- Travel trends will change, with less frequent, entertainment style, business. and short city trips.
- International trips will become more experience and cultural focused, with people choosing one destination to see well, rather than cramming in 2-3 countries and multiple sites into one trip.
- Crossing boarders is likely to be time consuming for the foreseeable future.
- People will, for a while, avoid large group gatherings, like tour buses and cruise ships, choosing instead the security of small private groups like OTS.
- For a while people will be afraid to purchase airfares and trips a long way in advance as was common before, unless airlines waver change fees (This is fortunately already starting)
So yes the future is bright, there will be a new normal, and nothing will be as before, but there will be less crowds, locals will be delighted even more than before to see us. The environment will get some breathing space, mass package tourism will be gone for a few years, and the adventurous will get to enjoy unique experiences.
All OTS trips represent high value, as so much more of the participation fee goes into the accommodation and inclusions than commercial companies are able to do. I have dispensed with the real budget options over the years as, our demographic 40s+ like a certain level of comfort. Accommodation is always comfortable with the only exception of our Nepal mountain hiking where we use the local tea houses.
Please take a moment (2 min) to fill out this quick survey to help me with planning.
"We travel not to escape life but to live it"
Richard
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