From new flight routes to an increase in affordable yet luxurious resorts, here’s what to look out for in 2019.
The travel industry is always evolving, giving customers better and better holiday experiences. From new flight routes to an increase in affordable yet luxurious resorts, here’s what to look out for in 2019.
Cutting-edge cruises
Up until recently, taking a cruise was considered something for the post-retirement crowd, where destinations are quickly ticked off a list. In an effort to overcome this stereotype, cruise lines have been introducing more exciting shore excursions and unique on-board features, from waterslides to robotic butlers. As a result, demand for cruises has increased among groups of all ages.
2019 sees the launch of some brand-new ships. These include MSC Grandiosa, which will feature two new Cirque de Soleil at Sea shows, and also a digital cruise assistant, Zoe. The adults-only Marella Explorer 2 showcases new entertainment venues such as 19th Hole, which features unique golf buggy seating and golf-themed cocktails.
Across the board, cruise lines are aiming to develop their activity programmes for every age group. You can expect to find everything from mixology sessions to digital photography classes on cruise ships in 2019. There will also be lots more features appealing to both kids and grown-ups alike, from climbing walls to ice-skating rinks.
Most cruise lines are also expanding their list of destinations. Alongside popular Mediterranean sailing routes, you can now visit far-flung destinations such as the polar regions, the Panama Canal and Norway’s Lofoten Islands. In 2019 cruises will focus on offering excursions that will really allow you to scratch under the surface of a destination.
A rise in all inclusive luxury hotels
All inclusive deals used to have a bit of a reputation for being offered by tacky hotels in less-than-desirable locations. But 2019 is set to change all that. Luxury hotels offering all inclusive packages are on the rise, allowing you to stay in five-star luxury without the hefty price tag.
TUI is one company expanding its premier resort range, opening five new Sensimar Hotels and four RUI Hotels in destinations from Cancun to Morocco. These hotels offer swim-up rooms, infinity pools and a la carte restaurants in stunning locations. If you want to know more about TUI’s plans for the upcoming year, there’s more information here.
New flight routes
In 2019, numerous airlines will be launching new flight routes, making it easier than ever to travel to far-flung destinations.
Ryanair is launching 23 new routes for summer 2019. As well as adding more flights to popular cities such as Paris and Barcelona, it also offers connections to new destinations, such as Marrakech, Jordan, Dalaman and Kiev.
Meanwhile, Norwegian is offering the UK’s first direct, low-cost flight to Rio de Janeiro (from London Gatwick) which will be flying four times a week from March 2019 – just in time for Rio Carnival!
2019’s destinations to watch
According to tourism experts, in 2019 travellers will be looking to visit more off-the-beaten-track destinations, where they can immerse themselves in nature, or have a unique cultural experience. Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Patagonia are all tipped to be popular in 2019. Central-Asian destinations such as Uzbekistan are also on the hot-list.
However, most travellers will be looking to stay closer to home, and short city breaks to Europe are tipped to be as popular as ever. But people will be looking to experience different regions and cities in Europe. One such destination is Matera, in Italy, a prehistoric Unesco-designated city renowned for its troglodyte cave dwellings. Romania will pull in the crowds, as will Croatia, which has gained increasing attention after being used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Culinary Travel
Gaining ground in 2018, culinary travel is still a trend on the rise. This is because one of the best ways to explore the culture and history of its place is through its food.
Many cities offer food tours, where you can explore a neighbourhood through its restaurants and street-food stalls. You can even take a multi-day culinary tour where you learn to prepare local dishes.
Tour operators are cottoning onto this interest in combining food with travel. Many all inclusive resorts and cruise lines offer the opportunity to try regional delicacies, visit local markets, or take a cookery class.
With all these new developments in the travel industry, we guarantee you’ll be able to enjoy some fantastic all inclusive breaks and cruises in 2019. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to go on holiday, too!
