Below are five of the most sought-after experiences by festivity travellers for this year and a little more about why they are so popular.
Wildlife safaris in Yala & Wilpattu in Sri Lanka
Festivity travellers are beginning to expand their choices on where they would like to spend their festive breaks; from the past, many festive travellers have always been drawn to crowded hilltops, however, this year, many travellers have made a conscious decision to take a slower, more meaningful approach to how they spend their time at festive events; as a result, Sri Lankan national parks, including Yala Park and Wilpattu Park, have diverted a lot of demand away from hilltop locations toward these picturesque national parks, where visitors can see some of the best leopards in Asia as well as elephants, sloth bears and exotic birds during their holiday travels. December and January provide ideal weather conditions for safari excursions and eco-lodge accommodation options; therefore, wildlife tourism has become one of the top holiday choices this year.
“People are starting to see more of a trend of experiential and nature-themed vacations during the festive time, with Yala and Wilpattu providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with wildlife in its natural environment, which is what today’s holiday traveller is looking for a meaningful connection instead of just viewing animals.” says Charith De Alwis, CEO, Unique Lanka Travels
Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has something unique for those looking to travel off the beaten path. The Charyn Canyon, commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” has become a hot spot in Kazakhstan for travelers looking for an alternative to the more commonly traveled tourist attractions. With its dramatic red rock formations, views of frozen rivers, and wide open landscapes, Charyn Canyon provides a unique winter experience.
“Travelers are no longer just looking to travel to popular European destinations during the holidays; they are now looking for untouched/hidden places to visit,Charyn Canyon offers that perfect combination of raw, dramatic nature and exclusivity, making it an attractive destination for travelers looking for something truly different during the holiday season.” says Mir Musa Bahirzade, Sales Director, Turalux.
Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius has some of the clearest waters, the softest white sand, and is known for its many activities in or near the water. It’s the perfect getaway for couples, newlyweds, and families who want an escape to a tropical paradise where they can relax and unwind, all while enjoying an upscale vacation.
According to Leena Jhugroo, Managing Director, Travel Lounge Leisure & Tours Ltd, “Festive trip planners want to put together the perfect mix of relaxation, indulgence, and adventure.” As such, Ile aux Cerfs is designed to provide that mix of activities, such as lazing on a beautiful beach, enjoying numerous water sports, and going on a romantic sunset cruise to create unforgettable holiday moments.
Pearl Island, Qatar
Offering Mediterranean-style waterfront living fused with Arabian luxury, Pearl Island is known for one of the most glamorous holiday experiences in the Middle East. There are beautiful marinas, beautiful pastel-coloured buildings, high-end boutiques, and seasonal decorations that create a festive environment at Pearl Island. It is an excellent place for leisurely strolls, fine dining, and yacht celebrations during the year-end holiday season.
According to N.M Shafiq, General Manager, Mannai Holidays, “Pearl Island becomes its own destination during the holiday season, that merges luxury living, waterfront activity, and a vibrant cultural environment to provide travellers with a stylish, holiday experience in Qatar.”
Czech Republic
Christmas light trails set within Europe’s historic castles offer a refined and immersive way to experience the festive season. Palaces such as Warwick Castle in UK, Schloss Hellbrunn in Salzburg, Špilberk Castle in the Czech Republic, and Prague Castle stand out for how seamlessly they blend heritage with contemporary light art and music. These experiences feel cinematic, elegant, and deeply atmospheric, far removed from the usual festive crowds. They allow travellers to experience Europe’s cultural landmarks in a completely different light, quite literally, during the most evocative time of the year.
Louis D’Souza, Managing Partner, Tamarind Global, says “We often recommend them to luxury travellers because they encourage slowing down and engaging with culture in a meaningful way. They create emotion, not just visual spectacle, making them ideal for those seeking a more thoughtful and elevated festive journey. These experiences resonate particularly well with travellers who value storytelling, exclusivity, and a sense of place over scale or noise.”
As travellers continue to look for ways to create experiences that are personal, immersive, and extraordinary, their lists of things to do for the upcoming holiday season all revolve around how they will create unforgettable holiday experiences, ranging from tracking leopards in Sri Lanka to attending world-class performances in Qatar, from exploring remote canyons in Kazakhstan to relaxing on idyllic islands in Mauritius, to cruising through the iconic waters of Istanbul.
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