TRAVEL / ANNUAL GETAWAYS
Boating looks set to be one of this year’s staycation stars
Y
ou can chuck as much Trump, Brexit and doom and gloom in our direction as you like but there’s
evidence as many of us as ever will be heading off on that non-negotiable, well-earned break this year. But with the pound at a 30-year low against the US dollar – and fairing not much better against many other currencies – where do you look for value without compromising the anticipation of the annual getaway? The all-inclusive is an obvious option. Kuoni has seen an 11% increase in sales since June last year and they now represent 31% of all its bookings. The Caribbean is topping the all-inclusive list with 75% of holidays there falling into that category, but destinations such as Mauritius and Vietnam are among those investing in upgraded all-inclusive offerings. Kuoni Managing Director, Derek Jones, says: “We’re seeing some clear trends for the year ahead with more all-inclusive bookings as people look to lock down their holiday costs before they travel, and destinations where the exchange rate is favourable.” Closer to home, boating looks set to be one of this year’s staycation stars. The UK’s leading agency Waterways Holidays is forecasting a boom for narrow boat journeys fuelled by the fall in sterling, the popularity of television series like Great Canal Journeys, and the appeal of a more relaxed pace of travel. “We’ve had three fantastic seasons and early sales for 2017 are excellent,” says Managing Director Nigel Richards. “Not only are numbers growing but it’s clear more people are enjoying canals as their main holiday with a trend away from short breaks towards rental periods of seven, 10, 11 and 14 nights.”
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Barging around
Waterways Holidays (www.
waterwaysholidays.com) offers a one-week trip cruising the Stratford-upon-Avon, Grand Union and the Worcester and Birmingham canals. Your narrow boat has plenty of home comforts and the perfect blend of countryside and city sights make it ideal for all ages – and the family pet, who is welcomed along free of charge. Prices start from £450 per person based on two adults and two children in the August peak; allow around £90 a week for fuel.
Caribbean rendezvous
The all-inclusive is big for 2017 and the Caribbean has long been the top spot for such holidays. Kuoni (
www.kuoni.co.uk) offers a range of options such as seven nights at the four-and-a-half star Rendezvous in St Lucia staying in a premium garden view room with fl ights and transfers. The cost in June is from £1,629 per person but check with Kuoni as the Caribbean has been discounting this year and prices will vary.
A weekend (or longer) in the country
Cheshire Country Holidays (
www.cheshirecountryholidays.co.uk) has a variety of new packages for 2017. Catering for families through to large groups, the 16th century farmhouse is set in beautiful countryside and offers themed getaways, regardless of whether you want to ditch the busy lifestyle on a midweek detox or seek some adventure on an activity holiday. Packages are tailor-made, so call 01477 518448 for rates.
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