It’s January. The glow from the holidays has officially faded into nothing but a distant memory and our New Year’s resolutions are quickly headed towards the same fate – but it’s not all bad news! With the beginning of a new year comes 365 days of possibilities and an empty calendar waiting to be filled up with travel plans for the coming year. From delightfully indulgent culinary tours and adrenaline-pumping ‘fit-cations’ to following in the footsteps of Hollywood’s most anticipated blockbusters, we’ve been working hard to find the top travel trends for 2018 and have come up with some exciting ideas we think you’ll love.
Dietary Restrictions are No Longer Travel Restrictions
We all know one of the best parts of traveling is indulging in the local eats, but finding vegan-friendly or gluten-free restaurants can be especially difficult when you’re in a different country. As dietary restrictions increase, limited culinary options while travelling around the globe are decreasing. Those who are Celiac no longer have to stress over where to find gluten-free pizza in Sicily. Vegans can rest easy knowing they’ll be able to find plenty of delicious and healthy options on the streets of Hoi An. When you’re in destination, expert guides can make suggestions for meals at some of the best local restaurants, markets and street food vendors so you can make the most of your vacation and fully indulge – dietary restrictions aside.
The Rise of the Responsible Traveler
Following another year of rising temperatures and extreme weather, travelers have become more aware of their environmental impact and are more conscientious of the footprints they leave behind. Showing respect for our planet by seeking out reputable tours that give back to the local communities and support low-impact tourism is an important part of exploring the world. At Exodus, we take our role as leaders in responsible tourism seriously. Last year alone we were able to send over 2,340 children who wouldn’t normally get the chance to enjoy the wonders of the world on exciting, educational day trips in their fascinating home countries.
Continuing in 2018, Exodus is committed to funding these magical days out all over the world. Local kids will learn about their own heritage and hopefully be inspired to grow up wanting to protect and cherish these special places.
Set-Jetting to Hollywood’s Most Anticipated Blockbusters
By now, you’ve probably read about the next hot destinations to keep an eye out for in 2018, from Chile (rated the number one destination to visit by Lonely Planet) to Malta’s unspoilt coast. Though we agree these destinations deserve a top spot on your bucket list, Hollywood has proven time and time again that the year’s biggest blockbuster hits make a huge impact on our travel wish-lists. Get off your couch and get ready to be cast in the leading role of your own active vacations – whether you’re exploring filming locations or visiting the real-life destinations that your favorite characters and A-list celebrities have stepped foot in. From Tomb Raider’s South Africa and Jurassic World’s tropical island paradise of Hawaii to Mamma Mia’s Croatia, 2018’s blockbuster films are sure to inspire travel to the world’s hottest destinations.
Hawaii Islands Adventure
Fit-Cations are the Next Ultimate Active Adventure
If you’ve already dabbled in wellness travel, then 2018 is the year to dive right into your very own ‘Fit-Cation’ – perfect for active travelers that crave a challenge to burn calories and push their limits, while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery and culture of an incredible destination. Leave that cramped studio behind and instead opt for stress-relieving yoga in the open air of the French Alps. Swap the rowing machine for the open water and kayak beneath the Pont d’Arc on the Ardeche River. Trade treadmills for a refreshing run across the Baltic coast in Estonia. If you love staying active while traveling, Fit-Cations are for you.
Self-Guided Adventures are Heading to New Heights
There’s no denying it – self-guided adventures are on the rise, and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. For active adventurers who love to explore independently but simply don’t have the time to pour over maps, plan their paths, spend time booking the perfect hotels, and still find the time to ensure they make the most of the culture, cuisine and the great outdoors, self-guided cycling and walking journeys are the ticket. Simply pick the tour that makes the most sense for you, book your plane ticket, and you’re ready to go! You get the perfect vacation – at your own pace! – without the stress of having to plan everything yourself.
Parallel Experiences for the Most Loved Destinations
For hard-core travelers, discovering the next big destination is always a challenge and a thrill. As tourism increases in some of the most loved destinations around the world, travelers are seeking alternative, yet ultimately very similar experiences to many overrun destinations. If you loved seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland but don’t want to deal with the crowds recent years have seen, explore Greenland or the Faroe Islands. If you enjoyed hiking the Camino de Santiago, try walking the Francigena Way. If you couldn’t get enough of the Greek Isles, head to Croatia for a vacation packed with islands and mountains.
A Calendar Filled with Major Events Around the World
With countless festivals and events around the world, 2018 will be a phenomenal year to celebrate being a global citizen. Cheer your country on at major sporting events during the Winter Olympics in South Korea or the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Celebrate 100 years of statehood with the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – with multiple events and celebrations throughout the year, you’re in for a treat no matter when you visit.
Set your eyes on the sky! August 11, 2018 marks the next solar eclipse and Exodus will be departing to Chile and Argentina to take in the spectacle. Imagine the excitement of a total solar eclipse mixed with the staggering beauty of the Elqui Valley. If that’s not enough, phenomenal annual and natural events can be found around the world – a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Iceland or the Swedish Lapland, or a front row seat to see the Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya.
