It’s official – the 2012 travel trend predictions have been announced by ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents. So where will we be heading off to in the next 12 months?
You’ll be pleased to know that quite a few old favourites have made the cut, with travellers expected to rely on great value European destinations such as Greece, Italy and Spain. You can rely on warm weather and even warm sea temperatures all year round in Spain’s Balearic Islands, which means that they’re just as suitable for a holiday in January as they are in June. If you’re into sports then you might want to avoid the peak summer season, when things get a little too warm for strenuous activity, so you might prefer to visit in the spring and autumn. Majorca is the home of road cycling and tennis, so it’s an ideal place for sports lovers to visit, and you can also try your hand at adrenaline-filled activities such as canyoning or scuba diving. Meanwhile, Italy’s Alps are perfect for skiing up until the end of the season’s snowfall in April. You could find yourself going off piste or enjoying après-ski for cheaper than you’d expect, especially if you book your holiday early to take advantage of low deposits and flexible booking conditions offered by easyJet Holidays.
A great cultural place that is set to be trendy in 2012 is Turkey. Sandwiched between Europe and Asia, this country mixes both cultures and also has its own strong identity with Byzantine architecture and great Turkish food. Head to the capital, Istanbul, for elaborate Turkish markets, or go to Marmaris for a unique beach holiday. You can explore the area by Jeep on a safari tour, then visit nearby Caunos and enjoy a relaxing mud bath. By night, Marmaris has a brilliant scene with moonlight cruises, clubs and karaoke bars, so you won’t run out of things to do.
For the ultimate 2012 holiday experience, why not visit Iceland for the stunning natural light show known as Aurora Borealis? With solar activity at its peak in 2012, the Northern Lights (as they’re affectionately known) will be more visible than ever. Iceland isn’t just a good location for night time trips, as it’s also home to volcanoes, glaciers and thermal springs. Make the most of this unusual landscape and take a trip there to bring back some really special holiday photos. Fancy seeing a real life reindeer? Reykjavik Zoo can certainly deliver, whilst the sea around the city is well known for its whale-watching potential and you might even see dolphins or sharks. No wonder Iceland is a key travel trend for 2012.
Wherever you plan on going, take note of the hottest travel trends for 2012 and get yourself some holiday inspiration!