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16 February 2017 by Tim Tan
It’s no secret that we love travel to the United States. From California to New England, there is an entire continent’s stretch of scenic drives, buzzing cities and national parks to spark the traveller’s imagination.
But what if you’re looking for something a little bit different this year? Our well-travelled clients often ask us, ‘If I loved driving the Pacific Coast, where should I go next?’ Or, ‘Where can I find that same warm welcome of the Deep South?’ So we’ve asked our USA destination specialists to share what they love about travelling in the States, and rounded up some of our suggestions for where to try next.
If you love… fly drives
Find a good stretch of road to cruise in the sunshine, making stops on your own schedule along a custom-tailored route from your Wexas consultant in these favourite driving destinations:
South Africa
In particular, we love fly drives along the Garden Route, the coastal drive known as Tuinroete in Afrikaans. This south-western driving route takes in some of the country’s must-see destinations including Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay, and a mild, sunny climate. We recommend our Cape, Wine, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari.
Norway
The Norwegian town of Alesund makes a scenic stop on a road trip
In the summertime, Norway’s midnight sun makes for pleasantly long, lazy days on the road, and with the opportunity to pop into small fishing towns like Ålesund where the seafood is fresh and the attitude welcoming. The fjords are also at their best this time of year, with Geirangerfjord sparkling in the sun; you can also enjoy clear views for miles from the top of Trolltunga’s iconic cliffs. We recommend our Best of the West holiday.
If you love… value for money
Both short-haul and long-haul options can offer excellent value at the moment. While you might think staying nearer to home will save you the most, there are plenty of far-flung destinations where, once you’ve arrived, your wallet will stretch further than you may think.
Spain and Portugal
Pousada Mosteiro de Amares in Amares, Portugal
Classic destinations for sunshine, excellent food, and a warm welcome, and the value is made even better when you stay in a historic property. Converted palaces, monasteries and noble homes turn up the style on your holiday, and with location and history the main focus, some of them can be visited for exceptional value. We recommend Pousadas of Portugal Routes or Spain’s Parador 5 Night Card.
Cruise
An all-inclusive cruise offers you the chance to put your wallet away while on holiday and simply soak up the experience. And with many on-board offers available, you can get even more out of your getaway without needing to spend. We recommend Mediterranean Palette, which includes all excursions, drinks and gratuities, and comes with a $300 spa or shipboad credit per suite.
India
With more affordable flights these days, holidays to India have become less and less expensive – and, once there, you’ll find excellent value for your money, with everything from fine meals to top hotels within reach of most travellers. We recommend India’s Golden Triangle, starting from just £1,535.
If you love… expansive national parks
Lose yourself in vast, protected wildernesses with knowledgeable guides as you track wildlife and truly get away from it all.
Canada
Spirit Island in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Nowhere does wilderness quite like Canada, especially in the West, where unimaginably vast tracts of land are essentially untouched by human development. We recommend our Rockies and Rainforest Self-Drive.
Chile
A long, thin nation stretching north to south, Chile is home to a number of unique climate zones, making an exploration of its outdoor offerings a must. From the otherworldly, moonlike landscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north to the completely different, wild glacial scenery of Patagonia, Chile has fast become one of our favourite escapes for a nature holiday. We recommend our Spirit of Chile with Tierra Hotels itinerary.
If you love… going beyond Europe
Try a longer journey that offers excitement and cultural interchange beyond what the everyday.
Jordan
A camel poses for a photo in Petra, Jordan
With flights of only five hours and fewer tourists, Jordan is a very attractive option for travellers wanting something a bit different in 2017. From the archaeological treasures of Petra to the sunny Red Sea and the desert of Wadi Rum, there is plenty here. We recommend our Discover Jordan holiday.
Morocco
There is so much to discover in Morocco that our clients find they go back again and again and never see it all. The vibrancy of the souks, the call of the muezzin, and the natural beauty of the Atlas Mountains and Todra Gorge make Morocco a world unto itself, and one of our must-visit destinations year after year. We recommend Imperial Cities of Morocco.
