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Asking clients about their bucket lists is an easy conversation starter. Andrew Doherty seeks inspiration from the travel industry about their own dream holidays.
Oz, not to be confused with the mystical realm of the Wicked Witch of the West, might contain just as much magic according to Simon Applebaum, managing director, Attraction World. “I’ve never been able to take enough time off work to get to Australia but it’s very high on my bucket list. Also high is the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (450ft). I’d love to do the Dawn Climb and see the spectacular view as the sun rises. I think of the Sydney Harbour first when I think of Australia and whilst I’m desperate to spend weeks exploring the many different beaches, towns and cities, kicking a trip off with such an amazing view of an iconic place sounds perfect.”
Book it: Attraction World offers Dawn Climb tickets from £241 (adults) and £173 (children).
The land of the midnight sun, Santa’s headquarters and Rudolph the reindeer’s trusty stomping ground, for Jennifer Atkinson, chief executive officer, ITC, Finland’s northernmost region exudes a palpable charm. “Holidays with my kids have been beach retreats so far, but by next winter I think they’ll be old enough to appreciate Lapland and its most famous resident – Santa. My husband loves an adventure so I’m envisioning him snowmobiling through the wilderness while I’m sipping champagne at the Arctic Light Hotel’s trendy Arctic Boulevard Lounge.”
Book it: Regent offers the four-day Lapland Arctic Light Family Adventure from £1,285pp including flights from Heathrow based on December 20-23, 2016 departures.
Also itching to witness the celestial magic of the northern lights is Jane Atkins, sales director at SuperBreak. “I love the romance of these dancing particles lighting up the sky – but they can be very illusive so I hope I’m lucky when I go to see them. I’d also like to swim in the Blue Lagoon, (one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world) with geothermal waters that are said to relax the body and calm the mind. I’ve heard it described as taking the bath of your life, outdoors – double tick for me.
Book it: SuperBreak offers a three-night stay at the Fosshotel Raudara from £372pp with flights from London. A Blue Lagoon tour can be added from £60pp.
As the setting for Peter Jackson’s Lord Of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand ticks all the boxes for Moira Lumsden, world travel sales consultant at Thomas Cook. “The scenery in the Fiordland National Park and the West Coast Glaciers looks breath taking. I would love to go heli-hiking in Franz Joseph and do a helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and Mount Cook as well as the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. I would also love to visit the wineries in Marlborough, home of my favourite sauvignon blanc.”
Book it: APT offers the 26-day New Zealand Splendour from £6,295pp with return flights from Heathrow based on 2017/2018 departures.
For Stephen Rhodes, managing director at Funway, the rolling landscapes of America lend themselves perfectly to his dream getaway. "Top of my bucket list is to ride a Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy and cruise down Route 66 listening to Bruce Springsteen, dangle my feet in Lake Michigan and then sometime later the Pacific Ocean. It’s always been a dream since my moped days as a 17 year old cruising the highways with the wind in my hair. This trip is all about meeting new people, hearing stories, and creating great memories."
Book it: Funway Holidays offers the 15-day Route 66 EagleRider holiday from £6,299 (based on two adults sharing one bike) including flights from Heathrow. Based on April 13, 2017 departures.
From the bustling streets of New Delhi to taking in the radiant sunrises on the banks of the Ganges, India is the place to be says Jessica Matthews, agent at Myriad Travel. “This country fascinates me and I know it will get under my skin; the sounds, smells and colours coupled with the sheer mass of people and culture. The Golden Triangle is a must and I would love to visit the Taj Mahal and sit on the same bench as Princess Diana as well as taking to the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat.”
Similarly for Kathryn Beadle, managing director, Uniworld, this South Asian nation certainly encapsulates romance and mystery. “To be able to combine the Golden Triangle, the iconic Taj Mahal and the bustling cities of New Delhi and Kolkata with the sights and sounds of life along the river is a unique and wonderful assault on the senses. Cruising along the Ganges allows travellers to truly immerse themselves in rural India; visiting riverside bazaars, ancient temples and areas that few tourists have experienced, all while onboard the Ganges Voyager ll ship – it’s the trip of a lifetime!”
Book it: Uniworld offers the 13-day India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges from £5,979pp which includes five nights B&B hotel accommodation, seven nights onboard the Ganges Voyager 11 in a Signature Suite and a range of onshore excursions.
When Charles Darwin visited this volcanic archipelago in 1835, what he saw inspired him to write Origin of the Species – for Jo Rzymowska, UK and Ireland managing director for Celebrity Cruises, the islands still retain a sense of mystery. “The nature and wildlife looks incredible – I especially want to visit El Barranco to see Prince Philip’s Steps and red-footed boobies, and Punta Moreno for the volcanic iguanas. I have always fancied myself as an explorer and when I do eventually visit the Galapagos, I have to go during the annual migration of the giant tortoises.”
Book it: Celebrity Cruises offers a 10-night Galapagos Northern Loop fly-cruise from £6,854pp with return flights from Heathrow. Price based on March 25, 2017 departures.
The immensity of the Great Wall of China, the imposing figures of the Terracotta Army and the grandeur of the Forbidden City pale in comparison to China’s panda bears says Susan Papworth, managing director, Premier Holidays. “Seeing the giant panda at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre has been a life-long dream. Conservation efforts have resulted in a rebound in the number of giant pandas, but these beautiful bears are still vulnerable. Watching them chomping on bamboo while rolling around the grass would be amazing.”
Book it: Premier Holidays offers a 10-night escorted coach tour of China from £1,998pp including a visit to Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre with return flights from Heathrow, transfers and an English speaking guide.
The mixture of great beaches, wildlife and vineyards puts South Africa as the number one destination for Andy Freeth, managing director Gold Medal and Travel 2. “We went six years ago when my youngest was four months old and can't wait to go back now Holly (six) and Harry (three) are old enough to really appreciate it. I’ve got my eye on the 10-day South Africa tour that allows us to explore Cape Town before heading to the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve for three days of the ‘big five’ wild animal spotting.”
Book it: Travel 2 offers a 10-night Luxury South Africa tour from £4,439pp with return flights from Heathrow. Valid for travel between May 1–June 30, 2017.
Croatia’s picturesque Dalmatian coastline takes the bucket list top spot for Alan Cross, head of trade, Jet2holidays. “There’s no better way of experiencing the beauty of the coast than watching it slip by from the sea, so seven days on a Croatian cruise tops my bucket list. Crystal clear blue seas, beautiful weather and fresh seafood make it a feast for the senses, but the real appeal is being able to hop on and off at all the fantastic destinations that Croatia offers, including pretty islands, historic towns and amazing cities such as Split or Dubrovnik.”
Book it: Jet2holidays offers the three-star Adriatic Cruise on MS Eden from £645pp departing from Leeds Bradford to Split on April 19, 2017.
