The novel coronavirus outbreak, now named COVID-19, has hit the global travel industry hard. Airlines, hospitality and holiday operators are struggling amid the efforts to contain the virus. It doesn’t mean you should stop travelling altogether: you just have to travel smarter. Think off-beat adventures, remote travel packages and hidden sanctuaries far from the crowds.
(Related: The best detox retreats in Asia to supercharge your immune system)
However, remember to exercise the necessary precautions and act responsibly. While we should avoid heavily affected areas (click here for the Ministry of Health’s travel advisory), it’s a great time to visit places you wouldn’t normally – supporting local industry and helping businesses through the difficult time.
(Related: Travelling in Bhutan: a balm for the harried soul)
Moreover, over-touristed hotspots like Amsterdam, Venice and Prague will get to recover, and who knows? These remote travel packages will give you more time with what matters most: a tranquil holiday with an unfettered opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of your holiday destination. As a bonus, there won’t even be a queue to take a selfie with your significant other.
(Related: Five luxe resorts and holiday operators that put animal conservation first)
https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/remote-travel-packages/
Remote tour packages
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Though Japan is also tackling COVID-19 on its shores, the island nation is known for its rich cultural history with a medley of regional gastronomia, and an obsession with seasonal ingredients. Come April is sakura season, that normally sees crowds flocking to Japan to admire pink cherry blossoms in full bloom at packed spots like Shinjuku Gyoen or Ueno Park.
Though they offer various tours ranging from coastal explorations to cultural dives into Japan’s history-rich cities, one of the most out-of-the-way walking experiences is their self-guided Shikoku Wayfarer tour. The journey begins at Tokushima, home to the 400-year-old Kira no Edo-higan-zakura, one of the largest cherry trees in the region. Thereafter, traverse through Japan’s smallest of its four main islands, passing paddy fields, isolated coastlines and various ancient temples that make up Shikoku’s famed 88-temple pilgrimage. Along the way, you’ll stay at scenic local hotels and inns and dine on regional delights like Naruto sea bream and Sanuki udon noodles.
If not, there’s always the Oita Hot Spring Trail which brings you through some of Kyushu’s scenic valleys, verdant forests and of course, onsen hot springs. Expect the traditional Japanese inn experience at these remote spring baths, including opulent kaiseki meals and tranquil trails through the countryside blanketed by fallen cherry blossom petals.
Before and after your tours, we’d recommend you avoid most typical tourist destinations. Many of them have been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For a list, click here.
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Scott Dunn’s Exceptional Travels began in 1968 with one idea: planning great ski holidays. Now, the luxury tour operator offers tailored experiences that feature the best in their stable of stunning villas, well-trained staff and trustworthy partners. This South African adventure begins with a Big Five safari experience at Phinda Private Game Reserve in andBeyond’s resplendent Phinda Mountain Lodge. When you’ve had your fill of game drives, you’ll move on to Thonga Beach Lodge along the coasts of the Indian Ocean for snorkeling among 1,250 species of fish and marine life. The seclusion of the lodge affords you superb views of shoals of game fish, schools of bottlenose dolphins and even the occasional whale shark in summer or humpback whale in winter. This animal-focused escape showcases some of the best our planet has to offer from lodges that have the animals’ best interests at heart and actively promote conservation in their respective areas.
Read more about the tour here.
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If nomadic voyages and endless dunes are more your thing, embark on this 11-day escape to Morocco that brings guests through ancient cities teeming with cultural and architectural marvels like age-old medinas and minarets. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional artisans, bustling markets and of course, the Sahara Desert and its undulating dunes. While you’ll mainly be staying at luxury hotels, you’ll get to spend a night in a magnificent desert camp under the stars in true Berber style. One highlight for cinema fans will be Ouarzazate, where many blockbusters like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and the Mummy were shot. Naturally, you’ll get a chance to tour these legendary movie sets.
Read more about the tour here.
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An experience with Chosen is a combination of luxury wellness retreat, training boot-camp and self-discovery escape designed for professionals that want to excel in their fields. Founders John Stanton and Robin Connelley have gathered past Olympians, nutritionists and psychologists in their team to ensure that any holiday with Chosen will leave you not just recharged, but ready to pursue excellence once again. From May 29 to Jun 24, their Living with Impact Experience in Queenstown is all about sustainable living in harmony with the world. Thoughtful luxury is the name of the game, with the retreat set within 21 hectares of lakeside natural beauty featuring expansive hiking trails, off-grid power generation and a proprietary itinerary designed to set you on a journey of growth. Expect functional movement workshops and meditation with views of the magnificent Lake Wakatipu, fireside discussions with experts in performance-based living, and private adventures like helicopter ice trekking and horseback riding.
Read more about the retreat here.