h THE LEISURE travel
HOT
TRAVEL TRENDS
Travel is on everyone’s wish list for 2018. Alluring David Attenborough documentaries and stunning Instagram snaps are fuelling a global wanderlust that shows no signs of abating this year. A thirst for authentic experiences tempered by concern for the planet is opening up far-flung destinations and long haul air fares are affordable to more. This year, over a quarter of British travellers plan to visit a country they’ve never been to before. But despite uncertainty over Brexit, the EU remains their top travel destination and Spain their favourite country. Biometrics is the buzzword in 2018. Facial recognition systems to speed up boarding, bag drop-off and customs will see us putting in more face time at the airport, while hotels roll out voice-controlled heating, lighting and entertainment: ‘Alexa, refill the mini bar’! And that’s not all. Belinda Beckett looks at this year’s hottest travel trends and where to indulge in them at some of 2018’s new out-of-this-world hotels.
Winter wow at China’s Harbin Ice Festival
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19/02/2018 13:42