Grand Return to Travel

By Ensemble Travel Group

From embarking on off-the-beaten-track expeditions in West Africa to cruising seven of Europe’s rivers and exploring new UNESCO World Heritage sites, travellers can expect a grand return to travel this fall and beyond. Here’s what’s new in the world of travel.

A FIRST-EVER AFRICAN ADVENTURE

A leader in exploration travel, Hurtigruten Expeditions is adding the West African Coast to its list of new destinations, becoming the only expedition cruise line to explore the region next year. Onboard MS Spitsbergen, guests will enjoy the best of small-ship cruising during a 13-day itinerary departing bustling Dakar and visiting four countries — Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. They will also get a unique opportunity to discover the distinctive wildlife and diverse landscapes of the untouched Bissagos Islands as they enjoy four days exploring the 88-island archipelago, home to hippos, dolphins, crocodiles, sea turtles, manatees and 500 species of birds.

A NEW SET OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES

After being unable to meet in 2020 due to the pandemic, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recently designated 34 new World Heritage sites for 2020 and 2021. Highlights of the latest additions include the French city of Nice, dubbed the “Winter Resort Town of the Riviera”; Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, home to endangered species such as the Siamese crocodile, the Asiatic wild dog and the Asian elephant, as well as eight cat species; the town of As-Salt, in Jordan, an important trade settlement under the Ottoman Empire; as well as the fresco cycles within the historic walled city of Padua, Italy, painted between 1302 and 1397. These bring the total number of UNESCO World Heritage sites to 1,154.

A RIVER CRUISE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

AmaWaterways is adding a third sailing to its innovative Seven River Journey Series for fall 2023. Taking guests through 14 countries from Paris, France to Giurgiu, Romania, this 47-day cruise will sail on seven European rivers on board three award-winning ships. “From exploring fairytale castles and storybook villages enveloped in brilliant fall colours to enjoying seasonal wines and the autumn apple harvest, Seven River Journey — Autumn Edition takes place during the perfect time of year for guests to spend extended time in some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations,” said Kristin Karst, the cruise line’s executive vicepresident and co-founder.

A LONG-AWAITED MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

Club Med Québec Charlevoix, the brand’s first Canadian resort, is set to open on December 3, in time for the upcoming ski season. Only a 90-minute drive from Québec City in the Charlevoix region, the four-season mountain resort features 302 rooms, including an Exclusive Collection space with 25 suites, and is spread across 120+ hectares among a preserved landscape with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. With the all-inclusive winter package, guests can enjoy all-day gourmet dining and open bar options, as well as après-ski activities and entertainment. They can also take advantage of a full roster of activities such as snowshoeing and Nordic walking, ice skating, indoor pool access, fitness classes, yoga and meditation, and the quintessential Club Med circus classes.

A NEW ERA OF MINDFUL TRAVEL

Ensemble Travel Group, the consortium our travel agency is part of, has partnered with “profit for good” company Trees4Travel to allow travellers to easily offset CO2 emissions created by their trips by planting indigenous trees in chosen sites worldwide. The trees will offset the emissions within 10 years and be planted in protected areas so that they can continue offsetting throughout their lifetime. The company works closely with vetted partners who are experts in their local environments. With the COVID-19 pandemic reminding us of nature’s impact on our lives, reforestation that restores biodiversity and ecosystems is a priority to enhance human health and well-being, now and for the future.