Years spent at home saw holidaymakers begin to dip their toes in nearby waters as the yearning for travel took hold. And as the haze of uncertainty and hesitancy started to lift, travel desires and trends began to take shape – and it seems we’re all looking for something a little extra special.
People are searching for something completely out of the ordinary, to discover parts of the world we previously resigned to leave to our television screens, and to make memories with loved ones to last a lifetime.
The team at OROKO, Ireland’s leading luxury travel agency, are sharing their top trending holidays for 2023 for those wanting to go all-out.
Cruises along the River Nile, Egypt
On River Nile cruise holidays, step back in time to Ancient Egypt, to a land of Pharaohs, towering pyramids and awe-inspiring temples as you glide over the river’s storied waters and past the celebrated banks. Having acted as the highway of Ancient Egypt, follow the sailing trips of the Egyptians who transported grain, cattle, building blocks and even the mummified bodies of royals over the iconic cobalt waters.
Start in Luxor and finish your cruise in Aswan, or vice versa, visiting the remarkable highlights along the banks as you go. Begin and end your journey in luxurious hotels that embody Egyptian glamour in the heart of Cairo, paying visits to the Pyramids of Giza, colourful markets and the bustling streets before you leave. Stops along Nile cruise holidays can include the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple and the incomparable Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
Adventures in Iceland
Interest in holidays to Iceland came out with bang in early 2022 and the desire isn’t going anywhere. Iceland’s landscapes are unrivalled. Steaming and surging geysers, simmering lava fields, thundering waterfalls, the kaleidoscopic Northern Lights, mineral-rich thermal pools, frozen glacial plains and magnificent sea life – to name a few.
Spend your days exploring Iceland’s rugged natural beauty on super Jeep adventures, night-time cruises and snowmobiling excursions, starting and finishing in luxurious hotels in cosmopolitan Reykjavik, surrounded by stylish cafés, restaurants and chic bars.
Not just for the seasoned traveller, Iceland’s harsh landscapes are paired with modern streets, trendy cultural hubs and fantastic food in the country’s capital. Perfect for a short break, discover Iceland’s most impressive sights in just a few nights, and all just a short flight away.
Multigenerational Beach Escapes
A beach escape is undoubtedly one of the best ways to please a group of all ages and desires. Picture days of relaxation on pristine sands, sipping refreshing cocktails by sparkling pools and indulging in pampering treatments at award-winning spas.
Take to the waters on thrilling water sports activities, explore the locality on adventurous hikes and bike rides and break a sweat on the courts and pitches, meeting for excellent in-resort dining in the evenings.
Some of the best holiday destinations for multigenerational beach escapes further afield include the Maldives and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives’ endless, picture-perfect, tropical atolls offer family-friendly resorts to meet any need and is a firm favourite at OROKO for luxury winter sun escapes.
Mary Masterson, Indian Ocean Specialist at OROKO says, “The Maldives and Mauritius are incredible holiday destinations for multigenerational escapes in the warm winter sun. Right in the middle of the dry season, December in the Indian Ocean promises glorious weather, excellent snorkelling visibility and pleasant temperatures.”
A little closer to home are the European paradises of Italy’s Sardinia and Greece’s Halkidiki, gifted with picturesque beaches, family-focused resorts and fantastic dining.
Luxury Safari Honeymoons
There’s little in life as exhilarating as inching closer and closer, whispering quietly with bated breath towards some of the world’s most elusive animals in their natural habitats. On safari in the world’s most wildlife-rich destinations, adventurers are transported into the worlds of David Attenborough and Dian Fossey - nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip, safari holidays make for extraordinary honeymoons. Travel to the depths of the wilderness in Kenya and Botswana or stay close to city life just a few hours’ drive from Cape Town, completing your journey by the spectacular shores of the Indian Ocean.
Dara Strutt, Safari Specialist at OROKO, recommends South Africa for first time safaris and honeymooners; “South Africa is the ultimate destination for luxury safari holidays due to its incredible diversity of wildlife and accessibility to national parks and reserves. Enjoy exceptional game viewing on guided bush walks, and twice-daily game drives through the Thornybush and Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserves in Kruger National Park.”
OROKO take the headache out of the holiday planning process, saving you time, booking it all on your behalf and offering infinite amounts of free, impartial and up-to-date advice. For more travel inspiration or to book your holiday of a lifetime, visit https://www.orokotravel.ie/.
