What constitutes a perfect holiday? Clearly, there are vastly divergent views on this. Pundits and peripatetics have long struggled with this conundrum, never quite finding a satisfying answer. The Chinese, Japanese, Australians, Indians, Americans and Europeans all travel with different expectations.
For example, Europeans chase the sun; Indians detest the heat and favour mad monsoon binges. Some crave delicacy in food to intrigue the palate while others need head-exploding chillies and spice. Dreams are different, country to country.
When it comes to romance, one shoe will never fit all. But it is clear that, whether on business or leisure, there is a common thread. This is the demand for practical how-to where-to information based on accurate facts, a solid “I-was-there” viewpoint from seasoned journalists who know the difference between gin-blue seas and waste sludge being pumped directly into the bay.
Honesty in travel has been one of the casualties of mass outreach and sales-driven propositions. So where should you holiday, post-pandemic? What would the family enjoy? Where is the best place for a unique corporate meeting? What constitutes true luxury? While Okinawa is gaining popularity among travellers, it is still not over-crowded like European destinations. The lockdown years proved a watershed for travel.
After that grinding full-stop, suddenly, issues like personal space, safety, wellness and longevity were thrust to the fore. No longer are people travelling ju.