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.
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 from 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: 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? The lockdown years proved a watershed for travel. After that grinding full stop, suddenly issues like personal space, safety, wellness and longevity have been thrust to the fore. No longer are people travelling just for generic ho-hum business or leisure.
They are opting for "experience" -- culture and heritage over Carrara marble; adventure.