There’s no doubt Australians have a love affair with Europe, whether it’s the Med, the UK, the east or the north – we want to experience it all.
But never have we ever so much desire to experience the icier parts of the continent such as Norway and Iceland.
According to Bentours’ Product Manager Ryan Bennett, the two destinations along with Sweden, Denmark and Finland are hot amongst Australians right now, because of their unique experiences.
“They offer amazing natural occurrences like the Northern Lights, travellers are loving our Follow the Lights packages.”
Ryan Bennett, Bentours Product Manager
Check out more of our chat with Ryan below.
What destinations are hot with Aussies right now?
Norway has forever stolen the hearts of Aussies.
Coastal voyages and fjords tours, as well as Spitsbergen adventures to see the polar bears, are high on the list!
Sweden, Denmark and Finland are always popular – but the really hot destination right now is stunning Iceland.
Its self-drive holidays are popular and easy, as you cross over and view stunning terrain and scenery. Antarctica always has a surge of bookings this time of year for newly released advanced departure dates.
Why are these destinations taking off?
Because of their beauty, sense of adventure and total uniqueness. They offer amazing natural occurrences like the Northern Lights, travellers are loving our Follow the Lights packages.
Also, it’s the totally unique experiences such as being accommodated in Ice Hotels and snow igloos with glass topped roofs giving incredible star-gazing opportunities, are very much ‘bucket list’ destinations (like Antarctica) and activities (husky-sleigh rides) for many travellers.
These destinations also have some of the most friendly locals and best food experiences anywhere in the world!
Bentours specialises in Russian itineraries, have these been impacted by the ongoing Crimea crisis?
Even though Bentours is known to be Australia’s preferred Scandinavian specialist with over thirty-five years’ experience, we continue to also accommodate travel to Russia.
Like other operators, some of our tours are no longer able to be promoted due to the crisis – however, the core Russian components focusing on Moscow and St.Petersburg are popular.
Cruising the Volga River is in demand, due to our huge savings and special offers that will immerse the traveller in the Russian culture and expose them to the historical elements of this fascinating country.
If so, by how much?
Bentours’ bookings in Russia are comparable to last year, which did see a decline in people wishing to travel to Russia.
We see this stabilising now and expect growth again for travel in 2016 that’s why we have included Russian river cruises on-board classic ships such as MS.M. Rostropovich, MS Volga Dream, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky and MS Russ.
These cruises represent fantastic value for travellers with so many inclusions and land tours as well as on-board cultural entertainment and educational programs.
If not, why do you think Australians are so keen to visit despite political uncertainty?
While bookings did decline, travellers are monitoring the political situation and its locale.
Western Russia is viewed as being relatively safe – and seasoned travellers are not being put off from experiencing the majestic cities, museums, galleries, art and palaces of Russia.
Again, Bentours are offering huge savings on river cruises – making Russia an extremely affordable time to visit.
Where in Russia are they keen to visit?
St.Petersburg, Moscow and cities along the Golden Ring route.
Also , it is very popular for travellers to book multi-country destinations which include Russia, commonly through a coach tour. Visa-Free Russia, which involves arriving on ferry from Helsinki to St.Petersburg for a short stay, is an excellent choice.
Here you can visit world famous sights such as the State Hermitage and the imperial estate of Peterhof.
Is Bentours looking at adding any new destinations to its product listing?
Yes, we have just launched our new concept brochure, ‘Cruising & Expeditions’.
This is a combination of our usual Cruise brochure and Antarctica brochure, providing an excellent way for agents and travellers to view all these popular destinations and new products together.
Here you will find that cruises to Greenland are a new and exciting focus. As for new destinations in our primary brochure – Scandinavia-Finland & Iceland – this will be out in October!