Even though today is Epiphany, it's Monday, and that means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. This Monday is all about #vanlife, stormy winds and travel companies nominated for sustainability awards.
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eBeach expands its offer with three new destinations
The online travel agency eBeach.se presents three new destinations for winter 2019/2020. The travel agency has entered into a new partnership with the airline Emirates, which makes the new destinations possible. Here you can see the destinations, of which you can fly directly to the first:
- Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
- Phuket, Thailand
- Mauritius
#vanlife becomes a trending hashtag in 2020
The desire to become a digital nomad is growing stronger and many people see the benefits of living in a campervan and working from their computer, according to a article in Dagens Analys. To realise this dream, more and more people are buying a camper van or converting a bus or van into a mobile home. The hashtag #vanlife is already receiving millions of views on YouTube, and the magazine believes the hashtag will become an even stronger trend this year.
CNN has named 19 travel destinations that defined 2019
CNN is helping us look back on 2019 by highlighting 19 destinations that defined the year, in different ways. Here are five of those destinations. The full list can be found at CNN Travel.
- Notre Dame, Paris - On 15 April, the whole world watched in horror as the cathedral burned.
- Sagrada Familia, Barcelona - Gaudi's world-famous church finally received a renewed building permit, 137 years after its inception.
- Hong Kong - Despite protests, Hong Kong was the world's most visited destination according to Euromonitor International.
- Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, Florida and California - Disney has delivered a new kind of fantasy experience.
- Chernobyl - Interest in 'dark tourism' has increased and Chernobyl became an official tourist attraction in July.
Storm winds affect cruise ships
There have been a lot of storms on the Baltic Sea and a few days ago the Swedish newspaper Yle reported that two of Tallink Silja's cruise ships had to be towed into harbour. According to the article, it is not uncommon to tow in ships for mooring if the wind is strong. Eckerölinjen cancelled two departures due to the weather.
These could win the 2020 travel industry sustainability award
Six companies have the chance to win the Travel News Sustainability Award at the Grand Travel Award on 13 February, says Travel News. The nominees are:
- Clarion Hotel Sign - have installed solar panels and are consistently working on sustainability.
- MTR Express - gives employees an extra day off with pay when they replace a flight with a train during their holiday.
- SAS - abolished duty-free sales on board to save on aviation fuel and allows customers to buy biofuel.
- SJ - launched a tool to help business travel agencies show clients how much carbon dioxide their train journey saves.
- STF - launched the concept of 'swimming holidays' which resulted in 50,000 social media posts and 500 media articles.
- Train holidays now - The Facebook group has gained 100,000 members and contributed to more train journeys.
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the New airport - and New Year celebrations for dogs
Anna / boihusbil.se says:
We notice that people are very interested in our lifestyle, so I think Dagens Analyse is right.
06 January 2020 - 8:14
Helena says:
I also think they are absolutely right! And they had mentioned you in the article, which was perfect! 🙂 We also feel these vibes, motorhome life is popular and "trendy" 🙂 .
06 January 2020 - 16:01
Ama de casa says:
Checked out that list from CNN. Have visited 13 of them (at least parts of them, like ALL of Australia will be difficult 😉 ). But found some interesting new destinations to add to the bucket list 🙂.
Have a nice Epiphany!
06 January 2020 - 10:00
Helena says:
It was not bad! And haha, a travel destination like Australia is "quite" big ... 😉 I have not counted how many we ticked off, but would think it is a little less.
06 January 2020 - 16:02
BP says:
We have visited Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah before the cities became "in" for mass tourism. Considering what's happening in the area right now, I'm glad we did.
I completely understand going to Paris, but looking at the ruins of Notre Dame after the fire is as macabre as going to Chernobyl.
06 January 2020 - 20:17