Easter 2020
Easter is now a fading memory. A year ago it was the Beast from the East and this year it was sunshine and 20 degrees!!
One difference for us this year is that we were able to get away for the first Easter in memory. This was for several reasons, not least my new flexible working, but its turned out to be a revelation with our family. Easter has always been a time spent wondering what shops were open and if you weren’t in the market for a sofa or an occasional table your entertainment choices were limited!
So, our trip to Thailand this year was perfect timing in many ways.
Easter is a time where holidays attentions seem to focus on a couple of notable destinations like Disney, Florida and the Caribbean. But there are so many amazing places to go, that will not break the bank and could open a world of new experiences, cultures and holidaying to you and your family.
Almost across the board it’s a great time of year to visit Asia. The weather is at its peak, rainy season usually starts in May/June time so is a few months away. Temperatures are in the 30’s so absolutely no need to worry about the weather.
There is certainly some value to be found. Whether it’s Thailand, Malaysia, Bali or the Philippines the cost of living when you’re out there is also beneficial. Asia allows you to mix itineraries up. With well-priced and easily assessable flights between destinations so it doesn’t just have to be a beach holiday. Why not add 3 nights in a Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpar.
It’s not just cities though. In Bali you add some time in the beautiful town of Ubud in the mountains, with stunning rivers and a backdrop that’s the envy of most hotels around the world. In Thailand you can add Chiang Mai, and see hilltribes, elephants, go to cookery schools and immerse yourself in the local markets and culture.
If it’s cities and culture you’re after, rather than the beach, then that can easily be achieved. With Air Asia flights between all the major routes I can create the perfect multi centre trip that can inspire. With local tours you can experience the highlights, back streets and local foods and we can get creative and really tailor your trip. It could be visiting the markets in Ho Chi Minh or having an experienced local guide to take you through the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia. Street food tours in all the big cities are great fun and of course the boat trips to islands like Phi Phi, the Similan or James Bond island in Thailand are bucket list ticking! I always remember these days as some of the best holiday days I’ve had over the years. They can make a trip, and by arranging them in advance it means you’ve no surprises
The cost of living whilst you’re in Asia is also something to consider. Eating out is generally significantly cheaper than Europe, America, the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean. In fact eating out is a big part of the attraction. With only a few exceptions I would always recommend Bed & Breakfast and to get yourself out and eating locally. Many destinations have beach front restaurants with seats in the sand and beautiful sunsets that can be one of the highlights of your trip. I love the adventure of street food and the excitement of finding amazing restaurants, taking recommendations and trying new things. Even with kids this is possible. We have one of the fussiest eaters in our family, but she loved choosing new places to eat, and even trying new things (some with limited success admittedly).
Now for the hotels. This is probably the best bit. Having been fortunate enough to travel around the world and spend time is lots of amazing places and hotels along the way it’s my opinion that you get the best value for money in Asia. You can get 5 star for 3 star prices when comparing against the Indian Ocean in particular. I appreciate they are different types of trip but I still think the value is in Asia. Be it city hotels or high beach resorts the service and attention you receive is as good as anywhere.
Some of my favourites are in Asia. From the Four Seasons Jimbran Bay in Bali to the Sarojin in Khao Lak and the Tongsai Bay in Koh Samui for honeymooners and couples, to the Sands, Amari’s, Melia’s for families. City hotels like Raffles in Singapore and the Peninsula in Hong Kong are amongst the best in the world but in places like Kuala Lumpar and Bangkok you can stay in beautiful hotels for under a £100 a night. So there really is something or everyone.
Let’s change your Easter holidays for ever. Don’t spend the weeks leading up to your Easter break checking long range weather forecasts hoping for a lucky break in Europe. You don’t have to pay more for less in some of the traditional locations. You can get amazing experiences, great value and trips for couples, families, beach lovers and adventurers.
School holidays across the country appear to be pretty uniformed this year. Therefore, the peak dates will go very quickly, accommodation for families, particularly families of four and five, will be limited. My best advice is to get in touch as early as possible and so we can start looking at your best options. In most cases small deposits are available and payment plans can be worked out over the coming months. So the only thing you’ll need to worry about is where!
When planning your next trip to Asia speak to someone who’s been and challenge me to come up with your perfect trip.