Revenge Travel is the latest buzz term in the travel industry.
The phrase sounds like the moment you cut your hair, get ridiculously fit and travel around the world after dumping a terrible partner. But this is not Eat Pray Love.
So what is revenge travel?
“In a nutshell, revenge travel is escaping our homes…with a vengeance,” Mary Zinck from Tourism Whistler told Vacations & Travel.
“With stockpiled annual leave time and disposable income -the demand for travel has become a priority.”
After a year of restrictions and lockdowns, people are dreaming of longer and more extravagant holidays to safe destinations. They’re willing to spend a little more on unique experiences and they are happy to book in advance to secure a great deal.
Zinck said demand for the best Whistler accommodation and experiences is surging, fast. Private jet tours are booming. Qantas’ 2020 seven-hour flight to no-where sold out in 10 minutes. And Silversea’s 2023, 139-day, $104,000 world cruise from Sydney sold out in one day.
“The pandemic really highlighted for us that we cannot take anything for granted,” Zinck said.
“From the freedom to travel, open borders, socialising with family and friends or even the simple day to day tasks of grocery shopping to the more serious health and welfare of self and loved ones.”
People are turning their bucket lists into dream holidays for 2023 and beyond. They’re jumping on offers now and securing pretty sweet deals.
“We’re no longer saving that pricey bottle of bubbles, scotch or wine for a special occasion when we recognise that every day is worth celebrating.”
Canada is revenge travel heaven
The skiing mecca of Whistler is top of many people’s revenge travel list.
If you’ve been you’ll know why.
If you haven’t you’ll want to go as soon as you see the pictures.
“Whistler has endless outdoor opportunities to indulge in nature – on mountains, lakes, trails throughout the valley,” Zinck said.
“It also has splurge-worthy experiences such as heli-adventure ice caves, ski touring, hiking tours to dinners in a snowy cabin accessible via snowmobile to lounging in a spa in a luxury hotel slopeside.”
Whistler’s revenge travel trump card has to be the ability to ski or ride with an Olympian. You can book a full day with a gold medalist for $AU2637.
Dozens of Olympians call Whistler home and many of their parents were Olympians or World Cup riders too. Think Ashleigh McIvor, Julia Murray, Mercedes Nicoll, Britt & Mike Janyk and more.
“On top of improving your skills and priority lift queue (skip the lines!), you’re getting insider knowledge of the resort,” Zinck said.
But Whistler is also seeing an increase in bookings for summer mountain biking experiences. During the lockdown, bikes became so popular that many people waited months for delivery.
Now they are looking for holiday destinations that have pumping mountain bike tracks. That’s Whistler in summer.
More Revenege Travel ideas
If you need more inspiration to plan and book your post pandemic holiday, these ideas may just get you over the line.
Spain
Revenge travellers seek the best and most unusual hotels. And you’ll find plenty of those in Spain. The European nation has converted castles, monasteries and fortresses into exclusive five-star hotels.
Cap Rocat on the Spanish island of Mallorca is one of the best small luxury hotels in the world. The sandstone building is listed as a national monument.
It was once a fortified citadel built for the surveillance of the Bay of Palma. So you can just imagine how great the views will be.
This is the place to slow down, escape the crowds and indulge your senses.
New Zealand
Ruapehu, on New Zealand’s North Island, is the ultimate revenge travel destination. And thanks to the travel bubble, this one is actually possible in 2021.
This is where you will find the legendary 8-hour, 20km Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a dream for experienced hikers. As you walk through the volcanic landscape, you’ll pass hot springs, ancient lava formations, waterfalls, lush forest and iridescent crater lakes.
If you’ve been dreaming of Canada, but need something before 2023, try Chateau Tongariro in Ruapehu. The elegant 1930s hotel sits at the foot of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro mountain peaks. Spend the day skiing Whakapapa, then relax with classic cocktails around a crackling fire.
Australia
Can’t leave Australia. But you want the revenge travel experience? Emirates One& Only Wolgan Valley is the place for you.
Hidden in an untamed Blue Mountain’s valley, the resort’s private villas offer sweeping views over the sandstone escarpment. Each one has a plunge pool, sweeping verandas, a stone fireplace and a deep relaxing bath.
The best part is that you can’t see another guest from your room.
Each guest receives complimentary bicycle hire to explore the 2,800-hectare resort. As you ride through the valley trails, you’ll spot wallabies, kangaroos, wallaroos and wombats. Wolgan Valley can also arrange a safari vehicle or you can explore on horseback.
Just two hours from Sydney, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is perhaps Australia’s best-kept secret. And the best revenge travel experience you can have right now.
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