*Produced by SilverKris for Yellow Kudu Journeys*
Although there are precious few industries left untouched by the Covid-19 pandemic, none has been as badly affected as the travel sector: with government-mandated lockdowns and travel restrictions implemented across the globe.
However, after many months of hunkering down and adhering to health and safety protocols, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel as far as travel is concerned. Already, travel bubbles and special tourist visas have been established between several countries, with talk of more opening up in due course as the vaccine continues to be distributed across the world.
There is cautious optimism in the air as travellers begin to make tentative plans for upcoming trips. However, there is a marked difference – travellers are now paying extra attention about when and where to travel, consciously seeking out destinations that take them far from the madding crowd and where safe distancing is a priority.
A recent TripAdvisor survey found that the majority of consumers (65%) say the ability to avoid crowded places when travelling is now a more important factor in their choice of destination than it was pre-pandemic. More than half (52%) say they are more likely to take an outdoor or nature trip than they were before the pandemic.
If that sounds like you but you’re not quite sure where to start with planning a post-pandemic trip, let Yellow Kudu help you do the work. This boutique travel agent specialises in crafting personalised journeys – from pocket-friendlier options to luxurious escapades – that allow you to simply sit back and enjoy the journey.
“Whether you’re dreaming of escaping the concrete jungle or visiting an exciting destination with minimal crowds, we have the know-how and on-the-ground contacts to put together your dream vacation,” says Yong Kang, the founder of Yellow Kudu. “As a personalised travel agent, we go beyond selling a catalogue of fixed itineraries and packages. We tailor each trip based on the client’s specific budget, preferences and expectations.”
Here are three ideas from Yellow Kudu’s suite of offerings to whet your appetite for adventure and get you excited for travel again.
1. Embrace the wilderness on an African safari
“South Africa and Kenya are perennial favourites, because you are assured reliable game sightings and a wide range of accommodation options,” Yong Kang says, adding that Yellow Kudu also organises safaris in Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda, Gabon and more. “I personally love Africa as it spoils travellers with its myriad choices: for example, Botswana with its great contrast in landscapes and Tanzania with its spectacular Great Migration.”
“While most people who book a safari tour in Africa are after game viewing – notably the Big Five – we believe another great joy of being on safari is immersing in the vast wilderness,” says Yong Kang. “That is why, unlike the big players, we avoid as far as possible safari accommodation with a capacity for more than 50 to 60 people.”
Unless you are looking to splash out on a ritzy safari journey, booking a tour with Yellow Kudu does not necessarily equate to eye-watering price tags: Yellow Kudu prides itself on offering clients the best value for their money and desired comfort level, and will work within your budget to find an option best suited to your needs.
2. Go off the beaten track in Europe
For travellers who yearn to venture beyond the typical tourist trail, Yong Kang recommends doing a self-drive as the most cost-effective option for discovering less-known destinations. Depending on what you’re looking for, Yellow Kudu can help you plan a trip around a certain theme.
“If you’re raring for fresh mountain air, take your pick from the Swiss, Italian or Austrian side of the Alps – each with their own draw points – or venture off the beaten path into the amazing Transalpina in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania,” Yong Kang suggests. “And if you’re a foodie, why not plan a gourmet journey through small quaint towns in Italy, Spain, Slovenia or Croatia?”
He adds, “Being curious travellers ourselves, there are truly so many road trips across Europe worth undertaking.”
3. Journey across Central Asia on four wheels
While Central Asia is not yet top of mind for travellers from Singapore, Yong Kang says interest is picking up towards this landlocked region. With Uzbekistan becoming increasingly popular among tour groups, Yong Kang recommends travellers who want to avoid large crowds to go on a road trip instead. “Whether you opt for a self-drive or book a private driver, a road trip is one of the best ways to savour the gorgeous landscapes in this region,” he says.
“For adventure seekers, I strongly recommend driving along the Pamir Highway and Wakhan Valley in Tajikistan through to Kyrgyzstan or a road trip around the latter,” Yong Kang enthuses. “Both journeys are very scenic drives that take you across wild mountains and remote landscapes as well as offers you an opportunity to meet some of the nomadic locals along the way.”
For more information, follow Yellow Kudu on Facebook and Instagram or visit Yellow Kudu’s website here. Enquire for free from now till 31 Oct 2021 and enjoy up to S$300 off per person if the trip is booked for travel before 31 Dec 2022. Terms and conditions apply.
