Top Travel Trends and Destinations for 2013 from Virgin Holidays

25 December 2012

Virgin Holidays has revealed its travel trend predictions for 2013, including where you should holiday based on every month next year. For inspiration check it out here.

January - 40^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam WarVisit this rich and varied country with some of the world’s most stunning beaches, historic temples and the world heritage site of Halong Bay, when the whole country is marking this poignant anniversary. An up and coming destination for Virgin Holidays, it’s predicted that travel to Vietnam will dramatically increase over the coming year.

Prices start from £1,059 for seven nights at Novotel Nha Trang.

It doesn’t just stop in Vietnam; it’s the perfect place to combine with the wonders of Northern Thailand, new for Virgin Holidays in 2013. Experience some of the country’s most authentic experiences, from the infamous Golden Triangle, the verdant jungles which is home to ethnic villages and hill tribes to the temples around the capital of Chiang Mai. There is something new to experience around every turn.

Prices start from £1,225 for seven nights at the Anantara Golden Trainage Resort & Spa.

February - the month of love is perfect for a babymoonWith the announcement of the Royal Baby, Virgin Holidays predicts that Babymoons will soar in 2013 and what better month to take one than the month of love. As the world waits to see where Wills and Kate will pick for their perfect pre-baby break, Virgin Holidays suggests adults only in the Caribbean and the exotic Far East.

Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean are the ultimate in luxurious beachside holidays and offer the perfect place to relax and un-wind before the baby arrives. These luxury included resorts not only include all meals and drinks, but some even come with their own butler and is the ultimate resort for two people in love. Prices start from £1,865 for seven nights in Antigua.

Ubud in Bali is a very spiritual and tranquil place. Mums to be can spend their time here visiting temples or taking a gentle bike rides to visit the many rice paddies which scatter the landscape. If that’s too much then mums can relax in one of the many spas, or spend time by the pool.

Prices start from £1,175 for seven nights at the Alila Ubud.

March - it’s all happening in the US of A in 2013With the 50^th anniversary of the closing of Alcatraz and the 110^th anniversary of the first Harley Davidson, head to the US in 2013. Make for San Francisco for a spooky weekend in March 2013 for the anniversary of the closing of Alcatraz and try out a night tour for the ultimate scare factor! Prices start from £665 for three nights at the Holiday Inn Fishermans Wharf.

Perfect for any motorcycle fan, what better way to celebrate the 100^th anniversary then riding the classic route 66 on the back of a Harley Davidson. Prices start from £2,659 for a 14 night Route 66 Guided Motorcycle tour.

April - rediscover parts of the Nile not seen for 15 yearsAfter a closure of 15 years, the River Nile has now opened up to allow cruises to operate the whole 600 mile distance, from Cairo to Aswan. Bales Worldwide is excited to announce their Cairo to the Cataracts itinerary cruising on the Movenpick MS Hameesa.

This new journey will unearth some of Egypt’s hidden treasures, from the rock cut tombs of Beni Hassan to the forgotten city of King Akhenaten at Tell el-Amarna. With ample amounts of time allowed for cruising down the Nile this tour offers both a change to relax and discover Egypt’s heaving history all in one visit.

This tour starts from £1,995 with the first sailing taking place on 17 April 2013.

May - yeeee haaaa cowboyFor that authentic Wild West holiday it has to be Texas, newly added for 2013 for Virgin Holidays. With dusty desert landscapes, rolling hills, the Rio Grand River and the cosmopolitan cities, this state is full of variety. Head to Austin, locally promoted as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ with its vibrant music scene or San Antonio with its mixture of Hispanic and German heritage and alfresco dinning. No trip would be complete without a visit to the home of the hit TV series, Dallas.

Prices start from £799 for four nights in Houston.

June - Orlando just got better… with new rides and the Virgin Holidays experienceThe Virgin Holidays experience starts as soon a dream Orlando holiday is booked. From our pre-departure concierge service, the only leisure lounge in the UK – the v-room, our new re-fitted planes, dedicated in resort reps and smooth quick transfers, it’s never been a better time to book that Orlando getaway.

On top of the Virgin Holidays experience there is now even more to encounter in the parks, with two highly anticipated new rides opening in Orlando in 2013. The battle continues with the all action, intergalactic battle thrill ride of Transformers: The Ride – 3D at Universal Orlando. Or cool off in Antarctica, Empire of the Penguins at SeaWorld Orlando. Prices start from £869 for seven nights at the Quality Inn International.

July - even more CaribbeanCaribbean holidays have never been so popular, so Virgin Holidays are expanding the programme! With new hotels featured in Barbados, Jamaica and the two hottest resorts in Mexico, The Hard Rock Cancun and Secrets The Vine. Live like a rock star at the The Hard Rock Cancun, the perfect Caribbean resort styled on the home of a Rockstar.

Cool off in the fabulous meandering lake-style pool complete with ocean views and two swim-up bars, meaning you never have to get out of the water. Secrets The Vine, is the first ever Secrets resort in Cancun. For adults-only and with salsa dancing, yoga, meditation and an abundance of water sports guests won’t be short of something to do.

Now with an extra weekly direct service from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic direct to Cancun along with an extra Jamaica route, Virgin Holidays predict that strong demand for Mexico and Jamaica holidays will continue into next year.

Prices start from £1,385 for seven nights at the Hard Rock Cancun.

August - the perfect twin centre predicted to take off in 2013The brand new Ocean View Hotel Dubai is the first family focused hotel to open on The Walk, Jumeriah Beach residence. All 342 rooms enjoy sea views that can be enjoyed from the balcony or room. Head to the free-form swimming pool complete with shallow area so the little ones can cool off and play to their hearts content. The CoolZone kid’s club offering dancing, mini chef discovery, eggshell painting, face painting, and free dinner buffet.

Dubai is a great gateway to the Indian Ocean and Virgin Holidays predicts that popularity of Dubai combined with Mauritius holidays will continue to soar in 2013. Centara Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa is newly featured in Mauritus offering beautiful accommodation and overlooking a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach perfect for couples. Also new is the Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka, fantastic for families with snorkelling, water sports and dedicated Camp Safari kids club.

Prices start from £1,399 including three nights at the Ocean View Hotel followed by four nights at the Centara Poste Lafayette.

September - look to Rio 2016 with Virgin Holidays Worldwide JourneysKeep the Olympic dream alive this September as the 2020 host country is announced. To celebrate this great announcement, why not get a head start and plan for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Travel with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys and experience Rio, one of the liveliest and most captivating cities in the world, revel in the sounds of Samba rhythms, the beautiful city of Salvador and experience the awe-inspiring splendour of Iguassu Falls, with over 275 individual falls, it makes up one of the world’s greatest sights. Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys Wonders of Brazil tour starts at £2,895pp.

October - happy 90^th anniversary to Walt Disney CompanyJoin all your favourite Disney characters in Florida this October to help celebrate the Walt Disney Companies 90^th Anniversary. With 4 incredible theme parks and 2 thrilling water parks to enjoy, Walt Disney World Resort Florida is the ultimate must visit destination especially during this momentous birthday. Whether seeing fairytales come to life at the Magic Kingdom Park, watching wildlife at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, exploring the cultures of the world at Epcot or feeling like a movie star at Disney's Hollywood Studios, there is an amazing array of attractions that you will want to visit again and again.

Plan your journey with Travel City direct and see your budget stretched further. Stay at one of Travel City Directs new properties, Encantada Villas in Kissimmee from £659pp for 14 nights.

November - volunteering adventure… so much more than just a holidayBales Worldwide have announced Ben Fogle as their Brand Ambassador for 2013. Ben’s adventures include racing 160 miles across the Sahara desert in the notorious Marathon Des Sables, rowing the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossing Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole. If like Ben, you are looking for a slightly different holiday, off the beaten track then Bales Worldwide have the perfect adventure for you.

New for 2013, Bales are introducing Volunteering adventures, a fantastic way to combine travels with making a difference in local communities. Projects include teaching, wildlife monitoring and home stays which are all combinable with escorted tours or tailor made options.

A three night volunteering adventure in Kenya with a Masai Explorer tour starts from £3,290pp.

December - Singapore in the spotlightBe close to the action in Singapore this New Year’s Eve. With the soaring heat allowing you to escape to the beach in Sentosa, breath taking Firework displays in Marina Bay and live shows at Clarke Quay, Singapore is the hottest place to watch the New Year come in. Home to Lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, and deep water marinas, Singapore is a playground for the global jetsetters.