World Journeys has launched its latest small group hosted journey (maximum 18 guests), exploring the five ‘Stans’ of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. 

Jordan is a rising star for the travel industry at the moment, World Journeys director and Middle East/North Africa specialist Kate Couling says.

She adds that Petra, the ancient Roman city of Jerash, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum are the main drawcards.

World Journeys advises that Avianca is introducing flights between Cuzco (Peru) and La Paz (Bolivia), commencing November this year. 

The route will operate four times a week aboard Avianca’s A320 craft, offering over 5,700 seats per month. 

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, is set to return to operation in February 2024, after ceasing services during the pandemic. 

Two new four-day routes will operate as round trips out of Singapore.

World Journeys is offering the trip and off-train experiences in its new Wild Malaysia itinerary, which operates from March through to October. 

From Singapore the train heads north through jungle to Taman Negara National Park which is home to wildlife including the endangered Malayan tiger.

Heading up the West-Coast Line to Penang, guests can access a variety of excursions in George Town. The train then travels to the southernmost state of Johor, crossing the strait back to Singapore.

All overnights are aboard the train in cabins ranging from the Pullman and State Cabins to the Presidential Suite. 

The Dining Car offers a menu of traditional Peranakan dishes with a modern twist, the Observation Car is the place to enjoy a cocktail as the scenery passes by, and the Piano Bar is the social hub, with a variety of evening entertainment. 

Priced from US$3,410* per person share twin in a Pullman Cabin, it includes all gourmet meals and beverages (including champagne if in a Presidential Suite), guided excursions, 24-hour steward service and transfers from the check-in venue to the train.

As Belmond operate dynamic pricing, the price may only be confirmed at the time of booking.   

worldjourneys.co.nz/package/wild-malaysia/

World Journeys is reporting a spike in demand for tailor-made travel to Morocco. 

‘Morocco is one of those destinations which is not like anywhere else, with its blend of ancient cities, souks, deserts and mountains. Add to that delicious cuisine and the riad accommodation, and there is good reason for its popularity,’ says marketing manager Caroline Clegg. 

World Journeys has just launched its small group Castro’s Cuba hosted journey for next year.  The niche wholesaler says the 2023 departure was a sold-out success, so agents are urged to secure their clients’ bookings early.

World Journeys reports that although enquiries for travel to Africa started slowly as borders reopened, they have grown exponentially month-on-month more recently, as the destination regains its popularity. 

High on the list of experiences are luxury safaris and rail journeys – in particular the longer itineraries with Rovos Rail. 

Taking longer trips, often visiting more countries in the one journey, and accessing special experiences like sleeping under the stars, are all among trends that Tony O’Callaghan, World Journeys’ Africa expert is seeing from Kiwis heading to the Continent.

Sue Hague of World Journeys has just returned from attending the PURE Life Experiences expo in Morocco. 

Focusing on luxury and experiential travel, the annual travel event featured over 400 of the most inspiring luxury hotels, high-end product and specialist tour operators from all around the world. 

World Journeys reports that remote Easter Island (Rapa Nui) has opened its doors to tourism again after more than two years. 

Located 4,000 kilometres from continental Chile, Rapa Nui is famous for its immense and mysterious moais (stone statues), white sand beaches and fascinating local traditions.