REVEALED: TTC’s top 10 bucket list experiences for 2019
The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its 29 brands has revealed its annual TTCTop10 experiences for 2019.
This year’s carefully curated list considers the 2019 emerging travel trends focused on what travellers are seeking out most: transformational journeys, culturally immersive experiences and socially conscious travel.
“Our guests’ desire for personal fulfilment through transformative travel continues to grow and for 2019, we are further enhancing experiential travel and creating truly meaningful experiences for their travel wish lists,” said The Travel Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Brett Tollman.
“This year’s #TTCTop10 list features an inspiring selection of our life-changing journeys, as guest satisfaction and making travel matter through our TreadRight Foundation’s sustainable tourism and local community-based projects across the globe, remain top of mind for TTC.”
Check out Brett Tollman’s personal #TTCTop10 list here.
The Travel Corporation’s #TTCTop10 2019 List of Transformative Travel Experiences:
- Trafalgar – African Safari Adventure
Adventurers will discover the stunning destination of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti for a memorable 14-day safari adventure that will take them to a diversity of landscapes where thousands of wildebeest make their annual pilgrimage.
Guests will explore the vast wilderness of Kenya and Tanzania, navigate lakes in search of resting hippos and sample the spicy flavours of Swahili cuisine.
- Contiki – Pure Sri Lanka
Millennials and Generation Z travellers will explore Contiki’s newest hot spot, Sri Lanka from ancient temples to tea fields.
This 10-day adventure will enable them to traverse this island nation, from scintillating beaches to national parks to the world renown tea regions.
During their journey at Udawalawe National Park, they will enjoy a “Special Stay” safari riverside glamping and a visit to an elephant transit home where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild.
- Insight Vacations – Israel & Jordan
History lovers will journey back in time and discover the iconic spiritual sites and hidden gems across Israel and Jordan on this 14-day premium escorted journey.
In Israel, guests will explore the ancient cities of Nazareth, Galilee and Jerusalem and the famous saline waters of the Dead Sea. Onwards to Jordan, travellers will visit the famous archeological site of Petra and dine under the stars in Wadi Rum at a Bedouin camp site. They will also enjoy meeting local artisans at the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative which is managed and run by local women, providing training projects. This cooperative is a “People Project” supported by the TreadRight Foundation to help build-out their gift shop and expand their food offerings.
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – Magnificent Moselle and Rhine
Travellers will embark on a 10-day luxury river cruise from Cologne to Frankfurt on the award-winning River Queen with its elegant Art Deco interior design as they cruise along some of Europe’s most picturesque village-dotted landscapes.
They will savour the finest regional cuisine incorporating the freshest and locally sourced ingredients while sampling local wines expertly curated by Uniworld’s team of Sommeliers. Guests can join a “Let’s Go” experience in Mainhattan by bike, enjoy a Rheingau Riesling wine tasting in Rüdesheim or a culinary “sip and savour” excursion in Germany’s oldest town of Trier.
- Costsaver – Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure
This exciting 14-day adventure highlights Vietnam’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes and Cambodia’s ancient temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom with compelling insights into Khmer history.
Travellers will embark on cruise in Halong Bay including a cooking demonstration on board and meet the locals at a Vung Vieng fishing village.
In Nah Trang’s Mun island, they will enjoy snorkeling in the azure waters to view coral reefs and swim with sea turtles.
- Luxury Gold – Elegance of Egypt
Archeology lovers will be will be enthralled by the spectacular sites encountered on this 7-day luxury escorted journey. They will begin their adventure with sightseeing in Cairo accompanied by their Travelling Concierge as well as an Egyptologist and later explore the Great Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx of Giza.
The journey continues with a luxurious 7-day river cruise on the intimate all-suite River Tosca with stylishly adorned rooms. Guests will enjoy Exceptional Dining Experiences including an onboard welcome reception and gala dinner with exquisite regionally inspired cuisine.
They will also follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill by indulging in a colonial English-style high tea at Aswan’s Old Cataract Hotel’s terraces.
- Red Carnation Hotels – Hotel 41
For the third year running, Hotel 41 was recently voted the number 1 hotel in the UK by TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travellers Choice Awards for their passionate service and exceptional Red Carnation Hotels hospitality, and with a prestigious Forbes Five Star Rating, the luxurious boutique hotel is a stunning hidden gem overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.
A chic black and white design creates a striking theme throughout, including the renowned Executive Lounge where guests are invited to “plunder the pantry.”
- U by Uniworld – Germany’s Finest
U is a new take on experiential travel, with cruises designed for travellers with a wanderlust for exploring and a yearning for exhilarating adventures which are tailored to their interests.
This authentic 8-day journey begins in effortlessly cool Frankfurt with a night walk with their U hosts, including stops to Würzburg and Bamberg. Guests can join a Bavarian bike trip along Miltenberg’s lakes and nature reserves or a castle hike. Or they can join a Nuremberg culinary tour including a cooking school experience where they will learn to make Bratwurst.
- Busabout – Wild West & City Lights
Adventure seekers will embark on an epic 14-day adventure where they will be fully immersed in the colourful subcultures across the States as they drive along the famous Route 66 with stops to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Monument Valley and Austin.
From the breathtaking Grand Canyon to the magical beauty of Sante Fe to the exuberant jazz, and rhythm and blues joints of New Orleans, this memorable road trip showcases the best of America.
- Inspiring Journeys – Inspiring Australia
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Blue Mountains, a sunset toast at iconic Uluru, the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
This 13-day journey will delight guests’ senses as they hike to the top of Kings Canyon, sail a yacht on Sydney Harbour and enjoy an Indigenous experience in the Daintree Rainforest.
Latest News
The Intrepid Foundation launches appeal to support Northern Vietnamese communities following Typhoon Yagi
Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support impacted communities in Northern Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall on 7 September, 2024. All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to grassroots organisation Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, to provide immediate relief to thousands without shelter, food […]
GALLERY: Were you at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2024?
Were you at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2024, at The Star, Queens Wharf in Brisbane, Australia this week? See plenty of images here and the video highlights HERE.
Philippine Airlines and VietJet look to community connection near Western Sydney Airport
Both Philippine Airlines and VietJet will explore services from Western Sydney Airport with the airport’s proximity to the Filipino and Vietnamese diaspora in Sydney potentially beneficial to both carriers. Philippine Airlines VP revenue management and commercial planning Alex Featherstone, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, said the carrier would “explore” the potential […]
Virgin Australia to refit MAX-8 and acquire Rex aircraft following Boeing delays
Not the biggest announcement given everyone else is in the same boat - or plane - but what's old is new again.
Exclusive: Wendy Wu on her passion for travel continuing to run deep
Last year, she topped the Women in Travel Power List, but now she is digging deep for the next destination.
Australian Cycle Tours adds new cycle trip to the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail
Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip that includes all sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling with a transfer back to Beechworth, before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle on the newest sections of […]
Camp in style with Reflections Holidays’ new glamping tents
It will feel like you're on safari but instead of lions or elephants it's the kids in the holiday park to look out for.
It’s all of the photos from TravelManagers 2024 conference day one!
We all have that one friend who zooms in on their own face whenever there is a group photo. If you don't, it's you.
Air New Zealand chief hints at quirky safety video in time for Christmas
We've managed to nab an Air New Zealand exclusive at an aviation summit, who would have thought?
Solis Travel announced as the latest member of Luxury Travel Collection
If Luxury Travel Collection was a high school student, it'd be telling people 'you can't sit with us', but not Solis!
OPINION: Travelport CMO Jen Catto on AI empowering travel retailers
AI will fix everything, said no one ever. But it can help.
Anangu Communities Foundation raises $75,000 at its third annual Sydney fundraiser
Generous supporters gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the third annual Anangu Communities Foundation Sydney fundraiser to help raise $75,000. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia administers the Foundation which so far has funded over $3 million in projects to support Anangu communities of Central Australia with a focus on building community capacity in healthcare, […]
‘Virtuoso on Tour’ photos: Virtuoso showcases its best to agent base
Virtuoso hosted its second annual Virtuoso On Tour, a destinations event at the ICC in Sydney showcasing tour operators, tourism boards and more to its agent family. The event is designed for travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand to network with Virtuoso partners across the globe. It housed six destination-themed pavilions (Australia & […]
Oceania Cruises showcases new culinary tours and itineraries in Alaska
Designed by foodies, for foodies. Well, they've sucked us in, when can we get on board?
Galapagos Shark Diving expands conservation efforts with new partnership
Got a fear of the deep blue? This is the way to overcome it... or have a panic attack.
The gloss of a garlicky brioche bun continues to shine long after leaving Amanoi
That calls time on our Chris Taylor series. We loved these so much we might have to send him on another trip.
Highlights of CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific
What do you get when you put a bunch of aviation workers in a conference centre? Lot's of breaking news!
Air India to target Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, says its CEO & MD
Of all the Indian cultures we love at TW, Bollywood takes the cake, and we're sure its on the entertainment menu.
Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines announce Sydney-Istanbul flights
So much aviation news in the last few days. but this might take the cake! Years in the making.
Women In Travel: ‘It’s so important for us to create change’ Albatross Tours’ Shelley Poten
And it's a change she's making! We can't wait to celebrate with Shelley on our night of nights.
Perth a focus for Qantas says International & Freight boss
If you're not into aviation this talk may have sent you to the coffee line, but for others it was a dream come true.
Qantas unveils remuneration changes and details its journey to green in annual, sustainability reports
Qantas timed its reports for the same day as a major aviation conference in Brisbane, but it's only hiding good news.
TravelManagers 2024 kicks off in Cairns with record attendance
Want to find out the salary of a top-performing PTM? You'll have to read this story.
Research shows Brisbane international travel spike as airport prepares for major upgrade
The kind of news airport bosses in Brisbane would like to hear after spending $5 BILLION.
AmaWaterways announces fully integrated partnership with Mint Payments
Ama's financial news grabbed our attention this morning, even with a fridge full of mint slices.
Brisbane Airport boss opens CAPA Summit with $5b terminal rebuild plans
Nothing like using a hometown advantage to make a big announcement to the rest of the Aviation world.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to present ‘The Mind Lobby’ at SXSW Sydney as major partner
Got what it takes to step into the Mind Lobby? We're not sure what it entails but we're guessing escape room.
NCL returns to Greek Isles and Med in + new ports Northern Europe: 2025/26 season revealed
Even thinking about the Greek Island's has our mouths watering and mind set on Gyros!
Winter in QLD wins big as My Queensland sets all time high for sales in July 2024
If it was State of Origin season, this article wouldn't have got a start...
The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states
As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]
Four lucky winners revealed for Tourism Solomons latest agent prize!
Winner winner chicken dinner! It's not the news you want if you are one of the remaining 150-odd, but you can try again!
Entire Travel Group offers $1000 for couples combining Fijian getaways with winters in Whistler
If you want to relax by the pool one week and ski the slopes the next, Entire is here for you!
Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend
Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]
InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover
InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]
Scoot announces discount flights to Europe, Japan, Hong Kong & more
Your next holiday could be just a hop, skip and a jump away... But we'd rather take a Scoot!
Newcastle Airport signs MoU with Destination NSW to lure new domestic and international routes
Destination Newcastle! Did we ever think we would see the day?