Mainland China is one such country where the train lines have had a vital effect on travel. Five to six years ago, most travellers wanting a short getaway in the region would readily choose destinations like Thailand based on the convenient three-hour flight time, Yip reflected. Now, with easy rail travel, a single plane journey to a key city can equate to multiple destination explorations as travellers hop on a high-speed train and move from the main city to the countryside in one or two hours.
Apart from train journeys, road trips to discover destinations also fuel journeys to second- and third-tier cities or the countryside, drawn to discover local traditions, cultures and produce – especially in places like Japan. Couples in their mid-30s are a key demographic of this travel mode, shared Yip.
“They will find special things along the pit stops while driving along the highway, exit then explore a little town without any planning; they just want to discover.”
SOUTHEAST ASIA HOTSPOTS
Travellers drawn to SLH’s curated list of hotels often plan their itinerary using the properties as a starting point. Beyond typical five-star hotels, properties like those in SLH’s portfolio feed the attraction of less-trodden destinations as the curated hotel experiences are often tied to locations off the main tourist track.
This is similar to travel companies like Preferred Hotels & Resorts. James Koh, its regional director, Southeast Asia and Pacific, said: “We focus on destinations or hotels that will be able to offer these experiential stays.” He too has observed travellers heading to familiar countries but exploring lesser-known cities within Southeast Asia – with a popular choice being Bali.
