Jet-setting this season?
The cost and chaos of travel have been ascending as post-pandemic revenge traveling flourishes and inflation lurks — all while airlines are both aircraft- and staff-strapped.
For the discerning traveler, climbing airfare may not translate to a staycation, but those looking to get greater value for their money may want to think past the beaten path.
“You often see this with travel, where you get certain destinations in certain parts of the world that get most of the eyeballs or conversation around it and there’s usually places just beside them that are just as compelling but not as well-known, and what you get with that is more value,” says Tom Marchant, cofounder of tailor-made luxury travel company Black Tomato, which handcrafts itineraries.
Sri Lanka
“Further afield, thinking out the Indian Ocean way, we love Sri Lanka and we have for many years,” Marchant says. “It went quiet for some time but it’s coming back and it’s just exceptionally great value.”
For the Person Who Loves Adventure: Black Tomato Itinerary for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a “stunning and wonderfully intimate country,” according to the company. “The sublime landscape is dotted with temples and Ceylon silver tipped mountains, and visiting this country, that has been through a lot the past decade, also feels especially poignant right now and tourism provides enormous support to local economies. We would advise an itinerary to take in the following properties: Ulagalla, Anasa Wellness Resort, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cape Weligama and for a splurge, Amanwella.”
“We would organize a range of special experiences, from cycling in a rustic village in Sigiriya akin to this: Weave along hidden paths to ancient jungle-enveloped structures, neighboring local villages whilst overlooking the breathtaking view of Pidurangala rock, which has been occupied on and off for more than 2,500 years by monks and hold a number of historical legends. Glide by unfrequented village life, local temples, burning incense, rice farmers and smiling children. There is no better way to experience the local landscape than by bike, an opportunity to really explore its meandering paths and lanes.…Cycle your way to the nearby market to pick up your vegetables and fruits. After, cook and enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan meal with a local family. And of course, a Sri Lankan safari, with a Nachchaduwa sunset scenic jeep drive. In the afternoon you will be met at your hotel and explore the local area by four-wheel drive on a journey in search of cultural, natural and historical highs. The route takes in ancient reservoirs, lakes, farmland and local villages, and provides a visual introduction to rural village life. Witness the seasonalities of rice cultivation, travel through areas of indigenous forest, and observe local fisherman. Drawn to water, patches of forest and farmland, elephants are ever-present, yet champions at blending in.”
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko