THERE’S A REASON they’re called influencers – where they lead, phone in hand, others follow.
And nowhere is that truer than in the world of travel, with research suggesting that one million travel-related hashtags are searched for on social media every week.
The experts at online holiday company Travel Republic see those Insta-likes convert into bookings and, from there, trends begin to form.
Now Travel Republic has exclusively revealed the hippest hangouts for 2023 – the places to see and be seen – and all the destinations have recently been visited by red-hot reality stars with Insta followings in the millions.
But, with Travel Republic, you can holiday like a star with a budget that’s distinctly more down to earth.
Travel Republic’s Lowest Price Guarantee pledges that, if you find your holiday (or hotel) on an Abta and Atol-protected travel website at a lower price than it’s offering, Travel Republic will match it.
The company also offers low deposits and a range of flexible payment options, and its deals on add-ons – including upgrades, airport transfers and attractions and excursions – are the best in the business.
Voyage like a VIP by booking a Travel Republic holiday with Qatar Airways – the airline’s new fleet offers some of the most spacious seats in the sky with a choice of world class cuisine, all freshly prepared on board.
With more than 4,000 entertainment options to enjoy – including the most talked about television and must-see movies – you’ll wish your flight lasted longer.
So where’s hot right now?
Thailand offers breathtaking scenery, outstanding culture, mouthwatering cuisine and full moon parties galore.
It is no wonder it is the number one destination, with Travel Republic bookings up a whopping 400 per cent on last year.
Love Islander Millie Court – winner of the show in 2021 – visited last October and wore the bikini that launched a thousand trips.
Captioning her Instagram shots of morning yoga, paddleboarding excursions, visits to temples, delicious Thai curries and even cuddling a family of pigs on the beach with “Living my best life!”, Millie wore an itsy-bitsy bikini in nearly every shot. Insta inspo indeed!
Fellow Love Island alumnus Gabby Allen was in Bali in March – in fact, bookings to Indonesia have soared by 300 per cent this year with Bali remaining the jewel in the country’s crown.
Gabby’s Insta showcased the infinity pool of the jungle villa she shared with model beau Brandon Myers, a reading deck high above the treetops and the Kanto Lampo waterfall – the perfect spot for some splashy pash.
Bali was also the scene of Strictly star Neil Jones’s proposal to Chyna Mills. Love Island? Definitely.
“It’s a kind of magic,” sang Zanzibar’s most famous son, Freddie Mercury, and with its pristine white sands and turquoise waters the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean certainly is bewitching.
Zanzibar is the top up-and-coming destination with Travel Republic bookings soaring 295 per cent as the island, historically popular with British backpackers, makes its way on to more tourists’ radars.
Tap in #Zanzibar on Instagram and discover coral reefs, deserted sandbanks, horse rides through the waves and selfies with turtles.
The Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka has more than 14 million tags on Instagram, testament to its lush green rainforests and breathtaking temples.
The beauty of Sri Lanka is in the variety of landscapes – no two days, or Insta-shots, are the same.
Laze with a cocktail on a palm-fringed beach, go elephant spotting in the savanna and sip a cuppa in a misty tea plantation high in the mountains.
Sri Lanka bookings are up 20 per cent with Travel Republic on last year and, trendwatchers say, its popularity is only set to grow.
Qatar, say the trend experts at Travel Republic, is the one to watch as the 2022 World Cup piqued interest in the Arab state.
It’s the land where the warm waters of the Persian Gulf and the golden sands of the desert meet futuristic skyscrapers glistening in the sunshine.
Dhow trips through the capital Doha at sunset – dhows are the boats originally used for pearl diving and deep-sea fishing – star on Instagram, alongside curvaceous architecture, dune surfing and the colours and flavours of traditional souqs.
Camel rides through the sand are popular too, although heed the warning of England star Jack Grealish: “When it stood up it was so big.”
Qatar is also big on luxury, with five-star hotels boasting hammams, world-class chefs and complimentary access to the state’s abundant theme parks.
So pack that influencer-inspired barely-there bikini and log on to travelrepublic.co.uk today.
Why fly with Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways flies to over 150 destinations worldwide, including Travel Republic’s trending top spots for 2023.
Offering an unsurpassed onboard experience, with world-class dining, a generous baggage allowance, wi-fi and over 4,000 entertainment options, the miles fly by when you’re cocooned in Qatar Airways’ spacious seats.
Voted Skytrax Airline of the Year for a record seventh time in 2022, Qatar Airways is a bit of an influencer in its own right, with nearly five million followers on Instagram.
The @qatarairways account showcases its smiling staff, sleek modern fleet, favourite destinations and the wonders of Qatar itself.
To explore where Qatar Airways can take you, head to Travel Republic. Atol and Abta protected. Rated as excellent on Trustpilot
Dream destinations
Thailand
Club Bamboo Boutique Resort
Seven nights from £940pp (room only). Fly from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways. Depart on September 20, 2023.
Bali
Legian Paradiso Hotel
Seven nights from £886pp (room only). Fly from London Gatwick with Qatar Airways. Depart on October 7, 2023.
Zanzibar
Uroa Bay Beach Resort
Seven nights from £797pp (B&B). Fly from London Gatwick with Qatar Airways. Depart on May 23, 2023.
Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa Beach
Seven nights from £911pp (room only). Fly from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways. Depart on September 7, 2023.
Qatar
Royal Qatar Hotel
Four nights from £680pp (room only). Fly from London Gatwick with Qatar Airways. Depart on October 2, 2023.
Prices are subject to change. Correct at the time of publication.
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