Rarely have the French had such a need to take a winter break. Despite the rise in the price of living (taxes, energy) and the anxiety-provoking international context (Syria, war in Ukraine), they are looking to escape. In the mountains when they seek to stay in France or abroad where they favor distant destinations such as Asia (Indonesia and Thailand are among the most popular trips as well as China and Korea). Without forgetting getaways to the Sun, particularly to Mauritius which remains their favorite island. L’Express has selected the most cocooning and heavenly destinations.
Was it because the French were suddenly deprived of them that distant destinations were then so desired? After two calmer years, spent exploring the Old Continent, the return to more exotic countries will take place from 2023, as observed by Nathalie Belloir, communications director of Voyageurs du Monde: “We started by noting a drop in demand towards the Arab world, linked both to the events of October 7 and to the war in Ukraine And then in the process, an exponential interest in Asia and Africa, while maintaining a. growing demand for Northern and Southern Europe.”
Regardless of the detractors, who plead for a reduction in carbon emissions from air transport, long-haul is still a dream. And the figures from the Kayak search engine attest to this: Indonesia, Thailand and Canada were the three most popular trips in summer 2024. At the same time, an average drop of 16% in flight prices was observed. to Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Jakarta.
Remaining closed until the end of 2022, Japan is also at the top of beautiful trips, most of the time with family: “So much in demand, this destination is almost saturated in certain cities, comments Nathalie Belloir. But the rest Asia also attracts a lot because there are no geopolitical problems and apart from Japan, these countries remain cheaper than anywhere else in the world.” China has also made itself more desirable by exempting tourists from visas for a fortnight’s stay. From this dream of Asia, Korea has also largely benefited from the game. Having become the new trendy destination, boosted since 2021 but especially by K-pop and gastronomy, it seduces the youngest as well as the millennials. Another country in full expansion, Mongolia, which has just relaxed its entry conditions by authorizing thirty days of visa-free visits.
On the sunny side, Mauritius remains the favorite island of the French, ahead of the West Indies despite a larger budget. Director of the Beachcomber group, Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé says: “The Mauritian destination has been able to meet the new expectations of travelers, increasingly in search of authentic experiences, cultural immersion and respect for the environment. Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, these aspirations are at the heart of our guest experience.” Aware of current issues, the group has also focused its policy on the preservation of corals by launching a major protection plan with the development of a nursery at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa to cultivate rare corals before transplanting them. on natural reefs. A crucial issue for preserving the beauty of these heavenly shores.