Top Tips for 2013

LONDON, November 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

With the End of 2012 Approaching, Cox & Kings Suggests the Destinations to Watch for 2013

As the world's longest established travel company, Cox & Kings has been making New Year predictions longer than most. Looking at the major events, trends and political changes around the world, Cox & Kings' predictions for 2013 include destinations such as Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Oman and Russia.

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Russia

Being outside of the Euro zone is a great advantage to Russia, as it is a more affordable destination for those wanting a short-haul holiday. With a 60% increase in 2012 short break bookings to St Petersburg compared to 2011, and the opening of the new Four Seasons hotel in the spring, the city will only increase in popularity. Cox & Kings' Russia tours saw a 93% increase in bookings in 2012 compared to 2011 and is one of the company's bestselling group tours.

Cox & Kings' 8-day / 7-night Classic Russia escorted tour is priced from £1,295 per person including international flights with British Airways, transfers, escorted excursions and 5-star accommodation with breakfast daily. The luxury version of the same tour is priced from £1,895 per person.

Sri Lanka

Recently named the best value long-haul destination by the Post Office, Sri Lanka is rich in cultural, archaeological and natural treasures at prices to suit all budgets. Compared to 2010, Cox & Kings has seen a 60% increase in passengers travelling to Sri Lanka in 2012. From March, British Airways will fly to Colombo three times per week from London Gatwick.

The popular 14-day / 12-night escorted tour, Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island will be priced from £2,295 per person, which is comparable with 2012, and includes direct flights from London with Sri Lankan Airlines, transfers, excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Madagascar

Much of Madagascar's flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth. Following the BBC documentary last year, bookings for Madagascar holidays increased by 70% and forward sales for 2013 suggest this will continue. The diverse country offers extraordinary natural history, along with stunning scenery, idyllic beaches and a fascinating culture based on a mix of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs.

Madagascar Adventure is a 14-day / 11-night private tour priced from £2,895 per person including flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily and most other meals.

Brazil

As the sporting world looks towards the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the World Cup in 2014, it is predicted that tourism will benefit prior to the events with further investment being made into Brazil's infrastructure and accommodation. Cox & Kings offers a range of Brazil tours or can tailor-make suggestions to suit any budget.

Cox & Kings' new 11-day / 9-night Taste of Brazil private tour is a stylish but affordable introduction into the southern highlights of this vibrant country priced from £2,595 per person. The 12-day / 10-night escorted group tour is priced from £2,895 per person including flights from London, transfers, escorted excursions, accommodation with breakfast daily and other meals as specified.

Oman

Oman, known for its hospitality and being a safe and welcoming destination, has seen a 40% increase in advance bookings for 2013, compared with 2012. Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage, the sultanate is one of the region's best kept secrets. On Cox & Kings' holidays to Oman, visit nesting sites of green turtles, watch traditional dhow boats being built and explore magnificent forts and palaces.

An Arabian Odyssey is an 8-day / 7-night escorted tour priced from £1,595 per person including international flights with Oman Air, transfers, escorted excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Greece

Considered the birthplace of modern western civilisation, Greece has had a difficult year economically. However, historic sites such as Olympia, Delphi and Epidaurus, and the many islands are open to welcome tourists, and those that travel now will encounter fewer crowds and better value for money. Hotels have maintained 2012 prices for 2013, or reduced them, in order to attract tourists.

Classic Greece is Cox & Kings' 7-day / 6-night escorted tour priced from £895 per person, which includes British Airways flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and some dinners.

Tasmania

The beautiful island of Tasmania offers a very different and rewarding Australian experience. Cox & Kings has seen interest in the state grow, particularly for second-time visitors wanting to discover rugged coastlines and walking tracks, gourmet cuisine and beautiful national parks. Tasmania's unique wildlife, from the endangered Tasmanian devil to echidnas, quolls and pademelons, is a further attraction.

Cox & Kings offers Tasmania: The Forgotten Coast, an 11-day / 10-night non-exclusive group tour priced from £4,025 including transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Cox & Kings arranges escorted and private luxury holidays to more than 100 countries around the world.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company's fortunes grew hand in hand with the British empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

Today, built on the high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox in the 18th century, the company continues to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises escorted small-group tours and private tailor-made travel in the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.

For more information, please contact Katie Parsons on +44-(0)20-7808-5694 or email katie.parsons@coxandkings.co.uk

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