Тravelling for Ukrainians has become more of a necessity than a whim, says Alla Ostrozhynska, travel expert and founder of L’ete Concierge Luxury Travel. More and more people are looking for ways to reboot and maintain their mental health in the difficult conditions of the third year of full-scale war. Read on to find out about the most popular winter destinations, hot offers and invaluable advice from a high-class specialist in the field of concierge service.

– Alla, greetings! How many Ukrainians choose travel instead of New Year’s hustle and bustle?
– Oh, of course! Ukrainians are increasingly appreciating the opportunity to escape from the pre-holiday chaos, blackouts or even the sound of sirens.
Instead of long queues in supermarkets, people dream of the white beaches of the Maldives or the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. This is a trend that is gaining popularity every year. After all, what could be better than celebrating the New Year with a glass of champagne while enjoying a carefree holiday?
– What destinations are particularly popular during the winter holidays?
– There are two categories of winter tourists: those who seek warmth and those who are looking for a winter fairy tale. For the former, it’s the Maldives, Dubai, the Seychelles and the Caribbean. And for snow lovers, it’s Austria, Switzerland and Lapland with Santa or charming Prague with its Christmas markets.
By the way, Nepal with helicopter tours over Mount Everest has appeared among the popular destinations this year – this is an option for true adventurers!
– What New Year’s offers do you recommend taking advantage of?
– Now is a great time for exclusive experiences! For example, it may be renting a private chalet in Switzerland with a personal chef or going dog sledding in Lapland with the aurora borealis.
For gourmets, I suggest tasting French champagne in Champagne wine cellars. I also recommend booking cruises early – it’s not only luxurious, but also cost-effective!
– How can you comfortably arrange travel in the absence of air traffic in Ukraine?
– It’s a challenge, but it’s not impossible! We offer well-developed logistics: transfers to the nearest European airports via Poland, Hungary, Romania or Moldova. And then the whole world is open!
Ukrainians are very adaptable, and their thirst for adventure is only growing. We are an invincible nation that will always find a way to open new horizons.
– Is travelling a luxury or a necessity nowadays? What is your opinion?
– Travelling is both a luxury and a necessity. It gives meaning to life, allows you to go beyond the ordinary, spend time with your loved ones and explore the world. In today’s world, it is an investment in your own development and happiness. Even a short weekend can radically change the way you look at life.
– What should Ukrainians who are going abroad for the first time know?
– The key is to trust the professionals. This will save your time, nerves and, by the way, your money. Open yourself up to new things: culture, tastes and traditions.
Don’t forget to check the validity of your passport – this is an important nuance that can cause unexpected difficulties. And most importantly, always have a phone charger with you, because the first photos from a trip abroad are priceless!
– What are you working on now? What new horizons are you planning to open?
– We have recently launched a travel channel on YouTube and a series of original tours in the style of “Heads and Tails”. These are interactive expeditions where tourists can feel like real stars!
In addition, we are working on opening new unique routes – from the Arctic to the Amazon jungle. And, of course, we continue to develop our concierge service, which is ready to fulfil any customer request.
– What do you wish our readers in the New Year?
– Travel, dream and be inspired! May your every journey be filled with surprises, warm moments and the joy of communication with your loved ones.
And remember: the best investments are impressions and memories. I wish that in the New Year you will see whales in Mauritius, stroke elephants in Sri Lanka, feed turtles in the Seychelles, visit the jungles of Bali and taste food in an underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Happy holidays!