To mark the launch of its new £99 deposit offer on selected 2027 and 2028 long-haul departures, Riviera Travel has identified the best months to visit four standout “Cinderella Destinations”.
All details correct at the time of publication (11 November 2026).
Often overlooked in favour of better-known neighbours, these destinations offer agents fresh options for customers planning their next holiday.
According to Riviera Travel, trade revenue across the four destinations has risen by 63% year-on-year. Trade passenger numbers for 2027 departures have also increased by 54%.
Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel, said:
“Guests are increasingly looking beyond the destinations they know best and are continuing to seek experiences that feel more distinctive and rewarding.
“While household-name destinations remain popular, we’re seeing growing interest in places that offer extraordinary cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and scenery without necessarily topping the traditional wish list.
“From South Korea’s temples and mountain landscapes to Vietnam’s historic cities and long coastline, these are the top destinations we believe deserve far more attention in 2027.”
Four Popular Destinations Worth Discovering
Sri Lanka: January
A winter-sun alternative to Thailand, Sri Lanka combines beaches, wildlife and ancient temples on one compact island. Trade passenger numbers for 2027 have risen by 55%.
January is an appealing month to visit, thanks to its warm, dry weather. It is ideal for customers seeking more than a traditional beach break.
Botswana: August
For customers considering an African safari, Botswana is often overshadowed by South Africa.
However, August offers excellent wildlife viewing during the dry season. Animals gather around rivers and watering holes, while visitor numbers remain lower than in many other safari destinations.
Trade passenger numbers for 2027 departures have risen by 48%. Riviera Travel is also introducing a new Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari & Cape Town for Solo Travellers itinerary, departing from 2028.
South Korea: October
South Korea is the fastest-growing destination of the four, with trade passenger numbers for 2027 departures up by 88%.
October brings comfortable temperatures and spectacular autumn colours, making it an excellent time to explore the country. Seoul is a particular highlight, offering rich cultural experiences and a natural next step for customers who have already visited Japan.
Vietnam: December
For customers seeking a winter escape beyond Thailand, Vietnam offers excellent touring conditions and plenty of variety in December.
Highlights include Ha Long Bay, Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town and Ho Chi Minh City. Trade passenger numbers have risen by 52%, making Vietnam another fast-growing choice for 2027.
Several Vietnam itineraries feature in the £99 deposit offer, including the Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River Cruise aboard Riviera Travel’s newest ship, Riviera Alba.
Amanda Docherty, Head of Trade UK & Ireland at Riviera Travel, said:
“These figures show customers are actively looking for something different, and agents are turning that curiosity into bookings.
“Destinations that sit just outside the traditional wish list are growing quickly through the trade, giving agents something fresh to offer.
“They are also easy conversations to start. A customer who has loved Thailand will find a natural next step in Vietnam or Sri Lanka. Paired with low deposits and our Black Friday offers, customers can secure their 2027 or 2028 holiday now without committing a large sum upfront.”
Black Friday Offers on 2027 and 2028 Holidays
Riviera Travel’s Black Friday sale offers up to 20% off selected 2027 holidays until 30 November 2026. This includes 10% off selected worldwide holidays and 15% off selected European tours.
Customers can also secure selected Worldwide Tours and Worldwide River Cruises for 2027 and 2028 with a £99 per person deposit until 1 December 2026.
Agents can book Riviera Travel’s 2027 Cinderella Destinations now.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions
Black Friday:
Save up to 20% on selected 2027 departures. The offer includes:
- 20% off European river cruises
- 15% off European tours and ocean cruises
- 10% off worldwide holidays
The offer applies to new bookings made between 23 October and 30 November 2026. It is available to customers in the UK and Ireland only.
The discount applies to the standard holiday cost only. It excludes transport and accommodation supplements, as well as additional items purchased through Riviera Travel.
These include pre-bookable seats, extra legroom seats, transport and accommodation upgrades, private transfers, optional excursions, airport parking, airport lounges, travel insurance and door-to-door airport transfers.
All advertised prices already include the discount. Future Travel vouchers cannot be used for dates included in this sale.
Discounts are subject to availability at the time of booking. All bookings are subject to Riviera Travel’s standard booking terms and conditions. Riviera Travel reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time without prior notice.
£99 deposit:
Customers can secure selected Riviera Travel Long Haul or Long Haul Rivers holidays for travel in 2027 or 2028 with a deposit of just £99 per person.
The reduced deposit applies to the total booking value. It excludes optional extras, such as private transfers, upgrades and extensions.
Existing balance due dates and payment arrangements remain unchanged.
The offer applies to new bookings made from 3 November until 1 December 2026. It is non-transferable and has no cash value.
All bookings are subject to availability and Riviera Travel’s standard booking conditions. Riviera Travel reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time without prior notice.
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