Travellers looking for Asian luxury on a budget might want to consider Borneo’s Shangri-La Rasa Ria which has discounts on certain stays until 20th December this year. The award-winning resort is slashing 20% off rooms in its world-class Ocean Wing. Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is situated in an incredible, unique location where the sea meets the rainforest.

Passengers can now choose from four flights a week between Manchester and mainland China, it has been confirmed. Hainan Airlines launched its route to Beijing in 2016, delivering an economic and cultural boost to the region. However, Covid-related travel restrictions meant the service was paused, until a single weekly flight resumed in August 2022.

Manchester Airport is expecting its busiest December for three years, with more than 1.7m passengers expected to travel through this month. The festive period is always particularly hectic, with travellers jetting off to spend time with family and friends, and this year many will be looking forward to a first Christmas together since the pandemic restrictions that kept them apart were lifted.

The restored historic 250-mile pilgrimage trail traversing the ‘Himalayan’ country of Bhutan has this week been officially re-opened for the first time in six decades. The launch of the Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) – brainchild of his Majesty, the King of Bhutan – coincides with the country’s full re-opening to travellers for the first time in two years. Quarantining is no longer required.

The North of England has been given an aviation boost with the return of long-haul flights to Bangladesh out of Manchester Airport. Biman Bangladesh Airlines have re-commenced services to Dhaka and Sylhet and will fly twice a week until 28th March on the state-of-the art Dreamliner aircraft.

Nearly two years after the start of the pandemic, a week or two in the sunshine is, at long last, firmly within the reach of most travellers once again. Pent-up demand is expected to continue to drive passenger numbers back up, with Manchester Airport currently serving around 50% of pre-pandemic traffic levels.

UAE – Dubai from £538: Save up to 50% on this seven-night holiday staying at the 5* Grand Hyatt Hotel. Price includes return flights from Newcastle Airport on 27 April and seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Indian Ocean – Seychelles from £1273: Save up to 30% on this seven-night holiday staying at the 5* Constance Ephelia Hotel.

Exodus Travels is creating a new collection of ‘Epic Adventure Challenges’ to encourage travellers to make 2021 their year of adventure. And to support you in your travel ambitions, one of the world’s top adventurers will offer some online inspiration on 14th January.

Virgin Atlantic is ramping up operations from Manchester Airport with the launch of a new service between Manchester and Islamabad. The new services will provide vital connectivity for the large Pakistani population living along the M62 corridor, in addition to serving growing demand for business and leisure travel.

A new wellness and medical retreat incorporating both ‘modern’ and traditional medicines – claimed to be the first of its type in Thailand - opens in Bangkok this December.

Virgin Atlantic is launching flights to Islamabad out of Manchester Airport starting this December. The new service goes on sale from next Tuesday subject to applicable regulatory approvals, and will boost Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class, Premium and Economy Light, Classic and Delight offerings.