As we come to the end of the first Quarter of 2017, I would like to take you on a magic carpet ride, highlighting the best of today’s less-visited holiday destinations.

Despite ongoing international terrorism threats, populist politics and environmental issues, and as Britain starts Brexit negotiations (to a backdrop of currency fluctuations and ever-changing global politics), today there are many surprising and exciting travel locations to explore.

For example in Europe, the former eastern bloc countries remain excellent value, Russia in particular. Equally, Turkey, having lost popularity recently, is also a winner if you are looking for a trip without the crowds.

 The opportunity to visit some of the world’s most remarkable historical sights has also never been better. This is illustrated by the ‘feeling of discovery‘ visitors reportedly experience after seeing Petra in Jordan, as well as the ancient Pyramids of Giza and Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Travelling through these regions recently, I felt as if I was walking alone, in real-time, through 4,000 years of history.

 Oman is exciting and stable. Iran is one of the most exciting ‘new’ destinations, opening up like an Aladdin’s cave, in an otherwise undiscovered world.

This is also a great time to focus on Africa. Kenya offers excellent safari and sand promotions, due to the recent disproportionate downturn in visitor numbers, post Ebola. The South African rand is also at a low ebb, which makes travel tremendous value across large areas.

The lack of huge crowds are also prevalent in the remoter, less known historical sites across Asia. For instance, limited visitor numbers in Bhutan allow for some truly remarkable experiences. Nepal is very much ‘back and open for business’ after the devastating earthquake two years ago.

Japan is offering many more travel experiences, and is better value than at any time in the last three decades. Furthermore, the unravelling of Indochina continues to offer a host of hidden gems.

The Donald Trump effect has brought reports of USA holiday enquiries dropping by over 50%. Which means now is a great time to visit their normally hectic National Parks.

Mexico’s currency has suffered too, which means there are even more discounted holiday options, from the Pacific to the Caribbean coasts.

Meanwhile, South America, from the Andes to Amazon, continues to offer an amazing mix of landscapes, boutique hotels and exciting cuisine.

If you prefer to ‘chill out’, how about the Ice Hotel in the Arctic?

And finally… if you really need further cheering up, remember that flights to Australia and New Zealand are cheaper today than when Britain first entered the European Union over forty years ago.