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As sustainable travel continues to gather momentum worldwide, travellers are always on the hunt for better ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their holiday.
An emerging travel trend, tripchaining, explores how you can merge two or more destinations in the same region into one longer trip and slash the number of long-haul flights you have to take.
Initially used to make daily commuter routes more efficient by combining multiple stops for errands, tripchaining is taking hold with sustainable travellers. It also allows you to spend more time in a particular destination, which can help support local economies as well.
Tour operator Selective Asiasays bookings for tripchaining holidays have doubled in the last six months. These findings were supported by sustainable travel experts Byway as well, who found that travellers included an average of 4.5 destinations in one trip in 2024.
“It’s likely that the cost-saving aspect of tripchaining is driving its increasing popularity. Travellers are getting more value from long-haul flights when they’re visiting two or more destinations or countries in one trip,” Nick Pulley, the founder of Selective Asia, said in an email to Euronews Travel.
“There is also a growing shift in travel behaviours; travellers have a desire for efficiency, and tripchaining minimises wasted travel time and maximises time spent in the destination.”
Which destinations should you tripchain for a richer experience?
There are several destinations across the world that can easily be tripchained based on regional proximity. They offer a range of different landscapes, cultures and experiences, making for a more immersive and memorable trip.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand
This classic combination can be used as a gateway into tripchaining in cheaper, but very diverse environments. Travellers can get the feel of a longer multi-country trip and fully relax into a slow travel journey.
Vietnam has something for every adventurous and cultural traveller, from mountains to historical sites, caves to peaceful beaches.
Explore Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta rice fields, mangrove forests and floating markets, or head to the coastline for a number of golden beaches in Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc Island, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Tuck into bowls of noodle soup called pho, with fresh spring rolls called goi cuon and baguette sandwiches known as banh mi.
For a taste of history, head to the ancient town of Hoi An, where you can marvel at well-preserved merchant houses or the former imperial capital of Hue, for the Citadel and emperor tombs.
In Cambodia, visitors can soak in the stunning ancient temples of Angkor Wat, remnants of the ancient Khmer civilisation. Catch a traditional shadow puppet show in Siem Reap or head to a nightclub on Siem Reap’s vibrant Pub Street. Adventurous eaters can try crocodile meat burgers or frog legs.
For more culture, visitors can head to Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace, or choose Tonle Sap Lake’s floating villages for a more laid-back time.
Thailand’s stunning beaches, abundant islands and spa options make it a top choice for both a wellness and active holiday.
Island hop in Phuket, or explore dramatic limestone cliffs in Phi Phi islands. Travellers can rock climb in Krabi, or explore secluded coves, relax in high-end resorts and pet tiger cubs in Koh Samui. Dive and snorkel in Koh Tao or snorkel in Koh Phangan.
Immerse yourself in local culture with vibrant festivals like Loy Krathong and Songkran (Thai New Year) or wander around ancient UNESCO World Heritage cities like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Rest and rejuvenate with traditional Thai massages at Makka Health & Spa or Fah Lanna Spa in Chiang Mai.
Laos offers an authentic rural travel experience, with charming villages, rare wildlife like the Irrawaddy dolphins and an abundance of cultural opportunities. Experience community-based tourism in Nong Khiaw by staying in a homestay, where you can cook, weave and help reforest the area with your hosts.
Luang Prabang, which is also a former royal capital, allows visitors to take part in a daily alms-giving ceremony. Laos also has endless hiking, kayaking, cave exploring and trekking options.
Several tour companies, such as Selective Asia, Audley Travel and Scott Dunn, offer tour packages to all four or a combination of these countries.
South Korea and Japan
Visiting South Korea and Japan together lets travellers visit two of the most technologically advanced, yet culturally-rooted countries in Asia in a much more budget-friendly way. As both these countries can be relatively expensive, saving on long-haul flights can mean more spending money for quirky hotels, delicious street food and other experiences.
A tripchained itinerary can take in everything from the mouthwatering street-food alleys of Seoul to sake tastings in Kyoto’s historic breweries. Start off in Japan by exploring samurai districts in towns like Kakunodate, Hagi, Kanazawa and Kitsuki.
Relax in Zen gardens like Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and the rock garden in Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto, or take a ride in a high-speed bullet train. If you’re an anime or manga enthusiast, don’t miss the Akihabara shopping district in Tokyo. In mid-April, the Fuji Five Lakes area can be a spectacular spot to view cherry blossoms with the iconic Mount Fuji backdrop.
In South Korea, travellers can visit the Changdeokgung Palace and the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, or learn about traditional Korean architecture in Bukchon Hanok Village and Gamcheon Culture Village.
Head to Jeju Island for stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes and over a 100 museums, including quirky ones like the Teddy Bear museum and the O’Sullock Tea Museum.
New Market Holidays, On The Go Tours and Blue Lotus Vacations all offer South Korea and Japan tripchained holidays, with Selective Asia having a Sake & Seoul: Japan and Korea tour as well.
Nepal and Bhutan
Experience Bhutan’s unique Buddhist culture through its monasteries, fortresses, known as Dzongs and local festivals like the Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu.
With a robust commitment to sustainable tourism, the country offers abundant opportunities for spiritual experiences. Don’t miss the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Outdoor enthusiasts can also go whitewater rafting or mountain biking.
While somewhat similar, Nepal offers more of a blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture, along with a variety of outdoor and adventure activities, across breathtaking Himalayan mountains and lush jungles.
Experienced trekkers can enjoy expeditions such as the Everest Base Camp route, the Annapurna Circuit, the Langtang Valley treks, the Manaslu Circuit and the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT).
Opt for a wildlife safari in Bardia National Park or Chitwan National Park for a chance to see rhinos, Bengal tigers and elephants. Spend a few days in Kathmandu visiting key temples like Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath, or peek into Nepal’s bloody royal history at the former residence of the monarchy, the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.
Intrepid Travel and Trailfinders, among others, offer combined Nepal and Bhutan tours.
Rajasthan and Kerala
Rajasthan, a vibrant Indian state with a rich and diverse culture, offers travellers the chance to soak in royal history through a number of majestic palaces and forts. Several of these are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Start off in Jodhpur, dubbed the Blue City, where visitors can explore the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph, Mehrangarh Fort and Mandore, the old capital, all within easy reach of the Thar desert.
Jaisalmer has the iconic Jaisalmer Fort, along with a variety of ancient Jain temples, and havelis (mansions) with intricate architecture like Nathmal-Ki-Haveli and Patwon-Ki-Haveli. Camel safaris, dune bashing and overnight camping are some Thar desert activities for outdoor lovers.
In Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, head to the Amer Fort, or Jantar Mantar observatory, as well as the Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). Travellers can experience the unique Pushkar Camel Fair in Pushkar as well.
Browse traditional textiles, like hand-woven sarees and jewellery, pottery, miniature paintings and more in markets like Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar in Jaipur.
Kerala, also known as the Spice Garden of India, has serene backwaters, where travellers can relax in houseboats without a care in the world. Rejuvenate amid peaceful tea gardens in hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad, or head down to coconut-lined beaches like Varkala and Kovalam for some water sports.
Travellers can take part in local festivals like Thrissur Pooram and Onam, or watch traditional dance performances like Kathakali.
Both Audley Travel and Selective Asia offer tripchained tours to Kerala and Rajasthan.
Maldives and Sri Lanka
The Maldives is the perfect luxury island getaway, with idyllic reefs, an abundance of water sports, stunning beaches and high-end resorts with private pools and overwater bungalows.
Snorkel, kayak, sail, scuba dive or windsurf in crystal clear lagoons, or spend a leisurely day island hopping to visit local communities and relax on hidden beaches.
Couples can enjoy breathtaking sunset cruises, private sandbank picnics and a range of romantic dinner options. Wellness travellers can also indulge in thalassotherapy treatments using seaweed wraps, hydrotherapy and salt scrubs, among others, in retreats like Joali Being and hotels like the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
Along with beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka also offers a vast range of wildlife opportunities, history and delectable cuisine. Head to Yala National Park for a chance to see leopards, or to Udawalawe National Park for elephants. Birdwatchers can enjoy Bundala National Park for migratory and resident birds, including flamingos.
Explore ancient cities like Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, or head to Galle if you’re a fan of colonial architecture. Don’t miss out on Sri Lanka’s iconic sour fish curry, called Ambul Thiyal and black pork curry, as well as string hoppers.
Tour operators like Hays Travel and Kuoni offer tripchained tours to both these countries.
