If your travel plans for the next few months automatically involve somewhere familiar, Jakai Franks thinks it may be time to look a little farther afield.

He says Africa, in particular, is having a moment.

“Africa is definitely having its moment, and I’m not just talking about safaris or traditional historical trips.”

Mr Franks, Bermuda Country Director for Travel Edge, says travellers are beginning to appreciate just how varied a holiday on the continent can be.

“We’re talking luxury beach vacations in Zanzibar, cooking classes and fabric-making experiences in Ghana, and, of course, Ghana’s famous Detty December. Walking with lions in Senegal, ringing in the New Year in Cape Town, and yes, some incredible safari experiences across the continent.”

For Mr Franks, it reflects a wider shift towards choosing destinations based on the kind of experience you want rather than simply where everyone else is going.

So, where should we be going this fall and winter?

If you want sunshine

For Bermudians hoping to escape the island’s cooler months, Mr Franks would keep things relatively close to home.

“I’d definitely send them to the Caribbean, either by air or on a luxury cruise.”

With BermudAir introducing service to Turks & Caicos and the Cayman Islands this fall, he believes it is becoming easier for residents to head directly into the region.

Travellers can island-hop by cruise or settle into a boutique hotel, private villa or all-inclusive resort for a few days of sunshine.

“There’s something for everyone. The Caribbean is more accessible than ever.”

If you actually want winter

Not everyone wants to escape the cold. For travellers who want snow, cosy restaurants and a proper winter atmosphere, Mr Franks recommends Montreal.

“With direct service from Bermuda, you get the snow, beautiful architecture, great restaurants and that real winter atmosphere. It almost feels like you’ve gone to Europe without having to cross the Atlantic.”

Those wanting to take it further could head to Vermont for skiing and a lodge stay, while Switzerland turns it into a bucket-list holiday.

His rule? Don't travel somewhere simply because it is cold: “Go somewhere where winter itself is part of the experience.”

If you travel to eat

Mr Franks admits this category is difficult for him to narrow down as he identifies as a foodie.

Italy, Spain and Portugal remain favourites for food and wine, while Barbados combines Caribbean cuisine with its rum culture. He also suggests planning trips around food festivals, including the Barbados Food & Rum Festival and events in Miami.

And food lovers shouldn't automatically dismiss cruising. Silversea, Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages, he said, are among the cruise lines known for putting food at the centre of the on-board experience.

If romance is the assignment

For a romantic Caribbean escape, Mr Franks would choose St Lucia.

“The Pitons, beautiful scenery, beaches and intimate atmosphere make it perfect for couples, honeymoons or anniversaries.”

Further abroad, he recommends Mallorca, Spain, for Mediterranean beaches, villages and food with a more relaxed feel.

For the stay itself, his luxury pick is La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel in Deià.

“They’re two very different romantic escapes, but both are perfect for creating a really memorable trip.”

If you want somewhere unexpected

Skip the usual European suspects and consider Slovenia.

“It’s one of those European destinations that I don’t think enough people consider, but it has so much to offer.”

Mr Franks points to Ljubljana, Lake Bled and the country's wine regions as reasons to visit, alongside its mountains, food and scenery.

“It gives you that European experience without automatically going to the places everyone else is visiting.”

And whatever you choose, don't wait too long

For anyone hoping to travel over Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s, Mr Franks's advice is straightforward: start booking.

“Bermuda is a small market with limited airlift. So it’s not necessarily that every seat on an aircraft will disappear, it’s that the reasonably priced seats disappear first.”

His rule is simple: “If the dates matter, book early. If the destination matters but your dates don’t, you can afford to be more flexible.”

And if he had to narrow the months ahead down to just three trips?

For the Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis, combining two islands with distinct personalities, beaches, history and food.

For a city break, Toronto, with its restaurants, shopping, entertainment and sports, all accessible on a direct flight from Bermuda.

And the big one? South Africa.

“I’d combine Cape Town, the Winelands and a safari. You get an amazing city, incredible food and wine, and then one of those wildlife experiences you’ll remember for ever.”

• To connect with Jakai Franks and the Travel Edge team, visit www.traveledge.bm or call 292-3033.