Travel for Ukraine: charity auction launches with 50 holidays going under the hammer

A spa break in India, a surf retreat in Morocco and many other trips are up for grabs in the online auction that aims to raise at least $125,000 for Ukrainian refugees

A five-night trip to Thailand's Soneva Kiri is just one of many holidays up for grabs in the online auction raising funds for Ukraine. Photo: Soneva Kiri

While many people around the world look forward to their summer holidays, the reality for the people of Ukraine is decidedly far more grim.

It’s been 63 days since Russia invaded the country, forcing millions of people to flee their homes. Now, a UK travel company wants to use people's summer travel aspirations to help raise funds for refugees from the war-torn country.

The #TravelforUkraine auction is live online until May 8, with more than 50 exciting holidays going under the hammer. From a five-day spa break in India's Himalayas and a trip to meet Santa in Lapland, to a two-night stay at the world’s first whole-life net-zero hotel in London, there are 51 lots live on the site.

All of the trips being auctioned have been donated by the travel industry, and profits from the sales will go directly to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Lots are being auctioned without flights included, so that bidders can get involved from anywhere in the world. The minimum price of each lot is set at around 40 per cent of the retail value, with prices starting from £129 ($200).

A five-night Thai escape for four people at the luxurious Soneva Kiri resort is the most expensive item listed, with a value of £13,000, and a minimum bid set at less than half of that.

On the other end of the scale, there’s a £160 pound hotel stay with dinner included in Manchester, and a three-night surf and yoga retreat in Morocco with a minimum bid of £325.

The initiative has been organised by the Healthy Holiday Company — a UK travel company that specialises in wellness trips. To date, it has raised more than £50,000 and is pushing to meet its goal of raising at least £100,000.

To date, no UAE holidays or hotel stays have been listed on the auction site, but that could still change.

Hoteliers, suppliers and tour operators from around the world can still donate trips, hotel stays and more.

All pledges need to have a minimum £500 pound value and additional lots will be accepted until May 4.

Find out more at uk.givergy.com.