All of us have had enough armchair travel in the last two years. Plan your great escape from the mundane this year, with your girlfriend, family or best mates!
Have you missed going somewhere new… where no one speaks or looks like you? Exploring new places, meeting strangers, and exchanging stories? Well, 2022 is the year to pack a bag, and reconnect with the world in a deeper and more authentic way. Here are six destinations for you to consider….
1. EGYPT
For history buffs, a trip to the land of towering Pharaonic temples and austere pyramids is a must. The coast along the Red Sea also offers great diving opportunities. Or you can spend an afternoon snorkelling along a coral wall. Come November 2022, the Grand Egyptian Museum — will open its doors and is set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world!
2. IRELAND
Ireland is stunning. The Irish summer is awash with festivals celebrating everything from flowers to literature. No wonder then that it’s on everyone’s wander list! ‘Attend a play by a literary great in Dublin, toe-tap your way through a traditional-music session in a west-of-Ireland pub or get your EDM on at a club in Belfast’, recommends lonelyplanet.com.
3. NORWAY
Easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Norway always leaves travellers wanting more. Norway’s home to some of Europe’s prettiest of villages, largest glaciers, and breath-taking Northern Lights. A great spot for wildlife enthusiasts—you can go whale-bird-and-Arctic fox watching. Adventure seekers can experience—world-class hiking and white-water rafting in summer and dogsledding, skiing, and snowmobiling in winter! Save up and work on that itinerary!
4. MAURITIUS
Until you land in Mauritius, you’d think the images you’ve seen on Instagram were heavily photoshopped! You’d need to experience the sapphire waters and white-powdery beaches to believe it’s very real. Having said that, there’s much more to this island nation on the Indian Ocean than its beaches. Hiking in the forested and mountainous interior, world-class diving and snorkelling offshore, boat trips to near-perfect islets and excursions to botanical gardens and Indian temples, wildlife watching, a diverse culinary trail and more!
5. SLOVENIA
Slovenia is first and foremost an outdoor destination. So much so that the locals favour active holidays! Apparently, to be even considered a Slovene, one must climb Mt Trigav — the country’s tallest mountain! The endless list of activities includes — skiing, walking and hiking in the mountains, horse riding, river rafting, caving and canyoning. With more than half of its total surface still covered in forest, it really is one of the greenest countries on our planet! Snow-capped peaks, green rivers paired with a Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia’s jaw-dropping natural beauty will make you seem like you’re in a dream!
6. NEPAL
With rugged trails to Mt Everest and other iconic, accessible hiking trails, Nepal is without a doubt a trekker’s paradise. Canyoning, climbing, kayaking, paragliding and mountain biking all offer a rush against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes as well! Even if you don’t have an adventure-seeker gene, you can spend days exploring its medieval cities, sacred sites and national parks.
Before you make your itinerary and book your tickets, just ALWAYS make sure to check government guidelines before travelling!
[All Images Credit: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle