ATTIVO
Around The World In 23 Trips
By Lysanne Curry
Want more out of your holiday this year? From polar bear-spotting in the Arctic to diving Cleopatra’s sunken city in Egypt, here are 23 inspirational trips for 2024.
1. Springtime Skiing In Norwegian Fjords
Western Norway’s fjords have some of Scandinavia’s finest ski-touring terrain, as well as a later season than the Alps, making a visit the perfect spring ski break. At the Sunnmøre Alps, more than 100 peaks can be tackled with experienced guides. Guests can also visit Patchell Hut and Mount Slogen, which offer uninterrupted views across this glacier-bitten landscape – or get a different perspective by heading to Ålesund on a classic sailing vessel. 62.no/en
2. A Self-Drive Safari In Nambia
Experience dramatic scenery, exotic wildlife and breathtaking coastline as you drive through Namibia from the city of Windhoek. You’ll take in jagged mountains, Etosha National Park and camping in the oldest desert in the world under star-filled skies. expertafrica.com/namibia
3. Whale Watching In a Panamanian Paradise
Watch migrating humpback whales pass by your tented casita (cottage) on the private 14-island archipelago of Islas Secas, off Panama’s Pacific coast. islassecas.com
4. Chase The Midnight Sun By Helicopter
See volcanoes, ice caves and geothermal pools by helicopter – and add on shark-tagging, puffin kayaking and heli-skiing in the midnight sun. cooksonadventures.com
5. Epic Americas
Take a 46-day trip from Toronto to Cape Horn. See the Florida Keys, Chilean glaciers, then cruise into Ushuaia, Argentina, the ‘end of the world’. vikingcruises.co.uk
6. Travel Across Vietnam On A Luxury Rail Ride
There are few things more magical than luxury train travel. As part of a railway adventure aboard The Vietage, departing from Danang, you’ll enjoy the spectacular landscapes of central Vietnam in style while relishing an inspired combination of massages, gourmet dining and complimentary beverages. The Vietage is exclusive to just 12 passengers, so it promises a peaceful and enjoyable experience as it rattles along Vietnam’s scenic north-south railway. thevietagetrain.com
7. Stargazing In The Maldives
On a clear day you can see forever from the Maldives; on a clear night even further, as dark skies reveal the spectacular universe above you. From this coming spring, stargazing retreats at Milaidhoo Maldives allow you to ponder the universe through healing ‘space massages’, star navigation on a traditional Maldivian dhoni (local fishing boat), astrophotography and local night-sky mythology as well as the chance to name a star. For extra romance, spend the night in a canopied four-poster bed on your own private sandbank. milaidhoo.com
8. Spot the Snowy ‘Big Five’ In Canada
Experience the majesty of the frozen world on a six-night Arctic safari in the Canadian province of Manitoba. From basecamp – the exclusive Dymond Lake Lodge – guests can see the aurora borealis in the night skies. By day, head into the Arctic tundra to see the snowy ‘big five’: caribou, moose, seals, wolves and the polar bear. Try a tundra-buggy tour or play ‘spot the bear’ from a heli-tour. scottdunn.com
9. Snowmobile Safaris in Svalbard
At 78° north, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is the closest many of us will get to the North Pole. Organised trips are safest – and best for exploring. cazloyd.com
10. Cruise Unique Seascapes With The World
Spend 17 days crossing the untamed waters of Greenland or enjoy a month exploring the remote islands of Madagascar, with a trip on luxury residential liner The World. aboardtheworld.com/rare-expeditions
11. Go Luxury Camping In Cambodia
Have you ever zip-lined over a waterfall into your hotel? We’re guessing not. But this is exactly what a stay at Cambodia’s luxury tented camp Shinta Mani Wild, on an 865-acre private nature sanctuary, entails. Funds from a stay at Shanti Mani Wild also support the protection of endangered species. wild.shintamani.com
12. Hand-glide Above Undiscovered Greece
Northwest Greece’s rarely-visited Zagori region is not to be missed. It boasts spectacular mountains, vertiginous gorges, and ancient villages. The best way to appreciate such dramatic scenery? Hang-gliding above it on a trip organised by eco-lodge Aristi. Once back on terra firma, wind down at Aristi’s spa or gaze out at views of the Vikos Gorge. aristi.eu
13. Hiking The Unspoilt US Rockies
A private hike tour starts with a private jet transfer before you stride out among huge geological formations from your base at Montage Deer Valley. montagehotels.com/deervalley
14. Otherworldy Landscapes In South America
Discover the Salar de Uyuni salt flat and the Atacama desert through Chile and Bolivia from your own 4×4, then fly to Patagonia’s National Park. explora.com
15. Embrace Arboreal Life in Wales
The Wy Y Ddraig (dragon’s egg) Tree Tent in the Welsh countryside featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. From there, enjoy a walk in the Brecon Beacons. hostunusual.com
16. Get High on a Himalyan Altitude Adventure
With its deep valleys and dramatic inclines, the kingdom of Bhutan is a vivid world made for adventure. Base yourself at one of Aman hotels’ five Amankora lodges to experience the excitement, whether hiking through widescreen scenery or white-water rafting down the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Cycle fans can take to two wheels to explore valley roads and rugged mountain trails, following in the tyres of the country’s Tour of the Dragon, Bhutan’s demanding annual bike race. aman.com
17. Dive Cleopatra’s Underwater City
Swim among 5,000 archaeological pieces containing sphinxes, Roman columns and the old city walls in Alexandria, Egypt. corinthiantravel.co.uk
18. Helo-Skiing At The ‘End Of The World’
Bespoke adventure specialists Eleven offers ‘end of the world’ excitement from its remote Rio Palena Lodge in the dramatic wilderness of Chilean Patagonia. elevenexperience.com
19. Snowboard A Japanese Volcano
Take a ski holiday at Japan’s Mount Yōtei, a stratovolcano on the island of Hokkaido. Find Higashiyama Niseko Village, a luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reserve, at its foot. ritzcarlton.com
20. Join The Hot Steppers In Mongolia
In the Orkhon Valley National Park, gers (yurts) at the Genghis Khan Retreat have cashmere bedding. By day, learn archery or head out on horseback. pavilionshotels.com
21. One For The Ultimate Adventurer!
Explore the unknown with an adventure trip. Discover the destination when you arrive and rely on your wits to find your way to the end of the journey. blacktomato.com/get-lost
22. Tackle The Chapman’s Challenge In Malaysia
Forget the sun lounger and test your endurance instead by taking on The Chapman’s Challenge on the private Malaysian island of Pangkor Laut. This duathlon was created to honour Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman, a British commando who escaped here from occupying Japanese forces in 1945. Run 6.2km through lush rainforests, then swim 1km out at Emerald Bay, before finishing at Chapman’s Bar for a well-earned celebratory drink. pangkorlautresort.com
23. Harness Your Inner Shackleton
Until recently, reaching Antarctica meant suffering harsh conditions and a perilous journey; now you can get all the wonder with none of the hardship. Silversea’s new luxury all-inclusive sailings allow you to get close to the elemental white landscape, going ashore on Zodiacs to hike or kayak, and connect your soul with the incredible wildlife and dazzling scenery. silversea.com
If you’d like to explore your options for financial planning, why not talk to Attivo? Our team of Chartered Financial Planners happy to help to make the process a smooth one. Call us on 01242 585444 or Clientservices@Attivo.co.uk.