As Australian and New Zealand travellers start looking into what adventures to book for the coming year, the experts at G Adventures, have predicted the new hotspots along with new ways to see old favourites.
Yurt-making in Kyrgyzstan, relaxing in a floating hammock in northern Brazil, and hiking an ancient pilgrimage trail in Japan are just three experiences for adventure travellers being introduced in 2016.
1. Sri Lanka
Visitor numbers are increasing for this India Ocean gem, up 17% year-on-year according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and G Adventures is expecting its traveller numbers to rise too. It’s launched the Sri Lanka Express (priced from $1,099pp) which is full of culture and nature, but can also be combined with a Maldives Dhoni Cruise (priced from $1,849pp) for the ultimate twin-centre adventure getaway.
Visit a spice plantation and stay in an eco-lodge in the rainforest, and experience a jeep safari in Yala National Park.
2. The ‘Stans – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
Visa restrictions have relaxed in Central Asia recently, so it takes the number one spot for those looking for the most unusual passport stamps. Travellers can learn to build a yurt and sleep in yurts and homestays with local families, supporting community-based tourism along the way.
G Adventures have introduced five new trips for 2016 in Central Asia. A 14-day Central Asia Adventure is priced from $2,099pp.
3. Northern Brazil
This South American superstar will once again be in the international spotlight when it plays host to the 2016 Olympics. This time around, G Adventures is encouraging travellers to head north, staying in a jungle lodge then exploring Chapada Diamantina National Park, a hidden gem with flat top mountains and Brazil’s highest waterfall.
If relaxing in a floating hammock over crystal clear, teal-coloured water sounds more attractive, stunning Jericoacoara beach is just the cure. G Adventures is launching two new itineraries in northern Brazil. A 14-day Explore Northern Brazil and Amazon trip is priced from $4,399pp.
4. Japan
Japan is more affordable than ever and firmly on the comeback track, hosting both the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympics. In 2016 G Adventures is encouraging travellers to see the parts of Japan most tourists miss, and to see them a different way.
With a first-of-its-kind active trip that has travellers hiking along the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route where Kyoto’s ancient emperors once prayed to deities in the trees and rocks. Then cycling across stunning islands following the world’s largest series of suspension bridges, known as the Shimanami Kaido. Finally travellers will kayak around the Bay of Miyajima to see its main attraction, the floating Itsukushima Shrine. The new 13-day Japan Hike, Bike, Kayak trip is priced from $4,699pp.
5. Northwest USA
This region is experiencing a tourism ‘it’ moment with its combination of hip cities, quirky small towns, and stunning natural parks, which collectively mark their 100th anniversary in 2016. G Adventures new National Parks of the Northwest US trip takes in all of the above priced from $3,699pp.
Visiting Wild West mining town Wallace in Idaho, known as the Silver Capital of the World and spending nights camping in Big Sky Country, Montana, and Yellowstone NP, home to the most wild animals in the US.
