UGANDA & RWANDA
1 Lock eyes with gorillas
You’ll need patience to see your first mountain gorilla, but once you gaze into their soulful eyes you will be forever changed. There are only 1,000 gorillas left in the wild, and by seeing them you are helping to ensure their protection and survival. Find them in central Africa in the forests of the ‘Virunga Massif’, a vast swathe of national park spread across three countries – Virunga (DRC), Volcanoes (Rwanda) and Mgahinga (Uganda). The experienced can head to Uganda where terrain is steep, while Rwanda is more forgiving.
HONDURAS
2 Into new territory
You can now go where no cruise ship has gone before with Ponant. An eight-day itinerary aboard Le Dumontd’Urville will take you to Cayos Cochinos, La Ceiba and Cuero y Salado in Honduras, visiting one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean, and rainforests and mangroves rich in wildlife. Meet the Caracoles people in Bonacca (The Cay), and the Garifuna people from Chachahuate island in the Cayos Cochinos archipelago. With five departures from November, 2023, it will be an enriching experience. au.ponant.com
CANADA
3 There’s a bear out there
For years the remote town of Churchill, on the shores of Canada’s Hudson Bay, has lured wildlife enthusiasts seeking the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. In October and November, the wild white bears gather on the icy tundra, eagerly awaiting the freeze-up and the start of their hunting season. Venture out on a guided expedition aboard sturdy tundra buggies that provide a safe way to view and photograph the polar bears. It's an unforgettable adventure and showcases the urgent need for conservation efforts. travelmanitoba.com
NEW ZEALAND
4 The Sound of silence
Deep in New Zealand's South Island, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is a tranquil haven with swirling mist, soaring mountains and mirror-smooth water. Fiordland Discovery has overnight stays on board Fiordland Jewel, a beautiful, boutique vessel with nine cabins, a rooftop hot tub and a helipad, for those who want to fly to the ship by helicopter from Glenorchy, adding an incredible flightseeing adventure and glacier landing to the experience.
BHUTAN
5 Hike an ancient trail
The Trans Bhutan Trail is a 403-kilometre pilgrimage running the length of Bhutan, a tiny Buddhist country on the edge of the Himalayas known for its breathtaking views and the kindness of its people. Used by pilgrims, messengers and traders for hundreds of years, it's often tackled by adventurers.
Choose a section of one to 14 nights, or hike the whole trail on a 35-night adventure. Choose cultural experiences along the way from cooking classes, Buddhist ceremonies and visits to temples and monasteries to homestays. All profits from Trans Bhutan Trail bookings support local communities. gadventures.com
ITALY
6 ITALIAN SKI SAFARI
A ski safari in the Dolomites is the best way to immerse yourself in this stunning region. Dolomiti Superski Area has 12 ski areas covering 1,200 kilometres of pistes. Travelplan Ski has seven-night ski safaris with a private professional guide with three nights sleeping in rifugios (traditional alpine inns that are located high in the mountains) and two nights in Cortina D'Ampezzo Bellissimo! travelplan.com.au
WEST PAPUA
7 Shark tales
Meet the majestic whale sharks of West Papua, who call the inky waters of Cenderawasih Marine Park home. The extensive coral reefs of this remote and relatively undisturbed marine and coastal habitat rank amongst the finest in the world, but it is the unique opportunity
