2020, New Decade, New Travel, Want Ideas?

India ©Solange Hando

Adventure

This is Ladakh, India with a difference, a high altitude desert with challenging treks ( Zanskar-Indus confluence above) but you'll find adventure all the way. Explore 'moonland' or drive to Khardung La, the world's highest road pass.

You can fly to the capital  but most dramatic is the legendary road from Manali to Leh.

* Suggested alternative: trek to Everest Base Camp...

Namibia ©Solange Hando

Wildlife

Amazing throughout this vast country, the first in the world to include conservation in its constitution.

Most exciting is the Etosha National Park up in the north. Best time to visit is near the end of the dry season when animals gather around the water holes for survival and scarce vegetation allows superb sightings.

* Or for wildlife of another kind, head for environment-friendly Costa Rica.

Brazil ©Solange Hando

City with a View

You can't beat Rio de Janeiro for scenery, go up Corcovado on the cog railway or take the cable cars up the Sugar Loaf jutting out on a peninsula (above). Then, enjoy the beach, the botanical gardens, the nightlife and bustling streets but if you are there for the carnival, that's definitely something you will never forget.

* My other favourite: Bangkok for waterways, markets and temples.

Canada ©Solange Hando

Slow Travel

Take the train from Toronto to Vancouver and don't worry about time. Goods trains always have priority so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Dining car with gourmet meals, glass-domed observation car and if you fancy a break on your four night journey, you can book a hotel for a couple of nights in Winnipeg and Jasper.

*Alternative: Qinghai to Lhasa on the world's highest railway. 

South America ©Solange Hando

Iguazu Falls

Out in the jungle these are my top waterfalls stretching on the Argentina-Brazil border. Argentina has more falls and you have to walk across marshland to see the Devil's Throat but the most extensive panorama is from the Brazil side with its famous Santa Maria' fall  and a long 'jetty' for a close up look, if you don't mind getting wet.

* Or see the Victoria Falls, in  Zambia or Zimbabwe (the quieter side).

Bhutan ©Solange Hando

Nature and Culture

Up in the Himalaya, this is my own Shangri La, a remote kingdom where 'gross national happiness' is enshrined in the constitution. The Buddhist culture ensures respect for all living things, from people to the pristine natural world. The image shows you Punakah 'dzong', one of the traditional monasteries, framed by mountains at the confluence of two rivers.
* Or why not go to Japan? Superb mountainous interior and ancient traditions.