Ice hikes and desert sights: 7 post-pandemic travel experiences to spark a new lease of life
These past few years have passed in a Covid cloud of lockdowns, lay-offs and loneliness – and countless more struggles besides. No wonder we’re all feeling exhausted. The world has been tipped on its axis, leaving us mere mortals fed up and in desperate need of escape.
For those craving travel once again, 2022 may well be a brighter year. With the world beginning to open up, many of us are looking for an adventure with a twist. An experience that is not only fun, but also reviving and meaningful: that helps transport us from the gloom gone by.
Sound like your Pisco Sour? Come dive into seven uplifting experiences that will help you fall in love with travel once more – and all the glories it has to offer.
Glamp beneath the Saharan desert stars, Morocco
Morocco has always emanated a special kind of allure. It’s a place of mysterious souks and mesmerising desert glamour – the latter of which is embodied by the Sahara, the largest hot desert on the planet. This Sahara’s ethereal beauty is best appreciated with a night glamping amid the shimmering dunes, with a camp that’s accessed via a sunset camel ride. With zero light pollution, the star-gazing here is just phenomenal; and so too are the magical al fresco meals. You can even make room for sunrise yoga, or a sand bath – the ancient healing Berber treatment that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and energised. All in all, an unforgettable stay.
Feast on oysters and cocktails on a Croatian private island
With its glistening Adriatic coast and ancient Game of Thrones landscapes, Croatia is soup for the soul wherever you go. Yet its charm cranks up a notch if you decide to hang loose on a private island. The village of Mali Ston near Dubrovnik is one of the few last untouched parts of Croatia’s coastline, and it’s also home to a family of restaurateurs who own their very own island. A chance to spend the afternoon here, feasting on cocktails and delicious Adriatic oysters that the family produce – and that are sought-after all over the world – is an experience not to be missed.
Ice-hike the peaks of Argentinian Patagonia
Got your crampons handy? Then the marvels of Perito Moreno Glacier, a 18,000-year-old formation in Argentinian Patagonia, await. You don’t need to have any previous experience of ice hiking on this particular expedition, as guides with years in the business will show you everything you need to know. Rest assured, it’s a trek that will stay with you forever, as you traverse across a series of spectacular ice formations, broken up by lagoons, gullies and crevasses. Bear Grylls, eat your heart out.
Witness the wildebeest migration up-close in Tanzania
Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest move in a vast loop across the Serengeti plains, in search of seasonal rains. Named one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa, the extraordinary spectacle will give you a front-row seat to the beauty and brutality of the natural world. This is especially true when viewed from your suite in a converted Land Rover, complete with canapés, cocktails and close-up views; closer, in fact, than nearly anyone else.
Say ‘wow’ to the wildebeest of Tanzania
Snowmobile by twilight under the Finnish Northern Lights
“Aurora borealis” was given its name in the 1600s, in honour of the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas. This alone should give you an inkling of the sheer drama that’s promised by seeing the Northern Lights in the flesh. The sight of these elusive lights glowing across the night skies is quite breath-taking; not least if you happen to be cruising on a snowmobile in Finnish Lapland at the same time. Prepare for jaws on floors.
Learn how to salsa and drink rum in Cartagena, Colombia
Few cities sum up the joie de vivre of life quite like Cartagena, Colombia’s ebullient coastal gem. Founded in 1533, this city offers a perfect fusion of old-meets-new energy, with narrow streets, ancient forts and colourful Caribbean charm. If you want to party like you’ve lived through one thousand lockdowns, this is the place to be. You can salsa, you can quaff amazing rum, you can jet out to nearby beaches for an overload of sunshine and vitamin D. Bring on the feel-good vibes.
Take a Vespa food safari around Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Whether it’s steamy bowls of phở, or spicely moreish bánh mì, there’s something about Vietnamese food that is just so nourishing. And you can make the most of it on the back of a vintage Vespa, as you zip through the streets of Ho Chi Minh and discover all its best-kept foodie secrets. Unearth fragrant flavours and an abundance of gastronomic delights on this thrill-a-minute escape: the prime way to celebrate Vietnam’s beautiful cityscapes – and its love of great grub.
Discover the secrets of Vietnam
Check out more brilliant Flash Pack trips right here.
