From festivals to exciting places, here are some of the destinations that should be on your 2022 bucket list:
Sing-Sing Festival, Papua New Guinea
Created by missionaries and Australian administrators in the 1950s as a way for the once battling highlanders to settle old enmities, Sing-Sing Festival attracts thousands of warriors from all over Papua New Guinea. Every year, warriors flock to this festival wearing brightly coloured powder and bird-of-paradise feathers for the inter-tribal contests.
While the activities used to be limited to archery and spear-throwing, today these tribes also take part in contests to win prizes for dance routines and fancy dress. From nostrils feathers to necklaces made of shells and hornbill beaks, and massive bustles fashioned out of foliage, revellers wear all sorts of traditional outfits. The most popular Sing-Sing festival takes place during the Goroka Show, in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, from September 14-17.
Laos
Perhaps less visited than its neighbours, this Southeast Asian country is becoming a popular destination. Rich in culture, Luang Prabang stands out as a stylish city. Whether you are getting your heart racing while exploring its adventure park, playing with elephants, exploring its jungle, eat siin dat hotpots or admire the picturesque verandas of the Old Quarter, this Asian city won’t disappoint.
Costa Rica
If you like water sports and you enjoy nature’s beauty, Costa Rica is your best bet. Off the Map Travel is offering a new Costa Rica rainforest tour that takes you to your luxury lodge by rafting some of the world’s best rapids.
The Fitzgerald Museum
If you enjoyed The Great Gatsby, then you are in for a treat at this new museum, which allows you to stay at writer F Scott Fitzgerald’s and his wife Zelda’s Alabama home. A room in their two bedroom apartment, the Fitz, now the Fitzgerald Museum costs from £110 room-only. (Thefitzgeraldmuseum.org).
Japan
From ancient temples and koi-pond gardens to geishas, lake-wrapped mountains, karaoke and picturesque shrine islands, the Land of the Rising Sun is the perfect balance between mystical ancient culture and neon lights. Start your exploration in the big cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, which are easy to navigate for tourists, so you can get a feel of the country. If you want to get the full off-the-beaten-track experience, book a tour with insidejapantours.com.
On their website, this is how they describe their package: “Japan is a destination like no other. Join us on a Japan group tour and you will have an expert tour leader to show you hidden haunts and their personal favourite sites; travel Self-Guided with the recommendations of our expert travel consultants; or take an Exclusive Private Journey with professional guides to lead you every step of the way. Travel with Inside Japan Tours and you will have the holiday of a lifetime.”
“Inside Japan Tours was awarded two gold medals at the 2014 Guardian Travel Awards, where we were voted Best Small Tour Operator and Best Online Booking Service. All of our arrangements come with the peace of mind that you are travelling with an established and fully bonded travel company. We are also proud members of AITO, the gold standard in holidays from independent, UK tour operators.”
After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, immerse yourself in the Japanese ancient culture amiss tea ceremonies in the main island Honshu. Not far away from Tokyo, you can hike near Mount Fuji.
While a train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto costs £90, for £200 you can get a week’s JR Rail Pass yo have unlimited access to Japan’s sleek Shinkansen (bullet trains). The catch is that the pass doesn’t cover all trains, so you’ll have to pay extra for the Tokyo metro.
High season in Japan takes place in April and the first half of May. You might want to avoid these dates as hotels and flights are more expensive. The same situation occurs in August and New Year. Opt instead for March, mid-September and late October.
Although Tokyo is massive, you can still explore it in a matter of three days. The trick is to keep West for the futuristic: Shibuya’s famous Hachiko Crossing, karaoke bars, and Harajuku’s extreme fashion. Instead, if you want to explore ancient Tokyo, head East. There you’ll find traditional temples and museums. Then you can relax and unwind while sipping on delicious cocktails. Southeast are Chiyoda’s Imperial palace and Tsukiji fish market.