We’ve put our heads together and come up with 12 travel experiences from around the world for the 12 months of 2019. From off-piste skiing in the Italian Dolomites to scuba-diving in Belize with whale sharks…
Head to Allahabad in India to experience the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela, a religious festival that occurs every five years, when 50 – 70 million pilgrims gather to display their devotion and take a holy dip in the freezing waters. Accompanied by the finest local guides, you will immerse yourself in the ethereal and hypnotic ambience of the world’s largest gathering of sadhus, seers, fortune tellers and seekers of salvation. Take part in pujas (special offerings) amongst the chiming bells, incense, mantras and drum-beats, before returning to the peace of the luxury camp.
The Italian Dolomites are one of the most instantly-distinguishable ranges. The mountains within this UNESCO World Heritage Site are steep and domineering, a stark contrast to the neighbouring French Alps, and have long attracted mountaineers and hikers from around the globe. In the winter, when thick powder covers the landscape, the Dolomites become an amazing off-piste skiing destination.
Explore Oman’s stunning Dhofar coastline, swim with dolphins and green turtles; soar high over the red desert in paramotors; thrash the sand dunes in high-speed buggies, and sleep in lavish tents far from civilisation deep within the Empty Quarter. You will travel through the breathtaking scenery of the Hajar mountains and spend time with local Bedouin tribesmen. You will hike and canyon through remote wadis, abseil into the Seventh Hole and soak up the vibrancy and colour of the bustling souks and historic cities.