Instead of booking plane tickets to usual spots like Japan, France or Korea, why not venture off the beaten path for your next trip? Geraleine Yap, intrepid traveller and bespoke luxury travel specialist with Scott Dunn Asia, shares four up-and-coming spots that those in the know have been asking about.
Namibia
Home to epic landscapes, amazing wildlife and colourful tribes, Namibia offers diverse activities. You can scale, sand board or ride a 4×4 across majestic dunes or wander the expansive and photogenic salt pans with their iconic dead trees. Alternatively, trek alongside elephants and rhinos or embark on a safari that takes in the vibrant watering holes of Etosha. I highly recommend staying at the &beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, sustainably made from rock, glass and steel. Especially beautiful at night, it offers some of the best views of the starry skies.
Galápagos
If you want a phenomenal adventure, follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps with an expedition to the Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador. Get up close and personal with prehistoric marine iguanas and giant tortoises, swim in crystal clear waters brimming with manta rays, sharks, and sea lions or watch blue-footed boobies nest and hatch their young. These islands also boast unique sights that include volcanic landscapes, mangrove swamps and black sand beaches.
Lecce
If you want a European escape off the radar, choose Lecce in Italy. It’s often called the Florence of the South and is a hidden gem off the usual tourist trail. There’s a lot of culture, rich history, and architecture to take in. There is also a wide variety of culinary adventures, from private bread baking classes in a historic masseria to artisanal food tastings in the alleys of the town. If you enjoy art, Scott Dunn can coordinate experiences such as an atelier visit with a sculptor who creates art using Lecce stone, widely used in construction throughout the city. You can even have a go at carving your own block of stone to bring home. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Scott Dunn can even arrange access to a private estate and its beautiful secret gardens that is usually closed off to the public. The lovely owner will take you around the property.
Cambodia
We often overlook Cambodia within South-east Asia. But there are plenty of unique experiences to be had. For example, Scott Dunn can arrange for you to gain first-hand knowledge about the conservation work at Angkor Wat by entering sections typically closed to the public. If you want to leave the city, you can head to Shinta Mani Wild, a luxury tented camp. To reach the lobby of the resort, you will need to zip-line across a dense jungle canopy and a rushing waterfall. There are also many activities to enjoy, from foraging for herbs to heading out with rangers to help with conservation efforts.
