Joanna James
With global travel back on the cards once more, it's time to plan some new adventures in 2023! A great option would be to take eco-friendly tours with plenty of diverse places to choose from. Here are five such destinations and itinerary ideas you can consider that provide much to experience.
Head off to Ecuador for a South American adventure of a lifetime. You can look forward to exploring the Cotopaxi National Park on horseback and taking in the sights of the Avenue of Volcanoes known for its active peaks. Another natural attraction to visit is the gorgeous Quilotoa Crater Lake, while the chance to go on the "Swing at the End of the World" at Baños isn't to be missed either. Those looking for additional thrills can take part in white water rafting along the Jatunyacu River amidst views of the Amazon Rainforest.
Known as the "Island of the Gods", Bali is blessed with stunning beaches, ancient temples, and a rich heritage. The sun-kissed shorelines such as Jimbaran Beach are worth enjoying, while modern accommodation is easy to find here too. You can also plan a pre-dawn hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano which offers spellbinding sunrise views. One can additionally look to visit the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, a great place for a cooling swim and a picnic as well as head to the Lempuyang Temple with its famed Gates of Heaven. Take a boat ride to the island of Gili Trawangan where you can encounter turtles while snorkelling too.
Vietnam is another enchanting destination where you can explore lively cities, countryside villages and coastal towns. A great place to start would be the capital, Hanoi, where you can stay at properties by international hospitality brands like Discover ASR and soak up the local culture and savour yummy street food. Your trip can include a visit to the idyllic Mai Chau Valley as well as a mesmerising cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with limestone islands, pristine beaches, rainforests, and intriguing caves. Don't miss Hoi An and its Ancient Town, another World Heritage Site set amidst traditional architecture and quaint canals.
Staying in Asia, one can consider exciting escapades to Southern Thailand where more sun-drenched coastlines beckon. Phuket is a popular island to begin a tour from and one can also take an excursion to Khao Sok Lake set amidst a backdrop of limestone formations and thick rainforests; embark on a longtail boat ride to spot gibbons and other wildlife including a rare glimpse of a sun bear. Additionally, visit Hong Island where you can snorkel, swim, and go kayaking and encounter diverse fish species too; end your trip by unwinding at a secluded beach at Ao Yon Bay in Phuket.
Plan an eco-adventure to Iceland where the landscape dramatically changes from the tropical coasts of Asia to snow-capped mountains. Your itinerary can include the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls in the Borgarfjörður region with a chance to witness the Northern Lights too. You can also tour the Golden Circle home to the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area and Thingvellir National Park; this part of the journey can include an unforgettable glacier snowmobile tour as well. Walking behind stunning waterfalls, exploring the distinctive black Reynisfjara Beach, and enjoying a relaxing soak in the geothermal pools of the Blue Lagoon are on offer as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
