Destinations to Inspire You: Our Top 5 Trips
As fast as summer comes, it goes. Luckily, there are some stunning destinations that are still great to visit in earlier and later months of the year and we’re here to tell you all about them.
1. New Zealand
A vastly contrasting country, combining mountains, shoreline, valleys, rain-forest and volcanic lava, you will not be disappointed by what New Zealand has to offer.
Best time to visit: November to March
Why you should visit:
During the later months of the year is the perfect time to visit if you want to see glaciers. As the weather starts to get warmer towards spring, expect to see more lush forestry as flowers start to bloom. These months are also the perfect months to go water rafting. New Zealand has many adventures to offer.
The variety of accommodation on a trip here is also a highlight. Including a B&B guesthouse in Nelson, beachfront studios, cabins deep in the rainforest, an alpine lodge near Mt Cook plus some friendly motels, chalets and a ski lodge, it is truly a wonderful experience. High Places often organise evening meals, with excellent and plentiful locally sourced food a highlight to add to the distinct New Zealand flavour of the trip.
Regular walkers with hill-walking experience will love a trip to New Zealand!
What you should see/do:
- Walk in 8 National Parks including: Mt Cook, Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing
- Cruise on Milford Sound
- Walk the Milford Track
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3. Vietnam
Known as the rice bowl of Asia, Vietnam is an emerging country on the tourist map of the world, setting off from the post war redevelopment. The country boasts of vast scenery, Iconic beaches, rain forests and some of the best cultural sights in cities like Hanoi and museums and memorials in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Best time to visit: February to April and October to December
Why you should visit:
A truly great Vietnam adventure holiday avoids the main trekking areas and explores hidden valleys and remote villages. If you want to experience culture off the beaten, Vietnam is the place to do it. The area is home to many different hill tribe people and the culture shines in the bustling old town with its street food. High Places operates holidays to Northern Vietnam, which offers the best climate for trekking in Spring and Winter. You can expect clear skies and warm, dry weather during these months.
What you should see:
High Places encourages you to visit the lesser visited north of the country into the SaPa valley more remote and blessed with best natural resources.
- Walk in Sapa Valley
- Trek through beautiful rice fields
- Stay with local village people
- Explore hidden valleys and remote villages
- Sightseeing around Hanoi
- Visit the world heritage site of Halong bay
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4. Nepal
Nepal is a small country, wedged between the giants of India and Tibet. Its geography is dominated by the Himalayas. On every side, a skyline of fluted snow and ice peaks soaring beyond the imagination rise above the trails, the campsites and valleys. This beautiful scenery paired with the spiritual heritage and hospitality of local village people, makes a journey here unforgettable.
Best time to visit: October to December
Why you should visit:
Although small, the country has so much to offer. From temples and shrines of historical and archaeological interest to high passes reaching heights of 5535m, Nepal offers a unique cultural experience for people of all fitness levels. This country is the best place for anybody to visit which makes it so different to all our other holidays! Wherever you are you can expect to see spectacular views of the Himalaya range. From October to December, the weather is dry which offers easier trekking. There are also festivals all year round so you may be lucky to experience one on your travels.
What you should see:
High Places offer holidays to several destinations in Nepal. Here are our favourite things to see and do in different parts of Nepal:
- Sunrise views of Nepal in Poon Hill
- Trek through rhododendron forests
- Views of Everest from Kala Pathar (5545m)
- Visit Chitwan for jungle safaris
- Explore the temples and bazaars in and around the Kathmandu Valley
- Trek through Nepali and Tibetan style villages
- Raft Along the Trisuli River
For people wanting to explore more culture: A Taste of Nepal
For the experienced hikers: Everest High Places
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5. Kerala
India will always hold a special place in our hearts at High Places as this is where our own journey began. 1987 saw our very first trip set off to trek in the Garhwal Himalayas in north India. We have gradually widened our destinations and now also go to Ladakh, Sikkim and to Kerala. Kerala, holds a place in our top 5 destinations for its varity of activities and suitability for people of different fitness levels.
Best time to visit: October to March
Why you should visit:
There is so much to do in Kerala we simply couldn’t list it all! Hence why Kerela is the perfect place to visit, especially for families – the younger ones will always be entertained! In addition to the multi-activities, Kerala is best known for its lush greenery and the beautiful sunset views of local people using Chinese fishing nets. The local culture here is enough to make a visit here worthwhile; Kumarakom is a local village where you will get the chance to experience local culture and come face to face with local people. Watch Kathakali dance, prayer ceremonies and other interesting activities. October to March offers the perfect weather of mild and pleasant sunny skies – the best conditions to see everything Kerala has to offer.
What you should see:
- Hike above the tea estates in the Cardamom Hills
- Backwater boat trip & golden beaches
- Wildlife Park: elephant, wild boar, flying squirrels, fish eagles
- Cycle along the Old Beach Road
- Cycle 1600m above sea level in Munnar
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Hopefully this has given you some inspiration for your next adventure, maybe some are already on your bucket list. Let us know what destinations you plan on visiting next!
Happy Travelling!