50 greatest travel experiences on the planet right now

For International Traveller’s 50th issue, we bring you the 50 greatest travel experiences to have on the planet right now, from new hotel openings to adventurous tours with community at heart to destinations that eternally hover at the top of our bucket lists.

Great travel experiences can be the sum of a whole trip or can boil down to a smaller moment, so when we considered what to include on this list, we focused on the micro – such as thought-provoking museums, unique hotels that offer sleep-focused programs or the world’s best bar – as well as the macro – epic railway journeys across Europe, a private jet expedition and an adventurous tour through Mongolia and Kazakhstan. We looked at shiny, new experiences: the first cruise down Colombia’s Magdalena River and the return of Hong Kong’s most luxurious hotel. And experiences that will leave our world a better place: a community-owned wildlife conservancy in Kenya and Paris’s hurtle towards being the greenest city in the world. Enjoy and happy travelling!

1. Stay at Kenya’s first community-owned wildlife conservancy

At the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the heart of Kimana Sanctuary, intimate new lodge Angama Amboseli is Kenya’s first community-owned conservancy. The safari lodge is a haven for herds of East Africa’s Super Tuskers, the elephants that saunter through the sanctuary some 45 minutes from Amboseli National Park. There are just 10 suites at the lodge, which all have uninterrupted views of Kili from every corner.

2. Ride the rails through Malaysia onboard the relaunched Eastern & Oriental Express

One of the world’s most luxurious trains, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, has been relaunched to include even more elevated onboard experiences. In addition to the appointment of Taiwanese-born chef André Chiang as culinary curator, the Belmond brand has announced a new Wild Malaysia route for 2024, which captures the country’s history, opulence and natural beauty from rice plantations to sparkling beaches. Its bespoke Veuve Clicquot Journey will include a series of tastings, events and special inclusions.

3. Join an expert-led art tour for cultural immersion

Scratch below the surface of a destination with Renaissance Tours, whose 2024 expert-led program is curated by special interests and packed with immersive experiences. The French Impressionism Art Cruise is a highlight for arts lovers, exploring the cities and landscapes that inspired greats such as Monet and Van Gogh with a former university art history lecturer and gallery curator. Design buffs can tour Japan with a lens on contemporary arts, architecture and design on the More Than Meets the Eye tour. While budding historians can join an Egyptologist on the Eternal Egypt tour, which includes special access to dig sites and artefacts normally hidden to the public.

4. See Italy in a new light on an agriturismo walking tour of the Amalfi Coast

The best way to explore Italy’s Amalfi Coast is on foot. Cover plenty of ground on Explore Worldwide’s Amalfi Coast Walking – Agriturismo itinerary. Keep your carbon footprint low on the Walk of the Gods, experience generous Italian hospitality at a rustic agriturismo and walk ancient stone stairways that link seaside villages such as cliffside Ravello and picture-postcard Positano.

5. Discover Rwanda from a new luxury expedition vessel on one of Africa’s great lakes

See Africa from one of its great lakes onboard luxury houseboat Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, which is now cruising on spectacular Lake Kivu, which forms Rwanda’s western boundary. The new eco-friendly vessel has 10 berths, a deck with a plunge pool and separate lounge and bar. Mantis stands for Man and Nature Together is Sustainable and guests onboard will experience this mantra first-hand by seeing diverse wildlife such as the country’s gorillas, chimpanzees and exotic monkeys and engaging with local fishing communities.

6. Cruise the African continent

Culture, nature and wildlife collide on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage that loops around the diverse shores of Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar and South Africa. A 12-day cruise from Port Louis, Mauritius, on Norwegian Dawn includes a game-drive safari in Richards Bay, a visit to a traditional Zulu village and a wine-tasting tour outside Cape Town.

7. Live out your pop-star dreams on a luxury private jet expedition

Make like a pop star and circle the globe by private jet as part of the new 2024 partnership between Aman and luxury tour operator Remote Lands. Aman Jet Expeditions offers small private jet trips that include multi-night stays in a selection of spiffy Aman properties scattered around the globe. The itineraries on offer include the Aman Japan Culinary Journey (14–23 May) and A Mindful and Cultural Journey from Nepal to Sri Lanka via Bhutan and India (14–28 October).

8. Take a wildlife and wine safari in South Africa

Combine community tourism, adventure and comfort on a Geluxe Collection tour, the new roster of small-group itineraries from G Adventures. Offering travellers a more premium experience, these 45 tours have comfort at their core, with OMG Stays (aka unforgettable accommodation) and OMG Days (unforgettable experiences) while providing meaningful interactions with local communities. The South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards itinerary, for example, is a perfectly paced adventure that includes e-biking through vineyards in Franschhoek and tracking wildlife on foot.

9. Be the first to cruise along Colombia’s Magdalena River

Be one of the first to sail Colombia’s Magdalena River when AMA Waterways’ new ship, AmaMagdalena, launches on the river in November. Sister ship AmaMelodia will also explore the inland waterway between Cartagena and Barranquilla when it sets sail for its inaugural voyage in June 2025. Both ships, which will accommodate just 60 and 64 passengers respectively, boast a sun deck pool, al fresco dining and Colombian-inspired decor. Itineraries include walking tours and jazz performances.

10. See the northern lights at their most dazzling in Norway

The remote Arctic Circle Region is a picturesque melange of fjords, glaciers, mountains and islands, and one of the top places on Earth to see the northern lights – which will reach their solar maximum this year, making it your best chance in a decade to see them. The occurrence of aurora borealis depends on solar activity, geomagnetic conditions and atmosphere; so leave the solar seeking up to the experts at Up Norway, which has curated journeys to deliver unforgettable polar light experiences designed to have a net-positive impact on society. Aside from this cosmic phenomenon, the year-round itineraries showcase the diverse destination of Norway, from an epic rail journey through the Arctic Circle to skiing in the Sunnmøre Alps and a sustainable foodie journey in and around Trondheim, a European City of Gastronomy.

11. Hike, bike and kayak through southern Greece on an adventure tour

Kayak along Kefalonia’s coastline, meander along the Menalon Trail and cycle to a historic castle while on the Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour with Intrepid Travel. The seven-day active adventure is one of 100 new itineraries the B-Corp small group tour operator launched for 2024. It takes in a diverse landscape that includes everything from gnarled olive trees to rugged coastlines and ancient archaeological sites. This trip supports World Bicycle Relief, which supplies school kids, health workers and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare and income.

12. Explore Antarctica with a boutique operator passionate about protecting it

The best time to see Antarctica is now. And the way to see it is with a company such as HX or Aurora Expeditions, which are passionate about caring for its delicate ecosystems. Likewise, luxury operator Ponant remains dedicated to protecting our poles and oceans. The Ponant Foundation has pledged an annual grant to the Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation aimed at raising awareness about climate change and the sub-Antarctic ecosystem. Macca, as it is affectionately known, is one of the ‘wonder spots of the world’ and is home to 3.5 million seabirds.

13. Have a fairy-tale European Christmas

Experiencing a white Christmas is a festive dream for many; make it a reality with Albatross Tours in 2024. The Australian-owned Europe specialist has carefully curated a premium itinerary that revolves around wintry wonderlands in Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Be it wandering around the snow-covered streets of a Christmas market, finding frozen waterfalls in a magical forest or visiting historical castles, the fully escorted tours are designed to enchant.

14. Take a sleep-focused holiday

Come away from your holiday feeling rested with a Maldives resort stay that is focused on catching up on much-needed sleep. JOALI BEING has jumped onboard the global sleep tourism trend by offering personalised programs that include everything from guided meditation and yoga to sound healing remedies. JOALI BEING’s Tranquil Sleep program is tailor-made for guests with sleep concerns who want to feel rejuvenated after a dreamy getaway to this tropical paradise. Hitting snooze on a sun lounger is also an option.

15. Join a new women, whales and wellness tour in Tonga

Majestic Whale Encounters has launched a new female-focused tour in Tonga for 2024. The Women, Whales & Wellness Tours are tailored towards solo female travellers who want to experience a chilled-out week of yoga, kayaking, snorkelling and an enchanting underwater encounter with humpbacks. The eco and wellness tours are scheduled for July, August and September.

16. Go island-hopping in Fiji

Fiji is recognised the world over for its unparalleled golden beaches. But those of us who visit time and again know its true drawcard: the people who call it home. Find the kind of meaningful connection we are all craving in the world right now by island-hopping your way across the country, from Marriott’s Sheraton Resort & Spa on Tokoriki Island to Likuliku Lagoon Resort on Malolo Island. And from Turtle Island, where each day in paradise is crowned by communal cocktails at golden hour and the chance to get to know its passionate team, to a culturally-enriching expedition cruise through the Yasawa Islands with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

17. Discover New Zealand’s hottest new dining destination

Sandwiched between Arrowtown and Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island, Ayrburn is a must-visit swanky new food and wine hub. The 160-year-old, 60-hectare estate is the brainchild of developer Chris Meehan (formerly of Australia’s Belle Property) who has thrown a cool $184 million at the precinct since he bought it in 2018. Spend the morning drinking coffee and eating bakery treats. While away an afternoon on the sun-drenched terrace eating pizza. Or hole up in The Manure Room drinking wines from the exclusive Ayrburn range.

18. Cruise the Nile

Exploring Egypt’s most wondrous sites and sights via the Nile remains an eternal fixture on bucket lists. And you can sail in luxury onboard Uniworld’s S. Sphinx and River Tosca ships on a Splendors of Egypt & The Nile cruise. This captivating adventure-filled itinerary starts and ends in Cairo and includes a visit to the famous Egyptian Museum. Follow in the footsteps of pharaohs at the Temple of Karnak, venture into the Valley of the Kings and journey to Giza to gaze upon the ancient Pyramids on the 12-day cruise.

19. Have the ultimate family holiday onboard Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is considered one of the most family-friendly cruise ships for a reason. This record-breaking 20-deck vessel sleeps 5610 guests, has eight neighbourhoods, six waterslides, seven pools, nine whirlpools and the largest pool at sea. The cruise company is renowned for its family-focused facilities, including a huge range of staterooms that can fit up to eight guests – making it the ultimate holiday for families with young kids to multi-gen groups.

20. Put the endlessly alluring country of Türkiye on your radar

Türkiye is being billed as a key destination to set your sights on this year (not that it ever went away) and the best way to immerse yourself in this exotic destination is with Abercrombie & Kent, known for curating thoughtful itineraries with expert guides and behind-the-scenes experiences. Its Treasures of Turkey journey takes guests on a magic carpet ride around the country, which lays claim to being one of the oldest continually inhabited regions in the world. Highlights include a visit to the hidden world of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, a behind-the-scenes tour of Topkapi Palace and an excursion to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

21. Find space on a new Camino in northern Spain

The ever-popular Camino de Santiago is a link that tethers us to our wayfaring, wandering past. But with the trail reaching cult status and beckoning nearly half-a-million pilgrims each year, hikers seeking serenity should set their sights elsewhere. Galicia’s Camiño dos Faros (Lighthouse Way) is a new trail, relatively speaking, that overlaps sections of the iconic Camino but sticks to pristine, secluded beaches and pretty fishing towns. Self-guided walking company On Foot provides luggage transfers, itinerary planning and a local contact to provide intel – such as the best seafood restaurants for a post-hike feed.

22. Explore Mongolia and Kazakhstan with a trailblazing Aussie tour company

Traverse nomadic frontiers of vast empty plains, snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes and ancient cities with trailblazing Aussie company Crooked Compass. The one-off Inaugural Founder’s Tour: Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival & Kazakhstan (departs 11 September 2025) celebrates the company’s 10-year anniversary and will be hosted by founder Lisa Pagotto. It includes culturally immersive experiences such as golden eagle demonstrations and Kazakh games at Mongolia’s famous Eagle Festival, Charyn Canyon and its ancient Valley of Castles, and dining with local families in their homes.

23. Dive into the heart of Old Delhi at a new boutique stay

Even getting to the front door of The Golden Haveli in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is a magical Exotic Marigold kind of experience. The 20th-century haveli, hidden amid a maze of narrow streets and colourful alleys (and just a few doors down from sister stay Haveli Dharampura), has been lovingly restored to provide a peek into the neighbourhood’s past and future. The 12 rooms at the boutique hotel are filled with Mughal motifs and built around a central courtyard. Stay in the Gandhi Suite named in honour of the revered Indian leader, who was a regular guest at the many influential family havelis of Old Delhi.

24. Stay at a reimagined grand dame ahead of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary

The very essence of Amsterdam will be distilled when grand dame Hotel De L’Europe unveils ‘t Huys ahead of the city’s 750th-anniversary celebrations in October 2024. ‘t Huys translates to ‘house’ as well as ‘at home’, a nod to the fact this dynamic new Dutch hub will be a place where art, style, luxury and craftsmanship come together. The hotel’s glitzy new wing will feature 16 unique ‘t Huys suites filled with priceless art from the private collection of the Heineken family, who have owned the Hotel De L’Europe Amsterdam since the 1950s.

25. Check into the first vertical urban resort in Dubai

One Za’abeel is the perfect example of how Dubai is taking the concept of an urban resort and elevating it to another level. The one-of-a-kind One&Only vertical resort features the UAE’s longest sky infinity pool, 11 unique wining and dining concepts and a three-storey health and wellness centre. The new landmark building also reaches for the sky with its sustainable practices by using passive architecture principles and aiming to use natural resources more efficiently.

26. Stay in sustainable style in Siem Reap

A stay at the luxe and eco-conscious Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap – Cambodia’s first single-use plastic-free hotel – is all about giving back to the local community. The stylish boutique hotel donates a portion of its turnover to local NGOs and is known for initiatives such as tree-planting, a Refill Not Landfill program and for launching Jaya Organics, the natural skincare range offered as an in-room amenity.

27. Discover the latest in Mexico’s wave of design-led, community-minded hotels

Mexico is well known for attracting a certain type of tanned traveller who likes to stay poolside while clad in a billowing kaftan. And while the latest wave of Design Hotels in Mexico might check a lot of the boxes for rest, relaxation and adventure, the portfolio brings together a new kind of conscious hospitality. Both Hotelito at MUSA and Boca de Agua offer opportunities to connect and support local artists through workshops, retreats and artist-in-residence programs.

28. Head to a new culinary hub in the Swiss Alps this season

The iconic Hotel Kulm St. Moritz has reimagined its culinary program to include a roster of gourmet experiences. Diners will find comfort at the new Peruvian eatery Amaru (formerly K) led by Claudia Canessa, with interiors by artist Luke Edward Hall, and enjoy a tribute menu by Michelin-starred chef Tom Booton at Sunny Bar. The reimagined Kulm Country Club is elevated by Mauro Colagreco’s three Michelin star experience, complemented by a soundtrack curated by famous music director, Arman Naféei.

29. Eat your way around Vancouver, Canada’s new foodie capital

There’s a bold new food scene flourishing in British Columbia where Vancouver is vying for attention as Canada’s new foodie capital. All up, the 2023 Michelin Guide to Vancouver includes 77 restaurants; 17 were awarded Bib Gourmands and nine have Michelin stars. Okeya Kyujiro, led by chef Takuya Matsuda, is the latest eatery to receive the honour in Canada’s third-largest city. Book a table and order the theatrical omakase experience. Chef Andrea Carlson has also put Michelin-starred eatery Burdock & Co on the map for epicureans.

30. Sip a drink at the world’s best bar in Barcelona

There is perhaps no better place to say ‘bottoms up’ than at Sips in Barcelona, which topped the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2023. Surrender yourself to the whim of the bartender in the drinkery house where sipping cocktails is immersive and interactive and akin to performance art. Plump for the Primordial (a blend of 12-year-old Scotch, Ruby Port and pera nashi) so you can enjoy the eccentric concoction served in a metal cast of two hands, rather than a glass.

31. Eat at the best restaurants in the world in Peru

Peru is considered one of the great gastronomic capitals of the world thanks in part to the inclusion of its eateries Central (#1), Maido (#6), Kjolle (#28) and Mayta (#47) on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino (ex-Malabar, ámaZ) is also credited with fusing Amazonian ingredients with traditional techniques. The award-winning chef will showcase the Peruvian cuisine he is so proud of as part of Aqua Expeditions’ series of Chef Hosted Departures onboard Aqua Nera from 14–18 May and 17–21 September.

32. Experience a meal like no other in Copenhagen (and no, it’s not Noma)

Expect all kinds of wizardry at the aptly named Alchemist in Copenhagen where diners are whisked away to a whimsical world of culinary craftsmanship. Cutting-edge chef and chief alchemist Rasmus Munk has reclaimed the kitchen as a place for art; every element of his 50-course feast demands the full attention of diners. The restaurant sits at #18 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023.

33. Dine at Josh Niland’s new restaurant in Singapore

Merimbula rock oysters. Grilled Abrolhos Islands scallops. Shark Bay scampi. Charcoal-grilled Aquna Murray cod. Dry-aged Mooloolaba swordfish. The menu at FYSH at EDITION in Singapore features an impressive array of sustainably sourced Australian seafood. It’s restaurateur and chef Josh Niland’s first foray overseas and, like everything the visionary seafood butcher does, the menu is anchored in sustainability and much greater than the sum of its parts.

34. Drink Champagne at the source

A bottle can only be labelled Champagne if it is produced in the appellation of Champagne in France.  It’s made in the traditional method, méthode Champenoise, which is a time- and labour-intensive process – hence the price tag. Famous Champagne houses in the region such as Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger offer consistency of style and quality for the price. But you can find nuance, excitement and value by looking for lesser-known ‘grower’ Champagnes, where the grape grower also produces the wine.

35. Get the insider’s view on Shanghai

Shanghai’s past and present is divided by the Huangpu River: Old Shanghai on one side, where the historical Bund district is filled with a melange of architectural styles from Art Deco to Baroque, and New Shanghai on the other with its shimmering, futuristic skyline. On a half-day tour with Wendy Wu Tours, you can bounce between the parts that shout and the pockets that whisper led by an expert local guide, including 400-year-old temples, neon-lit East Nanjing Road, shikumen (stone gate) houses and bustling markets where you can queue for dumplings.

36. Tap into the cultural heart of London

In iconic Leicester Square, in the thick of the West End, The Londoner is emphatically London. This five-star hotel was billed as the world’s first ‘super boutique hotel’ for its level of intimacy at a mighty scale. Here you’ll find a style that nods to London’s eclectic character, works by Britain’s greatest artists, and pinch-yourself panoramas of the city’s icons from Big Ben to Westminster from the comfort of your Corner Suite. The hotel is also a two-minute walk from the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery, which has been completely reframed for the 21st century and tells the history of Britain through portraiture.

37. Spend 48 hours in the up-and-coming cultural capital of Manchester

Manchester was at the heart of Britain’s industrial revolution and is home to its most successful football team. And while history buffs and sports fanatics will have the northern city on their radar, Manchester is going through a cultural renaissance that will appeal to all manner of travellers. From award-winning gin distilleries and Michelin-starred restaurants to a multi-million-dollar Aviva Studios art space that hosts immersive theatre and a tour that visits filming locations for Peaky Blinders, Coronation Street and Captain America.

38. Go green in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympics

The French capital has made incredible progress towards reaching its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has made it her mission to transform the City of Light into a cleaner and healthier place since she came into office in 2014. Almost a decade on, Paris was named The Greenest City in Europe – with 530 parks, gardens and squares, 30 urban farms, some 1500 beehives, and more than 300 new green spaces planned alongside the planting of 170,000 trees. Add to that the already laid 100 kilometres of cycling trails, a multi-billion-dollar clean-up of the Seine, 1200 fountains and water-filling stations, a car-free day every month and more, and the 2024 Olympic city proves that being green is possible.

39. Explore Seattle through its grunge and coffee scenes

Seattle has never followed the mainstream. It’s the birthplace of grunge and the coffee revolution, both of which represent a generation seeking authenticity and raw expression and were born in an era that valued the underground and alternative. Nowadays these cultural enclaves reside well beyond the fringe, with baristas upping the ante with their pedigreed beans all around town, while local institution, non-profit KEXP radio station – where Nirvana and Pearl Jam got their start on the airwaves, continues to accept demo tapes and hosts live sessions where bands play mini concerts for free.

40. Recharge and reset at a luxury wellness resort in Ubud

Hidden in the lush, emerald jungle outside of Ubud, COMO Shambhala is a stay that allows guests to choose their own path. Simply escape the hubbub of Bali’s beloved beaches in luxe and tranquil surroundings or partake in one of the resort’s famed wellness programs tailored to individual needs. With breathwork, yoga, spa treatments and wholesome nutrition doused in Southeast Asian flavours on the agenda, guests come away from this stay with a health reboot that lasts longer than a tan.

41. Check into one of Marrakech’s new wave of riads

Be it traditional, ultra-luxe or one of the many new design-led digs around the city, a stay at a riad is a quintessential Marrakech experience. These traditional Moroccan homes are often hidden in a maze or souks and alleyways in the medina, and offer respite to the bustle outside, with garden courtyards, water features, rooftop terraces and fine craftsmanship. Take El Fenn, for example, a vibrantly hued riad where Madonna celebrated her 60th birthday; L’Hotel, a discreetly designed riad featuring six romantic suites; and La Sultana, a restored former palace with decorative flourishes. Or Rosemary and IZZA, the city’s newest (and coolest) boutique stays.

42. Travel Europe by rail

Traversing Europe by rail is a rite of passage for all travellers: criss-crossing between ever-changing landscapes and cultures from the comfort of a railcar. Travel from Paris to Portofino on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, which recalls the romance of a golden age of travel. Step aboard ‘the slowest train in the world’ – The Glacier Express – to soak up the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Or journey through the French Riviera, an enduring muse that owes much of its prowess to the iconic Blue Train that carried wealthy socialites and artists here in the 20th century.

43. Contribute to the community with a Northern Thailand farm stay

Family-operated Ahsa Farm Stay, in the foothills of Doi Mae Salong in Northern Thailand, is set amid 14 hectares of organic working farmland and offers guest cottages to travellers. Its aim is to introduce visitors to hands-on experiences such as rice harvesting, gathering fruit and rubber-tree tapping, as well as cooking Lanna (North Thai) cuisine and trekking to nearby hill tribes. The farm stay creates employment for young people and a sharing of authentic cultural knowledge; a win-win for visitors and locals.

44. See an iconic hotel reborn in Hong Kong

The reimagining of legendary five-star hotel Regent Hong Kong – which opened last year after a two-year, multi-million-dollar refresh – is a balance between legacy and modernity, unlocking new levels of luxury in Asia. Its enviable position on Victoria Harbour is complemented by a formula of quietude, decadence and function. Not simply a return home of the hotel brand’s Asian flagship, the reopening of Regent Hong Kong is a return of the city itself, after years of lockdowns, political ambiguity, mother country pressures and economic upheaval.

45. Help Maui’s recovery with the ultimate Hawaiʻi holiday

The Hawaiian island of Maui is rich in natural beauty and a strong community spirit, which came into sharp focus following last year’s wildfires. Locals are inviting mindful travellers to put Maui back on their itineraries and bring their aloha. Engage with local businesses such as Trilogy Excursions, known as Maui’s best snorkel tours; dine at family-owned restaurants such as Mama’s Fish House; shop in small boutiques like in Pa‘ia, which exudes a yogic surfer vibe; and tip generously to make a huge difference to this community that is still in recovery mode.

46. Find an alternative side of Austria in the 2024 European capital of culture

Covering the Austrian states of Salzburg, Styria and Upper Austria, the region of Salzkammergut blends the ageless beauty of limestone mountains, cobalt lakes and timber A-frame houses with agrarian tradition and – surprisingly – cutting-edge art. The Great Space Walk, which is part of the program for Bad Ischl Salzkammergut’s designation as one of the European Capitals of Culture 2024, guides travellers up the isolated karst landscape of the Totes Gebirge while listening to recordings along the way that touch on everything from arts to agriculture and Buddhism. Traditional dress is also making a resurgence as well as craftsmanship, with watchmakers, bookbinders, coffee roasters and mustard makers as relevant today as they once were.

47. Walk Japan’s remote and under-the-radar Kunisaki Peninsula

Of the some 25 million international tourists that visited Japan last year, only a fraction of them made it beyond the major urban areas. And even fewer regional areas, such as Kunisaki, a bucolic peninsula that’s the setting for the 73-kilometre Self-Guided Kunisaki Wayfarer walk by Walk Japan. This trail follows the historic footsteps of monks and ascetics in search of solitude as it traces Kyushu’s rural peninsula along raised paths between rice fields, overgrown trails linking long-neglected shrines and country lanes that pass by family homes, with each day ending with multi-course dinners and steam-filled onsens.

 48. Explore an up-and-coming Italian neighbourhood with young local guides

In the 20th century, the Naples precinct of Rione Sanità gained notoriety as a Camorra stronghold labelling the pretty neighbourhood a no-go zone. But change is afoot, and artists, historians and travellers alike are being lured in by classically Neapolitan streets adorned in flags and laundry and bustling with pasticcerias and pizzerias, its famous catacombs and grandiose basilica.

49. Watch the solar eclipse

Astronomy fans in North America will huddle around their telescopes on 8 April to catch the solar eclipse when it passes over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Travel publication Atlas Obscura is throwing a festival that extends the three-minute 36-second solar event into four days of music, science, art and cosmic wonder, with a line-up that includes astrophysics pros and indie psych-rock.

50. Visit Washington DC’s National Museum of Women in the Arts

In 1987 it was the first museum of its kind, and now, after a US$66 million renovation completed by female architects, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is an even grander stage for female creatives to shine. Located in the heart of Washington D.C. the museum is housed in a former Masonic Temple, which was notoriously exclusive of women, and boasts a powerful display of works by women spanning six centuries, from Frida Kahlo to Australian Aboriginal artist Audrey Morton Kngwarreye.