Monday newsletters at all times function prime 10 journey lists to encourage.
In the present day: My 10 greatest journey experiences of 2022
Because the yr 2022 is coming to an finish, it’s a great time to replicate on the headlines and tales that formed the previous yr. 2022 is a yr most of us need to overlook as shortly as potential. Nonetheless recovering from the results of the worldwide pandemic, the world awoke on February 24, 2022, with the beginning of an unjustified, unprovoked and completely mindless warfare in Europe and with little concept of the impression it will have on everybody’s lives. The warfare has unleashed a horrific humanitarian disaster (with destroyed lives, destroyed houses, and destroyed infrastructure) and created shock waves in international vitality and meals markets, main to cost volatility, provide shortages, safety points and financial uncertainty. However the warfare has additionally proven us the braveness of a rustic below assault, bringing folks and nations collectively in protection of freedom and reminding the world of the fragility of democracy and peace.
On a optimistic word, 2022 can be the yr that worldwide journey bounced again after it collapsed in 2020 and 2021 following the pandemic. At first of the yr, ideas akin to “lockdowns,” “quarantines” and “vaccine mandates” had been a part of our on a regular basis language because the coronavirus pandemic continued to impression all points of our lives, together with our (disrupted) journey plans and wanderlust. Nonetheless, that appears to be a factor of the previous now in most nations and we’re free once more to journey and discover the world (though journey prices – together with resort charges and flight tickets – have skyrocketed in comparison with the years previous to the pandemic). Since it is a non-political weblog that tries to provide you some enlightening journey inspiration, I need to give attention to hope, positivity, and my private journey tales, providing an escapism for the avalanche of dangerous information that always dominates the world media. Listed here are my journey highlights of 2022. Early 2023, I’ll share what to anticipate from me within the subsequent yr.
There may be extra info (with journey stories & YouTube movies) beneath the slideshow. You may share your personal ideas on 2022 or your personal 2022 journey highlights within the feedback part beneath.
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10. TRAVELING FIRST CLASS IN A BRITISH AIRWAYS BOEING 777
Early 2022, I flew First Class flight in a British Airways Boeing 777-300ER from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) within the UK to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB) in South Africa, my first longhaul journey journey for the reason that begin of the pandemic. It felt fairly superior to be flying in a widebody plane once more, though at the moment, the pandemic scenario and all of the testing & administration required additionally induced some stress. The journey was gratifying, however I used to be probably not impressed by the First Class product provided by British Airways. Though the look of the First Class cabin is modern, the expertise pales compared to the First Class product provided by different airways, akin to Emirates, Singapore Airways, Etihad Airways, and Cathay Pacific. On a optimistic word: British Airways’ First Class appears like among the best Enterprise Class merchandise on this planet (with a First Class price ticket although). You may learn my journey report of this flight right here (or watch my YouTube video beneath):
9. STAYING AT SWITZERLAND’S MOST FAMOUS LUXURY HOTEL: GSTAAD PALACE
Switzerland is a small landlocked nation proper within the coronary heart of the Alps, bordered by Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein. The nation’s ravishing mountain surroundings, rural villages, glitzy ski resorts, pristine lakes, and inexperienced rolling pastures supply unbeatable winter adventures and summer time outside experiences. The number of completely different sights to see in Switzerland is unbelievable, starting from large glaciers, epic mountains, and wild rivers, to vibrant cities, world-class museums, and scenic prepare journeys. Luxurious accommodations are in plentiful provide in Switzerland, and embrace Alpine retreats and trendy lakeside resorts. I had beforehand stayed at The Dolder Grand (Zurich) and The Chedi Andermatt (Alps), however in 2022 I returned to Switzerland to check out considered one of its most well-known resort: The Gstaad Palace. Maybe greatest generally known as the Bernese Oberland’s winter paradise, Gstaad Palace is a favourite amongst discerning vacationers and has presided over Gstaad since 1913, with splendid views of the Swiss Alps. Learn my evaluation of Gstaad Palace right here.
8. FLYING WITH AIR TAHITI NUI
Flying with Air Tahiti Nui had at all times been very excessive on my bucketlist. In 2019, Air Tahiti Nui completely renewed its fleet by 4 Boeing 787-9s, that are fitted with an extremely lovely livery. One of many nice issues about flying with Air Tahiti Nui is the tropical ambiance of its plane, which immerses you within the “mana” of the Tahitian island as quickly as you step onboard. For instance, a floor-to-ceiling photograph of Bora Bora island takes heart stage within the airplane’s entry galley, a reminder that the airplane is about to go to one of many world’s most lovely paradises. Upon coming into the airplane, the historically dressed and at all times smiling cabin crew additionally arms out Tiare flowers, the nationwide flower of the islands of Tahiti. All of it evokes a way of vacation, which helps to depart behind the annoyances and stress of attending to and thru the airport. The airline has configured its lie flat Enterprise Class seats in a 2-2-2 structure; whereas not a innovative laborious product, this configuration is smart, on condition that most individuals touring to French Polynesia are {couples}. General, I totally loved my expertise with Air Tahiti Nui, and you may learn my journey report right here (or watch my YouTube video beneath):
7. FLYING IN A LUFTHANSA BOEING 747 TO MIAMI
IMHO, the Boeing 747 is probably the most elegant and spectacular airplane ever designed. The four-engine jet incorporates a distinctive higher deck form, which has earned it the nickname “Jumbo Jet”. It has been 50 years for the reason that first Boeing 747 was delivered to Pan Am, and greater than 1500 of the long-lasting plane have been constructed since then. Its capability to hold greater than 500 passengers on longhaul routes really opened the age of contemporary jet journey, bringing with it new prospects and locations. Sadly although, the Boeing 747 is a dying breed since most airways have phased out the plane through the pandemic, now selecting for extra fuel-efficient and cost-effective widebody plane. Earlier this month, Boeing stopped the manufacturing of all 747 collection. Lufthansa is among the final airways nonetheless flying the Boeing 747, and in April 2022, I had an opportunity to journey on the service’s Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt to Miami. Sadly, whereas the Boeing 747 is a marvel of expertise, Lufthansa’s Enterprise Class doesn’t match the grandeur of its flagship plane (though the service will roll out a brand new premium product subsequent yr). You may learn my journey report of this flight right here (or watch my YouTube video beneath):
6. TRYING OUT ALL OF EMIRATES’ BOEING 777 FIRST & BUSINESS CLASS CABINS
Final spring, I flew in an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER that includes the service’s game-changing First Class product from Dubai (DXB) to Brussels (BRU). With flooring to ceiling sliding doorways and modern design options impressed by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Emirates’ new B777 suites takes luxurious and privateness to the subsequent degree. The suite’s tender leather-based seat reclines into a completely flat-bed and might be positioned in a ‘zero-gravity’ place impressed by NASA expertise, giving a sense of leisure and weightlessness. The roomy suite additionally has ample house to vary within the privateness of your suite even after the mattress has been made. To make sure all First Class passengers have a view, Emirates additionally launched the trade’s first digital home windows for suites positioned within the center aisle. These digital home windows undertaking the view from exterior the plane utilizing real-time digital camera expertise. Within the different suites, binoculars can be found for individuals who need to discover the sky exterior their home windows. Throughout the identical journey (to and from the Maldives), I additionally go to expertise all the opposite premium merchandise that Emirates provides on its Boeing 777 fleet (which is vastly completely different from its A380 product). You may learn my opinions right here:
5. RAINFOREST & BEACH ADVENTURE IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is an eco-paradise and one of the vital lovely locations on the planet. It’s also one of the vital biodiverse nations on this planet, containing about 5% of the world’s species. Thankfully, a complete of 25 % of the nationwide territory is preserved as nationwide parks. The nation provides majestic volcanoes, idyllic seashores on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, in addition to exhilarating jungle landscapes, all with out touring lengthy distances. Costa Rica can be a frontier on eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. In 2003, I visited Costa Rica as a scholar, staying at hostels and camp websites; I used to be so overwhelmed by the nation’s pure magnificence, that I at all times wished to return, which is precisely what I did final spring, not tenting this time however fairly the pure splendor “in consolation.” Throughout my vacation, I stayed at a number of of the nation’s prime lodges and resorts, together with Lapa Rios, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagoya, Nayara Tented Camp, and 4 Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. You may learn my resort opinions of my Costa Rica journey right here:
4. A ROAD TRIP IN NAMIBIA
My first longhaul journey following the onset of the pandemic was a tremendous highway journey within the southern African nation of Namibia, considered one of my greatest holidays ever. Few nations on this planet can match Namibia’s sheer pure magnificence. Not solely is the nation well-known for its distinctive wildlife, sport reserves and safari lodges, however the landscapes of its shoreline and deserts are a number of the most photographed and gasped over on this planet. Highlights of my journey included recognizing wildlife in Etosha Nationwide Park and watching the solar rise over the world’s highest dunes in Sossusvlei within the Namib Desert. En route, I stayed at a few of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife lodges, together with the ultraluxe Zannier lodges, the lately revamped &Past Sossuvlei Desert lodge, and the fabulous Hoanib Skeleton Coast Lodge (managed by Wilderness Safaris) in Namibia’s distant space of the Kaokoveld. You may learn my resort opinions of my Namibia journey right here:
3. ENJOYING ISLAND LIFE IN FRENCH POLYNESIA
The plush strip of land known as Bora Bora lies within the South Pacific Ocean’s most mesmerizing lagoon and has, as you in all probability count on, some fairly superior seashores. Luxurious bungalows nestled over ridiculously clear waters with the long-lasting Mount Otemanu as a tropical backdrop put Bora Bora within the bucket checklist of many vacationers. I visited Bora Bora early September 2022 (a journey itinerary that was postponed twice due to the pandemic). I stayed on the island’s three most luxurious accommodations: St Regis, 4 Seasons and InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, all three of them representing one of the best French Polynesia has to supply when it comes to lodging (fyi, the 4 Seasons was my favourite). I additionally stayed at The Brando Resort on French Polynesia’s non-public island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a glowing lagoon 30 mi (50 km) northeast of Tahiti. It was on this pure wonderland that actor Marlon Brando settled down and eventually discovered his dwelling (therefore explaining the title of the resort). You may learn my resort opinions of my French Polynesia journey right here:
2. A RETURN VISIT TO THE SONEVA RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES
In 2020 and 2021, my Maldives journey journeys had been cancelled because of the pandemic, however in 2022, I lastly went again to my favourite resorts within the Maldives: Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi. Situated on an uninhabited five-island cluster within the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani is fringed by pristine seashores, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted ocean views. Every one of many phenomenal overwater villas has a non-public lap pool and a retractable roof, with some villas that includes slides going instantly from the highest deck into the lagoon beneath. Soneva Fushi, the primary ‘Robinson Crusoe’ fashion hideaway within the Maldives, is about on the privately owned tropical island of Kunfunadhoo in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The island – which is 1,400 m (4,600 ft) lengthy and 400 m (1300 ft) huge – ranks among the many largest islands within the Maldives. Large, multi-bedroom, fairytale-like villas and personal residences are hidden amongst dense tropical foliage or positioned overwater. Throughout my Maldives journey, I additionally stayed at two different terrific resorts: Velaa Personal Island and Anantara Kivahah. You may learn my resort opinions of my Maldives journey right here:
Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador advantages at Soneva Jani (e.g. improve, resort credit score, and a customized Soneva expertise).
1. SWIMMING WITH WHALES IN TAHITI
My primary journey expertise of 2022 (and considered one of my greatest journey experiences ever) was swimming with humpback whales in French Polynesia. From early August to the tip of October, the enormous animals are plentiful within the clear and heat waters across the archipelago as they seek for a mate or nurse their younger. French Polynesia declared itself a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002 providing safety to the entire 20 species of whales and dolphins discovered right here. It’s also one of many few nations on this planet the place it’s allowed to swim with whales. A number of tour operators supply whale watch boat excursions, hosted by a group of marine biologists and naturalist guides. Vacationers are solely allowed to enter the water with humpback whales after a biologist on board has noticed their floor exercise and deems it secure and non-invasive for each the visitors and the whales. Though sightings are by no means assured, your greatest possibilities for recognizing (and swimming with) whales is on the island of Moorea.
Under you may watch a video in 4K documenting my encounter with the whales in Tahiti. Wanting humpback whales within the eye whereas swimming with them is a very unforgettable journey that touched my soul in an unimaginable manner. I used to be extraordinarily fortunate to have an unbelievable shut encounter with a household of three magnificent whales who stayed with our small group for multiple hour! I recorded all the expertise in 4K with my GoPro.
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