Once war-torn, now sublime, Vietnam is long, lovely and languorous.
21.07.2023 - 07:45 / roughguides.com
The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2022 reveals our writers’ recommendations for top destinations to visit in the coming year. A trove of travel inspiration, with over 150 photos of 100 remarkable places accompanying insightful overviews, this book is a sure-fire winner of a gift for the adventurers in your life.
Underpinned by insider knowledge, all 100 entries were selected by our travel experts on the basis of their potential to fulfil 2022 travel trends and our readers' needs and desires. The list therefore includes regions that present rewarding opportunities to travel responsibly, as well as secluded spots to escape the crowds. Reflecting our readers' yearning for post-pandemic adventure, you'll also find exhilarating urban hubs and back-to-nature adventure hotspots that’ll set your heart a-pounding.
Read on to discover a selection of the exceptional cities, countries, islands and regions featured in this celebratory guide, many of which can be visited with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips, either as a ready-to-go tour or bespoke trip created by a local expert, just for you.
If you’re looking for a blend of beautiful backdrops and ancient culture,Jaisalmer in India is a jewel of a destination and one of the most romantic places in India. Situated in the remote westernmost corner of Rajasthan, it delivers sweeping desert landscapes at every turn.
Its UNESCO-listed Golden Fort (so-named for the mesmerising way its sandstone walls shift from bright yellow to honey-gold as dusk falls) is an historic architectural marvel with continued cultural relevance — some 4000 people reside here. Jaisalmer is also a base for thrilling excursions into the Thar Desert.
Intrigued by India? With Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips you can experience the wonder of India, from the Ganges to the Golden Triangle – and remember, all itineraries are fully-customisable to suit your travel needs.
Jaisalmer's Golden Fort, Rajasthan, India © Shutterstock
Famed for the dramatic finger-like limestone formations that spear up from rice paddies,Ninh Binh Province in Vietnam is also known for its Buddhist temples and pagodas, lush plains speckled with grazing water buffalo, and the Ngo Dong River that meanders romantically through the jutting jade mountains that frame it.
All of which means this is the perfect place for travellers seeking an escape-from-it-all experience, with opportunities to get active presented by climbing those stunning mountains, or hiring a bike. Just about 100km south of Hanoi it is also easily accessible.
Contact your Vietnam local expert to start planning your trip today.
Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam © John Bill/Shutterstock
Tucked beneath the white peaks of the Annapurna range, Pokhara might
Once war-torn, now sublime, Vietnam is long, lovely and languorous.
In India, every journey is an experience, whether you rumble across the subcontinent on a classic Enfield motorcycle or rattle through the hills in a chartered 4WD.
As if traveling and exploring a new place weren’t exciting enough, Pokemon Go is adding a whole new dimension of discovery. Taking the world by storm, the mobile app allows you to use your phone to hunt for digital monsters in an “augmented reality.”
New Delhi is India’s vibrant, multi-faceted capital. The city is a part of the larger Delhi region and serves as the seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The sprawling metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and is home to several beautiful parks and gardens, like the Lodhi Gardens and the Mughal-era garden Shalimar Bagh. It’s also famous for its bustling markets and numerous monuments, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Planning a trip, especially a first trip to India, can feel like a mammoth job, and making sure you have a comfortable place to stay on arrival in New Delhi is one of the most important factors. It’s even worth siphoning off a portion of your budget to go towards staying somewhere a little more splashy. After a long flight and the sensory overload of the city, having luxury accommodations, first-class facilities and service to match is priceless. Here’s a reliable selection of New Delhi hotels famed for their traditional (and exceptional) Indian hospitality from world-renowned brands like Oberoi and Taj Hotels and Shangri-La.
The rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, may be sparsely populated, but there’s a deep human history here, from ancient stone circles to traditional Gaelic culture. These interconnected islands have shaped a distinct way of life, not just in the Harris Tweed and whisky distilleries that travellers encounter, but also in the daily routines of remote fishing communities. Spanning over 150 miles, this island chain is stitched together by causeway, bridge, road and boat, meaning visitors can pick their own method — car, bike, bus or ferry — to make the most of this extraordinary destination.
Despite India’s vastness, foreign travellers tend to clump together in a relatively small number of well-known regions or cities, leaving plenty of destinations to the more intrepid few who are willing to take the challenge of escaping the tourist trail. Here’s a selection of our favourites:
Southeast Asia is the quintessential backpacker destination – all noodle stands, grungy hostels and full moon parties, right? Not necessarily. There are still plenty of authentic Southeast Asian escapes. You just need to know where to find them. Start here.
Running along the shimmering Arctic tundra in Greenland, jogging across the African savannah and racing through the Amazon are some of the exhilarating marathon experiences now on offer around the globe. From coastal routes in Jamaica and California to challenging courses in the blazing Sahara and freezing Polar Circle, a growing number of endurance events provide a dramatic change of scene and pace. Read on for our pick of the world's best marathons.
Australia is a vast country, though most visitors stay on the same tried and tested track, ticking off well-touristed pitstops along the way. But, of course, there's plenty more to see beyond the usual Sydney, rock and reef holiday triangle. Here’s our pick of the best places to escape the crowds Down Under.
Prepare for an assault on the senses. Southeast Asia has a bellyful of thundering motorbikes, fiery volcanic peaks, seething jungle temples and pungent markets. Yet we also love it for its squeaky-clean sands, barely believable islands and pagodas overlooking lily-topped lotus ponds. From temples to tropical rainforests, here are the top ten places to visit in Southeast Asia – as voted for by you.
There's few more thrilling travel experiences than getting up close and personal with animals in their natural environment. Here, taken from the pages of Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , are ten ideas for nature lovers around the world. Whether it's wolves in Wyoming or jellyfish in Palau, there's all kinds of experiences to try. Let us know your own favourite animal spots below.
India has to be one of the most romantic places in the world. Its beguiling mix of ancient forts, pretty palaces, shimmering lakes and gorgeous beaches is bound to get many a traveller feeling the love. If you're looking for a special setting to spend time with a special someone, here are the most romantic destinations in India to set the heart soaring.