THE UK’S 2022 TRAVEL WISH LIST INCLUDES SRI LANKA!

Evening Standard: 12/1/2022

Here we go again. Another January, another variant sweeping the globe. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the covid chaos of the past couple of years, it’s that it’ll take a hell of a lot more than a mutant virus to best us.

As long as there are beaches to flop on, sparkling oceans to float in and hot new hotels spam all over the ‘gram, we’ll be there. Here’s the best of 2022 — start planning.

Take a hike

It doesn’t take an epidemiologist to work out that we’re desperate to roam free — and more and more hiking holidays have hit the market. Promising fresh mountain air, wide open spaces and unbridled escapism – they’re just the ticket. According to booking.com, it’s all about Poland’s Tatra National Park — head to the forests and creeks of Strążyska Valley or the crystalline waters of Morskie Oko lake, also known as the Eye of the Sea. Find budget and luxury hotel options in the nearby town of Zakopane. Elsewhere, the new Transcaucasian Trail spanning Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan is the next big thing in walking holidays. World Expeditions (worldexpeditions.com) offers various 7-day hikes taking in crumbling ancient monasteries, pretty wildflower meadows, snow-capped mountains and rocky gorges. With minimal phone signal, your OOO will be firmly on.

The European mini-break

You’ve admirably grinned and bore it through trip after trip to Margate. But no more. You need a beach break with a legit excellent beach: hola, Valencia. Serena Guen, founder of Suitcase magazine, says: “We particularly love Valencia for solo travellers because of the chilled out locals and easy access to all attractions, beaches and landmarks, like the Science Museum, Valencia Cathedral and City Hall.”