Top 10 trips to Wanderlust's 2017 hot list destinations

Inspired by Wanderlust's Travel Hot List for 2017? Here's how you can book your own awesome journey to the hottest destinations on the planet next year

6 mins

1: Celebrate Canada’s National Parks

Moraine Lae in the Canadian Rockies (Dreamstime)

Moraine Lae in the Canadian Rockies (Dreamstime)

2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the confederation of Canada. What better way to celebrate than this active adventure in some of the country’s most iconic national parks?

Trekking through Jasper, Banff and Yoho National Parks, you’ll experience everything that is magical about the Canadian wilderness, from awe-inspiring mountain scenery to close encounters with moose, big-horn sheep and grizzly bears. 

An overnight wilderness canoe trip will take you into the heart of the Canadian Rockies and a heart-stopping encounter with the rapids of the Kicking Horse River. This is a true Canadian adventure.

Who: Grand American Adventures

When: 25 Jun, 10 Jul & 2, 3, 26 Aug, 2017

How long: 12 days

How much: From £1,259 (excl flights)

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2: Hike Patagonia’s hidden pathways

Guanaco (Dreamstime)

Guanaco (Dreamstime)

Patagonia is an otherworldy dreamland of mountains, deserts, steppes and grassland, and on this trek you’ll experience it all, as well as the opportunity to cross from Chile into Argentina along the new opened pass between Lago O’Higgins and Laguna de Desierto.

By foot and by boat, you’ll traverse Patagonia from Coyhaique in the north to Puerto Natales in the south, passing the granite spires of Cerro Torre, the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap and the Paine National Park. Finally, you’ll ascend to the base of Torres del Paine for one of the most unforgettable mountain views in the world.

Who: World Expeditions

When: 31 Jan, 25 Feb, 21 Nov, 2 & 26 Dec, 2017

How long: 15 days

How much: From £3,390 (excl flights)

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3: Greenland – the world’s coolest Arctic adventure land

Icebergs in north east Greenland (Dreamstime)

Icebergs in north east Greenland (Dreamstime)

With its vast, central icecap and rugged, fjord-cut eastern coastline, Greenland boasts one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. This hiking holiday will take you to its very heart.

Starting in a remote Inuit village of Kuummiut, you’ll ascend the nearby mountain for a view of the Greenland Icecap. A boat trip through the icebergs of Sermilik Fjord takes you to the traditional fishing and hunting settlement at Tiniteqilaaq, before setting off for the refuge at Qaito. Here, surrounded by rocky peaks and spires, you’ll enjoy great views of peaks, glaciers and sparkling icebergs and, in summer, whales lazily making their way through the Arctic waters.

This is an unforgettable tour for those who seek a different and unique experience and a real wilderness adventure.

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: 5, 19 Jul, 2, 16 & 26 Aug, 2017

How long: 11 days

How much: From £3,095 (excl flights)

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4: Ride through Wadi Rum

On horseback in Wadi Rum (Wild Frontiers)

On horseback in Wadi Rum (Wild Frontiers)

Jordan has a history that stretches back to the pages of the Old Testament and desert landscapes that are among the most spectacular in the Middle East. This incredible horseback adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Hashemite Kingdom, following in the footsteps of the ancient Bedouin and Lawrence of Arabia.

Astride your trusty steed, you’ll ride into the evocative landscapes of Wadi Rum, exploring a world that has changed little over the centuries. You’ll spend your nights camped beneath a desert sky and your days riding across a land of towering dunes and red cliffs, which should help you understand why T.E. Lawrence considered the desert to be divine.

Who: Wild Frontiers

When: 14 Apr 2017

How long: 10 days

How much: From £1,595 (excl flights)

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5: Take flight in the Canary Islands

Mountain sunrise on La Gomera (Dreamstime)

Mountain sunrise on La Gomera (Dreamstime)

Discover the wild landscapes, dramatic scenery, deserted beaches and sleepy mountain villages of La Gomera, the best island for trekking in the Canary Islands.

Based in Valle Gran Rey, you’ll follow the path of mountain streams into fertile valleys bursting with lush vegetation and tropical mountain scenery, and across rugged volcanic mountains, for unparalleled views across the island. 

The walking is superb here, revealing the beauty of the valleys and wonderful seascapes that abound on La Gomera.

Who: Ramblers Worldwide Holidays

When: 25 Feb, 5 Nov, 21 Dec 2017

How long: 9 nights

How much: From £1,175 (incl flights)

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6: Explore undiscovered Cambodia

Dancers at Angkor Wat (Dreamstime)

Dancers at Angkor Wat (Dreamstime)

Follow the path of the Mekong River to the colonial town of Kratie and a part of Cambodia few visitors get to see. You’ll search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins from a hidden guesthouse on a river island, visit an elephant conservation project in Mondulkiri Province and experience the rural lifestyle of Battambang and the north east, where little has changed in generations.

Finally, a private boat journey across Lake Tonle Sap takes you to Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor.

Who: Bamboo Travel

When: Daily departures year round

How long: 15 days

How much: From £3,195 (incl flights)

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7: Big Five, Malawi-style

Elephants tussling in Liwonde National Park (Dreamstime)

Elephants tussling in Liwonde National Park (Dreamstime)

The self-proclaimed ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ is not the first place you’d think of for an African safari. But with an innovative program initiated by the NGO Africa Parks, it has become one of the best. Lions, rhinos and elephants have been re-introduced to Malawi’s national parks and wildlife reserves. From all accounts, the animals are thriving.

This safari gives you a chance to visit the three best parks in Malawi and experience the difference that conservation projects can have first hand. The trip starts in Majete Wildlife Reserve, the only game park in Malawi that is home to all the Big Five, before embarking on game drives in Liwonde National Park, known for its large African elephant population and boat safaris up the Shire River.

Finally, you’ll enjoy a slow safari across Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, where the effort to restock and re-locate wildlife is having the greatest effect. There are now over 500 elephants in Nkhotakota, as well as hundreds of warthog, buffalo, sable, kudu, eland, zebra, impala and waterbuck.

Who: Rainbow Tours

When: Flexible

How long: 16 days

How much: From £5,060 (incl flights)

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8: Cruise the Nile in luxury

Temple in Egypt (Dreamstime)

Temple in Egypt (Dreamstime)

If you’ve ever wanted to see the elegant hieroglyphics of Luxor Temple or ride into the Valley of the Kings and explore its tombs, now is the time. The best way to see it all is on a Nile cruise.

Boarding a 5-star cruise boat in Luxor, you’ll visit all the major sites and attractions along the Nile in style. Travel upstream, watch traditional life pass by, and visit the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo temples along the way. The lush green banks and the beautiful sunsets over the Nile, together with the excellent onboard facilities, make this an unforgettable way to travel.

Who: Exodus

When: 15 Apr, 20 May, 21 Oct, 11 Nov & 16 Dec, 2017

How long: 9 days

How much: From £1,349 (incl flights)

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9: Explore the Cornish Coast

Cornish coastline near St Agnes (Dreamstime)

Cornish coastline near St Agnes (Dreamstime)

The coast and countryside around St Ives in Cornwall offers some of the best walking in the southwest England. With its cobalt sea, golden sands, tropical palm trees and the warmth of the sun, it’s unlike anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Based at the Treloyhan Manor Hotel, right on the Cornish Coast Path, you’ll enjoy stunningly beautiful walks right from the doorstep, taking in bays, beaches and dramatic cliff tops. 

You’ll explore the most westerly points of England at Lands' End and, at the furthest point south, the Lizard Peninsula, not to mention inland villages, abandoned mining villages, the Minack Theatre and ancient standing stones.

Who: Ramblers Worldwide Holidays

When: 22 Apr, 3 Jun, 1 Jul, 19 Aug & 16 Sep 2017

How long: 7 nights

How much: From £625 (excl flights)

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10: Dig a little deeper in Fiji

Palm trees at sunrise in Fiji (Dreamstime)

Palm trees at sunrise in Fiji (Dreamstime)

Fiji has over 300 islands, and you’ll get to spend time in some of the most beautiful of them, combining Fiji’s traditional culture with its remote and pristine wilderness for the ultimate tropical island stay.

Experience a traditional kava ceremony, visit the International Date Line in Taveuni and relax in the beautiful Mamanuca islands. Spend time in the northern island of Taveuni, the ‘Garden Island’ famed for its vibrant tropical wildflowers. Snorkel off the golden shores of Tokoriki island and soak up the Fijian lifestyle that most visitors rush right by.

Who: Cox & Kings Travel

When: Flexible

How long: 11 days

How much: From £2,795 (excl flights)

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Wanderlust's Travel Hot List for 2017 has been revealed. How many are on your Bucket List? You'll find the full list here.


Main image: Riding through Wadi Rum (Wild Frontiers)

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