World Expeditions encourages travellers to go wild

World Expeditions has launched a new program this month designed to encourage travellers to venture away from tourist hot-spots and to deliver a positive environmental impact.

World Expeditions’ new program outlines self-guided pilgrimage hikes and e-biking itineraries in Japan, cycle itineraries in remote China, new adventures to lesser known destinations in Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos, and two new national park experiences in Mongolia.

The program is designed to deliver a more authentic experience in lesser known and lesser travelled destinations, according to Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

“We recognise that many destinations in Asia are now tourist hot spots and we’ve worked hard to research and deliver itineraries that offer the attractions of those places without the crowds,” Ms Badyari said.

Japan

The program introduces new self-guided hikes on Japan’s World Heritage listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the Nakasendo Way route. They are designed for more independent travellers who are seeking the flexibility to walk at their own pace, but to also have accommodation and luggage transfer organized.

Another exciting addition to the Japan program is the introduction of e-bikes on three new cycling itineraries – one from the coastline into the picturesque Japanese Alps region – and two on the more remote northern island of Hokkaido (pictured).

Vietnam

The emphasis remains firmly on active pursuits in Vietnam, with new hikes in the remote Pu Luong and Ha Giang areas supporting local communities with home-stay accommodation, with all the benefits of real cultural exchange, as well as new multi-activity itineraries combining cycling, hiking and kayaking in lesser visited Lan Ha Bay, as opposed to the very popular Ha Long Bay.

China

Along with a new hike along the western-most point of China’s Great Wall and the little-known Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia and a new touring itinerary taking in the stunning Pinnacles of Zhangjiajie, there are also two new fully-supported cycling adventures showcasing the best of some of the most remote regions of southern China.

Mongolia

In Mongolia, the fascination with the traditional nomadic way of life continues to entice travellers there and the new offerings showcase this in even more remote regions.

The new Tavan Bogd trek offers both immersion in genuine Mongolian wilderness and the chance to experience authentic nomadic culture and the Cycle Khan Khenty takes in the raw beauty of the Khan Khenty national park by bike.

Cruises

Two new adventure cruises are on offer – one amidst the 612 islands that make up the stunning Raja Ampat region of Indonesia aboard a purpose-built trimaran – and the other on a journey down a remote stretch of the Mekong River between Chang Rai and Laos’ cultural capital, Luang Prabang.

According to Ms Badyari, those who choose to travel on a World Expeditions’ trip will have a positive impact on the environment, in line the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

“We’ve calculated the carbon emitted on each trip and offset it by purchasing credits that support the Bac Lieu Wind Energy project in Vietnam, which addresses the SGD’s goals of reducing poverty, providing affordable clean energy, providing decent work and economic growth and climate action,” Ms Badyari said.

The newly introduced trips are generally shorter than past trips, so it’s easier for travellers to mix and match and have the opportunity to be flexible with how they choose to travel, which, according to Ms Badyari, is a value that is increasingly important for the modern-day adventure traveller.

“The challenge may be getting people excited about places they probably haven’t yet heard of,” Ms Badyari said.

“But we’re determined to showcase these ‘emerging’ places that will inspire our travellers, most of whom are less motivated by others’ social posts and more interested in exploring a new destination differently.”

To view the new World Expeditions Asia brochure visit: worldexpeditions.com/ebrochures/Asia