Our Top Travel Trends for 2022

What could be more exciting than having the trip of a lifetime to look forward to in the coming year? With travel plans being on hold for so long, it makes sense to make up for lost time by planning ahead and making the most of 2022. And rest assured, with our industry-leading booking policy financial protection you can continue to enjoy a stress-free travel experience. And with spots quickly filling up on our 2022 trips, why not start planning now for that trip you’ve been waiting to take? Take a look below at the top travel trends we anticipate being big for 2022. 

Post-lockdown trips of a lifetime  

Imagine setting off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to a far-flung destination you’ve only ever dreamt of. For adrenaline-junkies on the lookout for their next challenge, a trek to Everest Base Camp offers huge thrills. You’ll journey among incredible mountain scenery, visit Namche Bazaar to learn about the Sherpa culture and explore the hilltop monastery of Thyangboche. One of the greatest highs of the trip is the ascent of Kala Pattar where unbelievable panoramas of Mt Everest come into view.  

Famous for its endemic wildlife, the Galapagos Islands is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. A cruise of the archipelago steers you across idyllic waters to volcanic craters, mangrove lagoons and lava fields. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot sea lions, sharks, and blue-footed boobies as well as snorkel with turtles.   

The Inca Trail is one of the most spectacular walking trips and takes you on an unforgettable adventure. Epic views of Machu Picchu from Sun Gate will take your breath away and following a tour of the 15th-century citadel, you’ll explore the cultural city of Cuzco in the Peruvian Andes. 

Sustainable Travel for 2022  

 With all of our trips, we aim to put nature first, and we’re proud to be one of the first tour operators to promise to become Nature Net Positive by 2024. Our Nature First commitment aims to ensure that our adventures give far more back to nature than they take through promoting nature restoration projects. Our Rewilding the Apennines trip gives you a first-hand insight into the nature and wildlife of Italy and the importance of rewilding and restoring biodiversity and ecosystems. As well as meeting some of the indigenous species such as the Marsican brown bear, chamois, wolves, and deer, you’ll also learn about the region’s culture. 

Exploring by train is also becoming an ever-more popular means of travel owing to its low carbon impact on the environment. As well as doing your bit for the planet, you’ll witness some of the most beautiful landscapes that you might otherwise miss. Travelling to Europe by train is a great way to extend your trip and get even closer to the heart of each country. Explore the distinctive alpine landscapes of the Alps as you walk along the Mont Blanc Circuit, discover the colourful scenery and intriguing history of the Amalfi Coast on foot, or walk among the beautiful lakes and mountains of the Austrian Tyrol.  

2022 trips to promote mental wellbeing  

After the stressful restrictions of lockdown, it’s so important to take care of your mental wellbeing. Exploring remote destinations and embarking on active adventures is a great way to relax, recharge and keep your mind in tip-top shape.  

Japan is a truly fascinating country, and its ancient traditions and heavenly scenery can bring visitors much-needed inner peace. The Kumano Kodo region takes you along paths less travelled and is an enchanting pilgrimage route peppered with shrines and ryokans. During this trip, you’ll learn all about Japanese culture and experience the contrasting city of Tokyo. 

Walking is a great way to boost your mental health especially when you’re surrounded by remote and magnificent landscapes. Nepal is renowned for its dramatic backdrops of lakes, mountains, forests and glaciers and a trek to Langtang and the holy Gosainkund Lake is particularly captivating.  

Alternatively, head to the USA and escape on the remote trails of Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon. This guided trip also takes you to three of the most incredible national parks of Southwest USA where you can inhale phenomenal views. 

Animals can play a huge part in boosting your wellbeing so when you encounter the majestic wildlife of British Columbia in its natural habitat, you could find yourself on cloud nine. During this wildlife holiday, you’ll come face-to-face with whales, bears, seals, beavers, and elk. 

Expert-led adventures   

From small ship expeditions to guided wildlife trips, all of our leaders are experts in their fields and share their invaluable knowledge to give you a deeper insight into the history, culture and nature of the places you visit. Our expedition cruise holidays bring you closer to the wildlife and introduce you to local customs to give you an unparalleled and immersive experience. Imagine swimming alongside tropical fish in the Maldives, visiting the tribal villages of Papua New Guinea or exploring Imperial China on a Yangtze River cruise. 

Valerie Parkinson, Wanderlust’s winner of the Best Tour Leader award in 2021, has been guiding treks in the Himalayas for over 35 years. Not only is her wealth of experience and knowledge staggering, but she’s also an extremely compassionate leader. When you go in search of snow leopards with Valerie, you’ll discover everything there is to know about this elusive creature and the Himalayan region. 

Or why not set off on a discovery of Morocco with TV producer and news reporter, Aliya Jasmin, and get under the skin of the imperial cities of Marrakech, Rabat, Fez and Meknes. As you explore the High Atlas Mountains and sleep beneath the stars in a Bedouin camp in the Sahara, Aliya will share her stories from her fascinating career. 

George Kourounis, film-maker, photographer and Nat Geo explorer, leads a guided tour of Borneo and teaches everything he knows about the wildlife, beaches and rainforests of this vast island. As well as walking among some of the most beautiful areas of South East Asia and meeting the diverse wildlife, George will offer photography tips and techniques.  

 Avid photographers will be in their element on the photographic safari of Kenya, led by one of the world’s greatest wildlife photographers, Paul Goldstein. This intimate tour introduces you to the epic beasts of the Masai Mara, including the giraffe, elephant, lion and hippo, providing once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities.  

If these adventures have inspired you to start planning your very own trip of a lifetime, take a look at our new and unique adventures here.