The gift of travel lingers long after the holiday lights are packed away. The staff at National Geographic Expeditions selected some of their favorite trips around the globe, including visiting ancient cave dwellings in Italy and riding electric bikes through Japanese rice fields. Here are 10 experiences for every type of traveler that are sure to create unforgettable memories in the New Year.
For the would-be National Geographic photographer: NEW YORK CITY
Highlights: Sharpen your photography skills with a National Geographic photographer, catch the sunset from the top of Rockefeller Center, and capture portraits in the lively neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown.
Surprise Factor: Take in the vantage point during an afternoon photo session at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Trip: New York City Weekend Photo Workshop
For the hiker who appreciates comfort at the end of the climb: PERU
Highlights: Hike from one picturesque mountain inn to the next amid the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Pass lesser known Inca sites, coffee plantations, and traditional Andean villages as you make your way toward the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
Surprise Factor: Spot bird species like the golden-headed quetzal and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, plus 18 different hummingbirds, while walking the trails at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with a naturalist. Return to your adobe casita, set in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, and enjoy a cozy fire, a chance to relax in the eucalyptus sauna, and traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Trip: Peru: Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Trek
