The Maldives typically exceed even the highest expectations. Photo courtesy of KingKurt22/Wikipedia Commons.
As part of a service to World Traveler fans, here are WorldTraveler.Biz’s top picks for January—a month when you just might need a break from all of that cold weather. Destinations are ranked by two factors. First, they must live up to the hype and second, these are the kinds of places that could disappear or see more limited access in the future, thanks to global warming and increased tourism regulations.
- The Maldives. Believe it or not, wintertime is the perfect time to visit this island nation. Summer vacations can lock you into monsoon season, and frankly, The Maldives, which consist of about 1,190 coral islands, are not to be missed. Think white sands, crystal clear waters, unreal snorkeling and the sense that you are living on your own private island. Unfortunately, The Maldives are in danger thanks to global warming and rising tide levels, and eventually the nation will go the way of Atlantis. This is not going to happen tomorrow, but plans are under way to buy land in Sri Lanka, India and Australia and eventually move the entire population to other climes should waters continue to rise. In the meantime, however, it is still the dream vacation spot and thus No. 1 on our January list. Plan on arriving at Male International Airport on Hulhule Island and then a boat ride to your destination. If you’ve got the cash, for the Baros Maldives Hotel, but even if you don’t the Maldives are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kuramathi Resort also ranks high on our list.
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When in Yellowstone, keep your distance from grizzly sows with cubs, but try to get the photo, if you dare. Photo of sow with radio collar and cub courtesy of John Good/Wikipedia Commons.
Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Surprise, surprise. While we wouldn’t recommend Yellowstone (in the northwest corner of Wyoming) and Glacier (north of Yellowstone in Montana) as winter destinations (although limited snowmobiling is possible with a permit), in order to get the most out of what are arguably the United State’s most impressive national parks, it is best to book ahead. Like now. Both parks have limited space during their limited tourist seasons, and both parks are not to be missed. Yellowstone is additionally threatened, according to some ecologists, by volcanic activity. Yes, one day, according to some, a sizeable portion of the park could blow sky high in the way of Mt. St. Helens. In the meantime, however, both parks offer jaw-dropping vistas, wildlife-sighting opportunities that range from elk to grizzlies to wolves and in the opinion of this correspondent top the list of world-wide mountain destinations. TIP: In Yellowstone, after making the rounds and seeing the “road sights,” head for Roosevelt Country and go for a summer cabin stay. It’s more primitive, but it’s the real Yellowstone.
- The Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Again the eco-system of 2,900-plus reefs under stress, and again the time is now. No matter what you’ve heard about the Indian Ocean, Mexico or the like, there is nothing quite like The Great Barrier Reef, where not only are the scuba sights vivid to the point of eye-popping, but the element of “anything can happen”—i.e. the “danger, danger, danger” heard by the late Steve Irwin is, simply put, part of the attraction. After all, upon your return you can at least tell stories about stories you heard on the subject of great white sharks, tiny, horribly dangerous jelly fish and salt-water crocs. Better yet, not only are guided trips plentiful from Queensland ports, but “live aboards,” which are basically overnight scuba trips a cooler experience than the simple day trip, they offer divers the chance to reach distant reefs that would traditionally be seen only by fishermen and those lost at sea. TIP: For those who are not scuba-prone, check out the Whitsunday Islands and Wavelength Reef Charters. Great snorkeling, great crew and a great time.
And you thought giant clams do not exist? You can actually see them in person snorkeling in Australia--but don't get too close. Photo courtesy of Diverjanderk1/Wikipedia Commons.
- Hawaii—and more specifically, Maui. Another great winter destination simply because you never seem to feel the winter, Hawaii is gradually, in our opinion at least, becoming “touristed to death,” so in fact the time to visit is now—or as soon as you can get there. While some may feel this claim is exaggerated, development, beach erosion and the like threaten to change what has long been seen as the United State’s jewel of the Pacific. On the other hand, the beaches are still generally fantastic, the eye-candy perhaps even better, and for the relatively domesticated among us, it is difficult to find a safer, more family-oriented-but-still-exotic location that still offers great waves for dad (or mom). But apart from the hiking, beaches, dormant volcano, etc., if you have not “wake boarded” off Maui, you haven’t lived. Surfing in the wake of a boat may sound strange, extreme—or even a bit lame—but we’re talking surfing over clear, ocean water, reefs, fish and even watching the occasional sea turtle swim by. TIP: Wake Maui will do you right. But if wake surfing that is a bit much, the fact is that if you have never simple kicked back to eat a fresh, Hawaiian pineapple right smack in the Hawaiian Islands, you just don’t the meaning of a holiday yet.
By Preston Smith, editor, World Traveler
Please feel free to contact the writer of this blog directly at preston.smith@psiloc.com.
