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DISCOVER PATAGONIA

Patagonia in far South America spans Argentina and Chile. Cruise its legendary southern waterways like the Magellan Strait and Beagle Channel, while further north is the extraordinary Torres del Paine region with trekking, trail riding and luxury accommodation. www.aptouring.com.au

DRIFT THROUGH ASSAM

See India’s north-eastern frontier state while cruising the mighty Brahmaputra River aboard MV Mahabaahu. En route are huge river islands, wildlife, Kaziranga National Park, monasteries and tea plantations. www.cruisetraveller.com.au

E-TOUR SWITZERLAND

The E-Grand Tour, the world’s first dedicated touring route for electric vehicles sparks on a 1600-km loop, with 400 charging stations. Taking in alpine passes, lakes and World Heritage sites, it can be done during the annual WAVE rally or solo. www.wavetrophy.com

GO THAI, GO GULF

Skip the superstar destinations and go for the Gulf. The arc of isles fanning from east to west around the Gulf of Thailand offers a getaway for everyone. Explore for yours between Koh Kood and Koh Talu, via Koh Chang, Samet, Si Chang and more.

 (Thai Islands)

SAIL SULAWESI

Sail on a modern phinisi through Sulawesi, eastern Indonesia’s marine jewelbox. Reefs like the Banggai Archipelago’s score “ten out of ten”. And then you reach pristine Wakatobi National Marine Reserve — at least eleven! www.seatrekbali.com

RAIL ACROSS OZ

Australian train journeys can be lengthy, epic and stunning. Go transcontinental, east-west on the luxurious Indian Pacific or north-south on its mate, The Ghan. Or ride lesser-known rattlers like the Gulflander, Tilt Train and Spirit of the Outback.

 

 (The Ghan, Australia)

EXPEDITION SHIPS

Brilliant expedition ships coming on line this year include purpose-built beauties like Scenic Eclipse (with submarine and helicopters) and Aurora Expedition’s Greg Mortimer (with revolutionary, inverted X-Bow). They join Ponant’s recent arrivals with “Blue Eye” underwater viewing portals.

THE ‘SECRET’ SOUTH PACIFIC

Re-discover the untrammelled, truly remote Pacific. MV Bravo Supporter now regularly visits Pitcairn Island, while Aranui has increased capacity to the Marquesas Archipelago. How about Mangareva, the Austral Islands or tiny Niue? www.aranui.com; www.visitpitcairn.pn

CRUISE SUBANTARCTIC

Macquarie, The Snares, Bounty Isles, Enderby — these obscure insular dots halfway to the bottom of the world are remarkable, World Heritage havens for millions of birds and sea mammals. Cruise the Subantarctic Islands with Ponant. https://au.ponant.com/

 (Subantarctic Islands)

NEW BEDS ON THE BANGKOK BLOCK

Just when you thought the Big Mango couldn’t fit another hotel along come four stunners. Three are in the thriving Sukhumvit hub around Nana-Asok — Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Continent Hotel Bangkok and Well Hotel — while across town the Waldorf Astoria has arrived at the flash new Magnolias Ratchadamri Development.

Travel author John Borthwick picks ten of the best for the travelling year ahead.