VI
EN
Yörük nomads move their flocks of sheep to the cooler highlands with more summer pastures in Mersin, Türkiye on May 4, 2021. (Photo: DHA)
Responding to the needs of "travel enthusiasts" - welcoming the new year 2022 with a ready-to-travel attitude despite the "threat" of the new Omicron variant emerging, the American magazine National Geographic (NatGeo) has just released a list of the 25 best destinations in 2022. This list is divided into 5 categories: Nature; Adventure; Sustainability; Culture and History; Family. In which, the No. 1 positions include the following impressive destinations:
THE BEST DESTINATION TO ENJOY NATURE
Lake Baikal, Russia: With an area of 31,722 square kilometers and an average depth of 744 meters, the giant Lake Baikal is a natural wonder recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1996. Baikal is the world's largest freshwater lake, known as the "Pearl of Siberia" and "Russia's Galapagos" (Galapagos is a famous tourist destination, known as the "Paradise Island" of the South American country of Ecuador).
The icy beauty of winter on Russia's Lake Baikal. (Photo: Sergey Pesterev/ WikiMedia)
Currently, tourists are being called upon to join hands in developing ecotourism infrastructure to contribute to protecting Lake Baikal and its beautiful and diverse landscape, including forests, steppes, pristine beaches... and famous destinations such as Listvyanka village, Olkhon island, Kotelnikovsky cape...
THE DESTINATION OF THE MOST EXCITING ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Arapahoe Basin: Is a ski resort in the Rockies - the largest mountain range in North America, located in the Arapaho National Forest of Colorado, USA. This place is popular with tourists who love adventure trips, experiencing Via Ferrata (a mountain climbing sport that uses ropes and spikes rather than using much equipment).
Tourists experience Via Ferrata (a climbing sport using ropes and nails) in the Arapahoe Basin area. (Photo: Internet)
For the best views of the Continental Divide, climbers typically start from the cliffs at the foot of the mountain to the summit at around 4,000m. From there, they can take in the sweeping views of the windswept Colorado landscape below, dotted with green moss carpets, vibrant pink and purple flora, and strange rock gardens formed by the cliffs.
BEST SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DESTINATIONS
Yasuní National Park: in eastern Ecuador, has been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1989. (Photo: fairplanet.org)
Yasuní National ParkFamous for its enchanting landscapes and many precious timber species, it is the first of five test sites for the French-funded TerrAmaz initiative, which began in late 2020, to support sustainable development and protect the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
THE BEST DESTINATION FOR CULTURE AND HISTORY
Charming pastel-colored houses in the fishing village of Corricella on the island of Procida, Italy. (Photo: CNN)
Procida Island, Italy:The number 1 spot in this category belongs to Procida Island - which was named the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022.
To reach this island city, visitors will take about 40 minutes by high-speed ferry from Naples. All will experience a great cultural connection through the historic center of Terra Murata, with a beautiful “postcard” perfect landscape, through typical examples of local architecture, charming pastel-colored buildings and the “slow” lifestyle in the peaceful and romantic atmosphere of the local residents.
Occupying two other impressive positions in this category are:
“Tea Holy Land” Jingmai Mountain, China. (Photo: China Daily)
Mount Jingmaiknown as the “Tea Holy Land”, located in the southwestern border area of Yunnan province, is home to thousands of years old wild and semi-wild ancient tea forests, providing raw materials to create one of the “ten great famous Chinese teas”. That is Pu-erh tea, famous for its flavor and quality, with a selling price that is also among the most expensive in the world.
The Ainu aboriginal village with its traditional cultural heritage is an attractive tourist destination on Hokkaido Island, Japan. (Photo: CNN)
“The Magic Land of Japan” - Hokkaido Islandlocated in the northernmost part of the “Land of the Rising Sun”. This place is famous for its spectacular wild landscapes, delicious food, unique coastal villages and the rich cultural heritage of the Ainu indigenous people.
THE BEST DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES
The Yörük people on the Teke Peninsula still maintain their nomadic traditions in the summer of 2021. (Photo: DHA)
Lycia, Türkiye: better known as the “Turquoise Coast”. With its crystal clear waters and stunning Mediterranean coastline, Lycia is a great destination for those who love diving, swimming and sightseeing from yachts. Visitors can also experience the Yörük cultural heritage of the Yörük people of the Teke Peninsula. The Yörük people have maintained many of the unique nomadic traditions and customs of their ancestors.
