Print Story
X
Places that are ready for travel enthusiasts to explore next year
The News on Sunday asked travel enthusiasts about the most anticipated travel destinations for the upcoming year that promise to offer inspiring, memorable experiences. Below, find 16 places that are ready for tourists to come exploring.
Cambodia has many wonders to offer. Though the main attraction may be a cliché, it offers an un-miss-able opportunity to appreciate the tradition of yet another culture creating the art of divinity. The main draw for me here is the old temples, where nature merges into the stones laid by man, weaving a new narrative. I cannot wait to meet this place in person. – Ayesha Mirza, a sociology teacher with a passion for photography and exploration
Although relatively small, the city has a rich history. One of the sites one must visit while in town is Darawar Fort, a historical marvel in the Cholistan desert. Sadiq Garh Palace is a close second. Although almost a ruin now, the palace still speaks of grandeur and royalty. Uch Sharif, located at a distance of around two hours from there, is another place that should not be missed. Within the city, one can visit Noor Mahal, Sadiq Mosque, Main Bazaar, Museum, Sadiq Public School and Lal Suhanra Park, the house of blackbucks. – Sulman Ali, media person and a photography and travel enthusiast
It is the ultimate place to forge a connection with local culture and history. Full of impressive architecture, it almost looks like a refined version of some places in Pakistan. The country has maintained a perfect blend of history and modernisation, which is one of the key factors in boosting tourism. It is a good place to start if you are travelling abroad for the first time or are on a budget. – Huma Tarik, founder of MyEffinTours
It is famous among tourists primarily due to Kalash Valley and Shandur Polo Tournament. However, if one moves further, there are serene towns like Booni and Mastuj to witness and provide calm moments away from the hustle and bustle. However, one pro tip is always to book a guest house or a hotel away from the main roads. Then, trekkers can head towards the stunning Karambhar Lake or Thalo Pass and descend into the Kumrat Valley. – Sulman Ali
If
you ignore the deteriorating roads, the whole Chitral experience is mesmerising
and unlike anything you may have come across in other Northern Areas. The
people of Chitral are quite hospitable, the food is fantastic and you are
surrounded by culture and history. – Huma
Tarik
Sorrentino fittingly referred to Citta de Eterna, Rome, as La Grande Bellezza in his ode to the city and there can be no more befitting a name. On my first trip, I spent eight days there, only to realise that it was not enough time to appreciate even an eighth of the splendour of this city. Its concentration of gorgeous gardens, piazzas, fountains and statues is simply the veneer. The city’s art is in the air, the people, the music, the sounds and the sunsets. Rome is my great love, one that I am not too jealous to share, it is experiential and I cannot recommend it strongly enough. – Ayesha Mirza
Located at the border of Sindh and Balochistan, this place is a part of the Kirthar mountain range. The best thing about the hill station is its gorgeous sunsets, which one can witness from the Benazir viewpoint. It has been said that this scene is paisa vasool of the trip. – Sulman Ali
The city boasts rich history and folklore. It was an overseas possession of Oman from 1783 to 1958. One can still see reminders of the Omani era, including a fort and a mosque. My favourite place is the boat basin, where one can see fishing activities and a beautiful sunset over the sea while the fishing boats are out in the ocean. There is a promenade that one can walk by to take in the scenery. Old abandoned ships caught my attention, providing a unique glimpse into history. – Mobeen Ansari, photographer, filmmaker, artist & author based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
In my 17 years as a photographer, I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled to every part of Pakistan. As the world becomes a global village, Pakistan, too, has been opening up to tourism beyond the famous Northern Areas. Hazrois a small town in Attock. Ir is home to old havelis, mandirs and gurdwaras. Its streets offer an insight into its history, thankfully left alone by modernity. It is best known for the 200-year-old Hari temple and a gurdwara, where one can still see frescos on the walls, although both places need restoration work. I am particularly drawn to Hazro because of a pre-partition library that is centrally located and home to a 600 years old handwritten copy of the Quran as well as other religious and philosophical literature. Avid readers and scholars from around the world, particularly from Iran, have visited this place. It was owned by the late Rashid Alizai and his family. – Mobeen Ansari
I often feel that owing to the shared history and culture of the neighbouring countries; it’s about time their citizens were given a chance to visit each other in amiable conditions. Visiting places with similar cultural or historical backgrounds can help us understand the world from a better perspective. It can also make us realise the possibilities we have as a country. – Huma Tarik
The year 2023 will be markedly different in terms of
consumer preferences, owing primarily to the solubilisation of post-Covid
global restrictions and the fact that the destinations easily accessible in the
year 2022 have already been heavily travelled, resulting in frequent
travellers. Therefore, they would also look for less travelled destinations,
which would diversify consumer demand. Furthermore, travellers will mostly
choose destinations based on their budget allocation, which has become the
deciding factor due to the volatile economy. Thus, the consumers will be
divided into two segments: one for frequent travellers who want to visit new
places, such as Japan, South Africa and Morocco, and the other for
budget-conscious travellers, i.e.
Azerbaijan, Dubai, Turkey or Thailand. – Fahd Dogar, CEO, One58Travel
Located in Upper Dir, the Valley is 45 minutes from Thank and on the bank of Panjkora River; excellent for a small tour. One can also enjoy trekking in the surrounding jungles or the famous starry nights while relaxing beside the serene river. However, the once-calm place is fast becoming another Murree due to increased tourism and development projects. – Sulman Ali
Built in 26 BCE (2,500 years old), Mohenjodaro (or mound of the dead) is known to be the largest settlement of the ancient Indus Valley. The prehistoric city is located around 28 kilometres from the town of Larkana, Sindh and is a must-see for history buffs. – Sulman Ali
I spent a lot of time in Balochistan this year and witnessed the stunning desert town of Nushki. It is the most beautiful desert in the country. It changes colour with the time of day and the weather. It feels different every time you see it. Its landscape is diverse, and sand dunes mix with lush green fields and rugged mountains. The milky way covers this desert at night, leaving everyone in awe of its magnificence. In addition to the desert, Nushki also has famous shrines, a lake and a football field. – Mobeen Ansari
My
top destinations would be the many beautiful places of Balochistan. The region
is relatively unexplored, has considerable tourism potential and offers
something new to people who are used to heading to the north for travel.
However, due to the unstable security conditions, I can’t say if that is
something I shall be able to achieve in 2023. – Huma Tarik
For those looking for an unforgettable travel experience in 2023, Thailand’s Phuket, Greece’s Santorini and Egypt’s Cairo are three cities sure to provide the perfect destination. Phuket, a stunning island with something for everyone, boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and a unique culture. So whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled holiday, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From its warm climate and friendly locals to its delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise why Phuket is one of the world’s most popular destinations. – Gul Jabeen, a travel blogger and data scientist based in Germany
An island in Greece, Santorini will leave you in awe with its whitewashed buildings, spectacular views and amazing sunsets. I can still vividly remember my unforgettable experience at Kamari beach on summer nights. The warm sand, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the starry night sky were like something out of a dream. I can’t wait to return and have that same feeling again. I’m sure that the next time I return to Kamari beach on a summer night, it will be just as magical as it was before. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a relaxing break and is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. – Gul Jabeen
Most people headed to Gilgit Baltistan aim for Hunza and Naltar, but I encourage you to push farther north; maybe, all the way to the entry to the Khunjerab National Park where you will find the quiet town of Sost in the region of Markhoon. Sost will offer you all the amenities to make this your base as you head out to various small villages and seldom-explored treks. Here you will witness pure nature, as undisturbed by man’s hand as possible. Here you will find pure divinity. Take it. – Ayesha Mirza
It is the last village before the Line of Control near Kashmir. Located in Sharda tehsil, 200 kilometres from Muzaffarabad and 39 kilometres from Kel, it is Taobat where River Neelum enters Azad Kashmir. Visiting this beautiful valley is a unique and memorable experience with its unforgettable sights of the mighty river and the green pastures. – Sulman Ali
