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TRAVEL NEWS Grand Return to Travel By Ensemble Travel Group
From embarking on off-the-beaten-track expeditions in West Africa to cruising seven of Europe’s rivers and exploring new UNESCO World Heritage sites, travellers can expect a grand return to travel this fall and beyond. Here’s what’s new in the world of travel.
A FIRST-EVER AFRICAN ADVENTURE A leader in exploration travel, Hurtigruten Expeditions is adding the West African Coast to its list of new destinations, becoming the only expedition cruise line to explore the region next year. Onboard MS Spitsbergen, guests will enjoy the best of small-ship cruising during a 13-day itinerary departing bustling Dakar and visiting four countries — Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. They will also get a unique opportunity to discover the distinctive wildlife and diverse landscapes of the untouched Bissagos Islands as they enjoy four days exploring the 88-island archipelago, home to hippos, dolphins, crocodiles, sea turtles, manatees and 500 species of birds.
A NEW SET OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES After being unable to meet in 2020 due to the pandemic, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recently designated 34 new World Heritage sites for 2020 and 2021. Highlights of the latest additions include the French city of Nice, dubbed the “Winter Resort Town of the Riviera”; Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, home to endangered species such as the Siamese crocodile, the Asiatic wild dog and the Asian elephant, as well as eight cat species; the town of As-Salt, in Jordan, an important trade settlement under the Ottoman Empire; as well as the fresco cycles within the historic walled city of Padua, Italy, painted between 1302 and 1397. These bring the total number of UNESCO World Heritage sites to 1,154.
10 • Vacations ® • Fall 2021
