Month by month, a year of opportunities...

...these could be your destinations in the coming year

~~~

JANUARY - Tasmanian treats

Or should that be 'Taste'mania? This island state south of eastern Australia is a food and wine-lover's delight.

Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race

OK, the 2021 race is already over, but it's never too soon to pencil it in for post-Christmas 2022.

One of the world’s toughest ocean competitions, it lures intrepid sailors to race a gruelling 628 miles (1000km)  from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. This city's waterfront is prime position for watching yachts cross the finish line. Join spectators as they gather on the banks of the River Derwent to cheer the competitors and get an up-close look at these impressive racing vessels.

Set sail at...

~~~

Lavender love

December to January, state-wide, a sea of purple across Tasmania offers the scents of summer. Not only fragrance, it makes for a visually spectacular sight as well. Inhale deeply at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, home to 260 acres (105 hectares) of lavender fields, and one of the world's top producers of lavender oil.

The Lavender House at Rowella is Tasmania's only working perfumery and, down south, Port Arthur Lavender hosts 18 acres (over seven hectares) of lavender fields. 

See more...

~~~

Mona Foma performs

Mona Foma 2022 will bring two weekends of music, art and performance to both ends of the island - in Launceston (January 21-23) and Hobart (January 28-30). The program of music and events celebrates the depth of Tasmania’s home-grown talent alongside acclaimed acts from further afield.  

From a dance work exploring the journey of the pakana people, a cross-section of live music, to cement-mixer-monster-trucks, aerialists atop a dripping iceberg, and high-powered lasers illuminating the landscape, the festival includes over 300 artists (including legendary Australian band Midnight Oil) across 40 venues. 

 ~~~

Tassie's taste of summer

Here's another one to plan for after Christmas, 2022.

Now called the Taste of Summer, this festival takes place at Princes Wharf Shed No. 1 for the post-Christmas and New Year period, featuring over 80 of Tasmania’s finest food and drink producers from regions across the state, plus a line-up of 200 of Tassie’s best performing artists taking the stage.

Start salivating...

~~~

Find out more about terrific Tasmania...

FEBRUARY - fly over the deep south

Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? How does flying high above Antarctica sound, looking down on icy coastlines and frigid mountain ranges from a vantage point rarely seen by humans?

Be dazzled by the magic of the Aurora Australis, with unparalleled views from high above the clouds. Marvel at the night sky's stars and planets, with expert astronomers on board to provide fascinating insights.

Follow Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s route to the South Pole, see the Southern Lights above the clouds, or ring in the New Year at the end of the Earth under the midnight sun.

Departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, these round-trip flights take you soaring over Antarctica on board a Qantas Dreamliner, while Antarctica experts teach you about the continent’s landscapes and history.

These trips cannot be booked online. For more information on departure dates, prices, how to book and more, contact reservations team on  1300 684 312.

Learn more about other dates too...

MARCH - an Australian bucket list

Tripadvisor has rounded up a list of bucket list experiences so you can start 2022 with a bang! These are the heart-pumping, adventurous, once in a lifetime activities also rated highly by travellers. 

Here are just three of them...

~~~

Up, up and away over the Barossa Valley, South Australia

Soar over the beautiful Barossa Valley at sunrise during a hot air balloon ride that offers spectacular views of the scenic landscape. Admire the colourful skies and morning light reflecting on the vineyards as you quietly glide through the air. End off this informative trip with a delicious breakfast whipped up from the freshest products and artisan producers. More...

~~~

Swim with a whale shark

Spend a day cruising the beautiful world heritage Ningaloo Reef and experience the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, known as the largest fish in the world!! Take a trip on a spacious powerboat for a full day of snorkelling, swimming, and sightseeing the incredible marine life. This all-inclusive tour provides travellers with snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, a meals and snacks, and even a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate. More...

~~~

Skydive to the beach

Skydive through the scenic sights of Melbourne’s beautiful beaches and enjoy an exciting jump just minutes from downtown. Take in dramatic views of the city as you prepare to leap from a height of 14,000 feet (4,270 metres), and then even more stunning views as you float back down to earth for an unforgettable beach landing. More...

See others...

APRIL - flowers (and more) in Flanders

Visit Flanders' Welcome Back to Flanders Fields Pass will this year offer free and significantly discounted entry into many of the region’s museums and visitor attractions, including WW1 themed museums, breweries and other local experiences.

Flowers play a large role in Flanders with many places open for visits such as the 12th-century Kasteel Groot Bijgaarden (above). 

Floralia Brussels, from 2 April to 3 May 2022 is well worth noting. The spring flower exhibition in the park and the greenhouses of the castle of Grand Bigard (Groot-Bijgaarden) offers an unforgettable flower experience. The park of 14 hectares incorporates nearly all spring bulb varieties. For the new flowering time, the gardeners of the castle have planted by hand more than one million bulbs!

Special attention goes to the tulips, with almost 400 varieties, hyacinths and daffodils are also well represented.

Many people's favourite in Flanders is picture-perfect Bruges. Canals loop across the UNESCO World Heritage town like a string of pearls, creating its well-earned title of 'the Venice of the North'. With cobblestone paths, brick archways, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. The addition of swans on the water, horse-drawn carriages in the lanes, and daffodils in the park, make it nearly magical. 

More about Flanders...

MAY - luxury and beauty in Japan

(Photo by Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami)

Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami looks out onto the glistening Pacific Ocean. This destination is best known for its famous local cuisine and seasonal delights such as Mehari-zushi, and Kenken Katsuo (bonito) that is in season from spring to early summer – as well as being part of the Kumano Kodo Ohechi pilgrimage route that runs along the western coast of the Kii Peninsula. 

~~~

Onsen (hot spring) at Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami. (Photo by Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami)

In Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, a modern take on the Japanese ryokan awaits at Chalet Ivy JozankeiSapporo. With only 26 rooms, all offering private hot springs, this hotel is the perfect place to relax in Japan’s famous steamy waters, including the hotel’s public, indoor and open-air baths.

Oirase Ice Falls, Aomori prefecture. (Photo by Japan National Tourism Organization)

For a truly whimsical winter wonderland, look no further than the Oirase Ice Falls Tour in Aomori prefecture ready for the winter season. Rare ice falls, icicles, and flowing streams, all of which have been carefully lit with LED lamps, create a sparkling fairyland. 

Much more here...

JUNE - hiking in western Scotland

Summer is a great time for hiking in Scotland.

The West Highland Way is undoubtedly the most famous long distance hiking trail in Scotland and the most popular walking route of all the long distance ones in Scotland.

Offering stunning scenery across the Scottish Highlands with ample support services along the route, it is a favourite multi-day hike for many walkers.

The 96 mile (155 kilometre) West Highland Way stretches from Milngavie, Glasgow to Fort William, following a mixture of cattle paths, old military roads, and drover tracks, while undulating alongside Loch Lomond, over moorland, and through forests.

About 36,000 people complete this hike each year. It is suitable for walkers of all abilities, and is most popular from May to August. The cosy hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and campsites along the route help ensure that everyone’s journey is both successful and special.

This interesting, in-depth blog will answer many more questions...

JULY - family excursions

The end of the school year in the northern hemisphere, and a long winter break in the southern hemisphere, make this month an ideal time for family holidays. Planning a private bespoke trip allows you to cover everything on your wish list; plus extras you never even knew you wanted.

~~~

Canadian Rockies

Iconic national parks, larger-than-life snow-peaked mountains and wild beauty—the Canadian Rockies are the stunning backbone of this vast country, rising from the land and towering overhead. Bike riverside trails, hike waterfalls and maybe even spot a bear or two! Stay in some of the most authentic mountain lodges around, brimming with pure rustic charm. Your journey through Canada’s wild west, including world-renowned Banff, is sure to be one your family won’t forget.

~~~

Peru

Paddleboard on emerald-green lakes in the Sacred Valley, ride horses by Andean villages or zip-line through spectacular scenery. Mountain-bike ancient Incan trails, hike the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu, then celebrate with a chocolate-making workshop in Cusco. Visit the Amazon to swim with pink dolphins, or a sanctuary for orphaned manatees, then jungle walk to giant water lilies. More...

~~~

Iceland

A family trip to Iceland is like stepping into a scene from The Lord of the Rings—a fantasy playground where ancient sagas of Viking legends come to life and the lofty summits of Mt. Hekla and Snæfellsnes offer routes to the centre of the Earth. Hike past glaciers, waterfalls and volcanic lava fields in Thorsmork National Park. Take a dip in the country’s famed geothermal waters, from the famous Blue Lagoon to the natural hot springs found in the middle of nowhere. More...

More tours HERE...

AUGUST - Merry Derry, Ireland

You may have been to Belfast and Dublin and Cork - but have you thought to visit Derry, one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached? After withstanding several sieges over the ages, today you can walk its 400-year-old City Walls which are approximately one mile (1.6 kilometres) in circumference. 

What's more the city is the perfect hub for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.

Derry, Londonderry, is the home of Ireland's only completely intact historic Walled City. Join a walls walking tour to enjoy this city with its cosmopolitan year-round vibe.

Home to the finest festivals in the world (Derry's Halloween festival was voted the best in the world by USA today), each year, before Halloween, the city officially awakens its 17th Century City Walls. Come and see them brought to life during the spooktackular Halloween programme of activities.

If jazz is more your thing then visit during the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival - Northern Ireland’s biggest and best jazz festival. You’ll not be able to resist tapping your feet, as the city –and venues within it – become the home of all things jazz.

See the Top Ten Reasons to visit Derry...

More details....

SEPTEMBER - wining and dining in Victoria, Australia

As one of Australia’s first families of wine, Brown Brothers in Milawa, Victoria, has been pioneering wine adventures since 1889. From the very first vintage to its ‘experimental’ Kindergarten winery, Brown Brothers’ journey over four generations of family winemaking has been anything but dull.

Another adventure has now commenced in the The Kitchen Garden, located just behind the Brown Brothers Cellar Door. Guided by the seasons, organic produce, picked fresh each day, is tended by Chef Bodee Price. This is where guests learn about and forage for produce with the chefs, and is followed by a winery tour, cellar door tasting and a specially designed lunch in the restaurant, using the produce they helped pick that morning.

The dishes served to guests are inspired by native Australian flavours. The menu can change daily depending on the season and what’s available.

Find out more...

OCTOBER- spring in Western Australia

Western Australia's subtitle is 'the Wildflower State' and springtime is a living showcase for hundreds of varieties of native wildflowers of all sizes, shapes and colours.

However, the offerings on plates in the various local restaurants and cafes is pretty spectacular too.

Lately Western Australia is being tagged as the undiscovered 'Haven for Nature Lovers' and the south-western area of the state is especially worth a visit. 

To get an idea of what's on offer why not take a luxury Margaret River 3-Day Tour?

That way you will begin to experience the sheer indulgence of the Margaret River Region with luxury five-star accommodation, nationally and internationally acclaimed local wine and world-class fine cuisine.

Once you have wined and dined, there is still the superb coastal and pastoral scenery to explore, a walk on the Cape to Cape Trail, and many more highlights - including those wildflowers if you visit in springtime.

More details...

NOVEMBER - an ocean experience

Of all the world's countries, the Maldives, with an elevation of just 1.5 metres, is the world's lowest-lying country.

Of course this also means that, for beach and sea-lovers, it has great appeal.

Great news! The Maldives has secured the title of World’s Leading Destination for the second year running, at the World Travel Awards 2021.

Despite the stunning location, the attraction of this country is not simply about the water and views.

Recently, ultra-luxury, all-villa resort One&Only Reethi Rah launched ‘Botanica with Matthew Kenney’, a globally celebrated chef who is renowned for being a pioneer in plant-based, sustainable cuisine.

As one of One&Only Reethi Rah’s seven diverse dining outlets, Botanica boasts an abundant vegetable and herb garden in a blissful environment that embodies the natural beauty of the island and offers the perfect stage for Chef Kenney’s menu.

Complementing the restaurant’s garden-to-table concept, the new menu will feature natural and local ingredients at their peak, such as king oyster mushrooms, summer squash, and banana flowers. Whether dining in the idyllic al fresco potager or surrounded by the colourful entourage of the Orchid House, Chef Kenney’s fresh flavours pair perfectly with Botanica’s Gin Bar which offers a selection of 34 gins from around the world.

 More details...

DECEMBER - quirky New Zealand places to visit

Tairawhiti, perched on the easternmost outcrop of the country, is the first to see the sun and offers more firsts unique to this region.

• Home to the country’s longest natural rockslide, grab an inflatable water toy or body board and head inland to Rere rockslide, a wild ride in rushing water over perfectly formed rocks.
• Mt Hikurangi is the best spot to be one of the first in the world to welcome a new day, the highest non-volcanic peak on the island.
• A sacred place to immerse yourself in the whakairo (carvings) and traditional stories of Māori culture from a local Ngati Porou guide.
• Grab your waders and head for the sparkling blue waters as you test your courage feeding stingray at Dive Tatapouri, an incredible personal experience with the magical marine life.
• With an arboretum, heritage trail and tandem bike adventure, not to mention the unofficial chardonnay capital of New Zealand, there is something here for everyone.

~~~

Quirky places have quirky food too! Read on to find out what this is...(above)

Invercargill, one of the southernmost cities in the world, is enveloped by beautiful, untouched, remote landscapes and is known for doing things its own way.

• First up would be sampling a cheese roll (above), a delicacy in this region, and the perfect snack - cheese in a slice of bread!
• Dig This is a unique experience to get out of your comfort zone and get the blood pumping. Pick from a wide range of diggers from mini to mega and try your hand at 360 spins, handstands, playing digger basketball or crushing an entire car.
• At Bill Richardson Transport World discover world class vintage trucks, the largest of its kind, or head to E Hayes Motorworks to learn about local legend Burt Munro and his incredible speed achievements.
• Make your own chocolate at Seriously Good Chocolate Company before venturing into nature on Tuatapere’s Hump Ridge track and the awe-inspiring landscapes.

~~~

Visit Waitaki's scenic contrasts of windswept beaches with mysterious boulders, and look out for Hector’s dolphins and Little Blue penguins (oamaru blue penguins, above) and watch them as they adorably waddle into shore to sleep and shelter.

• See the carved valleys and deep rivers while gliding from the sky. 
• The Steampunk festival sets the small town of Oamaru abuzz as 19th century Victorian England costumes take over and events, workshops and activities scatter the city.
• If you’re lucky catch a glimpse of some of the smallest dolphins in the world.
• Further inland, the Whitestone Waitaki Geopark is a landscape to marvel, from Elephant Rocks to Clay Cliffs, the topography is rare and exceptional.
• Visit the Moeraki Boulders and take a guess at how they got there, in a region with unique formations and events.

There's more...

*****************

And one more thing...

...FoodandTravel hopes that 2022 will be the best year ever for all of us.

May we all stay healthy and happy, so that we can travel our beautiful world again...

...very soon

(All pictures supplied)

Please note: All editorial on this page is included solely because of its interest and possible value to readers. None of the places or products mentioned above has paid to be included. Text and pictures are used with permission.

No liability is accepted for any of the items mentioned in this article. It is the responsibility of users of this site to undertake their own research and make independant decisions.

~~~

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. Not all businesses are operating as advertised due to the current Coronavirus situation. Please check websites before travel or booking.