With the new Omicron variant, travel in 2022 has again become uncertain. The hope is that this variant will solidify our foothold in the fight for immunization. Many governmental and medical bodies are predicting that herd immunity should be achieved sometime in the spring (in most developed countries). I am cautiously optimistic.
International Destinations
Places I would like to visit outside my home country of Canada.
Japan
Japan is always at the top of my list. There is not much I can say about Japan that hasn’t already been said thousands of times before. It is one of the safest countries in the world, transportation is hyper efficient (JR Pass), food standards are unreal, the people are friendly and welcoming and it is exceedingly photogenic throughout the seasons.
The Japanese Alps
The Japanese Alps would be my primary objective. Ideally, I would like to arrive in Japan at the tail end of the Mount Fuji hiking season. There are a couple hiking videos I would like to shoot in the area, including, climbing Mount Fuji. If all things go as planned, I would then transition into the Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains) and work my way through the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains) up to the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains). Of course, this is a vast region so it will be impossible to cover it all in the span of a few short weeks. However, there are several highlight reel trails I am hoping to have a chance to bring to you in 4K UHD.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is a beautiful port city on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu island. There are a lot of attractions within the city itself but it also serves as a great home base to the surrounding region. Given its proximity to the Asian mainland is closer than to Tokyo, it would be ideal for daytrips to the southern most parts of Japan but also, potentially, to South Korea.
Iceland
I have not had the chance to visit Iceland yet and being able to go in 2022 would be an incredible opportunity. At the time of this writing, entry is permitted in accordance with vaccination rules.
Laugavegur-Fimmvörðuháls Trail
Iceland is again one of those destinations that needs no introduction. However, there are a couple multi-day hikes that have piqued my interest. The Laugavegur Trail has been named as one of the world’s best hiking trails by National Geographic. The path leads through multicolored rhyolite mountains, hot springs, three glaciers and stunning valleys. It stretches 80 km and would take about 5 days to complete at a decent pace.
Hvannadalshnúkur Summit
The tallest peak in Iceland would certainly be a good argument for the crown jewel of an adventure hike in this region. It is an extremely challenging 24km hike that has you climbing up Iceland’s largest glacier. Despite the adverse conditions and the taxing mental and physical demands, it is a very safe hike. As long as you are properly prepared with the necessary gear, the views from climbing a grand summit on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean should be nothing short of spectacular.