Abercrombie & Kent's Most Desired Destinations for 2011

Abercrombie & Kent's Most Desired Destinations for 2011
The majority are professionals and entrepreneurs for whom travel is an essential part of their lifestyle. They want trips that do more than just provide a rest and a getaway, so they are always seeking out new experiences. For 2011, their most-desired destinations are:

Antarctica

Travelers seeking to go to the ends of the earth should look no further than Antarctica. This is a destination of extremes: the weather is unpredictable, the distances long but the experience nothing short of remarkable. The best way to experience the breathtaking landscapes and the wildlife -- unaffected by the presence of humans -- is on an adventure cruise aboard MV Le Boreal, which Condé Nast Traveler likens to a "Gold List" hotel. "Even better, the ship's small size enables it to get close to fjords, glaciers, and bays the bigger ships can't reach."

Bhutan

Far off the beaten track, visitor numbers are limited by design. Dramatic mountain landscapes, a deep spirituality and charming people attract thoughtful travellers and there's a small but excellent choice of luxe lodgings (Amankora and Uma Paro). Experience Bhutan's profoundly Buddhist culture, witness a puja ceremony and trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery. More active travellers can Bike and hike to remote sacred pilgrimage sites.

Croatia

This is Europe's "new Riviera." Blessed with ancient monuments, a sun-drenched coastline and turquoise seas, the country is largely unspoiled but beginning to see the arrival of super yachts and glamorous A-listers. It offers a rich cultural heritage with Roman ruins and walled cities, superb beaches and some of the best boating in the region.

Galapagos Islands

Rated "Top Island" at the World's Best Awards 2010, the Galapagos archipelago is rightly hot. A year-round destination, its remote location 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador rewards the adventurous with a dazzling array of plant and animal life with many species found nowhere else on the planet. Famous as the inspiration for Darwin's 'The Origin of Species', this is a living laboratory best explored with expert guides on an adventure cruise aboard the MV Eclipse, which earned perfect scores from Conde Nast Traveler for Shore Excursions and Itineraries, and is SmartVoyager certified as environmentally friendly.

South Australia

Travellers wanting to escape urban confines are excited about the new Arkaba Station, a 60,000 acre working sheep station in the Flinders Ranges with Wilpena Pound right on the property's northern boundary. This is a pristine outback adventure delivered in homestead style and comfort. A walking safari is also available with luxury camping in swags under the stars!

Mexico

There's something for everyone in Mexico, from vast deserts to jungle, ancient Mayan ruins to tropical Caribbean beaches, snow-capped volcanoes to bustling modern cities. It's beautiful and diverse, with breathtaking vistas, numerous cultures, cuisines, handicrafts, music and art forms. Active travellers can explore the Baja coast from the unique vantage point of the water, kayaking to desolate beaches.

Morocco

Desert, souks and spices. Colorful and exotic, home to a fusion of Berber, Arabic and Moorish cultures. There is a choice of boutique riads, chic hotels and Bedouin tented camps to suit those interested in culture, cuisine and history as well as more active adventurers.

Zambia

Top billing for wildlife enthusiasts is a safari in Zambia. Home to the walking safari, this is the place to go for some of the world's best game viewing and you can do it in the traditional style on foot at Sanctuary Zebra Plains. Walking safaris are dictated by the seasons and only operate five months of the year when you join Garth Hovell, guide par excellence, in search of the unique species which inhabit South Luangwa National Park.

A&K is a world leader in luxury and adventure travel, widely known and respected for attention to detail, high standards of service and the distinctiveness of the travel experiences they create for a discerning clientele. They pioneer new and intriguing destinations where it is possible to offer "by invitation only" access to authentic experiences in a personalized, low-profile and intelligent style. Call 800 554 7094 or go to www.abercrombiekent.com for more information.