From bullet trains to active volcanoes, travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has named its top new experiences for 2016. Consisting entirely of newly-opened or yet-to-open attractions, the list gives a peak at 31 experiences, ranging from extreme adventure challenges, such as zip-lining in Cuba’s Valle de Viñales, to cultural venues, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Topping the list is the Center for Extreme Tourism in Chinandega, Nicaragua, which opened in October 2015, and is a new ecotourism facility to support those who want to climb the country’s tallest active volcano and explore the San Cristóbal volcano natural reserve.
Japan’s new bullet train route is second: the Tokyo to Hakodate line is an 850km, four-hour journey connecting the capital to the country’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, famous for its high-quality seafood, skiing and hot springs.
In third place is Rwanda’s Akagera national park, where, last summer, lions were reintroduced after 15 years. This year, as the pride establishes itself in its new territory, it will be easier for visitors to track the lions on safari.
Other new experiences on the list include the world’s first Dr Seuss Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts; immersing yourself in desert flowers at the Field of Light installation at Uluru, Australia; and walking on water at the Floating Piers art installation on Italy’s Lake Iseo.
Beyond the top 10 are several UK attractions. The extension of the Tate Modern, due to open in June, is in 16th place, while the cutting edge artificial surf lake in Wales, Surf Snowdonia, also features on the list, as does Stratford-upon-Avon, which celebrates the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death this April.
The full New In Travel list is available to download as a free ebook at lonelyplanet.com/newintravel2016.
Lonely Planet’s New in Travel top 10
- Nicaragua
Climb the country’s tallest active volcano at the Center for Extreme Tourism, Chinandega – opened October 2015 - Japan
Zoom along northern Japan’s new bullet train route, Hokkaidō Shinkansen – opening spring 2016 - Rwanda
Spot lions in the Akagera national park – expected early 2016 - St Helena, British Territories
Be among the first to fly to remote St Helena, from South Africa – available mid-2016 - United Arab Emirates
Be awed by the new Louvre Abu Dhabi – expected opening in 2016, date TBC - Italy
Walk on water at The Floating Piers art installation on Lake Iseo – June 2016 - Panama
See an even bigger Panama Canal after its $5bn expansion – opening April 2016 - Australia
Glow among desert flowers at the Field of Light installation at Uluru – 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 - US
Visit the new museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, honouring native son Dr Seuss – opening June 2016 - Indonesia
Luxuriate on Gili Meno’s island retreat, BASK – opening 2016, date TBC
