TORONTO — They’re supposed to be the antithesis of mass-market travel but off-the-beaten path trips are getting a new lease on life thanks to all those client bucket lists, and the newfound spirit of far-flung adventure that’s taken the travel world by storm. Adventure specialist G Adventures’ top travel experiences for the new year include yurt-making in Kyrgyzstan, relaxing in a floating hammock in northern Brazil and hiking an ancient pilgrimage trail in Japan.

Says G Adventures spokesperson, Tim Chan, “as travellers start looking at what to book for next year, the experts have gazed into their crystal globes to foresee new hotspots and new ways to see old favourites.”

Here’s G Adventures’ ‘Where to Go in 2016’ list:

Yurts along Song Kul Lake where shepherds gather in the summer months to graze their animals at high pastures (Kyrgyzstan).

The ‘Stans – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

Travellers learn to build a yurt and sleep in yurts and homestays with local families, supporting community-based tourism along the way. G Adventures has introduced five new trips for 2016. “Visa restrictions have relaxed in Central Asia recently, hence it takes the number one spot for those looking for the most unusual passport stamps,” says Chan. A 14-day Central Asia Adventure is priced from $2,099 per person.

Northern Brazil

G Adventures is launching two new itineraries in northern Brazil. A 14-day Explore Northern Brazil and Amazon trip is priced from $4,299 per person. While Rio is getting all the buzz for its upcoming 2016 Olympics, G Adventures is “encouraging travellers to head north, staying in a jungle lodge then exploring Chapada Diamantina National Park, a hidden gem with flat top mountains and Brazil’s highest waterfall,” says Chan. Brazil recently granted 90-day visa exemptions for Canadians.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

The ‘Sri Lanka Express’  is full of culture and nature, but can also be combined with a Maldives Dhoni Cruise “for the ultimate twin-centre adventure getaway”. This eight-day trip is priced from $1,099 per person. Visitor numbers are increasing for this India Ocean gem, up 17% year-on-year according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and G Adventures is expecting its traveller numbers to rise too, says Chan.

Japan

G Adventures’ first-of-its-kind active trip, the 13-day ‘Japan Hike, Bike, Kayak’ itinerary, has travellers hiking along the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route where Kyoto’s ancient emperors once prayed to deities in the trees and rocks. Next travellers cycle across islands following the world’s largest series of suspension bridges, known as the Shimanami Kaido. Finally travellers will kayak around the Bay of Miyajima to see its main attraction, the floating Itsukushima Shrine. The trip is priced from $4,799 per person. “In 2016 we’re encouraging travellers to see the parts of Japan most tourists miss, and to see them a different way.”

Yellowstone National Park.

Northwest USA

Priced from $2,599 per person for 15 days, the new ‘National Parks of the Northwest US’ trip includes wild west mining town Wallace in Idaho, known as the Silver Capital of the World and nights camping in Big Sky Country, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park, home to the most wild animals in the US. Travellers also swing by the cowboy town of Jackson Hole, WY and finish in hip and happening Portland, OR. “This region is experiencing a tourism ‘it’ moment with its combination of hip cities, quirky small towns, and stunning natural parks, which collectively mark their 100th anniversary in 2016,” says Chan.

As well as identifying five key new and upcoming global destinations, G Adventures is also predicting a boost to some firm favourites with relaxing of visas for Canadian citizens and opening up of new flight routes from Canada:

Indonesia – Visas are no longer needed for Canada and 30 other countries. G Adventures offers a range of trips in Indonesia, including the 16-day Best of Sumatra and Java, priced from $2,299 per person.

Iceland – New direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Reykjavik launch in May with low-cost carrier WOW Air. The seven-day Best of Iceland trip is priced from $2,499 per person.

India – A new e-visa and direct flight from Toronto to Delhi with Air Canada are making travel to India even easier. A 15-day Essential India trip is priced from $1,599 per person.

For more information visit gadventures.com.