2020 is fast approaching and with it comes a whole new year of possibilities. However, when it comes to adventure, KE Adventure Travel have pinned down a few key emerging trends. From exploring new frontiers to being immersed off-grid in the wilderness, here are a few of the destinations, journeys and epic adventures KE predicts will be on the up next year. 

1. Breaking new ground and preventing over-tourism

With more holidaymakers choosing adventure travel than ever, this means there are more people visiting some of the world's most incredible destinations than ever before too. KE is responding to this by continuing to leave no trace, ensuring that groups remain small and its range diversifies in an effort to combat over-tourism.

In 2020 Stok Kangri in Ladakh, India will be closed to give the region time to recover from the impact of previous years of trekking groups. KE has always worked hard to ensure groups sent there leave no trace, and will continue to do so as other peaks are explored in the area. Next year, KE is offering an alternative 6250m peak in the Ladakh area, Kang Yatse 2. This unique itinerary will be ideal for travellers looking to summit their first 6000er and the perfect introduction to Himalayan climbing on a peak in a remote, untouched wilderness. 

2. Wilderness experiences 

It's no surprise that travellers are now more than ever looking for a way to spend a little time off-grid. The idea of being well away from the nearest Wi-Fi spot and turning on the out of office is becoming ever more appealing, especially when coupled with an immersion into pristine wilderness.

 
KE's new winter adventures provide travellers with the escape they desire. Two new holidays in Finland offer the chance to spend a week in the snowy wonderlands of the Taiga Forest, in one of the largest wilderness areas in Europe. Snowshoe across frozen lakes, try your hand at husky-sledding, Nordic skiing or igloo building, and stay in cosy cabins without electricity – whilst keeping an eye out for the northern lights. In Japan, KE's new holiday in Hokkaido plunges travellers into the wilds of the frozen north, where drift ice flows and untouched scenery reveals stunning rare wildlife such as Steller's sea eagles and Japanese red foxes. 

3. Reconnaissance trips

With more holidaymakers than ever completing 'bucket list' challenges, travellers are starting to seek out truly unique adventures instead. KE has always been known for pushing boundaries and is continuing to provide adventures which aren't quite on the global travel radar yet.

For 2020, KE is launching two new reconnaissance trips in Nepal, the first of which tracks a brand new high-level route through the Makalu Barun National Park. This challenging adventure will take travellers to a part of the Himalaya where no foreign travellers have trekked before, where they'll discover stunning unseen views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga and wild camp in spectacular locations. Less remote, but no less of a reconnaissance, is the Middle Hills trek, an off-the-beaten-track journey in a region which is secretly home to some of the best ridge-walks and wilderness camping places in Nepal. 

4. Slow travel – on foot

Whilst slow travel has been on the up in recent years, KE is recognising a growing trend in those who'd like to take an unhurried approach, whilst making sure they stay active too. Slow travel on foot is the answer, creating fulfilling tours of unique destinations which feature immersive walks as part of a relaxed itinerary.

Take it easy in Chamonix by spending a week in beautiful chalet accommodation, whilst making sure some of the best sights of the Mont Blanc massif aren't missed, with uplifts to lofty walks with breath-taking views. In Nepal, KE offers an easy-paced trekking holiday in the foothills of the Himalaya. Short walks connect superbly located lodges in the Annapurna, with plenty of time to stop at teahouses along the way. Here, travellers can enjoy some of the best standard of lodges in Nepal, including a night at the Three Mountain Lodge, which features views of three of the world's 8000m peaks from private balconies. 

5. Exploring new frontiers

With the world starting to feel like an increasingly small place, adventure travel must try harder than ever to seek out new frontiers for curious travellers or seasoned adventurers. 

This year, KE is answering the call to discover new ground with a new trek in little-visited Ladakh. North of Leh, beyond the Khardung La, lies the remote valley of Nubra, a fascinating region with beautiful scenery and Silk Road trading links. With two non-technical high peaks and stunning mountain passes, this new trek has all the hallmarks of a future classic. For those who prefer to get a little less remote, exploring new frontiers can be closer to home. KE's new trip to discover frontier trails in Moldova and Ukraine combines fascinating routes such as the Lenin Trail with insights into a unique part of the world; visit the breakaway Republic of Transnistria and explore Odessa's catacombs. Includes an optional visit to Chernobyl. 

6. Self-guided walking and cycling 

Ideal for independent travellers who like the details taken care of for them, self-guided holidays are on the up. KE's range of adventures meets the demand for walkers and cyclists looking to explore incredible destinations and stay active at their own pace. 

One such destination includes Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana, a range of mountains which gets keen walkers well away from just the beaches and into the heart of some spectacular Balearic landscapes. This unique-to-KE adventure includes 2 nights staying in the Lluc monastery to truly immerse travellers in this range's tranquillity. KE's self-guided walking in Provence holiday also creates a beautiful space for those who need it with two night's full board in the rustic charm of Auberge des Seguins, amongst scenic walks in the relaxing atmosphere of Luberon and the Alpilles mountains.

7. Once-in-a-lifetime adventures

A phrase that can be bandied about too often nowadays, travellers are seeking true once-in-a-lifetime experiences – and what's more once-in-a-lifetime than seeing a solar eclipse which only occurs in each destination once every 300 years?

In 2020 KE will be heading to explore the breath-taking landscapes of Patagonia in Argentina, timed to see the solar eclipse which will grace the skies on the 14th of December. This will be the special highlight of an exciting whirlwind tour, featuring Buenos Aires, a picnic at the side of Perito Moreno Glacier and seeing the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy. In 2021, two once-in-a-lifetime experiences will be available in one stunning adventure as the total eclipse appears in Antarctica. A unique vessel, the MV Hondius, will take travellers to see this rare sight on a 20-day cruise in one of the most unforgettable places to visit on the planet. 

8. Taking the train

More travellers are looking for no-fly options for their holidays, and you don't have to fly to join the majority of KE's European walking, cycling and family small group or self-guided adventures. 

Starting from St Pancras and using Euro Star and onward trains from Paris it's simple to use mainland Europe's high-speed rail networks to get to the Alps, Pyrenees and major cities. In 7 hours you can start in St Pancras, arrive at Geneva Airport by train and catch an included transfer to Argentiere, where you can then start walking the Tour du Mont Blanc. Another of many great options is to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao, where it's easy to join KE's walking holidays in the stunning Picos de Europa.

-END-

KE Adventure Travel offers 400 active adventures in 90 countries, creating expertly guided small group adventures worldwide and self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Europe. Best known for its pioneering itineraries and challenging trips with an edge, KE also provides a range of easier holidays, creating unforgettable adventures for active travellers of all abilities. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, KE is passionate about creating unique travel experiences for their customers. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808). www.keadventure.com.

Please contact PR Manager Tavienne Kelly at tav@keadventure.com  for any further information or images.