b'Post-Covid Travel. JONATHAN VAN BILSEN In last months article I shared with you, a number of great places to WHERE TO GO , experience once this pandemic is over. As it turns out, we are not there yet, and many people have asked for a few more cool spots around the WHERE TO GO? planet, so I will continue my whirlwind trek around the globe.Northern LightsUnlike many of the natural wonders of our planet, you can never know for certain if the northern lights will give you a show, but if they do, it will be an experience that will leave you breathless.To increase your chances, head to Alaska, northern Canada or Scandina-via, any time between December and March. To make the experience extra special, you can also book a stay in an ice hotel. There are three in Scandina-via and one in Canada.I personally have only seen the northern lights once, and that was in northern Saskatchewan. It was one of the most spectacular events I have ever witnessed.Ha Long BayH Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Junk boat tours and sea kayak expeditions take visitors past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and TeapotThe region is popular for scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking. The area is well worth the visit and two or three days should be enough. You can travel to famous China Beach or visit Hanoi, or just lazily enjoy the scenery around you. To maximize your experience, spend a few nights on a Ha Long Bay cruise.Machu PicchuMore than 2,100 metres or 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Moun-tains, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Inca Empire and built around 1450 CE, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.Even if the ruins of this ancient Inca city werent located high amongst the clouds, it would be a sight worth seeking out. The magical setting can be en-hanced with an epic hike, which arrives at the summit in time to see the sunrise (it is a four day trek, and you need to be prettyt). For the rest of us, a scenic train ride will also take you there. No matter how you arrive, seeing Machu Picchu for therst time is one of the most cherished travel experiences in the world. The Great WallThe worlds most famous forti cation, the Great Wall of China, is in fact, a series of barriers that stretch thousands of miles across the Chinese frontier. While some spots are crowded with tourists, if you dig a little deeper, you cannd secluded sections perfect for quiet contemplation.As Chinas most famous attraction, the Great Wall is an essential stop on any trip to the country. Commonly considered a wonder of the world, the Great Wall boasts a history of over 2,000 years, and stretches more than 4,500 kilometres or 2,800 miles, across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient structures on the planet.Please turn to page 48FOCUS - APRIL 202147'