WHEN IT’S TOUR OR BUST TIBET

WHERE:

Why: An isolated location plus a layer of logistic complexity (you cannot visit as an independent tourist) makes tour groups the only viable option. Fortunately, permit requirements and geopolitical nuances are effortlessly navigated by Wendy Wu Tours.

Travel tip: High-altitude sickness can affect some.

Seek medical advice before travelling.

How: Journey the Yunnan Province up to Tibet with Wendy Wu Tours’ 24-day Tibetan Wonders adventure. Priced from $9580 a person including airfares, it’s designed to make the most of Tibet’s most iconic sites. wendywutours.com.au

WHERE: EGYPT AND JORDAN

Why: Desperate to follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs, the Romans and the Nabateans? While it’s impossible to deny the allure of these two nations, conflict in the Middle East has left many travellers unsure about travelling independently. Booking an escorted group tour can alleviate much of the uncertainty, providing guests with local guides who have a better lay of the land.

Travel tip: Carry plenty of change; you’ll need it to pay everyone from bathroom attendants to street vendors.

How: From the majesty of the pyramids to the rugged desert canyons of Petra, Scenic’s handcrafted 22-day Jewels of Egypt and Jordan tour – from $21,665 a person – leaves no (ancient) stone left unturned. scenic.com.au