MONGOLIA

Should you have come to the same conclusion – that it is better to go further for a greater amount of time – few countries feel as distant or elusive as Mongolia. Elusiveness is also the big idea for its snow leopard, but that hasn’t stopped Wildlife Worldwide (01962 302086; wildlifeworldwide.com) adding a new tour – Cats of Mountain and Steppe – to its 2021 brochure. This small-group trip (for a maximum of 12 people) will play hide and seek with Panthera uncia in the Altai Mountains and Hustai National Park, and can be booked as a 13-day package (with flights) from £6,995 per person. Departures on Aug 13 and 26 2021.

BHUTAN

The smallest national chunk of the Himalayas also falls into the “under the radar” bracket – which may make 2021 a year to visit. Perhaps to coincide with Tshechu – the religious festival that finds form in costumed dances and the gathering of remote communities. The elevated town of Paro stages one of the biggest incarnations – and will burst into colour between March 21 and 24. The spectacle can be glimpsed in comfort via Scott Dunn (020 3811 5738; scottdunn.com), which offers an eight-night Highlights of Bhutan tour from £4,000 per person, with flights – including three nights at the Naksel Boutique Hotel in Paro.

THE MALDIVES

Next year will witness a milestone in the Maldives as well – the 10th anniversary of Baa Atoll’s designation as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, where coral and marine life are protected. Not that this means you cannot enjoy it as a tourist. A week’s all-inclusive stay at the atoll’s five-star Finolhu resort, flying from Gatwick on Sept 4, costs £3,443 per person through British Airways Holidays (0344 493 0787; ba.com/holidays).