STAR TREKS

4 epic trips inspired by Race Across The World

SEASON four of the BBC’s Race Across The World kicked off last night and this year’s journey follows contestants on a journey through East Asia starting in the northernmost region of Japan, Sapporo.

The five teams will be travelling through the most diverse terrain yet — crossing six seas, eight borders and racing to the finish line in Lombok, Indonesia.

Inspired by the series’ adventurous spirit, here are four alternative journeys for travellers looking to plan their own epic adventure.

HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Follow in the footsteps of this year’s contestants and plan a journey to explore adventure-packed Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

Known for being a powder paradise in the winter, Hokkaido also boasts mild summers meaning it’s ideal for long-distance hiking.

Start the journey where the race kicks off in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s main city, and home to Japan’s most well-known ski resorts — not to mention Sapporo beer, Sapporo ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

Journey to the other side of the island to explore the Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and off-the-beaten-track experiences which boast some of Japan’s most pristine and unspoiled nature.

Those looking for a little more adventure can look forward to the Hokkaido East Trail, a new 370km hiking trail opening in October 2024. See www.japan.travel/en/uk for more.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Topping a whopping 4,200km from Mexico to Canada across three states — California, Oregon and Washington — this trail offers the perfect playground to recreate your own race around the world.

The longest section of the PCT snakes through California, giving hikers a diversity of landscapes to explore — from the beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Northwards into Washington the PCT traverses through several stunning wilderness areas including Indian Heaven, famous for its berries and lakes, and Mount Adams, with views of its namesake mountain.

The trail continues up into North Cascades National Park, which is often described as the ‘American Alps’, characterised by its alpine lakes and jagged peaks. See visitcalifornia. com/stateofwatourism.com.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Leave the city lights behind and step into central and outback NSW for a four-day road trip of stargazing, storytelling and adventure.

Widely known for its broadcast of the Apollo II moon landing in 1969, the first stop, Parkes, is a must-visit destination for astronomy lovers. Next stop is Dubbo, a town where the Milky Way comes to life across the Macquarie Valley.

Continue to the Zoofari Lodge and wake up surrounded by animals before venturing onto Gilgandra stopping by a working emu farm.

From there, head to The Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first and only international Dark Sky Park, one of a small pool of protected nocturnal environments.

End the trip with a relaxing stay in Bourke, a town rich in colonial heritage and historical landmarks. See www.sydney.com.

CHILE

The Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is a unique adventure for most.

Unlike the popular W-Treck, this trip follows the Paine O circuit, offering a longer and lesstravelled route with stunning views of granite towers, glacial lakes, and electric blue icebergs.

Experience the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, climb Grey Glaciers with expert guidance, hike through grasslands to turquoise lakes, and kayak amongst ice floes on Lake Grey, staying in comfortable back-country huts or camp under the untouched sky. See www.chile.travel/en.