There are so many reasons why we travel: to disconnect and destress, explore a new destination, follow a dream, to deepen our connections to people and places we love. But at its most fundamental, travel is about discovery — about seeking out experiences that have the ability to inspire us, push us, teach us about the world and ourselves. These 16 travel experiences will leave you with lasting and meaningful impressions you’ll carry long after you’re home.
Meet The World’s Oldest Living Creatures — There’s nothing quite like visiting the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos to feel humbled by our place in the universe. These gentle giants easily live 120 years or longer, which is a lot to contemplate, especially when watching the youngest ones in the nurseries. What sort of world will they be living in, one day?
Marvel At The Wonders Of Australia’s Northern Territory — It’s difficult to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you’ve seen the Outback. The country’s vast interior is full of unexpected surprises and delights, including twice-listed UNESCO World Heritage site Kakadu National Park and spectacular monolithic rock Uluru. The annual Parrtjima light art festival and Taste of Kakadu are singular celebrations of Aboriginal culture — all the better for dancing under that starry sky. [Paperbark forest – wet season, Kakadu National Park. Credit: Parks Australia]
Embark On A Wellness Journey In India — A melting pot of humanity, history, spirituality and holistic practices, India is one of those destinations that seeps into your soul. Small group wellness journeys via Abercrombie & Kent explore India’s iconic Golden Triangle, where highlights include the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset; Ayurveda, yoga and meditation in Rajasthan; and visiting sacred Varanasi, known as the spiritual heart of India.
Rise For The Sunrise — Watching the world transition from night to day in any destination is always a wonderfully moving experience. During a stopover in Istanbul (which is free when booking with Turkish Airlines, by the way), dawn is heralded by the day’s first call to prayer, which echoes from mosques on both shores of the Bosphorus, the waterway that divides Europe from Asia. It’s an incredible moment to watch the first light of the day emerge, and the city begin to stir.
Roll Up Your Sleeves At A Wildlife Centre — From Thailand’s many elephant refuges, camps and sanctuaries to the dozens of projects listed at NGO Frontier, which aligns wildlife conservation programmes with volunteer initiatives globally, there’s plenty of need for helping hands. Yes, some cleaning and dirty work will be necessary, but the affection and gratitude from staff and animals alike will make it all worthwhile.
Fall In Love With The Peruvian Andes — Best known for Machu Picchu, which was built by the Incas more than half a millennium ago, the peaks and valleys here are full of plenty other treasures awaiting discovery. Hiking-focused treks by Mountain Lodges of Peru showcase the region’s striking and dramatic scenery, as well as cosy, colourful lodges inspired by one of the world’s most charismatic mountain cultures. (Did we mention the llamas?!)
Sail Into The Land Of The Midnight Sun — Sunset or sunrise chaser? There are few more incredible ways to experience the otherworldly phenomenon of the summertime midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle than to be aboard a cruise vessel at sea, such as offered by Viking Ocean Cruises. There’s never any guarantee, but when the mist and clouds break, you can’t tear your eyes away; truly, it’s glorious.
DIY Camino De Santiago — A network of hundreds of miles of ancient pilgrimage routes that transverse wild, rugged mountainous, coastal and pastoral portions of Spain, France and Portugal before meeting in Santiago de Compostela, the UNESCO capital city of Spain’s Galicia region – walking the Camino de Santiago is considered one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimages. Whether you have 10 days, weeks or months to spare, it will be a journey of a lifetime.
Connect With Women From All Walks Of Life — Just one year since launching its intimate and inspirational Women’s Expeditions series in Morocco, Iran and Jordan, Intrepid Travel has more than doubled the number of destinations for these all-women trips run by all-female travel pros on the ground, too. The newest destinations include Kenya, Nepal, India and Turkey. Simply, respect.
Attend That Bucket List Festival — Whether it’s India’s Holi colour festival, Northern Thailand’s Loi Krathong lantern festivals, Tasmania’s Dark Mofo arts and music festival or Burning Man‘s free-spirited celebration in the desert landscape outside of Reno, Nevada – if you have an inkling, just make it happen. It will be transformational.
Check Safari Off Your Travel Bucket List — There’s nothing quite like your first glimpse of some of the world’s most beloved animals just hanging out in the wild — from zebras to giraffes, lions and rhinos. But what’s often forgotten is that safaris come in all shapes and sizes. From last-minute weekenders in South Africa, to 6-day journeys in Uganda and Rwanda, to just a couple of splurge-worthy nights at the Four Seasons Serengeti, your first safari may be closer than you think.
Hit The Open Road On An Epic Adventure — Whether or not you’re the tent-camping type, there’s no reason to put off the ultimate road trip in New Zealand, Australia or the US now that Jucy — which was founded in the early aughts, and custom designs all of its camper vans and mini-RVs — now rents a sizable fleet on all of the above-mentioned shores. (So go get out there and see those beautiful places.)
Meet The Arctic’s Great Whites — Located on Hudson Bay in Canada’s far north, the small town of Churchill, Manitoba has some pretty impressive animal cred: Elusive beluga whales make their home here in the summer, and kayaking excursions all but guarantee a close encounter. In the fall, tundra safari vehicles trek into polar bear country, to observe these powerful creatures on the move. It’s best not to get out of the vehicle, though, as they’re hungry… and it’s just about time for seal-hunting season. [Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba]
Delve Into Your Genealogy — Family histories can get a little fuzzy, particularly if parents, grandparents or great grandparents were first-generation immigrants. Visiting a place with ties to your heritage can be an incredibly moving experience — a chance to walk in their footsteps, quite literally. For guidance in a destination where language may be a barrier, seek out the pros. US-based JayWay Travel specialises in heritage trips to Central and Eastern Europe, for example.
Step Foot On The Seventh Continent — From its penguin colonies to its austere, windswept landscapes, Antarctica is like no place else on Earth — and a fragile one at that. Whether you opt for a Hurtigruten expedition vessel or a more luxe Silversea voyage, every sailing requires crossing the Drake Passage, an infamously temperamental stretch of ocean. But that only makes the first glimpse of this remote frontier all the more worthwhile. [Photo courtesy of Silversea]
Soak In A Roman Sunset — To contemplate how many suns have set here, linger at the Forum and Colosseum while sunset colours give way to nighttime lights, or at the Spanish Steps, an iconic sunset destination. Stroll towards Terrazza del Pincio in Villa Borghese, which offers sweeping city views. Or, settle in for a rooftop sunset aperitivo — wow-factor venues include the relaxed but refined Il Palazzetto and the rooftop at Hotel Minerva.
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