12 Travel Experiences You’ll Be Glad You Treated Yourself To
You only live once. Why not make your experiences sensational? When did you last opt for an experience instead of a possession and treat yourself? Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking memorable adventures can give you priceless moments because the universe has a way of giving back.
Think about being on a private African safari lying under the stars or getting into the turquoise water of the Great Barrier Reef. Doesn’t it all sound worth the splurge?
Travel is one of the only things you invest money in and get richer in memories. Here are 12 destinations that will give you a standout experience as a luxury traveler, thrill seeker, or solo adventurer.
An Overwater Bungalow in Bora
Picture this: Crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs right below your feet waking you up. Enjoy panoramic views from an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora and experience complete luxury. You can experience Polynesian culture while looking at the lagoon uninterrupted from resorts like the Four Seasons and St. Regis.
In their most recent social media poll of their clients’ top bucket list destinations to visit, EliteVoyage listed that Bora Bora came out as number one. To call it a picturesque setting is a bit of an understatement—it’s about treating yourself from the world and returning to yourself.
Take a Luxury African Safari
There are no longer rugged tents or campfires on safaris. Today, luxury safaris provide five-star lodges, gourmet meals, and expert-guided tours.
Professional African tour operators provide multi-day journeys into the Serengeti or Masai Mara, where you can witness the Great Migration or spot the “Big Five.” Little else in the world comes close to an African safari in terms of bucket list embellishments because it is so often described as a life-changing experience.
Take part in an Expedition Cruise of Antarctica
Travel doesn’t get much more remote and untouched than Antarctica. Ponant and Quark Expeditions are expedition companies offering small luxury cruises to the world’s edge, where icebergs, penguin colonies, and surreal silence surround you.
In the 2015-2016 season, 38,478 tourists visited Antarctica, as the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) reported. Be prepared for some breathtaking visits. If you are lucky, you may even camp on the ice.
Get to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
It’s easy to see why the Northern Lights are considered one of nature’s most magical phenomena. From October through March, Iceland is a top place to see the Aurora Borealis.
Take a helicopter tour or splurge on an igloo hotel stay for the best vantage point. More than 40 percent of tourists coming to Iceland in the winter season are hunting for the Northern Lights, says Gray Line’s director Þórir Garðarson.
Private Yacht Through the Greek Islands
Why should you share a crowded ferry when you could drink champagne on your yacht? Going on a yacht charter in Greece will also take you to the lesser-known islands of Symi and Paxos at your own pace.
Boatbookings offers bespoke itineraries to meet yours. Along with escaping the crowds, you experience Greece’s raw beauty.
Scuba the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is still one of the most beautiful underwater destinations and the most extensive coral reef system globally. Here, diving means a new world of marine life and coral arrayed with every possible color.
Book an exclusive liveaboard trip, and spend several days living in the depths. There are 1,500 fish species and more than 400 types of coral at the Great Barrier Reef. You will also find at least 4,000 kinds of mollusks. You’ll be humbled by nature’s wonders when you experience it first.
Go to a Cultural Festival in Kyoto
Picture taking a walk through the streets of Kyoto during the Gion Matsuri Festival, Japan’s most iconic event. It melds centuries of tradition with vibrant parades—a sight unlike anything else you’ve seen.
The cherry blossom season is also an excellent time to visit spring. If you want a more personal experience, a local guide or a private tea ceremony are the best choices.
Explore the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos should be at the top of a nature lover’s list. Cruising around these islands allows you to see beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife — from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies.
Silversea offers luxury eco cruises that cause minimal environmental impact and maximize comfort. The Galápagos is one of those travelers’ top five travel moments, according to statistics from the World Tourism Organization.
Gliding in a Hot-Air Balloon at Cappadocia
Soaring over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon is a great experience. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast and visit the ancient underground cities.
This has become a more and more sought-after area of expertise in which to participate. From January to October 2024, the site received over 583,000 tourists to ride hot air balloon rides, averaging roughly 64,785 monthly passengers.
Venice Simplon Orient Express – Take a Train Journey
Time travel in style to the days of old-world luxury on the Venice Simplon Orient Express. You will embark on a multi-day trip across Europe in unmatched opulence with this legendary train.
If snacks on demand weren’t enough, the train is an award-winning destination for its taste. Condé Nast Traveler calls it “one of the most romantic ways to travel,” and for good reason: see-through legendary cities and awe-inspiring places as if out of another century.
Discover the Fjords of Norway
Norway’s fjords are impressive, with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and glacial waters. Explore these stunning natural wonders on a luxury cruise or a private kayak tour.
Norwegian fjords were inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list mainly for their dramatic beauty and pristine condition. Yet fewer tourists make the roads to these remote areas, granting this experience peace and grand adventure in equal measures.
Learn to Make Pasta in Tuscany
A Tuscan escape is incomplete until one learns how to make pasta. There’s nothing like rolling dough amid the perfume of olive trees and rolling vineyards in a rustic Italian farmhouse, so book an intimate cooking class.
The trip includes classes, usually with wine pairings and unforgettable meals under the stars. Booking.com says 61% of travelers now want to know historical recipes and local food. If there’s such a thing, there’s no better spot to find it than Tuscany.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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