16 Extravagant Travel Experiences Worth Every Penny
Sometimes you just have to throw caution and your budget to the wind when it comes to travel. Yes, there are trips on a budget that make sense, but there’s something exciting about living life to the fullest and enjoying the best that life has to offer, especially when it’s something you’ll be talking about for years. If it’s anything from a glam-iced party on a glacier to champagne on a private island, then these over-the-top adventures are what dreams are made of.
It’s not about spending big, it’s about being in the moments that feel so rare and so spectacular that you can’t believe they’re happening. These experiences bring you up front first row to the extraordinary: dining underwater, floating above ancient cities. Are you ready to dream big and spend big? Let’s see 16 ways you can enjoy traveling extravagantly.
Stay on a Private Island
What if you woke up with the sounds of waves crashing on the door to your own secluded Island. Even those who can afford Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands get complete privacy with personal chefs, luxury villas, and, yes, kite surfing. A survey by Virtuoso finds that nearly 50 percent of travelers put privacy and exclusivity at the top of their travel wish list, and what’s more exclusive than having an island all to yourself?
Dine Under the Sea
The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives is the only one of its kind, literally five meters beneath the ocean. It’s a meal you’ll savor on your plate and in your memories while looking over a panoramic view of marine life swimming around you. As marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle once said, “The ocean holds endless stories,” and you’ll be eating right in the middle of them here.
Fly in a Hot Air Balloon Over Cappadocia
If you’ve never seen the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon before, then you have not seen anything beautiful. Stepping into a dream in these magical Turkish mountains floating above them at sunrise. Fun fact: More than 100,000 balloons fly every year over Cappadocia and this makes it one of the most wanted places to fly a hot air balloon.
Take a Safari in Botswana
One of the most luxurious safari experiences on Earth is found in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It boasts private camps, personal guides, and gourmet dinners under the stars. Sipping a perfectly mixed martini while seeing elephants and lions in their natural habitat? That’s what we call wild luxury.
Cruise Through Antarctica
Head off on an expedition to the white wilderness of Antarctica. Butler service, helicopter rides, and submarines to see icy depths: on ships such as the Scenic Eclipse. Did you know that only fewer than 50,000 tourists visit Antarctica each year? That’s less than the number of people who attend a single NFL game.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Clamber aboard this iconic train and you walk into the world of the 1920s. Every journey from London to Venice is pure romance on rails – time to celebrate its heritage and experience life on board. Agatha Christie couldn’t resist immortalizing it in her work – just watch out for suspicious passengers!
Stay in an Ice Hotel
Every year, Sweden’s ICEHOTEL is rebuilt with snow and ice harvested from the Torne River. They carve intricate designs, in a literal work of art, all over the place, from artists all around the world. It’s warmer than it sounds, thanks to cozy sleeping bags designed for Arctic conditions.
Whale Shark Swim in Mexico
If you want to swim among these gentle giants, head to Isla Holbox – it’s still one of the best places to see them in their natural habitat. But they are the largest fish in the sea, and can weigh up to 20 tons, and they pose no threat to humans. The experience can even spark a deeper appreciation for marine conservation, say biologists, talk about a meaningful plunge.
Helicopter Over Hawaii’s Volcanoes
Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes are jaw dropping from the air. Next level. Views that would look great on a postcard—or even better, your Instagram feed—can be had on a helicopter ride over the Big Island’s fiery craters and lush valleys.
Superyacht Rental in the Mediterranean
Cruising the Amalfi Coast or the Greek Islands on a private yacht is guaranteed indulgence. You’ll feel like royalty with your own crew and chef. Forbes reported that luxury yacht rentals jumped 45% in 2023, as travelers are willing to spend big on floating five-star hotels.
Kyoto’s Secret Gardens
Exquisite gardens that feel like stepping into a Zen painting are found in Japan’s ancient capital. A private guide is the best way to discover secret sites such as the Moss Temple which can be tricky to find and exist with very limited access for its preservation and its preservation of its preserve serenity. Immersion in nature reduces stress, according to studies, and that’s relaxation at its finest.
Walk With Penguins in Patagonia
Go to the southern tip of Argentina, where it’s possible to walk along with Penguin colonies. Guided tours at Punta Tombo let you get up close to these cute critters and learn about conservation efforts. Their hilarious antics, while bonus points, watching penguins is never old.
Treehouse Hotel in Costa Rica
These eco-luxury treehouses are nestled high in the rainforest canopy and allow you to sleep amongst the treetops. Calls of howler monkeys will wake you up, along with views that will leave you speechless. This lavish escape also has a feel-good factor, thanks to Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability.
Drink Champagne on a Glacier in Alaska
Hopping in a helicopter to a snowcapped Alaskan glacier so you can toast your adventure with a glass (or two) of bubbly. The champagne, on the icy terrain, feels like another planet. Ice-cold, of course. Travel expert Samantha Brown said Alaska is “the kind of awe that leaves you breathless.”
Book a Night at Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, lets you have breakfast with giraffes. These long-necked locals casually poke their heads into the dining room for photo ops that will leave everyone on your social media feed green with envy.
Great Barrier Reef Dive
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder that is best seen up close. At a luxury lodge stay and dive into crystal clear waters teaming with colorful coral and fish. This is an adventure with thrills and meaning, experts warn about the reef’s fragile ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
