Ready to trade the usual for the exceptional? We’ve got you covered.
We travel for many reasons. Some of us seek adventure, others look for solace, while some simply want to lose themselves in the beauty of the unknown. Travel has a way of opening our eyes to the world and expanding our horizons in a way that nothing else can. It’s not just about the places but also the stories we collect, the people we meet and the experiences that shape us. Every journey is an opportunity to break free from the routine, to feel something new and to bring back memories that enrich our lives.
That’s why we’ve curated a collection of experiences that serve a purpose. Whether you’re yearning for an escape under a canopy of stars, chasing the thrill of adventure or indulging in the simple pleasure of food, these places offer something for everyone. So, if you’re ready to venture out of your comfort zone and have a good time, here are a few handpicked experiences that promise to make your travels truly valuable.
Luxury Under the Stars
Camping isn’t for everyone, but glamping? That’s another story. Waking up in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by untouched nature, is a feeling like no other, especially when comfort isn’t compromised. Wadi Rum, in Southern Jordan, feels like the planet Mars, with its rust-red dunes and dramatic rock formations. Bubble tents offer the rare chance to sleep under a sky so alive with stars it’s almost hypnotic. For those drawn to rugged, untamed beauty, Patagonia’s EcoCamp in Chile puts you right in the shadow of the towering Torres del Paine mountains, with geodesic domes that merge perfectly into the landscape. You wake to the sight of jagged peaks piercing the sky and fall asleep to the distant howl of the wind. For a magical escape, the White Desert’s Echo Camp in Antarctica offers futuristic pods set against an endless expanse of ice, where the silence is so absolute it feels almost sacred. Watching the sun cast long shadows over the icy wilderness or witnessing a storm roll in over the white terrain is a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power. The sheer remoteness makes every moment feel like an expedition into the unknown, where time slows, and the vastness of the world truly sinks in.
Thrills Across the Globe
For the adrenaline junkies, the world is your playground. Queenstown, New Zealand, often called the adventure capital, is home to the legendary Nevis Bungy, a 134-metre drop that isn’t for the faint-hearted, perfect for those who like to live on the edge. If water-based thrills are more your style, head to Nazaré, Portugal, where daredevils attempt to surf some of the biggest waves on the planet, that can be as tall as over 20 metres high. For the ones who crave adventure at high altitudes, Armenia’s Caucasus Mountains are more than just scenic views. The rugged cliffs are a playground for rock climbers, while paragliders can soar over the deep gorges and valleys. And if you’re looking for an ultimate test of endurance, Chamonix in France is the one. A place where seasoned skiers and mountaineers take on the towering Mont Blanc and its heart-pounding descents. These locations ensure that your heartbeat will match the pulse of the adventure itself.
A Feast for the Senses
Some cities don’t just serve great food; they live and breathe it! Gaziantep, Türkiye, is a fever dream for foodies, where the scent of sizzling meats and aromatic spices lingers in the air. Kebab culture is practically an art form, with over 40 variations to devour, right from the smoky, aubergine-kissed alinazik to the sesame-crusted simit kebab. And with over 30 varieties of desserts, let’s not forget the legendary baklava with its flaky, syrupsoaked layers packed with the world’s finest pistachios, so treasured that it’s been granted protected status. Then there’s Naples in Italy, a city where food isn’t just fuel – it’s passion. A true Neapolitan pizza, with its leopard-spotted crust, sweet San Marzano tomatoes and pools of creamy fior di latte mozzarella, is an out-of-this-world experience. But Naples doesn’t stop at pizza, it’s got an entire repertoire of mouthwatering dishes. Think ricotta-filled sfogliatella, rich and hearty ragu, spaghetti alla puttanesca made of olives and capers, and delicate baba drenched in syrup. You’ll also find seafood feasts that taste like the Mediterranean itself, from salty-sweet anchovies to plump, just-shucked clams tossed into garlicky linguine. These places are sure to be etched on your memory and palate forever.
Step into the Movies
If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of your favourite films, here’s your chance. In Greece, head to the island of Skopelos which doubled as the backdrop for Mamma Mia, where whitewashed houses meet brilliant blue waters, and every turn feels like a scene from a musical. Fans of The Lord of the Rings can step straight into Middle-earth by visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand, where the green hills of Matamata brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s world to life in minute detail. Meanwhile, in Savoca, Italy, you can sip an espresso at Bar Vitelli, just like Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) did in The Godfather, and feel like you’re part of cinematic history. These locations aren’t just places; they’re experiences that transport you beyond reality and into the stories that have captivated audiences for generations. Standing where film legends once did, you’ll find yourself caught between fiction and reality, making every moment feel like a scene of your own.
For the Love of Animals
Wild animals belong in the wild and seeing them roam free in their natural habitats is an experience that no zoo or enclosure can ever replicate. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, trekking through misty jungles to meet a family of mountain gorillas is a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime encounter, bringing you face-to-face with creatures so human-like, it’s almost surreal. Meanwhile, in the Canadian Arctic, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears as they navigate the icy tundra, a rare glimpse into a world untouched by human interference. And for those drawn to the African savannah, Kenya’s Maasai Mara offers breathtaking safari experiences, where lions, elephants and cheetahs move freely across golden grasslands, just as they have for centuries. Each of these moments is a powerful reminder of how diverse and delicate our planet’s ecosystems are. To witness wildlife in its purest form is to appreciate the beauty of nature as it was meant to be – untamed and truly free.
Where to Find the Best of the Best
Some treasures are truly worth the journey. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, leather goods are a piece of art, crafted by skilled artisans who pour generations of know-how into every stitch. From buttery-soft jackets to hand-stitched shoes and bags, each piece only gets better with time. For lovers of silk, what could be a better place than the birthplace of the cherished fabric? Suzhou in China is a gold mine of delicate, shimmering silks woven on ancient looms with the kind of intricate artistry that turns every piece into memorabilia. In Marrakech, Morocco, the souks sell more than just handwoven rugs; they offer pieces of history. Each rug, alive with colour and tradition, carries the whispers of the generations who’ve woven it, with a story in every thread. Shopping in these places is so much more than picking up something pretty; it’s about connecting with the hands that made it, the traditions that fuel it and the memories you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
Go Before It’s Gone
Not all places will be around forever. Climate change is reshaping the world, and some destinations are at risk of disappearing. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, home to some of the planet’s most unique wildlife, face rising temperatures and changing ecosystems that threaten the delicate balance. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but the window to see these islands in their most pristine state is narrowing. Alaska, with its massive glaciers and remote beauty, is also seeing rapid change as warming temperatures lead to ice loss at an alarming rate. Visiting these places now isn’t just about witnessing their beauty but also about understanding the urgent need to protect them before they fade into memory. These landscapes remind us of the fragility of our planet and the responsibility we have to preserve them for future generations.