It’s hard to believe we are already into the first week of 2019 – the last year of the 2010’s decade. If there’s something you’ve been thinking about doing, but haven’t quite got there, this year is the time to do it! Need some inspiration? Here are some suggestions:
Put your feet on the Antarctic continent
There really is nowhere else like it on the planet. Get up close and personal with whales, penguins and other birds, see incredible ice structures and explore the final frontier. Bonus points for doing an ice dip or camping on the ice! Find an Antarctic trip to suit you.
Trek across the Perito Moreno Glacier
It’s one thing to see the epic Perito Moreno Glacier in its 250km2 glory, but it’s another to climb on the surface. Explore the huge moulins, caves, mini lakes and crevasses of this magnificent ice structure. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to complete this one – so what are you waiting for?!
Safari through Africa
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing lions, giraffe, zebras, elephants or the like, now is the time to do it! There are plenty of places right across the continent that are perfect for game viewing – from the Chobe National Park in Botswana to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It can be a bit daunting trying to decide where in Africa to go. You can join us on a safari through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe for an all-inclusive safari we have perfected over 25 years, or get in touch so we can craft the perfect African holiday for you.
Swim with baby sea lions
Our favourite place to swim with sea lions, turtles and more is the Galapagos Islands. Off the coast of Ecuador, these islands have never had a native human population so the animals aren’t afraid of humans! Get up close and personal with boobys, giant tortoises, sea lions and more! Naomi was there in June – read about her experience.
Climb an active volcano
There are a wide variety of active volcanoes to climb right across the world, depending on your budget, fitness, experience (and bravery!). Our suggestions include Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, which most recently erupted in 2010, or Villarrica Volcano which most recently erupted in 2015. For something easier, Poas Volcano is only a 10-minute hike from the visitor’s centre and gives you plenty of cloud forest viewing over San Jose.
Trek to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the mountain home to the Incas, took the world by wonder when it was “rediscovered” by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The site was visited by over 1.5 million people in 2017 – so our obsession with this ancient culture is certainly not subsiding. However, you’ll need to book this one in advance because there are a limited number of permits available every year and they go quick! If you want more info on what it’s like to trek to Machu Picchu, you can read Kylie’s tips.
Tour Havana in a vintage car
Cuba is a country often thought to be stuck in time. While they’re quickly catching up to the rest of the world after being isolated for so long, there are certain old-world romances left about this unique destination – and the vintage cars are one of them. Feel the rhythm and enjoy the island on a tour in a gorgeous vintage car, it’ll surely be an unforgettable experience.
Reach the Peak of Africa
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain is no easy feat. It is certainly a worthwhile challenge to complete before the new decade begins. We offer three treks across the year to complete this one – giving you plenty of time to get it done! If you want to read more about climbing Kilimanjaro, Clare recently completed the trek.
See the Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, are a common theme on many Bucket Lists. The magical effect of the collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere is breath-taking, to say the least. There are a wide variety of places for you to see the Northern Lights, including Canada, Alaska, Norway, Finland, and other far-North destinations.
Take the world’s longest train ride
While long train rides certainly aren’t for everyone, the Trans-Siberian Railway is an easy way to travel across some of Earth’s harshest climates and visit interesting, isolated areas. Visit key sites in Russian history, such as former Russian medial capital Vladimir, and Yekaterinburg; a city synonymous with the Romanovs and their untimely end. For those less interested in history, there is plenty of epic scenery along the way too.
Cruise down the Zambezi by boat
River cruises are a popular mode of transport right across the world, but being on a private boat and with king-size sleeping pods to hear the sounds of the Zambezi by night is not something you’d immediately think of. These boats offer an incredibly unique and unusual exploration of the Zambezi River, with plenty of unfiltered game viewing in this UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by National Parks.
See polar bears in the wild
It’s no secret that polar bear populations are struggling, thanks to climate change. While they’re not going to completely disappear anytime soon, it is worthwhile to see them in the wild as soon as possible. You can see them in Alaska, Northern Canada, Greenland, Norway, and other places above the Arctic Circle. Find an Arctic cruise that suits you.
Sleep in an igloo
There ‘sno hotel like a snow hotel and spending the night in an igloo is certainly an experience that you’ll never forget. There is a wide variety of countries you can visit to enjoy your igloo sleep, including France, Austria, Germany and Finland. They all vary in comfort levels but there’s one thing that remains the same – it’ll be very cooooool!
Fly over the largest waterfall in the world
While it’s not the highest or widest, Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the largest waterfall by volume in the world. There are plenty of ways to take in the epic views of this aquatic monument, but our favourite is definitely by helicopter. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also bungee jump off the bridge or take a dip in the Devil’s Pool right next to the edge.
Learn to make pasta like the pros
Up your cooking game as you enter the 2020s decade by learning from the experts! There are plenty of places right across Italy where you can learn to make fresh pasta and dispel a few myths (like that Spaghetti Bolognaise is not an Italian invention!).
Visit Everest Base Camp
While it is quite the personal challenge, ticking Everest Base Camp off by the end of the decade is quite the personal achievement! Be amazed at the incredible scenery – whether it be the incredible forests, rocky cliffs or local villages along the way. If you’re worried about not having enough time to prepare, don’t worry. Our Everest Base Camp trek doesn’t depart until November 10th.
Swim through cenotes in Mexico
Rumoured to once have been used by the ancient Maya for sacrifices, the cenotes of Mexico now make for some awesome exploring and holiday memories. These sink holes, carved out by collapsed limestone, are often filled with clear turquoise water and are perfect for cooling off after exploring Mayan ruins.
Float down the Amazon
The Amazon is home to some of the most exotic species on Earth. While you can stay in lodges close to the rainforest & river, there is nothing quite like cruising down the Amazon. It allows you to get deeper into the rainforest and see places and creatures that are difficult to reach by car.
Cycle around temples
Not everyone wants to sit on a bus or in a car to explore a country. Thankfully there’s another way – by bicycle! Cycle tours are available right across the world. Some of our favourites include Vietnam, India, Tuscany and Nicaragua & Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a unique perspective on a destination, this is certainly one way to do it!
Tackle the Kokoda Track
Kokoda is a big part of Australia’s military history, and everyone knows someone who has relatives that served in WWI or WWII. Whether you’re doing it for the personal challenge, or to pay respects to the Australian soldiers that fought in PNG, Kokoda is a great thing to tick off before the 2020s begin! Find a Kokoda trek that’s right for you.
