What’s on your holiday bucket list?

I have noticed that since coming out of the pandemic, when countries closed their borders, airlines were grounded and airports closed, there is an increasing demand for ‘the bucket list holiday’. For an increasing number of us it’s no longer enough just to have a good holiday; we want a great unforgettable holiday! Fortunately for some, the pandemic was a period of being able to save the money they would have normally spent on a holiday. So, for them and for others, now is the time to plan and enjoy an exceptional holiday to make up for all that time that was lost. The current trend suggests that holiday seekers are spending more on holidays this year than in pre-pandemic times as they search for a new and often ‘bucket list’ holiday experience.

Here is a selection of 10 bucket list holiday destinations I have recently booked for clients.

Safari

Southern Tanzania is still relatively unknown on the ‘safari circuit’ yet offers some of the very best safari country and some of the very best game viewing experiences in Africa. The Selous Reserve and Ruaha National Park are large and quite wild, great if you don’t want to see too many other safari vehicles. Remote, private, photogenic and game rich, this offers a truly modern-day safari tradition you can finish with a few days on the beach, unspoilt Tanzanian-style. Ras Kutani is a beach lodge some 40km south of Dar es Salaam, bordering a freshwater lagoon, adjacent to a coastal forest and a pristine beach and provides a perfect place to relax after an exciting safari adventure.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. The name itself conjures up romantic and iconic images. A visit will confirm all your anticipations. On its main island, Unguja, is Stone Town, a historic trade centre with Swahili and Islamic influences. Its winding lanes present minarets, carved doorways and 19th-century landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace, will not disappoint you. The northern villages Nungwi and Kendwa have wide beaches lined with lovely hotels.

Zanzibar is a fantastic stand-alone destination or a perfect add on to a safari holiday in Tanzania.

Nile Cruise

One of the most popular bucket list experiences is a visit to Egypt, and specifically a cruise on the iconic River Nile. Ancient shrines adorned with hieroglyphics and vast temple complexes built for the gods lie beside the iconic archaeological wonders of the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, a country rich in history, mysticism and centuries-old culture. Explore the famed sights of Cairo before sailing the world’s longest river on a scenic 7-night Nile River cruise, visiting the incredible temples of Luxor, the sacred memorial of Hatshepsut and the atmospheric ruins of Aswan.

Hawaii

Beyond relaxing on the beaches, there are many more things to see and do in Hawaii to enrich your stay. Tried and tested by specialists, the activities and experiences I can arrange for you vary from helicopter rides over active volcanoes and snorkelling with manta rays at night, to whale watching trips, stargazing from Mauna Kea’s observatory, and guided walks through forested gorges and along coastal trails.

The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

South America

With lost cities, rainbow mountains, salt plains and extraordinary wildlife, a tour in South America has a wonder all of its own. From the Caribbean coast of Colombia to the glacial fjords of Patagonia, a visit to South America can include an incredible mix of culture and unforgettable adventure. You might decide to include trekking in Chile; bird-watching in Guyana and the Galápagos; world-class heritage sites such as Machu Picchu peaking through the cloud forest in Peru… and of course there’s the Amazon Rainforest. On a South America trips you will explore the biggest and most diverse ecosystem in the world; the stuff that holiday legends and bucket list experiences are made of.  The Galápagos offer an experience like no other. There’s a high chance of spotting penguins, Giant tortoises, Whitetip reef sharks, sea lions and Land and Marine iguanas. And to complete your holiday of a lifetime you could add a visit to Argentina to taset deliciously  smokey red wine and plate-sized steaks. An adventure holiday in South America has all the ingredients for a trip like no other.

Mauritius

This extraordinary island has so much to offer. Miles of palm-fringed sandy beaches, almost entirely encircled by coral reefs, offer sanctuary for those who want to spend days lounging on the beach. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and that’s just the beginning. Whether it’s skydiving, hiking through the mountains and National Parks or soaking up the culture, this is truly a destination with something for everyone.

There are a vast array of excellent resorts to choose helping to make Mauritius a wonderful holiday destination for couples and families alike.

Maldives

Located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka and comprising a territory spanning roughly 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles), the Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population. It consists of 1,192 coral islands (about 200 inhabited) grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, along the north-south direction. With an average ground-level elevation of 4 ft 11 in above sea level, it is the world’s lowest country, with even its highest natural point being the lowest high-point of any country in the world at 7 ft 10 in. The Maldives has some of the finest beaches you will ever see – a real paradise destination.

Grenada

Grenada is the ‘spice island’ of the Caribbean, so named because of its production of Nutmeg and Mace and is a truly unspoilt Caribbean experience waiting to welcome you.

This lovely island has one of the most spectacular beaches in the whole of the Caribbean. Grand Anse Beach on the west coastline is 2kms of powdery white sand and home to some of the finest beach resorts on the island. A beach of this size ensures that you can always find a private spot to soak up the rays throughout the day until the evening comes, when you can enjoy the most beautiful of Caribbean sunsets. Grenada is ‘old Caribbean with a laid back style all of its’ own.

Dominican Republic

Why not escape to the white shores of paradise with a luxury holiday in the Dominican Republic. This is a captivating place, both culturally and naturally. Its beautiful colonial-style cities punctuate a landscape of dense jungle, pine forests, rising mountains, glorious beaches, and translucent waters.

An abundance of beaches, grandiose mountain ranges and historical architecture characterise the Dominican Republic. Mountain springs feed into fishing villages, waterfalls, jungle rivers, mangrove lagoons and other natural wonderlands, giving this Caribbean nation a rich and diverse topography.

The two popular times to visit the Dominican Republic fall between the summer months of July and August, and the winter season which takes place from December to February. The temperature sits at an average of 25 degrees across all seasons.

Mediterranean Cruise

A Mediterranean cruise will take you to some of the most historic and beautiful places in the world. You can visit the ancient ruins of Rome, the architectural wonders of Barcelona, or the incredible beaches of Santorini, along with dozens of other fascinating places.

On a cruise, you can experience multiple countries in the Mediterranean without packing and unpacking every time.

A Mediterranean cruise is a lovely way to see many of the world’s top landmarks with ease and in luxury. But there is much to choose from so speak to me about what would make this your perfect bucket list holiday.

For optimal weather and adventures aplenty, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean is in the spring, summer or fall season, from early April through late November.

 

So now that we can travel again, perhaps now is the time to tick off one of your holiday bucket list experiences. Contact me to discuss it and let me help you to make those dreams into reality.