Being able to finally take that trip of a lifetime that you’ve planned and worked so hard for can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. With such high expectations riding on this type of trip you, of course, want to make sure it’s everything you hoped it would be. That’s why it’s wise to spend some time figuring out the type of experiences that you enjoy most when travelling, whether it’s adventuring, seeing exotic landscapes, or immersing yourself in foreign cultures. If you want to take the trip of a lifetime but don’t know where to go, here are some of our top suggestions to help get you inspired.
The Galapagos Islands
Noted as one of the most magnificent natural formations on earth, the Galapagos Islands are a place everyone should strive to see at least once. These isolated islands were formed millions of years ago and used as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s infamous Theory of Evolution; you can witness an abundance of the rarest animal and marine life that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. If you’re a fan of Darwin’s work, or just love the natural world around us, you’ll be in heaven on these ancient islands. You can spot giant tortoises, lizards, exotic birds, and so many other rare creatures throughout your days exploring.
The Amazon
You’ve seen it in movies, you’ve heard Attenborough describe it on Planet Earth. Now, just imagine seeing it up close and in person. This region of the world is what many refer to as the “heartbeat of the planet” since it’s the most biodiverse region in the world. That’s why it makes our list of places that are fitting for a trip of a lifetime. Spanning over 3.3 million square miles, this gigantic rainforest is bubbling with millions of weird and amazing species, thick jungle, and even some remote indigenous tribes. This tropical wonder is guaranteed to be one of the most surreal destinations you visit.
Iceland
If you’re an adventure-seeker, then Iceland is another hot spot that’s worth exploring. The Icelandic landscape is one full of immense natural beauty: with its towering glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal lagoons, waterfalls, and of course legendary Northern Lights. Many who’ve been there describe it as feeling as though you’re on another planet. Common things to do in Iceland include renting a car and taking an epic road trip around the country or exploring in the mysterious capital of Reykjavik to enjoy one of Europe’s more dynamic and intriguing cities.
Antarctica
If you’re ready for a true trip of a lifetime, then you need to visit Antarctica. This ice-covered landmass at the bottom of our planet is the only continent on Earth that has never been permanently inhabited, and for good reason. Even during the Antarctic summers (the only time you can travel there), you should dress for skiing in January. The desolate and barren landscape of frozen husks and shifting ice will fill you with a feeling of solitude and perspective that is sure to reset your mind and make you appreciate all that you have. Adventurers who choose to cross the Drake Passage (the roughest part of ocean in the world) will experience a harrowing journey that is sure to satisfy any adrenaline junkie.
No matter where you choose to travel, be sure to think long and hard about what you want to accomplish with this trip. If you plan on experiencing the journey of a lifetime, you’re likely not aiming to lounge on a beach by the open bar for a week. Think about your aspirations and interests — what can you do, and where can you go to enlighten yourself? What will you remember for the rest of your life?
