Most Wanted Trips of a Lifetime in 2021

Travel may have been put on hold for 2020, but that didn’t stop many of you planning your next bucket-list adventure for 2021. With plenty of time to dream about all those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you haven’t got round to, we’ve collated the most wanted trips of a lifetime in 2021. So, dust off your passports and get ready to satisfy your wanderlust with our collection of blood-pumping adventures and aspirational holidays for 2021.

 

Hiking Adventures

For those of you who love nothing more than to don your walking boots and head into remote terrain, Trekking in New Zealand offers an unforgettable walking experience. As well as scaling the volcanic cone of Mt Eden and the Mt Tongariro crater, you’ll venture into the rainforest, hike along glaciers, and explore the peaks of several national parks. Veer off the beaten track to discover the thermal landscape of Waiotapu Thermal Reserve with its erupting geysers, simmering mud pools and sinter terrace formations.

Anyone with a head for heights that‘s looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience should seriously consider the Everest Base Camp Trek. Reaching 8848m in height, this classic trek tests your mettle as you walk to the foot of the world’s highest mountain at Everest Base Camp. As well as walking among this incredible mountain range where you’ll be rewarded with views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Nuptse, you can immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture at the Namche Bazaar, local villages and Thyangboche Monastery. If that’s not enough to get your heart rate rising, climb to the summit of Kala Pattar for a closer inspection of Mt Everest.

Wildlife Experiences

Wildlife enthusiasts should head to the Galapagos Islands on our Galapagos Wildlife Cruise to get close to the endemic species of this magnificent archipelago as you cruise the islands by yacht. Inspiring Charles Darwin’s book “The Origin of Species”, Galapagos is renowned for its biodiversity and almost mythical-looking creatures. Among these islands of lava fields, volcanic craters, mangroves and exotic waters, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to incredible wildlife such as sea lions, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, sharks and various species of ray.

Led by expert guides, Wild Sri Lanka is another fabulous trip for wildlife lovers, giving you an insight into the cultural heritage and nature of South Asia. If you’ve ever dreamed of coming face to face with elephants, deer, water buffalo, sloths, leopards, or wild boar, the game drives at Yala and Udawalawe national parks will leave you reeling with excitement. Alternatively, look out for the blue whales as you embark on a chartered boat tour, and go in search of reptiles, amphibians and exotic birds that reside in the rainforests.

Cultural Tours

 

Exploring the five countries that make up the Five Stans of the Silk Road, this bucket-list tour in Central Asia combines diverse landscapes, UNESCO sites, and cultural villages and towns. While the imposing monuments, Islamic architecture and ornate mosques tell the backstory of the Silk Road, traditional villages draw you into the local culture. All of this is set against a magical backdrop of deserts, mountains, and sprawling steppe. You’ll also visit the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan, more familiarly known as the “Door to Hell”, which is believed to have been burning since 1971.

Heading to East Asia, Ancient & Modern Japan will sweep you into a frenzy with its distinctive architecture and dizzying mix of ancient and modern cities. The diverse ingredients in this melting pot of Buddhist temples, bullet trains, soaring peaks and Japanese gardens will vie for your attention at every turn. Walk among the traditional teahouses of Gion where you’ll see geishas in the alleyways, take a ride on the bullet train, visit tranquil shrines and temples, and explore the futuristic city of Tokyo.

 

Cycling Holidays

One of the best ways to explore Namibia is by bike as you can cover a lot of ground whilst being in the open air and taking in the contrasting landscapes. When you Cycle Namibia, you’ll have the chance to witness some of the most majestic animals on the planet including elephants, lions, black rhinos, and giraffes. Fat bikes are used to traverse the sand dunes of Swakopmund and offer a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience on this cycling tour. But this is just one of the many experiences you’ll not forget in Namibia as you’ll also go on a Big Five safari at Etosha National Park, visit the red table mountain at Waterberg National Park, and camp beneath the desert skies.

With so many unforgettable adventures out there that tick all of your boxes for that trip-of-a-lifetime, it's hard to know where to start when you come to planning your next big trip. If you're looking for more inspiration, take a look at our Trip-of-a-lifetime collection here.